The Estate of Major General Claude Martin at Lucknow

Book excerpt: This volume offers a unique glimpse into a European household in 18th century India. Claude Martin was an entrepreneurial Frenchman who settled in Lucknow, capital of the rich Muslim state of Awadh (Oudh). The book presents the inventory of his houses here for the first time, together with the catalogue of books from his library. It gathers together six experts to examine Martin’s numerous possessions, and discuss his paintings, silverware, jewellery, textiles, weapons, carriages, boats and hot air balloons. His collection of scientific items imported from the best European instrument makers reveals his practical experiments with electricity and astronomy, while his buildings exploited hydraulic engineering to keep them cool. This book will appeal to readers fascinated by the introduction of Enlightenment ideas into post-Mughal India and the rise of a ‘common soldier’ to the highest ranks of the East India Company. Childless himself, Martin left money to found La Martinière schools in India and France.