Thread by @IndiaArtHistory

The Story of The Constantia - La Martiniere, Lucknow
(A Thread)

The construction of this historic building began in the year 1795 by Claude Martin. Also referred to as Constantia, it has it’s own unique style of architecture. The founder is buried in an underground chamber.

@DalrympleWill @MohdMuzzammilK @GuzashtaLakhnau @IndoIslamicPage @Go_Movie_Mango @Redhotpedia @imgarv786 @mausumisen This concrete structure has it’s own unique style of architecture. It’s structural design reflects amalgamation of the best motifs of the Indian, Turkish and Persian architectural styles of the world.

@DalrympleWill @MohdMuzzammilK @GuzashtaLakhnau @IndoIslamicPage @Go_Movie_Mango @Redhotpedia @imgarv786 @mausumisen Constantia was founded by Claude Martin (1735-1800), an officer who served formerly in the French East India Company and had later joined the British East India Company. He also served Nawab Nawab Asif-ud-daula and was renowned to be the richest Frenchman in India.

@DalrympleWill @MohdMuzzammilK @GuzashtaLakhnau @IndoIslamicPage @Go_Movie_Mango @Redhotpedia @imgarv786 @mausumisen Constantia was built as Claude Martin’s residence but it’s construction work was completed few years after Martin’s demise (13th Sept, 1800). Martin was not married and had no heir. So he made a will on 1st Jan, 1800, which stated that it would be used to build three schools.

@DalrympleWill @MohdMuzzammilK @GuzashtaLakhnau @IndoIslamicPage @Go_Movie_Mango @Redhotpedia @imgarv786 @mausumisen The three schools named La Martiniere in his memory in Lucknow, Calcutta and his native place Lyon, France. It was for the first time when the Britishers sought help from the staff & students of the school in the defence of the Residency during the mutiny in the year 1857.

@DalrympleWill @MohdMuzzammilK @GuzashtaLakhnau @IndoIslamicPage @Go_Movie_Mango @Redhotpedia @imgarv786 @mausumisen In the initial years, the school admission was opened to only European students. This building is still famous as Martin Saheb Ki Kothi.

@DalrympleWill @MohdMuzzammilK @GuzashtaLakhnau @IndoIslamicPage @Go_Movie_Mango @Redhotpedia @imgarv786 @mausumisen La Martiniere now serves as one of the best institutions of Lucknow. It is said to be the only school in the world which has been awarded royal battle honors for it’s important role in the defence of Lucknow during the mutiny of 1857.
@iamrana

@DalrympleWill @MohdMuzzammilK @GuzashtaLakhnau @IndoIslamicPage @Go_Movie_Mango @Redhotpedia @imgarv786 @mausumisen @iamrana The tomb of Gori Bibi (Boule Lise), favourite companion of Claude Martin and the grave of the Infamous William Hodson who shot point blank and killed all the sons of Bahadur Shah Zafar lies in the estate.