La Martiniere College Lucknow

La Martiniere  College Lucknow

The palace Constantia has stood for two centuries and a quarter on the west bank of the river Gomti. This imposing collection of buildings, which now houses La Martiniere College began as a country residence, in French Baroque style, for Major General Claude Martin, HEICS. He was a French subject living in Lucknow as an important personage of the European gentry in this part of the country. The core structure, nine stories high, distinguished from the other later buildings by a subtle difference in pigments, was known as Martin Sahab ki Kothi (Martin’s Residence). This has been a favourite with artists and photographers from the time of its construction.

Claude Martin, the founder of schools in three cities, internationally, lies buried in the crypt of Constantia. A memorial tower or lat is at a symmetrical distance, built in an artificial lake. It stands as a counterpoint to balance the view. Upon Martin’s detailed instructions, semi-circular colonnades were built to provide expanse of riverine viewing. The pillars were adorned with life-size statues in the Greco-Roman tradition, many of which collapsed in the earthquake of 1931.

The interiors of the building, carefully restored, combine the finest selection of plaster plaques and floral tracery of local design. The subjects of the plaques are varied: from biblical themes to mythological characters. The ceiling of the fourth floor has expanded versions of Apollo and the Muses, designed by Josiah Wedgwood, a contemporary of Claude Martin. Every room has intricate stucco-work, carefully preserved. Three typical Roman baths, heated by furnaces in the crypt below, have recently been unearthed, exposing the terra cotta water-supply pipes and a drainage system that empties into deep wells sunk into the river loam, upon which this colossal building stands.

A sweeping flight of steps leads to the East Terrace, now adorned with a central cannon, known as The Lord Cornwallis, and named in honour of the 1^st Marquis of Cornwallis, Governor-General of the East India Company, whom Martin served. An antique bell, founded by Martin in the Lucknow arsenal, of which he was the superintendent, stands on a pedestal. Two field guns of Victorian vintage flank the central cannon.

The largest hall in the palace, upon Martin’s instructions, was converted into a chapel, where divine services are held daily. The walls are covered with memorial tablets and the choir stall is separated by a carved wooden screen. The brass eagle pulpit is a central feature while the pipe organ, erected in 1895 peals every morning. Other rooms have been converted into display areas and formal reception rooms. The bust of the founder by sculptor, Thomas Banks was commissioned in 1796. This is in the Memorial Hall and is surrounded by tablets bearing the names of illustrious alumni and their special contribution during wars from 1857 to Kargil.

The Claude Martin Museum, housed in the Mahal Serai is well curated with six galleries highlighting the life of the founder and the history of the College. Of special significance is a painting by Johann Zoffany depicting Boulone Lise, the favourite companion of Claude Martin and the child James Zulphikar. The Battle Honours, presented by Edward VII, are on display, as the College is the only school in the world to be afforded this privilege.

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