Claude Martin’s first residence gasps for refurbishment
Also known as ‘Martin Saheb Ka Bangla’, it is not only an architectural marvel but also a window into an era gone by. Owner says it was also epicentre of Freedom Movement
LUCKNOW: Ensconced snugly in a narrow red brick lane in Khyaliganj stands a magnificent 18th century edifice, the Kakori Kothi. This grand palatial mansion in French architectural style is also known as ‘Old Martin House’ or ‘Gori Bibi ka Bangla’ since major general Claude Martin, the nawabi era owner of Constantia (La Martinière Boys’ College) , Kothi Farhat Baksh and other properties in Lucknow was also closely associated with Kakori Kothi. And needless to state, ‘Martin Saheb Ka Bangla’ (in local parlance) offers a peek into a bygone era.
The building belonged to Claude Martin, an officer of French origin, who served as major general during British East India Company’s regime. A few heritage enthusiasts and historians say Kakori Kothi shares equal status with Kothi Farhat Baksh and Constantia. “The place was a favourite of the French Officer, where he spent the most productive years of his life. Later he gifted it to his favourite mistress Boulone, also known as Gori Bibi or the ‘fair mistress’,” said PC Sarkar, a heritage enthusiast and author.
Sarkar said though little was known about the mansion, it was one of the best architectural works by Claude Martin. “A two storied circular room in the middle of the complex is the most significant part of the building. It has elegant Corinthian columns and skylights on the second (roof top) floor, making it stand apart from other monuments built during the time, ,” explained Sarkar.
Another heritage enthusiast Mohammed Haider Rizvi said the stucco work in Kakori Kothi was identical to what was seen in Constantia. “One can easily draw a similarity between the two structures (Constantia and Kakori Kothi), largely the central room, as its stucco work and floral carvings are almost identical,” said Haider.
It is believed that the circular room served as an arena for cockspurs. Prominent author Rosie Llewellyn Jones in her book on Claude Martin ‘A very Ingenious Man’ has mentioned: “Standing on a small hill off Nasirabad road in Kaisarbagh area is an old brick and stucco structure. There is a good oral tradition that the building was used as cockpit, backed up by architectural evidence. The central space, which was originally unroofed, is circular, with columns marking the actual pit. Spectators could be accommodated both on ground floor and at the first floor level to witness the cockspurs”.
Some historians say the central circular area was used for cutting gems as natural light was available throughout the day from the skylights built in a circular layout.
In her book, Llewellyn Jones has also mentioned that Kakori Kothi, the unrecorded building owned by Claude Martin was given to Qadir brothers by him. “It was sold by Qadir family in 1872”, states the book that also refers to the place as the first residence of Claude Martin in Lucknow.In 1872, the monument got a new owner Imtiaz Ali Alvi, who hailed from Kakori and was also the prime minister of Bhopal (1888 to 1896), so the monument today is known as Kakori Kothi. “Imtiaz Ali Alvi was our great grandfather who bought his property and since then this beautiful mansion spread in 6 bighas of land, with lush green surroundings is in our possession,” Saif Ehtram Alavi told HT.
On the eve of Claude Martin’s death anniversary, Alvi, the proud owner of Kakori Kothi said, “We are giving a serious thought to restoring the monument that was also an epicentre of the Freedom Movement. It is also said that the famous ‘Lucknow Pact’ was signed here in 1916,” he said.
But it seems a delayed move, as the architecture marvel is in an utterly dilapidated condition. People say if not taken care of, the mansion would soon be lost to oblivion.