La Martiniere College Lucknow (European castle) exploring vlog | fellowship and meeting new people ✨

History of La Martiniere College is one of the oldest institution of Lucknow that not only imparts education but also serves as a monument to history buffs. The construction of this historic building began in the year 1795 by Claude Martin. Also referred to as Constantia, 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. The founder is buried in an underground chamber in the basement. Above this basement is the La Martiniere Memorial hall that comprises tablets having names of the pupils who died in the war inscribed on it. The Tomb of Gori Bibi, the founder's favourite companion, who resided with him in Constantia lies on the La Martiniere estate', states Mr. Taqui, a famous historian of Awadh. A grand stairway leads to the East Terrace of this building. It's flanked by canons which were used in a battle. Moreover, a special bell cast by Claude Martin is placed on the pedestal. The impressive Chapel of this building is worth a visit. Various statues, pottery and paintings adorn this beautiful historic building. 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. Constantia was built as Claude Martin's residence but it's construction work was completed few years after Martin's demise (13th September, 1800). Martin was not married and had no hier. So he made a will on 1st January, 1800, which stated that his estate would be used to build 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 and students of the school in the defence of the Residency during the mutiny of sepoys in the year 1857.