Founder of the school

La Martinière, Calcutta, was founded by Major General Claude Martin, a French soldier, born and brought up in Lyon, France in 1735.^[4] Claude Martin came from a bourgeois family in France, where his father was a casket maker.^[5] Not stepping into his father’s shoes, Martin decided to go into the French army. As part of the army, Claude Martin was sent to Pondicherry, India, in 1752, to serve as a troop member of the French army stationed in India.^[4] From 1752-63, Claude Martin served in the French Army before joining the East India Company.^[4] As part of the British Army, Claude Martin was stationed to serve in the Calcutta base of the Company. Later, Martin commanded the cavalry for the Nawab of Awadh, Shuja-ud-Daula.^[4] During his military career in India, Martin became known as a reputable soldier and commander and became very wealthy.

As part of his job, Martin traveled a lot between Calcutta (modern-day Kolkata) and Awadh (modern-day Lucknow). Inspired by Masonic ideas, Martin decided to set up relief measures and charities to help the poor in Lucknow and Kolkata.^[4] Among his many pursuits, Martin wanted to set up educational institutions in both these cities, and left a large portion of his wealth for the founding of such schools in his will, before dying in 1800.^[4]

Claude Martin in his will, regarding the founding of La Martinière Calcutta, writes-

“I GIVE and bequeath the sum of two hundred thousand Sika Rupees to the town of Calcutta for to be put at interest in Government Paper or the most secure mode possible, and this principal and interest to be put under the protection of Government, or the Supreme Court, that they may devise an institution the most necessary for the public good of the town of Calcutta, or establishing a School for to educate a certain number of children of any sex to a certain age, and to have them put prentice to some profession, when at the conclusion of their school and to have them married when at age, and also wishes that every year premium of few rupees or other thing and a medal be given to the most deserving or virtuous boy and girl or both to such that have come out of the school”. ^[6]

Establishment and Early Curriculum

The settlement and enforcement of Martin’s will were complicated and required significant legal proceedings.^[4] Nearly 40 years after Claude Martin’s death, in 1840, the Supreme Court of Kolkata finally approved Martin’s will and gave permission for the establishment of La Martiniere, Calcutta, with one school for boys and one for girls.^[6] The rules and regulations for the La Martiniere Schools in Calcutta were founded in 1836 and reflect the educational priorities of that era.^[6] The primary objective of the schools was to equip the children with the skills required to earn an honest livelihood.^[6]

The curriculum for boys included English, grammar, writing, geography, history (with a particular emphasis on Britain and British India), Hindustani, Bengali, mathematics, natural history, and mechanical philosophy.[3] Girls were taught the same subjects, with the exception of mathematics and mechanical philosophy, and also learned needlework, knitting, straw plaiting, and music.^[6] Classes were held six days a week, and students had half a day off on Saturdays. Regular breaks were taken during Easter and Christmas, and the anniversary of Claude Martin's death (Sep 13th) was also celebrated as a holiday, with a dinner for the students and medals awarded to deserving boys and girls.^[6]

Founder's Day

Founder's Day continues to be celebrated on 13th September every year with a service in the school hall, usually, although not always, attended by an Old Martinian as the Chief Guest, and medals awarded to students. The Founders Gold Medal (for academics) and silver medal for Good Conduct have been awarded since the school's founding with the Principal's Medals for Best Sportsman and Best All-Round Student being awarded from 1960 onwards. There is also a social dance attended by the senior boys and girls and a football match between the school team and a team representing La Martiniere Old Boys.