Echoes from Belvedere : Home of National Library, Kolkata, recalls the history of the most talked about heritage building of the metropolis which was not only a mute witness to the rise and fall of the British Empire in India but also the home of the empire-builders. The stirring times of Warren Hastings, the great Proconsul, and his arch-enemy, Philip Francis, are dealt with; with the help of original documents. The Hastings-Francis duel is retold here in the words of the principal participants in the event. Francis had to pay Rs. 50,000 Sicca Rupees for his nocturnal expedition to Madame Grand. Madame Grand, who captivated many an Englishman and many more European statesmen, became Madame Talleryrand. She dined with Denon in her Eve’s dress covered only with her luxuriant tresses! Hastings built a new house for his ‘dearest Marian’, whose life as Miss Anna Maria Appolonia Chapusettin and Mrs. Adam Karl von Imhoff is more interesting. Did Sir Elijah Impey, who fined Francis Rs. 50,000 for his visit to Madame Grand live in the Judge’s Court building? Was the land of Agri-horticultural society Warren Hastings’ property? Echoes from belvedere… will answer the question.
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