Maharaja Jagatjit Singh (1872-1949) of Kapurthala was a passionate Francophile who was captivated by French language, culture and aesthetics.  His affinity with France was exceptional amongst his princely peers and countrymen, and his standing as a global Indian was largely owed to his fluency in French which also made him a natural diplomat for India in both an official and unofficial capacity. At our Online Talk #ParisOfThePunjab, author, historian and cultural enthusiast Cynthia Meera Frederick will showcase French influences on art and architecture in Kapurthala, which was known as the ‘Paris of the Punjab’.

About the speaker

Cynthia Meera Frederick is an author, historian and cultural enthusiast. She is a heritage advisor working with several of India’s erstwhile royal families, and conceived and co-wrote ‘Prince, Patron and Patriarch - Maharaja Jagatjit Singh of Kapurthala’ (Roli Books 2019), chronicling the life of one of India's most legendary ruling princes. She creates programs and lectures widely on aspects of Indian princely culture and history pertaining to architecture, cuisine, jewellery and Partition.