Home > Indian History > History of India > Charlotte Canning
Charlotte Canning
Charlotte Canning was the wife of Lord Canning, who was Governor General in India. Lady Canning was the most prolific women artist in India.

Share this Article:

Charlotte Canning, Wife of Lord CanningCharlotte Canning, who is also noted as Countess Canning in British East India Company"s historical document was known as the most interesting character of that time. She was famous as the artist and painter of that era. Her tomb is in Barrackpore of West Bengal and the cenotaph is now in the complex of St. John"s Church, Kolkata, West Bengal.

Early Life of Charlotte Canning
Charlotte Canning was born on 31st March 1817. The two portfolios in the Victoria and Albert Museum in London contain some three hundred and fifty watercolours by her, the result of four major tours in India. Charlotte Canning was born Charlotte Stuart in Paris, a daughter of the British Ambassador, Charles Stuart (later Baron Stuart de Rothesay) and was a Lady of the Bedchamber to Queen Victoria from 1842 to 1855.

Charlotte Canning"s Arrival in India
Charlotte Canning, who is also noted as Countess Canning arrived in India in the year 1856 as a flourishing, healthy woman when her husband was appointed Governor-General of India. She went with him to Calcutta (Kolkata, West Bengal). She kept a journal and wrote frequently to Queen Victoria, at one point describing strange and terrible outbreaks of violence which were the start of the Indian Mutiny in 1857. In 1859 Charles Canning was raised in the peerage as Earl Canning and Charlotte became Countess Canning.

Death of Charlotte Canning
The health of Charlotte Canning deteriorated in 1861 and she died of malaria in her husband`s arms. She was buried in Barrackpore, West Bengal. Lord Canning did not long outlive her; his letter to Victoria describing her death crossed with the Queen`s to him, announcing that Prince Albert had died. Lady Canning`s name lives on in Bengal where a type of sweet called ledikeni is named after her. Her grave and memorial seems to have been moved some time since 2005 and is now located adjacent to St John`s Church in Kolkata.

Personal Life of Charlotte Canning
On 5th September 1835, Charlotte Canning married Charles Canning a son of the former British Prime Minister, George Canning and the 1st Viscountess Canning. In 1837 Charles Canning succeeded to his mother`s title as Viscount Canning, whereupon Charlotte became Viscountess Canning.


Share this Article:

Subscribe to Newsletter
Learn unknown facts about India from a curated list of informative articles.

Related Articles

More Articles in History of India

History of Uttar Pradesh
The state was the heart of Mahabharata war and the history of Uttar Pradesh is very much the history of India. The place finds its mentions in Hindu epics Ramayana and Mahabharata.
History Of Archaeology In India
History of archaeology in India contributes a lot to define the past history and the social life of India.
Mughal Architecture during Babur
Mughal Architecture during Babur is of adequate significance in Mughal history, as the emperor introduced Mughal architecture in India, during 16th century.
Princely State of Patdi
Princely State of Patdi or Patri was incorporated as a part of the Baroda Agency, which was a sub division of Western India States Agency.
Architecture during Sayyid and Lodi Dynasty
Architectures during the Sayyid and Lodi dynasty were mainly the tombs and monuments for the dead rulers. It were carefully designed and meticulously constructed.
Brahmanical Sources of Ancient History
Brahmanical Sources of ancient history are contained in the Vedas and they constitute one of the most important literary sources of information about ancient India.
Female Education In British India
The over brimming enthusiasm among zealous Hindu reformers welcomed female education in British India.
Revenue System of Mauryan Empire
Revenue system of Mauryan Empire can be divided into eight categories. The principal revenue of the state was the land revenue, taxes from traders, artisans and professional taxes were also collected.
Mughal Architecture During Jahangir
Mughal architecture during Jahangir`s period was relative dull in comparison to that of Akbar dynasty.
Princely State of Satlasna
Princely State of Satlasna was amongst the former native states of India that was appointed as one of the Indian princely states during the early 19th century.
Coins of Chola Empire
Coins of Chola Empire were issued in gold, silver and copper and carried the Chola emblem.
Social Life during the Pala Period
Religious toleration and simple living were the characteristics of social life during the Pala period.
Coins of the Chalukya Dynasty
Coins of the Chalukya Dynasty was reintroduced in the South India after a brief break of coinage less period of nearly three century. Chalukyas issued coins only in gold and they exhibit a brilliant artistic skill of the engraver.
Costumes of Indus Valley Civilisation
Costumes of Indus valley Civilization have been considered as the basis for Indian clothes. Sophisticated ornaments and make up were used during that age.
Development of Science under Gupta Empire
Development of Science under Gupta Empire was progressive and it had attained considerable perfection. Mathematics, astronomy, medicine, chemistry, physics and metallurgy were the most prominent of the sciences at that time.
Culture under Delhi Sultanate
Culture under Delhi Sultanate had enduring aspects to it. It included the society, the religious condition, literature and art and architecture of that period.
Princely State of Hapa
Princely State of Hapa was incorporated as a part of the Baroda Agency, which was under the administrative control of the Western India States Agency.
Economy Under Chola Dynasty
Economy under Chola dynasty was strong and well developed. The economic life of the people of the Chola Kingdom was well balanced with their social life.
Coins of Khilji Dynasty
Coins of Khilji Dynasty had an influential feature that was followed by the other dynasties.
Religion During Mauryan Dynasty
Religion during Mauryan dynasty became a considerable episode in Indian history with an esteemed lineage of rulers.