India, Aug. 9 -- George Frederick Cherry was born in 1761 in Kent, England. He entered into matrimony with Martha Marie Paul and embarked on his career in the Bengal Civil Service in 1778. By 1794, he had risen to the position of Resident of Awadh. But his service career in the East India Company would be marred by controversies, some of which he instigated himself, while others arose from misfortune, ultimately leading to an unforeseen tragedy. Cherry was known to meddle in the internal affairs of the Awadh court with considerable audacity. While regular despatches between the Resident and the Governor General were commonplace, Cherry apparently maintained a network of informers, which enabled him to overtly and covertly pass on information about Lucknow to Calcutta. However, unlike many of his contemporaries, he did not disparage Asaf-ud-Daula and seemed genuinely concerned about reforming the administration of Awadh, although he was perhaps 'more sincere than tactful'. He was also advised in a similar vein by the Governor General, John Shore, 'to avoid all semblance of direct interference in the Nawab's government, while maintaining an attitude of a disinterested well-wisher'. Tikait Rai (discussed in an earlier article), the 'Diwan', a sort of finance minister in the Nawabi court, became a great favourite of Cherry, during the latter's innings at Lucknow. The reason for this might not be found in the annals of historical records but form part of oral tradition. It is believed that with time, Cherry's wife, Martha, became a close friend of Tikait's wife, Rukmini. Martha was reportedly captivated by the richness of Indian culture, particularly its culinary delights, though she was less enthusiastic about the abundant use of spices and ghee in traditional preparations. The dishes which became her personal favorites were 'nalli nihari,' 'shami kebabs,' 'hariyali kebabs' and 'lauki koftas!' Martha became adept at personally applying gold 'vark' on dishes. It is not known whether Rukmini similarly embraced British cuisine like sausages, meat pies and baked potatoes in lamb gravy. Possibly not, because unlike her husband, she was a vegetarian, but not above preparing sumptuous non-vegetarian dishes for her husband, and occasionally for Asaf himself! Tikait reportedly took Martha around for temple visits, while she, in turn, partially or substantially financed some of his building projects. Indeed, the study of history would be less monotonous if such heart-warming allegories are incorporated in the narrative. But that is not to be, so let us continue with the tragic story of George. The bonhomie between the two ladies, especially over culinary preparations apparently acted like a cultural bridge between the two families, with Jhau Lal (another courtier, who, by then, had started to wield considerable influence in the Nawabi court) becoming an anathema and Tikait becoming a bosom friend of the Resident. Tikait Rai, who had been dismissed from the Nawabi court due to his indulgences, was re-appointed in 1796, on Cherry's recommendation, but this time without the charge of the Treasury. This appointment would last a month after which, the peeved Asaf finally dismissed Tikait and got Cherry recalled shortly thereafter, who would then assume the position of Resident, Benaras. Asaf died in 1797, and despite various pressures upon him, Shore decided to personally formalise Wazir Ali, Asaf's purported son, as successor to the Awadh 'masnad.' Cherry, then at Benaras, was instructed to prevent Sa'adat Ali Khan, also residing in Benaras, from proceeding to Lucknow, by force if necessary. Sa'adat Ali, Asaf-ud-Daula's half-brother was the strongest contender as Asaf's successor. Within a few months, however, the political equation between the Company and Wazir Ali deteriorated, which resulted in a treaty between Sa'adat Ali and the Company, ratifying the former as the sixth Nawab of Awadh. Wazir Ali was deposed to Benaras, where he was to remain in communication with Cherry, the Resident and Davis, Judge & Magistrate of the city court. After a year, it was decided to move Wazir Ali to Calcutta, despite his 'loud and urgent remonstrances and sullen discontent'. On January 13, 1799, the superintendent of police informed Davis that Wazir Ali, instead of making preparations for his departure, was engaging armed men in his service. January 14 saw the ex-Nawab, accompanied by armed men, pay a visit to Cherry's residence, and place his grievances before the latter. During the course of discussions, Wazir Ali cut down Cherry with his sword, while his followers went on a rampage in the premises, killing other Europeans. Cherry was merely 38 years of age, when his life was cut short abruptly; he was buried in the churchyard of St Mary's Cathedral, Benaras, and an obelisk erected in his memory and fellow officers who perished in the carnage. Wazir Ali, then aged 19 years, was incarcerated for life at Calcutta. The deposed Nawab died prematurely at the age of 37. Martha and her young son George Henry (born in 1793), returned to London and settled in a house called Gloucester Place. George would become a parliamentarian, and also hold the post of Sheriff, Berkshire, during 1829-30. PC Sarkar, a former scientist, has authored several books on the forgotten heritage of Lucknow...