James Achilles Kirkpatrick, a British East India Company officer who was a resident at the Hyderabad court, passed away on this day in Calcutta. Of British origin, he embraced Indian culture and lifestyle and married a noblewoman in Hyderabad, choices that did not endear him to the British authorities in India.

Born in Fort St George, Madras, and educated in Britain, he was appointed resident at the Nizam’s court in Hyderabad in his thirties.

There he adopted Persian attire. One courtly painting shows him in such attire. He was proficient in Indian languages.

He fell in love with Khair-un-Nissa, a noblewoman, and married her. With Lord Wellesley appointed Governor-General, Kirkpatrick met with disapproval as Lord Wellesley wanted to reduce the Nizam’s autonomy. Kirkpatrick’s adoption of local ways and his marriage were questioned. The British society in Calcutta thought it scandalous.

A memorial for Kirkpatrick was put up at St John’s Church after his unexpected death at 41. He is one of the principal characters in the book White Mughals written by William Dalrymple.

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