Pierre Cuillier-Perron facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Pierre Cuillier-Perron
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| Children | Madeleine-Barbe Cuillier-Perron  |
Pierre Cuillier-Perron (born between 1753 and 1755, died 1834) was a French soldier who became a powerful general in India. He was born Pierre Cuillier in a town called Luceau, near Château-du-Loir in France. His father was a cloth merchant. When he arrived in India, he changed his name to Perron, which was a shorter version of Pierre. People often called him General Perron.
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Pierre Perron's Journey to India
In 1780, Pierre Perron traveled to India as a sailor on a French warship. He left the ship on the Malabar Coast and made his way to northern India. There, he joined a local army led by a Scottish man named Sangster. This army served the Rana (a ruler) of Gohad.
Becoming a Commander
By 1790, Perron joined another important army, this time under a French general named De Boigne. Perron quickly showed his skills and was put in charge of De Boigne's second brigade, which is like a large group of soldiers.
Perron's Rise to Power in India
In 1795, Perron and his troops helped the Maratha forces win a big battle called the Battle of Kharda. They fought against the nizam (ruler) of Hyderabad. After this victory, De Boigne decided to retire. Perron then took over his position. He became the commander-in-chief of the army belonging to the powerful Maratha general Mahadji Sindhia.
Key Victories
Perron continued to lead the army successfully. In 1800, he led his forces to victory against the Rajput armies at the Battle of Malpura. These wins made him very influential in India.
Challenges and Later Life
In 1801, after the Battle of Ujjain, Perron made a decision that weakened his position. He did not send his troops to help Scindia, another Maratha leader. This action caused problems for him.
When a war started between Scindia and the British in 1803, Perron was replaced as commander. He then went to the British camp. In several important battles that followed, like the Battle of Delhi, Laswari, Ally Ghur, and Assaye, the armies Perron had once commanded were defeated by British generals Lord Lake and Sir Arthur Wellesley.
After these events, Pierre Perron returned to France. He had become very wealthy during his time in India. He passed away in 1834.
Buildings and Legacy
Pierre Perron left behind some important buildings in India.
Sir Shah Sulaiman Hall
The main building of what is now Sir Shah Sulaiman Hall was built by Perron in 1802. Today, this building serves as the Provost Office, which is an administrative building.
Hooghly College
Perron also built a grand home for himself in a place called Chinsurah. This large house later became the home of Hooghly College (now called Hooghly Mohsin College). The college was located there from 1837 to 1937.
