Ah, colonial India—a time of powdered wigs, questionable ethics, and pistols at dawn. While the British were busy establishing their empire, they also found time to settle petty squabbles, the gentlemanly way: by trying to kill each other in duels. If you’ve seen John Wick 4 or any classic Western Hollywood film, you’re familiar with the tension-filled dueling scenes—where two individuals face off, drawing their weapons in a standoff.
Dueling traces its origins to medieval Europe, where it began as judicial combat—a trial by battle to resolve disputes under divine judgment. Over time, it evolved into a ritualized contest of honor among the aristocracy, particularly in Renaissance Italy and France. By the 17th century, formal codes, like the French “Code Duello,” defined its rules. Dueling spread globally, blending local traditions with European customs, eventually reaching colonial India, where British officials used it to defend their honor amidst bureaucratic clashes and personal disputes.
Dueling was no chaotic brawl; it was a choreographed drama of honor and ego. The offended party issued a formal challenge, usually over some monumental grievance—like a misplaced insult or, perhaps, a bad wig day. Seconds (basically duel referees) oversaw everything, from weapon choice to ensuring no one chickened out. Pistols or swords were the weapons of choice, and duels took place in secluded spots to dodge legal trouble. Often, just showing up was enough to satisfy egos. A peculiar mix of civility and absurdity, really!
Duel Avenue: Kolkata’s Not-So-Secret Fight Club
Did you know there’s an actual street in Kolkata, India nicknamed “Duel Avenue”? It’s where British officers often exchanged insults and bullets. These contests of honor were illegal but wildly popular, blending European aristocratic traditions with colonial chaos. Imagine strolling down the avenue today and picturing officers dramatically yelling, “How dare you insult my waistcoat!” before engaging in a deadly standoff.
The Hastings-Francis Affair: A Bullet for Bureaucracy
The year was 1780, and the power lines of the British East India Company were burning under strain. The Governor-General of India, Warren Hastings, was pitted against Philip Francis, a member of the Supreme Council. Their differences ranged from policy to personal slights, resulting in one of the most infamous wars of the Indian colony.
On August 17, they faced off near Alipur. Both were amateurs with pistols, but Hastings managed to injure Francis in the side. Francis survived, though not without adding a dramatic twist to the saga. Instead of reconciling, he returned to England, fueling Hastings’ impeachment. Ironically, Francis’ career didn’t end with a bang; he transitioned into politics in England, while Hastings weathered the storm to become a symbol of British resilience.
This duel was more than a personal conflict—it epitomized the volatility of colonial governance. While some may argue it was a fight for honor, one wonders if they were just bored bureaucrats looking for excitement in 18th-century Kolkata.
Why Duels Declined: Civility or Common Sense?
By the 19th century, dueling fell out of fashion. Maybe it was the realization that resolving disputes by shooting at each other wasn’t the brightest idea. Or perhaps the rise of stricter legal measures finally put an end to this deadly tradition. Either way, the streets of Kolkata grew quieter—at least from gunfire. Plus, I imagine people realized that getting shot over a trivial argument wasn’t the best way to impress their boss. And let’s face it, who wants to spend their weekends recovering from a gunshot wound instead of enjoying tea?
Duels in colonial India were a curious mix of drama, ego, and outright silliness. They tell tales not just of conflict but of a society caught between tradition and modernity. Next time if you get a chance and you’re in Kolkata, take a stroll down Duel Avenue and imagine the absurdity of it all—gentlemen in their Sunday best trying to kill each other over who gets the last biscuit at tea.
And remember: disagreements are best settled with words, not weapons. Unless, of course, it’s over a really, really good waistcoat!
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Writer
Fardeen Bin Abdullah
Intern,
Content Writing Department
YSSE.