A SLASHING ONSLAUGHT: Sir Charles James Napier in India

Sir Charles James Napier was one of Victorian Britain’s most celebrated generals: his statue stands in Trafalgar Square. A hero of the Peninsular War he won fame as the conqueror of Scinde. Colourful and controversial he was mercurial: a complex and fascinating commander in war and in peace. In 1849 Napier was appointed commander-in-chief, India, clashing with governor-general Lord Dalhousie over reform and resigning amid rancour. Why did Napier act as he did? What led him to defy Dalhousie? Did the controversy doom the Bengal Army to mutiny in 1857? Why was Napier one of the most outstanding but also the most contentious commander-in-chief of the Indian armies?

Peter Stanley recently retired from the University of New South Wales Canberra as Research Professor. He has published widely on the history of the Indian Army, including White Mutiny (1998), Die in Battle, Do not Despair: The Indians on Gallipoli, 1915 (2015), Terriers in India: British Territorials 1914-19 (2019), Hul! Hul! : The Suppression of the Santal Rebellion in Bengal, 1855 (2022) and John Company’s Armies: The Military Forces of British India, 1824-57 (2024). 

The lecture will be preceded by drinks and book sales from 5pm in the East India Room, where drinks can be purchased from the pay bar. The lecture will take place in the Clive Room at 6pm. For those who would like to stay, an optional two-course meal (main course, dessert and coffee) will follow at 7.30pm in the East India Room. Tickets for the lecture cost £21 and for the lecture and meal £66.75 (inclusive of platform and payment processing fees) when purchased online. See https://www.britishinindia.org.uk/live-lectures-2025 for payment by alternative means. Drinks can be purchased separately. Dietary requirements accommodated where notified. Dress code: jacket and tie (men); dress or smart separates (women). All welcome. 

TICKETS:  Lecture: £21  |  Lecture and meal: £66.75