Dictionary of Indian Biography/Baillie, John

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2579828Dictionary of Indian Biography — Baillie, JohnCharles Edward Buckland

BAILLIE, JOHN (1772–1833)

Lt-Colonel: younger son of George Baillie, of Leys Castle, Inverness: entered the service of the E.I. Co. in 1791: took part in the military operations of the Mahratta war, 1803: but his principal services in India were political: as Political Agent, 1803–7, he succeeded, under great difficulties, in establishing British authority in Bundelkund, and in transferring to the Company a large and valuable territory: for his services, he was appointed Resident at Lucknow, 1807–15, he established the celebrated "Guard" or "Gate," which still bears his name at Lucknow: after leaving India, he was appointed, 1823, a Director: of the E.I.Co.: M.P. for Hendon in 1820: and in 1830 for the Burghs of Inverness, in which town is his portrait by Raeburn: died in London, April 20, 1833. From the commencement of his career, Baillie was a devoted student of Oriental languages, and was the first Professor of Arabic and Persian, when the College of Fort William was instituted in 1801: published several important works, and made a large and choice collection of oriental works, at his house in Inverness, which was presented by his heirs to the University of Edinburgh. A Digest of Mohummudan Law, which he left unfinished, was completed and greatly enlarged by his son, Neil B. E. Baille, (1799–1883), an Indian Jurist of some eminence: it is still a standard work of reference.