Jean-François Allard

Jean-François Allard (French pronunciation: ​[ʒɑ̃ fʁɑ̃swa alaʁ]; 1785–1839), born in Saint Tropez, was a French soldier and adventurer.

Portrait of Jean-François Allard, by Joseph-Désiré Court

Allard served in Napoleon's army, where he was twice injured. He was awarded the Légion d'honneur,[1] and was promoted to the rank of Captain of the French 7th Hussar Regiment.

After the Battle of Waterloo Allard drifted, going to Persia where he visited Abbas Mirza to propose his services. He was promised the rank of Colonel, but never actually received the troops corresponding to his function.[2][3]

In 1820, Allard left for the Punjab, where in 1822 he entered the service of the Maharaja Ranjit Singh. He was commissioned to raise a corps of dragoons and lancers. On completion of this task, Allard was awarded the rank of general, and became the leader of the European officer corps in the Maharaja's service.

Another European who took service in the Punjab with Allard in 1822 was the Italian Jean-Baptiste Ventura. They were joined four years later by the Neapolitan Paolo Di Avitabile, and the Frenchman Claude August Court.[1] A Spaniard, by the name of Oms, also served with them for a period.

General Allard with family. Sikh painting, 1838.[1]

Allard was a charming and gentle man, very different from some of the other European mercenaries in the Punjab. He made the effort to learn Persian, and is said to have composed poetry in his new language.

He was an amateur numismatist, and contributed greatly to the early study of Ancient Indian coins.[4]

In June 1834, Allard returned to France on leave, going back to the Punjab 18 months later. He continued to serve the Maharaja until his death in 1839.

Allard was awarded the Légion d'Honneur by Napoleon Bonaparte, and the Bright Star of the Punjab by Ranjit Singh.[1]