The French Revolution was a time of immense social upheaval, radical change, and countless stories of both famous figures and forgotten individuals. One such lesser-known but fascinating character in this turbulent period was Zamor, a young Bengali man who, despite his origins in a distant land, found himself enmeshed in the politics and turmoil of the French Revolution. Known for his association with the notorious Madame du Barry, the former mistress of King Louis XV, Zamor’s life reflects the complexities of colonialism, slavery, and revolution in 18th-century France.

This article delves into the life of Zamor, his journey from Bengal to the French court, his role in the Revolution, and how a Bengali-born servant became part of one of the most dramatic episodes in French history.

Early Life: From Bengal to France

Zamor was born around 1762 in Bengal, which was then part of British-controlled India. As a child, he was taken to Europe, likely sold into slavery during the era of European colonial expansion. Although the exact circumstances of his capture and sale are unclear, it was common practice at the time for children from colonized lands to be taken as “exotic” servants for the European aristocracy.

At a young age, Zamor ended up in the court of Louis XV, where he was purchased by Jeanne Bécu, better known as Madame du Barry, the King’s last official mistress. Du Barry, who was known for her luxurious lifestyle and influence at court, christened him Louis-Benoît Zamor and employed him as her pageboy. While his exact duties were typical for a servant, his dark skin and exotic origins made him a symbol of wealth and status in aristocratic circles, where it was fashionable to own or display servants from far-off lands.

Life at the Court of Louis XV

Zamor’s life at court with Madame du Barry was one of comfort compared to many of his peers. As a pageboy, he accompanied du Barry in her daily activities and was a constant presence in her lavish residence, the Château de Louveciennes, just outside of Paris. Although du Barry reportedly treated Zamor with some degree of kindness, their relationship remained one of master and servant, and Zamor was never more than a possession in the eyes of the aristocracy.

For Madame du Barry, Zamor was more than just a servant; he was a living symbol of her wealth and status. In the 18th century, it was fashionable for European aristocrats to own or display enslaved or indentured servants from far-flung parts of the world. Zamor, as a Bengali child, represented this trend, becoming both a curiosity and a part of the luxurious and extravagant lifestyle that surrounded Madame du Barry.

While little is known about Zamor’s thoughts or experiences during this time, it is likely that he would have been exposed to the power dynamics and politics of the court, which would later influence his role in the French Revolution.

The Fall of the Monarchy and Zamor’s Changing Allegiances

The French Revolution began in 1789, bringing with it a wave of revolutionary fervor and the decline of the monarchy. As the political climate in France changed, so too did the fortunes of the aristocracy, including Madame du Barry. Her close association with the fallen monarchy made her a target for revolutionary forces, and in this shifting landscape, Zamor’s role began to take on new significance.

By the early 1790s, Zamor had embraced revolutionary ideals and joined the Jacobin Club, a radical revolutionary faction that was instrumental in pushing for the end of the monarchy and the establishment of a republic. While the reasons for Zamor’s ideological shift are not fully documented, it is likely that, as a person of color and a servant in a court defined by inequality, he may have felt sympathy for the revolutionary cause, which promised liberty and equality for all.

Zamor’s connection to the revolution took a dramatic turn when he betrayed his former mistress, Madame du Barry. In 1793, Zamor denounced du Barry to the Committee of Public Safety, the powerful and ruthless governing body led by figures like Maximilien Robespierre. He accused her of being a counter-revolutionary, providing evidence that she had been in contact with émigrés (royalists who had fled France) and possibly helping them financially.

Madame du Barry’s Downfall and Execution

Zamor’s denunciation was a critical blow to Madame du Barry, who had been living in relative peace since the death of Louis XV in 1774. Her earlier connections to the monarchy, combined with the testimony from Zamor, led to her arrest in 1793. She was accused of conspiring with foreign enemies of the Revolution and was put on trial.

Despite her protests of innocence, Madame du Barry was found guilty of treason. On December 8, 1793, she was guillotined in Place de la Révolution, the same square where King Louis XVI and Queen Marie Antoinette were executed. Madame du Barry’s fall from grace was swift, and her execution was emblematic of the fate that awaited many former aristocrats during the Reign of Terror.

Zamor’s betrayal of du Barry, while politically motivated, also reflects the complex nature of the Revolution. Many people, including former servants and marginalized individuals like Zamor, found themselves caught between the old world of aristocratic patronage and the new ideals of equality and liberty. Zamor’s role in her downfall symbolized a reversal of power—he, a Bengali-born servant, had helped send one of France’s most prominent women to her death.

Life After the Revolution

After the execution of Madame du Barry, Zamor disappeared from public life for some time. It is believed that he continued to support revolutionary ideals and remained active in the radical circles of the Jacobins, but specific details about his post-revolutionary activities are scarce. There is evidence that he was arrested during the Thermidorian Reaction—a period in 1794 when the radical phase of the Revolution began to recede—but he was eventually released.

In his later years, Zamor reportedly worked as a schoolteacher and lived a modest life, far removed from the opulence of the French court where he had once served as a page. He died in relative obscurity in 1820, leaving behind a legacy that, while minor in the grand scope of the French Revolution, highlights the often overlooked contributions and experiences of non-European figures in this momentous period of history.

The Complex Legacy of Zamor

Zamor’s story is both unique and representative of the broader themes of colonialism, slavery, and revolution. As a child brought from Bengal to Europe, his life was shaped by the power dynamics of the colonial and aristocratic systems of the time. While he served as a symbol of wealth and exoticism in the court of Louis XV, the French Revolution gave him an opportunity to assert his agency in a society that had otherwise marginalized him.

However, Zamor’s denunciation of Madame du Barry also raises questions about loyalty, power, and survival during the Revolution. Was his betrayal motivated by revolutionary ideals, personal grievances, or simply a desire to survive in a time when allegiances could mean the difference between life and death? These questions remain unanswered, but they offer insight into the complex and often contradictory nature of revolutionary politics.

Zamor’s role in Madame du Barry’s downfall may have been a small part of the wider revolutionary drama, but his story serves as a reminder of the diverse individuals who shaped the course of history. From his origins in Bengal to his involvement in one of the most radical political movements of the 18th century, Zamor’s life reflects the global and interconnected nature of the French Revolution.

Conclusion

Zamor’s story, though often relegated to the margins of history, is a fascinating example of how individuals from distant lands and marginalized backgrounds became entwined in the great events of the French Revolution. From his early years as a servant to his role in the revolutionary movement, Zamor’s life is a testament to the complexities of identity, power, and survival in a time of immense social upheaval. While he may not be a household name, Zamor’s story offers a unique lens through which to view the French Revolution and the diverse figures who played a part in its unfolding.