HÜGEL, Carl Alexander Anselm, Freiherr von. Regensburg 25.4.1796 — Brussels 2.6.1870. Austrian Diplomat, Traveller, Naturalist and Horticulturist. Son of Johann Aloys Josef, Freiherr von Hügel (1753–1825), a diplomat and statesman, and Susanne von Holthoff. Began law studies at Heidelberg, but soon, in 1811, joined Austrian army and served in Napoleonic and Italian wars. Retired 1824 as Major. With family wealth he travelled 1830-36 in Asia and Pacific collecting plants and making notes about ethnography and religions. Then lived in Vienna until 1848, After a visit to London entered Austrian diplomatic service: 1849-59 Ambassador in Tuscany, then in Brussels. Retired in 1867 and settled in Torquay, Devon. Died on way to a visit to Vienna. Married 1851 Elizabeth Farquharson (b. 1831), two sons and one daughter.
Hügel’s copious notes about Kashmir and the Himalayas were much appreciated. His large collection is in Vienna Museum für Völkerkunde.
Publications: Kaschmir und das Reich der Siek. 1-4. St. 1840-46 (“Siek” = Sikh); abridged and annotated translation by T. B. Jervis: Travels in Kashmir and the Panjab. 14+423 p. L. 1845.
– Das Kabul-Becken und die Gebirge zwischen dem Hindu-Kosch und der Sutlej. 1-2. Vienna 1851-52.
– Der Stille Ozean und die spanischen Besitzungen im Ostindischen Archipel. 24+469 p. Vienna 1860.
Sources: H. Dolezal, N.D.B. 9, 1972, 731f.; H.W. Reichardt, A.D.B. 13, 1881, 308; Ö.B.L. 3, 1965, 3; Wikipedia as Charles von Hügel with portrait and photo (see also German version, both also with bust and further references).
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