''HISTORY

OF

TH E

I N D I A N C f l l E FS, E A J A S , Z A M I N D A E S , & c .
P A R T

II.

THE NATIVE ARISTOCRACY

a n d

GENTRY,

COMPRISING,
^ IS T O F ^ C A L ,
OF

j^ O L I T I C A L ,

pEVEE^AL

^ O C I A L ,,

^ N C IE N ^

AND

pXH E R

^CCOU N TS

p A ^ A IU IE S , p O B L E M E U ,

p /< ^ I^ lE N T
OF

BENGAL,

BEHAR, ORISSA, NORTH-WESTERN PROVINCES, PAKJAB, R AJPUTAKA, O EN TB A I

INDIA. CENTRAL PROVINCES, ASSAM , BOMBAY, NAIDERABAD.
M AISUR , AND M ADRAS,
WITH

APPEIVDICES,
CONTAINING

Short Notiees o f uptmrd^ o f 800 Chiefs, Nohles and Gentlemen on

Salutes, Titles and Honorary Distinctions have be^
by the British Government from its early se
doivn to the piesent time.
BV

LOKE

N A T H

GH6

H o n o r a h v R s c i s t b a r B b n i ; a l M u s i c S c h o o l , M e m b e r o f T H a T A i LY
A u t h o r o f V i c t o r i a S t u t ik a , a S a n s k r it H ym n- B o o k i n T K *
G r a c io u s M a je s t y v h k Q u e h k -E m p r r s s o f I n d ia , t i ?
M u s i c a l N o t a t i o n o f V a r i o u s C o u n t r i e s , t h e S!
H is t o r y o r t h e I n d ia n C h ie fs , R a ja s , Z a m in d a r ^
&c,. P a r t L , t h e N a t i v e S t a t e s , & c . , i c .

L ite r a r y

Cuui

H HR Atqsa

SIC Asrtp^''^

(?a lcu tta ;

PRIN TE D A PUB LISH ED BY J. N. GHOSE * CO., P R E SID E N C Y PKBSP,
8, C h itp o r e

R oa d , C o r n e r o f L a ll B azar.
I o

(A lt r is h ii

1.

r e a r v e d .)

TO

MIS E X C E L L E N C Y T H E M O ST H O N B L E

George Frederick Samuel, M arquess of Ripon, k. c., p. g., g. m . s.

Viceroy and Governor-General o f India.

I.,

M y L ord,
In committing to the verdict of public opinion
the Second Part of my work on the Modem Histor3'^o f
the Indian Chiefs, Kajas, Zaiuindars, &c., it is natural
that I should desire to secure for it every chauce o f
public favour b)^ dedicating it to your Lordship whose high
personal character and exalted position in this Empire
must necessarily interest your Lordship in the humble
literary efforts o f a Native of Bengal, who has sought,
through years of anxious toil, to perpetuate the names and
deeds of such of his countrymen as wore and have been
conspicuous for tbeir public spirit, their learning, their
commercial enterprise, their exceptionally deserved emi
nence or their unquestionable loyalty to Her Most Gracious
Majesty the Queen-Ernpress of India. But my motives
have not, I must avow, been altogether interested. A p
preciating the real wants of India, and designing to apply
peace to its true uses, your Lordship has expressed a
determination to make it the chief aim and object of
your policy to give education the widest extension, among
the people and to direct the utmost influence o f the State
in the development of the resources of the country; and
in this humble work, your Lordship, it is hoped, will find
the only complete record o f what has been done by the
Natives of India themselves for the intellectual and
material progress of their couutiymen in past times and
as yet during the present generation.
I have the honor to be,
My Lord,
AVith the greatest respect,
Your Excellencys Most Obedient Servant,
L O K E N A T H G H O SE .

Calcutta, \%th August, 1881.

PREFACE.

T TN D E R the title o f
^

The Native Aristocracy and Gentry o f India,"

I present to the public and to my countrymen generally, the Second

Part o f my work, The Modern History o f the Indian Chiefs, Rajas,

Zaraindars, &c."

B ut I cannot allow the opportunity to pass without

marking it by the warmest expression of my thanks to my patrons

for the kind reception they gave to the First Part, and to the Editors
o f the leading periodicals who almost without exception formed such
a favourable opinion of the way in which it was executed.

W hile

respectfully but confidently hoping for a continuance o f the same

favour to my Second, and more hazardous venture, I hope I will be per
mitted to introduce it to public notice by a few prefatory words of
explanation.
The causes of the delay which

has unavoidably occurred in its-

publication are as follows ;

Since my first attempt to write this work in the year 1875, the
difficulties in my way have been numerous and considerable.

The

completion o f the First Part, which was mostly a compilation from,

published works, more or less accessible, was, I confess, a comparatively
easy task.
Fart.

Such, however, has not been the case with the Second

It is only a very few of the sketches in it that have been drawn

from published or printed works.

W ith these very few exceptions,

the greatest bulk of tbe work lias been composed from materials
collected with much difiBculty and after unusual delay by direct and
repeated communications with almost all the Chiefs o f the Native
States, the Heads o f the Principal Families and the Eminent Men of
the cou n try; besides advertiaenients published regularly in the Hindu
Fatriot for a time from November 1876, asking for the information I
wanted.

The advertisements, however, were o f no effect j and the few

accounts which I had collected I had obtained by direct application.

But, it afterwards proved more dilficuU for me to secure further informa
tion on the subject from the Native Aristocracy * as one or two

JI

months after my advertisement in the H indu Patriot, i. e., in the

beginning o f 1877, Mr. \V. H. D Oyley, a Member o f the Bengal Civil
Service, put forward in the leading journals and circulated a prospectus
in connection with his project o f a work on the Indian Peerage.
A s a matter o f course, several members o f the Nobility and Gentry
o f Bengal forwarded their accounts to him at Rajshahye; and no few
o f them refused to help me in supplying their family histories; as
my countrymen naturally reposed more confidence in Mr. D Oyley
than in m ea person without local influence or high literary merits.
But, if Mr. D Oyley, a gentleman most

competent to do justice

to the task had carried out his project, the present Part o f my w ork
would never have seen the light.

To the great disappointment o f the

public, Mr. D Oyley abandoned the idea o f writing the

Indian

Peerage, and the fact was notified in the Indian Statesman o f the 20th
February, 1878.

About this time, I

had sent

out

my M SS. for

Part I., The Native Shites to the Press and it was published on
the 1st June, 1879.

The publication o f this Part and the good opinion

which many Notabilities entertained o f it soon encouraged me to apply

again to those Noblemen and Gentlemen who had previously failed to
supply me with their family accounts.

By writing to them often and

ofteuj I had the good fortune to collect a great mass o f undigested in

formation ; but still a few prominent families for personal reasons or,
perhaps, from indifference neglected to comply with my pressing requi
sitions; and their history I have written or compiled with a view to
honour them and complete my work as far as practicable by the help o f
my learned friends stationed here and iu other parts o f the country, and
o f some works available on the subject either iu English, Bengali,
Ooriya, or other vernacular languages.
W ith regard to the arrangement o f this Part o f my work, I have
to state, thus :
The names of the Nobles, Zamindars, &c., as also of the Places or
Districts have been alphabetically arranged.

The Nobles and Eminent

Men o f every place have been divided into two classes, The Principal
Familie.s, Nobles and Eminent Men, and
Eminent Mon or Sundry Zamindars.

Other Families, Nobles and

I have from a feeling of respect-

Ill

fal regret for their present fallen position iaeluded in this Part also the
history of some decayed families ; and their names have been placed
according to the position they held in some by-gone time though now
reduced to poverty through vicissitudea such as are recorded by Sir
Barnard Burke of the British Peerage, for example, The Bislienpnr
Raj Family (vide Bankura, page 1,) which has been ranked among the
Principal Families notwithstanding it has lost its former grandeur and
afflnence.

M y readers, will h o w le r , be easily able to know the

present circumstances of

each o f the families by going through their

respective histories.
The accounts o f the decayed families o f Calcutta and other places
in India, most o f which may fairly now be ranked among the Gentry/*
have been inserted under the head Other Families, ttc., * o f each place
in different Sections of the present Part o f my work.

Such decayed

families in India are numerous ; but I have been only able to notice a
limited number of them regarding whom I have been successful in pro
curing authentic information.

The cause of

families is mostly the custom o f

the downfall o f

such

the equal division o f the estates

amongst sons or legal heirs deviating altogether from the law of entail
prevailing among the British Peerage and Gentry ; i.e., eldest son o f a
father only inheriting the property and so on.

Am ong various other

reasons for the fall o f several ancient families in India, I may mention,
such as, performance o f almost unlimited charities, religious acta, stand
ing security for friends, &c., which were once common among Hindus,
Muhammadans, and Parsees o f the old school.

Nor are the reverence

for God nor the sympathy for their fellow-men, which were such pleasing
traits of Indian character quite extinct.

It is only a very few villages

indeed in this broad continent, where are not to he met with some Temple
Or

Mosque, some Alms House or Hospice, some Tank and Road, cons

tructed by Native piety or public spirit and maintained during long

ages for the public benefit.
Litigation, which is very prevalent now-a-days through the decline
o f brotherly feeling aud the frequency of family disputes, is another pro
lific source of ruin to families.

No such families would have come to

misfortune had their members learnt the value o f

U nity.

It is well

IT

known t)iat

Unity is strength and the want o f that virtue is another

cause o f distress and misery.

The names o f all the distinguished Natives o f India who belong
to the opulent houses of former or present days, and whether they are
alive or dead, have not been separately given; as any information regard
ing them can only be gained by reference to the history of the families
to which they respectively

belong.

For

example, the history of the

late Maharaja Nava Krishna Dev ISahadur, or the late Raja Sir Radha
Kanta Dev

Bahadur,

k . c . s. i.,

can only be known by reading the

account o f the Savabazar Raj Family.

So on with the history o f the

representatives o f different leading families ; for instance, in the case of

Maharani Sarnamoyl, c. i,, of Casiinbazar;

The H on ble Maharaja

Jatindra Mohan Tagore Bahadur, c.s.i. ; Raja Sourindro Mohan Tagore,

. I. E . ;

and Raja Uajendra Muliick Bahadur o f C alcutta; the history

o f the Casimbazar Raj Family (Murshidabad) the Tagore and Muliick

Families o f Calcutta, shall have to be referred to.

Such is the case

with all other surviving or deceased members o f different respectable

and well-known families in India.

This plan I have followed ju st on

the same principle as I drew up the First Part o f the work, i, e., in
case, information is wanted regarding the late or present Maharajas
Holkar o f Indore, the history of the Native State o f Indore as a matter
o f course shall have to be read.
But the case is altogether different for such as hare raised them
selves above the surface o f Indian Society by their own energy, pro
bity, and conspicuous abilities, such as, His E xcellency Nawab Sir
Salar Jang Bahadur, a. c, a. i., Prime Minister o f

Haiderabad; Hia

Excellency Baja Sir T. Madava Row, k. c, a. i., Prime Minister of

Baroda, &c.

The names o f such Eminent Men and o f those who though

inferior to them have been the architects of their own fortunes will be
found under separate headings in their own sketches according to the
Places or Districts to which they respectively belong.

The lives o f

many deceased men of mark have been also included in this work in a
similar way, such as, the late Raja Ram Mohan Roy, the late Baba
Ram

Dulal Dey, the late Babu Mati Lai Seal, the late Babu Ram

Gopal Ghose, the late Raja Digambar Mitter, c.s.r., the late H on ble

D w ait a Nath Mitter and numerous other Qeutlemea, whose meinories

are still more than a mere tradition.
This Part not only contains the history o f
Muhammadans and Paraees.

Hindus, but also of

The compilation o f this work has occu

pied my undivided time and attention for a period o f about seven years,
and 1 am highly indebted to the able Editor o f the Englishman, who
while reviewing Part I. o f my work, was kind enough to anticipate very
accurately the great difficulties I would have to overcome.

He said

the Second Part will naturally present much greater difficulties owing
to the fact that the ground is almost unbroken.

Beyond a few Magazine

articles, no previous attempt has, we believe, been made to compile a

history o f the minor aristocracy o f India.
Though I have completed tbe work from the materials which have
heen placed at my disposal or which I have been able to reach to
through research or the kind assistance of friends, yet I believe that in
consequence of the many difficulties I have had to contend against I
must have necessarily omitted many things which I hope to make up
(or in a future Edition, if the present work should meet with public
favour and patronage.
Those Noblemen and Gentlemen, who have been kind enough to sup
ply me with more detailed facts and information,will find that their family
sketches have been as a matter of consequence fully given; but no account
has been exaggerated or qualified by me, as each has been drawn up from
details furnished to me by the persona interested in this work,

I was

besides very careful to leave off many points o f no importance or public

interest.

I have, however, received great help from the few articles

that have appeared from time to time in the leading periodicals, maga
zines, &c,

1 have also drawn facts and abridged accounts from the best

authorities available on the subjects 1 have treated on and a list o f

these is given at foot,
I shall feel highly indebted to the public if they will be so good ae
to pardon me for all such ahortcomingii and imperfections as must
necessarily occur in such undertakings, and shall be thankful to them
for any kind suggestions they may make towards the improvement o f a
future Edition, which I contemplate bringing out with the help o f their

Tl

patronage.

I have already mentioned in the Preface to my Part I,,

that if my labour be generally approved I will bring out the Second

Edition with considerable improveraents and with portraits o f several
selected Chiefs and Rajas, Index, and Illustrations of the historical
places referred to in the course o f the work.

Part II.

has become

exceedingly bulky through several original accounts which I have

received very late from different parts of India, and which I have only
had time to put into my own language.

Part I. was condensed by me

with a view to make it a cheap book o f reference; as I knew that

several books were available regarding Native States though sold at
higlier prices.

But, in this Part, I have also included much new and

interesting information which I obtained by commuDicating with the

heads of the Native States.
From the accounts received by me for both Parts I. & II., and from
tlie Gazette of India and the Calcutta Gazette for some years back, I
have been able to prepare Appendices for Part I I., to shew the names o f
numerous Chiefs, Noblemen and Gentlemen who have received Titles and
Honorary HistiDctions from the British Government from the earliest
period down to the present time.

Though these Appendices may not

be quite complete ; yet I hope that they may prove useful to the public
to a great extent as they are intended to supply partially the place of
the accounts o f those Noblemen and Gentlemen to whom I had repeatedly applied for in formation, but in vain.
M y grateful acknowledgments are due to the following Chiefs,
Nobles, Zamindara, Ac,, who afforded me encouragement in the publica
tion of my present volume, and favoured me with valuable information
regarding themselves and their families.
His Excellency Nawab Sir Satar Jang Bahadur, o.c.s.i., Prime
Minister of Haiderabad; His Excellency liaja Sir T. Madava Rao,K .c.s.i.,
Prime Minister of Baroda ; Maharaja Sir Jay Mangal Sing Bahadur,
K.C.S.I., o f G idhour;

f^Iaharaja Anandagajapatiraj of Yizianagram ;

Maharani Sarnamoyi, c. i,, of

Casimbazar, M u rsh id ab a d M a h a ra ja

Lucbmesvar Sing Bahadur o f Darbbanga j Maharaja Krishna Pratab

Saiiee Bahadur of H atw a; The H onble Maharaja Jatindra
Tagore Bahadur, c.s.i., of Pathuriaghata, Calcutta;

Raja

Mohan
V elugati

rii

Kumara Yacliama NaUloo Garoo Bahadur Punjcha Hazari Munsubdar,

f. 8. I.,

oi

Y enkatagirl;

Raja

Rtijeudra Naraycn

Dev Bahadur,

of Savabazar, Calcutta ; Raja Souriudra Mohan Tagore, Musical D oc

tor, C.I.E., &c., &c., of Patburiaghata, Calcutta ; Baja Rajendra Muliick
Bahadur of Cliorebagau, Calcutta ; Raja Siva Prasad, c.s.i,, o f Benares;
The H oii ble Raja Goday Narain Gajputtee

Rao of Madras ; Raja

Surji Kaiita Acharjee o f Muktagacha, Maimensing ; Baja Syama Nanda

De Bahadur of Balaaore ; Maharani Syatn Mob ini o f Dinajpur ; Maha
rani Rajrup Kooar of Tikari ; Nawab Khaja Abdul Ganni, c.s.i., of
D a cca; The late Nawab Amir A li Khan Bahadur of Calcutta ; Nawab
Aabanulla Khan o f D a cca ; S jed Hossaii-Al-Edrus, c. s. i., o f S u ra t;
Khan Bahadur Jemadar Saleh Hindi, c.i.e., o f Junagarh ; Sri Jagannadha Uajamaoi Raja Deo, c .i e., o f Mandaaa, Ganjam ; Sirdar Atar
Sing, C.I.E , of Bhadour, Ludiana ; Pandit Sarup Narain, c . i . e ., o f D e lh i;
Pandit Bapu Deva Sastri, c .i.e ,, o f Benares ; Manackjoe Rustomjee,
Esq., Persian Consul in C alcutta; The H on ble Dosabhoy Framjee
Karaka, c.s.i., of Bombay ; B. Krisniengar, Esq., c.a i,, o f Maisur ; The
H on ble Morarjee Gocul Das, o.i.e., o f Bombay ; The

H on ble Shet

Framjee Nussernanjee Patel of B om bay; The Honble Mir Homayeon

Jah Bahadur, c.i.e, o f Madras ; T. Matliusami Aiyar, B.I*., and c.i.E , o f
Madras ; The Hon ble Ramea Chunder Mitter o f Bisbnupur, Dnm Dura,
(24-Pargannas) ; Rai Rajib Lochan Rai Bahadur of Casimbazar, Mur
shidabad ; Rai Baidya Nath Pandit Bahadur o f Killah Darpan, C uttack;
Kumar Jagendra Nath Rai of the Nattor Raj Family, Rajshahye ;
Tiiakur Jaga Mohan Sinlia o f Bijayraghogarh ; Babu K ali Kissen Tagore
o f Pathuriagbata, Calcutta ; Babna Damudar Das Barman and Prosad
Das Muliick o f Barabazar, Calcutta ; Babu Nava Krishna Rai Dastidar o f S y llie t; Babus Jogendra Nath Sing Rai and Nalit Mohan Sing
liai o f Cliakdighi, Bard wan ; Rao Saheb Vinayek Rao o f
Babu Guru Das Mitter o f Benares ; and several others.

Indore .

In conclusion, I beg to offer my condolence to those gentlemen who

have lately communicated to me the sad intelligence o f the deaths of
respectable members of tbeir families.

I have duly noted the informa

tion for the Second Edition of m y work,

L . N. GHOSE.

TUI

LIST OF W O RK S, t c . , R E F ERRED TO FOR PAR T II.

E n g l is h .

1.Aitchison's Treaties, Engagements, and Sunmids, Part I., Bengal, 1862.

2.Umb'a History of India,
3.Griffin's Panjab Rajas.
4.Statistical Account o f Bengal, Vol. II., Nadiya and Jeesore, by W . W . Hunter
B, A . , L .L .D .

6. Ditto, Vol. IV., Bardwan, by ditto.

6. Annals o f Rural Bengal, by ditto.
7. Mr. Weatland'e Jeseore.
8.The Calcutta Review, V<^. III., 181&.
9 . Ditto, No. C X I., January, 1873,
10.Memoirs of Dwsrka Nath Tagore, by Kishori Chand Mitter, printed b y
Messrs. Thacker Spink & Co., 1870,
11.The Life o f Ram Dalai Dey, by Oris Chandra Ohose.
12. A Collection* of Portraits of some o f the Eminent Men of Bengal with short
sketchea of their lives.
13.A brief Memoir o f Babu Durga Choran Banerjee, by Kailas Chandra Bose.
14.The parsees. Their History, Manners, Customs and R e l^ o n , by The Hon'ble
Dosabhoy Fratnjee, c.s.1., o f Bombay.
1 5 .- -The Bengal Magaaine for April and May, 1880.
16.The Oriental Miacellaney, Nos. X V II August, 1880; X V I I I September, 1880 j
X I X October, 1880.
17.The Leading Periodicals.
18. The Oastette o f India and the Calcutta Gazette for some years.
broeknres containing family histories published by the members op
some distiiignished families in India for private circulation and
fvoeived by me in the course of the compilation of the work.
A ij g l g - P e r s i a s .
1 . A m i n n a m a , b y t b e la k e N a w a b A m i r A l i K h a n B a b a d u r .

B e n q a x i,
1 . - N a b a N a r i.
2 . C b a r it a a t a k .
3 . N a b a b a rs ik i ( T b e B e n g a l y e a r b o o k ) 1 2 8 4 b . s .
4 . B a n g a S a b i t y a B ia a y e r p r a s t a b , b y P a n d i t R a m g a t i N a y a r a t n a

O U R IY A .

1,The HtBiory of Orissa, printed at the Baptist Mission Press, Cnttack.

' This Utilc book contains 84 pages and short notices o f N ine Eminent M en only, printed hy
U cM rs. J, O bose & C o., 31 , Jhamapukur, N ovem ber, 1 S76 . price Rs. 5.

CONTENTS.
Part II -THE NATIVE ARISTOCRACY AND GENTRY.
S ection L B E N G A L , B E H A B , A N D O R IS S A .
C h a p t e r I . B e n g a l.

IV-BIRBH U M .

l.-B A N K U R A .

(Principal Fam iliet.)

(Principal Pamilies.)

The BishDupur Kftj PamiJy

Page

The Birhhum Raj Family ...

Page.
..

13

..

V -O A L C U T T A .
(Principal Familiee, Nobles and Pminent Jlen.)

(Sundry Zamindart.)
L Baja Damucihar Sing o f
Mallara
II.Rfli Radhaballabh Sing
Deva
Babadiir
of
Kuchiakol
...............

11-BARDWAN.
(Principal Familiet,)
The Bardwan B sj Family

(O ther I amiliee.')
I .The Cliakdighi Zamindars
...
...............
I I . The Rai Chowdhuri Fa
mily, knowD as Cbewdhurics o f Benapur ...

10

lll-B A R ISA L OR BACKERGANJ.

(Sundry Zamindarg,}
I. Babn Prassana Kumar
Rai Chowdhuri of Kirt i p a s a ................................ 12
II. Babu Bakhal Chandra
Rai
Chowdhuri
of
Lukbutia
...................ih.

I,Nawab Amir AH Khan

Bahadur
................
I I _ X h a Hoa ble
Anukul
Chandra Mukeiji, Pa
thuriaghata ...
...
i n . The Datta Family of
Hatkhola
................
I V . Raja Digam bar Mitter,
c.g.l., Tontonia
...
V . Babu
Durga
Charau
Law and bis Brothers,
J h a m a p u k a r................
V I. Govinda Ram Mitters
Family, Kumartoli ...
V IL Babn
Haro
Chandra
Ghoee, Jorasanko
...
V III. Pandit Tavar Chandra
Bidyasagar, C.I.E., Sukea9 Street ................
I X , Dewan Kaai Nath*fl Fa
mily, Barftbazar
...
X . The Hon ble Rai Kristo
Daa Pal Bahadur,c.i.B.,
Jorasanko
...
X I. Revd. Kristo
Mohan
Beneiji, l .l .d .
...
X I I , Dewan
Kristo
Ram
Bose's Family, Sbambaaar
...
X I I I , Manackjee
Rustomjee,
Esq., Persian Consul in
Calcutta

14

IS
19
21
23
26
80

37
39
41
43

41
43

n
S e ctio n I .

BENGAL, BEHAR,

ORl&SA.^fConfinved.)
Page.

V-OALOUTrA.-tCiV(/f*(fJ
Page.
S I V . Mati Lai Seals Family,
Kfllutola
X V The Mtilltek Family of Pathuriagrbata aiid Chore-

hapan
X V I .The Muliick Family of
BarabftKar
...............
X V I I . ^Eabus Natida Lai Bose
and
Pasupati Nath
Bose, Bapbazar
X V I I I . P in t Ram Mara Family,
Jaubazar
X I X , Dewan Radha Madhav
BeneriPa Family, Jorabagan ............................
X X , Maharaja Raj Ballabh's
Family, Bagbazar ...
X X L Kam Dulal Dey a Family,
Sim la.............................
X X I I . Babu Ram Oopal Ofaose,
Ton ToDia
................
X X IT I. Dewau
Ram
Lochan
Ghoaea Family, Pathuriagbata
X X IV , Raja Ram Mohan Roys
Family, Snkeas Street
X X V . Rasamaya Datta a Fa*
mity, Rambagan
X X V I , Dewan Santiram Singhis
Family, Jorasaoko ...
X X V I I .The Savabazar Raj Fa
mily
...
...
...
X X V I I I ,The Sen Family o f K*
lutola............... ................
X X I X . The Sets and Basaks
o f Calcutta ...
X X X . Raja Sukmoys Family,

49
51
65

73
74
75
78
81
82

86
89
90
127
165

Patburiaghata................ 157

X X X I ,The Tagore Family

and

160

( Other Familiei, Wohles, and Eminent

3Sen.)
I . Banamali Sirkars Fa
mily, Rumartoli
... 224
I I , Beni Madhav Mitter'a
Family, Rumartoli ... ii,
III. The Bose Family o f
S i m la .............................. 228
IV , Doctor Durga
Charau
Banerji of Taltala ... 230

V . Dewan Dnrga Charan

Mukerji s Family, Bag
234
bazar ...............
V I, The Ghose Family of
235
A r p u li...............
V II.The G oho Fam ily of
Hogalkuria ............... ih.
V IIL The Goho or Sirkar Fa
m ily of Bagbazar, for
merly of Singti, Zilla
H u gh li............................ 238
I X . Qokul Chandra Mittera
239
Family, Bagbazar
X . Hara Chandra Bose s Fa
mily, Kasaripara, Simla ih.
X I , Isan Cbandm Beneiji,
and Mahes Chandra
240
Banerji, Calcutta
X I I , Dr, Jadu Nath Mukerji,
Calcutta
............... 241
XIII,-Jaya Narayan Mitter s
243
Family, Calcutta
X IV , Kasi Nath Ghosee Fa
244
mily, Simla ...
X V , Mathur Sens Family,
Nimtala
............... 246
X V I . The Maznmdar Family of
Enmartoli
............... 247
X V II. The Mitter Family of
Nimtala
............... ih.
X V III. Nanda Kam Sens Fa
255
mily, Savabazar
X IX . Nidhu Ram Boses Fa
mily, BftgW.ar
ih.
X X . The Pal Family of Jorasanka
............... 256
X X L Piyari Charan Sirkar
and his Family, Cborebagan ...
257
X X I L Radha Krishna Mitters
Family, Darjipara ... 263
X X I I I . Rajendra Nath Mittera
Family, Calcutta
264
X X I V . Raaik Lai Ghoses Fa
mily, Darmahata
268
X X V , The Sandel Fam ily of
Natun Bazar, Upper
Chitpore Road
270
X X V I . The Shorn Family of
Bagbazar
271
X X V I I , Dewau Sri Hari Ghosea
Family, Kantapukur,
Bagbazar, Calcutta ... 272

m-

SEcrroN I.BENGAL, BEHAR,

Page.

X X V in . Tarflk Nath Pramanik,

Joraantika
...
... 286
X X I X . Tulsl Ram Ghoses Fa
mily, bbambazar
... i4.

28T

V II-D A C C A
^frincipal Families, Fobles, and Emi'

nefit
Ehaja

Abdul

288
IT. Raja Kali Narayan Rai
Chowdhuri Bahadur... 292
G a n i , C .S .I ........................

(^Other Families.)
The Sen Family o f Kamarpur

X I-H O W R A
Pag&.,

{Principal Phmilies.)
The Andul Raj Family

. 300

{Principal Families, Nobles, and

nent M en.)

(^Principal Families.)

I. Nawab

ORISSA.{ConlinueS.y

Xn~H UGH LI

V I-C H O T A NAGPUR
The Chota Nagpur Raj Family

and

293

VIM -DINAdPUR

I , The Benerji's of Telinipara .............................. 30h

II. Babu BhudeV Chandra
Mukeiji, c.i.E,
... 302
H I. The Gosvamjes of Sirampur
..................303IV , Haji Muhammad Mtohsiu
aud the Matwaliea of
Hughli Imambarra ... .304
V .The Mukerjies of Janai 309>
V I.The Mukerjies of Uttarpara
.............................. 310
V II. The Rai Mohasaya Fa
mily of Sbiomphuli,
known as Rajas of
Sbioraphuli ..................31k
V IIL The Shorn Family of
Chiueura
............... i i i

(P riacipa l Families.')
The Dinajpnr Raj Family ...

295

(O iher Families.)
The Bai Chowdhuri Family o f Mohadevpur
..................297

IX -FA R ID PU R
(Sundrg Zamindars.)
Chowdhuri Golam Ali of H aturia... 298

X -H A ZA R IB A G H
{P rin cipa l Families.)
I.Tbe Hazaribagh Raj Fa
mily
299
11.The Ramgarh Raj Famiiy
................................ib

{Other Families.)
L The Mitter Family o f
Kalacliara
..................313^
II. The Kai Family of Haripal
............................... ib.
H I. The Kirkar Family of
Paraubati
................ 314

X lll-J E S S O R E
{Principal Families.)
L The Jessore Raj Family 315
I I . The Naldanga Raj Fa
mily ..............................317
I I I .The Naral Bai Family 318
{Snndrg Zavtindars.)
Digindra Nath Pal, oi Satrujitpur

319

IV
S e c t io n

I.BENGAL, BEHAR,

and

ORISSA.( C o n f i n w e d ;

XIV-M AIM EN SIN Q

Page,

(F tin eip a l Families, Nobles, and Etni^

nent H en.)
Page.
I. The Shasang Raj Family 320
II. KftjaSurji Kanta Acharji
o f Muktagacha
... 821

{Sundry Zamindars.')
Babu Ram Chandra Chowdhuri of
B o k a i ...............................324

X V -M A N B H U M
(P rin cip a l Families.)

The Pacbeti Raj Family

Rai Lachmipat Sing Ba

hadur aud Rai Dbanpat Sing Bahadur ... 352
V . Bm Rftjib Locban Rai
Bahadur
..................353

IV.

( Other Families, Nohltt, and Eminent

Men.)
I. The Boee Sarvadbikari
Family of Choa, Berhompur
..................356
I I . Babn Raghu Nath Rai
c f Murshidabad
... ib,
H I. Babu Ram Uas Sen, Zamindar of Beihempur 357

.................. 325

X IX -N A D IY A .

X V I-M ID N A P U R

(P rin cip a l Families.)

{Principal Families.)
I, Tha Midnapur Raj Fa
mily
.............................. 336
II. The Moissdal Raj Family 327
I I I . The M oynaRaj Family... 328
( Other Families.)
T he GosTamies o f A kabpor

329

X VII-M O N G H Y R.
(P riticip al Fam ilies,)
The Gidhour Raj Family

The Nadiya Raj Family ...

868

( Other Families.)
I.The Mukerjl Family of
Ulla ...............................364
I I . The Mustaphi Family of
Ulla
............................... ib.
i n . The Pal Chowdhuri Fa
mily of Natuda
... 366
IV . The Pal Chowdhuri Fa
mily of Ranaghat ... 367

... 330

X X -R A J S H A H Y E .
{ Other Families.)
Shah Mobaiu All and his Family 332

XVMl-MURSHIDABAD.
(Principal Families, Nobles, and FmU
nent Men.}
I.The Casimbazar Raj Fa
mily
.............................. 334
I I .The Jagat Seth s Family 345
I I I ,The Nizamat Family o f
Bengal..............................347

(P rin cip a l Families.)

I. The Nator Raj Family 370

II. The Patija R aj Family 376
III. Raja Prasauua Nath
Kai s Family, known na
Bighapatia Raj Family 378
(Snndry Zamindars,)
Rai Giris Chandra Lahiri Baha
dur of Kasimpur
... 381

S e c t io n

I.BENGAL, BEHAR

X X l-S O N T H A L PARGANNAS.

and

ORISSA. (CotUinuedi)

Chapter I I . B e h a r .
I-CH U M PA RU N -

CPrincijfal Families.)
Page
The Sultaiiabad Baj Family

... 382

{Principal Families.)
Page.
The Bettia Raj Family

...

.. 423

X X n -T W E N T Y FOUR PARGANNAS
{P rin cipa l Families, ffobles, and
Eminent ^fen,)
I ,The Blinkailaa Raj Fa
mily
.............................. 382
II.The Hon ble Dwarka
Nath Mitter, Bhowauipur
...............
... 385
H I.Haris Chandra M u k erji;
the late Editor of
the Hindu Patriot,
B h o w a u ip a r.................. 391
IV .The Mitter Family
of
Baraset
...
... 396
V .The Paikpara Raj Family ib,
VI, Rai Rajendra Lala Mitra
Bahadur, l . l . d . , c . i . e .,
o f the Surah R aj Fa
mily
............................. 398
V I I .The
Hun ble
Ramea
Chandra Mitter and hia
Family, Rajarhat BiehDupur, near Dum-Dum 408
V III, TlieH on blo Sambhu Nath
Pandit, Bhowanipur ... 410

ll-C H U P R A OR SARAN

(Samlry ZajniTuiarS.i
1. Babu Deo Kumar Sing... 424
II.Rai Babu Moliabir Pra
sad Sab Bahadur
... 425

IH -G YA
{Principal Families.')
I.The Deo Raj Family ..
II.The Tikari Raj FamUy

426

428

IV -P A T N A
(Principal Patailiei.)
The Patna Raj Family

...

432

{Sundry Zamindars.)
I.Rai Hari Eishen
... 433
I I . Babu Bam A uugrah Na
rayan of Badalpura,
Khagoul
..................434

{O th er Fa^nilics.)
I.The Bose Family
of
Boroe ...
412
I I .The Biswas Family of
Eharda
.................. 413
V -S E W A N .
I I I .The Dey Family o f En(P
rin
cip a l Fhntilici.}
tally .............................. 416
IV . The CosTamies of Eharda 417
435
The Hatwa Raj Family ...
V,The Mukerji Family of
Govardanga ................. 418
V I.The Muusbi Family of
Taki.....................................ib.
V I-SH A H A B A D .
V II.The Rai Chowdhuri Fa
( Principal Fam ilies.)
mily of Bari pur
... 419
V III.The Rai Chowdhuri Fa
I .The Bhagwanpur Raj Fa
mily of Satkhira
... 420
mily .............................. 437
I X .The
Sen Family of
II.The Dumraon Raj Family ib.
Jagaddal
..................421

Tr

S e ctio n I . B E N G A L , B E H A R , and O R IS S A . (Continued.)'

( Other Zamindars))

VII-TtRH U T.
( P rincipal F ajniliet.)

Page.

Page.

Babu Kailas Chandra Ghoae Bai

Mohasaya
.............................. 446

1. The Darbfaanga Eaj Fa

mily .............................. 440
I I ,The Sbahar Raj Family 443

U -C U T T A C K .
[Principal Fismiiies,)
L The Raj Family of Killah Darpan ..................447
II. The Raj Family of
P&rikud
..................449^

( Sumdrg Zamindars.)
Bai

Chowdhuri Rudra Prasad

Bahadur o f N a o p u i................

(Sundry Zamindars.)
Babu Kali Fada Beoerji

460^

Chapter III.Orissa.
MI-PURI OR JAQANNATH:

I-B A L A S O R E

(P rincipal Fam ilies.)

{P rin cip a l Zamindars.)

Baja Syama Naoda De Bahadur

The Raj
444

S e c t i o n I I . T H E N O R T H -W E S T E R N

Family of Khordah
better known as tho
Raj Family of Puri or
Jagannath
...
...

P R O V IN C E S A N D

OUDH.

Chapter I.~The North-Western

Provinces.
i- b e n a r e s .

(P rin cipa l Phmilies, Nobles, and Emi

nent Afen.)
I . Pandit Bapu Deva Sastri, C .I.E ................................ 453
II.The Mitter Family
... 455
III, The Rai Family
... 467
IV . Raja Siva Prasad, C .S .I .,
and his Family
... ib.

I V -J A N S b
{P rincipa l Families.)
Raja Kasho Rao Dankar Baha
dur, of Gursarai
... 4GB

V -J A U N P U R .
{Sundry Zamindars.)
Monlvie Syed Tafazzul Hosscin
K h a n ........................... 462
V I-M A T H U R A
{P rin cipa l Families.)

II-C A W N P U R
(Principal Eumilies.)
Mahataj Reoti Ram Tewaris Fa
mily .............................. 459

The Bett Family of Mathura

ibi

Chapter II. Pratabgarh (Oudh.)

lll-E T A W A H .

{Sundry Zamindars.)

{Sundry Zamindars.)
Babu Gitidhar Pas

460

Babu Lai Mahcs Bux of Dahuawau

............................ 46i

vn

III THE PANJAB.

S e c tio n

Chapter I.Amritsar.
(Principal A'obles and Eminent Sfen.)
Page.
Sirdar Mangal Sing Ramgbaria,
C .S .1 ............................................ 464

Pagel
Samp
Nanyan,
C .I .E .,
Political Agent
and Deputy Bhil Agent,
M a n p n r .............................. 468

I I . Pandit

Chapter III.Ludhiana.

Chapter II.Delhi.
{PrtJicipal JVobles.)
I , Moeharraf-Ud-Dolah Nawab
Nabi Baksh Kban Baha
dur Delawar Jang
... 465
S e c tio n

(P rincipal Noblee.)
Sirdar

Attar Sing, Malaa-UlUlama-0-Ul-Faza1a, c . i . i . ,

Chief of Bbadour
... 471

IV RAJPUTANA,

BIKANIR.
(P rincipal Nobles.)
Abhir Chand Daga, Rai Bahadur, bettor knowu as Banai La) Abbir
Chand
.............................................................................
' ...
... 475

S e c tio n

V. CEI^TRAL INDIA,
INDORE.
(P rin cipa l Eam ilies.)

The Kibe F a m i l y ..........................................................................

S e c tio n

479

VI.THE CENTRAL PROVINCES.

BIJAYRAGHOGARH.

{Principal Families, Nobles, and Eminent M en.)

Thakur Jaga Mohan Sinha and his Family

S e c tio n

............................

4S3

VII.ASSAM.
SYLHET.

( Principal Families,
The Daatidai Fam ily of S y l h e t ......................................
S e c tio n

V I I I ,

THE BOMBAY,

Chapter I.Bombay.
(Principal

Nobles, and Eminent Men.

I. Sir Albert David Sassoon,

Kt., C.S.1........................... 484
II. Bhugwan Dass Purehotam Dase, Esq,
... 485
III,The Honble Byramjee
Jeejeebhoy, C A I.
... 487

.. 483

(P r e s id e n c y .)

IV . Cnrsetjee Nosserwanjee
Came, Esq. ...
,, 487
V, Messrs. DoDsbajee and
Nuseerwanjee
... 488
V I, The H on ble Dosabhoy
Framjee Karaka, C .8 .I . ib.
V II. Framjee Cowasjee, Esq. 490
V III , Jamsetjee Dorabjee, Esq. 491
I X . Sir Jamsetjee Jeejeebhoy,
Bart................................... 493

V tlt
S e c tio n

VIII.THE BOMBAY, (Presidency)

Page.

X .The Hnu blc Mangbal

Dasa Nftthiibhoy, C.S.I. 503
X I .The H on ble Morarjee
Gocul Dasa, c . i . e . . . .
X I I ,The
H on blfl
Sorabji
Sbapurjee Beagali, ... 605

Continue,
Page.

X lir .The P o n 'b lc Shet Frarajee Niisacrivanjee Patel 505

C lia p t e r I I . S u r a t.
1, Ardasir
Dhunjecahaw
Bahadur
..................508
I I . Syad Hossan-Al-Edrua,
C.B.1................................... 611

IX .HAIDERABAD.

S e c tio n

(Principal Koblea.)
Hifl Excellency Nawab Sir Salar Jang Bahadnr Mnktiar-Ul-Mnlk SujaUd-DauU, O .C .S .I ............................................................................................................................. 614

X.MAISUR.

S e c tio n

(P rin cipa l J^obtes.)

B. Eristniengar, Esq., c.s.i.

S e c tio n

..........................

... 618

XI.THE MADRAS, (PRESIDENCY.)

Chapter I.Ganjam-

Chapter IV.Tanjore-

(principal Ihm ilies.)

The Sri Baja'a Family of Mandasa 619

(Principal J/'oblca.')
His Excellency Raja Sir T. Madava
Row, K.C.S.I., Prime
Minister of Baroda ...^533

Chapter II.Madras.
(Principal Aoblea.)
1.The H onble Mir H o
mayeon Jah Bahadnr,

C.I .E ........................................ 622

Chapter V.Vizagapatam.
II.The Hon blc Tiravarut
Muttnsami Aiyar, b . l .
(Principal Families, Nobles, and Fnii
a n d c .i .s ...........................624
nent APfa.)

I ,The Hon ble Raja Goday

Naraena Gujpntee Rao 633

Chapter III.Nellore.
(P rin cipa l Families.)
The Venkatagiri Baj Family

627

I I .The Vizianagar or The

Vizianagram Raj Fa
mily .............................. 540

IX

A P P E N D IC E S,
CON TAIN IN G

The names o f several Haiive Princes, Chiefs, and Nobles on tchom Salutes,
Orders o f Baronetcy and Knighthood, Titles and Honorary DisiinC'
tiona have been conferred by the British Government from its
early settlement down to the present time, with short notices.

A p p s n d ix

Salutes attached to Chiefships and Personal Salutes

A p p in d ix

...

Page.
649-50

B,

Sundry Titles and Honorary Distinctions conferred on the Native Princes,

Chiefs and Nobles

............................................................................................651

p p e n d ix

Titles coBfencd on the Native Armies

C.

................

605

Abstract of the Appendices A. 6. and C. shewing the aggregate number of

the holders o f Salutes, Titles, A c......................................................................610

TH B

M O D E R N H IS T O R Y
OF THE

I N D I A N CHIEFS, E A J A S , Z A M I N D A R S , &c.
P

ar t

I I THE NATIVE ARISTOCRACY

AND GENTRY.

S e c t io n

L B E N G A L , B E H A R , A N D ORISSA.

C hapter I.B en g a l.
i._b a k k u r a

.*

(Principal PamHics.)
T H E B IS H N U P U R R A J F A M I L Y .
%

A di M alla,

a descendant o f one o f th e Rajput Kings o f Jai-Nagar,

near Brindaban, was th e fomider of th e Bishimpur Raj family.

W liile his parents were on their pilgrimage to Jagannath (Orissa)
he was born at Padampur, Zilla Bankura, formerly part o f the Distriqt
of Bardwan, but they considering the difficulty o f carrying a child
with them to such a distance left him under the care o f a Brahmia
known as Mahapatra, to whom they offered some money for'his main
tenance till their return.

His parents did not, however, return from

Jagannath, and the Brahmin supported him in his infancy by keeping

a nurse wlio belonged to the low caste Bagdi, and hence he was
afterwards known as the Bagdi-Raja.

When lie was only six or

seven years of age the Brahmin disregarding his noble birth and princely
countenance used to send him out to tend his cows, and on a certain
* The names of the places or districts as also of the families, nobles, aad
cminaDt mQ, have been alphabetically arranged.

'The Modern History o f

day he missed one of them while he was engaged in driving the cattle
homewards.

He at once came home and after leaving the cows went

into the fore&t in search o f the lost one, bat his efforts were in vain.
Being disappointed and overcome with fatigne he fell asleep at the
foot o f a tree, while a lax'ge cobra instead o f biting him raised his
colored hood above his face and shaded him from the scorching rays of
the sun.

Meanwhile, the missing cow came home and the Brahmin

being in great anxiety at his absence, immediately started ifi search o f

him and at last reached the very spot where A di Malla was sleeping, but
the Brahmin wds greatly terrified when he saw the deadly snake

with

houd erect above the face o f the sleeping boy as if prepared to sting.
The snake, however, at the sound o f the

Brahmins footsteps glided

away silently at the sametime contracting his hood, and Adi Malla
arose disturbed by the rays o f the sun which fell upon his face on the
withdrawal o f the shade.

The Brahmin embraced him fondly and said

that he would never let him go again to tend his cows, and remarked
according to the Hindu Sastr.as that he would surely be a king os a
snake has raised his hood above his head, but at the sametime the
Brahmin exacted a promise from him that the lad would appoint him as
his hereditary priest if he was ever exalted to the position of a K ing or
Sovereign.

The Brahmin then brought A di Malla home, and com

menced to educate him properly in Sanskrit and other languages.

"While A di Malla was a student he went out one day with a small
net to catch fish in an adjacent rtver, but in lieu of which he brouglit
home some golden tiles found in the water-course which he then believed
to have been common bricks covered with moss.

The

Brahmin on

receipt o f a large heap o f gold became rich and engaged several

Falwaiis or fighting men to make A d i Malla a perfect warrior, and
purchased several horses for his use.

W ithin the course o f a few

years Adi Malla became a great warrior and he co-operated with the
Nawab of Murshedabad in the war against the R aja o f Padampur.
The Raja of Padampur was defeated by the Nawab, but instead o f
Burrenderiiig to him committed suicide, and in consequence bis troops
were dispersed.

The Nawab being highly pleased with the conduct o f

Adi Malla conferred on him the title o f Raja and the principality o f

ihe Indian Chiefs^ Rajas, Zamindars, <^C.

Padumpur ; the fort o f wliich is still in existence, but in a very

delapiclatecl state.

Raja A d i Malla, however, was not forgetful o f the

contract lie taade with the Bfahmin to appoint him as his hereditary
priest.

Adi Malla, enlarged his dominions and made

Bishnupur hia

capital where he erected a very good fort and reigned for a long time.
A fter tlie death o f Adi Malla his descendants Raghu Nath Sing, Gopal
Sing, Durjan Sinff, BirSing, Krishna Sing, Cbaitanya Sing, Damudhar
Sing, Madan Mahan Sing, and Madhab Sing, built several Hindu
temples in Bishnupur, improved the kingdom to a great extent and
made great advancement in Sanskrit learning and the fine arts, such as,
music, &c.

Madhab Sing was succeeded by Gopal Sing II,.

During

the reign of this prince Maharaja Kirthi Chandra Rai o f Bardwan

invaded Bishnupur, but eventually made a friendly alliance with him to
arrest the progress o f the Mabrattas.

Mahrattas, however, devastated

the country and a famine broke out which deprived Maharaja Gopal
Sing o f almost all hia suhjects.
During the reign of Damudhar Sing I I., such was the financial
embarrasment o f the Raj that he was compelled to dispose o f several
parts o f his Raj. and to pawn the idol Madan Mahan one o f the lucky
Hindu gods of his family to the late Babu Gokul Chandra Mitter o f
Upper Chitpur Road, Calcutta; which occurrence the Hindus in general
remark was the cause of the fall o f the Bishnupur Raj.
Raja Ramkrishna Sin^, s o n o f Rnja Gopal Slug TIT., or the last, is
at present the leading member of the Raj family, but he is reduced to
comparative poverty or bad circumstances.

{ Sundry Zamindars.)
I. R A J A D A M U D H A R SIN G O F M A L IA R A .
R a ja D am cdh ak

S ing , Z am indarof Maliara, is an orthodox Hinda

and like his noble ancestors is possessed of a good heart and liberal
views.

When Dr. Cannolly was for sometime at Maliara, the Raja

assisted him a great djeal in getting the people vaccinated.

During the

acEircity iu 18G6 and again in 1874, he also rendered valuable assiatance

The Modern History o f

to the helpless and starving villagers, and opened a dispensary which

lie still

maintains for the good of the people.

The Raja further

supports a large number o f sch ools established in his Zamiudari and

takes a great interest in the welfare o f these institutions.

I I . R A I R A D H A B A L L A B H S IN G D E V A B A H A D U R OP
K U C H IA K O L .
R a i R a d h a b a lla b u Sing Deva Bahadur, Zamindar of Kuchiakol
(Bankura) is one o f the descendants of the Rnj family o f Bishnupur who
had established their power in West Bardwan by the force o f arms and
enjoyed it for upwards o f some liundred years.

H is grandfather Nimai

Sin^ Deva being deprived o f the Gaddi at the death of his father
Maharaja Chaitanya Sing separated from the members of his family
and settled at Kuchiakol where he purchased a Zamindari.

Nimai

Sing Deva had attained high proficiency in Sanskrit, medicine, music,

and other fine arts.

When his son Bir Sing Deva came of age he found

to his great regret that some of his valuable possessions had been lost
by the extravagant conduct of his father whom he justly, as heir to the
estate, asked to make over to him the superititendonce o f the Zamindari,
The request was most readily granted, for nothing could exceed the jo y
o f the parent to seethe son ruling over the estate which was eventually
to fall iuto his hands.

The necessary articles were at once drawn up

and registered, and the entire management c f the estates was handed
over to him, but the fathers parasites would not remain long hand
cuffed

and fettered under the control of a vigilant and watchful

leader.

Tiiey conspired, and plotted to rob Bir Sing o f the paternal

affection and their labour was not unattended with success.

The

father revoked his consent and the son became enraged and the issue
would have been litigation hut at the intercession o f the then Judge
o f Bankura a reconciliation between the father and son was effected.
Neinai Sing Deva did not survive long after the restoration o f peace in
tbe family.

He died in the year 1832 at the advanced age of 80 years

leaving the whole estate in tact in the hands o f his only son Bir Sing
Deva who was e mau o f inestimable character.

A fter leading a life o f

the Indian Chiefs, Rajas, Zamindars,

purity and holiness Bir Sing Deva departed from tins world of cares afc
tlie age o f 59 leaving two sons Rai Radhaballahh Sing Deva Bahadur
and Babu Eainjiban Sing Deva, the former o f whom took charge o f the
estate when he

was at the immature age of 16 years only.

Rai

Radhaballabh Sing Deva Bahadur was, however, a dupe in the hands

o f his

for a certain time, but intelligent as he is he soon discovered

tlie evil nature o f his people and applied himself vigorously to learn
the intricacies o f Zamindari bustnesa and took at last upon himself all
its management unassisted.
In the year 1862, he established an English school which ia at
present in a very flourisliing condition and is solely maintained by his
munificence; he also supports a Vernacular school and a Girls school
for the education of hia countrymen.

During the time o f the scarcity he gave relief to the poor and
helpless ryots and for such acts o f

enliglitened liberality he has

received a letter of thanks from the Judge o f .tlie District o f Banknra

and has gained the title o f

llai Bahadur from Government at the

Delhi Darbar, held on the 1st January 1877.

H e has at present three

sons, viz., Babus Upendra Nath Sing Deva, Jogendra Nath Sing Deva,
and Surendra Nath Sins Deva.

I I . B A R D W A N .
(PHncipal Families.)
T H E B A R D W A N R A J F A M IL Y .
T he family of the Maharaja of Bard wan, the wealthiest and most
considerable Z am in dar in Low'cr Bengal, was founded by Abu Rai, by
caste a Kapur Kshatrya, who came down from the Fanjab as a merchant
and settled down at Bardwan, where he was , appointed Chomdhri and
Koiwcd in A. D. 1657, under the Fouzdar o f the Parganna.

Abu

Rai,

who is stated to have risen to importance as a Financier, was suc

ceeded in his business by Babu Rai, who laid the foundations o f the future
greatnesB o f the family by purchasing the Zamindari of Bardwan.

A fter

The Jl/oderu History o f

him cnme Ghanasyam Rai ancl, next Krishna Ram Rai, who acquired
some additional estates being honored with a firman from Alamghir,
Emperor o f Delhi.

In

a .d

1G96 Subha Sing,

Talukdar o f

Jetwa

and Barda, formerly ft part o f Bardwan, having obtained the aid of

Rahim Khan, an Afghan Chief, rose against Krishna Ram Rai, killed
him and imprisoned the members o f his family, except his son, Jagafe
Ram Rfti, who escaped and made his way to Dacca in hopes of procuring
military aid from the Governor o f the place for the purpose o f punishing
the rebels.

Sublia Sing was, however, stabbed to death by a brave

dnngbter of Krishna Ram Rai, whose person he had attempted to

outrage / and

his troops left Bai-dwan and succeeded in capturing

Hnghli, where they were afterwards repulsed with considerable loss.

T]|e English at Sntanuti, the French at Chandernagore and the Dutch
at Chinsurah alarmed at the progress o f the rebels,applied to the Nawab
Nazim to be allowed to put their factories into a state o f defence.

The

Nawab granted their application and they accordingly fortified their

sfcttlements.

On hearing the news o f Subha Sings death and o f the

dispersion o f his troops, Jagat Ram Rai returned from Dacca, succeeded
his father without difficulty and was honored with a firman from the
Emperor Alamghir.
A.D.

1702,

Unfortunately, he was treacherously murdered in

O f the two sons, whom he left behind, Kirthi Chandra

Rai and Mitra Ram Rai, the elder inherited the patrimony, also
received a firman from the same Emperor and added to his ancestral
Zamindari the Pargannas of Chatuyan, Bhurshut, Barda, Manahavshahi,
Kirthi Chandra Rai was apparently a sort o f Rudolph o f Hapsburgh
in the f.imily.

Fighting with the Rajas o f Chandrakona and Barda,

near Ghatal, he defeated them completely and disposse.-^sed them o f

their estates, lie seized and appropriated the several Zamindaries o f the
Raja o f

Balghara, a place adjacent to Tarakesvar in the flu gh li

District, and, with a similar object probably, waged war against tha
Raja o f Bishnupur, with whom he was obliged to conclude a hasty
peace with the object o f offering a combined resistance to the progress
o f the Mahrattas.
On his death in 17 AO

A.

.,

K irth i Chandra Rai was succeeded

by hie lOQ Ck.tra 8 eg Rai, who made some further additions to the

tkd Indian Chiefs., Rajas, Zamindars,

estates of the family.

It was on him that the title o f Raja

first conferred hy the Emperor Shah Jehau.

died in

a.d

R aja Chitra Sen

was
Rai

1744, leaving his estates to his ])atenial cousin, Tioylucko

Gliandra, alias Tilak Chandra Rai, who was raised to the rank o f
Maharaja Dhiraj Bahadur and Panjhajari a commander o f five thousand
cavalry b}* the Emperor Shah Alam.

During this ilaharnjas lifetime,

the Mahrattas greatly impoverished the country round by their inces

sant and sweeping depredations.

On his death in 1771 A, D., he was

succeeded by his sou Tej Chandra, in whose person the title, conferred
on his father, was confirmed as hereditary b^' the same Emperor Shah
Alam,

The management o f the estates

which was taken out of bis

hands in 1776 by his mother, the Maharani Bishmi Kiimari, was

resumed by him in

a.

d. 1 7 8 0 ; but the Zamindaries were suhsequqptly

brought under the permanent settlement, when Maharaja Tej Chandra

entered into an agreement with Government to pay regularly the annual
revenue, amounting to Rs. 40,15,109, besides a further annual sum o f
Rs. 1,93,721, on account o f pulbandi or repairs of embankments.

But

owing to careless management, the Raja did not reap the full benefits
o f the Permanent Settlement,

The Government Revenue fell iuto a

chronic state o f arrears, from which it could not be extricated even by

the management of Munsbi afterwards Raja Nava

Krishna Deva

Bahadur, who was appointed K rak Sujav;al or attaching officer to the

Zamindari.

The Maharaja Tej Chandra was even tlneatened by the

Government with the forfeiture o f his Zamiudari, but to no purpose.

In

1797, the Board o f Revenue began to sell parts o f the vast

Zamindari in lots of several villages each, which were bought to some

extent by D w arkaN ath Sing of Siughur, Chaku Sing o f Bliastara,
the Mukerjis o f

Janai, the Benerjis o f

Telenipara,

and

others.

Maharaja Tej Chandra, notwithstanding, contrived to purchase most of

the lots pseudonymously and would probably have saved the whole
estate, but for the death at this time o f liia mother Maharnni Bishiiu
Kumari, who possessed remarkable aptitude and capacity for business.
In the course o f a few years, however, the Maharaja made good his
loss by giving away the land in perpetual leases or Patnis, and, by
way of improving the value of the estates, he opened a metalled road

The Modern History o f

from Bardwan to Kalna, constructed a bridge at Magra and m ado

several improvements in the town o f Bardwan and its vicinity.
On tlie death o f

Tej Chandra in 1832, a fictitious claim

to his succession was set up by a person calling himself Pratap Chandra,

the name of the ilaharaja s son, who had previously died ; but the
claim was rejected and the estates v:era made over to Maharaja Tej
Chandras

adopted

son, Mahtah

Chandra, the

late Maharaja

of

Bardwan.
Hia Highness, the late Maharaja DhiraJ Mahtab Chandra Bahadnr,
wng a nobleman and Zamitidnr of tlie highest rank in Bengal.

H e w as

invested with the title o f Maharaja Dliiraj Bahadur by the British

Government at a Durbar, held in Government House, on the 9th April
18^p.

Whether as a benefactor to his country or as a faitliful subject

o f the Biitish Crown, he was surpassed by no Zamindar in these

Provinces.

An Anglo-Vernacular Institution at Bardwan, where a

large number o f boys are still educated free, several hospitals, dispenearies, and almshouses,

at Bardwan and Kalnahad been established

and were maintained by him.

But during the Santal rebellion and

throughout the course o f the Sepoy Mutiny, His Highness stood

loyally by the British Government.

Hi.s munificence during seasons

o f scarcity had always been almost unlimited.

The Maharaja was a

member of the V iceroy s Legislative Council for three years from 1864,
and received for life a salute o f 13 guns .at the Delhi Darbar, held on
the 1st January 1877 on the proclamation o f the Queen s title o f
Empress of India.

His Highness presented a statue o f Her Majesty

tlie Empress to the Asiatic Societys Museum at Calcutta; and the

ceremony of unveiling it was presided over wdth great pomp by His
Excellency Lord Lytton, the late Viceroy and Governor General o f
India.

The Maharaja' died at Bhaugulpnr on the '26th October 1879,

leaving an adopted son, named Maharaja Dhiraj A ptap Chand Mahatap

Bahadur, who is now the first Native nobleman in Bengal, and who, we
tr\ist, will do credit to his position by making a patiiotic use o f the
numerous advautagcs which he has inherited.

the Indian Chiefs, Rajas, Zamindars, ^c.

( Other Fam ilies).

I T H E C H A K H IG H I Z A M IN D A R S .

N ul S ino R ai , by caste a Clihetri, waa the founder of the Rai

Family o f Chakdighi, known as Ohakdighi Zamindars in tlie District of
Bardwan.

He first emigrated from R.ijp'itana and settled at Cliakdighi

and was famous for his exceptionally great knowledge o f Zamindari

business.
H e left four sons, viz,, Bhabani Sing Rai, Debi Sing Rai, Bhairab
Sing Rai, and Hari Sing Rai, who largely enhanced their family eatatea.
The first two had no issues, the third Bhairab Sing R ai had one son,
named Ambica Prasad Sing Rai, and one daughter, named Darga Debi.
Durga Debi left two issues, v iz:

Krishna Chandra Sing R ai and

Brindaban Chandra Sing Rai, who were famous for their piety and rose
to prosperity by their own energy and experience o f business.

They

founded Monirambati, a village situated near Chakdighi, where Babu

Jogendro Nath Sing Rai, son o f the late Babn Brindaban Chandra
Sing Rai, and the only heir o f the two brothers mentioned above ; is
now residing.

Babu Jogendro Nath Sing Rai received a good English

education in the H nghli College.

He is a young noble o f kind disposi

tion, affable, and courteous mauners.

He has lauded estates at Calcutta,

Hughli, Hoffra, Midnapur, and Bardwan.

Ambica Prasad Sing Rai, son of Biuvirab Sing Rai, as stated above;
died after leaving one sou Saroda Prasad Sing Rai, and one daughter
named Kberoda Sundari Debi who has several issues, o f whom the
eldest is Babu Lalit Mahan Sing R a i.
Saroda Prasad Sing Rai died on the 18th March 1868, leaving a
will and a codicil by which he bequeathed the whole o f his property
to his eldest nephew Babu Lalit MaUuti Sing Rai after making neces
sary provision for a charitable Dispensary and a Hospital, a free AugloSansbrit School, and an Aaylum for the poor in Chakdighi.
Saroda Prasad was an enlightened and powerful Zamindar.
was very kind to his tenantry and the poor in general.

He

His heir Babu

Lalit Mahan Sing Rai has been properly educated under the care aud
supervision of the Court o f Wards at Calcutta.
2

10

The Modei'u History o f

Hari Sing liai, the fourth or the last son o f Nul Sing Rai, died

leaving bebiod him two intelligent sons, Babus Cbuckon Lai Sing Rai
and Sboshi
living

Uhusan Sing Rai.

Both of these brothers are alive and

at Chakdighi.

s e p a r a t L 'l y

A ll the living representatives o f the Rai family are well-known in

the District of Bardwan and other places as respectable Zamindars.

It

was tlirough their exertion and expense, that a Post Office has been
established at Ciiakdighi, and a Patca. road constructed from Mymari
to Cliakdighi for the convenience o f travellers.

I I . TH E R A I C H O W D H U R I F A M IL Y , K N O W N

AS

C H O W D H U R IE S OF B E N A P U R T h i s is

one o f the ancient and respectable families in the District

o f Bardwan, who attained a high position during the time of the

Muhammadan Government.

Tradition asserts, that one of tlie ancestors

of Rasik Ram Bose, first obtained the distinction o f Rai Chowdhuri for
some valuable services rendered to one o f the Nawabs o f Bengal.
Rasik Ram

Rai Chowdhuri, from whom we trace the history

o f this family, was a good Sanskrit and Persian scholar.

He had much

enhanced the property which he inherited from hia forefathers by Iiis

services at the Court o f Murshedabad.

He had one issue, named Ram

Ram Rai Chowdhuri, who having ohtaiued the possession o f an enor

mous estate left to him by his father, led a life o f luxury principally
combined o f piety and good deeds.
the tilirteen

H is principal aim was to observe

Hindu festivities during the twelve months o f the year,

and on each o f which occasions he largely gave away lands and wealth
to the Brahmins and Boisnabas, and fed a large number o f poor.
name has also been immortalised by dedicating two

Hia

Hindu temples to

the idols Sham Sundar Jew and Ramesvar Siva Thakur, and endowing
at the same time sufficient funds for their maintenance as also for
Atitliisd)a (i. .,) to feed those who would come as guests to the temple
o f Sham Sundar Jew,
Ram Ram Rai Chowdhuri left four issues, named Gokul Chandra,
Brindaban

Chandra,

Krishna

Chandra,

and

Tilak

Chandra Rai

the Indian Chiefs, Rajas, Zamindars, ^c.

11

Cliowdlimies, \Yho were all famous for their learning, piety, and several
good acts, such, as, the excavation o f tanks, &c.

The eldest Gokul

Chandra, not having had any issue adopted his nephew Kadha Govinda,
the son o f his youngest brother Tilak Chandra.

Unfortunately for Eadha

Govinda, Gokul Cliandra had afterwards four issues, viz., Joy Govinda,
Hijoy Govinda, Lai Goviuda, aud Prau Govinda.

On the death o f

Gokul Chandra, his share o f the property was however equally divided
amongst his five sons, although there was a verbal understanding, that
Rad ha Govinda would inherit to the entire property o f bis adoptive
father.
Radha Goviuda, having been thus disappointed left the country,
and went on pilgrimage to the slu'ine o f Jagannatli or Puri.

W hile

returning from Puri he sojourned at Cuttack, with the hope of securing

a berth.

A s a best Persian scholar he soon got into favor with some o f

tlie principal Government officers, and eventually obtained the respect

able post o f Tahsildar o f Khoorda which he maiutained most honor
ably for many years.

Both he, aud his cousin Radha

Mahan, son o f

Brindaban Chandra, resided at Cuttack ; and as they were reckoned

as che oldest Zamindars of Bengal, who understood the Zamindari
business well, they were called upon by Government to come to Bengal
to give political hints respecting the District o f

Bardwan during the

administration of Lord Cornwalis when His Excellency the V iceroy

and Governor General of India was engaged in tlie permanent settle
ment of the country and for which purpose botfi o f them came to
Bardwan to do the needful.
Radha Goviuda again went back to Cuttack, where he died leaving
two sons, of whom the youngest Babu Haro Lai Chowdhuri is alive, aud
three daughters.

There is still a Bazar at Cuttack, known after the

name o f the Chowdhuries, as Chowdhuri Bazar.

Kadha Govinda, and his brothers were all renowned Persian aud
Sanskrit Scholars, and o f whom Joy Goviuda was most shining in
Sanskrit, so much so, that though a Kayestha, he obtained the distin
guished title of Bidyasagar from the well-known Brahmin Pandits o f
Bengal, and was much esteemed by,the late Sir Uaja Radha Kanta Deva
Bahadur, k. c. b. i, of Savabazar, Calcutta.

12

The Modern History o f

The members o f this family have, however, lost their former state

of prosperity in consequence of tlieir Zamindari being from time to

time divided into numerous shares and a greater portion thereof liaving
passed into several other hands.

m . - B A R I S A L OR BACKERGAXJ.
(Sundry Zamind ^rs.).
I . B A B U P R A S S A X A K U M A U U A I C H O W D H U R I OF
K IR T IP A S A .
B

abu

rasbana

umar

ai

howdhuri

is

the

s ix th

in descent

from Krishna Ram Mozuindar, tlie founder o f t!ie Mozutudar family o f

Kii'tipasa in Backerganj, who received as a reward some share of the
Zamindari o f Parganna Silamabad from the Rayakati Zamindars, known
as Hajas, for having served under them as a faithful Dewaii.
Babu Prassana Kumar Rai Chowdhuri now holds the share of the
Parganna Silamabad, and some Taluks in Pargannas Bozergomedpur,
Azimpur, Baikantpur and Cliandradip, which hia predecessors had pur
chased.

H e has received a good English education, and supports an

Anglo-Vernacular school in his own village; he bears the expenses

both o f a Sanskrit Toll or College for teaching the Sanskrit Grammar,
Literature, and Logic, and o f a private Dispensary.

He gives dona

tions and subscriptions towards all tlie charitable institutions in the

District.

He is indeed a true Hindu and his family is well-known to

the Hindu Samajes of Eastern Bengal, and to the Pandit Samajes of

Mithiia and Benares,

for his many

religious acts, viz., Muhaffnt,

Panchayniyah, Achalhujiodan, Tula, Chandandan, Ahnanda MoJiatsaby

Shalia$rahirti o f Chandi, dee.
II. B A B U R A K H A L C H A N D R A R A I C H O W D H U R I 0 F
L U K H U T IA .
B abu R

akhal

handra

ai

C h o w d h u r i , Zamindar o f Lukhutea,

Backerganj, is the son o f Raj Chandra Rai Chowdhuri, the founder

o f the Lukhutia property which derived its name from some lakhs
o f Tia irds, ie., parrots which abounded in that place when it was a
dense Jaugte.

Raj Chandra Rai Chowdhuri excavated a Khal, i.e., a canal

the Indian Chiefs, Rajas, Zamindars,

13

which has been at present of great advantage to the people going to Dacca
and other Eastern districts; constructed roads, dug dighies, i. e., tanks
in the District o f Barisal for the good of the public.

He was succeeded

by his son Babu Rakhal Chandra Rai Chowdhuri, an enlightened

Zamindar, who has established a Vernacular School, a Pathsala, a G irrs
Scltool, a Night School, a private

Dispensary in Lukhutia, and a

Brahma Samaj in Barisal at his own expense for the welfare of his c ntntryraen.

H e is also a great promoter o f female emancipation as will be

observed from the copy o f the following letter written to Mr. Sutherland,
the late Collector o f Backerganj, by Sir Cecil Beadon, the late Lieu
tenant Governor o f Bengal.
D e a b M b . SU TH ERLAN D ,

I am much interested by the account given in your letter to M ajor

Robau of tbe independence shewn by the Lnkhiitia Zamindars in drawing out
their wives from the seclusion of the Zenatia and in iutroduciug them into English
Society ; a movement of this kind demands every encouragement, and 1 am glad
to hear that it was so cordially met by the officers and other residents of th e
statioD.

I hope the good example set by these liberal noblemen may soon be

generally follow ed.

The Bishop I am sure will be much pleased to hear of what

happened, and I hope the Lukhutia ladies may be introduced to Mrs. Cotton
when she is at Barisal.

I have had the pleasure of being introduced to the ladies

of Harendra Krishna s fam ily in Calcutta, but the instance you gave is tbe first I
have heard o f Hindu ladies ditiiog in company.

I beg you will be so good as to

tell the Zamindars and their ladies that I highly respect the feeling which has
led them to throw off their ancient and deeply-rooted prejudices and to take a
step of such political importance in the way of social reforms,
(S d .)

C E C IL BEADON.

Babu Rakhal Chandra Rai Chowdhuri holds several Zatnindaries

in the District of Backerganj, and is at present about 34 years o f age.
He has issue two daughters, viz., bhusila and Bimola.

I V. B I R B H U M ,
( Principal Pb milies }.
T H E B IR B H U M R A J F A M I L Y .
T he Birbhum Raj Family has been conspicuous from the time of
the Mutiammadan Government.

14

The Modern History of

Nityananda, a member o f tliis ancient family, was first honored

by the Emperor Sbali Alum o f Delhi with the title of Maharaja,

Amir-ul-mulk, Azmat-ul-Daula Jagat-Endro, Danishnand, Xityananda,
Sepahdar, Jang Bahadur, in recognition o f his valuable services.

He

also received a grand Khiliit from the Emperor as a mark o f high

distinction.
Maharaja Nityauanda died at an advanced age and was succeeded
by his eldest son Banwari Lai, on wlioni the British Government first
conferred the hereditary title o f Maharaja Bahadur.
Maharaja

Banwari Lai

Bahadur

Government and did good services.

was frieiully to the British

He died leaving his estates to his

younger brother Jagatiiidra Banwari Goviuda who obtained the title

of

Maharaja Bahadur from the

British Government

on the 2 1st

December 1857.
Maharaja Jagatindra Banwari Govinda Bahadur is famous for bis
good cliaracter, kind treatment of las ryots,

and of

the poor at

large.

V . C A L C U T T A .
{Principal Families, Nobles, andMminent Men).
L N A W A B A M IR A L I K H A N B A H A D U R .
A c c o r d in g

to liis autobiography, entitled Aminnama, the late

Nawab Amir A li Khan

Bahadur was ninth in lineal descent from

Cazi Syud Nuh who, after filling the office o f Cazi of Bagdad, immi
grated to Delhi, where he made a new home for himself and family.
His vast learning was recognised with imperial
ous grants of land and by titles o f distinction.

munificence by numer
Syud A b u Biikr, his

son, who was equally fortunate iu obtaining extensive jaghirs from

the Emperor and the nobility of Delhi, was a religious devotee, who
was known as Sbaifc-ul-Mushayekh, and his son, Mullah Shah Nur
Muhammad, was the first who moved down from Delhi to the Behar
Province

It was Nur Muhammads great grandson, Muhammad Buffi,

who married the duuguter o f Cazi Syud Muhammad Mah of Barrh

the Indian Chiefs, Rajas, Zamindars. djc.

15

in the Patna Disfct-ict, where, for tlie first time, the residence o f the
family was established.

Under tlie favor o f the Nawab Nazim o f

Bengal, who bestowed mneh wealth on them, as welt aa o f the British

Goveroment, to whom Muhammad Buffi rendered distinguished services
in the early days after the British conquest, the family waxed rich
and prosperous.

Muhammad Buffis son, W arns Ali, added considerably

to the ancestral property, leaving a handsome independence and great

social influence to his son, Assud-uddin Ahmed, alias Ahmed A li, the
father of the late Nawab Am ir Ali.
of rank and position in

The Nawabs father held offices

Sumbul, Moradabad, and Barielly ; he was

present at several actions during Lord Lake s campaign against the

Mahrattas

and, after serving as Tehsildar, or Collector o f Revenue, in

several districts of the North-Western Provinces, retired to the family

scat at Barrh.

The late Nawab Amir A li Khan Bahadur was born

Bai'rh, on the 10th o f March 1810.

Up to the

at

age o f 19 years, he

stndied the arts and sciences, and the Arabic, Persian, and other lan
guages.

In 1832, he obtained an appointment in the Civil Court o f

Patna; and he subsequently came down to Calcutta during the admi

nistration of Lord William Bentinek, being appointed Assistant to tho
Ambassador o f Nussiruddin Hyder, K in g of Oudli, in whicli capacity he
became the principal medium of communication between the Govern
ment of India and the King till the K in g s death, when lie returned to
the Government service in 1837.

In 1838 he was appointed Deputy

Assistant Superintendent in the Presidency

Special Commissioner s

Cuurt, Calcutta, iiis duty being to plead in all cases in which

the

Government claimed to resume lands held rent-free on defective or no

titles.

Ill 1845, lie became Government pleader in that Court, till its

incorporation with the old

Sudder Court, in 1855, his official career

Laving been uniformly distinguished by his great aldlities, his legal

attainments and his singularly gentlemanly manners.

Loyalty to the

British Government was alrno.st a hereditary trait in his fam ily; and it
seems to have reached its highest point in the person o f the late
Nawab.

In 1857, the city of Patna was regarded by the Government

as a centre o f

rebellion and the late Mr. E. A.

Samuells, tlien a

J udge o f the Sudder Court, was sent Special Couimissioner of the Patna

16

Thie Modern History o f

Division to keep things quiet in a city which eont'ained a large popu

lation o f fanatical Masalraan.

As Mr. Samuells Personal Assistant,

the late Nawab, by big thorough knowledge of the chief people of the
district, aud, through hia great personal influence among them, suc
ceeded in helping the Government to tide over a most trying crisis of
the British rule in India.

It may give some idea o f his really practical

loyalty, that though at the time his practice at the Bar o f the SudJer
Court, yielded him a monthly income o f from Rs. 3 to 4,000, he gave
up this handsome income and with it liis independence to accept a subbordinate appointmeut, in which he rightly thought and felt he could
make himself useful to the State,

As lie said o f lumself

The Govern

ment was pleased to fix a monthly salary for me (R s. 700 per men
sem), but I took nothing, simply because the competency I have been
able to acquire, has all been got under the British Government.
** Such a proof of disinterested loyalty is singularly touching in a mercenery age.

His loyalty and devotion during the Mutiny, were alluded

to iu high terms in Parliament.

by the Government,

Distinctions were bestowed on him

The Nawah was an Honorary Magistrate aud

Justice o f the Peace in Calcutta ; he was also an Honorary Magistrate

in the 24-Pargannas; he was honored with a seat in the Legislative
Council of Bengal, and he was afterwards invested for life with the
title o f Khan Bahadur."

In 1867, he was appointed to manage the

affairs of t b e E i- K in g o f Oudh.

Through bis energetic eftbrts, claims

against the E x-K ing to the enormous sum of over 56 lahhs of rupees
were reduced to about 7 lakhs, which, under the terms of a compromise,
he ably effected, were to be paid off by monthly instalments of Rs. 7,000,
hearing no interest.

Tlie ability and success with

which the late

Nawab had arranged the complicated affairs of the E x-K ing of Oudh,
led to his selection as a Commissioner to settle the debts o f the Nawab
Nazim of Murshidabad; and he discharged this duty also with so
much of his wonted tact and judiciousness, that in recognition o f his
services, Lord Northbrook conferred on him the title o f Nawab with
which, as well as a suitable K h ilu t, he was publicly invested on the
17th Se_Aember, 1875, by Sir Richard Temple, the then Lieutenant
Governor o f Bengal, at a Darbar, specially held for the occasion at

the Indian Chiefs, Rajas, Zamindars, &c.

Bt'kiJere.

17

Sir Richard made the following speech at the investiture

cerem ony :
Nawab Amir AH Khan Bahadur ia not a stranger to those who are present
here this evening.

His polished manners and excellent behaviour have made

him quite an object o f regard in almost every mind.

When a Pleader of the

Stidder Uewani Court, he secured the confidence of tbe Judges, was always
respected by them, and was an example to other Pleaders of his time.

During tbe

mutiny when he was appointed Assistant CommisBioner in Patna, his zeal and
energy proved him to be

worthy of the notice of

Government,

[H ere His

Honor read a report of Mr. Saranellg, which speaks very highly of the N aw ab.j
In 1867, he was appointed by the King of Oudh to look after his aSairs, which
were in a most deplorable state.

His excellent managements are welNkuowa to

every one, and are the subject of much praise and commendation.

His appoint

ment os a Commissioner to settle the debts o f the Nawab Nazim of Murshidabad,

was most suitable, and a more judicious selection could not have been made.
He acquitted himself in the discharge of his duties in an honorable manner,
which gained for him the approval of His E xcellency the Viceroy, and in consi
deration o f which His Lordship was pleased to confer upon him the title of Nawab
which is regarded by the Muhammadans as the greatest distinction one could
attain to.

May we hope that he will live long to enjoy it.

The late Nawab was a learned Persian scholar, who spoke and
wrote that language remarkably well.

He was also a fluent Urdu

speaker, and, with his great knowledge o f law, and through hia almost
universal popularity, he was very successful at the Bar o f tbe Sudder
Court, with which his connection ceased shortly after the establishment
o f the High Court.

H e was particularly liked by the most eminent

gentlemen in the service o f Government.

He

was a representative

Muhammadan in every sense o f the term, in Calcutta, where he usually

resided, as well as in his native District o f Patna.

His family resi

dence was, as we have before said, at Barrh in the Patna District, where,
we believe, he owns extensive estates.

The late Nawab was a good and

most kind hearted man, who never wanted a kind word for any body
that approached him.

He left three sons, Moulvi Ashrafuddin Ahmed,

who is Motawalli of the Hughli Imambarra ; Afzalndin Ahmed ; and

Ahsanuddin Ahmed, now at Baliol College, Oxford.

He wrote several

books in Persian, the principal of which are the following ; Amir-namah

(a history o f the British Administratiou in In dia) Wazir-namak (a

18

The Modern History o f

history of the Oudh

dynasty)

Baring-namah (a history o f

Northbrooks administration in India).

He

Lord

had a work in hand,

Lytton-namak {a iilstory of the administration o f the late V iceroy),

which he has left unfinished.

He was the President of the National

Muhammadan Association in Calcutta, and was member o f many public

institutions in this city.

Tbe Sultan of Turkey honored him before his

death with a Companionship o f the Order of Osmanli.

I I . t h e H O N B LE A N Q K IJ L C H A N D R A M U K E R J I,
P A T H U R IA G H A T A .
D ewan Baidya Nath Mukerji, grandfather o f the late

Hon ble

Anukul] Chandra Mukt rji, was originally an inhabitant o f Vangomora

Gopinathpur in tlie District o f Hughli, and subsequently settled liimself at Calcutta,

Dewnn Baidya Nath (the son o f Ram Prasad Mukerjt,

a lineal descendant o f the celebrated Pandit Manahar Chandra M ukeiji)

had four sons o f whom the eldest Lakhmi Narain was the Secretary
to the Hindu College.

Lakhmi Narain had five sons o f whom the late

H on ble Aiuikul Chandra Mukerji was the fourth in order o f birth.

Anukul Chandra was born in Calcutta, in 1829.

In his early

years he was placed under the tuition o f a Persian Munshl,

Persian he learnt Bengali, and a little o f Sanskrit.

W ith

A t tbe age o f

eight he began to learn English in the School o f Govinda Bysack, but

after two years he joined the Hindu College where he studied for some
years with so njuch diligence that he was successful in obtaining a
Senior Scholarship,

He first served as a Nazir in the Court of the

Magistrate o f Howra and acquired a good knowledge o f law.

In the

fourth year of his service, he was ad viced by Mr. Dick, one of the
Judges of the late Saddar Court, to prepare liimself for the Bar and
having followed this advice, successfully passed the Pleadership E x a
mination in 1855.

When he commenced practice at the Saddar Court,

he had none to patronise hi m;

but by his own abilities he attracted

the notice o f Rama Prasad Rai, the then leader o f the Native Bar, and
gained the love atid esteem o f hia clients, friends, aud all learned men.
H e accepted the appointment of a Junior Government Pleader on the

the Indian Chiefs, Rajas, Zamindars, ^r,

19

24th December 1868, but very politely declined the offer made to him
afterwards by the Chief Justice to be an Advocate o f the High Court,
He, however, accepted the post of Senior Government Pleader on the 21st
Feln-uary 1870, and having always proved himself useful and popular
among tlie members o f the Bar he was soon offered by Government
a seat on the Bench o f the High Court after the demise of the late
H onble Dwarka Nath Mitter.

He accepted this high office, and was

sworn on Tuesday, the 6th December 1870.

The Hon ble Anukul Chandra Mukerji performed the most diffi
cult aud responsible duties o f a Judge for the short period of eight
months and a few days with great independence o f spirit and distin
guished ability.
tive Council,

He was for sometime a member of the Bengal Legisla

He was a Fellow o f the Calcutta University and was

also elected by the Syndicate to be a member o f the Faculty o f Law.

H e unfortunately died at the age o f forty-two on the 17th August,
1871, deeply lamented by the learned Judges o f tlie High Court and
hia friends and admirers at targe.

He left two song, named Babus

Kajeiidra Nath Mukerji and Harendra Nath Mukerji,

I I L D A T T A F A M IL Y O F 'H A T K H O L A .
T his old and respectable family is a branch o f the most ancient
Datta family o f Bali.
Govinda Saran Datta, a descendant o f Purusatam Datta, first came
to Calcutta from Audul on receiving a Jaghir from one o f the Emperors
of Delhi.

He had four sons Banesvar Datta, Bhubanesvar Datta,

Bissesvar Datta and Ram Narayau Datta, o f whom we know very little
o f importance.
Bauesvar Datta died leaving four sons, of whom the third Ram
Chandra Datta, was a Banian to the Export and Import warehouses o f
the Hou ble E. I. C or.

This respectable noble in concert with his

brothers exchanged with the H on ble E, I. Cor. their landed property in

Govindapur for Hatkhola,* and hence the members o f this family are
We do not know how far this is correct. H atkhola comes within the
boundary of Sutauuti grantc-l to Maharaja Nava Krishna in perpetuity by
Warren Hastings in A. U. 1778. lid c tlie Hi story of the Savabazar Itnj Family.

20

The Modern History o f

known as the Dattas of Hatkhola, Calcutta.

Ram Chandra Datta, had

five sons, Krishna Chandra Datta, Manikhya Chandra Datta, Bharat

Chandra Datta, Sham Chandra Datta, and Gora Chand Datta.

Ih e

eldest Krishna ChaDdra^atta had four sons, Madan Mahan Datta, Ram
Sankar Datta, Ram Kanta Datta and Ram Lai Datta, and the second
Manikhya Chandra Datta had three &098, Jagat Ram Datta, Kautuk
Kam Datta, and Golab Cliandra Datta.

Madan Mahan Datta, the eldest

son of Krishna Chandra Datta, left four sons, viz., Ram Tanu Datta
(generally known as Kam Tanu Babu) Chaitanya Charau Datta, Rasik
Lai Datta, and Haro Lai Datta.

Jagat Ram Datta, the eldest son o f

Manikhya Chandra Datta, left three sons, Kasi Nath Datta, Ramjoy
Datta and Haro Sundar Datta.

The two surviving sons o f Ram joy

Datta are at present considered as the representatives of this old family

who hold Zamindaries in the Districts o f Jessore and Hughli,
Among the ancestors o f the Datta family, the name o f Madan
Mahan Datta

is highly popular.

banker, and owner o f several ships.

He was a respectable Zamindar,

It was under bis care, that Ram

Dulal Dey not only acquired a liberal education but amassed a consi
derable wealth.

Madan Mahan was extremely pious, and liis religious

endowments were immense.

He had excavated tanks and wells, and

dedicated temples to Siva at Ampta, Midnapur, Dacca, and other

places ; but the most promiuent of all bis'acts was the erection o f tbe
stair-case to the top of the hillock Pretsila at Gya, which has indeed
rendered his name immortal in our country,
Jagat Ram Datta, the eldest son o f Manikhya Ram Datta, was
next to Madan Mahan Datta in charity.

Jagat Ram was a respect

able Dewan under the Hon ble E. I . C o y . at Patna.

Here, he became

much known by his dedication of a temple to Patnesvari, and by his

endowment o f Jagbir for its support.

S xme members

of this family

erected the twelve temples, called Doadaa Mandir with a public Ghat
both in Konuagar, as well as in Panihati, which being placed opposite to
each other on either bank o f the river Hughli, present a pleasing feature
of beauty in the rich scenery on the lower reaches o f the holy river.

the Indian Chiefs, Rajas, Zamindars., ^c.

IV . R A J A D IG A M B A R
T he

the

late Raja Digatnbar

stock o f

21

M IT T E R , c. s. i., T O N T O N IA .

Mitter, c. s. i., was a descendant from

the Kounaghar

Mitters. He was born at Konnaghar,

Zilla Hughli, in the year 1817, and resided with his father Shib Charan
M itter in Raja Naba Krishna s Street, Calcutta, for the purpose of
prosecuting hia studies in the Hindu College.

W hen he quitted the

College, he had acquired a thorough knowledge o f English literature,

mathematics, and metaphysics.
He first served as an Amin under Mr. Russell, the Collector of
Murshidahad, and eventually became a private tutor to Raja Kishen
Nath, who, on attaining majority, appointed him the manager o f his vast
estates.

Raja Kishen Nath, in recognitioo o f his valuable services,

presented him with a lakh o f Rupees. On receipt o f this large sum he

carried on an extensive speculation in Indigo and Silk, and after
meeting several reverses in business, he at last became a considerable
Zamindar by investing his wealth in Zamindari estates in the Districts
o f Twenty-four Pargannas, Jessore, Backerganj, and Cuttack,
Digarabar, from his youthful days, came iu contact with the Tagorea
of Calcutta, aud learnt his political lessons from the illustrious Dwarka
Nath Tagore.

He was a personal friend and coadjutor o f both the late

Honorable Prassana Kumar Tagore, c. s. i., and Maharaja Rama Nath

Tagore, c. a. i.

He was also an intimate friend o f the late Gopal Lai

Tagore. On the establishment o f the British Indian Association, he served

as an Assistant Secretary and had ultimately became its officiating
President.

In early life he mixed more with the uon-official tlian

with the official Europeans.

He

the Calders, the Stocquelors aud

was familiar with the Gordons and

the Hurrys, and took an active

part with them in the political warfare of the day.

He generally

fought unseen, for he did not like to push himself forward.

He was a

most intelligent and active member of tbe Committee o f the British

Indian Association, and his varied experience lent much weight to
his counsels, but he rarely at the time we refer to come to the fore.
Kis first appearance in public was in connection with the ao-calied
Black Act Mutiny of 1856.

There were four Mitter speakers at that

22

The Modern History g f

meeting, of whom he was dubbed No. 1 by Mr, Cobb Hurry.

In 1864,

we believe he was returned by the British Indian Association on the

invitation o f Government as its representative in the Epidemic F ever
Commission, ami from that time his talents and abilities became known
to Government.

Tliey were soon after enlisted in the Legislative

Council o f Bengal,

He had been previously appointed a Justice o f

the Peace and Honorary Magistrate for Calcutta and a visitor o f the
Wards Institution.

Indeed, from this tirue his services were often

pressed into requisition for this Committee and that by Government.

H e was nominated to the Bengal Council by the

three Lieutenant

Governors o f Bengal successively, by Sir Cecil Beadotf, Sir W illiam

Grey, and Sir George Campbell, all o f whom considered him a most
useful

and valuable councillor.

I f he had lived, he

would

probably been houored with a seat in the Vice regal C ouncil.

have

During

the Orissa Famine of 1866, he zealously co-operated with Government

for the relief o f the distressed people, and took an active part in the
amendment of the Income Tax Act o f 1860, Road Cess Scheme, and
the Embankment Act-.

H e was an encourager o f Female education,

and a staunch advocate o f the Freedom of the Press, and held that
the best vindication of the paraiuonntcy

o f the British Power iu the

East Wii5 the concession o f this privilege to the people o f tliis country,
and he was deeply grieved whoa Lord Lyttons Press A ct was passed.
He greatly valued the pilgrimage o f Indian youths to the temples o f
knowledge iu Europe and America, and as a proof o f liis own earnest
ness in the matlter he sent to England

his only

son, Babn Grisb

Chandra Mitter, alas! now no more, for the completion o f his educa
tion.

He was an Honorary Secretary to the Native Committee o f tho

District Charitable Society and endowed a fund called after his name
for the monthly support o f about 20 poor persons.

A s a friend to

education he used to feed d lily about 80 boys at his residence providing

them at the sametime with books and schooling fees.
He was also the first Native Slieriff of the town of Calcutta and
held tlio, shrievalty at the time o f His Royal Higlitiesa the Prince
of Wales visit .o India.

In tlie Grand Chapter of the Star o f India,

held by His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales on the 1st Jannaiy

the Indian Chiefs, Rajas, Zamindars,

23

1876, lie was created a CompanioTi of tlie M ost Exalted Order of the
Star o f India.

The title of Raj^i was conferred on him at the Im pe

rial Assemblage, held at Delhi, on the 1st January 1877,

Raja Digambar Mitter, c s. i., being attacked with fever accompa

nied with Diarrhoea and dischaige of blood from the throat, died on the
20th April 1879, at 7-35

a . m .,

at the age o f 63 years, leaving his widow

and two infant grandsons as his only son Babu Girish Cliandra Mitter had
predeceased him.

The Raja was a self-made man and an architect of

his own fortune and fame.

He has indeed left an example to his coun

trymen how by mere force of character a man can rise from straitened
circumstances .to an exalted position.

V . B A B U D U R G A C H A R A N L A W A N D HIS B R O T H E R S ,
JH A M APU K U R.
B abu D urga C haran L

aw

and his brothers Babus Shama Charan

Law, au^ Joy

Govinda

Law, the well-known

capitalists, and

Zamindars, are the sons o f

grandsons o f Rajib Lochun

Bengali merchants,

Prankissen

Law, and

Law who belonged to the ancient Law

family o f Chin surah, formerly a Dutch settlement, situated near the

town o f Hughli.

Rajib Lochun Law commenced his service as a

Poddar on a salary of Rs. -25 per mensem in the Kuti or

Corporation of Nundoram Boydyanath at Patna.

Banking

Out o f his scanty

pay and income o f the little property which he had at Chinsurah-he

maintained his family and gave a liberal education to his

sons.

He

continued in this service until his sons began to earn, and be died at
Chinsurah in 1830 when 62 years o f age.

Among his sons, the eldest

Prankissen Law may be properly said to bave lifted up the Law

family from its former state o f mediocrity to its present state of
prosperity and grandeur.
Prankissen Law had acquired only an elementary knowledge of
the English, as he could not prosecute his studies for as long a period
as he wished, on account of the straitened circuraBtances o f his father.
He was at first employed in Mr. Andrew's Library at Chinsurah on a
salary o 'R p . 12 per mensem where he served regularly till the library

24

The Modern History o f

was abolished.

Being thus thrown out o f employment, he managed to

g et liimself admitted as an apprentice in the Zillah Court at Hughli,

though without tbe assistance o f any o f his friends or relations. Having
acquired from the Court a practical knowledge of law, and other official
business, he secured

the post of Head

Clerk in the office o f Mr.

Howard, one o f the influential Attorneys of the old Supreme Court.

Prankissen had also by

this time made a creditable progress in the

English language and his

character and abilities were so greatly

approved, that his salary was gradually increased to

month.

Rs. 300 per

He served so creditably and honestly that Mr. Peard, who had

taken up Mr, Howards business as an A t t o r n e y , allowed him a monthly

pension of Rs. 200 from the date o f

his retirement

from service.

H e drew this pension until the demise o f Mr. Peard.

Prankissen, while serving as an A ttorney s Clerk, earned a consi
derable

fortune by carrying on speculations in

Opium, and Salt.

Company's paper,

A bout this time, he won also Rs. 33,000 being

one-third share o f a prize o f one lakh o f Rupees in a lottery held

by the late Lottery Committee in Calcutta, but within six months
he lost the entire .sum in some unprofitable speculations.

Prankissen

was much liked by Babu M atiLal Seal through whose friendly assist
ance he became at first a Banian to tho firm of Messrs. Saunders, M ay
Sarkins and Co., and ultimately to several other mercantile firms.
carried on also a smalt business o f his own.

He

In the great Commercial

crisis o f 1847, he had received a heavy shock, but be managed to

retain hia credit and recover hia losses within a very short time.
died in 1853 at 63 years of age.

He

A fter his death, the firm estab

lished by him in 1839, changed its name from Pi'ankissen Law to

Prankissen Law and Co,
Babu Durga Charan Law was born at Chinsurah in or about the
year 1823.

He acquired a rudimentary knowledge of English at

Govinda Bysacks School in Sibhu Thakurs Lane in Calcutta, and was

a class-mate of the learned Dr. Rajendra Lala Mitter, c. i. e .

A fter

prosecuting h s studies in this School for a period o f two years he

entered the Hindu College and was in the same class with Babu Govinda
Chandra Datta (third 'son of the late Rasamoy Datta o f Rambagan,
Calcutta, and Babu Ganendro Mahan

Ta g o re

(the

son o f

the late

the Indian Chiefs, Rajas, Zamindars, <^'c.

Hnnble Prasgaiia Kumar Tagojo, c. s. i.,)

now in England.

25
W h ile

Biibu Durga Charaii Law was in the second class, he left the C ollege;
as bis father wished to initiate him in the mysteriea o f the mercantile
business.

He began his career as his father s assistant, and since the

demise of his father, he has by bis indefatigable labour, honesty, and

perseverance largeIv increased tho business o f tho firm.

He is a respect

able Zamindar and a Banian to several mercantile firms in Calcutta and

has agencies o f his own both in London and Manchester.
Native Babu who la a Port CoinmUsioner o f Calcutta.

H e is the only
He is besii^s a

Justice of the Peace, Calcutta; a fellow o f the Calcutta Univerait^; a

Governor o f the Mayo Hospital, C alcu tta;

and a member o f the

Bengal Legislative Council. Babu Durga Charan Law is very intelligent

and well-qualified in mercantile affairs.

His Commercial foresiglit and

knowledge iu speculations hove been almost unequalled.

H e has

earned the Iiighest reputation in the circle o f both the European and
Native Merchants.
and fame.

He is known as the architect o f his own fortune

His brothers Babus Shatna Clmran Law, and Joy Govinda

Law rendered him also a great deal o f assistance to raise the business
o f the firm which they all inherited from

their father Praiikiasen

Law.
Babu Sbama Charan

Law received his early education in Hare

School (formerly known as School Society s Sclm ol).

He was afterwards

admitted into the Hindu College where he made a rapid progress and
obtained a scholarship.

W hile 19 years old he was also initiated iu the

mercantile business under the direct supervision and care o f his father
and for the sake o f his own business he visited England iu 1869, aud
returned to Calcutta witli a knowledge o f many things o f importance and
interest. As an able and eminent person he has been re-appointed several
times as Commissioner in the Subarban Municipality.
Honorary Magistrate o f the 21-Pargannas.

H e is also an

Babu Joy Govinda Law,

the youngest brother o f Babu Durga Charan Law, is a Municipal

Commissioner o f Calcutta,

and an

Honorary

Magistrate o f the

2A-Pargannas.
These three respectable brothers are also famous for their liberality
and public spirit
4 ^

They offered a princely gift o f Rs. 50,000 to the

2G

The Modern History of

Calcutta University, and their family is at present known to be one of

the oj)pulent Native Houses in Bengal.
A grand Natch or dancing party was given by Babu Durga Charan
Law on Wednesday, the 4th January 1880 ; in celebration of the wedd
ing of his nephew.

Ills Honor tbe Lieutenant Governor, His E xcel

lency the Commander-iii'Chief, the Chief Justice,'Members o f Council,

Secretaries to Government, and many other officials o f note, leading
European merchants and barristers, Military officers, with ladies, and
the^lite o f the native community were present on the occasion.

They

all ftemed to have been much pleased at the best natch or dancing o f
the professional girls o f the town, tasteful decorations o f the house
with plants, leaves, and flowers, and illuminatii>n o f the compound,
&c.

Her Majestys 00th Regiment was also in attendance and played

the airs o f welcome.

V L -G O V IN D A r a m

M IT T E R S F A M IL Y , K U M A R T O L I.

G otinda Ram M itter , son of Itatnesvar Mitter, a n d grandson of

Hangsesvar Mitter, was the founder o f this old and respectable family.
About the year 168C-87, Govinda Ram came from a village close to
Barrackpur and Chauak, and settled in a place aalled Govindapur the
site o f Fort William.

Mr. Job Char nock, the then Governor o f the

English Factory finding him to be well-versed in the Persian, Bengali,

and Sanskrit languages with a fair knowledge o f English, conferred
on him a post under the Hon ble E. I. Company.

Govinda Ram being

endowed with sup^^rior parts, strong eotniaon sense, and unfailing energy
rose very high in the estimation of his H on ble Masters.

Sometime

before the construction o f Fort William, he removed from Govindapur

to Kumartoli where several of his descendants are even now residing.
In the year 1757, that is, shortly after the victorious battle o f
Plassey, Goviuda Ram* was appointed a Deputy Fouzdar o f the
* Suspicions ftp-icar to have been entertained for the first time of Govinda
Ram s honesty in 1' 13, and the Court of Directors were gradually persuaded that
the administratiop of tho ** Hlack /Zamindar* had been more beneficial to himself
than to them. But no effort appears to have been made to stem the current of
peculation till 1762, vvlieQ Mr, Holwell was appointed Zamindar with the pro

the Indian Chiefs, Rajas, Zamindars, dfc.

Honorable East India

Company.

27

Mr. Hobvell in his treatise on the

Black Hole, called him the Black Deputy, or Naib Zamindar

or Mayor of Calcutta.

As an orthodox

Hindu, he built a very

stupendous and grand Nabaratna (t. e.,) nine jewels, or eombination o f

nine temples, on the Upper Chitpore Road, Calcutta, dedicated to
raise of beiny retained in the office for a long time. He demanded the produc
tion of the Zamindari accounts from the commencement of Govinda Rani's
inductiou to office, but was told that all the documents before 17.38 had been
swept away iti tbe great storm ; mid tbat the greatest portion of those belonging
to subsequent years had been devoured by wliite ants. Ooviuda Ham was yet
in power, and not an individual ventured to stand forth as his accuser. By
dint of perse verence. however. Hoi well obtained sufficient data to substantiate
various fraud.s, and he lost no time in charging him before the Council with having
emliezzled the property of the Company to the extent o f a lakh and a half of
Rupees, and demanded on behalf of his Honorable Masters, that he should be
forthwith committed to close custody till the sum was discharged ; that a military
guard should be placed over his houses, and that his son Uagbu Mitter should be
obliged lo give security for bis appearance, But HolwelPs zeal was ill-socooded
by the Council, among whom t h e B l a c k Zannitidar bad many friends. Tbe
President, instead of placing him in arrest or sequestering his property, put the
charges iuto bis hands; wdihin seven days lie produced two reidiea, written
apparently in English and doiibtleas by some of th^ gentlemen of the Factory,
who were no .strangers to his liberality. Id bis reply he stated tbat the
farms had invariably received tbe written sanction of his European Superior,
which he had not failed to secure : and that as it regarded those he had taken
himself, every Rajas and Zamindar s Dewan was invariably iiidnlged with some
farms for his own profit, and tbat he could not be expected to keep up the equipage
and attendance necessary for an officer in his station on 60 Rupees a month.
Holwell replied that if any Dewau was detected in concealing the real profits of
a firm, or iu holding it clandestinely in another name, or in exacting more than
tlte dues from the people, according to the custom of the country, the lash,
fetters, imprisonment, and confiscation, were the immediate consequence, He
remarked, that as Mitter confessed to having plundered agreeably to the
maxims o f his own nation, so the laws of hia own nation should be the measure
of hie punishment. But the Couucit were not disposed to inflict the lash or
fetters on the first native in the settlement ; they threw every impediment in
the way of tbe prosecution, which, therefore, fell to the ground, and the Dewan
was allowed to retain all the wealth he had amassed. Calcutta Review
Vol. III. 1845.
This, however, proves that Govinda Ram was the first native in the early
British Settlement in Calcutta and like him several individuals who served the
fjo n ble East India Company in tlieir early sway amassed considerable fortune
in spite of their small pay. After tlie battle of 'Plassey. tho inuer Treasury of
Sirajudowla wbich contained eight K rors of Rupees was concealed from C'iivea
knowledge by his Dew^an Ram Chand and his raunsiii Naba Kri,shna and others
about which Mr. Marshinan remarked iu hig well-known History o f Bengal
tbat Meer Jaffer, Emir-lieg Klian, Ram Chand and Naba Krishna, appropriated
this wealth to themselves. And this does not appear so very improbable ; for
Ram Cliaud, who then received only sixty Rupees a month, died ten years after
with a fortnne o f one K ror and a quarter of Rupees; and Naha Krishna, the
Writer, aftemardft Uaja N.iba Krishna. who.so monthly salary was not more th.m
sixty, wa.s able soon after to spend nine lahht of Rupees on hia mother's
Shradda."

28

The Modern History o f

Mahadevas.

The following Bengali proverb which w:ia then afloat,

implies among other things his power and influence over the British
Bubjects.
fa).

Grovinda Ham's Chari (i. e.) rod.

(b.)

Baaamali* Sirkar s B ari (i, e.) house.

(r.)

Omit Chands fJari (f. e.) beard,

Jagatt ISett s K auri (i. e.) mouey,

(d),

Govinda Ram died at an advanced age in about 1766, leaving an

' only son Ragliu Nath Slitter wlio was at that time 25 years o f age.
Having inherited a large fortune, Raghu Nath, gave himself up to
a life of ease and luxury, but as a true Hindu performed the Durga
and Knli Pujas with great eelat and expense.

He had four sons,

Radha Charan Mitter, Krishna Charan Mitter, Uasomoy Mitter, and

Anandamoy Mitter, o f whom the first and tbe third died during liis
lifetime

(].)

Raghu Nath himself dying about 1775

Radha Charau Mitter,

, d.

the eldest son o f

Raghu Nath

Mitter had two wives, by one o f whom he had one son, and by the
other two sons o f whom Abhoy Charan Mitter was a man o f superior
intellect and high talents.

H e served as Dewan to the Collectors o f

24-Pargaunas and Minpuri and gained the highest approbation o f hia

superiors.

Like his ancestors he held the Durga and Kali Ptijaa ia a

* Banamali .SirVar was a wealthy man npwards o f some hundred years ago.
H i house which is still existing iu a delapidated state was formerly considered
to be the largest building iu Ctdcutta.
t Omi Chand was the rich merchant who had a long and rare beard. He
was the Channel o f Communication between the Council of Calcutta and the
Darbar of Murshidabad and was supposed to have instigated Sirajudowla to
attack Calcutta. He hud several houses in the European part o f the town and
a large gardeu on the Circular Road wliere he was arrested iu the begiuning of
the troubles o f 1756 and imprisoned in the Kurt, It was this man whom Colonel
Clive defrauded by that fictitious treaty, on which Mr. Maculay has fixed a seutence of just, condecnnation. To excite public animosity agaiust Clive, it was
widely cireul.ated that Omi Chand, on finding his hopes of thirty lahhj( of Rupees,
thus unexjreeledly bathed, fell into a state of idiocy, and soou after died. Yet
after he had been deprived of this opportunity of adding a few la iA s to h is vast
hordes, he lived no fe'ver than six years, and made a very elaborate and reason
able will bequeathing yarioua sums in charity, and among other objects, 2o.OuO
Rupees to the cha itaUe funds of those who had injured him. Calcutta Jteview,
Vol. 111. 1845.
t Jagat Sett was an inhabitant of Murshidabad.
banker of that time.

He was the wealthiest

the Indian Chiefs, Rajas, Zamindars, dr.

29

princely style, and as a rigid Hindu gave away a lak/i of Rupees to his
spiritual guide who had simply asked him for a sight o f that sum
which he had never seen.

For this liberal act Ah hoy Charan is still

known in Calcutta as a true and faithful disciple o f his family spiritual

guide.

He was on terms of great friendship with the wealthy

Ncmai

Charan Mullick and Boistab Charan M uilick who were for sometime arbi
trators in a case brought by him against his uncle Krishna Charan Mitter.
The arbitrators gave a decree jn favour of Abhoy Charan for a very heavy
sum, but it was aliortly after surrendered to his spiritual guide who asked
hint for it at the instigation o f Krishna Cbaran Mitter.

Krishna Charan,

now got hold of the decree through the interference o f the family spiritual
guide, but Al'boy Charan made no further attempts to realize it.

It is

in this way he sacrificed almost all his interest in hia ancestral property.
It is, however, worth mentioning, that a few years after this occurrence,
Abhoy Charan by his own energy, tact, and perseverence rose to eminence,
prosperity, and fame.

He was, therefore, generally considered as the

architect of his own fortune.

He died in 1808 at Miupuri where he was

serving as Dewan to the C ollector; leaving six sons Bhagabatl Charan

Mitter, Bhabani Charan Mitter, Kali Charan Mitter, Tara Charan Mitter,
Shama Charan Mitter, and Wooma Charan !Mitter, o f whom the first
was a good Persian and Sanskrit scholar, aud the second was well-ver,sed
in English,
(a ,)Bhagabati Cbaran M itter left four sons. Babus Bhabajani Mitter, Kali
Kumar Mitter, Kali Kiukar Mitter, and Kali Sebak Mitter,

The eldest Babu

Bhabajani Mitter Bcrved for sometime as an Assessor and Deputy Collector, and
gained the love and esteem of his superior officers.
pure character and courteous habits.

He is an independent man of

His next brother Babu Kali Kumar Hitter

also possesses many good qualities.

(b ,)Bhabani Charan Mitter left four sons, Babus Trigna Charan Mitter, K als
Chand Mitter, Mahesh Charan

Mitter, and

the second

well-known translators of the H igh Court,

and third

are the

Audi Charan Mitter, o f whom

Calcutta.
(c.) Kali Charan Mitter left one son, Babu Saroda Charan Mitter, a young
man o f good chai-acter.
(d.) Tara Oharau Mitter left three sons, of whom Babu Bhabadara Charan
Mitter^'a thejddest.

30

The Modern History o f

(e .)Shama Charan Mitter died without isaue.
W oom a Cbaran Mitter left only one son, Babu Biaoda Charan Mitter.

(2).

Krishna Charan Mitter, the second son o f Raghn Nath

Mitter, was Dewan to the Collector o f Dacca,

H e built a house at

Nandanbagan, Calcutta, about 70 years ago where his descendants are

now living.

On the occasion o f tlie marriage of his second son Raj

Chandra Mitter, Lord Cornwalis, the tlien Governor General of India,

was graciously pleased to allow liiin the rare privilege o f firing some
guns at his own premises in Knmai'toli.

Two o f thuse guns are still

to be seen at the house of 'his descendants at Nandanbagan,

A few

guns were also fired from the raniparts o f the Fort W illiam in com m e
moration o f the marriage.

Krishna Charan H itters youngest son,

Sambliu Chandra Mitter, wa.s Dewan to the Collector o f Farrakhabad.

Shambhu Chandra was liighly respected by several Europeans, and
Natives o f high position for bis learning, liberality, and public spirit.
He left two sons Bissesvar M itter and Rasisvai- Mitter as his other sons
predeceased him while young.
Over the English language.

Kasiavar Mitter had a good command

He faithfully served Government for many

years as Principal Sudder Amin o f Hughli, and was reckoned as one o f

the best and most honest A m hs ot his time.

He was a great friend

o f Raja Debendro Nath Tagore and was a .<5taunGlL Brahrao.

He left

three sons, Babus Srinatb Mitter, Jagganatb Mitter, and Kedar Nath
Mitter, who are polite and intelligent youngmen.
(3 .)

Rasomoy Mitter, the third son o f Raghu Nath M itter, died

childless.
(4.)

Anandamoy IMitter, the fourtii son o f Raghu Nath Mitter,

was a Dewan to the Collector o f Raj shave.

His account has been

separately written, vide Mitter Family of Benares.

This branch o f the

late Govindaram M itters family is at present in an affluent state.

V I I . B A B U H A R O C H A N D R A G H O S E , J O R A S A N K O .
T he late Babu Haro Chandra Ghose, third Judge o f the Calcutta
Small Cause Court, was by caste a Kayes tha.

He was b 'rn on tlio

23rd July 1808, and was the yn u ^ ^ st son of Dewan A bboy Cliaraa

the Indian Chiefs, Rajas, Zamindars,

31

Ghose and grandson o f the famous SitaRam Ghose, Talukdarof Behola,

24-Piirganna3,
Babu Haro Ciiaudra

having early become fatherless he learnt

from his tender years the value of self-reliance.

He was indebted to

his own efforts for his admission into the Hindu College, and noted as
he was for industry and zeal in his studies, he soon became a favorite of
David Hare and o f Dr. Wilson.

H e was one of the glorious little

band, which under Western teaching was imbibing a new life and
acquiring a new strength within the four walls of tbe Hindu College,
and which ultimately inaugurated a new era in the history o f Bengal.
His house was the head-quarters o f the literary coteri, composed of his
fellow-students, who used to meet tvviee a week under the presidency o f
Mr. Derozio to hold communion with the best minds o f Europe, which
have enriched literature and philosophy.

He was one o f the most dis

tinguished students o f the College in his day and annually carried away
prizes.

He was chiefly instrumental in founding the Academic Associa

tion, held at the Manicktollah Garden-house o f his friend, relative, and

fellow-studeut Babu Srikissen iJiiig, afterwards a governor of the College,
and became its Secretary.

This Society was a sort o f intellectual gym

nasium for the young intellectual athelets, who were beiug reared up
in the Hindu College.

It was there the lamented deceased formed

acquaintance with some of the leading Europeans of the day, which iu

several instances subsequently
ship,

ripened into cb se and intimate friend

A remarkable incident occurred at that interesting stage of tbe

young students life, when he had just withdrawn from the College and
WAS about to enter the busy arena o f the world.
Bentinck was then the Governor General o f India.

Lord

William

It is superfluous for

us to remind the reader how anxious was that benevolent statesman

to further the cause o f Native progress.

Desirous o f associating aii

educated native with his staff as one o f his personal assistants or iu

oriental parlance Dewan his lordship offered the office to Babu Haro
Chandra and asked him to accompany him in his contemplated tour
through the North

Western Provinces.

The

Babu had agreed, but

prejudice at home baulked his as well as Lord Bentiuck s laudable iutentioo.

intolerant or jealous relatives insinuated to his mother that he

32

The Modern History o f

would throw away caste if he were to g*o with the Lad Shahib, and
thoufrh he tried hia best to expose the absurdity and groundlessness o f
such an apprehension, it was difficult to conquer the prejudice o f a
Hindu mother o f forty years ago, and so the Babu both to his own and
the Governor General's chagrin declined the appointment.
W illiam did not forget him.

But Lord

A s soon as he had passed tbe M oonsiffa

A ct, which opened a new era in the history o f native advancement

Under English rule, he sent for Babu Haro Chandra, and offered him
one of the first appointments.

The pay was* theu

very small only

one hundred rupees a month and Haro Chandra was in sufficiently

affiuent circumstauces not to covet such an ill-paid office, which would
again entail exile from home.
it for his sake.

But Lord AVilliam pressed him to accept

The Babu consented and he was accordingly appointed

on the 25th April 1832 M oonsiff at Bancoorah.

He had studied law

at home, and he possessed all the characteristics o f a good judge cool,

calm, dispassionate, patient, painstaking, and discriminating.
method o f business was admirable.

His

Unlike his fellow officers o f tha

old school he would be punctually in Court at 10

n g s with almost clock-work regularity.

a .m .

and conduct busi

He used to takedown evidence

with his own hand a practice which has been introduced by Govern
ment only lately and wrote his decisions on the bench in the presence
o f the parties and the Vakeels and thus infused confidence among all.
As the result of such steady application and regularity his files were
never in arrear aud he won golden opinions both among suitors and
his superiors by his able aud upright decisions.

One year did not pass

away before he was promoted to the office of Sudder Ameen, and after
a service of less than six years at Bancoorah he was transferred in 1838
to Hughli in that capacity.

In November 1841 he was appointed A ddi

tional Principal Sudder Ameen of the 24-Pargannaa, in 1844 was made

pm ka in that office, and in 1847 was promoted to the first grade. Simulta
neously he was vested with .magisterial powers, and his capacity for work
was so great that he conducted the duties o f both Magistrate and Civil
Judge without ha dng a single file in arrear.

The path o f preferment

in the uncovenanted judicial service iu that early epoch was not strewn
with flowers.

While the Government was always liberal, the District

the Indian Chiefs, Rajas, Zamindars,

33

Judges, and not unoften the Sudder Court, were bent upon putting
down native ambition.

It was an up-hill work with the nncovenanted

Judges, and they had a worthy leader in Babu Hara Chandra.

I t was

his good fortune to be well known at the head-quarters, and while he

might be thwarted by the Sudder Court, he was buoyed up by the sym
pathy and support o f the Governor General in Council.

On the retire

ment o f Lord W illiam Bentinck, his successor Lord Auckland continued

to take the same lively interest iu him.

H e also found a warm and

powerful friend in Mr. J. R . Colvin, the Private Secretary to Lord

Auckland and afterwards a Judge o f the Sudder Court, and lastly
Lieutenant Governor o f the N orth Western Provinces.

W ith the aid

of Mr. Colvin he got many a circular order of the Sudder Coui't altered,
which bore harshly upon the uncovenanted Judicial service or militated
against the interests o f the native public.

Many are the anecdotes

which have reached us regarding the battles which he thus fought for
the improvement of the status o f his service.

Sometime the opposition

grew so keen that the Government stepped in and transferred the

District Judge, who might become overbearing, to some other Zillah, aud
thus quieted the contention.

W e will mention one anecdote, which is

rich and illustrative o f the feeling which filled the more bigoted portion
of the civilians o f those days regarding native advancement.

Babu

Hara Cbandra as uneducated native and brought up iu. Calcutta society,

used to speak with his official superiors and conduct his correspondence
in English and to observe English etiquette.

To civilians o f those

days this was intolerable, and one Scotchman, a District Judge, other
wise a good aud pious man, who highly respected Babu Hara Chandra's
ability and character, frankly told him, Hara Chandra, I like you
personally and have a great respect for your talents but I do not like
your English education.

As conquerors of this country we cannot per

suade ourselves to admit natives to our Society on terms o f equality.

may be rude in thus speaking my mind to yon, but depend upon it, this
is more or less the feeling of the Europeans in this country.

The Babu

lived to ste a wholesome change in the feeling o f Europeans towards

Natives, and he counted many respected friends among them, though
unhappily |the good feeling which was coming on gradually received a
16

34

The Modern History o f

rude shock from the Mutinies.

W e have not space to give the highly

flattering opinions, which the District Judges and the Sudder Court
recorded regarded him opinions no leas honorable to himself than the
service and the community he represented.

He made such a favorable

impression upon the Government that when Lord Dalhousie thonglit

o f appointing a Native to the Police bench o f Calcutta he was unani
mously recommended by the Sudder Judges.

Tiiere were many candi

dates for that new berth, but it was not Babu Hara Chandra s habit to
tout for office.

H e used to say often that a judicial officer should not

seek office, but that the office should seek him, and he acted upon that
principle.

He could not believe tliat merit would go unrewardel, and

in his own case he was right.

interest for promotioa.

He never sought for office or made

His name always stood first on the list o f

uncovenanted judicial officers, and promotion came to him as a matter

o f course. When Lord Dalhousie selected him for the Police Magistracy
his Lordship

sent for him, and wanted to know his own wishes,

Babu Hara Chandras promotion had unfortunately excited jealousy in

certain quarters.

particular native family was jealous o f him for

reasons o f which the less said the better.

Then several Barrister can

didates bad been disappointed, and from whichever source they might
have come, he was badgered with the most provoking letters with different
signatures through the medium c f the Press, though the conductors
o f the papers in one voice supported his appoiutment.

I t was the

malignancy o f this particular clique to which Babu Hara

Chandra

referred in conversation with Mr. Halliday about his appointment to

the Police bench, and which His Veracity had magnified iu his evidence
before the House o f Commons Committee, an act for which he paid
dearly at the hands o f the late Babu Ram Gopal Ghose.
to our story.

T o return

W hen Lord Dalhousie offered the Police appointment

to the Babu, the latter, averting to the attacks upon him in the Press,
expressed hesitation as to whether he should accept it.
statesman

replied,

Dont

The great

mind newspaper correspondence.

They

abuse me every day, and am I therefore to be deterred from doing my

duty 1 Hara Chandra, the cause o f native progress is on trial, you
should show by your own example that your countrymen were fit to

the Indian Chiefs, Rajas, Zamindars, djc.

35

hnld liigh and honorable posts under Government side by side with
Europeans.

The Babu accepted the appointment, and on the 23rd

Februaiy 1852, was gazetted as the Junior Magistrate o f Calcutta.

In 1854 he was nominated a Judge of the Calcutta Small Cause Court.
The highly satisfactory madner iu which he conducted hia duties both
as a Police Magistrate and a Judge o f the Small Cause Court for the
space o f nearly sixteen years, under the eyes of a strict and vigilant
press, and o f a not over-indulgent public, showed tbat L ord Dalhousie
did not misplace his confidence.
In the foregoing sketch we have endeavoured to give a succinct
account o f the official career of Babu Hara Chandra Ghose,

He was

an ornament to the service to which he belonged, and the Government

always appreciated hia rare abilities and high character.
was remarkable in the history o f hia official life.

One thing

F or six and thirty

years he served the Government and worked under different Judges^

Secretaries, and Governors, but not a single remark was ever made
against him as to the discharge of his duties either b y the District
Judges, the Sudder Court or the Government.
always received their warmest approbation.

On the contrary he

Again, he did not join a

single district, where he did not win the golden opinions o f the people.
They had so much confidence in his judgment and character that
whether they gained or lost suits they were equally satisfied.

A nd

what was the secret of this marvellous success ? sterling moral excel
lence.

W hilst in the College he did not mix in the follies and frivoli

ties of youth which characterized some o f his fellow-students, then

flattering into a new life and o new civilization.

In after years his

character was distinguished by the same austere virtues, the same sim
plicity and innate modesty.

Utterly guileless, and truthful, honest and

conscientious to a degree, he was indeed a model man.

One so exalted

in station and at the same time so humble in demeanour and so sweet

in the ordinary intercourse o f life it is not every day we
such a happy combination o f good qualities is rare.

meet with

A s a friend he

Was always

warm-hearted, and always delighted on the luxury o f

doing good.

H e hated duplicity and Young Bengal vices, and when

ever opportunity offered he expressed a atroug disapprobation of both.

36

The Modern History o f

A s a judicial officer he made it his habit in the Mofussil to live

apart from society, leafc any evil be imputed to
retiring disposition in town.

him, and he shewed

But the native community the more res

pected him for his rigid Aris-tides-like character.

Whenever he was

transferred to a new station, the local public mourned his separation

as a personal calamity.

Babu Hara Chandra was not a fussy man, and

did not like to make noise about what lie did.

good by stealth.

H e endeavoured to do

W hile at Bankura he established a school, which he

supported at his own expense, and several well-to-do men o f Bankura,

who owe their education to him, attest his services in this direction.
When he was Principal Sudder Ameen o f the 24-Pargannas he used
to reside at Behala, the ancient seat o f his family, and there also he
established a school and maintained it for many years at his own ex
pense.

In Calcutta he was a member o f the Bethune Female School

Committee since its reorganization.

Although as a Judge he abstained

from taking part in political movements, he always evinced a lively

interest in them.

H e took an active part in the movement made to

commemorate the memory of David Hare, the father o f English educa

tion in Bengal, with whom he was associated from sehool-life, and
became Secretary to the Testimonial Committee in honor o f that emi
nent philanthropist. *
Babu Hara Chandra, having had a severe periodic attack o f piles
to which he was subject for a very long time, died on the 3rd December
1868.

H e was an honor and an example to his countrymen and his

death is still considered a public calamity.

The bust o f this invalu

able man who was a worthy representative of the native community

and an eminent Judge is to be seen by all in the new building of tho
Small Cause Court, Calcutta.
He left four sous, o f whom the eldest Babu Protap Chandra Ghose,
B.

A .,

is the Registrar o f Deeds, Calcutta, and an author o f some works

in Bengali, Sanskrit, and English.

Babu Protap Chandra is married

to the eldest daughter o f Babu Beni Madhab Mitter, a respectable resi

dent o f Kumartoli, Calcutta.

The Hindoo Patrioi, December 7, 1868.

the Indian Chiefs, Rajas, Zamindars,

V I I I .P A N D IT

37

IS V A R C H A N D R A B ID Y A S A G O B c . i . k , ,
SU K E A S STREET.

P a n d it

Isvar Chandra Bidyasagor,

c . i . e .,

1820, in the

village Birsing, Zilla Hughli,

Thakur Dus

Benerji.

His father, though

was b om in the year

He ia the eldest son o f
a

man

of

straitened

circumstances, gave him a liberal edncation and took every care of

him.

He was admitted into the Sanskrit College on the 1st June

1829, where he prosecuted his studies till the year 1841.

Having

finished his .studies, he was appointed Head Pandit o f the Fort W illiam
College on a salary o f Rs. 50 per month.

In 1846, he published the

work Betal Panchahingaati for the use o f Schools, and was appointed
an Assistant

Superintendent of the Sanskrit College which post he

resigned after a year.

In February 1849, be was appointed a Head

Clerk to the Fort W illiam College on a salary o f Rs. 80, and in Decem
ber of the following year he received the appointment o f a professor o f
Sanskrit College on a monthly salary o f R& 90, In the beginning o f
January 1851, he was appointed Principal o f tbe Sanskrit College on a
monthly salary o f Rs. 150.

During his term o f service he used his

best efforts to give a good education to the students by publishing

Upakramanika, first three parts of Sanskrit Grammar Kaumudi, and
the translation o f Saknntola from Sanskrit to Bengali

These books,

even now, veiy much a^ist the students o f our country to learn Sanskrit
with ease and facility.
In the year 1854, he published a brochure advocating the cause o f
widow marriage, but bis laudable efforts gained no ground.

H e was

nnfortnnateiy hated by all the Hindus the young and the old, the rich
and the poor, and that hatred towards him knew no bounds.

Meetings

after meetings were called for to discuss the subject of widow marriage,
and Pandits from almost all parts o f Bengal passed opinions against
him.

Some o f the learned Pandits who at one time took his side sub

sequently forsook him and expressed contrary views on the matter.

He, however, stood firm and published several pamphlets regarding
widow marriage shewing innumerable proofs from the best Sanskrit
authorities to tho effect that widow marriage was the custom o f this

38

The Modern History o f

country from time immemorial.

It is true, that several individuals

contradicted him, but their contradictions were o f no avail.

In July

1856, he succeeded in getting the W idow Marriage A ct passed by

Government.

The first widow marriage that, was solemnised by him

took place in Sukeas Street, Calcutta, on the 7th December 186-5, and
in consequence a great sensation arose in the Hindu community at
large.

It was announced by many o f the leading Bengalis that he who

would join Bidyasagor would at once be excommunicated from the

Hindu Samaj.

Although he was deserted by his friends and country

men ; yet he was all along firm in his own resolution and pei-severence.
He met the expenses o f several widow marriages for which it is said
that he was involved in heavy debt.
During the year 1835, he was appointed an Inspector o f Schools in
the Districts o f Hughli, Bardwan, Midnapur, and Nuddea on an increased
monthly pay o f Rs. 500,

W hile holding this employment, he improved

the old Patshala system by introducing a new mode o f teaching for be

ginners, and published several works, such as, Barnaparlchoy, Kathamala,
Charltabali,

for tha use o f

Schools.

A s a staunch advocate for

Female education he established several G irls schools, but they were

afterwards abolished for want of proper aid from Government as well as
the public.

In the latter part o f the year 1858, he resigned his post,

and having sufficient leisure published several other works, such as,
Sitar Banabas, an introduction of the Mahabharat in Bengali, the
fourth part uf the Sanskrit Grammar Kaumudi, Akaunmanjori, aud the
original Sanskrit works, viz : Bhrantabilas, Meghduta, Ubtarcharitra,
and Sakuntala with his annotations.

In 1871, his attention was also

drawn to tbe important qnestion o f checking polygamy.

H e could have

done something to remove this growing evil from our country, had
Government interfered and taken interest in the matter.
Pandit Isvar Chandra Bidyasagor,

c . i . k .,

lias done immense good

to his birth place by establishing an English School and a Charitable

Dispensary at his own expense.

He also maintains many orphans and

widows, and is always ready to lend his helping hand to those who fall
in distress.

He is a man of simple habits and unexceptionable charac

ter, and a great patron aud friend to education for which he sacrifices

the Indian Chiefs, Rajas, Zamindars, (Jy.

39

his own interests by expending every month a large sum o f money out
o f his own purse.

H is Metropolitan Institution in Calcutta (formerly

known as the Training Academ y) is considered to be the best o f

Several schools in Bengal, Behar, and Orissa, and his library is also
known to many learned men as a valuable one.

H e is ranked as the

best and most renowned Sanskrit scholar o f the day and for hia excel
lent literary achievements in English and other langnages.

He received

a certificate of honor at the Darbar, held at Calcutta, on the 1st January

1877, on account of the assumption o f the title

Empress of India, by

Her Most Gracious Majesty the Queen, and has also been invested with
the insignia o f a Companion o f the Order o f the Indian Empire on
the 1st January 1880.

He is now about 60 years o f age, and has a son

Darned Babu Narain Chandra BenerJL

I X . D E W A N K A S I N A T H S F A M IL Y , B A R A B A Z A R .
G hasi

R aw,

grandfather o f Kaai Nath, was a Dewan to the

Emperor Shah Jehan. during tho latter part of his reign and was highly
esteemed at the Imperial Court, Dewau Ghasi Ram, by race a Kshettri
Tuuon, lived at Lahore where he died at an advanced age leaving the
estate to his only son, Muluk Chand, who, with a view to carry out his
extensive speculations first settled at Murshidabad, and then came
down to Calcutta.
Muluk Chand, as a rigid Hindu, greatly preferred Calcutta on
account o f its situation on the banks of the holy river Hughli, and was
known among the Pandits o f his time as a true lover o f the Sanskrit
language and literature.

H e also died at a good old ago, leaving one

son, the well-known Dewan K asi Nath (generally called Kasi Nath
Babu).
Kaai Nath, in the early days o f the British Government, served
for sometime as Dewan to Colonel C liv e; while he was also a Calcutta
Agent to several Rajas and wealthy men o f his time who lived in
North-Western Provinces and other parts o f India.
In 1779, a suit was brought by him against the Raja of Kasijura.
In this case Mr. Warren Hastings advocated the cause of the Raja

40

The Modem History o f

and forbad him to recognise the authority o f the Court and ordered
the military officer at Midnapur to intercept the sherifTa men.

The

Governor General also issued an order to all Zamindars, Talukdars,

and Chowdhuries, directing them, unless they were British subjects, or
were bound by any particular agreement, not to obey the process o f
the Supreme C o u r t; and the Provincial Chiefs were forbidden to lend
a military force to aid,

The Court being highly

annoyed at this

interference at last went to the length o f suniinoning the Governor

General and Council at the suit of this Kasi Nath Babu, for having
ordered tbe detention of the officers, but Mr. Hastings replied at once
that neither he nor his colleagues would submit to any order o f the
Court for acts done in their official capacity.
1780,

This happened in March

In the meantime, petitions were presented to Parliament by

the British inhabitants of Calcutta, and by the Governor General in

Council, praying for relief from the oppression o f the Court.

Tho

subject was fully disetissed, and a new A ct was passed which took
away that jurisdiction over the whole country which the Court had
been so anxious to obtain.

Dewan Kasi Nath, however, suffered a

great loss in this suit, but as he was a man o f great talents soon managed
to retrieve it by other means.
Dewan Kasi Nath was well versed in the Sanskrit, Persian, and
Hindustani languages with a fair knowledge o f the English tongue.

As

a real Hindu he instituted a large temple for Shamleji attached to hia

dwelling house at Barabazar, and endowed Natun Chak for its support.
He also established the temple o f

Langarnath, aiid offered n pucka

house to Jnuima Sha to live in when he first came from the Sundarbans.

The very house is still existing at Barabazar, and resorted to

by both Hindus and Masalmans, who consider it as a holy spot since

the demise o f Jumma Sha (up to this day known as Jumma

Sha

P ir) who was extremely pious and well known for his virtues,
Dewan Kasi Nath died in extreme old age leaving two sons,
Shamal Das and Shama Charan.

The former left three sons, Jagannath

Das, Balaram Das, and Govardhana Das, but tho last died without
issue.
Among the three sons o f Shamal Das, Balaram died leaving one

the Indian Chiefs, Rajas, Zamindars, djc.

41

son Dainudar Das Barman, the present representative o f this ancient,

TL'spectable and wealthy family.
Babu Damudar Das Barman (alias Raja Babu) has a fair know
ledge o f the Sanskrit and English languages. He is a nobleman o f
good character and is known to be a true Hindu.

He is a member o f

the British Indian Association, and received a Certificate o f Honor at

the Darbar, held at Calcutta, on the 1st January 1877, on account o f
the assumption o f the title Empress o f India," by Her Most Graci
ous Majesty the Queen.

He holds Zamindaries in the Districts of

Midnapur and 24-Parganuas in addition to his landed property in

Calcutta, known as Natun Chak, Kasi Nath Babus Bazar, &c.

Wo

understand, that Raja's Katra, Kasipur, &c,, formerly belonged to the

late Dewan Kasi Nath Babu, who at one time purchased extensive and
valuable property from Hazurimul, a Sikh millionaire o f Calcntta, ab mt*
two centuries ago who is still remembered as the reputed founder of
the ancient and celebrated temple o f Kalighat.

X . - T H E H O N B L E R A I K R IS T O D A S P A L B A H A D U R , c. i.e .,
JARASAN K O.
T he H onble Rai Kristo Das Pal Bahadur, c. r e., was bom at
Calcutta in 1833.

He was educated at the Oriental Seminary and

was placed for sometime under the private tuition of the Revd.
Mr. Morgan.

In 1854, he was admitted into the Hindu Metropolitan

College, and received his education from Captain

Captain

Mr. William Masters.

habits.

D. L, Richardson,

F. Palmer, Captain Harris, Mr. William Kirkpatrick, and

In 1857,he left College,Imt kept up his studious

He contributed to the Morning Chrouicle, Hindu Intelligencer,

the Citizen, the Plioenix, tbe Harkaru, the Hindu Patriot, the Indian
Field, and occasionally in the Englisliman and was the Calcutta Cor
respondent o f the Central Star published at Cawnpore.
Sometime alter the death of

Babu Harish Chandra Mukeiji, tha

late editor of the Hindu Patriot, the H oii ble Rai Kristo Das Pal
Bahadur, c. I. E., became tbe substantive and sole Editor (1 8 6 0 -61 ),
He is a Municipal Commissioner, Honorary Magistrate of the Calcutta
6

42

The Modern History o f

Police, Secretary to the British Indian Association and a meml>ei' o f

the Bengal Legislative Council.

H e received tlie title o f Rai Bahadur

at the Dellii Darbar, on the 1st January

1877, and His

Honor the

Lieutenant Governor o f Bengal presented to him the following sannad

at Belvedere on the 14th A ugust 1877,
Babu,

You have for many years taken a leading part in all public movementa
aSectiug native interests.

You have advocated earnestly and well the rights and

interests o f your fellow conn try men, aud you have raised the Auglo-Veruacular
Press to a high and influential position ; you have likewise served as a member of
the Legislative Council and as Muuicipal Commissioiier and as a member of many
Boards and Committees, and G-overumcnt is indebted to yon for much valuable
assistance most uugrudgiiigly given, aod iu recognition thereof, the title of ftai
Bahadur has been conferred on you .

Rai Kristo Das Pal Bahadur, was also invested with the Insignia
o f a Companion o f the Order o f the Indian Empire ou the 1st January,
1878.

He is much liked by both the respectable European and Native

gentlemen of Calcutta and abroad for his vast learning, simplicity of

habits, and uuexceptional character.

He evinces a great interest for

the Welfare of his countrymen and takes an active part in all public
movements.

H e has given a new life to the Hindu Patriot which was

almost sinking after the demise o f the late Editor Babu Harish Chandra
Mukerji by his indefatigable labour, zeal, and exertion, and has thereby
earned the highest confidence o f all classes o f men.

W ith regard to

the political career he has made a large figure before the world and hts
social accomplishments are also not inferior to his political talents which
have indeed rendered great service to the cause o f the people, not o f
Bengal only, but o f many other places in India.
Kai Kristo Das Pal Bahadur, o . i . e ., is properly to be called an
architect of his own fortune and an example to many o f his country
men as to how a man can rise to a high position by means of industry,
honesty, and perseverence.

W e hope, that the life o f this eminent

person may be prolonged to a ripe old age.

the Indian Chiefs, Rajas, Zamindars, djc,

X I . R E V D . K R IS T O M O H A N B E N E R J I,

l. l

43

, d.

,R e t d , K h i s t o M o h a n B e n e r j i , l . l . d ., son o f B a b u J ib a n K r is to

B e n e rji, w as born in C a lcu tta in th e year 1 8 1 3 .

He first learniid his Vernacular in a Patshala and was then admitted

into the Hares School where he remained for some years.

In February

1824, he joined tlie H indu College, and within a short period made a
considerable progress in English literature, and was much liked by
Mr. D Rozio who was then the 4th teacher at that institution.
Beneiji

and

several o f his fellow-students

Revd.

gave their support to

Mr. D Rozio in his efforts to remove the prejudices o f our country, cast
off the fetters of Hindu Society and made no distinction whatever in
their food.

Mr. D Rozio having been considered to be the root o f all

these evils, was dismissed by the managers o f the College.

But bis

dismissal did not put an end to the evils as he established an Academy,

where, as well as at his house, bis students used to meet him every day
and to learnt his doctrines which were violently opposed to Hinduism.
Revd. Benerji was known to have taken an active part in these open
violations o f the national faith.
In 1829, Revd. Kristo Mohan B eneiji was appointed a teacher in
Hares School, and after three years he embraced the religion o f Christ.
In 1837, he was appointed a preacher of the Christian Religion, and
after successfully carrying on his duties for a period of fifteen years he
jihtied Bishops College as a teacher.

Here,

he served for 16 years

rendering every satisfaction both to his superiors as also to the stndents

of the College who were affectionately attached to him.

He took a

leading part in the meeting held in honor o f David Hare, the gi'eat
Philanthropist and true friend of the Hindus.

In

1858, he was

appointed a Fellow o f tlie Calcutta University and acted for three years aa
President of the Faculty of Arts.
of

He was also for sometime a member

tho British Indian Association and President of

Society.

the

Bethune

He is at present a member of the Calcutta Municipality and

o f several public institutions.

In 1876, the title o f L.l .

d .,

was conferred

on him by the Calcutta University for his high literary merits and for
the reputation he has gained as the distinguished author o f several

44

The Modern History of

English and Sanskrit works.

In

1841-43, he wrote cm Female Educa

tion and in 1861-62 he publii^hed Saradarsan Sangraha, tlie best of

all his productions.

He published also some original Sanskrit works,

Bueh aa, Raghubansa, Kumar Samvab, Bhatikabya, aud R ig

Beda with notes o f his own.

Besides these, he wrote several works

in Bengali, and is also known as one o f the beet English Scholars iu

Bengal.
Revd. Kristo

Mohan

Benerji,

l.l

d ..

takes

an

active part in

almost all the principal Societies or Associations with which he is con

nected and works hard even up to his present advanced age for the
good of his country.

He is a man o f public spirit and good disposition.

H e is about 68 years old.

X I I . D E W A N K R IS T O R A M BOSE S F A M IL Y ,
SH AM BAZAR.
D ewan K eisto R am B ose, son of Doya Ram Bose, inhabitant o f
Tara in the District of Hughli, was born
Bokibda 1655 or A.

D.

1733.

on the 11th of P o m iu

His father Doya Ram iu consequence o f

some family calamity first left Tara for Calcutta, but instead o f arriving
at tbe latter place he stopt short at Bali, an old village iu the District
o f Hughli.

W hile at Bali, Kristo Ram manifested a great degree of

love and respect towards his old father and soothed his broken heart
by means of such stories which had references to Hindu religion and
morality.

As he was then only a boy o f about 14 or 15 years, he

excited much interest m the hearts of the residents of that place who
Were astonished to observe the progress he had then made in his own
language and the Hindu Sastars,

A Baupraata religionist judging

fiom his physiognomy, that he would soon become a great man, asked
his father Doya Ram s permission to initiate the lad iu the mysteries
o f the religion.

Doya Ram complied

with his request and his son

Kristo Ram was accordingly iuitiaied by the religionist who made him
his special su ya or disciple.
On coming to Calcutta, Kristo Ram who had also received a fair
knowledge of accounts thought ot assisting his father in some pecuniary

the Indian Chiefs, Rajas, Zamindars,

45

way. Having obtained a small sum from liis father lie began his career as
an independent man.

Once upon an occasion he monopolised the whole

lot o f salt, that was brought to Calcutta from the Mofuasil for public sale
by Government, and it so happened to his good luck, that within a few
days he gained a profit of Rs. 40,000 on its sale.

Being possessed of

this large fortune, he successfully carried on various other speculations

and thereby acquired such an immense wealth, that he thought at last of
closing his mercantile business and searching after some respectable post
under Government. He soon became Dewan at Hughli under the H ou ble
E. I. Coy, on a high salary of Rs. 2,000 per mensem, and which post he
creditably held for some years.

A fcer tendering liis resignation he came

down to Calcutta, and established his residence at Shambnzar, where

Some of his descendants are still liv in g ; while others are scattered over
the different parts o f Bengal and Orissa.

Dewan Kristo Ram was the

proprietor o f some valuable Zamindaries situated in the Districts of

Jessore, Birbhum, and Hughli, and was
the millionaires o f Calcutta.
and charity unbounded.

considered to be one

of

H is good qualities were incomparable

On one occasion he bought

rice to the

value o f Rs. 1.00.000, for the purpose of profitting by its sale; but
before a single grain was sold a great famine took place.

Thereupoo,

he gave up bis idea of gain but displayed his cliarity by opening out
Annachatras for the purpose o f
without distinction o f caste.

feeding the fa mine-stricken people

There were also several occurrences like

this, in which, Dewan Kristo Ram sacrificed liis own interests for the
cause of humanity. In his retired life, his attention was always directed
to do such religious acts as would endear his name among his country
men and the circle o f the sadhus or religious men o f the country.

He

used to celebrate the Durga Puja, &c., with great eclat and his charity
on these occasions was almost unlimited.
performing the Bisarjan o f the Goddess

Tradition asserts, that after

i.e., the throwing o f the

idol into the river Hughli, ho used to distribute one rupee to every man
who shewed a big eartlien-pot or K alsi full of water (it being a sign of
good omen well known to the H indus) from the river Ghat back to his
home, a distance o f not less than a mile. As it is the general report, that
seven or eight thousand men used to sit with Kalsies full o f water on

46

The Modern Histvvy o f

both the sides o f the road, leading from the Ghat to his dwelling honse at
Shambazar; we can well imagine what a large sum o f money he used to
give away every year to the public for this purpose.

Though this

practice has at present been stopped, yet it was continued even to his
sous and grandsons who paid for sometime at the rate o f one rupee per
KaUiy and then reduced to half or one-fourth of a rupee according
to tlieir circumstances.
Dew nil Kristo Rams charity was not solely confined to Calcutta, as
it spread over different parts of Bengal, Beliar, Orissa, and the NorthWestern

Provinces.

W o give below a succinct account of his other

religious and charitable acts.

He celebrated the Rath o f Jagannath at Mahesb with great splen
dour, and the annual festival in connection with it is still continued by
his present descendants; established the idols Jitadan Gopal Jew in
Jessore and Radhahallabh Jew in Birbhum and endowed to the Brahmins
of

those places with

sufficient lands for their support;

dedicated

temples to tbe Sivas in different parts of Benares and one to Mahadem

now to be seen upon the largest and most beautiful hill situated iu the
centre of the river Ganges bordering Jehanghira, a village in the D is
trict o f Bhaugulpore, for the support of which the necessary provisions
were also made ; constructed a road from Tara to Mothurabati in the
H ughli District which is known after bis name as K risto Jangal and
erected stairs over the hill, called Bamsila in Gya, upon which the
Hindus now easily ascend to offer Pindas to their deceased ancestors ;
planted mangoe trees on both sides of the road leading from Cuttack
to Puri, comprising a distance o f about twenty erases or fifty miles with
a view to afford shelter to the pilgrims to Jagannath and other travellers
from the scorching rays of the sun and to supply them with fruits ;
excavated a large tank on the outskirt o f Puri near the entrance to the
sacred shrine o f Jagannath ; and lodged a sufficient sum o f money with
the Raja of Purl to cover annually the three big cars o f Jagannath,
Balaram, and Savadra during the grand festival of Bath-Jattra.
Dewan Kristo Ram Bose, after leading a long life o f virtue,
charity, and benevolence, died at the advanced age of 78.

He left two

sons, Madan Gopal Bose and Guru Prasad Bose, o f whom the former

the Indian Chiefs, Rajas, Zamindars, (f*c.

died one week after hU death.

47

The descendants o f Madan Oopal Bose,

though numerous, are now scattered over different parts o f Bengal, and
not well known to us.

Guru Prasad Bose, bad three wives, by the first

he had no issue; by the second he had three sons, o f whom Kalachand

Bose, the eldest, lived to a good old age, and had one son of the
name o f Eajendro Naraiii Bose who died during his lifetime,

Kajendro

Naraiii had three sons, Babus Bissambhar Bose, Radha Raman Bose,
and Kristo Chandra Bose, o f whom the second Radha Raman is dead.
Babu Bissambhar Bose is living in an affluent state at Shambazar.

He is

intelligent and courteous and his youngest brother Babu Kristo Chandra
Bose, who ia equal iu merit, is prosecuting bis studies in the Presidency
College.
Guru Prasad Bose, leaving his second wife s family in Calcutta,
Shambazar, went to Orissa with his third wife and her issues where
he purchased a Zamindari for them iu the District o f Balasore, Sub
division, Bhudruck,

After a few years he died at Jajpur in the Dis

trict of Cuttack, leaving two sons, Babus Biudu Madhub Bose and
Radha Mohan Bose, o f whom the former is now dead,
Babu Bindu Madhub Bose left three sons, Rai Nimy Cbaran Bose
Bahadur, Babu Hari Ballabh Bose,
Bose.

B. A. B .L .,

and Babu Achuta Nanda

The elder Rai Nim y Charan looks after the Zamindari business,

and is an Honorary Magistrate of Kothar.

He received the title o f Rai

Bahadur at the Delhi Darbar on the 1st January, 1877, for his several
acts of liberality.

The second Babu Hari Ballabh Bose,

l .,

is

the Government Pleader o f Cuttack, and the third Babu Achuta Nanda
Bose resides at Calcutta as an independent man.

A ll these brothers

are men o f fame and repute.

Babu Radha Mohan Bose, though aged 65 years, devotes much o f
big time in the acquirement of Sanskrit learning and to religious pur
suits.

He had two sons, Babus Balaram Bose and Sadhu Prasad Bose.

The former, though young, almost leads a retired life and walks in the
foot-stepa o f bis noble father, and the latter as a promising young man
prosecutes his studies in the Presidency College,

48

Tfu Modern History o f

X I I L M A N A G K J E E R U S T O M JR E , E so., P E R S IA N CO N SU L
IN CALCU TTA .
F obem ost

among the many alien races, who have made India their

permanent home, stands the great Parsi community foremost iti intelli
gence, public spirit and enterprise.

The history c f Bombay, whicli lias

long been the centre o f the Parsi community, is to a greater or less

extent the history o f Parsi progress and development. Still, Calcutta has
not entirely been neglected as a field for Parsi usefulness.

A bout half a

century ago, no name was more favorably known in tbe city o f Palaces
than the honored name of the late Mr. Rustomjee Cowasjee, the acknow
ledged head o f Parsi society on this side o f India.

No public moveraenfc

was set on foot, in which this distinguislied gentleman did not take a lead
ing and active part; no cry of general or individual distress could be raised,
but he was prompt to come forward with unstinted aid from his open
and overflowing purse, and his princely hospitality, opened the way to that
social intercourse between the European and Native races, which has
o f late come so much into vogue in the cities and large towns o f India.
The firm of Messrs. Rnstomjee Cowasjee & Co., o f which he was the
head, was then a recognized mercantile power in tins city, especially aa
regards tbe trade with China.

But the financial crisis wliich laid low

ao many o f the old race of Merchant Princes in the city o f Palaces in

the last decade o f the first-half of the present century, was not without
its effects on this firm, wiiich was then in active charge o f Mr. Manackjee
Rustomjee, the subject of this sketch.
From early life Mr. Manackjee Rustomjee was engaged in mercan
tile pursuits having been for some years in China and, during his
fathers lifetime was largely coniieciod with the commercial business
which in those days was so actively and extensively carried on between
Calcutta, China, and Bombay.

His fathers firm then owned a large fleet

of Opium clippers, engaged in the Cliina Trade.

In 1837, Mr. Manackjee

Rnstomjee came to Calcutta, and was admitted a partner in hia

fathers firm, and he has settled down here ever since ; aud so great has
always been the influence, which he has established by his unblemished
character, his undoubted loyalty and hia

public spirit that he is

UDiveraally acknowledged as the head of the Pars! Community of

the Indian Chiefs, Rajas, Zamindars,

49

Caleiitta and, as anch, he never shrinks from the part that is expected of
him in all public movements.

His probity, impartiality and sound

judgment have won him the respect o f all classes, and he is consequently
Very often consulted by his Native friends, among whom ho successfully
mediates in the settlement of their differences and disputes.

Although of

late not largely interested in business, ho atUl maintains bia connection

with many Joint Stock Companies, in several of which he is a Director.
Mr. Manackjee Rustomjee is a Justice o f the Peace, an Honorary
Magistrate and a Municipal
Calcutta and its suburbs.

Commissioner both for the Tow n of

He is also Consul for Persia.

He was the first

Native gentleman who was ever selected for the honor of shrievalty o f
Calcutta, which he held in 1874.
Mr. Manackjee Rustomjee has two intelligent sons, Mr. Heerjeebhoy
Manackjee Rustomjee, and Mr. Cowasjee Manackjee Rustomjee, the
former of whom is also a Justice of the Peace and Honorary Magistrate
of Calcutta.

W e cannot more appropriately close this hasty sketch of

a leading notability and representative member o f Calcutta Society

than by the following extract from Buck's appreciative sketch in the
Indian Charivari.
H e would still be as ready as he was in the China war, and in
1857, to place his resources at the service o f Government, has still the
same open hand for the relief of private distress as he had in the days
of his greater prosperity, still acts the parts o f peace-maker in the
private disputes o f his friends, and is still esteemed and respected by
all those who

have the privilege o f knowing him.

#
*
*

He remains one o f the few connecting links between Calcutta as it is

and as it was, and we hope that he may long be spared to give us the
benefit o f hia experience.
X I V . M A T I L A L S E A L S F A M IL Y , K A L U T O L A .
T he late Babu Mati Lai Seal, son of Chaitan Charan Seal, by
caste a Subarna Banik, was the well known Capitalist and Zamindar
in Bengal.

He was bom in Calcutta in the year 1792, and lost his

father while he was an infant o f about fiveyeai's old.

7

He had acquired

50

The Modern History o f

a tolerable knowledge of Bengali and English.

Babu Bir Cband Seal

obtained for him in marriage tbe hand o f one o f the daughters o f

Mohan Chand Dey.
In 1815, Babu Mati Lai Seal accepted the business o f supplying
stores to the Military Officers in tlie Fort, and was for sometime a
Customs Daroga, but, in 1820, became banian to Mr. Smithson and
seven or eight different European merchants.

He founded the first

Indigo Mart under the style o f Messrs. Moore, Htckey and Co., and
entered into several speculations through which he acquired immense
wealth.

He purchased many Zamindaries iu Bengal, and built several

houses, &c., in Calcutta and its neighbourhood.

Babu Mati Lai Seal was almost known to all as an architect o f his
own fortune.
charity.

H e was highly distinguished for his piety and unlimited

He established an A lm s House, in Belgharia in I8 4 l, which

is even now open to the poor.

H e gave away an extensive tract o f

land without compensation to Uovernment for the erection o f the Fever

Hospital at Calcutta, and for which a ward in the Hospital was dedi
cated to his memory and named Mati Lai Seals ward.

He was also

a great friend to education as he founded a College after his name

still known as the Seals College, and endowed it with sufficient
fnnds for its management under the Jesuits.

On the occasioa of his

eldest sons marriage he liberated the prisoners who were then imprisoned
in the Civil Jail o f Calcutta.

H e was a true Hindu, and had a good

taste in music, engineering, and architecture.

Babu Mati Lai Seal died on the 20th May, 1854, leaving five sons,
viz., Babus Hira Lai Seal, Chuni Lai Seal, Fauna Lai Seal, Govinda
Lai Seal, and Kanai Lai Seal, o f whom the first three have died during
the course of the last few years,

Babu Chuni Lai Seal, the second son

o f Babu Mati Lai Seal, made by will a munificent bequest o f Rs. 50,000
to the Fever Hospital.

Babus Govinda Lai Seal and K anai Lai Seal

are the present representatives o f the family.

The new Municipal market at Dharmatala, Calcutta, belonged to
this wealthy family, and its respectable members still possess extensive
landed property of value both in Calcutta and its suburbs.

the Indian Chiefs, Rajas, Zamindars,

51

X V M LTLLICK F A M IL Y O F P A T H U R IA G H A T A AiNTD
CHOREBAGAN.
T h is family are o f very great antiquity.
Banik

Sprung from the Subaru a

caste or the Banker caste o f Bengal, wliose

profession by

national custom is confined to banking and mercantile business, the

MulUcks have been renowned for their wealth, enterprise, and munificence from immemorial times.

So great has been the weight o f their

social position, that they have always been recognized as the Balopaties
or the head of a large number o f families o f their own ca ste; and
they are besides Pranuxnicks, one o f the three principal Kulin families
o f their caste.

The patronymic o f the family is S e a l; but since Jadav

Seal, their head in the 13th generation, was honored by the Muham
madan Government with the hereditary title o f MuUick*, the family
have reserved the name o f Seal for use only in religious and matri
monial ceremonies, and have assumed the title o f Mullick for their
surname.
The nomenclature o f Subama Banik, given to this caste originated
aa fellows
Sonaka Adhya, a Baisya, who, besides his piety, general learning
and deep knowledge o f tbe Bedas, was the master of great wealth,
migrated from Ramgarh in Ajodhya ( Oudh) many centuries ago, to the
Court o f Adisur, the then king of Bengal.

The king was so charmed

with this pilgrim-merchant that he granted him a village on the banks

o f the Brarahaputra, where he settled with his family and his priest
Gyan Chandra Misra.

Sonaka A dhyas very extensive mercantile

operations soon converted this obscure spot into a great commercial mart,
which, though now in ruins, still bears the name o f Subarnagram or
Sonargau, that is, the golden village, so called in honor o f the great
gold merchant; who lived and carried on his trade there.

Adisur was

so much pleased with the good effects of his gift that he presented
Sonaka A dhya with a copper plate, bearing the following inscription ;

* M allick in Persian meang a King, an Amir or nobleman. This title of

honor was given to noblemen by the KLuhatnmadaa kings. ( Vide Oayab Sul
Logat^and T&j-ul L ogat.)

52

The Modern History o f

that ia, translated, In order to increase the honor o f the Baisyas o f

this place, who are engaged in gold trade, I give them the designation
o f SuJbarna BanikP (See Ballala Charita, by Ananda Bhatta).

For a

veiy long time the Suharwi Baniks continued to enjoy the royal favor.
But, during the reign o f K ing Ballala Sen, a misunderstanding arose
between that monarch and Ballabh ananda Adhya, a descendant of Son aka
Adhya and the head of the caste at the time.

Ballabhananda was the

richest man in the kingdom and, according to the biographer o f Ballala

Sen, possessed 140 millions of gold mohurs.

The question o f the repay

ment o f the large advances he had made during the Manipur war led to
differences which being intensified by other causes, the king iu revenge
deprived the Subarna Baniks o f the privilege o f wearing the sacrificial
thread, which had belonged to them, by right, as Baisyas, the third order
o f the Dwija or twice born, accoi'diug to the institutes o f Mauu.
W ritin g on this particular subject, Mr. J*. Talboya Wheeler, the
great historian o f India, says ; Notwithstanding however the attempt
of the Raja Ballala to lower the Bauyas in national esteem, their opu
lence and enterprise have always maintained the respectability and
dignity o f the class and a mercantile aristocracy has arisen among them
which has held the purse-strings o f the nation and o f whom the rich
family o f the Mullicks of the present day are a favorable example.

Many

of the Banyas may be traced as having gradually migrated in bygone

generations from Gour through Murshidabad, Birbhum, and Bardwan,
and finally settled at Satgong* in the District o f Hughli.

It is this

latter class o f adveuturous Banyas who chiefly carried on mercantile tran

sactions iu the sixteenth century with the Portuguese of Hughli, and in
the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries with the Dutch o f Chinsura,
the French o f Chandernagore, and the English o f Calcutta.

From

this circumstance it is said, that tha Bauyas first imbibed a tincture o f

European refinement and delicacy towards females which until late
years was little appreciated by the rest o f their countrymen.
A pedigree of this family, which is extant and which is given below,
traces their descent through twenty-fonr generations.
* BatgoDg is the popular name of Saptagram and a Section of the Bsoya
community is still called Saptagramia Subarna Baulk.

the Indian Chiefs, Rajas, Zamindars, ^c.

G EN EALO GIC AL TABLE

OF TH E MULLICK

53

FA M ILY OP PAT H U R IA -

GHATA AND C H O R E B A G A N .'

iBt. OenenttioD on record...Mathu Seal.

I
2tid. Gaja Seal and eleven brothers.
i

3rd. Shumair Seal and two biothera,

I
1

4th. Barone Seal.

6th. Bajo Seal.

I

6th. Tej Seal.

I
i
7th. Prayag Seal.
I

8tb.Nagor Seal.
9th. Nityananda Seal and two brothers.

KH b. Narayan Seal.

11th. Madan Seel and six brothers,

12th. Banamali Seal.

18th.Jadav Seal and two brothers.
I

(Jadav Seal received the

title of M ollick),

14th. Kanuram Muliick and four brothers.

I
ISth.Joyram Muliick and three brothers.
16th. Padma Lochan MuUick, and five brothers,
17tb. Sham Sundar Mnllick,

Please t u r n o r s r.

OSNBALOOIOAL TABLB OF THE MTTLLICK FAMILT OF PATHURIAGHATA AND CHOREBAOAN.-rCwfiiiKrd;.

IStb, Bam Erisbna M allick and Qanga Bishou Mullick.

i
)
19tb. Abaadalal Mullick, Baistab Das Mullick and Sonatan Mallick,

19th. Nilmani Mullick.

20tb. Baja Bajeudra Mullick, Bahadur.

21st. Devendra Mahcndra Girindra

Mullick.
Mullick. Mullick.

Surendra
Mullick.

Jogendra
Mullick.

Manendra
Mullick.

22nd. Nagendra Mullick,

20th. Bir Narsiug Mullick,

8arup Chandia Mullick.

Dinabandhu Mullick.

Brajabandhu Mullick.

21 Bt. Naodalal Mullick.

21st. Tula! Das Mullick,
22ud, Balai Das
Mullick.

Gyaprasad
Mullick.

Bubaldas Mullick.

21st. A b u t o s h
Mullick.

Goathabihari Mullick.

21st. Kunja Bihati Mullick.

Qovin Lai Oopal Lai

M ullick.
Mullick,

Banamali

Mat! Lai

Mullick.

Mullick.

22nd. Oopi Mobau

Mullick.

The Family have descended down to the 24th generation hut the names o f the younger members of the 28rd and 24th
generations are not given here.

the Indian Chiefs, Rajas, Zamindars, <|*c.

55

But from the archives o f the family, it appears that their earliest
known ancestors were originally settled somewhere on the banks o f the
Subarnarekha, then at Saptagram, afterwards at Hughli and Chinsura
(the

sites

of

their

residences

traceable) and, finally, at Calcntta.

(15th

at these

two

places being

still

I t is said that Joyram Muliick

generation) first came and settled at Calcutta before the estab

lishment of

the British rule, in order to avoid

spoliation by tho

Bargis, the name by which the Mahratta robbers o f those early times
were known in Bengal.

Though

no written account regarding the

career o f Joyram Muliick, o f his ancestors, o f his fourth son Padtua

Lochan Muliick, from

whom

the present

family is directly

des

cended or o f his grandson Sham Sundar Muliick is now fortbcom ing;

it is fair to infer from the reputation they had left behind that they
had so lived and conducted their business as to have preserved the
good name and honor o f their forefathers and set a good examplo
worthy o f imitation by their progeny.

But the authentic history of

tbe family begins with Babu Ramkrishna Muliick and Babu Gangabishnu Muliick, the two sons o f Babu Sham Sundar M uliick.

The

brothel's resided jointly in the family dwelling-house at Patburiaghata,

Calcutta, where they carried not only an extensive hanking business,
but also engaged iu mercantile speculations, both in Bengal and the
North-Western Provinces, aa well as iu China, Singapur, and other
foreign ports.
exemplary.

In their private life, they were also very estimable and

Besides maiatainiug a good many relatives, as well as

dependents o f their own and other castes with uncommon liberality,

they also distributed food daily in their Dharmasala opposite their
dwelllng-bouse to a large number o f poor people, but, what is more,
they helped many friends on iu the world by assisting them with money
to can y on trade or by becoming their securities for the discharge o f
the duties o f lucrative or responsible posts.
not end here.

But their benevolence did

W ith a liberality, not always to be met with, they kept

in their employment a staff o f learned native physicians to prepare

medicines for free distribution to the sick poor at-a time, when European
Dispensaries

were

not in existence.

During the terrible famine

of 1176, B.S., or A.D. 1770, they relieved a large

number o f

their

56

The Modern History of

starving fellow countrymen, who had flocked into the city, by estab
lishing aud maintaining at their own entire cost eiglit Annachattras
for the gratuitious distribution o f prepared food without distinction o f
caste or creed to all poor people, who resorted thither.

These tempo

rary Alms Houses in the native part o f the town were mostly in the
houses o f their friends, who gladly joined in the good work, other
similar institutions for the relief o f the starving poor having been
opened in the southern part o f the city and supported from other
Bunrcea.

But their charities were not simply local.

A t Brindaban

they established a Chattar, where the ritea and ceremonies o f the

Hindu religion were celebrated with much )K>mp and a large number
o f the poor were fed daily.

A s we have said, a great many families of

the Subarna Banik caste recognized them as their Head or Dalopati,

resorted to them for arbitration in their disputes and performed their
matrimonial and other rites under their guidance and directions.
Babu Qangabishnu Mullick died on the 7th February 1788,
leaving an only son, Babu Nilmani Mullick.
who

died

several years

after in

. d,

Babu Ramkrishna M ullick,

December

1803, left two sons

BUTviving him, Babu Baistab Das Mullick and Babu Sonatan Mullick
Lie eldest son, Babu Ananda Lai Mullick having without issue prede
ceased his father.
Babu Nilmani Mullick was born on the 10th September 1775.
Babu Baistab Das Mullick was bom on the 8th October 1775 ; and Babu
Sonatan Mullick on the 4th September 1781.

A ll three resided jointly

in the family dwelling-house at Pathuriaghata; but the youngest,

Babu Sonatan M ullick having died in 1805 without male issue, the
management o f tlie family affairs devolved upon the two elder brothers,*
who cotitinued to maintain the most cordial feelings
among
o
o the several
members of the household and added honor and distinction to their
name.
Babu Nilmani Mullick was a very pious and God-fearing man, a
pattern of

gentlemanliness, extremely noble-hearted and forgiving,

Bympathising in tlie sufferings o f his fellow-creatures and rejoicing in

their prosperity, the poor and helpless always found in him a ready
* I d Hindu joint familiea, cousins are (generally termed brothers.

the Indian Chiefs, Rajas, Zamindars, djc.

friend.

57

H ii injunctions to his household were let no hungry man

be refused hospitality, give him

with any tiling else,"

my own food if you cannot help him

O f the many acta o f charity and benevolence,

that iidorue 1 hia life and which have marked him out aa a memorable
pereouage, we would mention here a few instances.

He built and conse

crated the Thaliuruati o f Jagannathji at ChorebagaH| the worship o f

which, he inherited from his maternal uncles.

He established

an

Atithsala or Alms House attached to this, where by the grace o f Qod a

large number o f tbe poor and helpless o f every c.aste and creed receive
daily prepared food up to this day.

During the nine days o f the festi"

val o f Rothojatra every year, he used to invite and entertain in this

Thakurbati gentlemen o f all the different sections of the Baiiya com niunity.

large number o f Brahmins and vast number o f paupers

also received hospitality.

great liberality.

His pilgrimages to P u ii were marked with

On one occasion finding a large number o f poor

families in great diatress, from the loss of their homesteads through a

conflagration in the neighbourhood o f Gourbarshahi and Harachandi
Shahi Pnri, he helped them with money to build their cottages and
saved them from the inclemencies o f a rainy weather.

On another

occasion when distress was raging amongst a very large number o f poor
pilgrims, assembled at Atharanala or Kighteeu Bridges, where a toll
used to be levied in those days lie arranged with the local authorities
for their free ingress and egress by undertaking himself to pay on their
behalf

But, as the amount he had thus to pay, was considerable much

more than he had thought o f keeping along with him for hia journey ;
he was forced to ask the Collector to accept a draft for this sum on his
brother Babu Baistab Das Mullick at Calcutta.
Natifuxndir to the temple o f Jagannathji at Dauton.

H e built a costly
He several times

procured the release o f civil prisoners from jail by paying over the
amounts o f their debts, before the act for the relief o f insolvent debtors
was extended to this country.

In those days a large number o f poor

and religions devotees used to resort to Calcutta.

F or these, he built

sheds at the Ghat, wbich was called Nilmani Mullicksa Qhttl after hia
name and stood on the piece of land now occupied by the P aun PosUth
Bazar belonging to his son.
8

This Ghat was oommodious and built of

58

The Modern History o f

masonry nnd liad separate bathing accommodations for males and

females.

It became useless since the formation o f the old Strand

Koad and banks.

These idlgrims not only found shelter here, but were

taken care of, and provided

dwelling-house at

with food and clothes.

In the family

Patburiaghata, he and his brother Babu Baistab Das

MuUick who was also for his piety and religious disposition reckoned
as almost a saintly personage, jointly maintained on

a very liberal

scale a Badabratx or Alms House whero a large number of poor and

hungry pilgrims and mendicants coming there at any hours of the day,
received whatever raw articles o f food they wanted, they were provided
with cooking stalls at a quadrangle iu the front of the house, specially
reserved for this purpose since the time o f their ancestors, and with
every requisite ingredient for tbe preparation o f food.

Poor peoplei

unable to meet the expenses o f the funeral rites o f their dead relatives,
always found assistance from them and the numbers who sought such
help were considerable.

They maintained a Patshala for free instruc

tion in Bengali as also au English School, for the children o f their

neighbours and dependent?, distributed medicines prepared by accom
plished native physicians to the sick poor and kept up with great liberality
all tbe family rites and ceremonies instituted by their ancestors.

The

Durga Pujas were celebrated with great rnunificence in liberal donations

to the poor, to the learned Pandits and Brahmins, and in grand enter
tainments to gentlemen and friends of all nationalities, Europeans and
Natives.

The musical entertainments lasted for fifteen nights, during

which musicians aud dancers o f the highest repute were engaged and
rewarded with presents.

Noblemen and Government Officials o f the

highest rank were invited and several Governors General and Judges of
tho old Supreme Court graced these annual festivals with their pre
sence on different occasions.

Tlie elder brother Babu Nilmnnt M uliick

had a particular taste for music and liberally encouraged professors

o f that delightful art.

On the occasion o f Btipmichami every year,

he held a MaipUel in which musicians exhibited their talents and

received liberal rewards.

H e introduced the reformed system of F ull-

Ackrai singing accompanied with musical concerts.

The intonations

were o f a very high and perfect order aud of scientific precision.

This

tJte Indian Chiefs, Rajas, Zamindars,

59

sort o f singing, has for want of competent masters, became extinct for
nearly half a century and has given place to the less clever form o f H o l f
Ackrai singing.

Babu Nilmani MuUicks efforts in this direction, have

been casually mentioned in the life of Ram Nidhi Gupta, generally

known as Nidhu Babu, tho celebrated professor o f music.

The bent o f

Babu Baistab Das M ullick was in quite a different direction.

He had

a passion for old Sanskrit works and made an excellent collection o f

them.

He wns fond also o f getting medicines accurately prepared

according to tlie directions o f our Shasters, for distribution to the sick

poor for whom he entertained the greatest sympathy.

Both the

brothers were greatly respected by tho community o f their times.

Amongst whom not a few experienced their goodness aud friendship in
various substantial ways, in pecuniary accominodations which saved
many an estate from sale for default in payment of Government revenue
or in some such critical situation, in money advances to help friends in
business, iu the guarantees they furnished for the faithful discharge o f
the duties o f profitable appointments, in the arbitration o f disputes and
in assistance given in evejy way that laid in their power.
The descendants o f maii}'^ near relatives and dependents up to this
day enjoy the benefits o f the lielp formerly rendered and remember
them with gratitude.

A s Dalopati, they introduced several reforms

amongst their kinsmen, aud saved many from ex-com mu ideation o f caste
or other social degradation.

W hat added glory to those good deeds,

was tlie unostentatious manner iu which they were done and the humi
lity that pervaded their minds.
2nd o f September 1821.

Babu Nilmani Mullick died on the

A few hours before his death, ho ordered his

servants to carry him in a chair to the family Thakuriati and there

after performing his prayers and devotions, requested them to convey him
to hia Ohat on the banks o f tha holy River H ughli chanting a parti
cular hymn which he himself recited.

He quietly bid farewell to his

friends and relatives o&semblcd there, and asked for their pardon for
any fault, he might have committed in his life.

On thcir molting

into tears lie begged o f them not to excite hia emotion.

Such was the renown and fame o f Babu Nilmani Mullick s liber
ality, that devotees reaching Calcutta 20 or 30 years after his death, and

60

The Modern History o f

on coming to liis family-bousc for relief used semetimes to exclaim,

Hiimani Mullick ke-joyP

Speaking o f him, tbe Private Secretary

to His H onor the Lieutenant Governor o f Bengal, incidentally men

tions in a letter addressed to his son. Raja Rajendra Mullick Bahadur,
dated the 6th o f February

1874, about 53_ years after his death,

The Lieutenant Governor desires me to say, that he is well aware o f

the good services done by your father in helping the poor and destitute.
Babu Nilmani Mullick left a widow aud an only son (adopted) Baja
Rajendra
age.

Mullick Bahadur, then an infant , o f about three years o f

They shortly afterwards removed from the old family-house at

Pafchuriaghata to Citorebagan,

Babu Baistab Das Mullick continued

after his brother s death to be the head o f this family for many years, and
deservedly held his high position preserving the family honor and good
name, that through the grace o f G od had continued for generations.
H e rendered assistance to many families o f rank, in preserving their
Zamindaries from being sold for arrears o f revenues, and settled the
family disputes o f many saving them from ruination.

He munificently

provided comfortable habitations for several o f his dependents aud con

tinued his share o f the family charities and o f the numerous other good
works inaugurated by hU ancestors.

Some o f these charities still

continued to be daily administered up to this day in the house at

Pathuriaghata and also at Brindaban by his descendants.
Babu Baistab Das Mullick died on the 10th March 1841, greatly
revered and respected by all who knew him.
lost a great votary of the Hindu religion.

In him the community

He left five sons, viz., Babus

Bir Narsitig Mullick, Sarup Chandra M ullick, Dinabandhu Mullick,

Braja Bandhu Mullick, and Goatha Blhari M ullick,all o f whom remained
in the join t possession o f the family dwelling-house o f their father.
The eldest Babu Bir Narsing Mullick was the most renowned o f all
his brothers.

His genial aud kind disposition, his depth o f judgment,

his uprightness aud moral rectitude, and his many high qualities, made
him loved and honored by all who came in contact with him.

His advice

and assistance were sought by not a few in difficulty, and these ho was
always willing to render witli the readiness o f a true friend.

Following

the path o f his ancestors, he helped many Zaioiudai^s out o f pecuniary

ihe Indian Chiefs, Rajas, Zamindars, ^c.

61

difficulties, saved them from disastrous family litigations, and continued

performing good works o f charity and kindness.

A ll the five brothers

were remarkable for their attachment to each other and managed the
family affairs in a most hnrmonious and worthy manner.

They

were all strict Hindus o f very high characters and truly gentlemanly
manners.

The second brother Babu Sarup Chandra Muliick died first

of all on the 25tli November 1847 without any male issue.

The eldest

brother Babu Bir Nai-sing Muliick died next on the 2Srd July 1849,
leaving two sons, Babu T u b i Bas Muliick and Babu Subal Das MuUick.
The youngest Babu Gostha Bihari Muliick died next iu 1851, leaving an
infant son, Babu K unjo Bihari MuUick.

On the death o f Babu Bir

Narsing Muliick, the management o f this branch of the family devolved

upon Babu Dinabandhu Muliick who continued the good works as before.
The opening o f the east end of Darpa Narain Tagore Street and its
connection with Ratan

Sirkar s Garden Street, were tffected in his

time and mainly through the exertions o f his talented nephew Babu
Tulsi Das MuUick.

The family subscribed

liberally

towards

this

project.
On his death, the management fell upon Babu Brajabandhu MuUick,
the fourth brother.

He was a very kind hearted and virtuous man, and

worthily filled the important trust that fell on him, not only with honor
aud credit, but with great benefit and advantage to the members o f the
family.

H e gave up a very

valuable piece o f land in the vicinity of

Clive Street for opening a new Street, now called Clive R ow , which
greatly improved that locality, and he erected several costly buildings on
its sides. His private charities were many and liberal and deservedly made
him honored aud respected.

He died at the age o f 50 years in August

]869, leaving five sons, Babus Asutosh MuUick, Qoviu Lai MuUick,
Gopal Lai MuUick, Banamali Muliick, and Mati Lai Muliick.
Babu Tulsi Das MuUick, the eldest sou o f Babu Bir Narsing
Muliick, was a very able and worthy man.
scholar aud a man o f sound judgment.

He was a good English

He was the principal adviser

in the management o f the family affairs, and was a great help to his
uncles.

People sought his advice and he was ever ready to help them

with it. When the Government first estabUshed the bench o f Honorary

62

The Modern History o f

Magistrates iu Calcutta, be was one o f those, first appointed.

He died

on 21at December 1861, leaving two sons, Babua Balai Daa Mullick
and Gyaprasad Mullick.

On the death o f Babn Brajabaudhu M ullick,

Babu Subaldas Mullick became the head o f this branch.

He was a very

amiable and polite gentleman and was always ready to befriend people
BCeking his assistance.

H e was kind to his friends aud dependents,

and helped many in obtaining situations.

He was the first native gentle

man to set the example of volunteering Basti improvement in Calcutta.

H e was an Honorary Magistrate and Justice of the Peace for Calcutta.
H e died in 1876, leaving one son, Babu Gopi Moban Mnllick.
A short time after the death of Babu Nilmani Mullick, a suit for
partition was instituted in the year 1822 between Babu Baistab Daa
Mullick and the widow o f Babn Nilmani Mullick as the gaurdian o f her
infant son, Raja Rajendra Mullick Bahadur, who was then abort four
years of age.

The motlier and the infant son removed to the residence

attached to the TkakurhaU in Chorebagan, built by

Babu Nilmani

Mullick, where they remained until the minor came o f age.

For the

greater part o f this period, tlie greatest difficulties hampered the action o f
the noble widow lady in conducting the charitable and religious works of
the Thakurbati o f her husband, as for a length o f time no expenses for
maintaining them could be obtained from the Court by whom the
estate was held iu charge.

During this interval she nobly strove to

keep the charities i^oing to her utmost power by pledging or parting

with her own estates through which she raised the necessary funds.
H er generosity and kindness were exemplary.
dependents her sympathy

To the

household

was truly raotlier-Iike, seveial of whom

received through her bounty pucca hoiues in this city for the peaceful
enjoyment of themselves and their children.

For tho poor and hungry

resorting to the Thahurbati for relief, she took a delight to work with
her own hands by assisting in cooking their food, and she would not
herself eat, until all the hungry waiting at her doora had been satisfied.
In

1835 Raja Rajendra M ullick Bahadur, who was born on tlie 24th

June 1819, came of age.

During the minority of the Raja, the late

Supreme Court had appointed

Mr. James W eir H ogg, afterwards Sir

James Weir Hogg, Baronet, as his guardian who took great care and

the Indian Chiefs, Rajas, Zamindars, dye.

interest in his welfare and property.

The history o f

G3

the Rajas

career, we arc unable to detail, as he has declined giving any informa

tion regarding himself out of hia known meekness and humility o f
spirit.

However, we give below, what informations we have been able

to collect from other sources, bub we are really afraid lest they may not
do justice to his high and unblemished character.
Raja Rajendra Mullick Bahadur, first received from Government
the title o f Rai Bahadur on the 3rd Januarj^ 1367, for Iris eminent
services during the great famine o f 1866-07.

It is generally said, that

at this time o f extreme distress, he first opened Annachatras or Alm s

Houses at Chorebagan and Chitpur for the free distribution o f alma as
also cooked food to the famine-stricken people on a very grand scale.
The Raja daily feeds a large number o f pauper at hia residence at
Chorebagan without distinction o f caste. For this daily charity, and other
acts o f public utility, he received a Certificate o f Honor at the Darbar
held at Calcutta, on the 1st January 1877, on account of the assump
tion o f the title Empress of India by Her Most Gracious M ajesty tha
Queen.

The title of Raja Bahadur was also conferred on him by Hia

Excellency Lord Lytton, the late Viceroy and Governor General on

the 1st January 1878, with a Stxnnad and K hilat consisting o f a largesized diamond ring ike,, as a mark o f personal distinction.

W e hear, that

tlie Raja Bahadur has also received medals, and diplomas from different
European Societies with some o f which he is a cori'espoudmg member
on account o f his sound knowledge on natural history.
The grand marble Baitakkhana or Drawing Room, which he has
constructed, is not only a specimen o f the higher order o f Oriental
Architecture and Engineering, but a sufficient proof o f his great skill
and talents in these arts.

He maintains a menagerie composed of

birds and animals from different parts o f the world which are daily
visited free by crowds o f people coming from the metropolis and other
distant places.

Several respectable personages of Europe, as also o f this

country, who, from time to time have inspected the menagerie and
several works of indigeneous art seemed to have been highly gratified
and interested with what they saw.
To the Zoological Garden o f Calcutta, he has presented some

(U

The Modern History o f

costly animals with liberirf contributions, iu recognition of which a

Hniise has been called after hin^J-'MuUicks Hovise.

Ho has also sent

oil various occasions diSe?^^ kinds f antmuls to aeveial Zoological Gar

dens in Enrope, whence he in return, has received some valuable presents

Comprising medals, diplomas, beautiful birds, &c., from the W est.

The

Raja has a fine taste for botany, as ia evident from the collection o f
certain wonderful trees whicli he has planted in his gardens, situated iu
the suburbs of Calcutta and in the one attached to hi? dwelling-house.
H e is one o f the best amateur painters and a good musician.

Having

a command over tho Sanskrit and Bengali languages, he takes the

greatest pleasure in composing congregational or holy songs in honor
o f Hindu Goda, set to Hindu R igs and Raginees.

His knowledge o f

English is tolerably good and he is also acquainted with the Persian

language.
He is extremely courteous, kind, and liberal, and has a great
attachment for his friends, relatives, and neiglihours.

He is always

clad in simple dress and eats vegetable food, but takes hah only in cases
o f sickness when prescribed by medical practitioners.

Piety is the only

exercise to which he is firmly attached, so much so, that he recently

bore the deaths o f hia two grown-up aud well-educated sons, viz.,
Kumara Girindra Muliick and Surendra M uliick, which occurred during
the year 1879, without shewing the least signs o f external grief.

Such

o f his friends, relations, and acqnaintances as went to condole with him

Were astonished to observe his moral courage and to hear series o f
moral lessons on the subject o f death and religion.
With a view to improve the locality of Chorebagan, he has
voluntarily offered to Government without compensation several plots
o f lands for the opening o f some new streets; for which act of public
utility, we presume, he must have received several letters o f thanka
Raja Rajendra Muliick Bahadur has some idea o f Hindu medicine,
and is so kind to the poor, that he prepares medicines at home properly
examined by the best medical practitioners for free distribution among
them.

In addition to the provisions made by his father for supplying

medicine to the helpless, he has introduced some Patent Euglish medi

cines for epidemic fever testified to be harmless by the best Civil

the Indian Chiefs, Bajas, Zamindars, ife.

SHrCT/ions for gratnitftug distribution.

6$

W e have seen bundredsftnd hun

dreds of men go to his hospitable door almost every day for help.

Let

G od! grant long life to this useful citizen and great philanthropist.
Hia surviving four sons, Kumars Devendra Mullick, Maiiendra
Mullick, Jogeudra Mullick, and II an end ra Mullick, possess several excel
lent qualities o f their good and venerable father.

A ll o f them are very

intelligent, polite, courteous, and kind-hearted youngmen.

also very simple in habits and honest in character.

They are

The eldest Kumar

Devendra Mullick has a good command over the English language and
knows Sanskrit,

H e is an Honorary Magistrate o f the Calcutta Police,

Justice o f the Peace, and

Calcutta.

member o f several other institutions in

He like his father" is highly efficient in painting and

engineering.

He has an intelligent son, named Kumar Nagendra

Mullick, who has attained a good knowledge of Sanskrit and English.

Kaja RajendraMiillick Bahadur and his sons and grandsons are all ortho
dox Hindus, who devote much o f their time to pious observances.

The

Raja Bahadur as a rule makes enquiry almost every morning from each
o f his sons and the members of his family whether they have attended
the Thakitrhati and regularly performed their religious duties, such as,
prayers, dec., in accordance with the injunctions of the H indu Sasiars,

X V I . M U L L IC K F A M I L Y O F B A R A B A Z A R .
T his old and respectable family o f the Suharna Banik originally
bore the name o f Dey, but the hereditary title o f Mullick was con
ferred on them by the Mnhammadan Government,
Banamali Mullick, who began to flourish during the reign o f the
Emperor Akbar, was born at Saptagram, i.e., seven villages situated on
the west o f Tribeni iu tho District o f Hughli.

He had an dbdd

Kachrapara in the District o f Nuddea, adjoining to which he excavated

a C an al

which is still known as the Mnllick s Canal.

H e was a

m an

o f charitable disposition, and founded an Aiithisala or guest-house in

the District o f Nuddea,
Banamali Mullick died in 1608, leaving his grandson K risto
Mullick, heir to his estate.
9

Kristo Das was born in 1601.

Das

H e built a

66

The Modern Histoiy o f

temple at Biiliabhpur near the banks o f tlie river Huglili aiiJ an Alms
House in Ti ibeni where tiie poor people were daily fed.
of high enterprise and zeah

He was a man

He died in 1680, leaving three sons, viz.,

Hajaram M ullick, Pran Ballabh Mullick, and Kali Charan Mnllick. o f

whom the last died without issue,
Rajaram Mullick, the eldest sou o f K risto Das M ullick, was born
in 1636.

H e was well

languages.

versed in the Urdu, Persian, and Bengali

He died in 1702, leaving two sons, viz., Darpa Narayan

Mullick and San tosh Mullick, o f whom the latter had no sons.
Pranballahh Mullick, the second son o f Kristo Das Mullick, was
bom in 1639.

He died leaving his only surviving son Sukdev Mullick.

Sukdev had eight sons, o f whom Rai Hari Ram M ullick, Kai Rayaa
(i.e..) the then Ageiit to the lloidble East India Company, Dacca, was
born iu 1707. aud died without any issue.

The present representatives

o f Sukdev M ullick3 family are Babus Jadav Chandra Mullick, Binod

Chand Mullick, and others.
Darpa Narain Mullick, the eldest son o f Rajaram M ullick, was born
in 1672 at Tribeni, and was celebrated for bis practical ch.arity and
religion, which he evinced by the establishment o f several Alms Houses
and temples at Benares and in tbe Districts of Nuddea and Hughli.

He

first came to Calcutta in 1703 with his cousin Sukdev Mullick to avoid
the oppressione o f the Muhammadan Government o f the time,

Darpa

Narain died in 1740, leaving his only son, Nayan Chand Mullick.
Nayaii Chand Mullick was born at Calcutta inlTlO , H e built many
temples and Dharmasalaz at Mahesh near Sirampnr, Benares, and other
places, excavated many tanks in different parts o f Bengal, and cons
tructed a pucca road in Barabazar, Calcutta, which he made over to the
U on ble East India Company, for the pubiic use.

He held a great many

Zamindaries in the Districts o f Hughli, Nuddea, and

24-Pargauna8.

He died in 1777, leaving three sons, viz., Gaur Cham 11 Mullick,

Nimai Charan Mullick, and Radha Charaa Mullick,

Tliese three

brothers jointly expended a heavy amount in the Sradha ceremony of

their father.

Radha Cliaran Mullick died without male issue.

Gaur Charan Mullick, in concert with hi.s brother Nimai Chanm

Mullick, built a temple at Kachrapara,

H e left four sons, Bisvambhar

the Indian Chiefs, Rajas, Zamindars, dye.

67

Muliick, Uam Loclian Muliick, Jaga Mohan M uliick, and Rup Lai
Muliick, o f whom the

first was famous for his charity.

Muliick was a man o f simple habits.

Rup Lai

He had four sons, Praii Kristo

Muliick, 8ri Kristo Muliick, Nava Kumar Muliick, and Syama Cliaran
Muliick, who were distinguished by their numerous acts o f public spirit.
The seven tanks, called Gupta Biindavan, well-known to all Europeans,
was founded by them, and is now owned by Babu Nauda Lai Muliick,
son o f Syaina Charau Muliick, the only male representative o f Rup Lai
Mullicks family.

The grand reception of

His Royal Highness the

Duke o f Edinburgh was held in the above villa in 1868, by the elite
o f the native community, and it is worth mentioning, that H is Royal
Highness was quite pleased with the site o f tlie garden and the tank?.
Nimai Charan Muliick, the second son of Nayan Chand Muliick,
was born at Calcutta, Barabazar (formerly known as Kamal Nay an's
Bar) in 1736.

He was an accomplished gentleman, and was well

versed in the Bengali, English, and Persian languages.

an orthodox Hindu.

He was also

He iuhevited from his father about forty lakkt

o f Rupees which he greatly enhanced by his own exertions.

H e mar

ried the sister o f Ganga Bishnu M uliick and Ram Krishna Muliick of
Pathuringliata;

the former was

the

grandfather

o f the

late Bir

Narsing Muliick, aud the latter the grandfather o f Raja Rajendra

Muliick Bahadur o f

Chorebagan, Calcutta.

Nimai OKaran built a

temple at Ballabhpnr, aud took part with his brother Gaur Charan
Muliick in tlie erection, o f an edifice at Kachrapara for Kriahuaroyji,
aud left a sufficient fund in the late Supreme Court for the support of
these religious institutions.

He performed several religious acts, such

as, Chaitany't Manyal Oan, Parayan, Tuloi, ^ c., at an enormous cost

by distributing on each occasion pearls aud golden

necklaces, silver

plates, and other valuable articles to Brahmins, Qosvamies, &c., and

feeding a large number o f beggars who received small amount o f cash
besides clothes.

His generosity, indeed, was manifested most strikingly

in liberating all Civil prisoners for debts who happened to be in Jail

under judgments o f the iSmall Cause Court, on the occasion o f his pala,
or term o f Sri Sri Singhabahini Puja.

He died in November 1807, at

the/age of 71 leaving upwards o f three krors of Rupees, besides landed

68

The Modern History o f

property, Taluka, <kc.

He had two daughters, and eight sons, viz.,

Earn Gopal Mullick, Ram Ratan

Muilick, Ram Taiiu M dlick, Ram

Kanie Mullick, Ram Muhan Mullick, Hira Lai Mullick, Sarup Chandra
Mullick, and Mati Lai Mullick.
( 1 ) . Ram Gopal Mullick, the oldest son of Nimai Charan Mullick,
was born in 1769.

He established a family idol Srt Sri Badka Govindaji

in the year 1825.

He was an honorary arbitrator of many cases and

Tiis decisons were always considered to be fair and satisfactory by the

pEirties concerned.

In 1880, he was elected Chairman of the Dkarma

Sava held at the premises of Bhavani Charan Benerji of Surtibagan,

Calcutta.

He died in 1888, leaving Babus Bir Charan

Mullick,

A d a itjo Charan M ullick, and others.

( 2 ) . Ram Ratan Mullick, the second son o f Nimai Charan Mullick,
expended a large sum in celebrating the marriage ceremony o f his son
Pitambar Mullick ; on which
Calcutta roads were sprinkled

occasion, it is said, that some o f the

with the best rose-water.

He was

known to have distributed a large quantity o f broad-cloth to the

Brahmans and poor in the year 1810,
amount.

which cost him a very large

It is said, however, that he suffered an immense loss in

carrying on the Salt monopoly and other speculations.

He died in

1841.
(8 ). Ram Tanu Mullick, the third son o f Nimai Charan Mullick,
was favorably known in his time for his good deeds.

He died in 1858,

leaving two sons, Rama Nath Mullick and Loke Nath Mullick.

The

former died in 1865, leaving three sons, Babus Kali Charan Mullick,
Bbagavati Cbaran Mullick, and Binoda Bibari Mnllick.

Babu Bhagavati

Charan is an Honorary Magistrate of the 24-Pargannas and received a

certificate of honor at the proclamation of Her Majesty the Empress
o f India, held at Calcutta, on the 1st January 1877.
( 4 ) . Ram

Kanie Mullick, tho fourth son o f Niraat Charan

Mullick, suffered severe losses in the Opium trade.

August 1827.

He died on the 2nd

H is grandsons Babus Ganga Narayau Mullick, Nakur

Chandra Mullick, Dhananjoy Mullick, Sham Chand Mullick, Narsiag

Das M ullick, aud others are the present representatives of his family,
Babu Ganga Nai ay an Muilick is known for erecting a Math at Puri

the Indian Chiefs, Rajas, Zamindars,

69

(Jagannath) for public use out of the fund deposited by hia greatgrand-fnther Nimai Charan Mullick.
(5 ). Ram Mohan Mullick, the fifth son o f Nimai Charan M ullick,
was born at Calcutta in October 1779.

He was widely famous for his

purity of character, kind-hearteduess, learning, and vast experience in

medicine and in astrology.

H e was versed in

Bengali, Sanskrit,

Persian, and Urdu, besides possessing a little knowledge o f English.

was an eminent banker, and had acquired a large fortune.

He

On inheriting

the vast estate o f his father, he was not unmindful o f improving the
charitable institutions estahlishod by hia ancestors.

As is customary

with this family, Ram Molmn Mullick held from time to time (i. e.,)
according to his palas or terms, the Durga Puja o f the family Goddess
Singkabahini D evi with great eclat and expense; and liberated on
every occasion the Civil prisoners o f the Small Cause Court from Jail.
He became more famous in 1843 by performing one o f tho most
remarkable religious acts, called the reading o f the Ashtadask or eighteen
Puranas.

This ceremony continued for three months, and on which

occasion he fed a large number o f men and distributed at the same time
clothes and shawls, pearl-necklacea, silver dishes, &e., to the Brahmans
aud Gosvamies.

In his time the condition o f the Strand Bank was most

wretched and great inconvenience was felt by the people

o f the

Northern Division o f Calcutta, who used to go to bathe daily iu the

river.

To obviate this, he caused a bathing Ghat to be built at an

enormous cost in 1855, which, still stands near the Hughli bridge.

The

site o f the Qkat being on the Municipal ground, he gave in exchange

a valuable lauded property of iris own in Clive Street.
dedicated to bis father Nimai Charan Mullick.

This Ghat was

He had one daughter,

and five soqh, viz., Babus Dwarka N ath Mullick, Tarak Nath Mullick
Prem Natli Mullick, Bhola Nath M ullick, and Hara Nath Mullick.
It is said, that he expensed veiy large

sums on the occasion o f

the marriage ceremonies o f his children.

He died at tho advanced

age o f 85 yeai-s on the 17th December 1863, leaving three surviving

sons, Babus Tarak Nath Mullick, Prem Nath
Nath

Mullick, who

his Sradha ceremony.

jointly

Mullick, and

expensed a large sum

Bhola

in performing

70

The Modern History of

(a ), Dwarkft Natti Mullick, the ckk'st son o f Ram Mohan MuHick, pre

deceased hia father in l85o, leaving an adopted son, Babu Atal fiihaii Mullick.
( b .) Tarak Natli Mulliok, the second son of Ram Mohan M ullick, died two
years after the demise o f his father iu 1863, leaving five sons, viz., Babus Braja
Nath Mnllick,

Jadu Nath Mullick, Baikuntha Nath Mullick, Barendra Nath

Mullick, and Devendro Nath Mullick.

(c.J Babu Prem Nath Mullick, the third son of Ram Mohan Mullick, was
born in November 1814.

He, ia concert with hia fourth brother, Babu Bhola Nath

Mullick, has repaired the cook-room attached to the temple ot Jagannath, (PuriJ
and improved several religious institutions established by his ancestors.

Both of

them have jointly purchased one three-storied stone built Ktmjabati at Brindavan
near Goverdhone Dhareh, formerly called Bansiial Gosvamie s Bavili (i. e.,) house.
Babu Prem Nath Mullick is a H inda of tlia true type and devotes much of hia
time to religious exercises.

He has three sons, v u ., Babus Prasad Das Mullick,

N itya Lai MuUick, and Manu L ai Mullick.

Babu Prasad Das M ullick is the

enthusiastic Secretary o f the Family Literary Club, established by his exertion

some 22 years ago.

H e bears all the expenses of the Club, and takes great

interest in its improvement,

(d .) Babu Bhola Nath Mullick, the fourth eon of Ram Mohan Mullick, was
born in December 1816.

He is versed in Bengali, Sanskrit and English.

compose Bengali verses with great facility.

He can

He ia social and always in the habit

of d istribu tin g alms and clothes to the poor.

H e has a bod, named Babu Balai

Chand Mullick, a young man of simple habits.

(e.) Hara Nath Muilick, the youngest son of fi.am Mohan Mullick, also
died during his father s life-time in 1848, leaving tw o intelligent sons, viz., Babus
Tulsi Das M ullick and Mahesh Chandra Muilick,

(6 .) Hira Lai Mnllick, the sixth son o f Nimai Charan M uilick,

died in the flower o f his age kaving four daughters, viz., Scimaties
Kanganmani Dasi, Joymani Dasi, Apurna D-asi, and Navin
Dasi.

Kiimari

The second left two issues, viz., Babus Haii Daa Datta. and

Slngiii Das Datta, o f whom tlie former died leaving an

adopted

son,
(7 .) Sarup Cbandra Mullick, the seventh son o f Nimai Charan
MuUick, was a good scholar iu Bengali and English,
two Bengali novels.

H e had cotnpih d

He died in 1848, leaving two sous Babus Nitya

Nanda Mulliuk and Chuitanya Charan Mullick,

Tiiu latter died in 1875,

leaving an adopted son, Babu Jogendra Nath Mullick.

(8 .1 Mati Lai Mullick, the eighth .son o f Nimai Chaiau Mulliek
built a KunjabaCi at Brindavan.

He spent large sums in rewarding

the Indian Chiefs, Rajas, Zamindars, tJ'C.

71

Bmhinaiis for tlie rcciriition of the P ur anas, and in the performance o f

the Puja o f the Goddess *SVt Srt SinghaJ>ahmi Devi as also o f bis newlyestablished idol Sri Sri Radha Skamji.
adopted son, Babu Jadu Lai Muliick,

He died in 1846, leaving an

The widow o f Mati Lai M nllick

built a Kunjabati at Mahesh, where poor people are daily fed.

Babu Jadu Lai Muliick lias regularly performed several religious
rites since the demise o f his father up to the present time.

In 1878, he

performed the Tula and Parayan o f his mother at a large expense.

He

is au Honorary Magistrate o f Calcutta and 24-Pargaiinas, and a mem

ber o f the British Indian Association, and is known to many, as an
educated and intelligent nobleman of very good character.

He received

a certificate o f honor at the Darbar, held at Calcutta, on the 1st January

1877, on account o f the assumption of the title Empress o f India,
by Her M ost Gracious Majesty the Queen.
Babu Jadu Lai

Mnllick gave on Saturday afternoon, the 10th

January 1880, a very pleasant Garden party to his distinguished

European and Native friends o f Calcutta at his magnificent villa at
Dhakhinesvar, situated on the banks o f the river Hughli.
Garth, Mr. W .

Sir Richard

M. Souttar, Mr. A. Mackenzie, the Hon ble Mr.

C. T. Buckland, the Hon ble Mr. Inglis, the H on ble Mr. Colvin, the
H on ble Mr. Field,

Mr. Peacock, the

Hon ble Maharaja Jatindra

Mohau Tagore, C. s. n, Maharaja Kamal Krishna Bahadur, Maharaja

Narendra Krishna Bahadur, Dr, Rajendra Lala Mitter, c, l. B,, the
Hou ble Rai Kristo Das Pal Bahadur, c. i. e,, and several others were
present On the occasion.

As an additional feature on the occasion, they

were treated to a pleasant steamer excursion from the Mayo Hospital

Ghat to Dakhinesvar, and back.

Both the European and Native guests

o f the Babu were provided with substantial and splendid refreshments.

They all seemed to have been quite pleased to witness the Nauiches,
athletic sports, tasteful deeoratioa o f tho garden with flags and banners,
illuminations and fireworks.
X V I I B A B U S N A N D A L A L BOSE A N D P A S U P A T I N A T H
BOSE, B A G B A Z A R .
T hese two respectable
Dassarat Bose.

Zamindars

are

24th in descent from

They are the sous of the late Madhav Chandra Bose and

72

The Modern History o f

grandsons of the late Jagat Chandra Bose, a distingnished member of the

old Bose

family o f

Kantapnkur, Sbambazar,

Calcnttn.

Maclhav

Chandra Bose was married to the daughter o f the late Rai Nilmoni
Mitter, eon o f

Rai Ram Sundar M itter, belonging

Zamindar family o f Baraset in Z illa 24-Pargannas.

to tbe Mitter

Madhav Chandra

who was extremely pious, honest and simple died in June 1859, leaving
behind him three sons, Babus Mabendra Nath Bose, Nanda Lai Bose,
and Pasupati Nath Bose.
o f the eldest son, that this

It was through the indefatigable exertions

branch o f the Bose family has come to

enjoy tho income o f a large Zamindari, situated in theBistrict of Gya.

He extricated it from numerous difiieulties and law-auits, in which it
was involved after the death o f bis maternal aiint from whom he as
well as his brothers, Babus Nanda Lai Bose and Pasupati Nath Bose,
inherited the estate.
Babu Mahendra Nath Bose was endowed with many good qualities.H e was very kind, honest, and upright.

H e always found pleasure in

doing good to his neighbours in every way.

He assisted his friends

with his purse and good advice, and was never absent from their bed
side in times o f sickness.
effects o f diabetes.

H e died on the I6th August 1874 from the

H is two brothers Babus Nanda Lai Bose and

Pasupati Nath Bose, the present representatives o f the family are

known to many aa intelligent, kind-hearted, and courteous gentlemen.
Babu Nanda Lai Bose has four sons, viz., Babus Binoda Bibari
Bose, Bipia Bihari Bose, Banka Bihari Bose, and Bon Bihari Bose.

X V I I L PIRIT RAM MARS FAMILY, JA N B A Z a R.

T he late Babu P int Ram Mar, by caste a Kaibatyo, acquired great
wealth by trade, and purchased the Zamindari o f Parganna M okim pur, tying to the east of the N.xral Sub-Division, wheu it was disposed
o f as j>art o f the estate belonging to the Natter Raj Family,

Pirit

Ram built several houses in the English quarter o f Calcutta, and died
leaving bis only surviving son, Raj Chandra Mar.
The late Babu Raj Chandra Mar did much good to the Hindu
citizens o f Calcutta by constructing a house for the moribund in Nimtala

the Indian Chiefs, Rajas, Zamindars, (}c.

aitaated on the Strand.

73

H e bnilt also two beautiful O ia tt in Calcutta,

known as Babus Ghat and H at Khola Ghat, for the use o f the public.
He died leaving two daugliters and his widow Raamoni (commonly known
as Rani Rasmoni), who became the sole representative of the family and
managed the estates through her own skill and capacity for business.
Rasmoni was a very kind-hearted and intelligent woman, and o f all her
charitable institutions

the Alms House attached to the Naoaratna

(nine temples) at Dhakhinesvar is the principal one.

She was followed

by her two daughters Padma Mani Dasi and Jagadamva Dasi,

The

former died in 1878 and left three sons, viz., Babus Ganes Chandra
Dus, Balie Chandra Das, and Sita Nath Das.

The latter has only

one son, named Trailokya Nath Biswas.

X I X , D E W A N R A D H A M A D H A V B E N E R J P S F A M I L Y ,
JO R A B A G A N .
D

ew an

R adha M

adhav

B e k e b j i,

second son of Ram Sundar

Benerji, aud great grandsou o f Raja Rama Nanda Benerji, first came
from K etiati,a village situated in the District o f the 24-Pargannas and
settled at Calcutta.

H e made his fortune by holdiog the post of

Dewan under Governmeut in the Opium

Factory at Patna.

Having

had a good commaud over the English and Persian langnages he was
highly respected by both the European and N ative communities of
Calcutta.

H e was known also to be an orthodox Hindu famous for his

several charitable and religious acts.

He dedicated a Bathing Qhai,

now existing in Nimtala, to Lord W illiam Bentiuck, the then Governor

General o f India, aud where he also constructed a temple for the
Goddess Anandamoyi, which is at present considered to be one o f the
oldest religious institutions iu Calcutta.
Dewan Radha Madhav Benerji left landed property in Calcntta
aud its suburbs, Zamiudaiies in several Districts o f Orissa, and immense
wealth to hia five sons, viz., Nava

Kristo

Benerji, Gopal Kristo

Benerji, Sambhu K iisto Benerji, Siv Kristo Benerji, and Tara Kristo
Benerji, o f whom the first, fourth, and fifth had no issue.
and third sons bad each o f them two daughters.
10

His second

74

The Modern History o f

Babu

Sir Kristo

Benerji, the fourth son o f

Dewan Radha

Madhav Denerji, who surrired all his other brothers adopted

Babu

Nani Mohan Benerji, the present representative o f the family.

Babu

S ir Kristo was known in Calcutta as an influential Zamindar.

He

received a very good English education and with it a strong spice o f

European energy and spirit.

H is name is familiar to all for his extreme

fondness for horses as also for carriages of various descriptions.

He

was at one time the best rider in Calcutta, and it is a well-known fact
that he used to whip almost every one who came across his Phseton
when he went out d riving; on which account ho was much disliked
by many and bad even some m ost bitter enemies.

He, however, soon fell

from his high independent position and respectability.

Being impli

cated in a forgery case relative to his own ancestral property he was

transported for fourteen years ; but while returning from Port Blair on
being liberated at the expiration o f the term o f hia sentence, he died
unfortunately in the steamer.

Prior to his transportation, he like the

late Dewan Kristo Ram Bose o f Shambazar, made some provision to

celebrate annually the Bath Jattra o f Jagannath at Mahesh, a village
situated neai* Sirampur in the District o f HughlL

His adopted son,

Babu Nani Mohan Beneiji, bears an excellent character, and though, a

yonng man, has a fair know ledge o f the English, Bengali, Sanskrit, and
Persian languages.
Hinduism.

Babu Nani Mohan strictly observes the tenets o f

He has two infant sons.

X X . M A H A R A J A

R A J B A L L A R H 'S F A M I L Y ,

BAG BAZAR.
M

a h a r a ja

K aj

B allau k

Ba h a d u r ,

Rai

Rayan,

by caste a

Kayastha, was the son o f Maliaraja Durlahh Ram, who was employed
by the Muhammadan Government as Bak&hi or Pay Master o f the
Suhadar's forces iu Bengal long before Surnja-ud-Dowla was installed
as Nawab Nazim

of

the

Province o f

Bengal, Behar, and Orissa.

Maharaja Durlabh Ram, was the son uf Maharaja Janaki Ram, who
belonged to a respectable

Shorn Family o f Bengal, and was appointed

S k a d a r o f Patna by the Emperor o f Delhi,

the Indian Chiefs, Rajas, Zamindars,

75

Maharaja Raj Ballabh, through the powerful influence o f hia father

and grand-father, secured a berth of much respectability and honor under
the Nawab Nazim.
(i. e.,) Financial

He was invested with the insignia of Rai Kayan,

Minister, and

was Keeper o f

the Seal o f

the

Khalsa and holder o f a Jaghir in Murshidabad under Nawab Snraja-udDowla.

He rendered eminent services to Lord Clive on

the early

settlement o f the British Power in India.

A fter the battle of Plassey and death o f that tyranical Sovereign
the infamous Suraja-ud-DowU, Maharaja Raj Ballabh came to Calcutta,
and resided at Bagbazar in Sutanuti.

About tlds time, Lord Clive

proposed to offer him some valuable presents for the most diatinguisUed
services he had rendered to the H on ble ast India Company, bat
Maharaja Raj Ballabh was so proud o f his position that he declined to
accept anything as a

reward.

He was for sometime an Honorary

Member of the Council of the H on ble East India Company.

erected a Batbing

He

Qhai at Bagbazar, still known as Maharaja Raj

Ballabhs Qhat, and there is a Street still existing after his name as
Raja Raj Balhibhs Street. He died leaving as his heirs the widow o f
his son Raja Makunda Ballabh, and

Babu Kasi Prasad M itter and

others, the issues o f his sister.

Raja Gaur Ballabh, the adopted son o f Raja Makunda Ballabh,
left a son, named Rukminl Ballabh, who is at present residing at
Bagbazar, but in reduced circumstances.
Babu Kasi Prasad Mitter left two sons, Kai Ram Prasad Mitter
Bahadur, who served Government as Superintendent o f Tosakhana and
is now a pensioner; and Babu Gopal Lai Mitter, a Pleader o f the High
Court.

Rai Ram Prasad

Calcutta.

Mitter

Bahadur resides

at

Shambazar,

He received the title of Rai Bahadur from Government on

the 18th February

1862, in recognition of hia good and valuable

services.

X X I .-R A M
B abu

R am

D U L A L D E Y 'S F A M I L Y , S IM L A .

ulal

D ev,

better k n o w n

as

Dulal

Sircar, was

one o f the rare iudividuaU who roae from the lowest circumstances

76

The Modern History o f

conceivable to the highest pinnacle of wealth and fame.

Hia father,

Balaram Sircar, by caste a Kayastlia, lived in a village called Rekjaiiie,

close by Dnm Duin, and earned hia bread by teaching the rudiments o f
Bengali writing

to the children of the neighbouring agrieulturiats.

During one o f the depredations of the Mahrattas (1 7 51 -52 }, Balaram

had to leave his home with his wife, who was enceinte at the time ; and
who gave birth to the future millionaire in a lonely place.

Ram Dulal

lost his parents in a short time, and was taken charge o f by his maternal
grandfather who used to live by begging.

Hia maternal grandmother,

after years o f privation and degrading manual labor, succeeded In obtain

ing the situation o f a cook in tbe house o f Babu Madau Mohan Datta, the
rich merchant, where Ram Dulal was also allowed to remain.

There he

obtained, along with the sons o f his patron, a knowledge o f the Verna
culars, and also a smattering o f English such as was sufficient to enable
him to talk with Ship-Captains, Mates, &c.

H e was first employed by

Madan Babu as a bill collecting sircar, on a salary o f Rs. 5 per mensem,

and his satisfactory conduct, while in this post, was rewarded by pro
motion to that o f a ship-sirear, on 10 Rupees a month.

It was at this

time that he had to attend, on behalf o f his master, one o f the auctionsales o f Messrs, Tulloh dc Co., where he took it to his head to buy off
the wreck o f a ship, for Us, 14,000.

W hen, on completing the transac

tion and paying the purchase money he was about to leave the premises,
an Englishman, who knew the value o f the sltip and o f its contents
better than any one else, came over and bargained with him for the transfer
o f the sale in consideration o f the payment o f a sum a little less than
a lakh o f Rupees.

This sum Ram Dulal handed over to his employer,

considering him to be its rightful owner, but Madan Babu became so

highly pleased with his honesty and conscientiousness, that he ordei-ed
him to take tbe whole amount.
Ram Dulals future prosperity.

This money was the keystone to all

He soon commenced the business o f

A gent to American merchants, and set up the firm which is now styled
Mcssra. Asutosh Dey and Nephew, and which is now conducted by the
snrviviug brothers o f the late Babu Dayal Chand Mitter of Calcutta. He
was also banian to the firm of Messrs. Fairlie Fergussou & Co.
time he attaine-l the zeniih of prosperity.

A t this

His credit in tbe market was

the Indian Chiefs, Rajas, Zamindars,

unlimited.

77

His name inspired coufidence and respect iu the hearts o f all.

His charity and liberality were unparalleled. His kindnea?, piety, and hu
mility proverbial.
remarkable.

His gratitude to the family o f his patron was truly

A t a meeting in the Town Halt, held to raise subscrip

tions for the mitigation o f famine in Madras, he paid down a lakh of

Rupees in coin on the spot.
blishment o f the Hindu College.

He paid Rs, 30,000 towards the esta

He used to set aside 70 Rupees a day

for the relief o f distressed persons who applied to him at^his office.
He kept in his pay three native physicians with instructions to visit
the sick poor aud administer to them medicines and medical comforts
at his expense.

He opened an Aiithisala (Asylum ) at Belgatchia, where

alms were liberally distributed to the needy.

doing its work.

This institution is still

Ram Dulal also established 13 temples of Siva at

Benares, the ceremony of the consecration o f which was performed at a

cost of Rs. 2,22,000.

In the 69th year o f his age, he had an attack

of paralysis from which he recovered, but from that time his consti
tution became entirely enervated ; and in the 73rd year o f his age, ho
breathed hia last (1st April 1825).
scale

of

lakhs of

His Shrad was performed on a

grandeur the whole expense, amounting to nearly

Rupees.

He had two wives, one

of

five

whom died leaving

no child, and the other was the mother o f five girls and two boys
Asutosh and Pramatlia Nath.

These two brothers (w ho were exten

sively known as Satu Babu and Latu Babu, respectively), kept up

tho name of their great father to a considerable extent.
alias Satu Babu

Asutosh

established religious and charitable institutions at

Puri or Jagannath and several other places in North-Western Pro

vinces,

He was a great lover o f music and was in his time one o f the

b ^ t players on the gitar.

Musicians from various parts o f the country

flocked round him and were liberally encouraged.

Pramatha Nath

alias Latu Babu was celebrated for his physical strength and thorough
business habits.

The brothers were so charitable and luxurious, that

they were everywhere known as the Babus" of Bengal the term Babu,
signifying differently from the present time, a gentleman who has
reached the acme o f

wealth and fame.

Asutosh had a son, named

Giris Chandra, who died during the life-time of hia father, leaving two

78

The Modern History o f

daughters.

Aeutoali alao left two daughters, one the mother of Chnru

Chandra and Sarat Cliaudra. and the other, the wife of O . C. Datta, Esq.,
o f Rambagan.

O f Pramatha Naths two widows each has adopted a

son MonmatliaNath and Anath Nath.

The vast wealth o f Ram Dulal

(w ho is said to have left one krot and 23 lakhA o f Rupees) was so

thoroughly enjoyed by his sous that it has dwindled down considerably
both for this reason ivs well as for the extravagance o f his successois
and loss in commercial speoulatioos.

Many a rich house in Calcutta

has now sprung up from the ruins of his enormous estate.

X X I I . B AB U R A M G O P A L G H O SE , T O N T O N IA .
Babu Ram Gopal Ghose, by

caste a Kayastha,

was tho son

o f Govinda Chandra Ghose, who was a tradesman and the Calcutta

A gent to His Highness the Maharaja o f Kuch
in Calcutta in October 1815, and
education In Mr. Sherbonrne's School.

Hehar.

He was born

acquired an elementary English

When thirteen years of age he

was admitted into the Hindu School, where he made au extraordinary

progress under the able tuition of Mr. H. L. V. Derozio.

Bad circums

tances, howeverj obliged him to leave the College in fjuest of a berth

and he was succesaful in obtainim; one under Mr. Joseph, a Jewish
merchant, at the strong recommendation o f David Hare.
Babu Ham Gopal pleased bis master so much by the faithful dis
charge o f hisduttPi), and hy preparing an account o f tlie indigenous
pi'oducts and mannfactIIres of Bengal and its export trade, that wheu
Mr. Jo.seph went fur sometime to England he confided the charge of
his firm to him.

Babu Ram Gopal, managed the business so carefully,

tbat he shewed considerable balance of profit to his master when he

returned to India,

Shortly after, Mr. Kelsal) joined Mr. Joseph as

his partner, but Babu Ram Gopal remained as their assistant.

When

M r. Joseph retired, Mr. Kelsnll took Balm Ram Gopal as his partner,
and the firm was theu styled Messr:*. Kelsall and Ghose,

Owing to

some misunderstanding with Mr. KeUall, Balm Ram Gopal dissolved his
partnership with him in the year 1846, and retired with a large sum
o f Rs. 2,b0,000.

A bout this time the second Judgeship of the Small

the Indian Chiefs, Rajas, Zamindars, tjr.

79

Cause Court was offered to liim by Goveromeut, but he declined the

office US he had deternuned within himself not to eat the Company's
salt."
Babu Ram Gopal opened a firm o f Ids own atid tnEide considerable
fortune by the export o f Arracan rice.

He afterwards opened branches

at Akyab and Rangoon, ami his name became so famous among the
circle

of

the

respectable

European merchants

that on the

26th

November 1850, he was elected a uieuiher o f the Bengal Chamber o f

Commerce.

Mr. Field afterwards became his partner in the year 1854,

but he retired after a short time.

At the commercial crisis o f 1847,

several firins in Calcutta were abolished in consequence of heavy losses,

but Babu Ram Gopal stood firm.
his friends

A t this crisis he was advised by

to make a Benomi transaction o f the bills drawn by Mm

on different houses in England with a view to save his firm in the

evaiit o f the bills being dishonored, but in reply he said that ^ he would
rather sell the last rag he had on his back than deceive his creditors
with sucli swindling tricks."

Babu Ram Gopal, however, was saved

from the crisis as all hia hills were honored in England.

This is indeed

the result o f his honesty, moral courage, and uprightness.

During the

coarse o f a few years he became a wealthy man and lived iu great res
pectability at the villa Kamarhati, where he used to entertain hia
friends now and then.

A ll tins time Babu Ram Gopal was not idle

in hU liteiary undertakings.

He wrote several articles in the Ganenashan

on the Indian Transit Duties under the signature o f Civis." He edited

the diglot and started a paper, called the Spectator, and established the
British Indian Society in association with

Mr. George Thompson.

Babu Ram Gopal was a great friend of education ami was known to be
a public-spirited man.

He co-operated with Mr. David Hare in various

important matters, encouraged the stndents o f the Hindu College by

gifts and prizes, evinced great interest in the Medical College, and assisted
Babu Dwarka Nath Tagore towards sending four students to England for
education on different professions.

At the request o f

the H onble

Mr, Bethune he accepted a seat in the council o f education in September,

1845, and assisted in inaugurating the grant-in-aid system in Bengal.
He also helped the Hon ble Mr. Bethune in the establishment df a

80

The Modem History o f

Female School at Calcutta, aud

offered

hU

best auggeationa

Dr. Mouat on the subject of establishing Universities.

to

He took a great

delight in politics, advocated the introduction o f Railways into India

and interfered in favor o f ttie widow marriage movement.
meeting o f

the inhabitants of

Calcutta

At a

for doing honor to Lord

Hardinge ho carried his proposition of erecting a statue to him against

the three eloquent Barristers of the time Messrs. Turton, Dickens and
Hume.

The next day the John Bull made the startling announce

ment that a young Bengali orator had floored three English Barristers, *
and called him tho * Indian Demosthenes.
The speech he delivered at the Charter meeting held at the Town
Hall in July 1853 was lauded by the Times as a ' mas ter-piece of oratory.'
Mr. Hume, Editor o f the Indian Field, highly praised his speech on
the occasion of the Queens Proclamation and remarked that if Babu
Ram Gopal had been an Englishman, he would have been knighted by
the Queen.

Babu Ram Gopal was expelled from the Agri-HorticuU

tural Society on account o f hia Black A ct Speech.

powerful pamphlet iu reply to his opponents.

He now wrote a

Dr. John Grant would

not at first believe that it was an unaided production o f a native.

For

hia celebrated speech at the Calcutta Justices meeting on the Burning

Qhat question he will ever be held in grateful remembrance by the
Hindu Community.

A s a speaker and writer he had a singular com

mand o f pure idiomatic English, and he

so thoroughly identified

himself with the subject he discussed or advocated that it was'difficult to

believe, that English thought and expressions were foreign to him, and
that he hadnot been brought up in the English household. Mr. Cochrane
on one occasion remarked that he seldom listened to any one who
was more eloquent, never bo one who was more zealous than Babu
Ram Gopal was in advocating all measures which had any tendency to
benefit his countrymen.

Babu Ram Gopal was a member o f the Bengal

Legislative Council, an Honorary Magistrate and a Justice o f the Peace

for Calcutta, a Fellow o f the Calcutta

University, Member o f the

British Indian Association and President o f the District Charitable

Society.

He was also a member o f the Police Committee of 1845, of

th'^Small P ox Committee of i860, of the Central Committees for the

the Indian Chiefs, Rajas, Zamindars, dfc.

81

collection of works of industry and arts for the London Exhibition

of 1851, and the Paris Exhibitiona of 1855 and 1867, and o f the Bengal
Agricultural Exhibition of 1864.
able European

Both the Governtuent and tho respect

gentlemen entertained a very high opinion o f Babu

Rata Gopals intrinsic merits.

W hen the H onble Frasaima Kumar

Tagore, c. s. T., gave a farewell dinner to Mr. Theodore

Dickens, he

asked him whether he would object to his inviting Babu Ram Gopal.
He said, No, not at all.
he proposed

Notwithstanding his old political enmities

Babu Ram Gopals health and in an eulogistic speech

remarked that he was the only man tit to take the position of the
leader of the Hindu Community.
Babu Ram Gopal who naturally possessed a kind heart, bequeathed
by will a princely donation o f Rs. 40,000 to the Calcutta University and
Rs. 20,000 to the District Cliaritable Society, and released his friends
from debts which they owed tu him to the extent of Rs. 40,000.

Babu

Ram Gopal Ghose, who was a great benefactor and an honor to our coun
try, died on the 25th January 18G8 deeply lamented by the rich and the
poor.

He left no sons but a married daughter who died leaving issue.

X X H L D E W A N R A M L O C H A N G H O SE S F A M IL Y ,
P A T H U R IA G H A T A .
R am L ochan G hosk, from whom the history o f this family is
here traced, had a brother, named Kriparam, who wag a very wealthy
man, but whose fauiily is now extinct.

Ram Lochan, by caste a

Kayastha, was a Sircar to Lady Hastings.

He was also a favorite of

Warren Hastings, and was generally called as his Dewan.

active hand in the making o f the deccniiial settlement.

H e had an

He amassed a

vast amount of wealth, and left three sons, Siv Narayan, Dev Narayan,
and AnanJa Narayan, all o f
Zamindars.

whom

were

well

kuowa influeutial

Babus Kali Prasanna, Durga Prasaima, and Guru Prasanna

are the sons of Siv Narayan and represent this branch o f the fa.nily.
The late Babu Khelat Chandra was the sou of Dev Narayan (w ho

was

celebrated for hia piety, chavity^'aud liberality), and was a respectable

citizen of Calcutta,
n

He was an Honorary Magistrate aud a Justice o f

82

The Modern History o f

the Peace.
eclat.

He tised to celebrate the anniversary of his birth-day with

He

an active uietnher o f the Sanatun Dkarvia

Sava and was an orthodox Hindu.

Hakshini

He has left an adopted son,

Anaiida Narayan, (the owner of the Bazar at Dharmatala, called after

his own name, the Anajida B aza r), left three song, Babus Girindra
Chandra, Nageudra Chandra aud Munindra Chandra, of

whom the

second is now dead.

Ram Prasad, one o f the brothers of Dewau Ram Lochan Ghose,
left two sons, Ram Narayan and Jaya Narayan.
sons, Raj Rallabh and

Ram Cliandra,

The former had two

Uam Chandra left two issues,

Babus Kailas Chandra and Hari Mohau (both lovers o f music the latter
is still living). Babu Nava Krishna, the son o f Babu Kailas Chandra, is
a well-educated goutiemail.

Babu Sambhu Nath, the son of Jaya

Narayan, was a Deputy Magistrate and Deputy Collector. I t is believed

that he discovered the Arrowroot plant in Birbhum, and had it cultivated
iu that District.

H e had a good knowledge o f tho art o f Agriculture.

His son, Babu Prasanna Kumar, was a member o f the Maharaja of

Bardwaus Council.

X X I V . R A J A U A M M O H A N R O Y S F A M I L Y , S U K E A S
ST RE ET.
R aja R am M ohan R oy, son o f

Ram Kanta Rai, was born at

Radhanagore, Zilla Bardwan, in 1774.

Having acquired at home a good

knowledge o f Bengali, he went to Patna where ho learnt Persian and

studied Geometry and Aristotlo s writings in A rabic. He then travelled
to Benares where he lived for some years anti .acquired a thorough
knowledge o f Sanskrit.

W hen only 16 years o f age he wrote against

the Idolatrous system o f the Hindus and went up to Thibet where

he studied Buddhism and closely examined much o f the Lama form of
the creed. He returned home when only 22 years old and commenced to
study English, which he learnt with great accuracy and made a wonderful
progress within a very short time.
obliged to serve as a clerk
Eungpore.

In 1803, he lost his father and was

under Mr. John

Digby, Collector of

Mr. Digby appreciated his merits and soon promoted him to

ike Indian Chiefs, Rajas, Zamindars, ^'c.

the position o f Dewan.

83

During his tenure o f this post lie amassed some

wealth and became a landlord o f property yielding an income of Rupees

10,000 a year.

He tlien turned his mind to the study o f the higher

branches o f Mathematics and to a knowledge o f the Latin language

and literature.

From Rungpore he was transfejTed to Ramgarh and

Bhagalpur, where he resided for sometime; eventually settling

Calcutta about the year 1814.

at

H is works in Persian, Arabic, and

Bengali against the Idolatry o f all nations raised sucli an ill-fccting

against hira that he w;is deserted by all except a few o f Iiis European
friends.

H e bore also with patience the strong reproaches o f his mother

as also of his countrymen at large.

W ith a view to study the Scriptures he learned Greek and Hebrew,
and published an anonymous work in Englisii, Sanskrit, and Bengali,
entitled The Precepts o f Jesus, the Guide to Peace and Happiness.
Several criticisms of this work by Dr. Marahman appeared in the
Friend of India, to which Raja Ram Mohan Roy gave from time to
time very able replies under the designations o f A Friend to Truth,
Second A ppeal," and Final Appeal," The Raja, was however, spoken
o f by the Indian Gazette as a man who was distinguished among hia
own people, by caste, rank, and respectability ; and amongst all men he
must ever be distinguished for his philanthropy, his great learning and
hia intellectual ascendancy in general."

W ith regard to the controversy

which arose on the publication o f the Raja's work, The Precepts of

Jesus," the Editor also remarked that it still further exhibited the
acuteness o f h k mind, the logical power o f his intellect, and tho unri
valled good temper with which he could argue, it roused up a most
gigantic combatant in tbo theological field a combatant who, we aro
constrained to say, has not yet met with his match here."
Raja Ram Mohan Roy advocated tho cause of Female Education,
and considered |iolygamy a crime punishable by law and translated the
Bedanta in Hindustani, Bengali, and English.

W hen Sir Edward

Hyde East first referred to the project for tho establishment o f the
Hindu College, some o f the native gentry refused to give it any support,
if Raja Ram Mohan co-operated in it.

Knowing that his interference

would altogether mar the prospects of his beloved countrymen, the Raja

84

The Modern History of

cheerfully gave up his connection and established nil Engliali School o f

his own.

He had also started a Press, called Unitarian Press, for the

purpose o f publishing his own works.

In 1820, he published a short

treatise in Bengali and English, called Conference between an Advocate

for, and an opponent of, the Practice o f Burning W idows alive.

Two

years after he published another work on the same subject which he

inscribed to the Marchioness o f Hastings.
till 1829, that Lord W illiam

But it was not, however,

Bentinek abolished the rite o f Sati and

Raja Ram Mohau Roy in spite of the risk of loosing his caste joined
in a deputation which was to present that great Governor General an
address.

He established

the Brahma Samaj in 1828, wrote several

papers and works on Brabminism, and composed several songs in Bengali

which arc still known as the best congregational music o f our country.
H e assisted Dr. Duff in his educational schemes and gave Eustace Carey
a piece of land for a ScVjool.
In the year 1826-27, Col. Lachlan, who was deputed by the Societe
Asiatique, came to Calcutta, and delivered to the Raja a Diploma o f tbe
Honorary Membership o f that learned S ociety ; his health having
previously been proposed from the Chair at the Anniversary o f the
BritLh and Foreign Unitarian Association.
The Raja had for a long time cherished a desire to visit England
which was at last fulfilled.

The Emperor o f Delhi conferred on him

by firman the title o f Raja and sent him on the 15th November 1830,
as an^ ambassador to the K in g o f England to appeal for the settle
ment o f some pecuniary claima

He reached Liverpool on the 18th

April 1831, and was respectfully treated b y William Rathbone, Esqr,,

Dr,

Spurzheim, Mr. Roscoe, and several other gentlemen.

On

his departure for London, he carried with him a letter o f introduction

from Mr. Roscoe to Lord Brougham.
period peculiarly important.

H ia visit to England was at a

In 1831-32 a Committee o f the House o f

Commons was sitting on the affairs o f India, and in 1833 a bill on that
subject was introduced into Parliament.

H ence his time and thoughts

were continually occupied with the proceedings o f the Government and

with affordiug iuformatiou and advice whenever they were required.
Frequently the Raja was seen within the precincts of both the Houses

the Indiiin Chiefs, Rajas, Zamindars, tjr.

o f PaiHament

85

He wrote several memorials to the Privy Conncil on

behalf of the Native Press o f India, as also some papers on the working
o f the Supreme Court o f Calcutta and against the Salt Monopoly iu
Iiidiii,

He opposed the appeal made by the orthodox Hindus, against

the edict of Lord William Bentiuck prohibiting the revolting practice o f

Sati to the King iu Council, and in consequence the final decision o f
the Privy Council was against them.

The Raja was highly honored by

the Court of Directors and obtained introJuctions to Religious, Political,

Social, and Literary institutions, where he warmly discussed on the
different subjects mooted in a style which was much admired.

He was

invited by His Majesty, the K in g o f England, to the dinner which took

place it) celebration o f the opening o f the London Bridge.

On the

6th July 1833, he was also entertained by the Court o f Directors in

the name o f the H on ble East India Company and warm receptions
were also given to him by tho British aud

Foreign

Unitarian Asso*

ciation.
! 1832,

Raja Ram Mohan R oy visited France and was well

treated by Louis Philippe.

H e dined with H is Majesty twice.

' he studied French and returned to London in 1833.

Here,

A t Stapleton

Grove, near Bristol, he was warmly received by Miss Castle who placed
her house at

his

disposal.

Here, he

was constantly visited

by

Mr. John Foster and Dr. Carpenter, and received addresses from Ireland,
Dublin, and other places.

H e had also brought his negociations with

the Government, on behalf o f the Emperor o f Delhi to a successful

close, by a compromise with the ministers o f the Crown,

Shortly

after, he was taken ill, and Doctors Prichard aud Carrick attended him
but to no effect.

H e died at Bristol on the 27th September 1833 and a

cast o f his head and face was taken by an Italian who accompanied
Pugh, a marble mason.

He was interred on the l8th October 1833, in

a beautiful spot offered by Miss Castle before whom he had desired

that in case o f his dying in England, a small piece o f freehold ground
m ight be purchased for his burying place, and a cottage built on it tor
the gratuitious residence of some respectable poor person to take charge
of it.

On the 29th o f May 184.3, the case containing the coffin was

removed to the beautiful cemetry o f A m os Vale, near Bristol, where a

86

The Modern History o f

line monument was erected in the early part of the following year by
the famous Dwarka Nath Tagore, one o f the Rajae best and most reapecteU friends.
Raja Ram Mohan Roy left one son, Rama Prasad R oy (generally
called Raja Rama Prasad),

llama Prasad was educated in the old

Hindu School and had a fair knowledge o f the Sanskrit, Bengali, and
Persian languages.

He possessed several good qualities like his father,

and enhanced his paternal estates by his own energy and pcrseveraneo.
He was much respected as the Senior Government Pleader o f the High
Court, and was nominated to be the first Native Judge o f the same
Court; but unfortunately he did not live to take his seat on the
Bench.

He left two sons, Biibus Hari Mohan R oy and Piyari Mohan

Roy, who live in their family-house, situated in Sukea s Street, Calcutta,

and possess Zamindaries in 24-Pargannas and some other Districts in
Bengal.
X X V . E A S A M A Y A D A T T A S F A M I L Y , R A M B A G A N .
T he members of this family are noted for tlieir learning as well
as for the highly honorable offices they have held and still hold under
GovLimment.

The father o f Nilmani Datba removed to Calcutta from

hia native village in the Hughli District.

Nilmani, by caste a Kayastha,

had three sous, m . , Rasamaya, Sri Ram and Pitambar.

(1 )

Rasamaya was a very influential and celebrated man o f his time.

H e began life as a Book-keeper to the firm o f Messrs. Davidson and Co.,

and was afterwai'ds appointed a Commissioner o f the Court o f Requests,
which designation was subsequently changed to Judge o f the Small
Cause Court.

This was the first high judicial appointment which a

Native had the honor o f holding.

He was one o f the founders o f the

Hindu College, and was the Secretary to the Council o f Education and
o f the Sanskrit College.
Charitable Society.

H e was also an useful member o f the District

H e left five sons, viz., Kristo Chandra, Kailas

Chandra, Govinda Cbandra, Hara Chandra, and Girls Chandra the

last three of whom are still living and are converts to Christianity,
Kristo Chandra was for sometime an Asgistant in the Board o f
Revenue, and was, for a long time, the Khazanchi o f the Treasury.

He

the Indian Chiefs, Rajas, Zamindars, (Jr.

87

left two sons, Hem Chandra and Charn Cliandra the former of whom
succeeded to his fathers place in the Treasury, aud, on the abolition o f
that Department, was appointed BulUon-keeper o f the M int and ac02?fcw Treasurer o f the Paper Currency Department, and, afterwards,
as well as o f the Reserve Treasury which appointments he still holds
with great credit.

Charu Chandra a B, A ., B. L ., o f the Calcutta

University, was for sometime the Deputy Bullion-keeper o f the M int,

and is now, upon his return from Eugland, practising in the H igh Court
as .a Barrister.

H e is a Christian.

Kailas Chandra used, while at School, to edit a literary periodical,

called tho Hindu Pioneer,

He was the Superintendent o f the Abkari

Department, was Deputy Collector o f Calcutta, and was, for a short

time. Officiating Collector.

H e has left one son Omesh Chandra, who

was Actuary o f the Government Savings Bank, Vice-Chairman o f the

Calcutta Municipality, and is at present the Collector o f the Corpora
tion.

H e is a fellow o f the Calcutta University, an Honorary M agis

trate and a Justice o f the Peace.

H e knows French and German very

well, and is a Christian.

Govinda

Chandra held,

respectively

M agistrate; Deputy Khazanchi o f

the office o f

the T reasury;

a Deputy

Khazanohi for a

short period after the demise o f K risto C handra; Actuary

o f the

Government Savings Bank ; Head Assistant Government Agency ; and

Assistant Accountant General (Calcutta and afterwards B om bay). H ia
two daughters, A ru and Torn, who had accompanied their parents on a
trip to England and Paris, whore they completed their education, were
accomplished in English and French and were excellent composers and
translators o f poetical pieces.
the admiration o f all.

Their cleverness and intelligence won

Both o f them died o f one disease (P th isis)-

Govjnda Chandra is a thorougli master o f English, French, and German

and knows also the classics.

H e is remarkably able and intelligent.

A t present he has given up society altogether.

H e is now childless.

Hara Chandra served as Deputy Khazanchi Treasury and A ctuary

o f the Government Savings Bank.

H e has kept

up his habit o f

writing, and issues now and then religious tracts and pamphlets,
Giris Chaiulia held the Office o f Assistant in the Government

88

Tite Modern History o f

Agency and alao that o f Judges Clerk to the Small Cause C ourt Ue has
lately come back with bis wife from a visit to England.

He is childless,

Hia poetical compositions have been highly applauded for the exquisite
tenderness and beauty o f the thoughts and the almost perfect purity
o f their languages,
(2)

Bri Earn, the second son o f Nilmani, left four sons, o f whom

two are living Sri Krishna and Raj Krishna,

The former is a Bullion

Superintendent in the M in t; the latter an Assistant in the M uni

cipality.
(3 )

Pitambar, the third son o f Nilmani, was second Deputy

Khazanchi in the Treasury,

H e left two sons, laan Chandra and Sosi

Chandra,
Isan Chandra, who served for a long time as Deputy Collector
(Revenue Survey), has left three sons.

Joges Chandra, the first, is

an Assistant in the Bengal Secretariat; Raraes Chandra, the second,

is a Civilian and stood third in the list o f successful candidates.

A vi-

nas Chandra, the third, has, upon his return from England, become a
Professor in the Hughli College.
Sosi Chandra, the second son of Pitambar, was, for a long time a
highly useful Assistant in the Bengal Secretariat.

H o has now retired

on pension, and in conaideiation of liis meritorious services, has been

made by Government a Rai Bahadur on the 25th April 1873,

He

is also a Justice o f the Peace and the author o f several English books,
which have been highly commended for their merits.
I t may be observed, that Government has always held this family
in great esteem, and has placed several o f its members
o f trust and respectability,

in posts

Tbe chief traits of ciiaracter in the mem

bers o f this family, are, a habit o f study and unwiliinguess to join

society.

There is scarcely one in the

htmily who

cated and who has not or does not contribute to

periodicals o f the day.

is not well edu

the

best literary

The Datta Family Alijiim is a collection

o f the poetical pieces which tiie members wrote on different occasions.

On account o f their fondness for poetry, Captain Richardson used to
call this family, a nest o f warbling bu ds.

the Indian Chiefs, Rajas, Zamindars,

89

X X V I . D E W A N S A N T IR A M S IN G H IS F A M IL Y ,
JORASAN K O.
T he prosperity of this family began from the time o f Santiram
Siiighi,

who

was a

Dewan

Rumbold and transacted

to

Mr. Middleton and

Sir Thomas

the business o f the District o f Patna and

Murshidabad.
Dewan Santiram, by caste a Kayastha, was an orthodox Hindu,
who devoted much o f his time to religious pursuits, and dedicated a
large temple to

Siva at Benares.

Singhi and Jaya Krishna

in tho General

Siiighi.

Treasury and

He

left

two sons, Piankrishna

The former served

as

Dewan

left three sons, Raj Krishna Singhi,

Nava Krishna Singhi, and Sri Krirhna Singhi, and the latter, one sou,
Nanda Lai

Singhi.

Raj

Krishna Singhi,

Krishna Singhi, had one son named Mahes

the eldest son of Pran

Cliandra Singhi.

Mahca

Chandra left one son, Haris Chandra who died leaving his only issue
Babu

Balai Chand Singhi,

the present male representative of this

large and respectable family.

Nava Krishna, the second son of Pran

Kiiahna, died childless.

Sri Krishna, the third son of Pran Krishna,

left one son, Jadav Krishna, who died leaving one daughter at present
a shareholder in the large estate of Dewan Santiram Singhi.
Nanda Lai Singhi, the only son of Jaya Krislina Singhi, left one
son, the well-known Kali Prasanna Singhi.
veieed in the Sanskrit, Bengali,

Kali Prasanna was well-

and English

languages, and liad a

great taste for the vernacular literature of his country.

author o f the best

Bengali

novel, Ilutuin

Mahabharat, an invaluable work.

He was the

Pacha, and that of

In contributing towards the pnbii-

catioii o f the latter work he became involved in debt and was consequently
forced to part with many of his valuable Zamindaries in Orissa, and
much landed property in Calcutta, such as, the Bengal Club, <fcc.
I t has been said, that the debt thus incurred
account of his loose

and

irregular

was

partly on

hahits, but in spite o f these,

men o f undoubtedly good character speak

o f him with the highest

esteem, aud he was praised by those who Intimately knew him as a

man possessing some rare qualities.

12

90

The Modem History o f

X X V I I . S A V A B A Z A R R A J F A M IL Y .

Early
Histcny.

Chitrapura.

T ills Iiiglily respectable family is o f considerable antiquity,

original style was Maulika Kayastha Dev-banta o f
Its earliest representative was Sribari Dev, who lived in

Karanswarna (K ansona) near Murshidabad.

Pitambar Dev

hud, for

services

One o f his descendants,

rendered to M oghal Government,

received from it the title of Kban Bahadur.

Rukmini Kanta Dev, a descendant of

Pitambar, who held some

responsible office under tbe same Government, received the title o f

Byavaharta (one wlio transacts ufTairs o f state).

Ram Cbarati Dev, one

o f the grandsons o f Rukmini Kanta, distinguished himself in the service

o f Nawab Mahabet Jang, under whom he successively held the offices o f
Commissioner of Revenue of Parganna Mur agate ha, Salt A gent and
Collector. H is best appointment was the Dewanship o f Cuttack.

In

this capacity when he accompanied Manlruddin Khan the Sabadar o f

the place, at the head o f the Nawaba troops, he met a band o f Pindaris
who rushed out from an ambuscade and attacked

and plundered them

and in spite o f a brave resistance cut off the S ubadar; Ram Charan
having killed a large number o f Che enemy with his own hands, at last
fell overpowered.
Dewan Bam Charan left three sons, o f whom Ram Sundra Dev
was the eldest

and

in Govindapur,

the site o f the present Fort W illiam , whither their

Nava Krishna Dev was theyoungest, theylived

father had removed the family residence from Muragatcha.

Ram

Sundara was supervisor o f Fancbakuta (P acket) aud other places, and

supported the family as its head for several years.

In 1766 he received

a sanad from the Emperor o f Delhi conferring on him tho title o f Rai
and the dignity o f Matisah (on e thousand) with the privilege o f retain
ing five hundred sowars (horsemen).
W hen the lands in Govindapur were required for the ei'cction of
Fort William, be removed to

Sutanuti and purchased a house there,

which formed the nucleus o f the present Savabazar Rajbari buildings.

M A H A R A J A N A V A K R IS H N A D E V B A H A D U R .
Maharaja Nava Krishna Dev Bahadur, the
sent Savabazar

founder o f

the pre

Raj family, aboucd marks of a great mind ; he had

the Indian Chiefs, Rajas, Zamindars,

91

scarcely passed his youth wheu he turned out a sound Persian Scholar
and acquired some knowledge o f English ; he finished his education at
Murshidahad.

He was, as Lord Tlinrlow, represents him before the

House o f Lords, during the trial o f Warren Hastings, the Persian

preceptor o f Mr, Hastings so far back as the year 1750, when they
were both yoongm en.
Six years later he acquitted himself so satisfactorily by explaining
ill English the confidential Persian letter of the nobles o f Murshidahad
to the address o f Mr, Drake

and writing a Persian

letter in reply

thereto, that he was appointed Munshi to the H ou blc East India

Company,
Thus commenced the Mnnshiship of

Nava Krishna in which

capacity he displayed so much ability that he was entrusted by Colonel

Clive with the most important diplomatic missions, besides the duties
which now devolve on the Foreign Secretary.

H e was sent with pre

sents to Sui'aja-ud-dowla when he lay encamped at Halsibag, meditating

a second attack upon Calcutta, aud he returned with detached accounts
o f the Nawabs encampment.

H e was chiefly instmmental in bringing

about the league between Meer Jafiier and Colonel Clive which termi
nated in the ruin o f Suraja-ud-dowla; he snbsequently settled the terms
of the Subadari ^reem en t between them, he attended Major Adams
when the war broke out with Meer Kossim, rendered him essential service,
and after having narrowly escaped from a body o f the Nawab s plun
dering party, was entrusted with the charge o f conducting the Major
to Calcutta when he fell daugeroualy ill in the battlefield.

H e was

also employed in concluding a treaty with the Emperor Shah Alam and
the Nawab Suja-ud-Dowla o f Oude ; he effected the settlement o f Benares
with the Maharaja Balwant Sing and that o f the Province o f Behar
with Shitab Roy.

H e was appointed the guardian o f the then minor

Maharaja Tej Chandra Bahadur o f Bardwan, and Commissioner o f the

Maharajas extensive estates which he saved from disorder and ruin.
In

1765, when Munshi Nava Krishna

accompanied L ord Clive to

Allaliabad, the Emperor Shah Alam conferred on him the dignity o f

Manaab Panjhazari with three thousand sowars and the title o f Raja
Bahadur, and allowed him a Palki-Jkalardar, Tog, Nakhara,

92

The Modern History o f

In 1766, Lord Clive on account o f the benefit derived by the

Company from tlie services of the Uaja and o f his high lineage (of
which he was informed hy, the Nawab of Arcot) got a firman from
His Majesty Sliah Alam, granting the Raja the dignity o f M'lnsah
Shashhszari with four thousand sowars, and tlie title o f Maliaraja
Bahadur.

Lord Clive also bestowed ou him a gold medal bearing a

Persian inscription in testimony o f his valuable services.

His Lordship

also presented him with honorary robes, precious jewels, a sword aud
shield, horses, elephants, Ac., and allowed a guard o f Sepoys to pro
tect his gate.

The ceremony o f the investiture o f the K hilat was

concluded with his Lords!iips conducting the Mahur.aja to the Howda

o f an elephant which conducted him home in a grand proeciision.
In 1778, Warren Hastings as a

reward for the services of the

Maharaja, granted to him the TaUikdari in perpetuity, of the village

o f Sutanuti (now bounded on the north by

the Mahratta Ditch,

South by the new Mint, west by the River Hnghli, and east by the
Circular Road) and thus made him besides the H on ble East India
Company, the only Talukdar o f lands within the Jurisdiction of Calcutta.
Almost all the wealthy and principal native inhabitants of the town
protested against this transfer uf the Taluk to the Maharaja, but they
were directed to regard him as their superior Lord in as much

as all

the rights and privileges in respect o f the TaUik enjoyed by the Hon blo
East India Company had been conveyed to him.
The Maharaja had charge of the fullowing Government offices.
The Mnnski Daftar, i. e.,
(i.e.,)

Persian Secretary s office ; Arzbegi D a fta r

I etitioii receiving office; Jatimala. Kachari, i. e..

for hearing

and adjudicating cases relative to ca s te ;

Tribunal

Tlie M oney

God own, i. e., Company s Treasury ; The Mai Adalat, L e.,

Financial

Court o f the 24-Pargannas; and the Taksil Daftar, i. e , office o f the

Collector o f 24-Parganna8.

These offices the Maharaja used to hold in

his Savabazar buildings, the particular locality o f which was formerly

called Pahnarlagan, o f these the edifices on the north o f Uaja Nava
Krishna s Street, called the old Rajbari aro in the possession o f Raja
Rajendra Narayan and the other heirs o f the late Raja Sir Radha Kanta
Dev Bahadur, and those on the south o f that street are in the possession o f

the Indian Chiefs, Rajas, Zamindars,

the heirs o f the late Raja Raj Krishna Bahadur.

93

The D evxm Kkaaa

halls in the Old Rajbari were built by the Maharaja to commemorate the
victory o f Plassey, and Lord C live attended at their opening and at the
festivities celebrated on the occasion.

Maharaja Nava Krishna was a

great patron of learning, bis honse was the resort o f the learned
Brahmins of Bengal and o f the

Upper Pi-ovinces,

The celebrated

Jagannath Tarkapaucbanan and Banesvara Bidyalankar were the orna

ments o f liis Sava.

H e spared no expense to procure copies o f many

valuable Sanskrit and Persian

manuscripts and caused transcripts o f

them to be prepared in a first-rate style o f

caligraphy.

Hence, the

library which he has bequeathed to his heirs, may be deemed to be tbe

roost priceless jew el amongst liis treasures.
The Old Burying Ground and tbe adjoining land on which stands
St. Johus Cathedral, were the gifts of the Maharaja, he constructed a
road about 32 miles in length from Behala to Culpi known as the
Raja s JhrryaZ; he also opened the road which runs between the old
and new Rajbari, and since called after him Raja Nava Krishna s
Street.
Governor Verelest in bia V iew o f Bengal has borne high testi
mony to the Maharajas merits as a public officer, in the foUowing terms:
Nava Krishna is a native H indu who had been extremely zealous in the
English cause during tbe troubles preceding Meer Jafiiers elevation to
tlie Subadari.

W hen the war broke out with Meer Kossim, he attended

M ajor Adams and continued with that Commander till the Subadar
was driven out o f the Provinces ; his address and attachment to the
English recommended him to Lord Clive, who made him banian to
the Committee* in which office he continued tlu'ee yC^ars likewise o f
Mr. Verelcat s career."
Lord Thurlow describes him, A s having stood daring the admi
nistration of W arren Hastings in point o f emoluments and political
influence inferior only to Muhammad Reza K lian.
From

1774 to 1793 the various

letters which the Maharaja

received from England from Lady Clive, John K not, and the Stracheys
* '* This nominstioo implied bis beicg agent for the Committee in Political
transactions with the Countiy Powers.

94

The Modern History o f

testify to his meritorious services, his influence and honest devotion to

the British cause.
The Maharaja despairing o f having any male issue adopted as hia
son, Gopi Moliau Dev, the third son of his eldest brother Raya Ram
Sundra Dev ; but a son was snbsequently born to him afterwards
known as Raja Raj Krishna Bah ad nr. The Maharaja who was the foniider
o f the Sovabazar Raj family, died on the 22nd November 1797.

His

two sons, Gopi Mohan Dev and Raj Krishna Dev after a very exten
sive lawsuit in tho Supreme Court divided their princely herctage equally
amongst themselves, the former taking for his shaie the old Rajbari for
his residence, and the latter the new Rajbari, and thus with Gopi Mohan
Dev started the Senior or Elder Branch, and with Raj Krishna Dev
the Junior or younger Branch o f tbe Savabazar Raj family.

Maharaja

Kamal Krishna and Maharaja Narendra Krishna are now the two
surviving sons o f Raja Raj Krishna.

Smiw Branch.
R A JA G O P I M O H A N D E V B A H A D U R .
Raja Gopi Mohan Dev Bahadur,

served as Dewan to Mr. John

Stables, then a member o f the Supreme C ouncil; to Brigadier General

Sir James Rivet Carnac Bart., first Commander-in-Cliief, and to Sir
J. Macpherson, the Governor General; and acquitted himself to their
satisfaction.
In 1833, he received the title o f Raja Bahadur with the privi
lege o f being attended by an armed retinue during the administration
o f Lord William Bentinek, who highly loved and respected him, and
often consulted him on important questions.

H e was a man o f extra

ordinary natural parts and o f great public spirit.

The Uaja was a

good Persian scholar and was admired by the Pandits for his astute
reasoning in discussing the most abstruse doctrines o f Metaphysics and
Logic,

He delighted much in the study o f Geography and Astronomy as

be caused Terrestrial and Celestial Globes and a Map o f the World to

he prepared according to the Hindu system under his immediate direc
tion and superintendence, and left unfinished a curious machine which
would have served for a permanent calender indicating years, months.

the Indian Chiefs, Rajas, Zamindars,

95

days o f the week, Tithis or Phases o f the Moon and Nakhatras.

He

founded the late Dharma Sava, and was a great patron of learning.
His haud was ever stretclied out to lielp the needy and distressed, and
his advice was sought by ali classes of people : being, in fact, the
general referee on all subjects that concerned the welfare of

tlie

Hindus and the arbiter of disputes between respectable parties.

He

had an excellent ear for music.

H e died on the 17th March 1837,

leaving an only son Radha Kanta Dev.

Lord Auckland in his letter o f

condolence, dated 24th March 1837, says, I oBsnre you that I sincerely
lament for the public and for

society

tho

loss

o f so excellent a

man, <&c., Ac.

R A J A S IR R A D H A K A N T A D E V B A H A D U R , k . c. s. i .
R aja Sir R adha K anta D e t a , k . c. s. r., was born on the 1st of
Choitra, 1705, Saka tsra, coiTesponding with the 1 Hh March 1784, A*d.,
at his maternal uncles house at Simla, Calcutta,

H e very early acquired

a taste for knowledge which developed itself remarkably with his growing
age, and by untiring application he soon distinguished himself as a
Sanskrit, Arabic, and Persian scholar, and was esteemed for his high
attainments in English at a time when such an acquisition by a Hindu
was very rare in India.

Bishop Heber thus speaks o f him in his

journal He, Radha Kanta Dev, is a young man o f pleasing counte

nance and manners, speaks English well and has read many o f our
popular authors particularly historical and geographical."

Rickards in

his work on India instances the high attainments of Radha Kanta

Dev ill proof o f tho capabilities o f the native mind.
The marriage o f Raja Sir Radha Kanta Dev was an event o f great
social importance ; it was celebrated by his graiidstre Maharaja Nava
Krishna, who obtained for him by great exertions the hand of the
daughter of

the

then

celebrated Goatipati

Gopi

Kanta

Singha

Chaturdliurina o f Gopiimgar, and thus according to the strict rules of

the Kariha, i.e., Metrical laconic formula o f the Ghatakas ; constituted
hia grandson

the thirteenth

Goatipati, i. o., the chief

person or

President in all formal assemblies from Sriinnnta Raya (the first Gostipati) ; and as such he received the first honors iu every formal assembly

96

The Modern History o f

o f the Hindus on occasions o f

the Malyackandana, when a chaplet o f

flowers was first placed on his neck and sandal marks were first nimle
on his forehead.
From his ancestors Raja Sir Radha Kanta Dev inherited a deep
sense o f loyalty to the Britidi Government, labored successfully in bis
sphere to further its views and objects, and, moreover, used his utmost
efforts to advance the cause o f Native Education, and to promote the
diffusion o f useful knowledge among his countrymen.

Many o f the

principal and most important Public Institutions in Calcutta, owe their

fbandation and early prosperity to hia indefatigable exertions.

In 1816

in concert with Sir Edward Hyde East Barb, he exerted his influence
and used his best endeavours for the establishment o f the late Hindu
College (now incorporated with the Calcutta University) and persuaded
his countrymen o f the advantages o f a liberal English education and
as an active member of its managing Committee, he zealously aided the
late H. H. W ilson in bringing it to its most flourishing state ; ho was
connected with it for thirty-four years o f the best part o f his life

he was a constant visitor o f tbe Calcntta Government Sanskrit College,

and as its Honorary Secretary and Examiner took the greatest interest
in advancing the high character o f the institution.
On the foundation o f the School Book Society, the Hindus feared
to purchase books published under its patronage lest they should con
tain anything iuiniical to their religion, he became one o f its zealous
members, declared the groundlessness o f their fears, and thus paved
the way for the introduction o f its books into native schools aud
the late School

Society he

associated himself with that excellent philantiiropist the

societies.

As

Honorary Secretary to

late David

Haro, and exerted his utmost eff.jrts to promote vernacular education

in this country by introducing order and system into the Indigenous
Schools so bringing them under active snperiutendence and periodical
examination.

He assisted the late G.mr Mohan

Bidya Lankar, the

head Famdii o f the School Society in the preparation and publication

o f a pamphlet, called the Strisikkya Uidhoyaka, i. e., on tlic importance
o f female education and its concordance with the dictates of the H indu
Shastras.

He published in 1820 the first Bengali Nitikatta as also the

the Indian Chiefs, Rajas, Zamindars,

97

first Bengali Spelling Book or Reader according to the Enropean syBtetn,

which were highly prized by the R oyal Asiatic Society o f Great Britain
and Ireland, and are in many points still the model o f such books now
pouring out o f the Native press. H e advocated so much by his writings
and example the cause o f native female education

(though not in

public school) that the late Drinkwater Bethune thus wrote to him
on one occasion, I am anxious to give you the credit which justly
belongs to you o f having been the first native in India, who, in m odem
times, has pointed out the folly and wickedness o f allowing women to
grow up in utter ignorance and that this is neither enjoined nor counte
nanced by anything in the Hindu Shastras.
A s Vice-President of the Agricultural and Horticultural Society
he used his best efforts to promote the objects o f the Society and
contributed many important paj>er3 on the agriculture o f Bengal, which
were published in the early numbers o f tbe Transactions o f the Society.
He was a corresponding member o f the R oyal Asiatic Society cff
Great Britain and Ireland and o f the German Oriental Society at
Leipzig and an Honorary Member o f the Royal Academy o f Sciences at
Berlin, o f the Royal Society of Northern Antiquaries at Copenhagen, o f
the Imperial Academy o f Sciences o f St.Petersburg, and o f the American
Oriental Society founded at Boston, of the Kaiserlichen Academ y
o f Vienna and o f the Asiatic Society o f Bengal, and wrote valuable
essays on Oriental subjects which were published in the Journals o f
some one or other of these Societies.
The high fame and celebrity o f R aja Sir Radha Kanta Dev as
an author rest upon hia Magnum opus, the Sahdakalpa-druma, an
Encyclopaedic Lexican in Sanskrit in eight thick quarto volumes.

To

this work he devoted nearly fort}^ years o f hia existence and a consider
able portion o f his fortune.

It was at once a Worterbuch, a book of

synonyms, a cyclopaedia aud an index of all the departments o f Banskrit

literature and science.

It was

the

first

publication of

the kind

and required an unbounded erudition, a herculean labour and extensive

research and immense outlay to achieve it, especially at a time when
printing

itself had but recently been introduced into India.

He

established hia own press and had his types cast which have since passed
13

98

The Modern History of

under the designation o f Raja s type.

The first volume appeared in

1822 and the last in 1858, as each volume issued from tho press he
took pleasure in distributing it gratis amongst those who expressed a
desire to make use o f it and to the learned and literary

institutions o f

all countries where the Sanskrit language is cultivated or appreciated.

He lived long enough to reap the reward o f his toil and merit in finding
his work become the theme o f universal admiration ; it wag eulogized
in Philological journals and various publication in unmeasured terms,
and was eagerly sought after by the Pandits o f India and the savants
of

Europe

and

America.

The principal societies o f

Europe and

America most eagerly and voluntarily enrolled hig name iu the list o f their
Honorary or Corresponding Members and even European Sovereigns,
such as the late Czar o f Russia, the K ing Frederick V I I . o f Denmark,
took delight in honoring him with the most distinguishing marks o f
their approbation and Royal favou r;
a R oyal medal
Denmark,

among which may be mentioned

meritis from hia late Majesty Frederic V I I . K in g o f

This ia a massive medal and chain of pure gold o f beauti

ful workmanship, the medal bears on tho obver.se the head o f his Danish
Majesty, and on the reverse the words p ro meritis over the image o f the
Genius o f Science, holding a laurel wreath.
links which

The chain is composed of

are alternately F V I I , and a Crown.

The present was

sent to the donee through tlie late Court of Directors.

Great and unremitting as were the literary labours of Raja Sir
Radha Kanta Dev, they did not entirely absorb hia time and atten
tion ; he took an active interest in the politics of the day and was fore
most in ail important movements for the good of the country and the
support o f Government or calling for the exercise o f the highest public
spirit or acts o f beneficence which extended even to

worthy applicants

in the European continent.

In 1855, he was appointed by Government one o f the first two
native Justices o f

the Peace and an Honorary Magistrate o f the

Metropolis, and for many years he zealously and faithfully discharged

his duties.
On the establishment o f the British Indian Association in J851,
he was unanimously elected its President, which post he held up to the

the Indian Chiefs, Rajas, Zamindars,

99

time o f liis death, and he took the lead in all important measures which
emanated from that useful body.

In 1837 soon after the death of his

father Raja Gopi Mohau Dev Bahadur the Government conferred on him
the title of Raja Bahadur and invested him with a JUtilat or robe of
honor, jewels, a sword aud shield.

The Government letter to Ins

address, dated the 10th July 1837, states The Governor General in
Council has been pleased to confer this honor on you in considerat'oa
o f the dignity of your ancestors, the high character for probity and
learning you bear among your countrymen and the laudable anxiety you
have ever displayed to render your services useful to tbe public.
In 1859, Her Most Gracious Majesty Queen V ictoria was pleased
to confer on the Raja a conspicuous mark o f R oyal favour by the gift
o f a splendid medal bearing on the obverse the head o f Her Majesty
and on the reverse.

From Her Majesty Queen V ictoria to Raja

Radha Kanta Bahadur.

On this occasion Sir Charles W ood ,

tbe

Secretary o f State, thus wrote to the Raja I have laid before the
Queen your letter with copy o f the Sabdahalpa-drutna forwarded by
you for

presentation to

Her Majesty and I

am

commanded to

acquaint you that Her Majesty has received the work very graciously
aud fully appreciating the spirit o f loyalty in which you have transmit'
ted it, has directed me to forward to you the accompanying medal.
In 1864, the Raja then upwards o f eighty-four years had retired
to Brindaban to end his days in devotion in that holy place, and on the
10th November 1866, when the grand Darbar was held at A gra by the
Viceroy for the investiture o f the new Order o f the Stai- o f India,
instituted by Her Majesty, the Raja was by R oyal Command sum
moned from his retreat to attend tbe Darbar, and there he was deco
rated by the Viceroy with the Insignia o f a K n ight Commander o f the
M ost Exalted Order o f the Star o f India he also received a Khilat
o f 21 Parchas with the present o f an elephant and a horse.
general report that no sooner Raja Sir Radha Kanta

Such is the

Dev had entered

tlie Hall of the Darbar, H is Excellency Sir John Lawrence, the then
V iceroy and Governor General having rose up to receive him and to inspect
the splendid medal presented to him by

Her Most Gracious

M ajesty

the Queen aud the most precious medal aud chain, bearing the

R oyal

100

The Modem History of

effigies by Hia Majesty Frederick V I I ., Jfing o f Denmark, wliich were

also used at that time by the Raja, all the Feudatory Princes o f India,
Nobles, and Eminent men, who were present on the occasion, stood up to
offer him a similar mark o f respect; such as has rarely been offered
under similar circumstances before.
It is also a well-known fact that Raja Sir Radha Kanta D ev did
not at all seek for honor, but honor always sought for him.

Before he

was invested with tbe Insignia of a K night Commander o f the M ost

Exalted Order o f the Star o f India, he had written to the members o f
his family that he felt himself liighly honored by the distinction

pro

posed to be conferred on him by Her Most Gracious Majestys com

mands ; but at the same time he extremely regretted that as he was in
a retired state o f life, he would not be able to leave Brindaban for the
purpose o f going to Calcutta to receive this high distinction.

Sir Cecil

Beadon hearing this, wrote to the R aja the following letter from
Darjeeling.
D a r j e e l in g ;

September 14, 1866.

MV DEAB KAJA,

T h e Governor General has expressed a wish that all the n e w ljereated Knighta o f the Star should be present ab the Datbar at Agra in Novem ber
to receive the investiture.
It w ill be a great pleasure to me if you can attend, and as tbe distance from
Muttra is so short, I trust that neither the state of your health nor your present
occupation w ill prevent you from being there.
I shall be at Agra, 1 hope, about the 10th Kovenibcr and remain there till the
Darbar is over.
Believe me,
Yours Stncerely,
(8 d .)

C E C IL BEADON.

On receipt o f the above letter the Baja attended the Darbar held
at Agra, after taking due permission from several learned Pandits who
had told him that be can g o to Agra and such other places which are
lying within the precincts of Brindaban according to the rites of
Hinduism.

the Indian Chiefs, Rajas, Zamindars, (J*c.

101

The Raja, we believe, would never have come down to Calcutta,

and the Darbar o f the Star of India was only held at Agra by His
Excellency the V iceroy and Governor General with a view to honor
this distinguished noble o f Bengal.
The Rajas high learning and useful career, his illustrious rank
and noble lineage, added to his pre-eminent virtues and sincere faith in
the essence of the Hindu religion, his venerable age, urbanity and
simplicity o f manners gave him an extraordinary prestige, position, and
influence in society, and a popularity amongst all classes o f the commanity which were almost unequalled.

H e was ju stly and deservedly the

leader o f the Natives o f Calcutta and the head o f the Hindu com
munity and he rightly earned the title o f the Hindu o f H indus," the
motto o f his life was truly D eo R e g i Pairia.

N or was he unmindful o f

the duties which devolved upon him as the genuine Qosthipati o f the
Kaycisikaa as a nobleman belonging to a family proverbial for its hospi
tality and as the cosmopolitan chief o f a mixed community.

H e celebra

ted a grand El^ai on the occasion o f the marriage o f his grandson and
on appropriate occasions every year, his grand mansion was thrown open
for festivities and entertainments on the highest scale o f magnificence,
and while the Governor General and high officials and nobles and cbieftftins graced his Halls, the humblest individual claimed a share o f his hos
pitality ; but these social demonstrations culminated to the highest pitch
in 185S, when the Raja gave a grand Ball and supper in jo in t com m e
moration o f the recapture of D elhi, the relief o f Lucknow and the
advent o f Her M ajestys Government in India.

The magnificent and

tasteful style in which the whole house under European mauageuient was
decorated and illuminated, the grandeur o f the Ball room, the riohoesi
o f the feast and the

rank of the guests who joined in the Ball were

described in adequate terms in the papers o f the time, the follow ing
is an extract from the Overland Englishman o f the period.
This is the first demonstration o f loyalty, in so remote a depen
dency o f the Crown o f Great Britain, offered to the public by ike feeling
and spirit o f a native subject: but it is not, exactly, the first time that
the Raja s Halls have responded to the voice o f triumph and gratulation.

By a rare coincidence, this very Savabazar residence (o f a full

102

The Modern History o f

century gone by) re-echoed the shouts o f victory and honored the
conquerors o f plassey Clive and his heroesby a similar display of
fidelity and attachment to the British Cause.

Proud, indeed, was the

remembrance o f such a fact in tbe heart o f the good, the venerated old
Raja, on thus finding the roof he was representing hereditary allegiance
under which had rung to the descendants o f those whom his ancestors,
one hundred years ago and in the same locality, had heen equally delighted
to honor: proud to think, that in his person, should be realized the
evidence o f family devotion to Old England, which had been uninter
ruptedly cherislied by hia famil}, from the past to the pre.sent period,
through all its varying changes and chances : prouder still, to know his
life was so prolonged as to allow him to make i)i%first public acknow
ledgment of native fealty and attachment, on the altered circumstances
o f the times, and the auspicious dominancy o f Her Most Gracious
Majesty, the great, the good, the amiable Queen V ictoria.
In 1860, the Uaja gave another similar entertainment in comme
moration o f the restoration of peace in India, to which were added
Pyrotechnical exhibitions under the management o f the Professors who
had been employed at Cremorne.

The Englisliman of the day thus

concludes an account o f this ball and entertainment.

W h at with

au excellent Band, beautiful fireworks, and tastefully lighted gardens,

the tout ensemble o f the Raja's mansions was almost like a dream of
the Arabian Nights, and the large sheet o f water with its stone terraces
and

the lights gleaming on its surface, was as like the feast of

Beltshnzzar as anything that Martin has ever drawn.

In 1860, the elite and the intelligent portion o f the native com mnnity and the numerous admirers o f the Raja, presented him with an
address testifying to their high regard for his learning and virtues and
subscribed to a full length portrait o f the Raja which was drawn hy
Hudson, and wltic'n now graces the Hall o f the Asiatic Society of
Bengal.

The Honorable Ashley Eden now (H is Honor Sir A shley

Eden Lieutenant-Governor o f Bengal) and other European friends o f

the Raja were among tlie cosignatories o f the address and subscribers.
The Raja breathed his last at his retreat in Brindaban on tbe 19th
A pril 1867, universally regretted and esteemed.

The Friday Review

the Indian Chiefs, Rajas, Zamindars,

103

til us refers to the last stage o f the existence o f Raja Sir Radha Kanta
Dev Bahadur, k. c .a . i.

It

is a record o f cremation.

Every Hody

knows that Raja Sir Radha Kanta Dev Bah.adur had a severe cold
three days before hia death.

On the night before his death, feeling a

heaviness in his system, he did not eat anything.

The following

morning, he got up from his bed, made himself clean in the usual way,
and went to his oratory.

A t that time the father of his daughter-in-

law approaching him s a i d , H o w are you to-day.

aa well to take some medicine ?

W ou ld nt it be

The Raja Bahadur replied, M edi

cine cares disease, but it does not prevent death.

I f you have any

medicine which will do me good in eternity, please administer it.

After saying a word or two more in the above strain, he addressed him
self to his devotions.

The rosary having been repeated, he said to

his favourite servant Nobiu, I am feeling weak, give me some

milk to drink,

The servant brought some milk, the Raja Bahadur

drank it, and went to tbe sitting room, with the rosary in hand.
After a little he called for more milk.

This time, however, he could not

drink much, as he felt a difficulty in swallowing.

servatit Nobin, To-day I shall leave off m y body.

Then he said to his

I t is not there

fore advisable for me to remain here on tbe second story.

the priest.

Send for

[W e may state here that the Raja Bahadnr, on going to

Brindaban, had selected a learned Brahmin o f the place for his priest, to
whom he had imparted a knowledge o f the mysteries of (F u neral) crema
tion, which the Raja had himself collected from a diligent perusal o f many
Sliastara.j

On the priest being brought before him,the Raja questioned

him as to hia knowledge of funeral obsequies, and gave him further expla
nation regarding the last rites. Continuing in the same seat, he said to his
servant Nobin ; Y ou remember I explained to you long ago the way
in which my body should be treated, after life has taken its departure.
Listen, I will now repeat to you the same in brief.

A fter I am dead,

you are to bathe my body, to put new clothes on it, gandkamalya and
other flowers.

Y ou are tlien to carry the corpse to the banks o f the

Jamuna, accompanied by a baud o f Baishnava singers repeating the

name o f Hari.

Y ou arc then to see to it that my body is i^ain bathed,

and all tlie rites gone through which I explained in the instructions

104

The Modem History o f

given to the priest.

See to it that the funeral pile is longer than my

bod y; and you are to take care that no other fuel is used than the
wood o f the Tuisi and sandal wood.

{W e may state here that the

Baja Bahadur had himself collected

a large quantity o f Tvd&i wood

for the purpose).

You are to place my body on the pile exactly

in the same attitude which I have been accustomed to take while

living.

Y ou are, moreover, to take four long bamboos and put them

into the ground at the four comers o f the pile, and let the canopy
o f my curtains be suspended on those bamboos over my body, but
at such a height that the flame o f the pile does not reach it.

Then

will follow cremation according to the instructions I have delivered

to the priest.

See to it that the Are is put out when my body

becomes reduced to about one seer in weight.

portion o f
of i t ;

the body into three parts.

Divide that unburnt

Feed turtles with one part

another part you are to throw into the deep

waters o f the

Jarauna; the third part you are to bury in this Brindaban so deep
in the ground, that animals may not be able to disinter it.

Cremation

over, you are to return to your dwelling-place in a silent mood.

There

should be no cooking that day in your houses; if you ba very hungry,

you could go aud eat something elsewhere.

On the tenth day after

my death, offer ten pindcn to the Jamuna, and give a good feast to the
Brahmans o f

Brindaban.

After

which

you

may

turn your face

towards the native land.'

The devout Raja having said all this, was preparing to go down
stairs, when the father o f his daughter-in-law, and the respectable men
o f the place came to see him.
urbanity, and went down.

H e received them all with his usual

Iu the grove o f Tulsi plants which was on the

premises, he ordered a bed o f raza (D u st o f Brindaban) to be prepaix l

at the foot o f a TaUi plant

The magnanimous Raja emancipated,

though in the body, stretched himself ou the bed, put a salgram near
his headside, and began counting hia rosary.
any mortal.
tation.

No more did he talk to

For nearly two hours he remained thus absorbed in medi

Then did life dej>art.

face was lit up with a smile.

A t the moment o f his death, his whole

No other symptoms were seen.

W hen

bis spirit left bis body, the groves o f Brindaban resounded with the

ike Indian Chiefs, Rajas, Zamindars, ^'C.

105

shouts o f the blest; and the telegrapliic wire that moment carried the
melancholy tidings to

the city o f

Calcutta.

Such were the last

momenta of the eartlily career of the Pall Mall Gazette s Roman

Catholic amongst Hindus.
Shortly after his death, a public meeting was held at Calcutta, on
Tuesday, the 14th May 1867, at 6 p.m., iu the Hall o f the

British

Indian Association, to perpetuate the memory o f the Raja and a marble

Bust, a portrait and a fund in order to furnish an endowment for an
annual gold medal to be awarded to the best Sanskrit scholar were
subscribed to by all classes o f the community from the Viceroy to the
humblest school-boy.

The Bust now adorns one o f the niches of the

Town Hall, the portrait graces the Hall o f the British Indian Asso
ciation, and the medal is yearly bestowed on some successful student of
the Government Sanskrit College proceeding to the degree o f Bachelor
o f Arts.
W e give below the following extracts o f speeches, delivered by
Some respectable European and Native gentlemen, who were assembled
in the Hall o f the British Indian

Association on the evening of the

14th May 1867, to do honor to the memory o f the late m ost distin
guished Raja Sir Radha Kanta Dev Bahadur, K. c. s. i.
Babu Prasanna Kumar Tagore, c. s. i., the Chairman, said :
That he could not but feel deep regret at the melancholy event, which had
led to this meotlng.

But he had one satisfactiontbat o f being able to do honor

to the memory of one, whom he held in high respect.

He was a student of the

Hindu College when Baja Kadha Kanta was one o f its Governors, and he well
remembered the warm interest which tho lamented deceased used to take in the
welfare o f the institution.

Subsequently he had the honor of working with him

as a Grovcruor of the College as well as in many other public matters and always
found him a staunch advocate of improvement, Sanskrit Learuing now-a-days was
ot much honored in this country, but in those days when the Raja was young Sanskrit
ScbolarBhtp was much prized.

He early distinguished himself as a Sanskrit scholar.

His Sahdakalpa-druma was a gigantic work.

It was an Eocyclopa;dia of Sanskrit

literature, and a monument of his learning and labor. Similar works in European
countries were accomplished by the joint labors o f many men extending over a
century or so.

The Raja also assisted much in the cause of Vernacular education

by hia primers and other useful school-books.

He used to head almost all public

movements among the native community for the promotion of their political welfare.

11

106

The Modern History o f

One of the grandest movements made by tbe natives was that g a in s t tbe Lakhraj
Besnmptiou.

A monster meeting was held at the Town Hall to protest agaiust this

measure ; it was attended by about 8,000 people, aud the Haja he remembered
took an active part iu it.

He was a leading member of the Landholders' Asso-

ciatiou aud the respected President of the British Indian Association since its
formation.

The Raja was also an advocate of female education.

In those

days he used to throw open hia house for the instruction of Hindu girls.

You

have now, continued the Chairman, met in this Hall to do honor to the
memory o f Kaja Radha Kanta.

This, 1 must say, is as honorable to the deceased

as it is to you.

Babu Rama Nath Tagore, afterwards Maharaja Rama Nath Tagore,

c. s. I., said :
1 consider the death o f Raja Radha Kanta a national calamity.

Old or

young, learned or unlearued are alike she<lding tears for the deceased, and in
whatever direction we turn we hear nothing but a general cry of lameutation
amongst all classes of people.

Indeed the death of Raja Radha Kanta is a sad

blow to us.
Raja Radha Eanta was born on the first day of

Choitra 1705 Saliabda. at his

maternal uncle's house, and there be reccivoil his early education. Born and
brought up in an aristocratic fam ily it was really remarkable that he did not im bibe
ihe habits and pursnita which have proved a ruin to the sons of many a rich maa
amongst us.

He applied his early youth to the cultivation of literature and in a

short time became a distinguished scholar in the Sanskrit language.

His English

education was deservedly held in high estimation considering the time when ha
was edacatcd.

He

published several Bengali

greatly facilitated the acquisition

books, cbiefiy primers, which

of knowledge, and thereby rendered an

invaluable service to the cause o f vernacular education.

His last and grandest

work which would always link hia name with the cause of Sanskrit literature was
the famons Sabdakalpa-drxnna.

N ot being myself a Sanskrit scholar I confess

I cannot speak with authority on the high merits o f that work, but allow me to tell
you, that the Pandits who are best able to judge of its excellencies consider it a
splendid monnmcnt o f Hindu literature.

H e devoted nearly fifty years to tbe

completion of this work, and as a reward for hia trouble and labour he received
the approbation o f kings and savants of Europe, including our beloved Qneen
Victoria.
Raja Radha Kanta was an orthodox Hindu, but he was not a narrow-minded
man.

He was very liberal in his ideas aud opinions.

in illnetratioQ.

I w ill mention an anecdote

An infinential native gentleman had been in England from a

desire to see with his own eyes the treasures of its transcendant civilization aa
well aa to set an example to his educated eonQtrymen,

When he came back to

the Indian Chiefs, Rajas, Zamindars, ^c.

107

India some bigoted men called on the Raja, and urged him to cut his acquain
tance.

The Raja told them to come the next day aud when they arrived he

informed them that he had deliberated over the matter, and that be thought
that the gentleman in question merited honor instead of disgrace, and that he
would never discard him.

He had been in England for the good of his country,

and those who did so were not objects of social degradation.

for the Babu had been increased ten-fold by that act.

His own respect

The bigoted

Hindus,

who went to counsel the Raja this discreditable step, returned muttering, The
Kaliyoga is come, even a Saint like the Raja has been turned into a d ev il.

The

Raja, as has been already remarked by the Chairman, was an advocate of female
education.
instruction.

He was not o f course for education in pnblic schools but for private
He was

as you all know equally respected by Europeans and

Natives, and the presence of the influential European gentlemen he saw around
him was a proof o f what he said.

One thing was remarkable, Raja Radha Kanta

had no enemy ; indeed he was considered the very emblem o f goodness.

In

honoring the memory o f such a man, he needs scarcely say, the community
w ould be only honoring themselves (L ond cheers.)

Babu Uajeudralala Mitra, (now Dr. Rajendralala Mitra, Rai Baha

dur, and c, I. E .,) said ;
There are few in this H all who knew not the Venerable Raja to mourn whose
death we have here assembled, and who, knowing w ould deny that we do well
thus publicly to give expression to our'high sense of
him to our coostry.

the services rendered by

It is right that we should so meet, and it is proper that we

Bhonld extol the virtues o f those who have done well by as.

Respect for the dead

has been a characteristic o f man in all ages and in every state of society, and it
is eminently due to those who have been benefactors to their race.

I t is a tribute

to worth which it should be our pride, as it is our duty to pay. Even in an

ntilitarian a low utilitariansense it is of use, for it docs more good to the
living than it can possibly do to those who have passed away from among ns,
The memory o f B aja Radha Kanta has high claims to this tribute.

Several of

you, gentlemen, and foremost of all you, Mr. Chairman, can, from your earlier
and more intimate acquaintance with the late Baja, speak more fully on those
claims, than I can, but I cannot forget that even I had the privilege of his friend
ship for more than five and twenty years, and I have not been a careless observer
of his brilliant career.
O f the early history o f the Raja I know not mach, and all that 1 could say
on the subject has been already anticipated by Babu Rama Nath Tagore.

At

the time when Raja Radha Kanta was a boy, school education was held unbecoming
the rank of the higher classes of the people, aud there was no school in existence,
save a few patsala of the most primitive type ; but the worthy father of the

108

The Modern History o f

Raja had seen enough o f Eaglisbmeu to be able fully to appreciate the advantage
o f schools, and he overcame the difficulty in his way hy sending his son to an
English Academy.

Provision was at the same time made at home for his tuition

in Arabic, Persian and the vernaculars, and nothing was wanting to secure for
him an education befitting his high position in life.
o f the care that was taken for him.

Nor was he unworthy

Active, intelligent, well disposed, and o f

retentive memory, he devoted himself most earnestly to his books, and benefited
largely from the training he received from his tutors.

The advantage he derived

at Mr. Cutrimings Academy impressed on him the importance o f school edu

cation Over that given at home, and he devoted hia life strenuously aod zealously
to encourage the diffusion o f schools on the English model over the country.

It

was quite unusual in those days for sons o f Raja's and men ot rank to accept
office, but Radha Kanta was deterred by no such consideration.

He became the

secretary of the school society an institutiou projected by the late David Hare
to promote the education of the people throngh the medium o f public schools. In
this Capacity he laboured hard and effected many radical changes iu our sjatem
o f popular education.

He had several schools placed under him ; he visited

them o ften ; did much to extend the sphere of their usefulness, and com piled
Primers aud Readers, for tbe use of the pupilsthe first of the kind iu our la n
guage.

He took an important part also in founding the Hindu College of which

he was au active and most painstakiug Governor for the long period o f four and
thirty years.

On bis retirement from the office the geucral Committee of Public

Instruction recorded

resolution expressive of its high seuse of his services to

the Cause o f native education.

N or did he confine hia attention to the education

o f the hoys only ; the intellectual condition of the females of the country early
attracted his notice, and in the language of tbe late Hon'ble Mr, Bethuue, to him
belongs the credit o f being the firat native of India who in m odem times, haa
pointed out the folly and wickedness o f allowing women to grow up in utter
ignorance.

In his house was seen for the first time in the history of this coun

try the happy sight o f the pupils of girls schools assembled to receive prizes
for successful proaecution o f their studies.

In this respect he brought about a

consummation for w bich he deserves our highest praise.

Again, as a leader and

lepresentation o f the Hindu Com munity he commanded the respect of all his
countrymen by his moderation, his urbanity and the thorough rectitude of his
character.

As the president o f the British Indian Association he will be lon g

remembered for his earnestness and zeal for the good of the community at large.
He was the Chairman of every public meeting, and foremost in every movement
fo r the social, moral, and political amelioration of our race.

B e may not have

been all that some so-called reformers of our day could wish.
placed himself iu opposition to many of them.

He may have

A Hindu brought up in the faith

o f bis ancestors he may have set his face against infantile and juvenile couver-

the Indian Chiefs, Rajas, Zamindars,

109

eions; he certainly objected to the elanghter of the cow, and strongly reprobated
licentious indulgence in spirituous liquors, which to many appear as the stepping
stone to reformation.

But, Sir, he never offered opposition to any measure of

real usefulness ; and had nothing of the bigotry of a partisan. He was no enemy
to real reformers.

He found no fault with those who dissected the human body

in the Medical College.

He subscribed as freely to the fund for sending native

youths to England to prosecute their studies in medicine as for any orthodox

uudcrtakiug.

In this respect he hag set us a noble example and I cannot bat

accord to him the highest praise for the moderatiou with which he exercised the
uulimited influence which he had over Hindn Society.

Ho w ould n otand

what right-minded man would ?surrender the liberLy of his conscieticc to others;
but he had nothing of the character o f those who themselves au insignificant
minority would, in the fulness o f tbeir own liberty, ride rough-shod over the
conscience o f a whole race.

I can fully appreciate I yield to none in a proper

appreciation ofliberality of Bentiment ; but I cannot understand the liberality of

those who in the fervour of their own liberality would be the most intolerant of
oppressors to those who may happen to differ from them in opinion, K aja Radha
Kanta, though a thorough orthodox Hindu, was none of them ; and I bave
no doubt you will all agree with me that he was as tolerant a Hindu gentleman
as be well could be.

On his strict honesty, perfect sincerity, and thorough

uprightness I could dw ell for hours, but you know them as well as I do.

As a

man o f fascinating and popular manners he bad no- eqnal, and justly did Sir
Lawrence Feel Chief Justice of the late Supreme Court say that he was a
pattern o f gentlemanUuess which we would all do well to imitate.
now pass on to say a few words on his scholarship.

But I must

It is a matter of regret

that Banskrit learning ia not held in sufificient estimation in our day, and Raja
Badba K anta's services in the case of the ancient classics o f onr country may not,
therefore, be duly appreciated by many ; but as an humble labourer in the field of
Indian literature I beg to assure you, gentlemen, that those servicea are o f the
highest order.

The Kaja was no geniusno gifted man.

come to him o f its own accord.

members cameJ
knowledge.

Scholarship did not

He could not say, he lisped in numbers for the

No more for him than for others was there a royal load to

He had to wmrk his way like any other man.

He was born in wealth

and aiBuencc, but he did not like others in bis circumstances spend his time and
wealth in ease and e n joym en t; he adopted the bard life of a scholar, and devoted
a whole life-time to the cultivation of our ancient literature.

It was by dint of an

unremitting labour of years of protracted labour of forty long years, that he

produced the great work o f his life

the Sahdahalpa'druvta, which has been

the theme of praise to all who have seen it.

assurance on trust.

But Sir, yon need not accept my

Those who are best abledo weigh the importance of literary

productious, who are the great guardians of the republic of letter aud who bestow

110

The Modern History o f

praise with the greatest discrimi nation, I noeao the learned societies o f Europe, were
the first to recognize the merits of the Rajas lexicon, and not slow in giving ex
pression to I heir sense o f its value. The Imperial Academy of St. Peteraburgh, the
Boyal Academy of Berlin, the Kaiserlichen Academy of Vienna, the Royal Asiatic
Society of Great Britain, the OrienUl Societies o f Germany and America, the Asiatic
Society of Paris, and the Royal Society of Northern antiquities, sent him diplo
mas o f

honorary or

corresponding

value o f which can never be shaken,

membership.

Those are testimonies the

Again, Princea in Europe impressed b y a

high sense of the Raja s scholarship forwarded to him handsome token of their
approbation. The late Czar of Russia and the King Frederick V II. of Denmark seat
him medals, and our own Gracious Sovereign conferred on him the jewel of Her
Order o f the Most Exalted Star o f India; and these favours would never have
com e had not the great Cyclopaedia been worthy of them.
now no more.

R.-ya Had ha Kanta ia

He ha died in the fulness of tim e esteemed by kings and scholars,

and re.spected by all who knew him.

But his work remains, and as long as the

Sanskrit language w ill be cultivated, so long w ill it endure as a splendid reparatory

of our ancient literature, and a noble monument of hia devotion to the cause o f
letters.

Mri John Cochrane said :

I should have hesitated in rising to address you I should still more have
hesitated in doing so, in a matter so peculiar to yourselves if I did not think
that the memory o f this good and virtuous man belonged not to any particular
nation but waa the common property of all.
His efforts on behalf of the literature of hia country and the education o f
the people have continued to the last.
more.

This venerable and respecte.i man is now n o

He has gone where the wicked cease to trouble aud the weary are at

rest.*
You will pay a tribute to him not for the purpose of reealling him to yonr
recollections for we all remember him as freshly as if he stood before nsthe
calm demeanourthe gentle mannersthat mild aspect on which the nobility o f
nature was stamped in characters indelible are present to ray view.
The tribute paid by you will g o down to your children aud their descendants
a memorial o f honor.
For many years I had the pleasure of hie acquaintance and never failed to
admire the firmness o f his mind even in the momenta of calamity and distress
He was unquestionably the foremost man of your countrymen.
It was the Athenian orator of old who observed : It ia erudition which teaches
us the just distinction between good and oviT but learning never taught this man
humanityall kind and gentle feelings all love for hia fellow-creatures were the
natural inmates of hia bentvolent heart.

He was an honor to humanity.

With the

the Indian Chiefs, Rajas, Zamindars, 6(C.

Ill

exception of one or two o f your country men no one ever stood forth so protoioently aa thia manand none assuredly merited more the affection and respect of
all.

lie stood forth a man who loved his fellow-men and was beloved by them.

With no intention o f rising in coining here, I could not refrain from adding my
humble testimony to departed worth.

W e ahall seldom behold so virtuous and

gentle-hearted a man again.

Babu

Kisori Chand

M itter

snid ;

I am glad of this opportunity for offering the hum ble tribute of my admira
tion for the departed worth the memory of which we are now assembled to com
memorate.

Sir, I conceive it falls to the lot of few of our fellow -beings to live

the simple and uuchequered, the honorable and tbe laudable life which was lived
by the lamented chief o f our community.

It was a life o f unselfish devotion to

what he esteemed the interests o f hia country, (cheers).

circumstances and boasting of

Though horn in affluent

a distinguished filiation, Raja

Badha Kauta

refused to play the role of a sybarite and to descend to posterity as only the third
transmitter o f a respected name.

Surrounded by tem ptations which usnally prove

irresistible to lethargic Asiatics, he manfully grappled with them and eschewing the
beaten track o f Babu ism he dedicated himself to literature and to the great work
of disseminatiag knowledge in the world.

Influenced mainly by the ambition

the noblest of all aspirations to be of service to his fellow-creatures, he felt he

could best carry out this aim by promoting Sanskriteducatioa and also by cordially
Co-operating with the founders and supporters of the Mohahidyalaya, or great seat
of learning for thccommUDicatiou of the benefits of western science and literature.
He took an active part iu the growthand development of this institution afterwards
known &3 the Hindu College. He also evinced the most lively interest in the minor
and auxiliary schools and patcalas established by David Hare, and proved a most
valuable co-adjutor o f that great apostle of education.

He did a great deal toim -

prove the pattalas by introducing order and system into them, by placing them
under an active and intelligent supervision, and by testing their progress by perio
dical examinations which used to be held in bis own house. 5Vhen the School Book
Society was established he readily gave his advice and aid in directing the com pila
tion o f suitable works and adapted to the understandings of those for whom they
were intended. He also for sometime discharged the duties o f Honorary Native Sec
retary to this Society.

As Secretary to the Sanskrit College, as a Member of the

Managing Committee o f the Hindu College, as Secretary to the School Book

Society, and as aY isitor of Mr, Hares Schools a n d paUalas, Raja Badha Eanta
rendered valuable services to the cause of education which entitles bis memory
to our lasting gratitude.
On the question of female education wbich was in his time a vexed question,
he took a temperate line advocating the Zenana but not school inatructioji for the

112

The Modem History o f

females o f the respectable classes.

But tbU shows that he was deeply impressed

with the evils of allowing women to grow up in ignorance and idleness.

But

the fame of Raja Radha Kanta must rest m ainly on the voluminous Sanskrit
Lexicon to which the preceding speakers have referred.

This laborious literary

undertaking absorbed the best portion of hia life and will remain a monument of
his profound scholarship.

The comprehensiveness of its range and excellence of

its arrangement a are calculated to afford facilities to the study o f Sanskrit litera
ture.
Allusion has been made by more than one speaker to the religious views of
the Raja.

I wish it had not been made, for religion ia a matter between man

and his Maker, and should not under ordinary circumstances be ventilated at;
gatherings.

But while I yield to no one in my appreciation of the em inent

merits of the Raja, 1 must deprecate such

indiscriminate laudation aa Babu

Rajendra Lai M itra baa thought fit to lavish on him, because it does more harm
than good and will be abominated by the spirit of Radha Kanta himself.
Rajendra Lai Mitra has been pleased to apeak of

Babu

the Raja as if he wec

the dower and perfection o f humanity, and of his superstition as if

something which far from being a bar to progress was an aid to it.

it were

He has also

given US to understand that the Raja always exercised a progressive aud never a
retrogressive influence on society.
such statements uncontradicted.

I should belie my couvictions if I were to pass

I am convinced that tho Kaja did not exercise a

progressive influence when he agitated for the repeal of Lord William Beatinck a
Law for the abolition o f the 5afi, or when he patronised the Dharma Shava, or
when he petitioned against the enactment of tbe Lex-Loci or when he counterpetitioned against the association of friends for the promotion of Social Improvement
in respect to the suppression of the evils of polygamy.

W hen he took action in

these matters he no doubt believed that he was acting according to tbe dictates of
his own conscience, but was, however unwittiugly, putting back the clock of im
provement.

In truth, like several other enlightened men of enlightened times ho

clung to the creed in which he had b<Sen cradled,

fie did not out-grow it, and hia

attachment to the antiquated iustitutions and customs and usages of hjs country
was aa devoted as his advocacy of edncation and of other liberal measures was
zealous.

But his earnc=,tQCSs iu Hinduism was entirely free from intolerance and

did uot lead him to uccharitableuess to those who were beyond its pale.
he acted according to the light that was in hina.

In truth,

The credit of that rare virtue ;

viz., sincerity in reference to the highest concern of man, hjs religion, must be un
questionably accorded to him.
and persuasion.

Ilia actions were in accord with hia professions

As be believed so he acted, which is more than what can be

said o f several o f his educated countrymen, who believe iu one way aud practise
in another, who celebrate the p u ja iu the m orning
sausages in the evening (cheers).

and dine off voal-cutlets and

Differing as I do from the lamented Baja in

the Indian Chiefs, Rajas, Zamindars, tjr.

113

views of religion I nevertheless do not hesitate to add my humble bnt impartial

testimony to his singleueaa o f purpose and deep consciousness, to hia devotion to
learning and to his enlightened philanthropy.

(Loud cheers).

Mr. M on triou :
W ould say a few words, if only to express his cordial concurrence in the pro
positions and sentiments so feelingly and eloquently dwelt upon by Mr. Cochrane.
He (Mr. M .) had enjoyed friendly intercourse with the late Raja for several years.
Truly a great and a good man had passed away ! And first, he would allude to a
subject that he woald have passed by had it not been already touched uponthe
religion o f the illustrious deceased.

H o was a strict and conscientious adherent

o f that mystical symlwlism which was the ground-work of the faith of his
ancestors;

the Raja was a consistent and an orthodox Hiudn.

But, when I

look around and see ministers of the Christian religion met with us here to do
honor to his memory,

I am more confident in patting the question to all who

knew him or who had opportuuity to judge of hia mtnd and his character did
you, did any consider the Raja to be superstitions? His dogmatic religion waa
pemonal his faith or hia belief was (as all mens moat be) between his G od and
bis conscience.

The religion of his lifo is what we are concerned in the purity,

benevolence, consistent and active virtues which shed their lustre so far and so
wide 1 W hile he has indeed left other and memorable ' footsteps on the sands of
Time

it ia by the active religion of hia life, his never-tiriug sympathies and

charity, hia nobility of heart and of condnct, that be ia most endearingly known.
B is place is vacant 1 I would uot disparage the living but, who shall fill the
chair of Baja Radha K anta? He was ever in the van, the recognised and natural
leader o f his nation.

T o the Orthodox Hindu he waa a guide and a ruler to him

the loss is irreparable.

To others ; to the progressive school (I do not mean the

disciples o f champagne and beefsteaks) be was a beacon of Hinduism, sacied

and respected.

Strange as it may Seem, the Raja was a link, and a bonndary

between the conservative and the progressive classes.

His very name was on all

occasions a tower of strength ! Truly he waa a representative man, and, even aa

ihe impeisonatioQ of

Hinduism, he comm.'inded the respect of

Christian, rationalist or philosopher of all thinking men.

to this great and good man,

all, whether

I would see a statne

I do not under-rate endowments for learning or for

charitable purposes, but I would transmit in marble to future geQerations the

noble and benevoleut lineaments of the illastrious Raja,

Revd. K . M. Benerji, now Dr. K . M. Benerji, said:

" I rise not so much to make a speech as simply to bear my personal testimony
to the many excellencies which appeared in the character of the late Raja Radha
Kanta, and to express my personal gratitude for the benefits which I myself derived
from his patriotic exertions to promote education in onr country.

15

It waa in the

114

The Modern History o f

Central Yeriiftcnlar School o f the late Calcutta School Society, ot which he was
Secretary conjoiutly with Mr. David Hare, that I received my early education,
while my later education was due to tbe Hindu College ot wbich he was both
a founder and manager.

I have therefore first to make these personal acknow

ledgments o f the benefits which in common with many others I myself denveJ
from the B ajas public-spirited efforts.

As regards hts literary attainments and

especially his great work the Sahdakalpa-druma, I can only say that I concur
with all that previous speakers have advanced.
too much to repeat those same remarks.

It would be taxing your patience

But I must mention one expressive fact.

A public-spirited native gentleman at Madras asked me a few months ago to

procure the Rajas

permission for reprinting tbe

Sahddkalpa'drHma in the

Telugu character for the benefit of the natives o f Deccan,

Tbe

Raja not being

in town at the time, I wrote to my friend at Madras that although formal per
mission was not obtained, yet the Baja I thought would never object to his under
taking so useful an enterprise, and that he might at once commence the Telugu edi
tion he was contemplating.

And we Bengalees may justly take some pride at this

practical appreciation of the Baja s worksin the sister presidency and that a wealthy
gentleman at Madras should at thia moment be reprinting for the benefit of Dratxda
Brahm iiii and in the Telugn Character a voluminous Encyclopaedia originally
com piled iu our own character by the great man who has just been lost to our
country and our race.

With reference to the allusions made to the R aja s religions

opinions and the somewhat unpleasant reflections which have resulted therefrom,
I must confess I regret those allusions.

In a promiscuons assembly composed

of persons o f various persuasions, who have been convened on ly <w f fie n d i a^td
admirers o f the late Baja to commemorate such excellencies of his character as
we all can appreciate in cmnmon, any expressions calcniated to disturb tbe har
mony of the meeting are much to be deprecated.

To the remarks made on tho

Rajas retrograde movements and his obstructions to progress, I can onW say tbat
it is unfair to compare him with persons who were his juniors by more than half
a cen tu ry; as unfair, indeed as it would be to disparage the statesmanship o f a b y
gone politician, sncb as, Mr. Pitt by saying that he was no reformer, or that ho did
not propose household suffrage.

A man in this respect can only be compared

with his orvn contemporaries.

Judged by such a standard tbe Baja w ould cer

tainly appear, not behind, but in advance of

his equals in age.

mention another fact take it for what it may be worth.

X must also

I t was in hia bouse

that I for the first time saw a dignitary of the Church with whom afterwards I
became intimately acquainted.

The late Bishop Corrie of Madras, then Arch

deacon o f Calcutta, was presiding at an examination of Schools at tbe Baja s house

when I first saw him.

I repeatedly heard afterwards from Bishop Corrie's own

Ups that he much admired and had great respect for the eminent persou whose
loss we have met here to deplore."

the Indian Chiefs, Rajas, Zamindars,

115

Baboo KoylasU Chunder Bose, said :

The Raja was to all intents and purposes the head and leader of tbe
oatiTe commnnity, and though isolated for the last few days of his mortal
career
his

on earth from home, relatives and friends, and though given solely to

religious

devotions far away under the shady and perfumed groves of

Brindaban, hia moral influence was not the less felt here than when he was
present amongst US,

(Cheers).

Orthodox or heterodox, liberals or conservatives

all alike bowed to him a circumstance which speaks to the power which true
greatness will always exercise whether in the midst of a fam ily or a nation
without reference to the diversities of

opinions, tastes and religious feelings

which may exist among the individual members of that family or that nation.
(Cheers).

The opinions, tastes, and religious feelings of

Gaja Hadha Eanta

were certainly not in accord with those of the present generation tbe go-ahead
portion of the community who, with a praiseworthy zeal, are striving hard to
get rid o f the innumerable evils with which onr social system happens to be
blended who would marry widows, who woald abolish caste, who would lay
a ban on polygamy, oven if it were by means of legislative interference who
would refuse to their dying parents the rite of

Untui^ully, and would rather

gladly consign their remains to the earth than to the devouring element which in
a moment reduces every thing to ashes. And yet, Sir, if I mistake not, this meeting
is composed chiefly o f the advocates of widow marriage and social reform, against
whom, whose opinions and actions, Raja Radha Kanta, out of the sincerity of his
own heart, always set his face.

Does not therefore the unanimity o f feeling with

which we mourn his loss point to a moral of the gravest im port? When heterodoxy
in au earnest spirit honors orthodoxy, it is a phenomenon which can alone be
explained by tbe hypothesis that trne greatness will, in spite of all adverse circum*
stances, rise superior to all religious and social differences, and cause its influ
ence to be felt by all alike whether in or out of church.
W e admire. Sir, and honor the memory of the lamented deceased, not simply
because he was a great scholar, or because he was the author of a Sanskrit E ocyclopsedia, or because he was a pious Hindu, or because he was a good and an amiable
man, but because he united in his person all those noble qualities both of mind and
heart which would impart greatuess to any man of any age or nation,(loud cheers.)
I f it could be said o f any nobleman of this country that he had a kingly nature,
that charity beamed in his countenance aud patriotism glowed in his heart, it
could be said only, with equal justice and truth, of that venerable and pious
Hindu who has just dcpartcil this life, whose ashes have been washed into th
Ganges, but whose soul has found a home where peace and rest ever dw ell.
T h e K evd . M r. D a li said :
That the name o f the Raja Radha Kanta was known, not only ia Europe and

116

The Modern History o f

in England, but for years had been honored also in America.

Seeing no other

American present, he felt it a duty to declare the fact that there were ncholars
on that side o f the world, almost antipodal to India, who w ould be proud to add
their voices to-day to those o f the Rajae more intimate friends, in commemora
tion o f his worth, and as an expression o f simple gratitude to God that he had
lived.

Personally, he rejoiced that he had been allowed, through ten or a dozen

years, to be often in conversation with the good old man, whomnoioe could closely
commune with, and not love as a father.

On several occasions the Raja had

trusted him with messages, and had also by him sent volumes of hia grandest work
to libraries in America, wherein it was likely to be consulted by men who longed to
acquaint themselves with the truth that lay hidden in the East beneath the Sanskrit
tongue.

A m ong the receivers of the last volume of the i^ahda\alpa-Aruma, were

the two oldest American Universities at Cambridge and at New Haven, and the
Astot Library in the city o f New York.

Mr, Dali had also been made an inter

mediary by the American Oriental Society, whose journals and publications it had
oftoQ been his pleasure to hand over to the revered Raj a enjoying his smile and selatn,
at their reception.

W ithin a few weeks some of these missivea of appreciative

good-w ill had reached him from Boston, endorsed with the name of Radha Kanta
Deva.

The news o f his death would reach American scholars as that o f a dear

friend; almost a personal friend ; certainly as that of a fellow of the Republic o f

knowledge, and an eminent citizen and brother in the common wealth of learning.
So much had been said already, and so very much more remained to be said, that tho
speaker found it veiy difficult to decide what siiould be touched and what omitted.
The grandest lesson o f the Raja s life to this age clearly ia his l if t long ijid w trg
in gtudy ; his incessant mental labor in a land where such labor is unfortunately os
exceptional as it is rich in opportunity.
and he would turn auothcr leaf.

Other speakers bad touched on this point,

He saw there an extended procession of the coun

cillors and Governors o f India, stretebing through more than half a century ; and
.down along that chain o f men, that goodly company welcomed by all, taking
hand after hand, and passing on from one to the other, natural, kindly, and
quickening aa a flash of pure electric light, he saw the Raja ; the common link of
all, the bond o f all.

From Lord Bentiuck (or before him) down to Canning and

Elgin and Law rence; from Heber down to Bishop Cotton, State and church
alike joined hands in him ; and in his gentlemanhood and ready accessibility and
sincerity, were m.ade one.

There was an element of affection and paternity in tho

never-jewelled, white-robed patriarch, which crowned and graced hia other gifts,
and made them fragrant, as did the Bela and the Magnolia those palace garden^
where he so loved to walk and talk with his friends.

He had one gift higher and

better th.an all the re st; it was the spirit of worship, the spirit if not of prayer yet
of self-consecration to the Infinite, the inmost vital spirit of religion.
chairman had somewhat playfully called Radha Kanta an idolator.

The honored
On this point

the Indian Chiefs, Rajas, Zamindars, ^*c.

117

{said the speaker,) I have a special message, to sach aa think he worshipped idols.
I almost hear him now, saying, Tell them a l l ; let them know the truth ; show
them what was the religion which snatained me in all my work.

That handsome

temple o f Krishna which the Raja built within his grounds not many years ago
is said to hold in its abrine an idol of the god, made of the nine most precioua
metals,

I asked my venerated friend one day Baja, do yon worship that idol?*

No : men never worship idols, was his reply : they are for our little ones.
With a smile he added, you give your children dolls ?" I answered, yes ; to play
with, not to worship.

W e give our children dolls, he continued, '* until they

grow big enough to worship without such h elp," Then dear Raja if you never
worship idols, what do yon w orship7 My worship, he replied, m y religion,
is ghalokkyo, to be always in the same placo with god ; Shamippo to he drawing
nearer and nearer to god ; Shajugio to be in consciona communion with god ;
Nirhan, to be lost in god, aa a star in the morning lig h t

Thia, ( I said) " this,

Raja, is my religion ; 1 was taught as a Christian child by a Chiistioa mother, to

fling,
*Man is nought, is less than nought ;*
*Thou, oar god, art all iu all.
Thus, friends, was it made clear to me that Radha Kanta was no idolator, and,
that what sustained him in his trials, and so largely redeemed him from his errors,
rescned him from self-indulgence, held him nobly up through a long life and
made him a man to be honored the world

over, was the very spirit

and

essence of all religion, tbe absolute religion of humanity, the souls struggle
toward the Infinite, its sustained and ever renewed communion with its creator
and Father.

I need not say what I would, if possible, have added to that unde

fined worship of the Omnipresent.

I feel bound and charged to testify that tha

Bajas personal faith was not of the outward form, bat of the inmost spirit.

And

he looked to the day when all castes and nations should be one in the same spirit.
This appeared on many occasions, o f which one example will now suffice.

At tho

time of bis magnificent celebration of Qneen Victoria becoming Empress of

India, the Raja was particularly struck with one figure that occurred in a pub
lished notice of his loyalty.

The words are perhaps familiar to you.

They are

these ; out of an unknown antiquity there cornea an unlooked-for wisdom in the

fact that the goda, in the beginning, divided man into men, us the h.and is divided
into fingers, that it might bo more helpful to itself. That s i t ; that is the thing
(said the Raja to m e) you have it exactly I

And he went on to say that some

thing like a division o f labor had clearly been ordained by Qod among all nations
for the elaboration o f tho true religion for the world.

Thus he has reached a

height o f real manhood, and of true influence as a scholar, in India, England

and A m erica; and as a worshipper and thinker will be loved by a grateful
posterity.

118

The Modern History o f

Baba Giria Chandra Ghose sa id :

The late Raja Sir Radha Kanta Dev was not only diatinguiBhed in literataro
aud ia politice, but he was besides the most innocent o f men, hia moral worth
was superior to that o f any one o f his contemporaries. There arc spots in the moon,
but I defy any in that large assembly to declare that there existed the least taint
Or blemish in the character of the man whose memory we had met to honor.
Essentially the most moral of men the chaste bent of hia mind led him to resent
as a personal grievance the law for the suppression of sati.

The opposition was

not the fruit o f a selfish bigotry, but was dictated by motives the purest, aud I
fully believe that if the Raja had been born a woman as he w-as a man, and if the
fates had bo ordained that he should have been reduced to the hard destiny of a
w idow he would have cheerfully, yea exnitingly mounted the funeral pile in order
to mount to the Heaven o f bis fervid imagination.

The chastity of his nature

suggested the belief that the act for the abolition of Sati would be regarded
as a downright grievance by his country-women and this belief urged him to the
course he adopted.

1 cannot conclude without giving expression to a deep sense

of gratitude for the earnestness and warmth with which the leaders of the bar
and the missions and of native society have com e forward to do honor to the
memory of the greatest of modern HinduB.

Raja Sir Radha K anta Dev Bahadur, K .as.i., left three sons, Kum ar
Mahendra Naray an Dev, Rajendra Narayan Dev, and Devendra Narayan
Dev.

The first left no male issue, tlie third left two sons, Brajendra

Narayan and Surendra Narayan o f whom the latter survives.

R A JA RA JE N D R A N A R A Y A N DEV, B A H A D U R .
R aja R ajendba N asayan D ev B ahadur , the second son o f Raja Sir
Radha Kanta Dev Bahadur, k.c.s.i,, was born in the month o f June 1815,
H e belongs to the Senior Branch o f Maharaja Nava Krishnas family, and
is tlie most senior in age o f all the living members o f tlie two branches.
H e received from Government the title and dignity of Raja Bahadur
On the 30th A pril 1869, with the usual Khilat or robe o f honor,
jewels, Bword and shield.

The foUowing extract from official papers

bears on the subject o f this title.

Kumar Rajendra Narayan Dev is the only surviving son o f the
late Raja Sir Radha Kanta Bahadur, who, it is well-known, was one o f
the most remarkable and distinguished native gentlemen o f the present
century.

H e was thoroughly esteemed aud respected by all classes of

ihe Indian Chiefs, Rajas, Zamitidars, ^c.

119

the community not only for Iris learning, which indeed acquired for
him an European reputation, but for the integrity and purity o f his
life.

The Lieutenant-Governor is satisfied that the bestowal o f a title

on the son ia recognition o f the eminent merit o f the father would ba

an act which would be thoroughly appreciated by the native commu
nity.

Though o f course he has not the merits o f his father, the

Lieutenant-Governor has reason to believe that he is iu every respect

deserving o f the honor.

His Honor would therefore recommend that

the title o f R aja Bahadur which has been conferred upon the represent
atives o f the family for generations may be continued to the only
surviving member, who is in every way fitted to the dignity."
The following is the Notification No. 593, (Political), dated 30th
April 1869, published in the Gazette o f India, 1st May, 1869.
In recognition o f the dUtinguished character and merits o f the
late Raja Sir Radha Kanta Dev Bahadur, k . c . s . i ., and o f the services
rendered by Ms ancestors to the British Government the V iceroy
and Governor General iu Council is pleased to confer upon hia son,
Kumar Rajendra Narayan Dev, the title o f Raja Bahadur

as a

personal distinction."
In 1870, Raja Rajendra Narayan was also by Government order
exempted from attendance in Civil Courts.

H e is an orthodox Hindu

and his earnest zeal in preserving the religion o f his ancestors has
endeared him to the H indu community.

He ia a great admirer o f

Sanskrit scholars, and is the object o f general love and respect for his
courteous and social habits.

He is the president o f the Kayastha K ula

Sanga BakshiTvi Sava and a member of the British Indian Assoeiatiou, and for sometime he was an Assistant President o f the Sanatan
Dharma Rakakini Sava,

H e has caused several tanks to be excavated

in bis Zamindaries, and instituted patsalas for affording elementary

education to the children o f his K yats.

H e made a liberal gift o f

land in Calcutta, Kumartali, for the Burning Ghat, and is always ready
to contribute liberally to all objects o f public interest.
Raja Rajendra Narayan Dev Bahadur, aged 66 years, has an only
son, named Kumar Girindra Narayan Dev, who is now serving Q ovem ment as a Deputy Magistrate and Collector in Bardwan.

120

Tfte Modern History o f

Junior Branch.
B A J A R A J K R IS H N A D E V , B A H A D U R .
R aja R a j K r is h s a D k t B ahadu r, son o f the Maharaja N a ra

Krishua D e? Bahadur, was bom iu a.d, 1782.

H e was only 15 years old

when he lost his father, and as heir to the vast wealth and an exten
sive estate he lived like a prince or JImrao.

On the occasion o f his

marriage in 1791, the Governor General, the Commander-in-Chief, and

the other high officials joined the marriage procession, and the 4 ,000
sowars, itc., whom the Maharaja Nava Krishna Bahadur had the
privilege o f retaining In his service contributed to the pomp and
pageantry with which the event was celebrated.
Baja Uaj Krishna Bnhadnr was exceedingly handsome and an excel
lent rider.

H e vras a good Bengali, Hindi, and Persian scholar, and the

best patron o f his time o f music and Sanskrit learning.

ficence and magnanimity were also unbounded.

His m uni

H e wrote a b ook in

Bengali on the genealogy and marriage connections o f the K u lin

JTayasMoa, called the Kula, Bradipa.
and Persian, the Dewau Raja and
interest in all social movements.

H e had also written in both Urdu

Masnavi R aja, and took great

He caused to he erected two bathing

yAate on the river-side, and made a g ift o f lands to Government for

the Custom House and Police Thajuis in Calcutta and land for m ore
than three miles in length for constructing the Barrackpore Road.

He

excavated 100 tanks at different places, and also a large EJtal from
Khardah to Natagar.
The title o f Baja Bahadur was conferred on him after the death
o f his father by the H on ble Sir John MacPherson, the then Governor
General o f India. Raja Raj Krishna Bahadur died at the age o f 42 years
in the month of August 1824, a , d ., leaving behind him eight sons,
Siv Krishna, K ali Krishna, Devi Krishna, Apurva Krishna, Madhav
Krishna, Kamal Krishna, Narendra Krishna, and Jadavendra Krishna,
of whom we notice the lives o f the second, fourth, sixth and seventh
whose aceouuta we have been able to collect.
R A J A K A L I K R IS H N A D E V , B A H A D U R .
R aja K a li K rishna D ev B auadcb , was the second son o f R a ja
Raj Krishua Bahadur. In the year 1833, he was created R aja Bahadur

the Indian Chiefs^ R a j asy Zamindarsy ife.

121

by Lord William Bentinck, the then Governor General o f India, who

honoured him alao with a gold medal and a Khilat.

A fter the demise of

hia illustrious cousin Raja Sir Radha Kanta Dev Bahadur, K. c. a. i . , he

upheld the dignity o f the Hindu religion and promoted its interests.

He

translated into Bengali, llasselas, Gay's Fables, and several other works.
Her Majesty the t^ueen and Empress o f India favoured the Raja with
an autograph letter, to which was appended her sign manual in appre
ciation o f his successful translation

o f the great Sanskrit work the

Mdha Nataka,, which, with permission he had dedicated to Her M tjesty.

The Emperor of Germany, the Emperor of the

French, H is Majesty

the K in g o f Belgium, tlis Majesty the Emperor o f Austria, and the

K in g o f Oudh, honoured him with gold medals in recognition o f hia
high attainmeuts in the Sanskrit language.

His Majesty the K ing o f

Kepal also created him a K night o f the Gurkah Star,

Raja Kali Krishna Bahadur was a corresponding member o f the
Royal Asiatic Society o f Great Britain and Ireland and of Paris.

He

was a fellow of the Calcutta University, a Justice o f tlie Peace for the
town o f Calcutta, a Governor o f the Mayo Native Hospital, a Manager
o f the Government Bethune Female School and President of the Sanatan
Dharma Rakshini Sava.
Raja Kali Krishna Bahadur died at the age o f 66 years in the
H oly City o f Benares on the 11th A pril 1874, leaving three sons, Raja
Harendra Krishna Bahadur, Kumar Uday Krishna Bahadur- and Kumar
Amarendra Krishna Bahadur.
K U M A R A P U R V A K R IS H N A DEV, B A H A D U R .
K um ar A p u r t a

K r is h n a

D ev B ahadur

was the fourth son of

Raja Raj Krishna Bahadur and a grandson o f Maharaja Nava Krishna

Bahadur.

He was a Persian scholar and had a knowledge o f English

and Sanskrit, besides considerable merit as a poet.

honor o f Knighthood

from the K in g of Spain.

He obtained the
He carried on a

constant correspondenco with several o f the European nobles and men

o f letters.

H e was upright in his behaviour and social in manners and

o f frugal habits.

He died in 1867, leaving two sons, Kum ar Kriahna

and U[>endra Krishna.

122

The Modem History o f

M A H A R A J A K A M A L K R IS H N A D E V , B A H A D U R ,

MA.H.I.B1.JA KA>fAL K rish n a D ev B aiiadlH is the sixth and the

eld ^ t surviving son o f the late Raja Raj Krishna Dev Bahadur o f Savabazar.

He is at present the head o f the Junior Branch o f the Savabazar

Raj family.

He was born in September 1820, a.d., and received his educa

tion in the late Hindu College,

A fter leaving College he gave himself up

to literary pursuits and Hindu theology was his favourite study.

Bengali Newspapers

The two

Gunakar and ** Bhaskar which were conducted

under his auspices, were chiefly written by him, and he became a good
Bengali writer.

H e is a man of strong common

known for his honourable

sense and is well-

feelings and a charitable disposition.

As

instances o f his liberality, we may state, that he has created a perpetual

fund in the District Charitable Society for the maintenance o f twelve
Hindu widows.

He has given land for the construction j f a road in

the District o f Tippera and a building for the accommodatiou o f the

Khardah Charitable Municipal Dispensary, and has contributed a sum
o f Rs. 2,000, to the Building Fund o f the M ayo Hospital, besides an
annual subscription.

A donation o f Es. 2,000 has been given by him

to the Indian Science Association, and he pays regularly a monthly

subscription o f Ra 25.

H e pays also an annual scholarship to the

boys o f the Oriental Seminary, and has offered a donation o f Es. 2,000
towards its building fund.

His munificence during the famines of

1866 and 1874 deserves special notice.

On the former occasion he opened

an Annachatra in his house at Savabazar on an extensive scale, and

besides gave subscriptions, utensils, clothings, and blankets ; and on the
latter occasion he opened a Eelief House in his Khardah Garden, and
gave a subscription of Rs. 10,000 to the Central R elief Fund.

H e has

also given Rs, 2,200 to the Indian Famine Fund.

In recognition o f the loyalty which has characterised the Savabazar
Raj family since the commencement o f the British sway and his liberality
as a Zamlndar; His Excellency Lord Lytton the Viceroy and Governor
General wa. graciously pleased to confer on him the title o f E aja as a
mark of

personal distinction on the grand occasion o f the Imperial

Assemblage, held at Delhi on the 1st January, 1877.

A t the Darbar held at Belvedere on the 14th August 1877, His

the Indian C/ne/s, Rajas^ Zamindars^ (^r.

123

Honor the Lieutenant-Governor o f Bengal presented to him the follow

ing ianjiad:
B a j a The title o f

Raja which you have alwaya enjoyed as a matter of

courtesy and by popular rcco ^ itio n , has now been fully conferred upon yu in
recognition o f yoor liberal support of every meaanre for the beuefit of your
countrymen.

Tour donations to the public charities of Calcutta have been

munificent, you have also given largely of your wealth in support o f dispensaries,
schools, roads, and other objects of public interest in the interior.

I need only

instance your magnificent donations of Rfl. lO.CXK) to the Central R elief Fund o f
the late Bengal Famine, o f Rs. 2,000 to the building fund of the Mayo Hospital
a hospital erected for the benefit of your poor countrymen, and o f Ra. 1,000 to
the Bard wan Fever R elief Fund.

N o subscription has ever been raised in Calcutta

to which yon have not most willingly contributed, and have thns maintained the
reputation for generosity o f one of the oldest families of Calcutta."

The title o f Maharaja was also conferred on him by His Excellency

Lord Lyttofe, the late "Viceroy and Governor General, on the 23rd
February 1880 and the investiture took place at Belvedere on the 31st
March 1880, on which occasion a sannad and a Khilat, consisting o f
a large-sized diamond ring, &c., were presented to him
The Maharaja as Zamindar o f Parg.anii^ Qangamandal, in Zitla
Tippers, Bengal, rendered assistance to Government at the time o f
the Sepoy M utiny o f 1857.

H e has two sons, viz., Kumar Nil Krishna

and Kumar Binay K rish n a ; and

ceremony His Excellency

on the occasion o f their marriage

the Cotnmander-in-Chief, His

H onor the

Lieutenant-Governor of Bengal, the Chief Justice and several other

respectable European and native gentlemen were present.
M AH AR AJA

N A R E N D R A K R IS H N A D E V , B A H A D U R .

M ahasaja

N arendra K rishna B ahadur was the seventh son

o f Raja Raj Krishna Bahadur.

H e served Government for sometime

as Deputy Magistrate and Deputy

Collector in several districts and

afterwards resigned the public service.

British Indian Association, and
Calcutta,

H e is a V ice-President o f the

a Commissioner

o f the town o f

He takes an active part in every public meeting and is fore

most in every movement for the social, moral, and political improve
ment o f his countrymen.

H e was a member o f the Viceregal Council.

124

The Modern History o f

He first received from Government the title o f Raja Bahadur and

subsequently tbe title o f Maharaja at the Imperial Assemblage, held at
Delhi on the 1st January 1877, together witli a medal and robes o f honor.
A t the Darbar held at Belvedere on the 14th August 1877, His Honor
the Lieutenant-Governor o f Bengal presented to him the following
sannad:
M a h a r a ja The title of Maharaja, of which 1 now present you the tannad,
has been conferred upou you as a representative of an old and highly respectable
family o f Beugal, and in recognition of your public service aa a member o f the
Governor General s Council and a Municipal Commissioner,

The M aharaja.is an exceptionally good English scholar, and is o f

excellent character.

H e is highly esteemed by both the European and

Native communities,

and has always been forward in

contributing

liberally to almost all charitable institutions and public funds.

The Maharaja has seven sons, o f whom the second Kumar Gopendra
Krishna,

. a . b . l .,

is serving Government aa Deputy Magistrate and

Deputy Collector of Baharampur, Bengal.

R A J A H A R E N D R A K R IS H N A D E V , B A H A D U R .
R aja H arxndra K hishka D ev , B ahadtjb, is the eldest son o f Raja
Kali K rishna Dev, Bahadur.

He entered the service o f Government

in March 1851 as a Deputy Magistrate, and served in various districts

in the Province of Bengal, aud had reached in course o f promotion
the first grade of the Subordinate Executive Service.

His services on

several occasions have been acknowledged by the Lieutenant-Governors

o f Bengal, and, in 1866, he was appointed a member o f the Bengal
Legislative Council.

H e received from Government the title o f Raja

Bahadur on the 4th June 1874, and is at present a fellow of the

Calcutta University, and a Member o f the Faculties o f Art and Law,
Raja Harendra Krishna Bahadur has now retired on pension from tbe
Government service.

H e has two sons.

Two Other Mminent M en conneoted voith the Savobazar BaJ Fam ily.
R A J A S IT A N A T H BOSE, B A H A D U R .
R aja S ita N ath B ose, B a h a bce was ihe son o f Babu Madan
Mohan Bose, a Kulin Kayaatha o f Krishnaghar.

H e was a grandson

the Indian Chiefs, Rajas, Zamindars, djc.

125

by the daughters side o f Braja Mohan Dev, the nephew o f Maharaja

Nava Krishna Dev Bahadur, by whom he was maintained and educated.
R aja Sita Nath commenced his services under Government in the
judicial line as a Mnnseff.

He afterwards became the Superintendent

o f the Government Toshakhana^ in thia capacity he discharged his

duties with such energy and prudence, that he soon gained the esteem of
his superiors; and when the estate o f the present Nawab Nazim o f Bengal
was during his minority being mismanaged by the wicked intrigues o f
hia Muhammadan courtiers, Raja Sita Nath Bose Bahadur was selected
and deputed as Dewan to the Nawab Nazim.

By bis ability and strict

economy he put the Nizam s estate into order, and received the title of
Raja Bahadur and a Khilat from Government.

Sometime before hia

death he retired from service to enjoy the fruits o f hia lifes labour.
He left only a daughter as heiress o f his property and representative o f
hia family,
R AJA PRASAN NA N ARAYAN DEV, B AH A D U R.
R a ja

p E A S A jfN A N a r a y a n

D kv,

B ah adu r,

Sri Narayan Dev, and a great grandson

of

w a s t h e e ld e s t s o n o f
th e e ld e s t b r o t h e r o f

Maharaja Nava Krishna Dev, Bahadur.

He commenced hia services under Government as a Deputy Super
intendent o f the Toshakhana attached to tbe Office o f the Secretary to
the Government o f India, Foreign Department, but for hia intelligence
and integrity he was soon promoted to the office o f the Superintendent,
which was vacated by his cousin, R aja Sita Nath Bose, Bahadur,
Raja Prasanna Narayan, Bahadur, by his great intelligence and
honesty, secured for himself

the high approbation o f the Governors

General, Lords Ellenborough and Hardinge, and the good opinion o f tho
then several Chief Secretaries, Sir Herbert Maddock, the H on ble Mr.
Thomason, Sir F . Currie and Sir Henry E llio t ; who eqiially bore
testimony to his great and rare merits and good qualities.

The high

character o f Raja Prasanna Narayan, Bahadur, obtained for h i m ilte

honorary distinction o f Bai Bahadur from Government in tbe year 1847,
and eventually the title o f Raja Bahadur w a a also conferred u p o n
h im .

The Modern History o f

126

Tlie Right HoiVble Lord Hardinge Governor General of India,

recorded his opinion as follows, about the character and qualification of
Raja Prasanna Narajau Dev, Bahadur :
Calmtta^ ^rd January^ 1848.
I have great pleasure in recording noy sense of the excellent
services o f Raja Prasanna Narayan Dev, Bahadur, the Superintendent
o f the Toshakhana.

This officer accompanied me in

1845 to the

North-W est Frontier as the head o f his Department, and 1 have, on

several occasions, stated in public Darhar and elsewhere m y approbation
o f his services.

During the Campaign o f the Satlej and the whole

period o f my sojourn in the Upper Provinces, and especially on the

occasion o f my visiting Labor, very responsible duties devolved on the
Rai, and they were always performed to my satisfaction.
I last year conferred on the Rai Bahadur his present title which
was notified in the Government Gazette, and in consideration of his
great merits, his excellent personal character, and his highly respectable
family and connection, I think him quite worthy to be advanced to the
rank and title o f Raja,
In reference, however, to his present employment it would probably
be more expedient that the bestowal o f this title should be deferred till
his retirement from office.
I give the Rai this note o f my opinion o f his official services and
merits as a mark o f my personal esteem, and it is my intention to
present him with a golf! medal with a suitable inscription which I shall
send to him from England.*'
(S d .)

H A R D IN G E .

On the death o f Raja S iti N ath Bahadur, the Dewanship to the

Nawah Nazim of Bengal became vacant, and at the recommendation o f
Government, the post was conferred upon Raja Prasanna Narayan Dev,
Bahadur, wlio held it with great credit and effected a great many
changes (which were approved o f both by the Government and the
Nawab) to rescue the Nizamat from the ruinous consequences of past
misman agem ent.
W ith the permission of His Highness the Nawab Nazim o f Bengal,

the Indian Chiefs.^ Rajasj Zamindars^ S(C.

127

Raja Prasanna Narayan D ev was temporarily employed in 1859, aa

Honorary Assistant Secretary to the Government o f India, Foreign
Department, to accompany His Excellency the Governor General to
Lucknoff and Cawiipore.

Raja Prasanna Narayan did not live long to

enjoy the honors he received from Government.

In 1870, he died

leaving two sons, Kum ar Jogendra Narayan and Kumar Jatindra

Narayan, o f whom the former died in 1879.

X X V I I I . T H E S E N F A M I L Y O F K A L U T O L A .
A PECOtiAu interest attaches to the Sen Family o f Katutola,
formerly o f Gouriffa, situated in the 24-Purgannas District, but lying
opposite the town o f Hughli.

Its chief title to public notice lies in

the facta that it rose to distinction by its connection with the cause
o f literature, education and social progress, and that it continues to
be attached to the same cause with more than ordinary interest even
in its third generation, since its foundation.

In the ancient Hindu

social system, while the Brahmin caste constituted the hereditary

priesthood, the Baidyas or physician caste almost formed a literary class,
and it was not surprising that the Baidya family o f the Sens o f
Kalutola, should have taken to literature so largely as a vocation.

Like

the Dattaa of Ram Bagan, the Sens have become a literary family, and
like the Dattas, the Sens have been often selected to fill places o f the
highest rank under the Government, by whom they have been held in
great estimation for their peculiar probity.
The first member o f

the family, who made a figure, under the

British Government, was the late Ram Kamal Sen, popularly known
as Dewan Ram Kamal Sen, the second son o f Gokul Chandra Sen,
who had acquired a peculiar reputation for

his attachment to the

Baisnavas, and for his rigid practice o f the religious austerities o f the
Beet.

The case of Ram Kamal Sen was another bright instance o f the

distinction which waits upon natural intelligence and strict probity,

well directed and well employed.

Born at a time when the present

system o f education had hardly been perhaps conceived, Ram Kam al

availed himself of the limited opportunities which were then accessible

Tfie Modem History o f

128

for the cultivation and pursuit o f the English language and literature.
By diligent study under

the few men who were capable o f

im

parting even elementary English education, he acquired such a profi

ciency in the English language that he spoke and wrote it with more
than ordinary credit for his time.
Owing that he rose to distinction.

T o his own exertions it is mainly

Entirely a self-made man o f an

ancient stock that, in the vicissitudes o f time, had sunk into compara
tive poverty, he raised himself by hia talents and his character for
integrity from the obscure post o f a compositor to the responsible
office o f Dewan to the Bank o f Bengal, at a time when the Govern
ment held the largest interest, and took the most active part in the
management o f the Bank.

A rigid Baisnav like his father Golcul

Chandra, who was a Sheristadar in the Hughll Court on a salary o f

Ks. 50 a month, Bam Kam al was naturally of a religious turn o f mind,
and continued to the end o f his life an orthodox Hindu, faithful and true
to the religion o f his fathers.

But his orthodoxy was such that while

firm and unyielding in his adherence to his own religion, he

freely

entered into European society, in which he was at least held in real

respect.

N or did this orthodoxy prevent him from appreciating the

great value o f those parts o f the W estern system o f principles and

practice, which were calculated to revolutionise and regenerate Hindu
society to new and improved forma o f life.

A thorough Bengali and

exceptionally good English scholar, he cheerfully came forward with hia

great practical knowledge to become the pioneer o f progress in Bengal.
W ith that earnestness and zeal, which give vitality to enlarged and
thoughtful minds, he took a leading and active part in the prom otion
o f all projects for the advancement o f the people o f Bengal in the
path of progress opened out to tlietn by the Government.

Prom inently

connected with most Societies and Committees which existed in his day,
he Was an active member o f the Committee o f Management o f both
of tlie Hindu and Sanskrit Colleges, and became in time identified with
the cause of Native Education in Bengal.
experience of

the management o f

So well-known was his great

educational institutions and so

catholic his sympathy with the cause o f education that, though a

Native, he was specially selected to sit on the Committee which directed

the Indian Chiefs^ Rajas, Zamindars.,

129

tlie affairs of the Paroiital Academ ic Institution, since merged in the

D oveton College, then as now, the Inatitation for the education espe
cially o f European and Eurasian youths o f the middle classes.

But

his services in the cause of educatiju were not confined simply to

precepts,but were practically testified by his contributions to the Journals
o f the Asiatic Society of Bengal and the Agricultural and Horticul
tural Society o f India, and particularly by his well-known Bengali and
Englisii Dictionary.

His desultory writings in the Asiatic Societys

publications and the iutrodnction to hia Dictionary will give a tolerably

fair idea o f the great progress he had m^de, almost unassisted and by
his own exertions, towards a mastery o f the English language.

Though

his memory, enriched by rare qualities o f mind and heart, will not
60OU fade away, it is likely to be long associated with the name o f
Horace Hayman W ilson, late Bodeu Professor o f Sanskiit in the
Oxford University with whom for the best years o f his li^e, and till the
day o f his death, he had been on terms o f the most intimate and
confidential friendship.

Ram Kamal Sen had very rightly appreciated

the true value o f the W estern system o f education, and had, therefore,
applied the whole powers o f his mind to its diifusion among the people
o f Bengal. It is generally to his credit that though his official position
should have bent his tastes and inclinations to monetary and commer
cial affairs, hla unostentatious patriotism should have urged him on to
devote his enforced leisure and the great weight o f his personal influ
ence to the advancement o f the cause o f education, so little in unisoa
with his regular pursuits.
Ram Kamal was born on the 15th March,1783.

H e left his native

village of Gouriflfa, and began his career in life on the 19th November,
1800,

He was engaged in December, 1802, with Mr, Namey, Clerk to

Mr. Bhioquire, the Magistrate o f

Calcutta,

In December, 1803, he

married and, shortly after, took service uhder Mr. Blechynden, the
Government Architect.

In July, 1804, he entered the service of Dr.

Hunter, and in the same month, was placed in charge o f the Hindustani
Press.

His first connection

with the Asiatic Society

commenced in

November, 180G, and he took charge o f the Native Hospital at Chadney

in November, 1808,
17

He began to work for Dr. Horace Haymau Wilaou

The Modern History of

130

in March, 1811, and entered into employment under Lieutenant Ramaay

in the Fort William College in 1812.
Ram Kamal was one o f the Directors o f the Hindu College, or the
Vidyalayth, aa it was then called, with Rajah Gopi

Mohan Deh, Babn

(afterwards Rajah Sir) Radha Kanta Deb, Babus Dwarkanath Tagore,

Srikisren Sing, Gum Prosad Bose, Shib Chundra Sircar, and Russomoy
Dutt, and Messrs. David Hare and J.C.O. Sutherland.

He was also a

member o f the Managing Committee o f the College, and an Honorary

Member of the Committee o f Public Instruction, with the Hon ble T. B.
(afterwards Lord) Macaulay.

It is worthy of note that Mr. Macaulay

very generally concurred in Ram Kamal Sens views aa regards the best
measures wliicb should be adopted for furthering the cause o f Native
education.

He was also a Member o f the Council o f Education in

whieti the Committee o f Public Instruction was merged, and, we believe,

acted as its Secretary for a time.

He was also Secretary aud Superin-

teudent of the Sanskrit College, an office held successively by Professor

H. H. Wilson, Captain Price, Captain

Marshall and Captain Troyer.

W ith Babn Dwarka Nath Tagore and other friends o f Native educa
tion, he waa also a Member of the Calcutta School Book Society,
fi e was also one o f the Governors o f the Native Hospital with Rajah
Nursing

Chundra R oy, Babu Dwarka Nath Tagore, Mr. Rustomji

Cowasji and others.

He was also Native Secretary aud Collector to the

Asiatic Society, and the only Native Member o f

Papers.

the Committee of

He was also Native Secretary to the Agricultural and H orti

cultural Society o f India, and witli Rajah Radhakant Deb and

Dwarkanath Tagore he was a Native

Babu

Member o f several Standing

Committees o f that Society, o f which he eventually became a V icePresident with Rajah Radhakarit.

The Asiatic Society and the A gri

cultural and Horticultural Society were the Only two literary and
scientific associations o f tliattim e.

He was a co-laborer with Dr. Carey

in tlie AgricuUural and Horticultural Society, to tlie Transactions o f

which he contributed a valuable paper on the Manufacture o f Paper
iu India," which is very
Report on Jute.

freely quoted in Babu Hem Chunder K errs

Ram Kamal was a man of such unbounded public spirit that it is

the Indian Chiefs, Rajas, Zamindars, dye.

131

impossible to name any assuciation existing in his time, in which he did

not take an active part tn promoting the welfare and advancement o f
his countrymen.

On the establishment o f the Calcutta District Chari

table Society he circulated an address among the wealthy Native gentry,

asking them to come forward to the support o f such a benevolent and
useful institution, and for this and other services he was appointed its
Vice-President.

A s a practical proof of his earnest sympathy for the

poorer classes o f the city, he gave the District Charitable Society a

piece o f land for the Alm s House.
Landholders Society, the

He was also a Member o f the

only political organisation

then existing,

st-arted, we believe, chiefly through the efforts o f Babu Dwarkanath

Tagore and several non-official European gentlemen o f note, and sup
ported by both European and Native Members.

In this respect it was

quite on a different footing from the present British Indian. Association,

which is now composed only o f Native noblemen and gentlemen.

He

was also a Member o f the Municipal Committee, appointed by Lord

William Bentinck, at the recommendation o f Dr. Ronald Martin ; and
many sanitary improvemeuts in the city owe their origin to his wisdom
and foresight, and the practical wisdom o f Dr. Issac Jackson.

N ot

the least benefit, which that Committee conferred og the local commu
nity, was their recommendation, subsequently adopted, for the establish
ment o f the Fever Hospital, now more generally known as the Calcutta
Medical College Hospital, perhaps the largest similar Institution in
India.
It was not only that he distinguished himself as a most earnest
advocate and friend o f Native education ; but at a time when few took
interest in such questions, he strongly urged the development and im
provement o f agriculture, gave the support o f his influence to the
first political association formed in this country, and took such an
accurate view o f

tbe sanitary wants o f Calcutta, as is remarkable,

coming from a layman.

The Agricultural and Horticultural Society o f India thus lamented
the death o f Ram K a m a l: Among the Members who have been
taken away from the Society by death, Ram Kamal Sen, may, perilaps,
be reckoned as the foremost whose loss is to be deplored.

Connected

The Modern History o f

132

with the Society very shortly after ita formation, he was one o f the
few of its remaining original Members.
the post o f

For several years he held

Native Secretary and Collector, and at a more recent

period he was a Vice-President o f the Institution.

The good example

he set his countrymen, and, that too at a time when they gave little
or no attention to any matters connected with the welfare o f the
conntry, is deserving of much praise.

In his regular attendance at the

monthly meetings, and in the lively interest he took in agricultural

pursuits, the Society regrets to find that he stood almost alone among
the Native Members of the Institution.
Five days after Uam Kamal's death, i.

on the 7tli August, 1844,

a meeting o f the Asiatic Society o f Bengal was held under the chair
manship o f

the

President, the H o c ble Sir Edward Ryan.

We

make the following extract from tlie Proceedings o f the Society for
August, 184 4;
The Secretary announced with deep regret to the Society the death of an old
and highly talented associate, and formerly a valuable servant of the Society,
Dewan

Bam

Eamal Sen,

a gentleman not less distinguished for his great

attainments, his enlightened views, his steady attachment to the cause of edaca*
tion, and his untiring energy and industry in every good and useful work by
which the commimity, Native or European, could be benefited than by his modest
and even retiring character and extensive charity.
The friend and correspondent of Mr. Colebrooke,

Professor W ilsou, Mr.

W, B, Bailey, and many other gentlemen formerly connected with India, he was
known in Europe as here, as one possessing not only great acriuirements in the
literature of his country, but an ardent desire to see its children regain their
ancient place amongst the families of the human race ; and towards this noble
end, for a whole life were his strenuous endeavours directed.

Perhaps, indeed,

with too much z e a l; for there is reasou to believe, that he fell a sacrifice to overexertion in Btndy, super-added to the labours which his highly responsible
situation o f Dewan of the Bank of Bengal, uecessarily imposed upon him.
The Hon ble the President proposed, and it was agreed to nem

that a

letter of condolence expressing the deep regret of the Society should be addressed
to his family.
TO BABU H A R l M OHAN SEN.
I am desired by the Hon ble the President and Members o f

the

Asiatiu Society to convey to you, and request that you will express to the other

the Indian Chiefs, Rajas, Zamindars,

133

inenibGrs o f the family of your late father, the deep and unfeigned regret with
which the Society haa leam t his decease,
They cannot, Kir, on such an occasion refiain from testifying to yon and his
relatives and friends the high esteem which his literary acquirements, his steady
advocacy o f the cause of Native education, his many private and public virtues,
aud hia Icngand valuable aervioes to the Society had won forhim from it Members,
aud from every friend to literature aud science, both in India aud in Europe, to
whom he waa known ; nor w ill the Society cease to cherish his name, and to
deplore hia loss, as one o f the most distlDguished and most deeply lamented o f
their associates.

I am, kc.,
M u seum ,

9fA August, 1844,

The Fj'iend o f India,

late

(Sd.)

H. TO R R E N S,

Vtce-Preiident and Secy., A tiatic Sceiety.

( 15th August, 1844, ) then edited by the

Mr. John Clarke Marshman, contained the following obituary

notice o f the late Dewan Ram Kamal Sen :

Durin the past week, the papers have anuouuced the death of Ram Kamal
Sen, the Dewan or Treasurer of the Bank of Bengal.

The elevated

position

which he had attained iu the N ative community of Calcutta, and the great
iufluence which he enjoyed among his own couutrymeu, seem to demand more
than a mere passing notice of his decease.

Of the Native geuUemeu who have

raised themselves to cmiueuce in the Native society o f Calcutta, by tbe ttcquisttiou and distribution of wealth within the present century, Bam Kam al Sea
will be freely acknowledged as the most remarkable.

Others have riseu from

equal obscurity to greater wealth, but none have been distiDguished for their
iutellectual attaiuments.

BiBhonath Mutilal, lately tbe Dewan o f

the Salt

Golahs, began life with eight Rupees a month, and is generally understood to have
amassed twelve or fifteen lakhs o f Rupees before ha was required to relinquish
his office.

The father o f Dabu Asootosh Deb, the founder of that wealthy family,

fierved a Native master at five rupees a month, before he became

a clerk in the

late firm of Fairlie, Fergusson & Co., in whose employ, aud also in that of the
American merchants who named one of their ships after him, Ramdulal Day, he
accumulated a colossal fortuue.

The present dictator in the money market, the

Rothschild of Calcutta, Muti Babu, began his career with the humble salary of
ten Rupees a month.

Ram Kamal Sen also was the architect o f his own fortune,

and began life as a compositor in Dr. Huutcris dlindustaui Fresa at eight Rupees
a mouth, and though b e is said to have bequeathed a smaller sum to his family
than tbe accumulations of any o f the Native gentlemen we have mentioucd

134

Thu Modern History of

no roport carries bis

fortune beyond ten lakhs yet he has attaiaed a more

solid renown, from his connection with the progress of knowledge and civiliza
tion among his own countrymen, of which be was one of the most sirenuous^ancl
dUtioguished promoters.

He did not long"continue in the subordinate situation of a compositor in the

Printing Ofiice.

He attracted the notice of Dr. Wilson, now

Profesaor of Sans

krit in the Univeirsity o f Oxford, who discovered his natural abilities and his thirst
for knowledge, and took every opportunity o f bringing him forward.

His first

promotion, we believe, was to some subordinate situation in the establishment

o f the Asiatic Society, which introduced him to the notice of some o f the most
distinguished members o f European society. He had early applied with diligence
to the acquisition o f English, which be spoke with cousiderable fluency.
time we allude to, a good colloquial knowledge of
possession o f it was a sure passport to distinction.

At the

English was rare, and the

Ram Kamal Sen came to

be recognized as a leading man in the small band of enlightened Natives in

Calcutta,

On the establiafament of the Calcutta School Book Society, he was placed

ou its Committee, and ruatcrially assisted ite operations by the compilation and
trausiation o f several nseful works.

When the Hindu College was set on foot

the year after, the organization of it was in a great measure entrusted to him,
through the recommendation of hia constant patron, Dr, Wilson.

Here he had

au opportunity o f indulging his ardour for the spread o f knowledge among hii
o vo countrymen, and of exhibiting his natural aptitude for managing the com plicated details o f business. H is position iu this institution materially improved
his standing in Native society, and laid the foundation of that influence which he
subsequontlj acquired.

Three years after the establishment of

the Hinda

College, he projected the publication of an English and Bengali Dictionary in

conjunction with Mr. Felix Carey, the eldest son of Dr. Carey, but his death in
183S,

before a hundred pages of the work were printed, suspended its further

progressw

It was, we believe;, soon after this undertaking, that Bam Kamal Sen

Was placed at the head o f the Native establishment o f the Miut by Dr. WilsODt
the Assay Master.

This highly responsible and lucrative appointment raised him

to great distinction, and his maosiou ia Colutolah became the resort of the
wealthy and the learned, and the f,ame of his greatness was spread far and wide
Ihroogb Bengal.

In 1830, he resumed the project o f the Dictionary, and, w ith

great personal labour, com pleted the undertaking, and carried through
a quarto volume o f 700 poges.

the Press

It is by far the fullest and most valuable work

o f its kind which we poasess, and will be the most lasting monument of
industry, zeal, and erudition.

his

It is probably the work by which bis name w ill be

beat recognised by posterity.

After the departure of Dr. Wilson to England, he quitted the service of
GoVCfmneut, and accepted the office of Native Treasurer of the Bank,

Some

the Indian Chiefs.^ Rajas, ZamindarSy

135

months back, hU constitution began to exhibit symptoms o f that decay, which had
been accelerated, we have no doubt, by the extraordinary personal labour to which
he sabmitted, and which had been oae of the main inetruments of his elevation ;
and he expired about A fortnight t^o, at hia fam ily residence in the country,
opposite the town of Huglily.
There is scarcely a public Institution in OalcuttA, of which he was not a
Member, and which he did not endeavour to advance by hia iadiTldnol excrtioaa.
He was on the Committee o f Papers of the Asiatic Society ; he was a Vice-Prefiident o f the Agricultural S ociety; he waa one of the Committee o f the Calcutta
Sciiool Book Society ; he was a Manager of the Hindu College.

He Waa equally

honored in the European and the Native community, and had long been consi
dered as one o f the most eminent and influential Natives of the metfopoHa.
Though he continued through life to maintain the principles of a rigid, and in
some respects, of a bigoted Hindu, for he was never In advance o f hia creed
to him belongs the merit of having taken a leading (wrt in the efforts which were
made for the diffosion o f knowledge among his own countrymen, at th period
when Lord Hastings, for the first time, repudiated the idea that the ignorance
of the people was the firmest safeguard o f our empire.
instruments in the establishment of

He was one of the chief

those institutions which have diffused

European science among the Natives, and so greatly raised the tone of

Native

society.

On the death o f Rnm

Kamal, the following letter waa addressed

by Professor H orace Hoy man W ilsoh to his son, H ari M ohaa Sen
B a a t Iim iA H ousa ,

London, ^nd Novemhtr, 1844.

The accounts I had received from

Dr. Grant and Mr. Fiddington of the

state o f Ram Kani'*Fs health had prepared me in some degree for the melancholy
result which your letter announces, and which I moat ainoerely lament,

Tlia

confideatial intercourse o f many years had made me thoroughly acquainted with

my late friends merits, and his tried worth had secured for him m y esteem and
affection.

A more sound and sterling character the society of Calcutta, Native or

European, never boasted.

The good of hU country, the elevation of his country

men, were the great objects of his life, but he never made a parade of hi* public
spirit, and rather shrank from, than courted notice.

While honestly and earnestly

labouring for the advancement o f the rising generation, he was not in

a k u rrj,

he

did not wish to precipitate ohaoges, bnt to let them develope themselves gradaaliy
and safely.

Hence he was somewhat less popular than several of his mote ardent

and ambitions associates ; and was only appreciated, As he deserved to be, b y

those who knew him : o f these I was proud to be one, and from nay opportunities

The Modern History o f

136

of Observfttiou, which were more close and constant than those of most o f hi
frie n d s, I know that he was from

first to last the most efficient, though not the

most obtruding, friend and promoter of Native improvement.

My acquaintance with Ram Kumal commenced towards the end of 1810.

He

was then in the service of Dr. William Hunter, and, amongst other duties, was tho
managing man of the Hindustani Printing Press, of which Dr. Hunter was the
principal proprietor.

At that date Dr, Leyden and myself joined Dr, H unter in

the property ; and when that gentleman and Dr. Leyden went to Java early in 1811,
they left the Press under my charge nominally at least, for I was a young man
little acqnainted with the business of printing, and the real,conductor and super*
iatendent was Ram Kamal, Dr. Hunter and Dr. Leyden both died in Java, and the
Press came almosteotirely into my hands. I was joined by Captain Roebuck, Ram
Kamal continuing to conduct, to our entire satisfaction, all the business details until
1828, when the establishment was transferred to other proprietors.

H e was also at

the same tim e Sircar to the Asiatic Society, of which 1 was Secretary, and these
duties and occupations brought ns daily and hourly together, and afforded me every
opportunity of knowing his ability, integrity and independent apirit,

I esteemed

and loved him, and trusted him with the management of my private affairs, which
benefited by his regnl.'iti ju of them much more than by m y own.
objects in common.

We had many

Although he had not had time to make much advance in

Sanskrit, he was deeply interested in the language and literature, and in its pro
fessors.

He was an excellent Bengali scholar as you know, and these acquire-

ments and his connexion with the Asiatic Society, of which he eventually became
the Native Secretary, fostered in him that love of knowledge, which was one of
the peculiarities of liis character.

In the course of

time, he became Dewan of

the M in t; and about the time I left Calcutta, Cashier of the Bank.

I left India

in 1833, a period of twenty-three years, therefore, had passed since I have first known
him, and during the whole o f that time I found him uniform ly and consistently
intelligent, indefatigable, upright, and calm.

I never for one instant saw him slow

of comprehension, weary o f labour, discomposed or angry ; and I never had,nor do

I believe any one connected w ith him ever bad, a momentary doubt o f his probity,
nowithstanding'the large pecuniary interests which were in his keeping. Hia labour
in the Mint was at most tim es intense, for ten and twelve hours a day, yet he was
always cheerfnl and alert, and truly placed his happiness in the faithful discharge
of his duty.

To me he was o f iulinite value as an adviser in all my intercourse

with his countrymen, and as a colleague upon whose judgment and discretion I
could always implicitly rely, and whose personal regard and just appreciation of
my motives secured me his assistance atid support.

This was especially the case

in tho managemeut of the Hindu College, of which, as well as myself, he was sii
active Member,

In short, in the Press,in theAsiatic Society, in literary pursuits, in

puhlio aod private business, in the Mint, in the College, we were constantly united ;

the Indian Chiefs, Rajas, Zamindars, dye,

and it must ever be a aubjact of

137

grateful recollection to recall the long and

uniutormptcd cordiality with which, through so many years, our objects were tha
same.

There were very few pcrsoua in Calcutta from whom I felt it

bo

paiuful to

part as from my friend,Ram Kamal Sen,and it was some, though an inadequate, compensatiou to maintain with him a correspondence'upon subjects, in which we still
coutinued to take a common interest.

I always looked for his letters with impa

tience, and valued them uot only as proofs of the same activity of mind by which
tho writer waa distinguished, but oa evidences o f undiminiahing regard.

It ia

gome com fort to know that it continued unimpaired to the end o f his eiiatence,
and I shall cease to remember him with afEection and esteem only when 1 also
cease to be.
In the above review of my long and intimate connexion with Ram Kamal, 1
have indulged my own recollections.

I will endeavour to send you next month a

more connected aiatetnent o f what I know of his useful and honorable public
career.
Your sincere friend,

(8d.)

H .H . WILSON.

The connected statement, promised by Professor W ilson in tho

above letter, o f Ram Kamals useful and honorable public career, is
unfortunately not forthcoming.
In MaundeflTa Biographical Treasury ; a Dictionary o f Universal
Biography, Fifth Edition, published, in 1845, by Longm an, Brown,
Green and Longmans, the following short notice appears of the late
Dewan Rain Kamal Sen.

Tho only

other distinguished Native o f

India, o f whom a short biographical sketch is also given in its pages, is

the late Rajah Bam Mohan R oy :
Ram Kamal Sen, a Hindu of superior attainments, indefatigable industry
and great influence, was the Dewan or Treasurer of the Bengal Bank.

He was

originally a compositor at the Hindofltaoi Preaa o f Dr, Hunter, and may be truly
called the architect o f his own fortune.

His endeavours to disseminate useful

knowledge were both zealous and well-directed, and throughout his whole career
he proved himself to be an active promoter of every inatitution in Galcntta that
had for its object the advancement of European science, or the intellectnal pro
gress o f hia countrymen.

Died, August, 1844.

This brief sketch of tiie eminent man, who left his mark not only
on his own time, bnt also on succeeding generations by the
18

good

The Modern History of

138

work he had done for the moral, social, and intellectual advancemenfc
of his c o u n t r y m e n , would be incomplete on two most important points,
if due prominence were not given to his strong feeling of religion and
to the simplicity o f his habits.

Ram Kama! was a V(tishnam, and his

invariable practice was to sit every morning amid a perfect grove of

TnUi plants, aacrcd to Vishnu, and to perform his daily prayers, at
which he was punctual, never allowing any business

arrangement,

however pressing, to distract iiim or take him away from the charge of
this duty, so pleasing to him above all other duties.

Among the

arehieves o f his family have been found some man user ipt-prayers and
hymns, composed by him which abound with high devotional fervour,
and show the intensity o f his love for the Common Father o f mankind.
O f a piece with his strong religious disposition, were his personal
habits.

A strict vegetarian, he was also strictly abstemion?, living

actually on only one real full meal a day.

In the evenings, he partook

o f some light refreshments in the shape o f simple sweetmeats with a

cup or two, and sometimes three cups o f tea, o f w h i c h
fond.

he was very

On his return from work, he used in his Manicktollah Garden

to cook his own vegetable diet with the help of his servants, or superin
tend its c o o k i n g , quite as much probably from a disposition to selfhumiliation as from a wish to be assured that his food was strictly in
accord with the tenets o f pure Hinduism.
Ram Kamal Sen had two brothers, uia:.,Madan Mohan Sen, the
eldest, and Ram Dlione Sen, the youngest.

Madan

Dewan o f the Army Clothing Agency at Calcutta.

Molian

was

His eldest son,

Govinda Chandra Sen, was for many years Assistant Secretary to the
Committee of Public Instruction.

This Committee was replaced by

the Council o f Education to which he was also Assistant Secretary.

On his fathers death he succeeded him in the Arm y Clothing Agency.
He was a large Zemindar, having at one time been the owner of
Halishahar Parganna.

He was a Justice o f the Peace for Calcutta, and

was for some time Vice-President of the Agricultural and Horticultural

Society, and a Member o f the Committee of the British Indian Asso
ciation.

He was one of the chief men connected with the Calcutta

Branch of the Bank of Hindustan, China, and Japan, now defunct.

the Indian Chiefs, Rajas, Zamindars,

Madu Sudau Sen, the now surviving son o f

139

Madau Mohan, is the

Khazanchi of the Agra Bank,

Ram Dhone Sen, the youngest brother o f Ram Kam al Sen, was a
Deputy Collector.

An exceptionally good

Persian scholar, he waa

the author of an excellent edition o f English and Persian

Dictionary,

H is eldest son, Madhav Chandra Sen, was formerly Assistant Khazanchi

o f the Bank o f Bengal, but succeeded
of

Hari Mohan Sen in the office

Khazanchi o f the Bank, and filled it for nearly forty-two years,

drawing a salary o f Rs. 1,200 a month.

During this long period o f

his service, he was highly esteemed by the successive Directors and

Secretaries o f the Bank, and was looked upon by
transactions witli him as a

kind and

all who had business

courteous

gentleman.

He

retired from the Banks service in the year 1879, and is now drawing
a pension o f Rs. 250 per mensem, allowed by the Directors of tho
Bank, as a special case in recognition o f his good and meritorious ser
vices.

His

a Munsiflt

eldest son, Rajkissen Sen,

is a Barrister-at-law, aud

Tbakur Charan Sen, the youngest son o f Ram Dhone,

was admitted a Vakil o f the H igh Court sometime ago, and is now
Banian to Messrs. A . Agelasto and Co. o f this city.
Kam Kamal Sen left four sons, viz.,

Hari Mohan

Mohan Sen, BansidUarSen, and Muralidhar Sen.

Sen, Peari

The third, Bansidhar

Sen, was BuUion-keeper o f the Calcutta Mint, and died while young,
leaving two daughters only.

He was a proficient in Hindu Music.

Hari Mohan Sen, the eldest son o f Ram Kamal Sen, inherited his
father s abilities; and these abilities were cultivated by the son under
conditions, which had been wholly denied to the father.

In the H indu

College, which has developed and formed so much native talent, he

passed through the prescribed course o f studies with some distinction.
H e was a class-fellow with such men as Hussick Krishna Mullick,
Krishna Mohan

Banerji and Rajah

Dukhinaranjun Mukerji.

Dr.
B ut

what peculiarly developed and formed his style o f writing was a habit
his father strongly insisted on his following, namely, to keep a regular
journal o f his life.

This practice not only infused into him habits o f

regularity and precision, but also settled his hand-writing, which was
remarkably good, both iu English and Bengali, while it trained him to

The Modern History o f

140

a peculiar facility and grace in the art o f English composition, in which

he earned a distinction.

His general intelligence and diligence at hia

studies made him a good English, Bengali and Persian scholar.

On the death o f his father, Hari Mohan succeeded to his fathers
post as Dewan o f the Bank o f Bengal, which he held from 1844 to
1849.

H e also officiated for sometime as Dewan o f the Government

Treasury, and received a handsome certificate from M r. Oakes, the SubTreasurer,

Like his father Hari Mohan was also an orthodox Hindu,

though not to 80 rigid an extent, and was, moreover, equally a man of

mark in his day.

He was connected with almost every public move

ment o f his time.

H is connection as the Dewan o f the Bank of Bengal

was terminated by his voluntary resignation, in consequence o f some

differences which arose between him and the Secretary to the Bank, Mr.
Charles H ogg, on the lattera unjustly suspecting him to be the author
o f some articles in the S in d u Intelligencer^ then the only native paper
o f note, conducted in English by Babu Kashi Prosaud Ghose, which
rather freely criticised the oppressive conduct o f Mr. H o g g towards the
native clerks o f the Bank.

A s Hari Mohans talent for writing was

well-known, the suspicion appeared to be baaed on some eemblance o f

probability.

But Hari Mohan made a declaration before a Magistrate

repeUing the suspicion.

Hari M ohun s impatience

o f Mr.

H ogg's

conduct and his independence o f character would not be content with

this conclusive refutation o f a groundless suspicion, and he did not
shrink from giving up an appointment, worth to him Rs. 1,500 a month,
rather than submit to proceedings agaitist which his conscience and his
spirit equally protested.

Naturally o f a speculative turn of mind, he

next directed his attention to commercial pursuits, in which ho mistook

his vocation, aud consequently was unable to achieve success.

A m ong

other speculations, it may be mentioned that before the opening o f the

East Indian Railway, he started witli his own resources a Horse Dak
Company from Calcutta to Delhi.
o course, as soon as the Railway

This venture broke down as a matter

was opened.

Then he engaged in

shipbuilding, and actually caused a ship to bo built at Sarabalpore to be

employed exclusively in carrying on a trade in teak-timber between
that place and Calcutta.

But the most remarkable

chapter o f his life

the Indian Chiefs, Rajas, ZamindatSy

141

Comprised his relations with the late Maharaja Ram Sing o f Jaipur.
W ith that great and enlightened Prince he had formed a friendahip a
few years previously, but a closer connection between them sprang up
shortly after the great Durbar which Lord Canning held at Agra after the
suppression o f the Mutinies. To this Durbar, from which the Maharaja
had been dissuaded from attending, Hia Highness went, at the strong
advice and urgent solicitation o f Hari Mohan.

Instead o f the dangers

which it waa feared he would meet with thero, the Maharaja returned
to his own State not only with fresh honors but, with, what was more
valuable, an addition to his territories.

The result o f the

Durbar

increased, and confirmed beyond all conception Hari Mohan^s mduence

with the Maharaja, his family and his Court.

It is not an ordinary

occurrence for a Bengali to gain the confidence o f the Prince and people
o f such a State as Jaipur, and to Hari Mohan the credit is due that
his exceptional abilities and the integrity of his character won for him in
Jaipur this confidence, which his subsequent services more than justi
fied.

With the cordial and whole-hearted support o f the Maharaja,

whose enlarged mind and liberal heart thoroughly appreciated the wants
o f his State, Hari Mohan, in spite o f considerable opposition, introdnced many beneficial reforms.

Under his advice, and according to his

plana, were formed the Jaipur Royal Council and the Jaipur School
o f A rtsthe latter established with the help o f the practical knowledge
o f Dr. Banter, late Principal o f the Madras School o f Arts.

To his

efforts it is also owing that the Jaipur School, now called the Maharajas
College, was enlarged and placed on its present footing. K anti Chandra
M ukerji, now in Jaipur, was introduced

by Hari Mohan into the

Maharaja s service, and to Hari Mohan it is also owing that a number

o f Bengalis are now

settled in that State. H is influence had been

peculiarly beneficial to the Prince and State o f Jaipur, and his death
defeated many projects he had conceived for the advantage o f both tlie
Prince and State, to whose service he had devoted the latter years o f
his life.

As a matter o f fact, so unbounded was the confidence reposed

in him and so eminent his services, that, for a short time before his
death, he was practically invested with the authority
Minister of Jaipur,

His character was peculiarly

of the Chief

distinguished for

The Modern History o f

142

a constant and almost unceasing desire to do good.

Large-hearted, he

was always ready to assist, with his intelligent advice and his means,
whoever sought him, at the hour o f trouble.

A t the same time, his

strength o f mind was so great that though soft and melting to tho
distresses of his fellow-men, he bore with more than ordinary fortitude
whatever calamities befell himself personally.

His remarkable good

breeding, his polished manners and his active benevolence acquired for
him a lasting popolarity, amongst all classes, with whom he came in
contact, and with whom he could

make himself agreeable by hia

command and fluency in tlie three principal languages in which the inter
course o f society is carried on in India.

His most intimate friends were

Bir Kaja Kadba Kant Dev, Maharaja (then Babu) Kamanath Tagore,
and Babu Ausbutosb Dev, by all o f whom he was held in the highest
esteem and regard. It should not be omitted that he possessed a remarka
bly fine taste and ear for music, and was the best native player on the
piano.

In concert with Mr. Harr ad en o f the firm o f Harraden & Co.,

o f Calcutta, he was the first to adopt Native

melodies to European

music.
Hari Mohan was not less distinguished than his father, for his
public spirit, though it did not take in so wide a field.

The L ex Loci

A c t X X r, of 1850, was the first piece o f legislation, which made a

direct and open attack upon the Hindu religion ; and it necessarily
provoked unmitigated opposition; in fact, in no period o f the history o f
British rule in India, did the Hindu population o f Bengal, Beliar and
Orissa, come forward so unanimously to support constitutional resistance
to the proposed law, certainly they never permitted themselves to use
such language as was employed in the Memorial to

the Court of

Directors, in speaking o f the British Government in any other season

o f social excitement

A monster meeting was held in Calcutta, and

arrangements were made for sending a Memorial to England protesting

against the Lex Loci Act,

To carry out this object, Hari Mohan Sen

was appointed Secretary to the Committee, and we do not think that

any higher compliment could have been paid to his abilities and energy
than in his selection for this office, which he discharged most laboriously
and satisfactorily during nearly three yeaiS,

His great services on this

the Indian Chiefs, Rajas, Zamindars,

14S

occasion earned him the respect and confidence of the most inflaential
classes of his countrymen.

He was a member o f the Asiatic Society,

and the Agricultural and Horticultural Society o f India.

In 1853, ha

was a Vice-President o f the Agricultural and Horticultural Society

with the late Babu Ram Gopaul Ghose.

H e was also a member

o f the Translation Committee o f the same Society.

O f the Oriental

Section of the Asiatic Society, he was also a member.

H o was also

a member o f the Landholders' Society and the British Indian Society,

which were eventually merged
of

which

he

was

in the British Indian

a most active member.

hold his office daily in the Association

members o f the Association in those

Association,

In fact, he used

Booms.

to

The other active

days were Babu ( afterwards

Maharaja) Rama Nath Tagore and Babu Joykiasen M ukerji, Rajah

Radhakant Dev being the President,

He was also an active member

of the Calcutta Lyceum, established in 1854, o f which the President

was Sir John Peter Grant.

The object o f the Lyceum

was the diffu

sion o f knowledge and science, and of art and literature.

The members

o f the Council o f the Lyceum were mostly Europeans, the only N ative
members being Mr. Rustomji Cowasji, Babus Rama Nath Tagore, Hari
Moiian Sen and Peari Chand Mittra.

He was also an active member

o f the Society for the Promotion o f Industrial Arts, under whose

auspices the Calcutta School o f Arts, now a Government Institution,
was established.

Colonel H. Goodwyn was its President.

He was also

a member o f the Committee of the Calcutta Mechanics Institute.

He

was also a Vice-President o f the Bethune Society with Lieutenant (now

Colonel) W illiam Nassau Lees, in 1856.

He was also Joint-Secretary

with Babu Debeodronatfa Tagore to the Hindu Charitable Institntion,

which had been established by the Hindu community o f Calcutta to
counteract the influence o f Missionary education in this city.
Murali Dhar Sen is the youngest and the only surviving son o f
Ram Kamal Sen.

Am ong the first batch o f N.ative Attorneys adm it

ted to practise in the late Supreme Court was Murali Dhar Sen,

He

was a contemporary o f the late Girig Chandra Bannerji,and o f Rama Nath

Law.

H e was tho first among the few native Attorneys, who were

admitted to act as partners in European firms.

H e was the partner

The Modern History o f

144
of

Messrs. Oehme and Barrow,

o f the High Court,

H e is one of the oldest Attorneys

He is an Honorary Magistrate o f Calcutta, and

had been an elected Commissioner o f the Calcutta Municipality.

Hari Mohan Sen left five sons, i)U., Jadu Nath Sen, Mahendra
Nath Sen, Jogendra Nath Sen, Nareudra

Nath Sen and Upendra

Nath Sen.
Four o f the sons o f Hari Mohan are now in the service o f His
Highness the Maharaja o f Jaipur.

Jadu Nath Sen, the eldest son o f

Hari Mohan, was at one time the BnllLon-keeper of the Calcutta M int,
and Head Treasurer o f the Paper Currency Department, Calcutta.
is now a member o f the Maharajas Council o f State.

He

Mahendra Nath

Sen, the second son of Hari Mohan, was for sometime Head Assistant to
the Income T ax Commissioners, Calcutta,

He is now in special charge

o f the English Department of the Jaipur State, and is the Super intondent o f the Baj Printing Office in Jaipur.

He is also the Editor o f

the Jaipur QazetU^ and is a member o f several local Committees, and

takes an active part in the management of several public Institutions
in Jaipur.

Jogendra Nath Sen, the third sou o f Hari Mohan, is a

Commissioner and Secretary of the Municipality o f Jaipur.

Upendra

Nath Sen, the youngest son o f Hari Mohan, is the Principal of the
Jaipur School o f Arts.
Narendra Nath Sen, the fourth son o f Hari Mohan Sen, was born
on the 23rd February, 1843.

It seems as if it were a special dispensa

tion o f Providence that while four o f his brothers should have taken
service with His Highness the Maharaja o f Jaipur, to whom his father
rendered such eminent services, he alone should, though the youngest
but one o f them all, have been left behind at Calcutta, where his grand
father had played so important a part in the moral and political advance
ment o f his countrymen unless it be that it was intended he also should
assist in the good work that had been already so well begun.
Like the yunth o f the higher classes, he was sent for his early edu
cation to the Hindu College where he made a brilliant figure amont** his
contemporaries, some o f whom like Baja Sourindra Mohan Tagore have
since achieved distinction; but his academic career was cut short by
lU-health at the early age of 16 years, and ou his partial recovery, his

thie htdian Chiefs^ Rajas, Zamindars,

145

father, who had spared no expense in giving his sons the best education
available, placed him under the private tutorship of Capt. Frank Palmer,
a veteran journalist and educationist of the time, still well remembered
in Calcutta.

Narendra Naths habits had always been studious ; his

love o f reading was a perfect mania, which his fatlier encouraged; aud
Captain Palmer naturally took a warm interest in developing the intel
lectual tuin o f so promising a pu])il.

It was, under the influence o f his

accomplished tutors success as a journalist, and o f the narratives o f

bis

personal

rerainiseences o f eminent brothers

of

the pen that

Narendra Nath imbibed his earliest ambition to become a journalist

himself.

Even when lie was, as it were in statu pupilarij for he studied

under Captain Palmers directions for several years after he left College,
he began sending slight contributions to the periodical press o f the day,
trying hi.s wings, as it may be said, for higher flights hereafter.

During

this period also he regularly passed his hours from 10 to 4 daily in

reading at the Calcutta Public Library laying up those stores o f inform
ation which would fit hin. for the career, to which he was directed as if
by an irresistible impulse.

It will tlius be seen that Narendra Nath

never enjoyed the benefits o f a regular academic education, and that

like Hai'ish Chandra Mukerji, the late Editor o f the Hindu Patriot^
he has formed his mind by self-study, without which no man can possi
bly raise himself above the surface o f hia fellows, either in literature,
science or art.

A strong disposition for literary pursuits made him

impatient o f intellectual idleness ; and from his early years till now,
every hour that can be snatched away from other occupations, has
always been devoted to reading, aud to the constant accumulation of
general and useful knowledge.

A t the age o f nineteen or twenty years,

he entered into articles uniler Mr. W illiam Anley, an eminent European

Solicitor o f this city, whose name is not yet forgotten, and was soon
taken on the regular staff o f the Indian Field, then edited by Baboo
Kissory Chand Mittra, aud originally started by the well-known jo u r
nalist, Mr. James Hume, and other gentlemen of high standing and
great literary attainments.
But his contributions to the Indian Field aud other papers may bo
considered as the roviug fancies of his passion for journalism.
19

It was

146

The Modern History o f

when Mr. Manmohan Ghose, now a distinguished member o f the Calcutta

Bar, with funds first supplied by the liberality o f

Babu Deveodranath

Tagore, to whom all praise is due, aud afterwards by Babu Keshav

Chandra Sen, who deserves every credit for his share in the good work,
started the Indian M irror, that Narendra found his first aud last love.
The Mirror, it may be known,origin ally appeared, in 1861, in a fortnight"
ly form, under the Editorship of Mr. Maumohan Ghose ; and Narendra
Nath was welcomed by that gentleman with open arms as a most valu
able auxiliary. Narendra Nath continued to contribute to the JKrVror till
Mr. Ghoses departure for England, a few mouths after the M irror had
been started, when Narendra Nath was selected to fill the editorial
chair, and he never quitted it till the M irror became a weekly paper,
when having been admitted an Attorney o f the High Court, he was
compelled, though reluctantly, to drop bis connection with it, in order
that he might lay the foundations o f a practice for the profession he
had embraced.
Babu Kesliav Chandra Sen, who had been absent in England, had
ju st returned with a strong idea that the M irror might be made much
more useful, if it were converted into a daily p a p er; and as this idea
entirety squared with Narendra Naths own previous convictions, the
change was carried out, and Babu Pratap Chandra Mozumdar became,
for a short time, the Editor, giving place to Narfendra Nath, who has
since then identified himself with the very existence o f the JKirror.
Newspaper undertaking ia not generally a very pleasant or profitable
form o f speculation.

The difficulties and anxieties, by which it is

beset, can hardly be understood by such aa have not been personally

engaged in such an enterprise.
o f a thankless description.

The work of a journalist is generally

W hile bound by the responsibilities o f hia

position to write without fear or favor, when advocating the cause o f

truth and justice, yet ho must be careful to weigh every word he writes,
lest the exaggeration or palliation o f a single fact might injure the
cause he has undertaken to represent.

But if an ngU?h journal, in

English interests, has to face, and contend with such appalling obstacles,
the case of an English journal, conducted by Natives in Native interests,
is still more discouraging.

Such a journal is regarded, like any other

ike Indian Chiefs, Rajas, Tiamindars, &c.

147

product o f Native industry, as if it were necessarily inferior, and the

struggles it must pass through are such as only the moat dogged deter
mination can Successfully m eet

Many attempts have before been

made by Native gentlemen o f wealth and talent to start a daily news

paper in English, but with the single exception o f the JfTrror, they
have all failed. A nd if the M irror has not shared the same fate, but has,
on the contrary, raised itself to its present position among the English
organs o f public opinion in Calcutta, the entire credit is admittedly
due to the indomitable perseverance and resolution with which Narendra
Nrith has invariably stuck to tbe Indian M irror from its inception
till its present development into growing prosperity.

During the whole

period, except for when it waa a weekly paper, he gratuitously gave his
whole time and labor to the duty o f editing the Mirror.

H e has had

to overcome many difficulties and to make considerable sacrifices to

prove the correctness o f his unalterable' conviction that an English
daily newspaper, conducted by Natives, can be made a success.

The

dauntless energy with which he faced all difficulties, can only have been
equalled by the industry, tact and ability, displayed by him, in the
management o f the paper.

Taking away hour

after hour from the

practice of a lucrative profession, in which he has always held an

unimpeachable character, he has always been devoting the best part o f
his time to the duty of editing the paper at the risk of health, and to the
disregard o f necessary relaxatiou and rest.

H is industry is indefatigable.

The M irror had become so far successful, that in 1878 it was expanded
into a daily broadsheet, the only A nglo-Native journal in that form
throughout all ludia.

In 1879, the paper which had theretofore been

held in joint property, passed entirely into the hands o f Narendra N ath
as solo Proprietor and Editor.

His connection with the Press now

extends over a peroid o f nearly twenty years.

It is irapossible to ex

aggerate the great value o f the service he has rendered to the cause
o f Anglo-Native

journalism, having proved beyond doubt, what haa

before been vainly attempted, that an English daily paper, conducted

by Natives, may be made as popular as any journal conducted by
EngliBhmen, But he has done more.

He has shown that a Native

can possess as much energy, perseverance and resolution as are consi-

148

The Modern History of

(lered the peculiar gifts o f the Anglo-Saxon race \ and it is this moral
that is to be drawn from Narendra Nath Sens life and career, in which
he has proved that it is decidedly better to work than to talk.

The

Indian M irror alao affords a conclusive testimony that the literary

spirit, which distinguished Dewan Ram Kamal Sen, has been, not without
credit, preserved by his descendants at the present day.
One o f the grandsons o f Hari Mohan Sen is Mr. Behari Lai Gupta,
who is a Member of the Bengal Civil Service.
o f the eldest daughter o f Hari Mohan.

He is the eldest son

He was brought xip, from his

birth, chiefly under the roof o f Hari Mohan.

In his early life he did not

shew any particular indications o f those solid talents, which promise to

open out to him almost unlimited prospects o f official advancement and
distinction.

He has for sometime been Officiating Presidency Magistrate

and Coroner o f Calcutta.

Peari Mohan Sen, the second son o f Ram Katnal Sen, was educated
in the Hindu College, and waa contemporary with Peari Chand M ittro,
and others.

His life was one of great piety and religion.

I t is not

improbable that he communicated liis disposition to his son, Babu

Keshav Chandra Sen, who partakes to some extent o f other traits o f his
father s gentle character.

Peaii Mohan had a great love o f music, in

which he was a great proficient.

Sitar.

He played with great skill on the

H is charity was open-handed and hia heart was large, and he was

a man universally esteemed.

kindness in his natnre.

He Had a great deal o f the milk o f human

He was a strict Vaishnava, and wore a Tilak.

H e was employed for sometime as Banian to Messrs. Bagshaw and Co.,

a considerable mercantile firm o f the city some years ago.

H e after

wards filled the office o f BulHon-keeper o f the Calcutta Mint.

Nobiii Chandra Sen, the eldest son o f Peari Mohan, was formerly
the Native Head Assistant o f the Depositors Department o f the Bank
of Bengal.

It may not be widely known that he was mainly instru

mental in founding the Hindu Family Annuity Fund, Calcutta, which

has turned out such a prosperaus institution.

I t was through

hia

persuasion that Pandit Iswar Chandra Vidyasagar,

c .r .E .,

trustee, and took an active part in its formation.

He was the first

Secretary to the Fund.

became a

ihe Indian Chiefs, Rajas, Zamindars, ijr.

Krishna Behari Sen, tho youngest son o f

149

Feari Mohan, is a

distinguished graduate of the Calcutta tTuiversity.

He is an M. A .

W hen the Indian Mirror was originally started as a daily paper, he

was appointed its Sub-Editor.

After a time he became associate with

Narendra Nath Sen in the editorship o f the M irror, and continued in

this capacity for several years together.
writer.

He is an excellent English

He is now the Editor o f the Sunday Mirror, and is a Fellow o f

the Calcutta University.

H e is also the Rector o f the Albert School.

But the one member o f the family who has earned a world-wide
celebrity is Keshav Cliandra Sen, who was born at Kalutolah in
Calcutta, on the 19th November, 1838.
Peari Mohan Sen.

He was the second son o f

In his childhood Keshav was distinguished by a

kind and gentle disposition, and by a spirit o f independence, and from

many features in his character it was easy to predict that he would
afterwards exercise a great influence over men.

Indeed, his gi-aud-

father, Ram Kamal, who had closely observed human life, was know n
to have said that Keshav would be a great man.
After the usual initiation in the Bengali language in his own
family-house, Keshav was sent to the Hindu College, where he continned bia English studies up to the first class o f the Presidency College,
being reckoned among the most promising students o f that Institution,
Though remarkable for habitual taciturnity, he occasionally displayed
hia gifts o f eloquence even in his youth.

His mode o f delivery and

pronunciation were very much admired.

His ex tempore speeches on

moral aud social questions were so excellent that competent jndges

have given it aa their opinion that he would have excelled as much in
the profession o f the law, if he had taken to it, as he has rince made
himself celebrated by his exertions to promote the cause o f BrahmoisuiEven in his infancy he tried to be the leader of every movement among
his

play-mates.

He used to get up Jattras, o f which he became the

audhikari or head; and among the earlier traits o f his character may be
mentioned a peculiar ingenuity, whieh enabled him to understand and
imitate those feats o f sleight o f hand, which he had witnessed at the
performances in W hite M agic o f a Frenchman named Gilbert, who
at ooe time created quite a sensation among the sight-seeing denizens o f

150

The Modem History o f

the City o f Palaces."

But his inventiveness did not stop here.

In

furtherance o f the cause of a most important social reform among the

Hindu community, and shortly after the passing of the Act legalising
Hindu W idow Marriages, Keshav, in concert with, and with the assist
ance o f the other young members o f hia family, gave at the Hall o f the
Hindu Metropolitan College a series o f theatrical representations, based
on the Hindvk Bidho}>a Bihaho Natak, or the H indu W idow Marriage
Drama,

Those dramatic performances which were under the immediate

management o f Keshav, and on which the members o f his family spent,

on various occasiona, no less a sum than Rs. 10,000, proved a decided
success, and were talked o f in the leading journals of tho city in terms
o f the highest commendation and praise.
A s a consequence o f his English education, he betook himself to
the study of the Bible, which, according to his own admission, led him
to the belief in the unity o f God, under the influence o f English literature
and science.

H is mind naturally threw off, and spurned away tho

idolatiy and the idolatrous practices to which it had been accustomed

from childhood, but there was nothing to fill the place, which had
hitherto been occupied by Hindu superstition, and for two or three
years he remained in a state o f indifference and unconcern about
matters o f faith.

He had not a single friend to speak to him o f religion,

and be was passing from idolatry into utter worldliness,

A t last,"

he says himself, it pleased Providence to reveal the light of truth to

me in a most mysterious manner, and from that time commenced a
aeries o f struggles, aspirations and endeavours which resulted, I am
happy to say, in peace, and in the conversion o f the heart,"

His

religioofl tendencies were nourished and stimulated by regular habits

o f prayer, habits which early led him to be suspected o f apostacy
to Christianity, and consequently exposed him to much ridicule and
annoyance.

Nevertheless,

strengthened his

he

continued

steadfast

to

habits which

soul with hope, courage and firmness.

W ith

view to imparting to his friends the blessing of spiritual knowledge, he

established an Evening Religious School, o f which he himself was Secre
tary or Manager,

Its annual examination was, on two occasions, presided

over by the celebrated George Thompson.

But after three years, the

the Indian Chiefs^ Rajas, ZamindarSy

151

school collapsed for want o f funds. Shortly afterwards in 1858, Keshav

opened, at his own house, a small club, called the Good W ill Frater
nity, which Was attended by his personal friends and fellow-atudents.
Its chief aim and object were to promote religious discussion aud
prayer.

It was here, and at the debating club established previously by

him at his family dwelling-house, that Keshav began to accustom him

self to ex tempore speaking, aud, by the force of his virtues, to acquire
over his fellows that personal influence, which has come o f so much
use to him, in his subsequent career.

Hia reading and study were

directed to the discovery of the beat form of faith for his future
guidance.

H e was specially fond o f works on philosophy aud logic.

In 1858, a Brahmo tract fell into his hands, and acquainted him
that a Theistic Church already existed, which corresponded exactly with
his own ideas, and at tlie age of twenty years Keshav joined the Brahma
Samaj, his little fraternity following his bold example.

A s a proof o f

the earnestness o f his recantation from Hinduism, he firmly refused

to

take manircts from his family Guru, under the advice o f Babu Debendranath Tagore, the leading Minister o f the Samaj.

A t the pressing

entreaty o f the elder members o f his family, who pointed out to him
the serious injury his worldly prospects would suffer from his pursuit of
a religious career, Keshav betook himself to the occupation o f a clerk,
but his heart was also absorbed in religion ami in religious pursuits,
and, in a short time, he threw up his appointment with the determination
of dedicating his life to the service o f God.

His secession from the

faith of hia fathers, and his abjuration o f the world exposed him to
threats, persecution and annoyances ; hut his courage and earnestness
manned him to stand firmly against them all.

In 1859, he accompanied

Debendranath Tagore on a voyage which this gentleman

Ceylon for his health.

made to

On their return, Keshav re-entered service,

and joined the Bank o f Bengal as a clerk on a sabtry o f Rs. 25 a month,

which was shortly afterwards raised Rs. 50, on account of the neatness
o f his handwriting.

W hile in the Banks service, he published Lis

pamphlet, entitled Young Bengal.'

Keshav, in

iSGO, took an important part in establishing the

Sangata Sabha, an institution whose object was chiefly practical, and

152

Thu Modem History o f

relatod to everything which had a bearing upon the improvement o f

character.

In 1862, he was otdained an Ackarya or Minister o f the

Samaj, aud in the same year he was appointed its Secretary.

At

this time, he committed a deliberate breach o f caste rules by taking

his wife to dine at the house o f Oebendranath Tagore, who, though a
Brahmin, belonged to the et-communieated class o f Piralis.

For about

six months the heretical conple were exiled from the family dwellinghouse, but when at the end o f that time Keshav Oh under became
dangerously ill, hU kinsfolk relented, acknowledged hia legal rights,
and allowed him to return to his place in the family.

But he did nob

thereby sacrifice hia indepeiideuce o f action, as he showed soon after

the birth o f his eldest child, when he insisted on performing the j d t
kdrmd or birth-festival in simple Brahmic form. For about five years up
to this time Keshav had co-operated with Debendranath Tagore in
promotiug the progress and welfare o f the Bamaj,

But now differences

o f opinion arose between them, leading first to disunion, aud then at

length to the oetabllshment o f the Brahma Samaj o f India, under K eshav's
guidance.

This rupture is generally attributed to Debendranath Tagore's

reluctance to enforce Keshavs objections to the wearing o f the poeta

or sacred thread by Brahmos, who conducted the religious services o f
the Calcutta Brahmo Samaj.

These unpleasant relations between the

two m oving spirits o f the reformed religion had been intensified by

Keshav's celebration o f a marriage between persons o f different castes
in ]863.
Keshav was removed from bis post o f Secretary to the A di Samaj,
and he seceded from It in February, J865.

A year before, i. e., in

1864, he visited Madras and Bombay, Bombay for the second time,
in

1868, aud the Punjab 1869.

In May 1866, he delivered, in the

Theatre o f the Medical College, his memorable lecture, entitled

Jesus

Christ, Europe, and Asia, which led people to suspect him, but -wrongly
o f a strong leaning to Christianity.

In November 1866, oconrred

the formal separation o f the Somaj in to two branches.

The A d i Samaj

or original Church continued under the guidance o f Dahendranath

Tagore,while Keshav became the minister o f the Brahmo Samaj o f India.
In 1668, at the invitatiou o f the V iceroy, Sir John Lawrence, Keshav

the Indian Chiefs, Rnjas, Zamindars, ^*c.

153

went to Simla, where he stayed at the house usually reserved for Native
princes, and which was kindly placed at his disposal.

It was at Simla

that Sir Henry Maine, at this iiistance, introduced the Bralimo Marriage
A ct.

The A ct was passed by the Legislative

Council in 137 2.

Gradually, the Samaj settled down on a firm footing ; the relations

o f Keshav with Debendranath Tagore did not improve much, and
Keehftvs disciples were spreading the doctrines of the Brhmic reli
gion far and wide.

In February, 1870, he proceeded on a visit to

England, partly with a view of acquiring a better knowledge o f Euro

pean civilisation and progress, but especially to excite the interest of
the English public in the

political, social, and religious welfare o f the

men and women in India

H is reception iu England, which he reached

in the beginning of 1870, was enthusiastic.

Hia visit was a decided

success, and added greatly to his reputatiou for eloquence.

A t a welcome soiree given to Keshav at the Hanover Square
Rooms, London, on the 12th April, 1870, which was largely attended by
noblemen and gentlemen o f mark, and where he received a warm and
hearty

greeting, Lord

Lawrence spoke

of

him in

the following

terms;
He said he was in some degree inBtrumental in inducing Keshav Chandra
Sen to undertake, what, to a Hindu geuUemau, was a most serious, indeed a most
tremendous undertaking a voyage across the sea to England.

Their guest was

a Hindu gentleman of respectable and weU-known lineage.

His grandfather

was the a.<ociate and coadjutor of one of the most profound Sanskrit scholars
in this C(.uuiry, the late Mr. Wilson.

He belonged to the section of the Hindu

commnmiy. v btch represented the physician caste.

Left an orphan in his youth,

he was placed by hia uncle in an English school, aud afterwards graduated in the
College at Calcutta, where he gained a thorough knowledge of English la o g u ^ e ,
literature and history. It was impossible that with this knowledge he could
remain an idolater. Early in bis career he learned to despise the worship of idola,
and by degrees, by thought, b y reflection and prayer, he learned to believe in one
God, He then joined a party known in Lower Bengal or the Brahma Samaj,
who worship Brahma, the creator. After a short time, he became the bead of a
reforming party among those reform ers; so that in Keshav Chandra Sen they saw
the reprcseutative of the most advanced section of the great reforming party
which was rising in Bengal. H e could not well express the importance o f this
movement, even though it was now iu its infancy. He believed it would have
a leavening effect over the whole masses of the Hindus.
20

154

The Modern History o f

The following is a short summary o f his doings in England : The

first sermon preached at Dr. Martiiieau s chapel, was on the 10th April,
1870, H e delivered a temperance speech at the United K iogdom Alliance
for the suppression o f Liquor Traffic. 4000 persons were present.

As

soon as he began to speak, all those rose from their seats, and cheered
him.

This was on the 19th May, 1870.

M ay, 1870, at Spurgeons Tabernacle on

4000 persons were present.

A t his lecture, on the 24th

Englands Duties to India,

Lord Lawrence

presided.

White at

Bristol he visited Ram Mohan R o y s grave, and prayed by his tomb.

A t Manchester he got seriously ill, where an English family nursed Kira
most carefully and affectionately.
Queen.

H e had an interview with the

He was cordially received by the Private Secretary to Her

Majesty, General Ponsonby, and he took his breakfast at the palace.

To

his surprise he found that a strictly vegetarian breakfast had been

provided for him.

H er Majesty the Queen, accompanied by Princess

Louise (now Marchionness o f L o m e ), had a most interesting talk with

him.

H er Majesty was very much pleased with a photograph o f Babu

Eesbav Chandra Sens wife, and graciously consented to accept it,

few days after he received a letter from the Private Secretary, stating
that the Queen bad desired him to say that Her Majesty was very
zouch pleased with the conversation she had with him, and this was
followed by a number o f presents, which consisted o f Her Majestys
portrait, a copy o f the
another o f Her

Early Years o f the Prince Consort, and

Highland Journals, both the books containing Her

M ajestys autograph, and also photographs o f

Princess Louise and

Prince Leopold.

Babu Keshav Chandra Sen had visited and delivered

lectures at

following

the

Brimingham, Leeds,

places ; Loudon, Bristol,

Manchester,

Liverpool,

Nottingham,

Edinburgh,

Glasgow,

&c. (tc.
A ll parties in England were astonished at the many and important
changes which the Samaj had effected in the manners, customs and
religion of the Hindus.

The advantageous results o f his intercourse

with men of talent and enlarged views, soon manifested themselves, on

his return to India, in his establishment o f the Indian Reform Asaoeiation, composed of Hindus, Muhammadans, Parsiaand Engliahmen,

The

ihe Indian Chiefs, Rajas, Zamindars,

155

Association is divided into five sections ( 1 ) Female Improvement ( 2 )

Education ( 3 ) Cheap Literature (4 ) Temperance (5 ) Charity-, and in
each it Uas done good work during the last few years.

The subsequent

history o f Keshav Chandra is the history o f the Samaj of India.

It is hardly necessary to say that the young Maharaja of Cuch Behar
is married to the eldest daughter of Babu Eeshav Chandra Sen,

X X I X , T H E SETS A N D B A S A K S O F C A L C U T T A .
T he

Sets were the inhabitants o f Gaur, but th ey afterwards

migrated to

Suvarnagram,

Haludpur in Zilla

Hughli.

Dacca,

Kasimbazar, Murshidahad, aud

They were formerly weavers* by profe.

sion, and gradually became dealers in grey cloth

goods.

and other piece

They lived in the principal tow ns iu Bengal, for the purpose

o f carrying ou their speculations, and opened business in Calcutta from

the time o f the Portugese aud Dutch settlements in India.

A tradi

tion is current, that fifty years before the battle o f Plassey, the Seta
who were at that time wealthy men took up their abode at Calcutta
(where the present fort is situated), and dedicated a temple to the idol
Govinda Pew.

During the time o f W arren Hastings or at the period

when Maharaja Nandat Kumar Roy waa an influential man with the
leading oflScial gentlemen o f tho day, the Sets brought some o f the
Basaks to Calcutta from different places in Bengal with a view to inter
marriage between the families.

The Basaks were also rich people.

They

had previously commenced their business in grey and silken cloths at

* Among the weavers caste five titles are in use, viz., Set, Basak, Datta,
Mallik, and Haidar.
t Eamal-ud-diu brought an action against Maharaja Nanda Kumar Roy iu
the Supreme Court, Tbe Maharaja was found guilty aud hong in the month
of July 1775. The Natives were thuuderstruck when they saw one of the greatest
men in India and a Brahmin hung iu the city of Calcutta, It was the first tim e in
which a native of rank had ever been executed by the English." Maharaja
Nanda Kumar left his son, Maharaja Guru Das R oy, Kai Rayan, who had a resi
dence at Charak Danga in Sutanuti. Maharaja Gum Das died leaving no other
heir than his sister s aon Raja Maba Nanda, who was Dewan to the Nisamat of
Mursbidabad. Baja Maha Nanda had three sons, of whom the youngest Kntnar
Joy Kristo resided at Mursbidabad.

156

The Modern .History o f

Mursbidabad in the time o f A ly Verdy Ehan^ when they opened several

branches at Kasimbazai*, Dacca and other places.

Both the Sets and

Basaks o f Calcutta have at present no matrimonial connection with

those o f Kasimbazar, Dacca and elsewhere.
W hen the Hon'ble East India Company built the present fort*,
they exchanged the lands belonging to the Sets and Basaks at Govindapur
for some places in Barabazar,

Tlie Sets, at this time, transferred their

idol Govinda, Jew to Baiabazar which is to be seen on the northern

side o f the dwelling-house o f the late Boistab Das Set.

A t this time,

fire persons were only known to be eminent among the Sets and Basaks
o f Calcutta, viz., Jadu

Bindu Set, Baistav Das Set, Sovarain Basak,

Britidaban Basak, and Kristo Chandra Basak.

Baistav Das Set were extremely pious.

Jadu

Bindu Set and

The former Jadu Bindu Set

established the idol Badha Kant<jt Jew (formei ly belonging to one o f

the Rajas

o f Bishnupur) at fianstola Street, No. 5, Calcutta.

The

widow o f Hara Kristo Set, a descendant o f Jadu Bindu Set, afterwards

erected a fine temple for Rvidka Kanta Jew, where some 40 or 50 men
are even now fed.

The latter Baistav Das Set was a pious Hindu

who used to send from Calcutta the holy

water o f the river H ughli

to the Hindu idols Samn'ith and Dwarka Nath in covered and sealed
vessels as a guarantee o f its genuiaeness.

This practice, however, was

continued np to the time o f his great grandsons.

Chaitanya Charan Set and Ananda Chandra Set, the two other des
cendants o f Jadu Bindu Set, were extremely religious.

Chaitanya

Charan was always respected by Maharaja Nava Krishna Dev Bahadur

and the citizens o f Calcutta for his Liberality and high merits.

A nanda

Chandra was strictly economical as ho died leaving about forty lakhs

o f Rupees which sum has at present beeu inherited by Babu Madhav
Kristo Set, son o f Radha Kristo Set, a descendant o f Chaitanya Charan
Set.

Babn Madhav Kristo is now the owner o f both the estates left

by Chaitanya Charan Set and Ananda Charan Set.

H e is a Justice o f

the Peace for the town o f Calcutta.

* The site of the present fort was formerly called Govindapur, The H on'ble
East India Company had their old fort situated on the North-west of Dalhoosle

Sqaare,

the Indian Chiefs^ Rajas^ Zamindars^ (Jv.

157

The late Radha Kanta Set (grandson o f Nanda Lai Set, another
descendant o f Jadu Biudu Set) was a brilliant scholar o f the Hindu
College, who gained the love and esteem o f the late Sir Raja Radha
Kanta Dev Bahadur,

k .c .s .i.

He was also a good musician and had a

fair knowledge o f the Persian language.

His

sob

Babu Preo Nath S et,

who resides in the old house o f the late Jadu Blndu Set, is an intelli
gent gentleman o f good character.
Babu Tarini Charan Basak, son o f Radha Kristo Basak, is the pre
sent representative o f the family of the late Sovaram Basak,

Som e o f

the descendants o f the late Briudaban Chandra Basak are alive.

house o f the late Kristo Chandra Basak is still in Calcutta,

The

It is situa

ted on the Chitpore Road, near Beadon Square, and in it a Reading R oom
has been established by some educated youths o f the Metropolis.

XXX

R A J A S U K M O Y S F A M I L Y , P A T H X J R IA G H A T A .

I t is very difficult to trace from what

place the great m illio

naire Lakhmi Kanta Dhav alias Nakur Dhar who was by caste a
Subarna B anik and the founder o f this old and opulent family first
came and settled at Calcutta.

The place in which he resided is now

called 6uk Bazar, Pathuriaghata, Calcutta.

Lakhmi Kanta was not only famous for his immense wealth, bat
also conspicuous for the loyal services he rendered to Colonel Clive and
some o f his predecessors.

H e offered also a pecuniary aid t o Hie

H on ble East India Company, during the Maliratta war.

He left his

vast wealth to his daughters only surviving son, Raja Snkmoy R ai

Bahadur, who was not less distinguished for his staunch loyalty to the
British Government than for his works o f pnb'ic utility.
Raja Sukmoy Rai Bahadur made a princely gift

o f a lakh and

fifty thousand Rupees towards the construction o f the Cuttack road and
caravansaries for the convenience of the pilgrims and other travellers
who resort to the temple o f Jagannatk or Puri.

In recognition o f this

service he received the title of Raja Bahadur

aud a Gold Medal

from the British Government during the administration o f the Marquis

158

The Modem History o f

o f Hastings,

H e had also received the aame title o f '* Raja Bahador *

before his inveetitnre by the British Government from the Emperor Shah
Atam o f Delhi, who Ukewige bouoared him with the privileL'e of
keeping a force o f 5,000 cavalry in hia employ.

Soon after he received

the double title o f Raja Bahadur," both from the British Government
and the Emperor of D e lh i; his fame so much attiacted the notice o f
the Shah o f Persia that H is Majesty also was pleased to send him a
Patmuna through the Board o f Council, confirming on him the same
title o f Raja Bahadur."

Raja Sukmoy Uai Bahadur died leaving five

sons, viz., Rajas Ram

Chandra Rai

Bahadur, K risto Chandra Rai

Bahadur, Baidya Nath

Rai B ihadur, Siv Chandra R ai Bahadur, and

Nrieinha Chandra Rai Bahadur.

(1 .)

Raja Ram Chandra Rai Bahadur, the eldest son o f Raja

Sukmoy died leaving one son, R aja Raj Narayan R ai Bahadur.

Raj Narayan had no issue.

Rfija

H e adopted Kumar Brajendra Narayan

Rai who died childless, but before liis

death he also had adopted

Kumar Dinendra Narayan R ai,now residing at Jorasanko, Calcutta.

(2 .)

Raja Kristo Chandra Rai Bahadur, the second son o f Raja

Bukmoy, died without issue,

(3 .)

Raja Baidya Nath Hai Bahadur, the third son o f Raja

Sukmoy, had nobly trod in the footsteps o f his ancestors.

Having

merited the favors o f Government by his loyalty and munificence, h

waa invested with the title o f Raja Bahadur b y Lord Amherst, who
presented him also with a gold medal and a sword o f rare workmanship,
which he used on all public occasions.
Raja Baidya Nath, was in short, the true representative o f hia
noble father and possessed in such a degree the virtues of hia eminent
ancestors that he surpassed many of his wealthy townsmen by Ms
good work o f charity nnd public spirit.

I t will not be out o f place to

give here a brief account o f his many works o f public utility and
munificence, anch as his handsome donation o f Rs, 5'V>00 to tho
Hindu C ollege; Rs. 40,000 towards the erection o f the Kasaipur Gun
Foundry Ghat and the road leading from it to Dam D udi , Rs, 30,000
to the Native Hospitals ; Rs, 20,000 in aid o f the funds for native female
education projected by the late well-known M iss W ilson ; Rs. 8,000

the Indian Chiefs, Rajas, %amindars,

towards the construction o f the Knrmnnasa bridge ; and

159
Rs, 6,000 to

the Zoological Society o f London, for which he was honoured with a

highly compHcneiitaiy note

from the Most Nolde

Ijansdowne, accompanied with a Diploma

the Marquis o f

o f the London Zoological

Society, dated the 22nd January 1826.

Baja Baidya Nath died leaving two sons, K om ar Raj Kissen R ai
Bahadur, and Kumar Kali Kissen Rai Bahadur.

The former K um ar

Raj Kissen died leaving two issues Kumar Joy

Govinda R ai and

Kumar Sham Das Rai, o f whom the first left bis only son, Kum ar
Monabar Chandra Rai, a young man o f good character.

The latter

Kumar Kali Kissen Rai, the youngest son o f Raja Baidya Nath R ai
Bahadur, was, however, not slow to give indications to an appreciable
extent of his virtues aud public spirit.

He

established the first

Anglo-Vernacular grant-iii-aid School at Paikpara, which he supported

for years.

W hen the Northern Subarban

first founded,

Kumar

K ali Kissen gave a

Hospital at Cbitporc was

handsome donation o f

Rs. 2,500, besides a monthly subscription o f about Rs. 100.

On the

25th May 1874, he gave a grand reception to His E xcellency the R ight
H ou ble Lord Napier of Magdala in honor o f His Excellency's arrival
at Calctttta, as his worthy father did to Lord Com berm ere after the v icto
rious issue o f the Bharatpur \Var.

On this occasion there was a grand

display o f fire-work.s, besides a ball and supper.

Kumar K ali Kissen

rose and pi eseuu-d Fan aud A tar to tlis Excellency while the band o f
The reception was

Her Majestys 62nd Regiment played in welcome.

a complete success, aud it is highly gratifying to remark that the scion

o f a noble house tlms manifested the loyalty which

marked

the high

character o f his ancestors, and that that feeling was suitably acknow
ledged by so nobtf a Commander as H is Excellency Lord Napier, D uring
the administration o f Lord

Auckland K ali Kissen was invested with

the title o f Kumar and a K hiU t, consisting o f distinctive garments

and a diamond shir patch an ornament to be worn on the turban.

L ord

Hardinge and the Earl of Elgin both resf ectively gave him the priviledge o f using the family gold medal and sword.

Kv.m .. K ali Kissen

died in 1873, leaving two c lucaled sous, Kumar Daulat Chandra Rai
and Kumar Nagar Nath Rai.

The former instead o f wasting his

160

The Modern History o f

time held a Gorermnent appointment as Sub-Registrar o f Deeds and

Assurances at Kasipur from the year 1875 to 1878, (i. e.,) till the
time o f hia fathers death wliich compelled him to give up his post and
to look after hia own estates.

During the period o f his Service he was

found to have discharged his responsible duties to the entire satisfac

tion o f Government.

Kumar Daulat Chandra has two infant sons,

named Tejaa Chandra Rai and Satish Chandra R a i; but his younger
brother, Kum ar Nagar Nath I1..3 no issue,
(4.)
Sukmoy

Raja Siv Chandra Uai Bahadur, the fonrth son o f Raja

died childless.

Bahadur by the British

He was invested with the title o f

Government

for several

acts

of

Raja
public

utility.
(5 .)

Raja Nriiinha Chandra Bai Bahadur, the last or the fifth

son o f R aja Sukmoy, was highly esteemed for his charitable disposition.
H e was also created R'lja Bahadur by the British Government.

H e left

one issue, Kumar Raj Kumar Rai, who has two sons, viz., Radha
Frasad R ai and Devi Prasad R a i

Kum ar Raj Kumar Rai lives in a

very simple style, and has since much increased his own property by
rigid abstinence from all sorts of luxury.

His two sons have received a

good education, and they seem likely to do good to the country here
after.
The living members o f Raja Sukmoy Rai Bahadur s family possess
much landed property in Calcutta and the suburbs.

X X X L T H E T A G O R E F A M IL Y .
T he

ancient family of the Tagores, whose name now is almost a s

familiar as a household word in Bengal, both in European as well as in

Native Society, was raised to the prominent position, which it h a s
since always maintained, by the political talents, the social qualities,
the great wealth and, what is still better, the large-hearted liberality
o f the celebrated Dwarka Nath Tagore, who waa in his time known in
England as the Indian Prince.

The characteristics, which had

combined in his single person to distinguish him in life above other

men, have now been dispersed seemingly to be perpetuated among

the Tndtan Chiefs^ Rajas, Zamindars^

other members o f the same family.

161

In wealth, in social qiialitiea, in

public spirit or in magnificent liberality, few families in Bengal can

bear comparison with the Tagores.

As Zamindars, there are few, if

any, Districts in this Province, in which some Tagore does not hold
considerable landed estates.
The Tagores trace their descent from

Bhattanarayan

the Chief

o f the Five Brahmins who, at the invitation of Adisura, K in g o f Bengal,

came over from Kanouj and settled in Bengal 1072.

Bhattanarayan

was the author of several Sanskrit works, amongst which

K.anTm.ram

Muktibiekar,

are the

Prayogaratna^ Benisanhara Natakay and

Gohhila Sutra Bhaskya.

Dharanidhara,

the ninth in descent from Bhattanarayan wrote a

commentary on the Institutes o f Manu,

H is brother, B a n a c i a l i , was

the author o f a literaiy work, called B hakti Ratndkara and o f a theolo

gical work, named Brahya Sttddki Prakarana P<Jiaya. D K a n a Q ja y a
(alias

Poslio),

the eleventh in descent, compiled the Nighanta, a

Tocahulary o f Bedlc terms.

H e held the office of ju d ge during the reign

o f either Ballal Sen or Lakshman Sen.

H is son,

Halayudha

was

the Prime Minister o f the latter King, and was the author o f Brahmana Sarvata,

Nyaya,

P a n iiia ,

SAtro,

M aUya Sukia

Avidhdna Ratnamdld and K abi Rahasya, His son, B ib h u H a d two sons,

Mahendra
sprung,

and

Ganendra,

from each o f whom a distinct family has

Mahendra was the progenitor o f the family o f whom we are

giving this brief account.

Rajaram, the fifth in descent from

Mahendra

and the eighteenth from Btmttanarayan was the author o f a work on

religious ceremonies named Srauta Siddhanfa.
Panditraja or prince o f

Jaganuath, (surnamed

Pandits), his grandson, wrote three books

one on Rhetoric, Rasa Qangddhara, another (on miscellaneous sub

jects in poetry), named Bhamini Bilash, and a third on geometry, Rekha
Qanita.

His son,

Purushotania Bidyabagisa

tlie composition o f the works Proyaga Ratnama'a,

was credited with

ilukti-Chintamanif

Sishnu Bhakti Kalpalata, Shusa Briti, Trikdnda Sesha, a Sanskrit

vocabulary, JEkashara Kosha (a Dictionary o f the Alphabets), Jlarlota,
S araboli and

Qotropracara

Barpana (a

work

on law).

It was

Purushotama who first incurred for the family the taint o f PiraJi
21

162

The Modern History of

cither by smelling the food at the feast given by one Pir A li Klian an
Am in with whom he was transacting business or, according to other
reports, by forfeiting hia caste, in consequence o f his marriage with
the daughter o f a person who had actually partaken o f food with the
Mussalman Amin.
to Jessore.

A fter this marriage he removed with his family

B a lo r a iQ , the son of Purughotama, was the author o f a

Grammatical production, named Prohadka Prokasa.

P a n c h a n a n , the fifth from

Baloram

and

twenty-sixth from

Bliattaiiarayan left Jessore aud settled at Govindapur the site o f Fort

W illiam , and became intimate with the British gentry o f those days.
A ll Brahmins who held situations under them were styled Tbakurs and
Panchanan was no exception.

From thia time the members o f the

family have come to be kuown as TkakurSt which the Europeans have

corrupted into Tagores.
J a y a r a m , the son of Pauchanan, had, as an Amin, taken an active
part in the settlement o f the 24-Pargannas.

H is house having been

taken by the H on ble the East India Company for part o f the site o f
the Fort, Jayaram removed to Patluiriaghata.

He died, in 1762, leaving

lonr sons, v iz .; Anandiram, Darpa Narayan, Nilmani and Govindaram.

The family o f the first as well as the last being extinct, the descendatJs
o f Darpa Narayan form the senior or elder branch, and those of Nilmani
the junior or yoonger branch o f the Tagore family.
Senitrt' Brancfi.
D a r p ft N a ray a> n , the second son o f Jayaram, was a good English
and French scholar.

H e had acquired vast wealth by commerce as well

as by service nnder the French Government at Chandernagore, and he

bought a large Zamindari in Rungpur
began to be sold up.

when the

Nattor

estates

From the two marriages he contracted, he had,

by his first wife, five sons, viz., Radha Mohan, Gopi Mohan, Krishna
Mohan, Hari Mohan and Piyari Mohan, while from second he had
two sons, Ladli Mohan and Mohini Mohan.
BOD,

He disinherited hia eldest

Radha Mohan and third son Krishna Mohan

for discarding their

Ouru (spiritual guide) and misconducting themselves in other ways ;

made suitable provision for his fifth sou, Piyari Mohan, who was deaf aud

the Indian Chiefs, Rajas, Zamindars, (Jr.

IH3

dumb, settled R b. 30,000 for the worship of tbe family idol, aud divided
the remaiuder of his estate in equal shares amongst his other four sons.
( 1 .) G o p i M o h a n , the second son o f Darpa Narayan, knew how
to add lustre to distinguished lineage by acquiring learning, by literary
culture and literary

efforts, by active

benevolenee, and

judicious

philanthropy.
Happy in hia life and labors, he was also peculiarly happy in his
noble family o f sons and grandsons of his gix sons, Hara Kumar
and Praaanna Kumar were the most famous, and the sous o f the former
are now an honour to the narive nobility of Calcutta distinguished alike
for political sagacity and intellectual vigourthe H on ble Maharaja
Jatindra Mohan Tagore, and Raja Souriudra Mohan Tagore, D octor
o f Music,the no less distinguished sons o f a distinguished father,
and grandfather.
A marble tablet was lately erected in the Library Hall o f the
Presidency College, commemorating the five largest donors to the
funds o f the original Hindu College, and amongst them, that o f Gopi
Mohan Tagore comes second, being preceded by that of the Maharaja
o f Bardwan.
The Durgab Puja entertainments o f Gopi Mohan were usually
attended by the principal European residents of Calcutta.

Amongst

others. General W ellesley, afterwards the Duke o f W ellington, was a

guest at one o f them, and, during his visit, whilst at an entertainment,
the ropes o f the punkah gave way, and the punkah came down with a
crash near tbe Generars head.

Fortunately no one was hurt.

*
*

A s a proof o f how much he was above the common prejudices o f

his fellow-countrymen, it may be mentioned that when Cbinnery, the
celebrated portrait-painter, visited

Calcutta, most

of

the Bengali

nobility and gentry were afi-aid to get their portraits taken, from a
superstitious feeling, ju st as many Europeans have about making a
will, that it may be the means of shortening their lives.

But Gopi

Mohan was above this popular prejudice, and had his portrait taken by
Mr. Chinnery. It is still in the Baitakhana o f the H onble Frasanna
Kumar Tagore, one o f the heir-looma o f the family.

164

The A/odern History o f

He waa a patron o f Sauskrit learning, o f music, and of athletic

exercises.

Although above many of the narrow superstitions peculiar

to Bengal, he was ever a rigid Hindu, careful in performing the rites

and ceremonies o f his forefathers, and always extremely liberal to
Pandits and Ghataks,

He once saved a

Brahmini bull from the

thonghtless and playful, but not less censurable cruelties o f a number

o f young civilian writers at Writers* Buildings.

This interference o f

his was much commented upon at the time, and the prmse awarded to
Gopi Mohans patriotic and religious courage was not soon forgotten.
Musicians from all parts o f tbe country, even from the N orthWestern Provinces, were liberally entertained at bis house.

T hey per

formed concerts before him, and were liberally rewarded, whilst some
o f the moat remarkable and celebrated

received from him regular

monthly stipends.
The famous wrestler, Radha Gowla, waa in Gopi Mohans service,
and regular wrestling matches were held in the garden attached to hia
house at Sura.
Messrs,

Hia friend, Mr, Joseph Baretto, o f the

firm o f

Baretto and Co., o f Calcutta, bad also a great fancy for

wieatling matches, and Paklwana, or professional wrestlers in hia ser

vice.

Mr, Baretto often accompanied Gopi Mohan to his garden, and

they witnessed the matches together.

Radha Gowla lived to a good

old age, and received a pension from Gopi Mohan and his sons, up to
the day o f his death.
Lakhi Kanta, the comic Bengali lyrist, and Kali Mirza, whose
songs and hymns are atill well-known in Bengal, were am ong the
pensioners o f Gopi M ohans bounty, ever ready to bo extended to the
deserving and the unfortunate.

Babu Bisva Nath Chowdhuri, too, who

sprang from a landholding family o f distinction, having fallen upon

evil days, partook of his bounty substantially.
K ind and generous to the deserving as he was to all, Gopi Mohan
was a beneficent patron to all his dependants and servants.

H e pur

chased a Zamindari in the District o f R ijshahye, yielding a handsome

iucome, in the name o f his faithful old Dewan, Ram Mohan Mukerji
of

Godolepara, a village

iu

Chandernagore.

This Zamindari he

purchased at a much cheaper price than it was actually worth, and

the Indian Chiefs, Rajas, Zajnindars, (}r.

165

handed over to Ram Mohan in recognition o f hia faithfnl aervices.

Oopal Chandra, the grandson o f Ram Mohan, is still in possession o f
that Zamindari.
His having been appointed a Hereditary Governor o f the Hindu
College, the grant o f a scholarship in his name, and the right to nomi
nate a free student for life to the College, are all proofs o f the estima
tion in which Gopi Mohan was held by the Government o f the day.
The fatlier

of

Raja

Baroda Kanta R oy o f Jessore received

material assistance from Gopi Mohan, in a suit in which a large portion

o f the Rajas property was at stake.
Raja waa extremely grateful.

The suit waa won, and the

From that time a sort o f social rela

tionship was established between them, and their descendants still call
each other cousins.
Gopi Mohan was also intimate with Raja Raj Krishna B.ihadiir
of

Sava

Bazar.

The two friends had

exchanged turbans.

The

exchange of turbans was, in those days, considered a mark o f genuine

friendship. This intimacy, however, was disturbed by a misunderstanding
caused by the assistance rendered to Raja Gopi Moiian Dev, father o f
R aja Sir R a d h a Kanta Dev, in the litigation with his cousin, Raja
Raj Krishna.
A religious procession, headed by Raja Raj Krishna, who, in his
younger days, did not strictly observe the rules o f Hinduism, was
passing

the residence o f Gopi Mohan,

Finding the Raja, bare

footed, taking an active part in the ceremony, G opi Mohan jok ed

with him and said, Raja, how many parts have yon p la y ed ?'

The

Raja's reply was offensive, and alluded to the stain ou the caste o f the
T ^ o r e family, I have no doubt played many parts, but I have not
been able to find you anywhere.

N o / said Gopi Mohan, drawing

himself up and significantly adjusting bis Brahminical thread N o,

Raja, I m where you cannot reach.
But it must not be supposed that our hero was gloomy or morose.
Far from it.

He could act with dignity when necessary, but he was

also always ready to appreciate wit when presented to him.

On the

occasion o f the marriage o f his two younger sons, it so happened that

there was coutiuuous rain for three or four days, thus preventing

16G

The Modern History o f

the usual processions.

A n up-country Pandit, who often visited Gopi

Mohan, offered to stop the rains by cerbvin religious incantatloiis.

Gopi Mohan promised to give him a handsome present if he succeeded.
The Pandit performed his incantations, but the rain ceased not.
* How now,* said Gopi Mohan to him, * you have performed your
incantations, but the rain falls just as before.*
* Sir,* said the Brahmin, *I undertook to stop the rain from fall
ing from the clouds, but the water already loosened from the clouds
cannot be sent back, and must come down.

W ait till that has all

reached the earth and the rain will cease.*

Gopi Mohan laughed and said in reply, * Friend, although you
have not earned your reward by your incantations, yet I will give it to
you for your ready wit,* and so he gave the priest the promised
present.*
Gopi Mohan knew Sanskrit, French, Portuguese, English, Persian,
and Urdu.

His wealth, liberality, influence, forgiving disposition, and

religious austerities have rendered his name as well as that of the

family conspicuous in the annals of the native nobility.

It was he who

established the twelve Sioas and a temple to the Goddess Kali, on tbo
banks o f the river Hughli, at Mulajore.

Ho left six sons, SurjiKum ar,

Chandra Kumar, Nanda Kumar, K ali Kumar, Kara Kumar, and

Prasanna Kumar.

The first four have left no male issue.

Hara Kumar,

the fifth son of Gopi Mohan, was a strict Hindu,

and was celebrated for his atrong common sense and simplicity of man
ners,

H e was a thorough Sanskrit scholar and conld talk Sanskrit as

if, and indeed, it was a language still current.

It is only within quite recent years that the importance o f ori
ental studies baa been generally recognized in Europe.

For centuries.

Eastern languages were regarded simply in the light o f curiosities, ju st

B8 now we may enquire curiously into the languages of the ancient
A ztecs of Mexico, before the time of Cortes, or the sun-worshipper a
o f Peru, before Pizarro s butchery o f them.

* Mdo the account o f Gopi Mohao abridged from the Oriental MiscellaaT,
No, X V I I , Auguet. 1880.
^

the Indian Chiefs, Rajas, Zamindars,

167

But the enlightened researches o f M ax Miillcr, B um ouf, ProfeBSor

Monier Williams, and others, have at length proved to the most obtuse
W estern intelligence that, in the languages and literature o f India, and
Persia, and Arabia, there exists a miue o f Wealth ttiat the history of
civilization, the record o f the development o f mind, intelligence, and
enlightenment, is all written in the languages so long neglected or des
pisedthat the very form which civilization has taken in Eoropo, its
languages, and its literature, have been moulded out o f that neglected
social system and civil polity, o f which Sanskrit was t!ie expression and
the symbol.

A nd that same Sanskrit was if not the mother at least

the elder sister o f Greek, as of Latin, o f the modern German, as o f

the still more modem language in which we writea language destined,
apparently, chiefly through its diffusion in North America, India, and
Australia., to be ultimately the chief medium o f the literature, refine
ment, and civilization of the future, as Sanskrit was o f the past
It is thus that history and the stndy o f language teach nations
their dependence upon each other, and the lessons o f kindly brother-,
hood and relationship are nowhere found written in brighter characters
than in the tracing out o f similar words applied to similar objects upon
the batiks o f the Ganges, the Tiber, the Elbe, and the Thames,

The

endearing appellations common to domestic life, the household terms

that are lisped by infancy, the names given to the familiar objects
B U iT ou u d in g

the farmer, or the milk-maid, are all connected together by

iadissoluble links, whether the domestic life was passed or that infantile
prattle heard, in * utmost In d ,'o r in Western Europe on the plains
o f Hindustan, or amid the great prairies o f North Am erica,
Sir W . Jones, who died in 1794, having only ju st obtained a super
ficial knowledge of Sanskrit, declared that, whatever its autiquity, it
was a language o f wonderful structure, more perfect than Greek, more
copious tUaii Latin, and more exquisitely refined than either, yet bear
ing a strong affinity to both.

* No philologer, he writes, ' could

examine Sanskrit, Greek, and Latin, without believing them to have

sprung from some common source, which, perhaps, no longer exists.
There is a similar reason, though not quite so forcible, for supposing
that both Gothic and Celtic had the same origin with the Sanskrit, and

168

Thu Modern History o f

the old Persian may be added to the same fa m ily /

to be explained ?

How^was all this

Theologians began to think that profane philologera

wish to detiirone Hebrew, and put Sanskrit in its place.

Classical

scholars wer*e sceptioal, and philosophers saw their Uttle systems, for
accounting as they pleased for the history o f the world, likely to be
upset.
I t would not be in consonance with the history o f modern thought,
i f some o f the philosophers had not taken up the cudgels in behalf of
Greek and Latin, as against Sanskrit

This is exactly what Dugald

Steward, the Scotch metaphysician, did.

He denied the reality of

Sanskrit as a language altogether, ond wrote a famous essay to prove

that Sanskrit had been put together, after the model of Greek and
Latin, by

those yrch-forgers, the Brahmans I

None are so surely

caught, when they are caught, as wits turn'd fools,' says Shakspeare,
* folly, in wisdom hatch'd, hath wits own grace, to grace the learnd
fool.

W hen Dugald Steward had proved to his own satisfaction that

the whole o f Sanskrit literature was an imposition, he was proud o f liis

work, and looked upon it as a sure passport to immortality.
perhaps as a specimen o f *the w it turnd fool .

Tagore might have shown Dugald Steward his error.

not enough of European literature.

So it is

Babu Hara Kumar

B ut he knew

It was reserved for Frederick

Bchlegel, the German, to demolish the sophistries o f the Scotch mental

philosopher.

A nd now, in almost every university, on the continent o f

Europe, there is a professor o f Sanskrit, who lectures alike on Compa

rative Grammar, and on the Science o f Language.
These reflections naturally arise in the mind in considering the life
o f a man like the late Babu Hara Kumar Tagore.

A few years ago,

many o f the ruling clans in. India would hove laughed at the idea o f
Hara Kum ar being regarded as a learned man, and yet be wiU be
allowed now, by all intelligent students o f humanity to have been so.
There was a large proportion o f

the educated men o f

Great Britain

and Ireland, a few years ago, who considered all learning comprised in
Latin and Greek, with a little Hebrew any thing beyond was frivolous
or curious.

Modern languages were not learning, but simply convenient

frivolities oriental languages and literature werejcuriosities, like the

the Indian Chiefs, Rajas, Zamindars, (J'O-

169

scaraboei of Egyptian tombs, or tlie mummies o f our museums.

prejudice was fostered by tbe curriculum

This

o f English Uuivem ties.

But it was none the less a prejudicenarrow, bigoted, and nutrue.

Hara Kumar studied Sanskrit, not as a dilettanti student,'or as
an amateur, but so as to obtain a complete mastery over it.
It

was

determined by the two

brothers, Hara Kumar,

and

Prasaniia Kumar, to erect a tablet at the temple at Mulajore, in

honor of their father, and this marble tablet was to contain a suitable
Sanskrit iuscrlption. A prize was offered for the most appropriate inscrip
tion, which was to be in verse aud in Sanskrit.

The feeliug which

Dr, Samuel Johnson h al in favour o f Latin, for mortuary inscriptions, may

Well animate learned Hindus, in favour o f Sanskrit, and that a fortiori.
Tw o or three o f the most cultivated Pandits were named as judges,
and several o f the most celebrated Sanskrit scholars competed for tho
prize.

Amongst the others, Hara Kumar sent iu hia verses anony

mously.

AU tho Judges unanimously cliose Hara Kumar s

as the

best, without having the sliglitest idea that he was the author o f it His
distinguished brother, Prasaima Kumar Tagore, heartily congratulated
Hara Kumar on his success, aud the sloka was inscribed on the marble
tablet, where it may be seen to this day.
It was under a Garu Mahasoy, familiarly called Jliaru Mama, or
uncle, that Hara Kumar originally studied Sanskrit.

This Guru

Mahasoy was a native o f East Bengal and had studied Kalapa Byakarana,
a more comprehensive gram mar than the MtikdahadJui, which is more
commonly in use iu Hindustan,

Hara Kumar early evinced a liking for

the study, and was a thorough proficient in its grammatical construction,

as in its literature.

In more advanced life he studied the Bedaiita philoso

phy, under Him Chand Siramani, the well-known professor o f philoso

phy in the Sanskrit College.

Such was the bigotry o f the time, however,

that the more rigid Hindus looked, with great suspicion, upon the study o f
any system o f Hindu phLlosopliy, tliinking that it might be subversive
o f the faith.

Hence it was that when Hara Kumar met hia cousin,

Uma Nandaii, at a wedding party, the latter said, I am very sorry

to hear that you are studying Bedanta.
Kumar,

W hy s o ? asked Hara

Because, was the reply, we all know you now to be a

22

170

The Alodern History o f

staunch Hindu, hnt I fear you may become an infidel, with these new
studies.

Hara Kumar amilod, and said, Please to bear in mind,

good cousin, that Byassa, the father o f the Bcdantic philosophy, was
also tlie author o f our Purans, and, according to yonr theory,Mie
ought to have heen the greatest infidel o f his tim e.

That very

dialect o f the Bedas, beginning about fifteen hundred years before ^tho
Christian

era, is that

followed in m odem

Sanskrit.

Byassa was

one o f the noblest ornaments o f Sanskrit literature, and that iSanskrife

was

the

spoken language o f India, centuries before the

Solomon, is certain.

time o f

Is it not lamentable that sectarian prejudice

should impede the study of the nobler part o f Sanskrit literature,

whilst it willingly admits the puerilities o f many o f the more modern
writers ?
The two

brothers, Hara Kumar, and Prasanna Kumar, first

learned English at home.

They were then sent to Mr. Sherboumes

School, aud ultimately to the Hindu College, when that institution was
opened.

Mr, D. Ansel in was then the Head Master, and was also the

private tntor o f the brothers.

Hara Kumar made

ficiency in Peraian which he spoke fluently.

considerable pro

He waa also fond o f music,

and attained great eminence as a performer on the Biiara.

H e could

also sing with taste and judgm ent, having a cultivated voice, and being
learned in the theory o f music.
Although he did not m ix much in public affairs, yet he was an
excellent man o f busiuessL

H is patrimonial estate, which he held in

joint tenancy with his brothers, had been mismanaged, and had got
seriously involved.

This circumstance waa privately brought to hia

notice by an old and confidential servant.

Hara Kum ar at once took

measures, iu consultation with his brother Prasanna Kumar, to rectify

matters.

They began to examine the books o f the estate, and found

that tlie statements o f tliep id servants were true.

A n immediate parti

tion of the estate was tho necessary consequence. I t was eflected with
some difficulty.
of

Then by godd. management, perseverance, and habits

economy, Hara Kumar n o \ only freed hia share o f the family

estates from all incumbrances, bu\ gradually made considerable addi

tions to it.

He died in the year

deeply regretted by

all who

iiie Indian Chiefs^ Rajas, Zamindars,

I7l

knew him, leaving behind him a reputation for learning, ability, accom
plished politeness, probity, and honorable feelin g."*
H e has left in his family an almost rare collection o f Sanskrit
manuscripts.

H e was the celebrated author o f Dakhindcha Parijata,

Ilaratattia Didkiti, PuTuscharana Padliati, ^<r.

H e had a great taste

for jewelry, o f which he has also left some good specimens.

But the two members o f this distinguished family who are now
making the moat conspicuous figure in the world o f political Hfe and

Honorable Maharaja
Jatindra Mohan Tagore, 0. S. I., and his brother Raja
Sourindra Mohan Tagore, C.I.E., who, now directly represent the

literature, are the sons o f Hara Kumar, the

house o f Gopi Mohan Tagore.

N ot only are the two brothers brothers

in blood and by the closest ties o f affectionthe lineal descendants of that

remarkable man ; but in position, influence and reputation they have sur
passed him by far.

The most creditable trait in the character o f both

is that neither their high mental culture nor their free unrestrained
intercourse in the highest circles o f European society has shaken or
even weakened their orthodoxy in their national faith nor tempted tliem
to swerve from a strict adhei*ence to their national habits and customs.
W ith the finest polish of the highest type o f English manners, both
still retain the simple feelings and cherish the sympathetic benevolence
o f their Hindu forefathers ^ while the political services o f the one and
the literary activity o f the other are contributing to remove from the
Hindu aristocracy the reproach of idleness and sensuality, by which it
has hitherto been supposed to be characterised.

The Honorable Maharaja Jotindra Mohan Tagore, O.5.I.,

the eldest son of Hara Kumar, was born at Calcutta in the year 1831

d.

Having passed a brilliant course o f study for nine years at the Hindu
College, which he entered at the age o f eight years, he continued to
receive lessons in English literature and science at home from such dis
tinguished scholars o f

the time, as Captain, D. L, Richardson, the

Revd. Dr, John Nash and other European gentlemen, second to them
alone in scholastic attainments.

W ith other tastes, he inherited from

* Vide the acconnt o f Uara Knmat Tagore abridgeii from the Orieutal Mis

cellany, No. X V III, September, ISSO.

172

The Modern History o f

his father a strong love for Sanskrit literature, o f which he acquired a

thorough m astery; and being from an early age fond o f poetry, he cul
tivated it with much diligence and success his early efforts at poetical
composition in English and Bengali having been considered happy
enough to grace the columns of tlie Literary Gazette and ProvaJcar.
But it is impossible to exaggerate the value o f hia services in the
jiromotion of the histrionic art o f tlie ancient Hindus and the success
o f his efforts to make that art poi>ular at the present day.

But it was

not the raei*e liberal eucoiiragemeut, w hich his position and wealth ena
bled hira to give to theatrical performances, tliafc entitles him to high
c re d it; he is himself the author o f several Bengali dramas and farces,
amongst which may be mentioned the Bidya-Sundra Nataka, a piece
from which, with his refined tastes aud high sense o f moral propriety,
he clLmiiiated much o f the vulgarity and obscenity that disfigured the
original poera.

His literary activity In early life was 60 great that he

composed or translated from the Sanskrit several dramatic and operatic

pieces which he caused to be published under other names.

The thea

trical performances at the Belgatchia V illa, which were once so popular,

were got up mainly through his exertions.

It was for these occasions

timt he Organised the Native Orchestra on the plan, now in vogue, to

which he adapted the earliest Hindustani airs of his own composition.
I n bis earlier years, Maharaja Jatindra Molian Tagore

had taken

up an idea that the Bengali language was deficient iu that rhythm tiud
melody, which could adapt it for the composition o f the higher order
o f poetry in blank verse.

Michael M. S. Datta, to disabuse his mind

o f this idea, wrote the Tillattoma-Sambkaba-Kabya in blauk verse,

which convinced him o f his mistake and induced him to pay the whole
expeuces incurred iu publishing the work.

But it was not in this ins

tance only that he showed a wise liberality in the encouragement o f

literary m erits; for on several occasions he gave substantial help to
other Bengali authors, who wanted the means, to bring out their works,
which, but, for bis timely intervention, migtit never have come before
tlie world.

The theatrical performances, which lie annually gives iu

liis Drawing-room, are highly appreciated bj' such of the Native Society
ol

the city aud its Suburbs, as are admitted to the privilege o f

the Indian Chiefs^ Rajas, Zamindars,

1T3

witnessing them ; and it is in tliis way tlifit lie has been mainly instrnmental in imbuing the Native mind with ar improving taste for the
beauties o f the ancient drama o f their country.

Tjord Northhrook, wlio

attended tin se perform.ances eti two occasions, Mr. Grant Duff (E x Under Secretary o f State for India,) several Lien tenant'Governors,
Commanders-in-cbief and other high dignitaries of the State, a.s well
as foreign noblemen and gentlemen of n ite and distinction, wlio wit
nessed them at different times, invariably spoke o f tliein in the liighest
terms o f prai.se,

Among his other accomplishments, he at one time

took great delight in cultiv.iting music, botli English and Bengali, in

which he attained considerable excellence; and thougli he has given up
practising it now, he is still passionately fond o f it. and is liberal in his
encouragement o f men who are proficient in this one fine ai t, tliat
exercises the same spell o f witchery alike on the refined, as on the
savage heart

It was he, who first brought out from England musical

boxes and barrel organs, S;ft to popular Bengali song.^.

So much for

that phase of hia character, which embraces liis intellectual ta.stes and
accomplishments.
For his initi.ation into public life, he is indebted to his uncle, the
late Honorable Prasaniia Kumar Tagoi-e, c.s.i.

W ith hia social rank,

his wealth and his natural and a cq u ired gifts, it was only reasonable to
have expected that he s h o u ld have soon asserted h is proper p o s itio n in
the W orld,

The deatli o f llnja Isvar Chandra Sing o f Paikjiara opened

out to him a congenial field for the exhibition o f Ids p e c u lia r talents ;
and he was elected Houoiary Secretary to the Biitish Indian Associa
tion, o f which he is now the distingiiislied President.
distinctions

from

the

Government

fo llo w e d .

Sir

But further

W illiam

Grey

appointed him a member o f the Bengal L e g is la t iv e Cunncil.

But Sir W illiam Grey did not think a seat in the Bengal Legisla
tive Council sufficient distinction for him, and accordingly recommended
him in the strongest terms for a title,-befitting his rank and position
in Native Society,
B.abu Jatitidra Mohan is a man of
thoroughly good English education. He
Native communily, is of unciceptionablc
fellow* country men io the higUest respect.

great eniiglitcDment, and has had a

is one of the leading members of the
private character, and is held by his
He is a useful member of the Council

The Modern History o f

174

of the Lieutenant-Governor, and takes a deep and thoughtful interest in the

progress o f the country.

He has estates in the Districts of Alidnapnr, Farid pur,

llurshidabad, Raj shah ye, Nuddea, and the 24-Pargannaa ; and daring his life
time, enjoys the revenues o f the large estates of the late Rai Prasanna Kumar
Tagore in Rangpar and other places.

He has always been found ready to con

tribute liberally to schools, roads, and other objects o f public interest, both in
Calcutta and in the districts iu which his estates are situated, and has helped to
promote science and literature among hia countrymen, by large contributions to
that end.

He regularly maintains eighteen poor students in Calcutta, and ho

fully accepted the obligation o f his position in the Famine, 1866, rem itting the
rents of his ryots, and feeding 250 paupers daily in Calcutta for s period of three
months.

The title of Raja Bahadur was conferred on Uim b j a Sannad,

dated 17th March

1871, by the late Earl o f Mayo, Viceroy and

Governor General, as a mark o f personal distinction.

On the occasion

of the investiture which was marked with great ceremony, Sir George
Campbell, then Lieutenant Governor, thus addressed the Maharaja :
I have to convey to you the high honor which His E icellen cy the Viceroy,
as the representative o f Queen Victoria, has been pleased to confer upon you.

feel a peculiar pleasure in being thus the channel of conveying this honor to you.
You come from a family, great in the annals of Calcutta, I may say great in
the annals o f the British dominions in India, conapicuous for loyalty to the
British Government and for acts of public beneficence.
But it ia not from consideration of your family alone the V iceroy has
been pleased to confer the high honor upon yon.
worthy of it by' your own merits.

You have proved yourself

T oor great intelligence aud ability,

distin

guished public spirit, high character, and the services you have rendered to the
State, deserve a fitting recognition.
I have_had the pleasure of receiving your assistance as a member o f the
Bengal Council, aud can assure you that I highly appreciate the ability and
information which you bring to bear upon its deliberations.

Indeed, nothing

can be more acceptable to me than advice from one like yourself.

It is true

we have had occasions to differ, and honest differences of opinion w ill always
prevail between man and man ; but, at the same time, I can honestly tell you
that, when wo have been on the same side, I have felt your support to be of the
utmost value, and, when you have chanced to be in opposition, yours has been
an intelligent, loyal, and courteous opposition.

It was not, however. Sir William Grey alone, who was impressed
by the Maharaja s character and attainments.

On the expir}^ o f his

term of office in the Bengal Legislative Comicil, Sir George Campbell

the Indian Chiefs, Rajas, Zamindars,

175

invited bim in the most friendly terms to retain his seat for a second
term.
B e LVB DH R E,A LIPO R *,

The 5CA October, 1871.

M f Deab R

aja

I hope you w ill allow me to nominate you for another term in the
Bengal Legislative Council.

Your high character, and fair mode of dealing with

all questions, render your aesistauce especially valuable, and I have much COnh*
deuce that you arc a man not bound to class interests, bat prepared to look to the
good of the whole community, high and low, alike.
Believe me, very truly yours,
(S d .)
R

aja

a . C A M P B E LL .

J aten d ea Mohan Tag o rb,

&c,, &c,
So great is the confidence which the Government lias deservedly
reposed in his highly-cultivated abilities, his pure spotless character,
and his devoted loyalty, that he has always and freely been consulted
by successive Lieutenant-Governors and even Governors-Geiieral on all
important questions o f public interest. His Excellency, Lord Northbrook*
not only sought his opinion during the Behar Famine o f 1873-74, but
also asked him either to proceed to England to give evidence before a
Select Committee o f the House o f Commons on questions relating to
Indian affairs or to name to the Government some native gentleman
whose local knowledge and general intelligence would entitle him to
the distinction.

Such a mark of implicit reliance on the ju dg

ment o f a Native nobleman or gentleman has rarely, if ever, been

shown by the Government on any other previous occasion.
Among the greatest land-owners of Bengal, both

by inheritance

and by delegated right to the large estates o f his uncle, the late
Hon'ble Prasanna Kum ar Tagore, c.s.i., who assigned by w ill the
*Aa a mark of the esteem, in which Lord Northbrook held Maharaja Jatindra
Mohan Tagore, we reproduce an extract from his Lordships letter, dated 16th
March, 1877. to Maharaja Kama Nath Tagore :
1 was very glad to hear that Kaja Jatindra Mohan Tagore has been pat
into the Legislative Couacil, I always hoped to see him there some day. I
desire to be kindly remembered to him.

17G

The Modern History o f

usiifnic-fc of hid estates to the Maharaja for life, tlie Maharaja has
alvTiiya

heen cojiopicuous for his great kiiuliiess to and consideration

for Ills numerous tenantry, towards whom in uU times of distress and

trial lie has never failed to act with the moat praiseworthy liberality.
During the scarcity o f 1866, he not only carried out eveiy posatblo
measure for the relief o f the ryots on his estates in the Midnapur
District, but also allowed them, what was still more eflicacious in
preventing the sequelm o f such visitations, a remission o f their rents
to the large amount o f Es. 40,000,

For this act of splendid liberality

and public spirit, the thanks o f the Qovernmeiit were conveyed to him
through the local authorities o f tho District,
instance.

N or was it a solitary

When the Native Hospital in Calcutta was removed from

Chandney Choke to Pathuriaghata on tho Strand Road, he most

willin^ly and munificently made over in free and absolute gift to the
Trustees o f the Hospital his entire interest in the very valuable land
wliich now forms the site o f the new aud beautiful Hospital iJitildiug.
During tlie ceremony o f laying the foundation-stone of the M ayo
Native Hospital,

which came o ff on the 3rd February

1873, Sir

Richard Couch, late Chief Justice o f Bengal, who presided on the

occasion, referred in appropriate terms to this spontaneous demonstra
tion o f the Maharajas strong sympathy for the sufferings o f his sick
and destitute

countrymen.

W hatever interest, he said, Raja

Jatindra Mohan Tagore had in the land (w hich forms the site o f the
H osp ital), he willingly gave up in favor o f the Hospital, ou hearing it
was required for that purpose.
T he Maharaja has also been always prompt in contributing princely
donations towards charitable institutions and public funds, and has ever
been ready to help with bis powerful Influence and liberal support in
every movement, directed to the advancement of any public cause or
interest.

For tho encoaragement o f

education

among his young

countrymen, he has lodged with the Government the handsome amoant

o f Rs. 12,000 for the foundation o f two scholarships o f Rs, 20 each per
mensem, the one in the name o f hia much eatcemed father, Babu
Hara Kumar Tagore to be awarded to the most succesaful atudent in

Saaakrit, and the other in the name o f his well-known uncle, the

the Indian Chiefs, Rajas, Zamindars, <fe.

177

late IToii ble Praaanna Knmar Tagore, c. s. i., to the moat successful
student in law.
The Maharaja is so great a friend o f Sanskrit learning that he
has also endowed a

scholarship o f

Prasanna Kumar Tftvore

Rs- 8 per mensem, called

the

Scholarship," and set apart funds for the

provision o f a beautiful K eyu r or gold armlet, called the Hara K um ar

Tagore s K e y u r f to be annually presented to two o f the most meritorious
students from among the leading Toles or Sanskrit Schools o f Bengal.
TheM ahaiaja received his present title at the Imperial Assemblage
at Delhi on the 1st January, 1877, and at the Darbar held at Belvedere
on the 14th August 1877, Sir Ashley E den, the Lieutenant Governor o f
Bengal, addressed him thus :
I have much pleasure in giving you the Sannad o f yonr title of Maharaja,
which has been bestowed upon you as a rep resen tati re of a fam ily which has for
generations numbered in its ranks men who are distinguished

fo r

ability, public

spirit, and devotion to the public

S e r v ic e .

Y ou r fam ily has always been

and consulted by Government.

You have always shewn an enlightened and

tru sted

liberal desire to promote objects of interest to the people, and have done most
useful service as a member o f tho Connell o f the Lieutenant-Governor and of
the Governor General.

lb should be mentioned here that at this Darbar, the Maharaja

Jatindra Mohan Tagore, c , s. i., was placed in the first seat, in pre
cedence even o f Maharaja Narendra Krishna, who was presented with
the sannad and o f khiht o f Maharaja on the same occasion.
In the Same year the Maharaja was appointed a Member o f the
Governor-Generals Legislative C o u n cil; and the great ability and
zeal, with which he discharged his duties, led to his re-appointment in
1879 for a second time, an honor which up to this time has never
been extended to any Bengali nobleman or gentleman.

O f the value

o f bia services in the Supreme Legislative Council, it will suffice to

quote the recorded opinions o f Sir A rth ur Hobhouse, the ablest L egal
Member o f that Council, perhaps, since the days o f Lord Macaulay,
In the course o f the debate on tbe Civil Procednre B ill, Sir A rthur
Hobhouse said as follows :
Whatever can be said on that subject w ill be said by my friend Maharaja
2S

178

The Modern History o f

Jatindra Mohan Tagore; for in Committee he has supported the views of the
objectors with great ability aod acuteness, and I must add with equal good
fe e lin g

and moderation, {vide abstract of the Proceedings o f

the Govcrnor-

GeneraPs Legislative Council dated 28th March 1877.)

Again Sir Arthur said :

I f the clause stood as in Bill No. IV ,, I eonfess I should not be able to main
tain my ground against such an argument as we have heard from my Honn>le
friend, Maharaja Jatindra Mohan Tagore.

I have shown that convict ion in the

moat practical way by succumbing to his arguments in Committee, and voting

with him on hia proposal to alter Bill No; IV . ( Vide Abstract of the Proceedings
for 1877, page 391.)

Much misapprehension prevails as to the part the Maharaja took

in the passing o f the Vernacular Press A ct.

So far from condemning

the whole Vernacular Press, he openly declared himself an advocate

o f ita liberty, upon which he objected to the imposition of any res
trictions.

W h ile expressing hia regret at the reprehensible tone o f

some low class Vernacular Papers, he rightly attributed the writings

in them to a folly and species o f braggadocio rather than anything
else" a remaik which is considered by no less an authority than Sir
Erskine Perry as a most just piece o f criticism." ( Pide copy o f opinions
and reasons entered in. the minutes of Proceedings of the Council o f
Pndia relating to the Vernacular Press A ct, 1878, presented to both
Houses o f Parliament, page 3 .)

A ccording to an almost general con

sensus o f opinion, the provisions o f the Penal Code were considered

sufficient for putting a check upon any abuse o f the liberty of the
Press.

But in

deference to the strongly-expressed wishes o f

the

Government and in consideration o f tho Afghan difficulty, he deemed

it his duty as a loyal subject not to oppose the proposed action o f
Government.

Such is the view wliicb the present Prime M inister o f

England, the Right H on ble Mr. W , E. Gladstone, took o f his conduct

on the occa.sion.

On the 23rd July 1878, Mr. Gladstone said, the only

native who sat in the Council expressly and carefully reserved his
judgment, and again, "t h is is the opinion o f the only native member
o f the Council, given in support o f the Bill, but not o f the matter o f
the Bill,

page 57)-

(V id e Hansards Parliamentary Debates, Vol.

242, Part

I,,

the Indian Chiefs, Rajas, Zamindars,

179

Iu 1879, the Maharaja was elected President o f the Bi itisU Indian

Association ; and on the 28th July o f the same year, be was invested
with the Insignia o f tho Most Exalted Order o f the Star of India, by
command o f Her Most

Gracious Majesty, the QueenEmpreiia o f

India receiving Lord Lyttons congratulations both hy telegram and

letter on the occasion.
But it is not the least service he has rendered to hia countryinen
that, it was through his intervention, that the Durga Puja Holidays
have not been reduced from 12 to 4 days, as has been persistently
sought by the Bengal Chamber o f Commerce.

The Theosophist of

Bombay in the uuiuber for August 1880, says as follows :

Maharaja Jatindra Mohan Tagore ia a member of the Legislative C o u n cil;
and one o f the native nobility most honored and most highly esteemed by the
European community.

Like hia uncle, he too has been decorated by Her Majesty

with the Companionship o f the Star o f India, and to him the Native com m unity
are indebted for the preservation to them of the Durga Puja Holidays.

It is impossible to describe the amount o f disappointment and

discontent;, which would have been created among the Native com m u
nity o f Bengal, if the concession as regards these Holidays bad not
been secured through the Maharajas indueuce with L ord L yiton , fruiq
whom some important facts in regard to them had probably been
wilfully concealed,

The Holidays are not confined to the Natives

a lon e; but people o f ali races aud creeds have for years taken advan
tage of this only long annual vacation to recruit their health by trips
o f pleasure by rail or river.

These Holidays offer the only occasion

during a year in which the Natives employed in Calcutta, wliether 19

the Government or in private service, can meet their friends and rela
tions, look after their private affairs and enjoy the only pleasurable
relaxation within their reach.

For this one service alone, the Maharaja

will be held in grateful remembrance by Hindus, so long as they enjoy

their long-standing Holidays.
His Excellency Lord Lytton entertained the most friendly feelings
for the Maharaja, whose services in the Legislative Council o f India,
His Lordship considered no less honorable to the Maharaja than loyal
to the Government imlependeut without being obstvuctive, always cons

180

The Modern History o f

cientious, but never inconsistent.

In all the relations between them,

Lord Lyttmi warmly admitted that the Maharaja had always eeeiired
his sympathy

and

esteem ;

and His Lordship

felt assured that the

Maharajas advice aud aid would be given to futnre Viceroys in the

same considerate and conciliatory spirit which had characterised his
official intercourse with I^orJ Lytton.
his

frequent correspondence the

I t may be mentioned that in

Ex-Viceroy

always addressed the

Maharaja as H is Highness.
Although no Native nobleman or gentleman has ever been allowed
the privilege o f keeping up a guard o f more than only five or six
armed sepoys at his gate, the

Hon'ble Maharaja Jatindra Mohan

Tagore, c. s. i,, has, under the special orders o f the Government, been
authorized to maintain a guard, more on a footing of equality with
some o f the Feudatory Chiefs o f Indio.
The H on ble Maharaja Jatindra Mohan Tagore, c .s.i., is strictly
orthodox in his religion, and devotes much o f his time to the observance
o f his religious obligations.

Dignified and yet affable in his bearing,

un-assuming and yet simple in his manners, he is popular with all

classes with whom he comes into contact either in social intercourse
or iu business.

H is private character is pure from auy blemish, how

ever fa in t ; and he is a rare specimen of how a Hindu o f the highest

rank and unbounded wealth can retain his orthodoxy among all the temp
tations which English education and English Society can offer.

A m on g

the most touching traits o f his simple character are his affectionate
leverance for his aged mother and his more than fraternal affection, fully
reciprocated, for hia younger brother, the subject o f the next sketch.
T be Maharaja, being w ithout male issue o f his own body, his
nephews are the presumptive heirs o f his vast estates, and, we hope, o f
also his eminent qualities.

H o is the Governor o f the M ayo Native

Hospital, Trustee o f the Indian Museum, Fellow o f

the Calcutta

Unversity, President o f the British Indian Association, Justice o f the

Peace for the Town o f Calcutta, &c., &c.
But if the elder o f the two distinguished brothers has been con
tent with a conspicuous position on the political stage of Indio, the
yoaoger has made the whole world a stage for his peculiar talents.

the htdian Chiefs, Rajas, Zambidars, (Jv.

Raja iSourindra Mohan Tagore,

181

c. i . e . , &c.,Ac.,tlie younger

sou of Hura Kumar Tagore, was born in 1810.

A t the niutli year o f his

age he was placed in the Hindu College, but, after studying there for
nine years, be was obliged to leave under Medical advice on account
o f disease o f the bead.

From an early age he shewed a predilection

for writing; and the diligence, with which he cultivated it, made 1dm
in after-life one of the most prolific writers of his age. W hen fourteen
years old, he wrote a small book, called
Britanta, which he published iu 1857.
Sanskrit

XShugala-o-Itihasa Ghatita

But he had previously studied

Grammar and Literature sjstem.'itically at home; and he

composed aud published an original Bengali drama, named JMuktabali, when he was only fifteen years old.

His early fondness for birds

and beasts, of which at one time he kept a good collection, gave him a
practical knowledge of Natural H istory, to such a degree that be could
name the different species o f a particular genus of birds (pigeons, for
instance) simply by bearing their notes.
It was on the sixteenth year o f bis age that he commenced the
study o f that beautiful art, which will immortalise his name among the
people, among whom be has created a taste for the music of the ancient
Hindus.

It is singular that

his natural taste was developed by

lessons he received from an Amla o f

the Kdtchdri o f his family.

Subsequently lie took lessons in the higher branches of the A r t from

Ostdd Latchmi Prasad Misser, the celebrated Binkar, and from the
much-revei-ed Professor Khebtra Mohan Goawami.

A bout this time

he translated iuto Bengali the famous Mdlabikagnimiira Ndtaka of

Kalidasa.
A German Professor first taught him English music ou the Piano
and what he theu learned he has siuce improved by his intercourse with
several adepts o f the A rt, who from time to time have come from the
W est.

But as hie love for music was n ot a fancy, but a passion, he sought

to learn it scientifically and systematically and, to this end, he collected

all available books on this A H in the English, Sanskrit and Bengali
languages, at a considerable outlay in fancy prices from England,
Benares, Kashmir, Nepaul and other distant places.

From these books

he worked out the text o f his well-known SangihSur (o f Prtfesbor

182

Tke Jifodern History o f

Khettra Mohan Goswami).

It was then he conceived the idea o f apread-

ing amongst his country men a taste and knowledge o f genuine Hindu
Music, which was fast dying out in the land or confined within tlic
very narrowest limits.

W ith the amplest resources in money and

material to carry out this end, he opened, on the 3rd A ugust 1871, the
Bengal Music School at Chitpore Road in Calcutta, where Hindu Music
is being taugbt by competent men to all on payment of a nominal fee.
The school has made creditable progress and has Je?ervedly won the
admiration o f the many European and Native gentlemen, who have
witnessed the success it has already aciiieved.

This School and the

Branch o f it, known as the Kalutola Branch Bengal Music School

which was established a year after the parent Institution, are conducted
b j Raja Sourindra Mohan Tagore, c . i . e ., and maintained solely at bis
expence.

B ut not content with what he has already done for the pro

motion o f Hindu Music among his countrymen, he rewards the students

annually with suitable prizes, he supplies competent Music Masters as
well as useful Musical publications, to Government and Private Schools
free o f charge; and liberally encourages and helps both artistes and
people who write and publish works on Hindu Music.
In 1875, Raja Sourindra Mohan Tagore received from the ITniversity o f Philadelphia the Degree o f Doctor o f Music, which was
subsequently confirmed by the Government o f Bengal,

Nor is it to be

forgotten tliat he has considerably improved the old Native Orche.stra

and reduced it to a system, for wliich he has adapted several pieces of
hia own composition.

The credit is due to lum that he has added to

the stock of social amusements by introducing, for the first time on the
Native stage, the Tahhhaux Vivants and Charades, &c.

H is labors in

the field of Music and hia attempts at regenerating that long-lost science
o f the Hindus have met with due recognition from all parts o f the
civilized world.

Tlie following is the list of orders, titles, distinctions,

decorations, medals, photographs, acknowledgments o f books,

I n d i a . Companion of the Order o f the Indian Em pire ; Sanad of the
Title o f Baja, with the Khilat consisting of one Seirpaick (ornament for the
turban), one Sword and one gold Watch ; Certificate of Honor from theJGovemmcnt, as Founder of the Bengal Musical

School ; present o f works by

the

ihe Indian Chiefs, Rajas, Zamindars, Sjc.

183

Ifite Vioeroy (Lord Lytton), with His E sceltency s Autograph, on three occasions ;
Fellow o f the University of Calcutta ; Honorary Mngiatrate and Magistrate of
Police in the Town of Calcntta ; Justice of the Peace for the Town o f Calcntta ;
Degrees of Sangita SilpaBidydsdgara and Bhdratiya-Sangitd-Ndyaka from Nepaul ; a highly com pli

the gold Decoration of the Gurkha Star of Nepaul;

mentary Autograph letterfrom the late Viceroy (L ord Lytton) ; acknowledgments

of books, Ac., from the Asiatic Societies, Bengal and Bombay ; Benefactor of the
Lahore Central Museum.
A m e r i c a . Degree o f Doctor of Music, (April 1875), the first foreign degree
received, which has since been confirmed by the Government of Bengal, and sub
sequently by the Government of India ; acknowledgment from the President of
the Republic o f Mexico ; a highly complimentary Autograph letter o f acknow
ledgment from His Excellency R. B. Hayes, President of the Republic of United
S ta tes; acknowledgment o f

books from His Imperial M ajesty the Emperor

o f Brazil,
E n g l a n d . Acknowledgment of books from Her Most Gracious Majesty tbe
Queen, through the Secretary of State ; Member of the Royal Asiatic Society,
and

Fellow

the

Prince o f

of

the

R oyal

Society

of

Wales, Prince Leopold,

Literature;

acknowledgments

from

and from the University Library ot

Cam bridge; Honorary Patron of the Society of Science, Letters, and Art, o f
London.
F r a n c e . Officer o f tho Academy, Paris ; Silver Docoration o f the Laurel
Leaves; Ofldcier de P Instruction Publiqne, France, with the golden decoration
of the Palm Leaves ; Honorary Member of the First Class of the A cadem ic
M ontreal; acknowledgments from

M, Waddington, the Minister

of Public

Instruction and from the late M. Garcia de Tasgy, with a compUtneatary letter
and his photograph.

Honorary

filemher

of the

Acaddmia

D' Aerostation

M6t6orologique, Paris.
P o r t u g a l . Chevalier o f the Royal Portuguese Military Order o f C h rist;
acknowledgment from the Lisbon National Library.
S p a i n . Acknowledgment from Hia Majesty the K ing,
S a r d i n i a . Patron o f the Athenaeum of the R oyal University of Saasari ;
acknowledgment from the Royal University of Cagliari,
S i c i l y . Socio Onorario o f the Royal Academy, Palermo ; Socio Protettore
Circolo Vittorio Emanuele Filantropico Lctterario sede in Catania, (w ith a gold
M e d ^ ) ; Socio Protettore Circolo Letterario Artistico M osicale Bellini, Catania,
(w ith a gold Medfd).

I t a ly . A large-sized photograph from His Majesty the late King, V ictor

Emanuel, bearing the Royal A u tograph ; a Medal from the late Pope, Pius I X ;

184

The Modern History o f

magnificent Mosaic Table from Uis Majesty the K ing Hninbert;

a Basilica o f

JSt, Peters, Eome, in Mosaic, from Hia Holiness the Pope Leo X I I I ; Soeia
Onorario o f the R oyal Academy of St. Cicilia,

Rome ; Socio Ooorario of the

Societa Didaacalica Italiaoa ; Academ ico Corrispondente of the Royal Musical

lostitutc, Florence ; Socio Co*operatcar o f the Academy of Pittagorica, Naples,
(with a silver M edal) ; Socio Corriapondente of the R oyal Academ y o f RafEaello,
Urbiuo, (w ith a M edal) ;

Socio

Oaorario of the Philharmonic Academ y o f

B olo g n a ; Bencmerito o f the R oyal University o f P arm a; an elaborate Review

of works, by Professor G. B, V e cch io tti; Ordinary 'Member o f the Oriental
Academ y, Florence ;

Corresponding Member of tho Royal Academy, Turin ;

Title o f Dottore di Mnsica e de lettere and Presidente Onorario from the

Academia Pittagorica O w e ro Sculo Italica, fwiih a gold Medal) ; Socio Onorario
Biblioteca Popolari Circolanti Viucenso Monti Di Alfonsine, fw ith a g o ld Medal) ;
Presidente d tlnore Ufficiale Delegate Istitato Um berto Frfmo, Leghorn, with a
gold C ro ss): S ocio Onorario Atenso Alessandro M anzooi Istituto, Fermo ; Socio
Onorario Benemerito Circolo A ccadem ico la Flora Italica, Naples ; Socio de
Onore Aasociftzlone Giovanile

Salernitana, Salern o;

Socio fondatore Ateaso

Giovaa Batista A lleotti in Argenta, N a p les; Socio Onorario O ircolo Edacativo

V ittorio Emannele in Vicenza, (w ith a gold Medal).

Jfon oraij M em ber of

the

Accadem ia Letteraria Lazzaro Pa pi di Lucca ; Honorary Member o f the Societa

Operaria di L n ccaj G old medal from Reale Societa Didascalica Italiana, Roma.
S w i t z e r l a n d . Corresponding Mem ber of the Geneva Institute ; ackn ow
ledgm ent from the A cadem y o f Bern ; Honorary President o f Lunion Valddtaine,
Geneve.
A n f . r j ^ Commander of the Most Exalted Order of
acknowledgm ent from

Charles

Louis,

Francis Joseph ;

Archduke o f A u stria ;

Corresponding

Mem ber o f the Oriental Museum, Vienna.

H u n g 'a r y . A ckn ow ledgm ent from the A cadem y o f Sciences,
S a x o n y . ^ K n ig h t Com mauder o f tho 1st class o f the O rder o f Albert ;
acknowledgm ent from the U niversity Library of Leipzig.

Oermany. A large

photograph from His Majesty the Em peror, bearing

the Im perial Autograph, through Connt Mnnster, the Imperial Ambassador at

London ; acknow ledgm ents from the Imperial University and National Library,
Strasburg, and from the R oya l Library at Berlin ; an elaborate review o f works,
a com plim entary letter and a photograph from Professor Dr. Weber.
'Rfllgnn m . K night Commander of the Order o f L eop old ; Associate Member
of the Royal Academ y of Science, Letters, and Fine Arts, Brussels, w ith com pli
mentary letters from M . Gcvaert, the President o f the Academ y, and from
P, D e Decker, late M inister pf State,

the Indian Chiefs, Rajas, Zainindars,

185

H o l l a n d . A large photograph bearing the Koyal Autograph, and a Medal,

from H is Majesty the King ; Foreign Mem ber of the E oyal Philological and
Ethnographical Institution of NetherlamlB India at the Hague ;

Correspond

ing Member of the Society o f Amsterdam ; acknowledgments from the University

of

Utrecht and from the Society of Sciences, Haarlem.

Present from the

Netherlands Government, through the Minister of the Colonies, of a publication

of the drawings aud o f a descriptive text o f the ruins, called Bor6 Bondoui in

1. Cavftliere D Onore o f Areopago Dei Decorati Di Tutte Le Nazione Liyorao.

2. K night o f H onor o f the Order Caballeros Hospitalaros of Spain,
8 . First Class o f the Celestial Imperial Order o f the Precious Star o f China ;
also a present of Enam el led Vases,

4. K night o f Honor o f Her Highness Mary o f

Lusignan Princess K oyal of

Cyprus, o f Jerusalem, aud o f Armenia,

6 . K night of H onor of Saviours of the Maritime Alps.
6 . High Protector o f the O rder of tbe Humanitarian Academy of the White
Cross, Leghorn.
7. High Protector Grand Official Delegate (w ith Cross of H onor) of the insti
tute Humbert L, Leghorn.
8 . Cavalier o f Honor of the A cadem ic Order of Buenos Ayres (South America),
9. Honoraiy President o f the Propaganada di Scienza Popolare, Napoli ; with
a Gold Medal.
10. Imperial High Order o f the Lion and Sun from His Imperial Majesty the
Shah o f Persia.
1 1 . Fellow o f the Trinity College, London.
12. The Title of Nawab from His Imperial Majesty the Sbahen Shah of Persia.

ieiigineu6 iiuju me i/eparim eut

01 Daw,

neience, auu

Diterainre m

xuaio

D iagaku.
Franc Chevalier of the Order of the Knights of the Roly Saviour, Mont-real,
Jci'usalcm, Bhodeg aud Malta ; and several other distinctioos,
24

186

Tht Alodern History o f

The

Theosophist

o f Bombay

for

August

1S80,

very justly

observes :
Baja Sourindra Mohan Tagore is one of the moat decorated men liviug.
The riaja Sciuritnlra has, ncvertbcless, many medals to got before he can hope
to rival Prince Bisniark whose manly breast, it is estimated would have to bo
tw eoty-onc feet wide to enable him to wear hia various decorations anti orders
o f knighthood aud uobility.

They number 482.

Raja Sourindra Mohan Tagore was invested with the Insignia of

the Order o f the Indian Empire on the 1st January 1 8 8 0 ; and, on the
SrJ o f the following month, he was invested with the title of Raja.

On

each o f tliese occasions, he received telegiams and letters, conveying

L ord Lytton's personal congratulations; and he was presented with the
usual Khilat (consisting o f Seirpaich ornament for the turban one
fiword and one gold watch) and with the usual Sannad at a Darbar, held
at Belvedere, on the 31st March, 1880. Sir Ashley Eden addressed him
in the following terms;
*' It is gratifying to me that the researches and accomplishments which have
made your name well-known in England aud Europe, as well as in your own country,
have been recognised by the Governor General in Conncil. You belong to a family
o f well-known and approved loyalty, aud I have much pleasure in presenting you
with the Sannad, conferring on you the title of Baja as a personal distmction.
G O V E R N M E N T OP IN D IA .

Sannad,
To
SotTBiNDBA M o h a n T a o o r b , c . i . b .,

I hereby confer upon you the title of K aja as a personal distinction.

(Sd.)

LYTTO N .

F o r t W illia m

2 3 r i February, 1880,

The E ditor o f the Indian Mirror in his issue of the 1st April 1S80,
states, that at the Darbar held at Belvedere on the 31st March 1880,
* Raja Sourindra Moiiau Tagore, iu graceful ackn iwledgmeiit o f the
distinc tion he had rective-1, fell, according to tlie Hindu custom, at
th ^ feet o f his elder brother, the H onble Maharaj.i Jatiiulra Mohan
Titgorej c, s. I,, for whom bis respect is known to be unbounded,

Tha

the Indian Chiefs, Rajas, Zamindars,

187

bj-st-antiers were evidently atruuk at this manifestation o f fraternal

feeling on the part o f the Raja, to whom sincere congratulations from
friends (N ative and European) poured iu from all sides,"
Lord Lytton, when iu India, wrote several autograph letters to the
Raja expressing Hia Excellencys kind feelings and respect for him ;
but iu one letter H is Lordship conveyed his warmest thanks for a
charming present o f bor)k3," the works o f the Raja and his illus
trious ancestors; and observed that ho would always esteem them as
a proof o f the admirable literary

talent o f an Indian gentleman for

whom he had the highest respect.

Lord Lytton specially thanked him for the kind terms in which he
was addressed in the Rajas work, entitled Indian Musics Address to
Lord Lytton.
The Raja has obtained permission from the Government o f India
to accept the decorations o f the Foreign Orders of Knighthood, and is
the first Native gentleman who appeared at a Garden Party at Belvedere
for his investiture with the title

of

R aja and its accompanying

decorations.
In the Biographical Dictionary (with Portraits) o f three hundred
eminent men in the world, published by Professor A ngelo De Gubernatis
Secretary to the Oriental Academy o f Florence the name of the Raja
has, ag it should have been, included.

A ud in another work, entitled the

Pelfege Universal Dictionary, published by M. Emile Artand o f Paris,

his name Is also included among the fifty greatest living composers and
his co-operation in the promotion o f the Science o f Music is solicited.
A musical piece o f his composition, named Sarasaptasati, a gath, o f
seven hundred notes and unique in its kind, has been preserved with
the work o f other renowned masters o f the present age.
Rjija Souriiidra Mohan, at the request of A . W . Croft, Esq., m . a.
Director o f Public Instruction Bengal, supplied through him some most
interesting and novel subjects on music embracing three principal
aspects: Historic, Scientific, and Social for the
Science Congress for October, 1880.

Melbourne School

The learned Raja, we believe, must

have received by this time some suitable acknowledgments from the

Secretary to the Music, Science, Fine Arts and Literature section o f tha

188

The Modern History of

Melbourne Seliool Congress tbrough the Director of Public Instruction,

Bengal.
Several pamphlets have alao been published by
s a v a n U of Europe,

distingnished

and articles have appeared in the Journals o f tlio

most celebrated Academies and learned Societies, eulogising the noble

ancestry and public services o f Raja Sourindra Mohan Tagore.

But

not the least gratifying of these testimonies is contained in tlie follow

ing copy of an autograph letter o f H is M ajesty the present King of
the Belgians ;
To
T h e N o b l e B a j a S o o b i n i >r a M o h a n T a g o r e ,

Commander o f the R oyal Order o f Leopold,

Calcutta.
M t D e a r N o b l i S ir ,

I have received the handsome presents which you bad the goodness
to offer to me, and I beg you to accept niy warm thaoks.

This mark of attention

has been very agreeable to me, I shall preserve those objects in remembrance, not
on ly o f your uncle, w hom I saw during my voyage to India, but also as a proof of
the sentiments which you have been good enough to express, and to which I attich
much value.

In tendering to yon the repeated expression of my thanks, and

the sincere wishes for yourself and family, to w hom I hope God will always
grant prosperity and health, I beg you to believe in my perfect esteem and
consideration.
PALACE OF BaUSSELS,

(S d .)

LEOPOLD.

18tA December, 1879.

Nor have these distinctions been acquired by the R aja without

considerable labor.

The follow ing list o f works, composed and pub

lished by him up to the present time, will give some idea o f the varied
stores of knowledge in the mind which gave them birth.
B e n g a l i.

Bhngola-o-Itihdsa-G hatita Britdnta, (H istory and Geography).

Muhtdbali Ndtikd. (A Drama O riginal).
Mdlabikdgmmitra K d ta k a . (A Drama Translation),
Jdtiya'Sangita-Bishayaha Praetdca. (A Discourse on National M usic).
Y antra Kihettra Dip\kd,~~(^k Treatise on Setar).

the Indian Chiefs, Rajas, Zamindars,

1S9

Mridmiga M anJari.~(A Treatise on Mridan"a).

Harmonium Sutra. (A. Treatise on Harmonium).
Yantra KosKa. {A Treasury of Musical Instruments).
Victoria
(English History in Poetry, set to Hindu Music).
JiftdraCtt/a a iti-M d U . {Tn<Ma.n History in Poetry, set to Hindu Music).
B h dratiga Kdtga Rahasga. { k Treatise on the Hindu Drama, compiled from
Sanskrit authorities).
E n o l is h .

S in d u S r m o from, varimi* Authors. (A Collection).

Six P rincipal Ragas o f the Hindus. (W'ith Lithographic Illustrations).
Eight P rin cipal Rasas o f the /7 i<?(.(W ith Lithographic Illustrations).
Ten P rin cip al Avatdras o f the Hindus. (W ith Lithographic Illustrations).
The Binding o f the B raid .{A Translation of the Teni-SanhAra Nataka).
S in d u M u sic. (A Reprint from the Hindu PatrioP o f the discusaion held
on this subject with Mr. C. B. CUrke).
English Verses set to Hindu Music.
Short N otices o f Hindu M usical Instrum ents. (Alphabetically arranged).
E iftg Tunes.(A collection o f the author's Musical compositions).
Specimens o f Indian Songs. (W ith short descriptions, set to Music A collec
tion).
.^ a t d n a or the Indian Chnceri. (W ith a collection of airs for the native
Orchestra).

A fern L y rics o f Ow;en Meredith set to S in d u Mttsic.

Eight Tunes. (A collection oE the authors Musical compositions),
S a n s k r it .

Sangtta-Sdra-Sangraha,(A collection from various Sanskrit authorities).

M jnasa PiiJanam.( A collection of the Poems of Saukaracharyya, set to Hindu
Mnsic).
A'abi-rahasyam.(A Printed Edition of the work of Haldyudha, with notes by
the Editor).
S a n s k r i t m th English Trcmslatiom.

V itio ria 'O itik d . (English History, set to Hindu Music),

PriJice PaHchdshat.{V\ttj Stanzas in honor of
Hindu Music).
Rome K d rya .* (A brief history of

the Prince of Wales, set to

Rome from the earliest times to the ptcscnt

period, iu Sanskrit stanzas).

His M ajesty K ing H um bert has graciously granted permission to Raja
Sourindra Mohan Tagore, c . I. e ., &c., to dedicate to His Majesty a reprint of hia

The Modern History o f

190

H n iD i,

Oitdvali.(An elementary treatise on Vocal Miifiic).

S a n s k r i t Kith

Sindi, B eng iii and English Translatiaiis,

Ifanimald. (A Treatise on Gems, com piled from various sources ; in two

volutnes).

It ifl only such aa have seen or read Raja Sottrinrlra M ohan s most
interesting and valuable works will be able to realise the fact that his
knowledge is not confined to the Science o f M us'c alone.

W h eth er

in poetry, in history, in geograpliy or in the drama bis excellence is

equally conspicuous.

H is thorough mastery o f the Sanskrit language,

in which he has composed much of his own poetry has co-operated with
his high proficiency in Music, in setting off to advantage ttie beauties
o f his Sanskrit verses by blending with them the graces o f the sisterart.

Nor has be neglected even painting.

The beautiful illustrations

to bis three invaluable works, namely, the Six Principal Bdgas, Eight
Principal Basas, and the Ten Principal Avatdras o f ttie Hindus, go to
show that, thouiih the learned Raja has not himself cultivated painting,
he decidedly possesses a great love as well as a refined taste for that
exquisite art.

His knowledge and appreciation o f gems are equally

extensive and accurate, as bis work, entitled M anim dldy a rare

production altogether, will testify.
N or are the extent o f his abilities, energy and industry to be ganged
by his ceaseless literary occupations.

For, over .and above liis constant

engagement in tho numerous works, which, from time to litne, he h.ag

been producing on a great variety o f

sulijects, he exercises a close

supervision over the maiiagemont of the vast estates o f his brother and
himself, and looks minutely and earefulty into the accounts.

His

application to tlie dry details o f business which is not common to men

o f a literary turn, is another singular feature in liis character.
Raja Sourindra Mohan i.s blessed with two sons, viz., Kumar
Promodh Kumar Tagore and Kumar Pradyota Kumar Tag.ire the
Sanskrit work Rotne-KAvya. This reprint will be accom panied withnn Italian
ver^iion. The work Kome-Kavya baa also been wcit-revieweit in some of tiie
leading Journals of Rome sach as in the *'Opiniotie ' oi the 2 itb July 1880, The
Popolo Romano o f th 24th July 1860, A c., Ac,

ike Indian Chiefs, Rajas, Zamindars,

former o f whom is

intelligent and promising youth.

191

^ 'C .

On the occa

sion of the marriage of the eldest son, the Hon ble Maharaja Jatindra
Molian Tagore, c. s, i., gave a grand Ndlch or dancing party on the
28th Jjiimary 1880, to tlie e/ife o f the Native ccmmuiiity and illu
minated his iiouse, and ttie public road leading from Patburiaghata up
to the tenipurary residence o f the bride at Sitnla with electric ligiit,
and corresponding decorations at an enormous cost.
ceremony

took

place on

The marriage

the evening of the 31st January, 1&80.

The procession, which was exceptionally grand, was lieadcd hy the

Maharajas own Sepoys, besides 50 additional men, specially sanctioned
by Government, the whole body being handsomely arrayed In new
uiiiforins aud marching with drawn swords.

Besides the usual Native

Music, the town band and a reglnienla! band imparted additional

attraction to tbe show.

Tlie heads or representative members o f the

leading Native families o f Calcutta, and its suburbs and a large number
o f Native gentlemen testified tlieir great respect for tbe illustrious
brothers by joining the procession ou foot up to the temporary residence
o f the b] ide.
Alm ost immediately

after the

termination o f

the

marriage

ceremony, the H on hie Maharaja Jatindra Moiinn Tagoi e, c. s. i,, and

his brother Raja

SourinJra Mohan, C. l. E ., fed a large number o f

paupers with tlie aid of the local autborities, and sent the liberal sum o f
Rs. 8,000 to tbe District Charitable Society with an immense quantity
o f new clothes for free distribution to the poor people o f the city.
Rnja Souriiidra Mohan Tagore, c. i, e ., &c., &c,, received several
congratulatory letters from the crowned lieads and sacanis o f Europe
and diffureut parts o f the world ou account o f his sous imivriage.

We

reproduce below a few o f the letters fjom the crowned heads only for
fear that the dimeiisions o f this sketch m ight otherwise be unnecessarily
enlarged.
LONnoN, December 2\th, 1879.
GERMAN

em bassy.

B e a s Si r ,

I have great pleasure in acquainting you that Hia Majesty the

Emperor and K ing, my gracioos

Sovereign, has been

graciously

pleased te

1^2

The Modern History o f

authorize me to inform you that His Majesty has received with sympathy and
congratulation the notice o f the imminent celebratiou of

the wedding of your

eldest SOD, Kumar Promode Kumar Tagore.

In expressing to you my best wishes ou this occasion, I have the bouor to be
with the highest consideration,
D e a b Si r ,
Yours very truly,
(bd.J

MUNSXEE.

T h e E i g h t H on ' b l b t h e E a j a 8 o o b i ; ; d r a M o h a n T a g o r k ,

Calcutta,
TramlatioH,
We A lbert by God s Grace, King of Saxony, &c., Ac., &c., have, through the
representation of our minister, to-day been informed of the approaching marriage
o f the eldest son of Raja Souriudra Mohan Tagore, Kumar Promode Kiitnnr Tagore.
W e gladly take this opportunity of this joyful family-occurrence to send our
blessing, and to join with it our sincere congratulations fo r the young married
couple.
D r e s d e n , on the l5 fA December, 1879.

(Sd.)

ALBEECH T,

R a j a S o u r in d r a M o h a n T a g o b b , i c . & c.,

Calcutta.
To
H ia

E xcbllenct

Com m an d er

op

R a ja
tub

So u r in d r a
1 st

Mohan

C l a s ^ of t h e

T agobb,

Or d e r

of

K n ig h t

A l b e r t op

S axom t, Ac .

Calcutta,
M v L ord,

The undersigned acquits himself of the agreeable duty o f informing

you that his august master, the King of Saxony, has been good enough to send
you the annexed document which contains the benediction and the pious wishes
of His M ajesty for the happiness of your eldest son in the proposed marriage he
is about to contract,

I cannot hold back expressing to you at the same time,

my sincere felicitations o f this happy event, and I beg you, my Prince, to accept
the assurance o f the perfect consideration of.
Y our very devoted Servant,
(S d .)

J. F. VO N F A L K E N ST E IN .

The Minister of the Household of HU Majesly

the King of Saxony.

the Indian Chiefs, Rajas, Zamindars, (fr.

A

L btteb

feom

the

ih is t k b

of

the

H o h seh o ld

H is

of

193
M

ajesty

THE K i n q o f I t a l y .
R om e,

I l f A December, 1879.

E xcellescy,

I have had the honor to inform Hia Majesty the King of the
approaching marriage o f yonr eldest son.
His Majesty, who remembers the toltena o f sympathy and deference shown
b y yon on other occaaiona, received the intimation of the happy event with
pleasure, and has authorized me to return you
for the happiness of the young couple.

Hia thanks and Hia best wishes

In obeying the Commanrls o f the King,

I beg to add also m y felicitations

and the expression o f my regard for yourself.

(Sd.)

VISONE.

S e n o r Co m m ,
R a j a S o u r i n d r a M o k a n T a g o r e , A c . A c . A c ,,

Calcutta,
A letter fro m Cardinal A i to the Marckionese Serlupi.
R

I r f Deeemher, 1879.

oue,

As you are in direct com munication with the illustrious Raja Sourindra
Mohan Tagore, it will be easier foryoti to make known to him that his Holiness,
having heard o f the intended w edding of his son, prays the Alm ighty w ill
confer on the young couple every prosperity iu the marriage they are about to
contract.
1 embrace this new occasion to express my sentiments of

high regard for

your Ladyship,
(S d .)

L. CARD : NINA.
N

aean

H it y ,

The 26fA December, 1879.

Dbar Sir ,

Youra o f the !6th instant, apprising o f the intended marriage of your

eldest SOD in January next has duly com e to band,

I congr.atulate for this

happy occa.sion, I have laid the letter written to His Majesty the King on the
very subject.

His Majesty has been ranch pleased and wishes that the married

pair may pass their lives happily a od com fortably.

I have full belief that the

bride is of an amiable character and of high accomplishments.

1 sincerely pray

to the Creator Beiug to make them happiest in their whole existence.

Yours faithfully,
(S d .)

M A H A R A JA R A N A D IP SING B A H A D U R R ANA,

k.

c. s. r.

P rim e Sdinitter o f Nepal,

25

194

The Modern History o f

N

aran

it y

, N r p a l,

Tht in d Beeember, 1879.

D e a b Si b ,

I am in receipt o f your letter of 10th current inform ing me the

happy news of the wedding of your eldest son.

In reply I heartily congratulate

and pray to the Almighty God for the long life aud prosperity of the young
couple, they may live hundred and twenty years and pass their days tranquilly.
W ords can scarcely suffice to express how great has been the pleasure I have
derived from your letter now under reply, as you have strictly adhered to the
Sastras o f

Hinduism.

A t the same time, believe me, I cordially sympathise

with your delight at the prospect of an agreeable union of your son and wish
Binocrely that every happiness may be the result.
T o u rs fa ith fu lly ,

fSd.)

SIR D H IR SU M 3A1R JAN G B A H A D U R , K.c.Ai.,

Commander in -C h ief o f Nepal.

The following is a translation o f the Hnea in which the Aide-deCamp, Private Secretary to His Majesty, the K ing o f the Netherlands
has conveyed H is Majestys congratulations on the occasion o f the
marriage o f the Rajas son.
I am grateful to be honored with the K ing's commands to express Hia
Majesty s sense of your polite and kind attention.

His Majesty has been pleased

to direct me to offer you Hia Majestys sincere good wishes and congratulations
at this happy event.

U tb b ch t,

December, 1879.

To
H is E i c e l l e b c y R a j a S o u r i s d r a M o h a h T a o o r b ,
Ex c e l l b k c t ,

It is with a sense of deep obligatiou that I acknowledge the

receipt of your esteemed letters of the 6th November.

W c thoroughly enter into

your Excellencys paternal feelings on the occasiou of the wedding of an eldest

Mn, the hope of an illustrious and ancient race, and we offer our sincere congratuUtious at this happy event.

We avail ourselves of this opportunity to sond

the Indian Chiefs, Rajas, Zamhtdars, Sfc.

OUT felicitatioDB t o

thd bridegroom himself,

and

195

request your Excellency to

forward to him the enclosed letter.

I remain. Excellency,
Your m ost obedient and humble servant,
(Sd.)

T. F. B. BAERT,

Secretary to the Board o f Curators o f the

UaiverHiy o f Utrecht.

TJt r e c h t , 9A December, 1879,

To
H is E xcE LLE N cy K u m a b P b o m o d e K u m a r T a g o r e ,
E xcellency,

I have been favored by your most esteemed father His Excellency Eaja
Sourindra Mohan Tagore, Musical Doctor, with the information that your wedding
is going to be celebrated in the beginning of January.
The President and the members o f the Board of Curators charge me to offer
you their kind felicitations, to which I add my own.

W e all hope that Heaven

may bestow plenteous blessings upon your proposed matrimony, that your union
may prove to be a permanent source of domestic felicity for yourself and that a
numerous offspring may perpetuate the illustrious fam ily of the Tagores which, in
the remotest antiquity descending fromBhatta Narayan, has during many centuries
produced several men, equally celebrated by their learning as by their generosity
and devotion towards the public welfare.
May the example of your Noble father and your renowned ancestors stimulata
your Excellency and your future offspring to tread in their footsteps, in this
case the consideration aud esteem which the noble Raja enjoys not only in big
native country, but alao in Europe and America cannot fail to become also y o u t
share.

t remain, Excellency,
Your most obedient and humbie servant,
(Sd.)

T. F, B. BAEET,

Secretary to the B oard o f Curators o f the

U n iven ity of Utrechtt

The above letters distinctly shew tbat Raja Sourindra

Moban

has attained the highest pinnacle o f fame so far as fa m o can be gauged

b y the estimation o f the crowned heads o f E urope; and we are almost
sure that no Native Prince or nobleman can boast o f having received

HU)

The Modern History o f

sucli familiar and congratulatory notes from such a large nuinher o f

tlie moat illustrious men of the world on the most important eventa
in titeir lives, as poured in upon the itaja on the occasion o f his sons
marriage.
Before we conclude we should nob fail to mention that both
Maharaja Jatindra Mohan and B aja Sourindra Mohan are at the present
day the most well-known tnembers o f the Tagore family, and that they
are reckoned to be the most learned, most respectable and most eminent
Natives o f tliis country by almost all the leading men in the civilized
world.
It is impossible to exaggerate the service, Raja Sourindra Mohan
has rendered to his country and countrymen by dispelling tlie general
prejudice entertained in other parts o f the world regarding the raiisio
o f the ancient Hindus and by reviving a deep interest in it through his
valuable works in which its hidden beauties have been so effectively
disclosed.

The absurd idea has been completely exploded tliat the

Music o f India is not exclusively confined eitlier to the

beating o f

tom toms or to boatmen s songs.

I t Is only as it should be that for this patriotic service, the Raja
Sourindra Mohan Tagore has received more decorations and titles than
perhaps one or two men, now living in the woi'ld.

The honors he has

so ju stly earned are reflected both on his country and his countrymen.
The following Sanskrit sbtka from Bisliniiaarmas well-known H itapadesha may be appropriately applied to botli Maharaja Jatindra Mohan
Tagore Bahadur, c.s.i., and Raja Sourindra Mohan Tagore, c . i . b ,
RTfT 2 1 ^ I

The literal Bengali and English translations of the above are as

follows :

W hy should the mother o f that son, whom the chalk marks not
in the first enumeration o f the vir' oous liave complained, had siie been
ciiiidless,

the Indian Chiefs, Rajas, Zamindars, (Jr.

197

Hence, Maharaja Jatiudra Moban Tagore Bahadur, c.a.l. and Raja

Souriudra Moban Tag.ire, c .i . e ., through the great fame they have ac
quired in every part of the civilized world, have helped to glorify the old
age o f the liappy and revered mother, who bore them, as well as that
older motlier, their native laud, to whom they have proved both an
ornament and a pride.
Tliese two eminent Hindu noblemen are already very rich in
wealth and in honors, but we entertain a hope that they may be still
furtlier enriched in both, if their lives are prolonged to a ripe old age.
The old and

revered mother o f

both

the H on ble Maliariija

Jatindra Mohan Tagore Bahadur, c. S. i ., and Raja Sourindra M ohaa

Tagore, c.

I. e . ,

is the authoress of a few books, such as, Tdrdbati in

Bengali, Stabamala in Sanskrit (containing some hymns in praise o f

Hindu Gods ), &c.

These works she has composed for private circulation

among her kinswomen and female friends with a view to create and
stimulate among them a taste for reading and writing.

H er composition

is good and free from grammatical errors and the subjects she has
touched on are full o f moral instruction.

She has a great taste for gems

and contest and appraise them like the best jewellers o f our country.
Raja Sourindra Mohan, the author o f ManimAla, a Treatise on Gems,
was first initiated by her iu a knowledge o f the qualities o f the different
species of stones, *fcc.
It is not surprising that a strong tie o f more than brotherly feeling
should exist between the H ou ble Maharaja Jatiudra Mohan Tagore
Bahadur, c .s .i., and Raja Sourindra Mohan Tagore, c. i. e ., even in an
age when family feuds are so seriously disturbing the harmony o f Hindu
domestic life.

Upon the death o f their father, in 1858, Raja Souriudra

Mohan was taken charge o f by bis elder brother the H on ble Maharaja,
(to wiiom the Raja haa always yielded im|>licit obedience), and both the
brothers have since then been in peaceful and undivided enjoyment
o f the vast landed property, besides a considerable amount o f money
in Government Securities, precious jewels, *ko., which came to them by
right o f iidieritance. Am ong tlieir hereditary estate?, may be mentioned
Parganna H abili which is included in the jurisdiction o f Faridpur
Hakimpur, Basantapur, Kutubpur, besides other valuable properties in

1:98

The Modern History o f

Calcutta, (crunprtsin" tlie well-known Taltali Bazar), in Dihi Panchon*

nagr^m, in the 24-Pargannas, Cliatidernagnre and other places.
Through

the force o f his practical knowledge and intelligent

management, the H on ble Maharaja has been able to make considerable

additions to their join t patrimon}'.

The principal new acquisitions

are Lashkarpur (including Rdmpur), Garerhat (including Beaulea),

Talheria, Hatisati, K4gajpukur, Rok an pur (including Jangipur) and other
similar estates.

The Maharaja has lately bought o f Rai Latchmipafc

Sing Baliadur o f Ealucliar, for a price o f about Hupees fourteen lakhs,

the well-known estates designated as Paladasi, Syambati, Sadullipur,
Fatelipur, Sukseiia, aiid Muhammad Aminpur also popularly known as
Shiorapbiili.

The

whole o f the joint estates, as we have already

noticed before, are under the management o f

Tagore, c.

R aja Sonrindra M oliaa

i . E.

The H on'ble Maharaja Jatindra Monan Togore Bahadur, c.s.i.,hag

moreover been eiijoyiuiT for years and is still eujnying the
Pitiladalia, Ghor4rh4t, Utliai,

Lat

Man l:i,

profits o f

Basudevpur; and other

valinibie Zamind.nies, nnder the provisions of the will o f bis uncle the
late Hon ble Prasanna Kumar Tagore, c. s. i.
The following tables give a more accurate account o f the names o f
the Estates and of the Zillas in which they are situated, aa well as the
amount o f Government Revenue payable by each.

the Indian Chiefs, Rajas, Zamindars, <fc.

TABLE

199

A.

ESTATES BELONGING T O TH E BO N 'BEE M aH ARA.TA J A T IN D R A

M OHAN TAGOUE BAHADUK. c . s . i .. AND R A J a SO D RIN D U A
MOHAN TAG O RE, C. I. E.. Ac., A c .,

N am es o f t h e E states,

* Amount of Govt.
Zillas in which they Revenue payable by each
exclusive of the road
are siiuated.
and public works cesses.
Af.

j;*.

Fargaona H abili

,,

Hdkimpur ...
Bftsnntapur and
Kutubpur

Faridpor

35,092

D itto

7,164

33,816

210

Midnapur
24 Pargannas

S b ik b a rb iti...

Debattar propertiea ioclndlDg

Saatipur, Bonatikri and
Mulajore
...
...

Nuddea. Hughli,
and 24 Pargan
nas

22,177

PargaDQA Lashkarpur
Garerhit

Rajsliahye

43,103

Nuddea ...

9,702

Mursbidabad

85,169

Furnea ...

10,655

PaUdasi, Syambati,
and SiduU ipur ...

Rangpur, 'D in a jpur, and Bogra...

13,538

,,

Suksena or Jumuni ,,,

Nya Dumka

7,628

,,

Mubarnmad Am inpur
or Shiorspbuii ...

Hughli and Bardwau ...

40,136

2,78,210

and

T&lberia, HatisAla,
and Kagajpukur ...
Rokanpur
Fatehpur

...
...

T o t a l R s ...

Approxim ate Total Population of the Joint Estates ia 280,000 souls.

* Fractious o a Rupee have oot been taken into account.

The Modern History o f

2U0

TABLE
ESTATES

B ELON GiN G TO

TH E

B.

H ON BLE PRASAN N A

K U M AR

TAGORE, C. s. I.. NOW IN T H E POSSESSION OF T H E

H O N BLE M A H A R A JA J A T IN D R A MOHAN
TAGORE BAH ADUR, C. s. i.

Zillas in which they

arc situated.

N am es of tu b E states.

Amoniit of Govt.
Revenue payable by each
exclusive of the road
and public works cesses.

Rf.
Parganna FatilaJaha ...

As.

Rangpur

64,349

GhoiArhat, Ac., Ac.

...

Dioajpur

8,874

Uthai, L^t M andi

...

Bogra ...

598

,,

PisudevpuT...

Monghyr

4,468

,,

Dhaknria and other

estates.

24 Fargannas

1,125

To t a l

79,414

Approximate Total population is 300,UOO souls.

Fractions of a Rupee have not been taken into acconnt.

p.

the Indian Chiefs, Rajas, Zamindars, Spc,

The late

201

Honble Prasanna Kunxar Tagore, 0. S. I.,

the

youngest son o f Gopi Mohan, was born in 1803, and. was brought up iu
the rudiments o f English in Mr. bherbournes School.

He contributed

not a little to the name and influence o f the Tagore Family,

To him,

aud men like him, it is due that Bengal takes ita high position in India,
and that the Bengalis are justly styled the Athenians o f India.

Like

India Greece was a collection o f tribes, nations, and races, with varying
interests and mutual jealousies. Bengal has had the proud pre-eminence
o f taking the lead in the advancement o f modern India to a high
place in civilization, culture and refinement.

From Bengal the great

reformers have issued, Ram Mohan R oy, Devendra Nath Tagore, and
Keshav Chandra Sen.

In Bengal the agitation began to do away

with Sali, to promote the marriages o f widows, and to organize a

superior and extensive system of national education.

The Mahrattas

and the Sikhs were conspicuous, like the Dorians o f old, in warfare and
conquest, but the Bengalis, like the Athenians, were far superior iu
culture, progressive improvement, and social reform, as well os in
literature and the arts.
It is to men like Prasanna Kumar Tagore as we have said that
Bengal owes this proud pre-eminence.

H e was brought up strictly as

a Brahmin and a Hindu, with all the narrow prejudices instilled into
him peculiar to a people, exclusive and proud, shrinking from contact
with the rest of the world, holding itself aloof and separate.
requires a superior mind to be able to overcome such prejudices.
can do it.

It
Few

Not one in ten thousand can contemplate social arrange

ments and actions with that nnconceru, that

want o f bias, necessary

to enable us to form correct judgments, but easily felt when contem

plating arrangements and actions o f other kinds.

F or correct observation

and correct drawing o f inferences there needs that calmness ready to

recognize or infer one truth as well as another.

In contemplating the

Social or Religious Community in which we have been brought up

it is peculiarly hard to form ju st and unbiased opinions.

A il the

lingering sentiments of childhood, all the turning affections o f home

life are against it.
himself to be
26

Prasanna Kumar Tagore was uot a man to allow

p re ve n te d

from proclaiming the truth when he thought

202

The Modern History o f

lio had fonnd it.

He bad tliat moral courage which urges us to teach

others, to pull down falsehood, to erect truth in its place.

H is intercourse and friendship with Raja Ram M oban R oy led him
to examine attentively the convictions with which he had been brought up
as a rigid Hindu.

The result was the publication o f a pam])hlet called

An Appeal to bis Countrymen in which he strongly advocated the

worship o f one God, the Ruler and Creator of all things.
an iconoclast however.

H e was not

H e did not go about, like a raging fanatic, to

destroy all that opposed hia new convictions.

argument, reason, and enlightened advice.

H e was content with

The fam ily temple at

Mulajore remained, and for that temple he had hia mother s silver
cot turned into a seat, or chowki, that it might be for ever set apart
from profane uses.

H is reverence for his mother was his childish faith,

his boyish religion, aud that noble and holy faith he retained into
manhood and old age.
him.

She had slept on that cot.

It was sacred to

It should never be profaned, and therefore waa dedicated to the

service of the family temple, a service which she honored and revered.
N or was it only in matters o f religion, and devotion to family
affections, that Prasanna Kumar Tagore proved his noble independence,
his

honest pursuit o f truth, hia reverence for early affection and

departed worth.

H e did not allow class bias to warp his mind.

Thia

class bias is one o f the strongholds o f prejudice, injustice, and social

tyranny.

Associations o f ideas warp our judgments, affect onr princi

ples, influence our actions, not only without reason, but too often in
spite o f reason.

Such perversions of judgment are commonest with

regard to social pursuits, the prejudices of nationality, or the arbitrary

dictates o f society.
wrong or detestable.

Every thing that is new or strange is regarded as

Every departure from the beaten track is pro

phesied to be sure to end in a loss o f influence, of distinction, o f class

pov, er.
80 it was when Prasanna Kumar Tagore determined to become a
pleader in the Saddar Court.
before.

H e had diligently studied law for years

One o f his intimate and influential friends upbraided him for

this study as useless and derogatory. He had an estate, he was wealthy,

what did he want with law ?

The mind, said Prasanna Kumar, in

tke Indian Chiefs, Rajas, Zamindars, &c.

203

r e p ly ,'is like a good housewife, who is sure to utilize some time op

other, everytliing alie has in store.

Nor was it long until Prasanna

Kumar himself found the means o f utilizing his own acquisitions of

legal lore.

In his Imligo Plantations, and an Oil Mill he had esta

blished, he met with considerable losses, aggravated, as he supposed, by

the unskilful treatment o f his cases in the Courts.
to plead his own causes for the future.

So he determined

F or this purpose he enrolled

himself as a pleader, and hia success at the Saddar Court exceeded all
anticipations.

Mr. Bay ley was then the Government Pleader.

On his

retirement Prasanna Kumar was recommended for the Government

Pleadership by a majority o f the Judges, and Governmeut appointed
him to it in spite o f the opposition o f some o f the Judges and o f a
Member o f the Board of Revenue who were against the appointment
on the ground of his having been a large landholder in Bengal.

Even

bis warmest admirers never anticipated for him anything like the suc
cess that attended him at that time.

He not only put his estate right,

but largely added to it, from his emoluments as a pleader, which were,
on an average, a lac and a half per annum.
He was the first o f a number o f representatives from families o f
rank who joined the bar, and thus set the example o f carving out a
career for themselves to the educated o f Young Bengal,
Prejudices, such as Prasanna Kumar Tagore encountered and
overcame, arc very difficult to destroy.
and education.

They are a part o f our growth

W e are taught, in early life to hate some things, to

admire others, and it is a part o f the education o f our later years to

overcome these prejudices imbibed in infancy and youth. Some succeed
in doing so, others fail.

Prejudiced people will be amiable and bene

volent as long as they are allowed to have it all their own way, to ride
their own hobbies.

But, when you touch irreverently a liair o f the

tail of that hobby-horse, they turn upon you like tigers.

Every thing

contrary to their opinions is false, pernicious, prejudiced.

Every thing

in accordance with their opinions is truth.

N ow

such people never

attain to a knowledge o f themselves, the first step towards enlighten

ment and .the uprooting o f prejudice. W hen we find ourselves impatient
o f the opinions o f others on any particular subjects, we may certainly

201

The Modern History o f

cnnchide that wo are ourselves prejudiced on those subjects.

This was

a truth Prasanna Kumar learned from study and observation.

But

prejndices connected with home, race, country, and early life may
often be beneficial, argued some o f bis friends.

* Never was his answer

if truth be in itself good, and falsehood bad, then every man onght
to be open to conviction on all subjects, and all prepossessions which
oppose the reception o f truth must necessarily be pernicious,*
Prasanna Kumar was right.

And

Philosophy hag no nobler lesson to teach

us than this, that every thing in the mind that opposes itself to the
reflection o f truth, whatever be the subject discussed, is a prejudice.
As a Governor o f the Hindu College, our hero took an active and
beneficial part.

H e submitted a scheme of study and Hat of books for

Anglo-Bengali Schools and Colleges, which will be found amongst the

Educational Records of Bengal.

The Maharaja o f Bardwau, and the

brothers, Hara Kumar and Prasanna Kumar Tagore, were the only
persons who had any vested or permanent rights and privileges con
nected with the Hindu College.

In the time o f Lord Dalbousie Prasanna

Kumar gave a noble example o f disinterested patriotism by proposing

to his brother to surrender their rights to the Educational Department,
without which the reorganization o f the establiahraent could not be
carried out.

Lord Dalbousie penned a minute on the subject in which

be hoped that the public spirited conduct o f the founders o f the

College might be placed permanently on record b y a memorial in tho
College itself.

Tliis was subsequently done by the erection o f a marble

tablet in the Presidency College by the H ou ble Maharaja Jatindra

Mohan Tagore.

This tablet contains the foilowiug inscription:

Erected
To Commemorate

The liberality and public spirit of the donors

whose names are recorded below,
who mainly contributed to
the founding of the
Hindu College,
N ow represented by the
Hindu School
aud

ike htdian Chiefs, Rajas, Zamindars,

205

Presidency College,
H is Highness the Maharaja

Bardwart,

Babu Qopi Mohan Tagore,

Babu J oy Kissen Sing.
Baja G opi Mohan Uev.
Babu Ganga Narayan Das.

The Government o f Bengal or the Educational Department ought

to have erected that tablet, and not to have left it to be placed there
by the piety o f a grandson o f Gopi Mohau Tagore's.
Prasanna Kumar was not in favor o f the pvhlic education o f girls.
He took the greatest care that his daughter and granddaughter should
be thoroughly well-educated, but this he did privately and at home.
H e was o f opinion that the public education o f girls was in opposition
to the convictions, social feelings, and religious prejudices o f the Hindus,
These opinions he embodied in an able letter on the subject to the
Hon'ble Mr. Bethune.

He was evidently afraid that an attempt would be

made to force the public education o f girls upon the country, and from
such a measure he justly anticipated the gravest resoHs.
A t a later period o f his life, he edited a Bengali paper,, the
Vnuhadack, and an English paper, the

Reformer, and

in both he

advocated judicious measures o f improvement in the political, social,

legal, and religious administration o f the country.

Every measure o f

reform advocated by others, was brought by him to the touch-stone o f

reason and good sense.
W hen Regulation 3 o f 1828 ( A

Regulation for the appointment

o f Special Commissioners for the more speedy hearing and determina

tion o f Appeals, from the decisions o f the Revenue Authorities in
regard to lands or rents occupied or collected by individuals, without
payment o f the Revenue demandable by Government) was enacted,
Prasanna K om ar saw that it contained several clauses detrimental to
the interests o f the Lahhrajdars and transferred the trial o f resnmption
suits from the Civil Courts to special tribunals on the plea of speedy
adjudication.

He, with the aid o f Ram Mohan Roy, sent in a strong

protest to the Court o f Directors against this innovation, and the

Government o f India was called upon to explain the reasons for the

206

The Modern History o f

Regulation.

T o allay the apprehensions o f the Court the Govermiaenfc

Btated, among other reasons, that the opposition did not arise from
popular discontent but was the product o f the trio, Dwarka Nath
Tagore, Prasanna Kumar Tagore and Ram Mohan R oy.

Although

the objectionable law was not repealed, the protest made au impression
upon the Court of Directors that the Natives of Bengal were not
behind other nations in the discussion of political matters.
Prasanna Kumar was one o f the projectors of the meeting held at
the Jorasanka Brahma Samaj Premises in November 1332 fur the pur
pose o f voting an address o f thanks to the K in g o f England for the
dismissal by His Majesty in P rivy

Council o f the Appeal o f certain

Hindus against the abolition o f Sati.

In 1837 and 1838 Mr. Ross Mangles, then Secretary to the Board
o f Revenue, induced the Government to institute proceedings for the
resumption of Lakhraj Tenures in all the districts simultaneously and
appointed Special Commissioners and Special Deputy Collectors for the
trial of the suits.

Prasanna Kumar attacked these proceedings, aud

Mr. Mangles vindicated them, in the columns o f the Bengal Harkaru.

The parties ably sustained their respective positions.

Ttie public

however awarded the palm o f victory to Prasanna Kumar.

The resumption proceedings of Government created great dissatis
faction and discontent throughout Bengal by the illegal decisions o f
the Revenue authorities and also by the peculiar mode in which the
decrees were executed and the revenue collected from the Lakhrajdars
and Jotedars.

The Government Tahsildars are said to have snatched

noserings, earrings and other ornaments from the persons o f the females
to swell their legal and illegal exactions.

About the year 1839

Prasanna Kumar, with Dwarka Nath Tagore and some other friends,
convened the meeting still known and remembered as the Lakhrajdara'
Grand Meeting.
the call.

People from all parts o f the country responded to

The meeting waa held at the lower floor of the Town Hall

which was overcrowded and the public road from Chandpal Ghat to the
Gate o f the Government House was filled with people.
Kanta Dev waa unanimously voted

to the chair.

R aja Radha

Mr, Leith and

aeveral other members of the Calcutta Bar, who took a loading part in

ihe Indian Chiefs, Rajas, Zamindars, cf-c.

207

public discussions in those days, made splendid speeches in support

o f the movement,
tlemen, we

Dwarka Nath Tagore said at this m eeting: Gen

are accustomed to call

the rule o f the Muhammadans

barbarous, but Gentlemen, look at this spectacle what these barbarous

rulers gave from time to time for the encouragement o f learning and
religion are about to be taken away by a Christian Government which
prides itself as the most civilized nation o f the world.
loud cheers from all sides o f the Hall,

There were

Prasanna Kum ar spoke but

little on this occasion, but he was the soul o f this movement, and it
was chiefly owing to his exertions and skilful management that these
proceedings were brought to a anccessful termination. The Government
o f the day was not indifferent to these proceedings.

Lord Auckland

imagined that a great tumult would take place and the Government
House would most likely be besieged.

His Lordship therefore directed

the whole o f the Magistracy to be present at the

Town

H all, and

hundreds o f European .and Native Policemen were lined on both sides

o f the road to the Government House,

The Governor-General with

his Secretaries anxiously waited at the Government House for intelli

gence of what might occur at the meeting and information was carried
to His Excellency every half-hour.
The immediate result o f this monster meeting was the issue o f a
Circular by which all plots o f rent-free land lying in different villages
and measuring lees than 50 Bigas were abandoned.
Ue was not neglectful o f the amenities o f life in his desire for
National improvement.

Iu his garden at Surah he got up the first

amateur native Theatre in Bengal, and in this he was joined by many

o f those who had been formerly like himself students o f the Hindu
College.

Wilson s translation o f the Utter Ram Chorit and Shakes,

peare s Julius Cwsar were performed successfully in this Theatre before

crowded audiences of his English and Native friends.*

H is example in

this respect was followed by many o f tbe wealthier citizens o f Calcutta,

and from Bengal, the people o f Madras, as well as those in Bombay,
* The Enquirer of 30th December 1831 thus notices the opening of this
T h e a tre :
Tbe Native Theatre talked of before, opened on W ednesday evening, for tbe
first time, with the performance of the first A ct o f U t t k b R am CHOEir

208

The Modern History o f

the Panjab, and Scinde, have successfully cultivated the drama, and
rendered it a soiirce of National improvement, mingled with rational
pleasure and enlightenment.
His charities were equally extensive and judicious.

H e daily fed

at his own house upwards o f a hundred men and sehool-boys who were
too poor to

feed themselves.

H e distributed pensions and annual

gratuities, amongst a number o f deserving persons who had fallen into

poverty.
He provided medical advice for his servants, and dependents, and
ho himself paid for the medicines when he thought the sufferers were
unable to do so.

H e was one o f the active Governors o f the Native

Hospital (now M ayo Native H ospital) aud, but for his benevolent and
liberal support o f the Garanhata Branch Dispensary, it

would have

been abolished, lon g before the medical wants o f the quarter had been
provided for by the removal o f the Hospital.

Learned PandltB and

educated men were sure o f a hearing, aud assistance, if neces-<ary, when

they laid their cases before him.
Durga Puja

It is usual at the period of tlio

for wealtliy natives o f

gifts to learned Pandits and Priests.

Bengal, to

distribute annual

Prasanna Kumar Tagore was the

largest donor of such annual gifts, in hia time, in Calcutta.

H is devotion to literature and legal lore was proved by the splen
did library which he collected for his house in Calcutta, a library wbich
the Saddar, and H igh Court Judges were often glad to consult, and
which was always open to well-conducted students who were properly
introducedN o man was more careful o f the welfare o f bis Ryots.

H e was

greatly opposed to the P atni system, because he thought that, under that
system, the ryots were usually oppressed.

H e frequently visited his

ZaminJaries, and, when he did so, was always ready to see and con
verse with the poorest of his laborers.

H e established charitable

translated from the Sanskrit by Dr. W ilson, and the 5th Act o f JulUiS Cecsar.
The exhibition took place at the garden of Babu Prasanna Kumar Tagore.
The Rctora were all amateurs, and were for the most part brought up at the Hindu
College. The characters were remarkably weM sustained..................................... The
H ou ble Sir Kdwanl Kyan. Colonel Y oung, Major licafson. Mr. Hare, Mr. Melville
and several her ICuropeao gentleuieu of rajik and respcctabUity were present ou
the occasluu and eviueed particular interest in the scene.'

the Indian Chiefs, Rajas, Zamindars,

209

Dispensaries for their benefit, often assisted them with loans, and in
many cases remitted the rents wlien he thought ttiey pressed too
heavily upon the cultivators.

A lthough always disposed to turn the

loans into free gifts when he thought it was necessary, yet no man
would be more vigorous in exacting

their repayment, when he thought

that repayment was evaded by false statements, and idle promises.

Thus he became highly popular with the industrious and deserving,
whilst he made enemies o f the idle and the worthless.
On the occasion o f one o f his visits to his estates in Rangpur,
some o f hia principal tenants represented to him that he was now too
great a personage to use a wooden yia/H like ordinary men.

Prasanna

Kumar answered, with a smile, that he was only a poor Brahmin and
oould not afford a silver po/K .

They thereupon set a subscription on

foot, and, in six days, had collected money enough to make him a silver
paiki.

He heard o f it however, and insisted that the money should

be returned to the subscribers, explaining to them at the same time

that a silver palki would nob be so convenient for travelling about the
country, and that he was not disposed to use it.

I t was not without

some dilficulty that he got them to abandon their intention.

W ith a view to afford facilities for the internal commerce o f the
districts o f Dinajpur, R.angpur and Bogra in which he had estates
and thereby to benefit hia ryots, he spent upwards o f a lakh of Rupees for
the improvement o f the navigation o f that part o f the Knrratiya
river which lies within the district of Bogra,
A ct X I I o f 1856 was passed.

It was at his instance that

The Executive Eugiaeer, Calcutta and

Eastern Canals, who wag deputed to examine the works executed by

Prasanna Kumar, reported on, the 13th M ay 18G3 ' that the efforts o f
the Babu to render this river navigable at all seasons o f the year are
deserving o f great praise.

The perseverance which he has, in spite o f

faihire after failure, shewn in his desire to accomplish this object i#

highly creditable.

The sclieine however fell through owing to the

sandy nature o f the soil.

When the Legislative Council o f India was constituted under the
presidency of Lord Dalliousie, that noblemon offered Prasanna Kum ar
the office o f Clerk Assistant to the Council,
27

Our hero gladly obeyed

210

The Modern History o f

the summons o f the GoverDor General to assist the labonrs o f the

Council, by affording it the benefit o f his experience, derived from a
long conversancy with the laws o f the country and intimate acquaintance
with their general operation and especially their effect in forming the
character and promoting the happiness o f the Natives o f India.

The

Committee o f the Legislative Council, appointed to revise the various

plans and suggestions coutained in the Reports o f the Royal Commis
sioners in London on the subject o f giving uniform laws to the exten
sive dependencies o f the British Empire in India, concluded their remarks
with * acknowledging the great assistance which they had derived from
the extensive knowledge and experience o f the Clerk Assistant to the
Council, who acted as Clerk to them, and from his indefatigable exer
tions

in carrying out their views.

H e assisted Sir Barnes Peacock

aud his colleagues in the fiaal settlement o f the Penal Code and revised
the Vernacular translation o f the Code iu conjunction with a few
select Oriental scholars.

It is no little to the honor o f Prasanna

Kumar that he was the first native o f Bengal to whom a seat in the
V iceroys Legislative Council was offered.

Unfortunately

the honor

came too late in his career to be o f auy practical benefit to India.

He

was too ill to take any part in its proceedings when appointed a
member. Ho had had considerable experience in the Legislative Council
o f Bengal, and the Record o f its Proceedings bears abundant testimony
to the clearness of bis judgm ent, his logical force o f argument, aud
bis patriotism.
A s to bis legal works they are simply invaluable.

H e was always ready to give legal advice to those who required

it, Europeans as well as natives, aud this be did gratuitously.
memory was wonderful.

His

W hen asked for a precedent or a historical

fact be often referred the enquirer to particular pages of books.

H e travelled through the North-AYestern Provinces and visited
Kashmir, wlien Maharaja Golab

Sing was its ruler.

The Maharaja

wished to see Prasanna Kumar, and the latter was willing to go, but
on condition that he should give no Nazzar, and the Maharaja no
Khilat,

During the twenty-five days he remained in the kingdom.

the Indian Chiefs, Rajas, Zamindars,

211

Prasanna Kumar frequently saw the Maharaja, and gave him excellent
advice.

W hen he was departing, he said at his final interview

with

the sovereign, * Y our Highness has need o f nothing from me, and I have
nothing to give worth the acceptance o f Y our Highness,

But as a

telescope brings distant objects near, I have decided on presenting one

to your Highness, that it may bring me sometimes to your Highness
memory.

The Maharaja waa much pleased, both with the remarks

and the present they accompanied.

H is foundation of the Tagore Law Professorship in the Calcutta
University, by will, was one o f the most important acts o f Prasanna
Kumar, and one by which hia memory ia likely to be maintained fresh
in mens minds for ages.

The valuable lectures already given, in c o n

nection with this Professorship, and the accounts o f them published,

have a peculiar value.
this kind.

But his whole life was full o f good works o f

He snccessfully headed the movement against the appro

priation of the Strand Bank lands by Government, and against the

abolition o f the Boniiiig Ghat.

He was always active for the benefit

o f the city in the Municipal Corporation, and he was one o f the founders
o f the British Indian Association, succeeding Raja Sir Radha K anta
D eb, Bahadur, as its President.

He endowed a Sanskrit school in

connection with his father s religions endowment at M ulajore, and, in

that school Grammar, Rhetoric, Naya Philosophy, and Smriti are still
taught by different professors.*
During the mutiny he was one o f the foremost amongst the natives
o f Bengal in getting up a demonstration o f loyalty

to

British

rule.

This was in 1857, when the British Empire in In dia was assailed
* The follow ing arc some of his bequests :To the Calcutta University for founding the Tagore Law Professor
ship
................................................................................................Kg,
T o the District Charitable Society
..............................................................
To the Nsitive IJoapital ...
...
...
...
...
...
...
T o the Mulajore Sauskrit School for a buildiug
.............................
To the M ulajore Charitable Dispensary, &c.
.................................... .
To dependents
...........................................................................................
To Assistants employed in the Zamindari and other Departments
and to domestic servants
......................................................

8 ,oo.ooa
10,000
10,000
35.000
1,00,000
l o9,o0 0
1,06 000

T o t a l R b . . 6,70,ooo

212

The Modem History o f

fiercely by treachery within and violence from without.

During the

famines o f 1861 and 1866, he was one of the first to come forward with
liberal contributions in aid o f the sufferers, and by giving judicious advice
to prevent such visitations in the future.
One anecdote more about him and we have done.

W hen the

Maharaja o f Rewa was in Calcutta in 18G5 our bL-ro gave him a grand
reception at his private residence a reception befitting the rank o f the
Maharaja, and che importance o f the host as one o f the leading natives
o f the City o f Palaces.

Whilst seated

on the embroidered masnad

prepared for his reception, the Maharaja observed a sword o f state,

with a magnificently jew elled scabbard, lying by the side o f the
majsnad.
Maharaja.

' D o the Bengalis use swords still ? smilingly asked the

N o, was the prompt reply, no Maharaja, the Bengalis

have long exchanged the sword for the pen, and under our benign
English Government we no longer require the use o f the sword, but
that sword is preserved in our family as the insignia o f oar illustrious
ancestors, particularly o f HalJayudha, who, as your Highness is aware,
was the chief minister o f Lukshman Sen, the last king o f Bengal.
The anecdote shows the courtesy and ready wit that characterized
Prasanna Kumar.

H e was undoubtedly one o f the greatest men o f

Bengal, in these latter days, a man o f great powers o f mind, logical

force o f expression and commanding intellect.
the Companionship o f the Moat

On 80th April,

1866

Exalted Order o f the Star o f Jjidia

was conferred upon Prasanna Kumar as a mark o f Royal Favour

evincing the esteem in which

the services rendered by him to the

Indian Empire were held by Her M ajestys Government. *

Prasanna Kumar was one o f the few Hindus who tried to biing
about social intercourse between the Europeans and Natives.
day passed in which he did not iuvite some high
or distinguished foreigners to dine with him.

N ot a

Government officials

H is Royal Highness the

Duke de Brabant, (now Leopold II. K in g o f Belgium ), was his guest,

during his visit to Calcutta, Prasaima Kumar died on the SOtli A ugust
1868, deeply regretted by his frien ls and admirers.
* Vide th e aceount o f Prasamift Kujnar abridged from the Vrtcntul .Uiactl-

lany, No. X I X ., October 1880.

the Imiian Chiefs, Rajas, Zamindars,

His only son

Ganendra Mohan,

213

a convert to Christianity, w

the first Bengali B^ivrister, and generally resides in England.

(2 ) Hari

Mohan,

the fourth son o f Darpa Narayan, was a good

English scholar and was well-known for his religious practices.

had one son named Uina Nandan

He

(alias NanJa L^l) who was the

Upendra Mohan, the son of

is the living representative o f this family.
(3)~Piyari Mohan, the fifth son o f Darpa Narayan, died

Dewan o f the E xport Ware House.

Uma Nandan,
without issue.
( 4 ) Ladli

Mohan,

the sixth son o f Darpa Narayan, left tw o

sons, Haro Lai and Sham Lai.

the former.

Trailakhya Mohau,

is the son o f

Tho latter left no male issue.

(5 ) Mohini

Mohan,

the seveuth son o f Darpa Narayan, so use

fully employed the resources o f hia patrimony that, among other estates,
he acquired by purchase the zamindari o f

Parganna

Edilpur in the

District o f Backerganj, which was originally bid for in the name o f

himself and his brothers which, in consequence of their refusal to join
in the bargain, became eventually his sole property.

This purchase

involved much litigation, which, however, terminated in his ultimate

possession o f the property which he did

not long enjoy,

M ohini

Mohan, unfortunately died at the premature age o f about thirty years

entrusting the care o f Ids tw o sons,

Gopal Lai,

Kanai Lai,

ten years old, and

four years old, and the m anagom entof his extensive estates,

perlectly unincumbered, to hia uterine brother, Ladli Molian, who more

than justified the sacred trust reposed in him, by such careful adminis
tration o f it that, on Kanai Lais attaining his full age, he received the
estates with greatly increased rentals, besides a Urge sum wliich had been
saved duiiug his minority.
The unthrifty habits o f Kanai Lai threw the estate into difficul
ties ; and a partition o f the join t patrimony o f the two brothers
became necessary.

It waa on this occasion that Gopal Lai, the father

o f Babu Kali Kissen Tagore, gave a proof o f brotherly love, such as in

these degenerate days, would be generally characterised as romantic.
Before assuming possession o f his own share o f the iuheritaiice,

he

iuriatcd on becoming personally responsible for a proportionate amount

214

TJie Modem History o f

o f his brother s debts, which he punctually and faithfully discharged.

But, a nature so full of affection, could not be content with giving
vent to its over-flowing sympatliies witliin the narrow limits of kinship
alone.

His whole life was passed in constant acts o f charity and bene

volence to all, who sought his assistance and advice in the hour of
tlieir trouble.

Babu Kali K i s s e n ,
the year 1841.

his son, is believed to have been born about

H is education at the Hindu College, the Harrow of

onr local aristocracy and gentry, was abruptly broken off on the admis
sion o f a Muhammadan Dancing G irls son on the rolls o f the institution ;
and after a short stay at the Oriental Seminary, he was removed to
the Dove ton College.

His bad healtli, however, led to his withdrawal

from that institution also ; and his subsequent studies were passed under
the direction of the ablest European Tutors at home. ' W hile his
health allowed him, his habits were extremely studious.

But his con

stitution was unequal to the heavy strain, winch he sought to place on his
mind.

W iien twenty years old he applied liis energies to the less wear

ing occupation of managing his own extensive zamindaries, in which he

was most thoroughly initiated by Babu Madan Mohan Chatterji, a
connection o f his family.

Most part of his time is daily given to the

supervision o f the affairs of Parganna Edilpur and his other Estates in

the Backerganj D istrict; and the consequence is, aa waa to have been
expected from his warmly sympathetic character, that the watchful
care and tender consideration witli which the ryota on his estates are
treated, cannot be surpassed by the condition o f the tenantry on the
best managed estates in Bengal.
Babu Kali Kissen Tagore made handsome gifts on the occasion of
his sons marriage, aud liberally contributes towards relieving the dis
tress ar.d promoting the welfare o f sach, as really need help.

large

number of destitute youths are through hia bounty receiving the educa
tion which will fit them to win bread for themselves and their families
in the struggle for existence, from year to year now increasing in
intensity.
Junior Branch,

I t has been a lre a d y m e n tio n e d th a t .th e descendants o f N i l m a n i ,

the Indian Chiefs, Rajas, Zamindars,

215

tlie third son of Jayaram, form the Junior Branch o f the Tagore Family.
Nilmaiii had five sons, Ram Tanu, Ram Ratna, Ram Loehan, Ram
Maui, and Ram Ballabh.

O f tiiese Ram Mani had three sons, o f whom

tlie second, Dwarka Nath Tagore, was adopted by bis eldest uncle, Ram
Loehan Tagore, who was childless.

The youngest

was Rama Nath

Tagore.

Dwarka Nath Tagore,

was b om in 1794.

H e commenced the

study of English in Mr. Sherbournes School, and after a few years learnt
the Persian language.

Having had to manage the estates o f his adoptive

father, after hia death, Dwarka Nath, acquired a sound knowledge o f

zamitidai'i accounts and tenures.

He then took to law, and in the

capacity of a law agent, he obtained the confidence of several Rajas

and Zamindars.

He also became a Commercial A gent.

He served

for about six years as Sheristadar to the Salt Agent and Collector o f
the

24-Pargannas,

and

was,

Dewanship of the A gency.

Customs, Salt and Opium.

after

short

time,

raised

to

the

He also served as Dewan of the Board of

But bent on leading an independent life, he

resigned the appointment, in August 1834, and soon after established

the firm o f Messrs. Carr, Tagore and Co,

In connection with this

firm, be established several commercial factories in

different places.

His generosity, liberality, and public spirit were unparalleled.

There

was no educational, social, political or charitable institution which did

not receive co-operation or substantial help from him.

He took an

active part in the establishment and organization o f the Hindu College,

and was greatly interested in the welfare o f the Medical College.
April 1S38, he established the Landholders Society.

iufltiumental in the creation o f the post of Deputy Magistrate.

was an earnest advocate

o f the liberty o f the Press.

January, 1842, Dwarka Nath set out for Europe,

presented to the Pope.

In

H e was chiefly
He

On the 9th

A t Rome he was

On the 10th June, he reached London, where

ho met with an enthusiastic reception.

H e was invited to several

public and private dinners. On the 16th June, he had the honor o f being
presented to Her Majesty the Queen an honor, which he was the
first Native o f India to receive.
H er Majesty at

He had also the honor o f dining with

Buckingham Palace.

A t the

special

invitation

21C

The Modet'u History o f

o f Her Majesty, he attended a grand review o f the troops and visited

the Royal Nursery.

The Queen*Empress complied with his request

that the full length portraits of Her Majesty and the Prince Consort
should be presented to the city o f Calcutta, through him.

These por

traits are now to be seen in the second floor o f the Town Hall.

Dwarka

Nath also visited Scotland where he was equally honored.

A t the end

o f the year 1842, he returned to India, having had the

honor o f an

interview with K ing Louis Phillippe, at Paris.

influential man in Calcutta.

He was then the most

His villa at Belguehia, (n ow the property

o f the Rajas o f Pailrpara), was frequented by all ttie elite of Calcutta

Society, and was nightly the scene o f many dinner parties and other
social amusements.

In 1845, he started again for England, meeting

in the way, with a distinguished reception from the Viceroy of E gyp t

(a t Cairo), and from the K ing o f Italy, at Naples, and reached London
on the 24th June 1845.

H er Majesty received him graciously on the

occasion o f the drawing-room and ordered him to stand behind tlie

throne a privilege accorded to but few.
which he had taken from India.

She also received some presents

On the occasion o f his visit to

Buckingham Palace, on special invitation, the Queen ordered miniature

portraits o f H erself and o f Prince Albert to be presented to him, with
the following autograph: To Dwarka Nath Tagore, with best regards
from Victoria R. Albert, Buckingham Palace, July 8, 1845.

I t was in

this year, that he visited Ireland, where he wag cordially received by the
Viceroy.

On the 30th June, Dwarka Nath who was known in England

as the Indian Prince had an attack o f ague, at a dinner party given

by the Duchess o f Inverness.

This led subsequently to his return to

London, where, after suffering from reinittant fever, he breathed his

last, on the first August

1846, in the 52nd year o f hia age.

Hia

funeral was attended by several respectable gentlemen. H is coffin bears

two silver plates, one in English and the other, its translation in
Bengali, to the following effect: Babu Dwarka Nath Tagore, Zamindar, died 1st August 1846, aged 52 years.*

F or more minute details vide the memoir of Dwarka Nath Tagore hy

Eissori Ch_nd Mittra, Calcutta, Printed by Messrs. Thacker, Spink & Co,, 1870.

the Indian Chiefs, Rafas, Zamindars,

Dwarka

Natk

left three educated

Girindra Nath

and Nagendra
as Tiie Indian Rishi or Hermit.

sons,

Nath, o f

D e v e n d r a N a t h was bom in 1818.

217

Devendra Nath,

whom the first is known

H e commenced his studies

in Raja Ram Mohan Uoy's School and therefrom entered the Hindu
College.

His father took him to his own firm, Carr, Tagore and Co.,

and the Union Bank, to teach him business.

He learnt Sanskrit

thoroughly and was from a very early age religiously disposed.

A t the

age o f twenty-two, he established the Taita Bodhini Sara, where the

principles o f true religion and of devotion were discussed.

This Sava

was afterwards amalgamated with tlie Brahma Samaj, which had been
dwindling away after the death of Raja Ram Mohan Roy.

From this

period, Devendra Nath joined tho Brahma Samaj in which he infused

new life by his sincerity and practical devotion.

Finding that the

tenets o f the Beda did not agree with the principles inculcated by the
Samaja, he excluded it from bis religion, though be kept up some o f the
important mantras.
tation.

He spent some years iu the Himalayas in medi

After the abolition o f the Tatta Bodhini Sava, he established

a Brahma School at Calcutta.

During the Durga BujS of the Bengali

Shaka 1792, he paid a visit to Cey'lon, with some of his followers.

The Indian Mirror,

first edited by Babu Man Mohan Ghose, and

afterwards (ou hia leaving for England) by Babu Keshav Clmndra Sen,
was started under his auspices.

A fter the latter had cut off hia con

nection with the Samaj, owing to some misunderstanding as to the

doctrines preached therein, the National Paper was started, at the sole
expense o f Devendra Nath.
He is the first Brahma who has given up the sacred thread and
celebrated the marriage o f his daughter according to the Brahma rites.
H e was the Honorary Secretary o f the British Indian Association for
sometime, but he gave up the appointment for the pursuits o f religion.
He celebrates the Anniversary o f the Brhama Samaj (7 th Magh o f the
Bengali year), with great eclat at bis dwelling-bouse.

He has contri

buted considerably towards the development o f Bengali literature by

his speeches and writings.

He is the father o f five sons, o f wlioin the

eldest Dwyendra N ath is also a staunch Brahma and a Bengali author

28

218

The Modern History o f

of great repute.

Satyendra,

the second, is the first Native Civilian

and a well-known Judicial Officer in the Bombay Presidency.

The

otlier sons are also Bi dhmas and great lovers o f Bengali poetry.

Maharaja Rama Nath Tagore, 0-S.I.,

Ram Mani, was born in the year 1800.

the youngest son o f

He commenced his English edu

cation in the Grammar School of Mr. Sherbourne, where he studied for

some 3 ears.

He also studied Bengali, Sanskrit and Persian under com

petent teachers at home.

H e learnt commercial and banking business at

the office of Messrs. Alexander and Co., and subsequently became the
Dewan of the Union Bank, o f which his brother Dw.arka Natli was one
o f the Directors.

In conjunction with his cousin, Prasanna Kumar, he

conducted tlie Indian liefon n er.

He used also to contribute very

frequently to the columns o f the Harkaru" and Englisliman," under

the nom-dtpluMS of H

i n d u ,

He was one of the chief men in organ

izing the BriLi>h Indian Association, o f which he held the office of

President, for ten years up to the time o f his death.
elected a member of tlie

In 1866, he was

Bengal Council, where, on account o f the

persistency with which he advocated the rights of the people, he was

called by his colleagues, the " R yots Friend.

For several years, he

was con.ridered a representative man and his utterances on public ques

tions always carried great weight with the Government.

There was

scarcely a public meeting in wliicli he was not,asked to take an active

part.

Though not marked with brilliant rhetoric, his speeches were

always sincere, to the purpose and full o f common sense.

la 1873,

Rama Nath was appointed a member o f tlie Governor-Generals Council,

and was at the same time

made a Raja.

The valuable services he

remlered in Council, met with suitable recnguition from his colleagues

and from the Viceroy (L ord N orthbrook) who, on one occasion, wrote to
him a highly complimentary autograjffi letter.

In 1875, he received the

Insignia o f a Companion o f the Most Exalted Order o f the Star of

India, conferred on liim by Her Most Gracious Majesty.

H e was the

President o f the Native Rccejition Committee, organized to receive the

Prince o f Wales at the Beigatchia Villa, and was honored by His Royal
Higliuesp with a ring as a token o f satisfaction.
the Proclamation o f tjie Assumption

On the occasion of

o f the Imperial title " Empress

the Indian Chiefs, Rajas, Zamindars, iJ'C.

219

o f India by Her Most Gracious M ajesty the Queen on the 1st January,
1877, His Excellency the late Viceroy and Governor-General, Lord
L jtto n , conferred on him the title of Maharaja.

As a warm advocate o f

liberal education, it is natural tliat he should have been selected fellow o f

the Calcutta University.

He was a trustee and member of Committee

o f several public institutions.

hia religions views.

Hia charity was not sectarian nor were

He suffered from diabetes for a long time and at

last succumbed to it, on the lOtb o f June 1877.

Lord Lytton wrote

to the H onble Rai Kristo Das Pal Bahadur, c. i. e ,, on this melancholy

occasion, as follows :

M r D e a r S ir ,
I am deeply grieved to learn by your letter to Colonel Bnrne, the sad
news of the death of our friend the M.'iharaja Rama Nath Tagore Bahadur.
is not merely a private

losa, but I lament

with you and

It

the Maharajas

numerous friends, to whom I beg you to express my sincere personal sympathy iu

their bereavement.

By the Maharajas death, both the Government and the whole

Native Community o f Bengal have lost a wise, an honest, and a trusted adviser,
and by none who knew him ia this loss deplored

on publiu grounds more truly

than by yours,
M t De a r 5ir ,

Always faithfully,
(Sd.)

LYTTO N .

P. S.I am grateful to think that the Maharaja has left behind him a
Worthy auccessor io his very able nephew, who is now a member of the Viceroy's
Legislative Council, and to whom I beg yon to express my most sincere condol
ences,
A public meeting was held
rial to the deceased Mahaiaja,

in

the Town Hull to devise some memo

It wag presided over by H is Honor Sir

Ashley Eden, k.c.b.i., the Lieutenant-Governor of Bengal, and attended

by the elite of

both the Native and European

Community.

Maharaja left three grandsons, his son having died during

T h e eldest

of the

three

graudsons

d ie d ia S e p te m b e r

1878,

The

h is life tim e .

220

The Alodern History o f

G E N EA LO G IC AL TABLE OF THE TAG O RE F A M IL Y .

BHATTA
2.

NARAYANA.

Nana or Nrisinglia.
3.
4.

Jim,

FroWrsha,
6.

6.

Nokbo.
Uma Pati.

7.

Garra.

8.

9,

Bidyadhara,
i
Bauamali, Dbaranidbara,

10.
11,

Tara Tati.

Posbo alia* Dhananjaya.

12.

Halayudha.
13.

14.

Mahendra (Barra Kumar).

15.

Eishnu.

16.

Hara,

17.

Durgabar,

Nilambar,

Ram Dev,

14.

Ganendra {Cboto Kum ar).

Gunakar,

Srikrishoa,
18.

19.

Bivn.

Dhananjaya,
Mahadev,

Govardbana.

Jayadav, Hari Dev, Rajaram, Bijajram .

Earn Dev, Ram Nath,

Ram Kanai,
20.

21.

Sadasiv,

Purushotama Bidyabagis,
22.

Bal&ram.

23.

Haribar.

24,

Ram Gopal.
Jagannath,
Hrishi Kesh,

Manahar,

Ramananda.

25.

Mahesvar.

26,

Fancbanan,

Please turn over*

28.
29.
30,

Badba Mohan,

Gopi Mohan,

Anandiram,

Darpa Narayan,

28.

Krishna Mohan, Hari Mohan,

31.
Jof^endra Rtirendra
Mohan, Mohan.
31.

Kajendra \ oban.

01. H on'blc Maharaja

Jatindra Mohan, C .S .I .,

91. Lalit
Mohan,

Upendra
Mohan,

80,

82,

Two Sons.

Ram Lochan,

Ram Maui,

Ram Ballabb,

Kumar Promodh Kumar, Kumar F ia d jota Kumar.

Devendrsnath,

Brajendra 32.
Mohan.

Samratna,

Si.

39. Bamtann,
^2.

Trailakhya Mohan.

Sl.Ganendra Mohan,
Barrister-at'Law .
30. Kauai Lai, Gopal Lai.
30. Umanandan,
31. Kali Kissen.

Pnjft Sourindra
Mohan, c.i.B.

GoviDdarani.

Piyari Ladli Mohan, Mohini

Mohan,
)
Mohan,
30. ShamUl, Haraial.

Rurya Chandra Nanda

Kali
Hara H oii'blc Prasanna
Kumar, Kumar, Kumar,* Kumar,* Kumar, Kumar, c.fl.l.
31.

Nilmani,

I
Dwarkanath (adopted son).

Girindranatb,

Nagendranath.

Dwijendranath, Satyewdranath and three othera________

80i
81,

Radhahath, Dwarkanath (adopted by his uncle), Hou ble Maharaja Bamanath, c.s.i,,
MathJranath,

Brajanath.

* From this G enealcgicai Table it appears that insiead of the first four, only the first two,
no iia u e:

31.
bohh

rs

Nripendranath.

of Gopi Mohan, left

ba

1^6

The Modern H istoy o f

222

A complete List o f the membere o f the Tagore fa m ily who have been
authors and the titles o f their works.
BHATTA NABAYANA....1.
2.

K a s im a r a n a M u k t ib ic h a b a .
P jw roG A 'E A T N A .

3.

V e n i-S a nh a r a N a t a k a .

4.

G o b h il a -Su t e a K a h a s y a .

D H A B A N ID H A R A

5.

A Co m m ek ta r y ON t h e iN STixaTits

BA N AM ALl

6. D r a b y a -S d o d h i -P b a k a r a n a
7.

op

Ma n u .

Kah asta,

B h a k t i-R a t n a k a r a .

D H ANANJAYA..................8. N i g h a n t i ;.
H A L A Y D D H A ....................... 9. B b a h u a n a S a k y a s t a .

10.

K yaya

11. P a n d i t a
12. S i v a

B A JA B A M A

13.
14.

A v id h a n a -R a tn a m a la .

16.

K a b i-H a HASTA .

M a ts ta -S u k ta -T a n tb a .

16. S e o t a -S i d d h a n t a .

J A G A N K A T H .......................17. R a s a -G a n q a d h a b a .
18.

B h a u i n i -B i l a s ,

19.

R i k h a -G a n i t a ,

FCRUSHOTAMA ................20. P e o y o g a *b a t n a m a l a .
21. MCKTl-CHINTAMAin.
22. V ish kg - b h a s t i - x a l p a l a t a ,
23.

1.
2.

8.
4.
6.

B h a s h a -v r i t t i .

Discussion on the release o f the soul from the body and cxem ptioa
from further transmigration by death at Benares.
A work on certain religious ceremonies.
A drama on the war between the Kurus and Pandavaa,
A theological work.
Do.
Do,

7.

A literary work.

A vocabulary o f Vedio terms.

9.

A work explaining Vedic mantras.

13.
14.
IE.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.
21.
22.

A theological work.
A Sanskrit V ocabula^ .
A Sanskrit etymological Dictionary,
A work on religious ceremoniea.
A work on Rhetoric.
poem s on miscellaneouf Bahjecta.
Geometry,
Grammar.
A Vedic work.
A work in praise o f Visbnn.

23.

A commeatarv on fAOini'e Orammar,

ihe Indian Chiefs, Rajas, Zamindars,

24.

T r ik a h d a S xsha.

25.

E e a k s h a b a -e o s h a .

26.

H arlata.

27.

H a b a b o u i.

28.

Gotrapravaba Dabpana.

BA L A R A M ........

..29.

P b o b o d h a -p r a k a s a ,

H A R A K U M AE .

..80.

D a k s h ik a r c h a Pa r i j a t a .

PRA SAN N A K U M AR

31.

H a k a ta ttv a -d id h iti.

32,

PU BA SC H A RA N A P A D D H A T I,

..33.

223

T a b l e o p s n c c i s s i o s a c c o b d i h o t o t h i H in d u
L a w up B pn g a l.

84,

T h e h e b i t a R ls BIGHT OP B u n d h u b

a c c o r d in g

TO THE W e s t e r n S c h o o l .
35.
86.

J A T IN D R A M OH AN

..37.
38,

L oose P a p e r s .
V i v a DA C h i n t a m a n i .
P rose a n d v e r b e (E n g l i s h ),
V lD Y A -S V M D A R A N A T A B A A N D S E V E R A L B E N G A L I
FA R C E S.

SO U RIN D RA MOHAN.
devendra

NATH

A u t h o r o p 32 w o r k s

\^xdc page 188-190.

.71.

B b a h m a D h a r m a , in t w o p a r t h .

72.

S a n s k b i t a B r a h m a D h a r Ma .

73.

Ba n q a l a Br a h m a D h a r m a .

74.

B r a h m a D h a r m a ; it s v ie w s a n d p r i n c ip l e s .

75.

T h s P r in c i p l e s o f

B bah m a

D h a r m a e x p l a in e d ,

( N e w e d i t i o n ).
76.

a N U S T H A N -P A D D H A T I .

77.

Bbahm opabana.

(B e s id e s Be v e r a l t r a c t s ).

24.
25.
27,
28,
29.
30.
35,
36,

A Sanskrit Vocabnlary.
A Dictionary o f the Alphabets,
A Sanskrit Vocabulary,
A W o r k on law.
Grammar,
31. 32. Theological works based on the Tantrat.
Notes on Legal Subjects.
A aucciuct commentary on the Hindu Law, prevalent in Mithila ;
from the original Sanskrit of V'achaspati Misra.
71-77. Beligioua Works, chiefly ou Brahmaism.

224

T)ie Modem History o f

(Other Families, Nobles, arid Fminent M en .)
I -B A N A M A L I

A ttaram

S I R K A R S F A M I L Y , K U M A R T O L I.

S ir k a r , by caste a Sadgope, first came from Bhadresvar

in Zilla Hughli, and resided in Kuinartuli, Calcutta,

He died leaving

three sons, Banamali^ Radha Kristo, and Hara Kristo,

Banamali Siikar acted as Dewan to the Commercial Resident o f
Patna, and was for sometime the Hoii'ble East India Companys Deputy
Trader o f Calcutta.
his munificence.
gannas.

H e acquired much wealth and was renowned for

H e had properties iu

Calcutta, Hughli, and 2 4 -Par

His dwelling-house which Was kuow nto be one o f the largest

buildings in Knmartoli, Calcutta, was said to have been constructed

long before the seige o f 1 7 5 6 ; but it has now fallen to decay.

A sa

strict follower of Hinduism, he estabHslied two family-idols Sri Sri Sham

Sundar and Siv Thakur which are still in existence.

Both Banamali

and Hara Kristo died without issue, but Radha Kristo who

acted as

Dewan to the Commercial Resident at Patna, left one aon, named KrUto
Mohan Sirkar, who was so very extravagant tliat he was known in
Calcutta as a big Babu,

Kristo Mohan died while in the full vigour o f

youth without male issue, but leaving one married daughter named
Srimati Anandamoyi Dasi,

Tliis lady, having bad no'issue, dedicated

the whole o f the estates to the family-idols, but left a will by which she
appointed her nephew Janartlau Neogi as

Janardan died at an

advanced age, leaving a will by which he made his adopted son and his
eldest son-in-law sehaifs,
Tbe family, however, is not in its former state of grandeur and
affluence.

I I . B E N I M A D H A V M I T T E R S F A M IL Y , K U M A R T O L I.
T h is

family, which has been settled in Calcutta f o r more than a

century, originally lived in Gorepara, a village

in the District of

Nuddea, near the present Chakdah station, Eastern Bengal Railway.

The great grand-father o f Babu Beni Madhav M itter, Nidhiram Mitter,
first came over to Calcutta, and marrying in the Bose family o f

the Indian Chiefs, Rajas, Zamindars,

Kumfirtali,

settled there.

Hia

son Dnrga

Charan

225
M itter, alias

Baburam Mitter, bad two wives whom he married one after the] other^
the first died leaving hira Do living child ; but by his second wife he
had four sons, Darpa Narayan, Raj Mohan, Bhairav Chandra, and
Bi'indavana Chandra, of whom the eldest Darpa Narayan waa the best
known, and Raj Mohan died young.

W hile yet a boy of, twelve

or thirteen, Darpa Narayan entered into service.

ted into the office o f

Messrs.

He was admit

Fairlie, Fergusson and Co.,

( then

the moat celebrated mercantile firm in India next to that o f John

Palmer and Co.,) as a writer.

He was intelligent, quick-witted, arid o f

good parts, and was soon raised to the post o f calculator and adjuster of
accounts.

In this capacity he shewed his talents to the best advantage,

and his fame aa a calculator almost passed into a proverb among the
men o f bia time.

The largest sums in addition were finished almost

in tbe twinkling o f an eye.

The most puzzling questions o f interest

and rate were on the tip o f hia tongue.

The favour which he gained

with his masters for his ready and unerring calculations was great.
Whenever any difficulty about adjusting accounts occurred, Dap," as
his masters would familiarly call hira, was called in, and all difficulties
were at an end.

Thus enjoying considerable influence in his office, he

provided for his brothers, and made them hia assistants.

A lthough his

circumstances were not quite affluent, yet taking into consideration the
cheap living o f his time, he was moderately well o ff ; and being a
man in whom an implicit and willing respect for the iujonetiong o f the
Hindu religion predominated over any selfish motives, he made his
dwelling-house the home o f more than half a dozen Brahmans, o f whose
expenses he bore a considerable part

Besides, all the best lyin iits o f

Kam alpura village adjacent to Iiis ancestral residence, the Tarkalanbars and the Nayaratnas, chiefly o f

the family of Balaram,* when

they came to Calcutta to realize their annuities in Puja times, and

Srikanta, Kamalakanta, Balarama, and Sankara, if they four joined together,

Brihaspati himself could not cope with them.

29

226

The Modern History o f

their invariable cine on other festive oceaaiona (marriages, Shrads, 4^.),

found comfortable lodgings iu his house.

H is brothers, more particu-

lai'ly the youngest Brindavaua, followed his example.

Both Darpa Narayan and Bhairav Chandra, dying without any male
issue, Brindavaua Chandra was left the sole representative o f the family.
He had four sons, MadhuSudan, Naviii Chandra, Beni M adhavaud Nava
K hhor.

The second and the fourth died young.

Babu Madhu Sudan

Mitter (alive) got his first employment iu the firm o f Messrs. Fairlie,
Fergussou and Co., where his uncle Darpa Narayan had previously
servfed.

A fter the iusolvcncy o f that firm, he served for sometime in

Beveial mercantile offices, aud afterwards got an appointment in the

M ilitary Department as a Qomasta to tho Field Hospital during tho
becoud Sikh

War.

He was present

Chillianwalla, in Guserat, and others.

in many a bloody fight, in

M en havo amassed fortune by the

many opportunities which such posts afford for unfair gain ; bu t he was
too good or too timid to avail himself o f those opportunities, and was
thus comparatively a moneyless man.
to the Medical Depot at Ferozpur.

After that war, he was removed

Finally, he got hia appointment

in the Custom House, aud has now retired on pension.

H e is deeply

read in the Hindu Shastras, Ln Purans, Taatras, and Sanldias, and hia
knowledge is extensive aud critical.

He has three sons by his second

wife, all young.

Babu Beni Mad ha v M itter was born in 1822.

H is early life con

tains nothing important enough to demand any' special notice, except that
he got up the rudiments of his English in Dr. D uffs School.

H e got his

first employ'Dieut iu the Custom House in 1842, when Mr. J. J, Harvey

was the Collector.

The post was neither very respectable nor lucra

tive, but he put his heart to the work notwithetaudiug, and tried hard
to do it well.

He was so far successful as to win the good opinion o f

the higher officials, with small promotions as a consequence o f that good

opinion.

H o was soon found to be one o f the most useful officers, and

Collectors and Deputy Collectors did not think it beneath their dignity
to ask advice o f him in matters o f importance.

They further gave

proofs o f their appreciation o f his abilities and usefulness aa a public

servant by voluutmily giving him testimonials o f the high opinitm which

tiu Indian Chiefs, Rajas, Zamindars,

they entertained o f him.

227

A m ong others, Mr. W . Bracken, Collector, au

officer o f distinguished and acknowledged merit, demonstrated the

esteem and favor with which he regarded Babu Beni Madhav in rather
a remarkable and delicate way.

In 1854, when he retired from service,

he introduced to his successor, among other high officials, Babu Beni

Madhav, designating him YaJ-jan/a, all knowing, or perfectly at
home with all the ins and outs o f Customs affairs so instrnctive, indeed,
was his knowledge o f his duty,

Mr. Bracken was very popular both

with the merchants and with big subordinates.

The merchants pre

sented him, on his retirement, with a silver cup ; and his subordinates
raised by subscription Rs. 2,000, for a portrait o f him as some sort of
recognition of ins valuable services, and out o f gratitude for big kind
ness towards them.

Mr. Bracken having stated that, nothing would

give him so much pleasure as to share the honor o f a portrait with

Beni, to whose assistance it was attributable that his services were
so well appreciated; the portrait was drawn by Cromholtz, a German
painter; with Beni standing by the side o f Mr.

Bracken in office

dress, explaining to him some difficulties in Custom House matters.

The portrait is still in the Collectors room.

Babu Beni Madhav

M itter is veiy popular with merchants o f every description, Christians,

Parsees, Jews, Up-country men, Bombay ites, Bengalis,

in fact with

every one who hag any connection with the Custom House.

His repu

tation for uprightness and sincerity has never been stained during the
long course o f his continued service which is verging on its 39th year.
H e is now Deputy Supervisor, aud is holding the post for the last five
years.
Babu Beni Madhav Mitter married the eldest daughter o f the late
Krishna Chandra Shorn, a distinguished member o f the old Shorn
family o f Bagbazar, Calcutta.

H e has at present only one son, (tw o

others being born dead), Babu Barada Charan M itter, b. a ., aud four
daughters (one being dead long since), the eldest o f whom, is married
to Babu Pratap Chandra Ghose, b . a ,, Registrar o f Calcutta, son o f
the late Babu Hara Chandra Ghose, a Judge o f the Small Cause Court,
Calcutta.

228

The Modern History o f

i n . THE BOSE FA M ILY OF SIMLA.

The

original seat o f the ancient family o f

Piinsiala in the District o f H ughli.

the Boses lay at

A descendant o f this house,

Earn Charan Bose, who changed his ancestral house for Hari pal,
had six sons, o f

whom Sltaram and Chuniram came to Calcutta

in search of fortune, and Beni Madhav went to Balasore.

was the most distinguished o f all the brothers.

Chuniram

H e bore an excellent

character, and his honesty and industry in time won for him an easy
competence.

H e was a zealous advocate o f Baisnavism and liis strict

observance o f that creed was such, that he would not bow down to an
Zfnbaishnavic Brahman, encroached upon the Brakmanical privilege o f
cooking food for the idol which he brought from Brindaban and set
up at his family dwelling-house goin g so far indeed as to offer to resign
a lucrative post, simply because his Unhaishnavic superior the wellknown Ram Dulal D ey respectfully asked him to partake o f his dinner.
His charity was vast considering his income.

H e daily fed a number of

Baishnavae at his Tkahurbari and a large number on each Baiahnava

festival, besides keeping up two Mahatsahs each year in which soma
thousands were fed.
song.

He died at the good old age o f 60.

The eldest Ganga Govinda

commerce.

amassed

a colossal

H e had five
fortune by

But latterly entrusting his affairs to bad hands he had the

mortification to see the fruits o f his lifes labour lost and he died a
comparativoly poor man.

The second Kadha Govinda who was bis

brother s right hand in his business affairs, began life b y taking a

lucrative service, but afterwards rose to be an independent m erchant
A fine trait of his character was that, in his more prosperous days he
souc^ht to provide for many o f his poor relations.

H e entrusted the

entire management o f one o f his paying firms to one o f his nephews,

and this unwise confidence in a worthless relative brought on his ruin
and he died o f a broken heart at the early age o f forty.

H e left two

sons, the eldest Navin Krishna was then only five years old.

A t his

birth which took place on the JSth January 1828, his father, who was
versed in astrology predicted the greatness o f the babe, but regretted
he would not live to witness it.

A t that tender age the boy evinced

the Indian Chiefs, Rajas, Zanitndars,

229

considerable aptitude for learning, and nothing what he saw or heard

escaped from his grasping memory.

A nd while he had yet many years

to pass hia teens, Navin Krishna had read almost all English works in
literature and philosophy.

His thirst for knowledge increased as

time w ent; but burdened with a large family at that tender age he had
innumerable difficulties in his way.

He was a lover of nature and

fancied that the medical profession would not only give him indepen
dence, but disclose the pages o f nature to his ardent mind.

W e regret

we have n ot space enough to enumerate hia glorious career at the

college, for he read oot books but digested libraries.

To sum up, the

then Governor General who presided at the final examination awarded

him a special medal for monopolising all the medals o f that year.

He

soon rose to practise, but grave doubts soon began to invade his
enquiring mind.

The problems which most perplexed him were, why

the same medicines did not produce similar effects, why nothing could
be stated with tolerable certainty, and, finally, since such was the case,
how could he practise when he had only to deal with doubts and
uncertainties ? Ho was unhappy.

H e relieved himself from his trouble

some thoughts by giving up the profession altogether.

with the Press existed

long before this.

H is connection

H e contributed several

Valuable articles to almost all the leading journals o f the time.

had thought o f adopting newspaper-writing as his profession.

He

A bout

this time the illustrious Editor o f the Hindu Patriot died, and the
paper was sinking.

I t was entrusted to his care by Pandit Isvar

Chandra Bidyasagar, c.

.,

and the late Raja Digambar M itter, c .s .

i.,

aud he conducted it with great ability and credit, and those who took
their initiation under him improved considerably and from apprentices
they rose to be able Editors themselves.

A bout this time Dr. B uff

induced him to accept the post o f Assistant Secretary

Commissioner of the Central Provinces.

to the

Chief

The venerable D octor had

great respect for the abilities o f this young man.

In an able article

entitled the unity o f species, young Navin Krishna attacked the creed
o f Dr. Duff.

The Doctor sought out the w riter; and they became

great friends till death.

Though he first accepted the post o f Assistant

Secretary, he soon exchanged it for a Judicial Office at a pecuniary loss.

230

The Modern History o f

Ilis great talents aided by the advantages o f a previous medical educa

tion soon distinguished him.

He served in tho capacity o f an Extra

Assistant Commissioner for fifteen years. Hia sole object in taking service
was to secure for him a pension at his advanced age, and hks highest
ambition was to pass his days in his library undisturbed, but this was
denied him.

On the eve o f reaching his goal, his career was cut short

hy a brain fever.
51.

H e died on the 20th January, 1879 at tlie age o f

H e did not Uve to do much, but the lectures that he delivered at

the Bethune Society as a member o f that institution shows to the

thoughtful a master hand in every touch. There was hardly any subject
to which he did not devote his careful attention, as the variety o f the
topics which he treated of

in his lectures and contributing,

numerous to detail here, strongly demonstrate.

too

H is death was mourned

by a large circle o f friends and relatives specially by rising literary

men who often sought him and always went away better men.
two

SO DS,

Babus Amarta Krishna and Narendra Krishna.

He left

The eldest

is a young man o f intelligence nnd active habits.

Beni Madhav left one issue Hara Mohan, who left two sons,
Babus Giris Chandra and Stv Chandra, o f whom the latter is employed
as teacher o f midwifery in the Temple Medical School at Bankipiir,

and is a practitioner o f good repute.

Another branch o f the family sprung from Madan Mohan, who was
a cousin to Ganga Govinda and Eadha Govinda.

H e left four

sons,

Babus Siv Chandra, Haris Chandra, Durga Charan, and Tarini Charan.
A ll o f these began life as Banians and each o f them succeeded well.
Babu Tarini Charan Bose, tlie millionaire, is now the only surviving
brother.

H e is one o f the first and richest Banians o f this city.

I V . D O C T O R D U R G A C H A R A N B E N E R J I, OF
TALTALA.
T he late Dr. Durga Charan Benerji, third son of Golak Chandra
Benerji, a Kulin Brahman, was b om in the year 1819, at Manirampur,
J.

village adjacent to the Barrackpore Cantonments.

the Indian Chiefs, Rajas, Zamindars,

231

W h ile six years o f age he learnt Bengali from a Guru ( a Hindu

pedagogue) and after four years his father brought him down to
Calcutta, aud entered him at the Hindu College.

A t the age of 15 or

16, he obtained a scholarship and surpassed his contemporaries in

History aud Mathematics.

H e was afterwards married to a girl o f the

Bmhmanical order, and was forced to held a post in the Salt Board at
the desire of his father.

But, Durga Charan felt so great and growing

a thirst fur knowledge that he one day sought an interview with the
Dewan o f the Board, the late Babu Dwarka Nath Tagore, and explained
to him all his objects and views.

I t was most unfortunate, said he, to

be thus cut off from the pursuits of learning, at a time when he was
half way between the valley o f

ignorance and the hill o f science.

Babu Dwarka Nath .sent for Durga Charan s father and insisted upon
hira to send back his son to the College.

Durga Charan was accord-

iugly re-admitted in the Hindu College, but the straitened circumstances

o f his father compelled him again to quit the college a year or two
before the completion o f his education.

He had, however, acquired the

habit o f studying new works imported from Europe in addition to

those literary and scientific works available at Calcutta,

This practice,

however, made him more than a mutch for the best scholarship-bolder
in the highest class o f the then best institution in India, the Hindp
College,
of

David

When 21 years o f age he was appointed the second teacher

Hares Englisli School, and used to

devote

two hours

every day to the study o f medicine in the Medical College by the

permission of David Haro, the great philanthropist and friend o f native
education.

1'he cause o f his studying the

medical science is a s

follow s:
O o e d a y as h e w a s t e a c h in g h is b o y s, t h e u n h a p p y n e w s o f h is
w a s b r o u g h t t o h im b y a b e a r e r .
h is w ife

w as

s e r io u s ly

ill,

le ft

H o h .'i s t c u e d
h is h o u s e in

b u t , b e f o r e b e c o u l d r e t u r n w it h a

p h y s ic ia n ,

to w a rd s hom e, a u d
search
h is

o f a m e d ic a l

w ife

had

H i s d i s a p p o i n t m e n t o f s e c u r in g a n a b l e d o c t o r a t s o c r i t i c a l a
w it h t h o fa t a l e ffe c ts o f q u a c k e r y o f w h ic h h is

w ife w a s m a d e

w ife s

n in M

(iiid ia g

th a t

p r a o titlo n e r ;

b re a th e d

her

la st.

ju n c t u r e , c o m b ia e d
a h e lp le s s v ic tim ,

a t o n c e d r o v e h im t o d e s p e r a t i o n .

Though, in the course o f time, Durga Charan forgot the loss o f hia
first consort and took a second partner, yet he knew very well that bia

The Alodern History of

232

ignorance o f the Medical Science was the cause o f the death o f his first
wife and he therefore deter tuin ed to study physic in the Medical Collegw
iu spite o f all the remonstrances o f his father.

W hen Mr. Jones wag

appointed the Superintendent o f David Hares School, Dnrga Charaa

was itifonoed that he could not have any longer the privilege o f
keeping away for tw o hours daily from tlie school to attend the Medical
College.

A t this notice, Durga Charan resigned his post for the pur

pose o f mastering the Medical Science,

After continuing his medical

Studies for a period o f about five years, he quitted the Medical College
under the circumstances noted below :
Babu Nil K am al Benetji of Bowbazar, then the Banian of Messrs. Jardine
Skinner and Co., was taken dangeronsly ill, and it was after all the doctors had
fieeu him aud pronouuced his case hopeless, that Babn Durga Charaa Benerji was
called in.

Ho gave a prescription, w hich was submitted to Dr. Jackson's inspec

tion, who had theu just arrived at Calcutta,

Dr. Jackson pronounced it correct

aud was so much delighted at finding, in a few hours, that the patient was
rallying, that he scut for Babu Dnrga Charan for the purpose of ca Hi rating hia
acquaintance.
Dr. Jackson shook hands w ith him, and gave him the surname of ' Native
Jackson.'

From that time the name and fame of Durga Charan began to spread

far and wide.

A fter the recovery o f Babu N il Kamal, he waa compelled by bis

friends Pandit Isvar Chandra Bidyasagor, c . i.

e ,,

and others to accept

the post o f a Khazanchee in Fort Williani on a salary o f Us. 80 per

mensem, provided that he should be able to practise in the mornings and
evenings as also on Sundays and holidays.

Sometime after,

Durga

Charan left the post and when 34 years o f age he entered the world
as an independent medical practitioner.

In a few, years he became so

famous that his house was thronged with patients in the morning aud
evening.

People, who were fortunate enough to secure his services,

thought that they had obtained the favor o f Dhanantari, the Indian
Esculapius.

Tlie mode of his treatment was quite peculiar.

instinctively diagonize a disease.

He could

Its very name and the symptoms

indicating it were sufficient to make him dynamicize the progress o f

deterioration in the system, and prescribe the most relevantremedy.

The

innumerable cures, which he accomplished upon the victims o f diseases o f

the Indian Chiefs, Rajas, Zamindars, ^'C.

233

the most malignant type, soon made him the desire o f all men.
fact, he did not seek patients, but patients sought him.
he became a man o f fortune.

In

In a few years

In the course o f ten years he had

earned more or less than a lakh of Rupees.

Being tlie author o f his

own fortune, and sincerely detesting the religion o f his countrymen,

he could not continue in commcnsality with hia father and brothers any
longer.

H is father also grew cold towards him, so much so, that he

was obliged to remove with his wife and children to a separate lodging.
His fatlier perceiving that his heterodox son evinced a great leaniug
towards Christianity : a religion, which he always revered, and the
professors o f which he regarded with a degree o f veneration, bordering
npon enthusiasm, bore this separation with pleasure.

Durga Charan

in the company o f females used to speak to the elders as mothers, aud

to the youngers as sisters, and was also found to be bappy and cheerful
in the society of males.

H e was indeed full o f sympathy towards

the sons and daughters o f affliction.

He was open to hospitality.

Every day, there were no less than 50 persons entertained by him,

from among those who would come for medical advice from the most
distant parts of Bengal.

His hum ility was so great and exemplary

that he would most cheerfully respond to the call of tho poorest man at
the dead o f the night and follow him to attend on his sick child.
contempt o f the world and its pomps was almost proverbial.

His

H e pur

posely abstained from showy dress and sumptuous fare being content
to put on the simplest clothes and feed upon the simplest productions of
nature and art."

Bahu Durga Charan was given to the practice o f

drinking but he was neither a teetotaller nor a winebibber." Generally

speaking, "although, sometimes, he was found to drink wine to excess,
yet it neither interfered with his medical pi-actice, nor his popularity as
a firstrrate physician, inasmuch as the accuracy o f his prescriptions
written in an unsober state was attested by the ablest doctors o f his
age, and fully justiUed the anticipations o f his patients.

Besides, he

was not unfrequently made the acape-goat of the crimes of others.

Durga Charan had latterly given up his practise on account o f illhealth.

H e was at this time suffering from much anxiety in conse

quence o f the news o f his sons failure in England to be admitted into

80

234

Thu Modern History o f

the Civil Service.

W hile under the influence o f such a disappohitmcnt

he received by the next mail a letter from his son Babu Surendra Nath
Bencrji who intimated to hitn that the Commissioners
him

hopes o f reconsidering

bis case.

This

revived

had

given

the drooping

father, and hope like the sunshine o f autumn irradiated his features
which were overcast with

the clouds o f

despondence and despair.

But alasl H e did not live long to hail his son back home a Civil
Servant o f Her Majesty much

less

to hear the joyful tidings o f

his success, a news, which reached the inmates o f his fam ily only an
hour after his death.

He was suddenly attacked with fever on tho

16th February, 1870, which terminated in Pneumonia.

tors both (Europc.'in and N ative)
purpose.

Several D oc

endeavoured to cure him hut to no

He died on the 22nd February, 1870, at the age o f

years, leaving five sons, o f whom the second, Babu Surendra

53

Nath

Bencrji, c. s., takes great and active interest in promoting the welfare
o f bis countrymen.

H'e is o f excellent character, and is known to be

one of the best politicians and the most distinguished and eloquent
^ a k e r s o f our country.

V D E W A N D U R G A C H A R A N M U K E R JF S F A M IL Y ,
BAG BAZAR.
B abu D urga C haran M ukerji was called Dewan for having served
Government in that capacity under Mr. Rous, Collector o f Rajshahye ;
Mr. Harris, Mint M aster;
acqnired immense wealth,

and Mr, Harrison, Opium Agent.

He

but a large portion o f it was spent by him

in constructing a Bathing Ghat at Bagbazar known as Durga Charan

Mukerjis Ghat which is still in existeoco, and in feeding a large number
o f men almost every day at his own dwelling-house at Bagbazar.

He

was very courteous to all and especially kind to the poor and helpless
whom he used to supply with the best kinds o f native food.
perfect Hindu and well-veraed in the Hindu Shastras,

H e was a

H e purchased

some landed property in Calcutta and a Zamindari, called Bauri in Zilla

Midnapur.

H o died at a good old age leaving two sons, Siv Chandra

Mukerji and Sambhu Chandra Mukerji.

The former left one daughter

4he Indian Chiefs, Rajas, Zamindars, <J'C.

whose son Babu Kali Prasanna Ganguli is alive.

23'5

The latter Sarabhu

Chandra Mukerji died leaving six sons, o f whom Jagat Chandra Mukerji,
who died lately, was a man of very good character.

H e devoted much o f

his time to religious observances and was very simple in his habits.

He

left live sons, of whom Babus Dharendra Nath M ukeiji and Brindavan
Cbandra Mukerji are alive.

They are respectable and amiable gentlemen.

V I . T H E G H O S E F A M I L Y O F A R P U L I.
D aihaki N a n d
o f this family.

an

G u ose,

b y caste a Kayastha, waa the founder

H e first settled at Calcutta, and left a small property

to his sons, Uday Kam Ghose, Lakhmi Narayan Ghose, Manahar GhosCj
Gokul Chandra Ghose, and Gora Chand Ghose.

His grandson Ram

Sankar Gliose alias Sankar Ghose, one o f the sons o f Manahar, was a
Captain's Banian.

He acquired much wealth, but spent a large portion

of It in piety and liberality.

H e dedicated one temple to the Goddess

Kali in Chorebagan, Calcutta, which is still in existence and bears the

following inscription in B en ga li:
1
Several descendants of Daibaki Nandan are still to bo found in
Calcutta.

Among them Babu Jogendra

Nath Ghose, Dr. Bocourie

Ghoso, Bobu Anauta Ram Ghose and others, arc weU-educatod and
respectable young men.

V IL THE GOHO

F A M IL Y OF

H O G A L K U R IA .

I f family legends are to be trusted, this Kayastlia family claims

its descent from a very near kinsman, perhaps, the brother o f Mabaraja
Pratapaditya

of

Jessore the same

who is

mentioned in

Bharat

Chandras Annado Mangal, and whose after life aud sad fate were so
closely bound up with the victorious career of Man Sing in Bengal.
From the deplorable termination o f Pratapadityas life dated the decline
of his family ; and its various branches settled down in different parts

236

The Modern History o f

o f the country in a state o f comparative indigence.

is known of them from that time.

Little, however,

A nd, if, without attaching too

much importance to family stories, we look to plain facts, we come to

know that the Gohoa settled in Calcutta, more than 125 years ago.
family was then not quite what it is now.

Tho

I t waa poor; at any rate

it was not well-known among the men o f the time.

The foundation o f

its greatness waa laid by Siv Chandra Ooho, a man o f right principles,
of steady perseverance, and o f superior tact in conducting business.
Siv Chandra Goho, son o f Braja Nath Goho, waa born iu 1793.
His fathers slender means and tlie customs o f the time did not allow him
to receive a finished or even a good education; and when only about
14 years old he got into the office o f Messrs. Lackersteen and Co , as a
writer.

In this capacity he served for three or four years, during which

time he won the love and favor o f his masters by the conscientious dis
charge o f his duties.

The business o f Messrs. Lackersteen and Co.,

flourishing, he was made Banian o f the firm in his eighteenth year. Young
as he was, ho did his work admirably well, making up for the inex
perience o f his years and for the want o f a fair education by his strong
Common sense and his zeal for duty.

Thirty-throe years of continued

service taught him a great deal, and made him a thorough master o f his
pixiCession ; and before he was fifty-one, he was the Banian o f two or
three firms, and continued to be ao even after the insolvency o f MessrsLackersteen aud Co., in 1847.

But Banianship had opened up before

him a new road which more than itself led to his prosperity.

A b ou t

the time when he was first made Banian of Messrs. Lackersteen and
Co., he commenced

separate business as a m erobant; and his official

experience combined

with tho facilities which his post afforded soon

made him a rising one ; and before many years, he had amassed a
large amount o f weaUh from the emoluments o f his post and from tho
profits o f his

speculations.

The wealth which he thus honorably

acquired was applied to honorable and benevolent objects, to the alle

viation o f distress,

and to deeds o f piety.

H is munificence was

remarkable, and indeed, more than what his position in Society required ;
and his piety waa the piety o f a H indu in the strictest sense o f the
term.

Aa an instance o f the former, it may be said, that he gave

the Indian Chiefs, Rajas, Zamindars, tj-c.

237

away bis own weight of silver in a ceremony called Tula* and he waa
by no means a thin man to the Brahmans; and as an instance o f the
latter, it may be said that o f the thirteen holy festivities in twelve
months, he did not omit one : and each
magnificence.

he celebrated with great

For the Brahmans, ho had the profoundest respect ; and

in the Gods and Goddesses o f the ^Ivftstras ; he had the devoutest faith.
H is piety manifested itself in more substantial forms than o f mere
show.

He built temples to Siva and a Kdlihdri to N istarini (in Bhim

Gliosea Street) and he settled estate over each for ritual worship and
for the defrayal of contingent expenses.

H o also caused tanks to be

dug both in the Town and in the 24-Pargannas.

H is views indeed were

not very liberal or enlightened, as, indeed, could not be expected from a
man o f his time, but hia moi*al worth, his practical sagacity and bis
talents for business were acknowledged and admired.
before his death, he was made Honorary Magistrate.

Some years

H e died in the

8 ls t year o f his age at his garden in Barauagar (w here he waa taken

O w in g

to its being situated on the bank o f the Ganga ) in A ugu st,

1874.
He left two sons, Bab us Abhaya Charan Goho and Tara Chand
Goho, both gentlemen o f high respectability, and after their father, both
Banians.

The established reputation, and the influential position o f

the father contributed in a great measure to the easy rise o f the sons ;
and during the life-time o f his father, Babu Abhaya Charan G oho was
Banian o f tbree or four respectable firms, and is
his father, he is a merchant at the same time.

bo

at present.

have been made to the estate, chiefly through the exertions

Abhaya Charaij Goho,

Lika

Considerable additions

The brothers have now g ot

o f Babn

a Zamindari In

Nuddea, and are also owners o f about twenty-five good large houses in
the English Quarters o f Calcutta,

Babu A bhaya Charan Goho has two

sons, Babua Bhabani Charan Goho and Am bika Charan Goho, and Babu
Tara Chand Goho, only one sou, Barada Prasad Goho.

Babu Abhaya

Tula (id cans) If a person wished to lay up eternal treasures in heaven

he could attain liis object by giving away to Brahtnaus hia own w eight of a
metal, the value of tlie treasures being proportionate to the quality of the metal.
B y this mcaus, also, the body was cleansed o f of all sins.

233

The Modern History o f

Cbaran Goho is an Honorary Magistrate,

He is so well-known, that

auy fiu'ther notice of him would be simply superfluous.

V i n , - T H E G O H O O R ST R K A R F A M IL Y OP B A G B A Z A R ,
F O R M E R L Y OF 6 IN G T I, Z I L L A H U G H H .
R am

K anta G oho , son o f Paramesvar Goho,

Zamindar o f Singti, in Zilla

Hughli.

was a

known

Tradition asserts, that Ram

Kanta, by caste a Kayastha, was in service o f a Muhammadan ruler o f

the country, and received the title o f Sirkar hence his descendants aro
still known as Sirkars.
Ram Kanta Sirkar, gave away lands to Brahmans, excavated tanks
for the public good and dedicated a temple to Singhahahini at Singti.
He left five sons, o f whom the eldest Ganga Narayan Sirkar settled in
Bagbazar, Calcutta.
Ganga Narayan left his only son Sambhu Chandra Sirkar who was
a Manager to the estates o f the late Goknl Chandra Mitter o f Bagbazar,
Calcutta.
Syama

Sambhu Chandra left two sons, Bhagavati Cliaran Sirkar and

Charan Sirkar, o f whom the latter served Government as

Sub-Assistant Surgeon o f Gya, Kuch-Bchar, Puri, Cuttack and other

places.
W hen Dr. Syama Charan Sirkar was appointed for the second time
Sub-Assistant Sutgeon o f K uch-B ehar by Government, the late Raja
Nariudra Narayan Bahadur offered hitn also the high offices o f Ahlkar,
i. e.. Magistrate aud Registrar o f Deeds.

Dr. Syama Charan possessed

many noble qualities and served Government for a period o f 22 years.

H o died at Kuch-Behar leaving one son, named Babu L oke Nath
Sirkar. Dr. Syama Charans tw o nephews, Babn K ali Krishna Sirkar aud
Dr. Jadav Krishna Sirkar, sons o f his eldest brother, the late Babu
Bbagavati Charan Sirkar, are very polite and educated youths.

Tho

latter is a dlplomist o f the Medical College, and holds Governmcut

service in Calcutta.
Dr. Jadav Krishna is a medical practitioDcr o f good character

the Indian Chiefs, Rajas, Zamindars,

and great professional knowledge.

239

He is a young man of about 29

years old.

I X . G O K U L C H A N D R A M IT T E R S F A M IL Y , B A G B A Z A R .
SiTARAM M ittek , by caste a Kayastha, first came to Calcutta from
Bali and settled at Bagbazar, Calcutta.

It is said, that he left only a

small property to Gokul Chandra Mitter, who, however, enhanced it con

siderably by carrying on large speculations in salt.

There is also a

popular tradition, that since the time Madan Mohan (known as the lucky
Hindu G od) was pawned to him for a sum o f Rupees one lahh by Raja
Damudhar Sing o f Bishnupur, he became a very wealthy man, and the
Bishnupur

began to decline.

Gokul Chandra erected a grand temple

for Madan Mohan and a R am Manckap in Upper Chitpur Road, Calcutta,

and endowed a Zamindari in the District o f Bardwan for its support.
Tlie re aro also several rooms attached to this temple, for the accom o
dation o f a largo nirmber o f poor pilgrims who come down for ablution
in the River Hughli, on different Hindu festivals.

These pilgrims are-

also fed from the proceeds o f the estate o f Madan M ohan.

Tho property, left by Gokul Chandra Mitter, has, at the present
time, been divided and sub-divided into numerous shares amongst his
descendants.

Babu Jadu Nath Mitter, one o f the shareholders, is

known to be an intelligent and courteous gentleman.

X .-H A R A

C H A N D R A B O SE S F A M I L Y , K A S A R I P A R A ,
S IM L A

H aua CitANDEA B ose, by caste a Kayastha, was the son o f Guru

Prasad Bose, who had also three daughters, o f whom two were married
to Siv Chandra Shorn and Krishna Chandra Shorn, sons of* Ram Charan
Shorn, known aa Charan Shorn, o f tho old Shorn Family of Bagbazar,
Calcutta.
Guru Prasad was not a wealthy man, but hia son Hara Chandra
Boso rose to prosperity through his own energy and activity.

240

The Modern History o f

Hara Chandra first commenced service under a Captain o f a ship,

but afterwards became the Banian o f several respectable firms, vis.,

Messrs, Boyd and Co., Boyd Bibee and Co., Robinson
Church Lake Carter and Co., and others.

Balfour and Co.,

He had earned much wealth,

o f which a large portion was spent by him in performing the Durga

Puja, &c., and feeding the poor.
He left five sons, Babus Mahendra Nath Bose, Devendra Nath Bose,
Bajendra Nath Bose, Jogendra N ath Bose, and Bhabendra Nath Bose.
The eldest son, the late BabuMahendra Nath Bose, waa a Banian after the
death o f his father to Messrs. Robinson Balfour and Co., and Messrs.
Church Lake Carter and Co.

He was first married to the daughter o f Lai

Chand Mitter, a wealthy man o f Simla, but sometime after the death o f
his wife, he married for the second time the daughter o f Babu Rajendra
Nath Sen, a respectable resident o f Kasaripara, Calcutta.
Babu Mahendra Nath regularly performed the Durga P u ja every
year at his residence, and waa reckoned to be an intelligent Hindu o f
very simple habits and courteous manners.

H is surviving brothers, who

are connected by matrimony with some respectable Kayastha families

o f Calcutta and its vicinity, are spoken o f as men o f good character.

X I , IS A N C H A N D R A B E N E R J I, A N D M A H E S C H A N D R A
B E N E R J I, C A L C U T T A .
B abus I san C handra B en eeji and Mahes Chandra Benerji arc
well-known among educated natives as old and respectable professors,
who had moat successfully served

Government, in the Education

Department, for a very long period.

T he elder Babu Isan Chandra was bom in 1814, and educated in
the H indu College where ho distinguished himself by the handsome
prizes and the rapid promotion he won.

H is connection with the

college in question, was however rather prematurely brought to a close

by the failure o f Messrs. Palmer and Company, which compelled him
to accept office in the General Assembly s Institution from which he
waa sent by Sir Charles Trevelyan to Chyebassa, to open a School for

ihie Indian Chiefs, Rajas, Zamindars,

t!ie Coles.

Here the splendid library o f Captain

241

%Vilkinson, tlio

Governor Generals Agent, unreservedly thrown open to him, enabled

him to make np the deficiencies o f his school days and to pave hia way
to future success.

His graphic description o f the manners and customs

o f that barbarous people in the pages o f the Calcutta X y . Observer,

attracted general notice and secured for him a transfer to the Zamindari
School, founded by Mr. D. C. S my the, of the Saddar C o u r t; and ulti
mately to the College o f Haji Muhammad Mohsin.

For short intervals,

he was sent to Berhempur and Krishnaghar, but he soon reverted to hia

place at Hughli, the grand scene for the display of bis rare abilities as
an educator o f youtln

W hile at the Hnghli College, he was appointed

as the first Native graded officer in the Education Department.

He

has now retired on pension.

Tho younger Babu Mahes Chandra was educated directly imdoi*
the Revd. Dr. Duff, and afterwards under tlie Revd. Messieurs Mackay
and Ewart o f the General Assembly s Institution in which he was the
first Medalist in 1837.

He, moreover, received three silver medals for

essays on three different subjects as well as the prize o f Mr. Muir (after
wards Sir W illiam M uir) o f the Civil Service, for the beat essay on the
Hindu and Hebrew Scriptures.

Babu Mahes Chandra entered public

service as a clerk under Major-General Caulfield.

appointed by Sir Edward Ryan as Head Master o f
Department o f the H ughli

College.

He

was afterwards

the Anglo-Persian

He was Subsequently brought

down to Calcutta, as Second Master o f the Hindu School to the infinite

chagrin o f

the entire subordinate staff, who were solely galled by

being placed under an outsider, and that outsider an eleve of a Padri

School.

H e was not .long after appointed Head Master of the Hindu

School,

He wag promoted to the fourth grade by

Lieutenant-Governor o f Bengal.
on pension.

Sir

Cecil Beaden,

Babu Mahes Chandra has also retired

A s a member o f the District Charitable Society, ho dis

charges hia honorary duties most conscientiously.

X I I . D R . J A D U N A T H M U K E R J I, C A L C U T T A .
Dr, J adu N ath M u k e e ji , Licentiate o f Medicine and Surgery of
the Calcutta University, is well-known to his countrymen by the number.
31

The Modern History o f

242

nJ value o f hia Bengali publicationa.

The eldest son o f a father,

-.-a man himself o f extraordinary intellect and liberality, Jadu Nath

was born, in September 1839, in his maternal grand-fathers house at
Santipur in the Nudiiea District, which was also the birth-place o f hia
fore-fathers.

His great grand-father, who

was

celebrated for hia

sanctity, was the first member o f his family, who left his ancestral
house to settle at Qaribpur, a very small village, as its name would
imply, situated almost midway between Ranagkat and Bongong.

A fter

receiving a systematic training at a Pathsala, Jadu Nath, who from his

infancy waa remarkable for his cleanliness ond love o f study, was sent,
at the age o f nine years to the English

School at Muinath (about five

miles east o f Qaribpur) conducted on Missionary principles and entirely

supported by the late Mr. James Forlong, the most enlightened and bene
volent

Indigo-plantcr that ever, perhaps, came to Bengal.

In Jnly

1852, Jadu Nath entered Krishnaghar College, where he studied for

about eight years, leaving it when he had reached the 3rd years
College class and almost immediately after obtaining an acting appoint
ment as a Teacher.

A very obstinate attack o f dyspepsia, from which

he suffered during his whole College career, decided his future fate in
life and he resolved to study medicine and treat his own case.

Con

formably to this resolution he entered the M edical College in June,

I860 and graduated In 1865.

W liile still a student in the Medical

College (in the fourth year o f his course), he lost his first-born child
through the utter ignorance and mismanagement o f the Native Midwife,
who attended

his wife.

This sad event so preyed on his mind that, in

the hopes o f averting a similar calamity from the same cause to hia
countrymen,he published in colloquial Bengali, in tw o parts, liis Guide
to DhaieoT Native midwives.

Tliis work has done so much good, and

is 80 well-know n under tbe name o f B hatri Siksha that it would be

superfluous to make any comments on it here.

SuflUce it to say, that its

usefulness and popularity are best attested by the'fact that the B hatri
Shiksha is to be found in use in almost every educated Hindu family in
BengH.1,

Bhatri Shikshu is Jadu Naths first work.

Since then, he has

written a number o f woiks, o f which a list is given below, and o f which

the usefulness is quite as great aa that o f his first publication.

Though

the Indian Chiefs, Rajas, Zamindars, (Jv.

243

singularly successful iu the practice o f the medical profession, he pre

fers devoting his time to those literary and scientific pursuits, through
which he bojies to pi-omote the progress and welfare o f his country men.
List o f Books.
(1 .)

Dhatri Shtkaha,

(2.)

Sarira Palana.

f3.)

Udbhid Bichara, a Treatise on Elecnents o f Botany, in Bengali, lllustirated.

(4.)

Chikitsa Darpana, a practice of Medicine for Practitioners, in Bengali.

(5 .)

Roga Bicharii, a Treatise on Clinical Medicine and Physical Diagaosia,

(6.)

in Bengali.
A Treatise on the Treatment of Asiatic Cholera, in Bengali.

(7.)

A Treatise on the proper use of Quinine in Malarious Fevere.

(8.J

A Primer for preservation o f health for infanta, in Bengali,

(9.J

Chikltsa Kalpadrama or CyclopEedia o f Practical Medicine, in Bengali,

(10.)

part I.
Sarala Jwrara Chikitsa.

A popular Treatise on the treatment of Mala*

riotiB and other Fevers, in Bengali, Part 1.

(11.)

An EngliBh Version of Sarira Palana.

Such a list o f the principal works he has as yet published.

la a

spirit o f self-denial o f his owu professional interests, he is perseveriiigly

engaged iu communicating to his less educated bretlirea

in the same profession the stores of his ripe professional knowledge and
experience, and the most recent discoveries in medical science, which are
inaccessible to them in the EugUah language, which they are unable
to understand.

Such a character deserves to be upheld for an example

to our coantiymen.

X I I L J A Y A N A U A Y A N M IT T E R S F A M I L Y , C A L C U T T A .
T he late Jaya Narayan Mitter, a Kayastha, known as Jaya Mitter,
was the only son of Ram Chandra M itter, who was a Captains Banian
in Calcutta for many years.
Ram Chandra was well versed in mercantile business, and had
familiar acquaintance with many old European Captains, who used to
Come to the Port o f Calcutta, for the purpose o f carrying on maritime
Commerce.

He left much wealth and taadi^d property in Calcutta to

The Modern History o f

244

his son Jaya Narayan or Ja ya M ittor who wqs known among the aristo
crats o f Calcutta as a nobleman void pf good aud liberal education, but
hi* was, however, never forgetful o f his own affairs as far as pecuniary
matters were concerned.

H e was indeed a bigoted Hindu, and his faith

in Idolatry was so strong, that he used to celebrate all the Pajas during
the twelve months of the year.

He constructed a beautiful temple for

K a li with Doddas-Mandir or tw elve temples for Siva, near the banks

o f the river H ughli at Biranngar, wliich are still in existence.

He had

three sons o f whom Babus Panchanan M itter and KUerod Chandra

Mitter are alive.
X I V . K A S I N A T H G H O S E S F .A M IL Y , S I M L A
"We trace the history o f this old, and no less respectable family,
from Sri Krishna Ghose, a Kayastha, who was renowned for his profi
ciency in the Persian language.

He was also a good Bengali scholar.

His son R am Dev Ghose was employed as Bajci or Pay Master in

the Krishnaghar Raj Family.

Ram Dev had acquired some wealth,

which he left to his only son Ram Loehan Ghose.

Ram Loehan gave a liberal education to his son Kasi Nath Ghose
who was one o f the most inttneatial members o f the then Hindu C om
munity o f Calcutta.

Kasi Nath was au intimate friend of Ram Dulal

Dey, the great millionaire o f Calcutta.

W lien K a li Prasad Datta, a derfcendant o f Ram Dulals patron the
well-known Madan Mohan Datta, was ex-communicated by

bis friends

and relations for his indalgence in forbidden meats and drinks, and in
forbidden associations, Kasi Nath most warmly co-operated with Ram
Dnlal Dey to restore Kali Prasad to caste by bolding a feast called
Shammanaya, on which occasion almost all the best K u lin Kayastkas,
respectable Brahmans aud other men o f weight were present.

T he

Shammanaya Was a complete succes.s, and Kali Prasad was restored to

caste.

In tills Shammanaya Ram Dulal had spent two lakhs o f Rupees,

and his friend

Kasi Nath about Rupees 30,000, for the purpose o f

rescuing a fallen man from infamy.

Kasi Nath was an Assistant Banian to the then very respectable
firm o f Messrs. Fairlie Fergusson aud Co., Calcutta.

H e was highly

the Indian Chiefs, Rajas, Zamindars, (Jr.

245

esteemed and respected by several distinguished European Merchants,

aud had some influence over those Native Babus, who, iu his time,
carried on mercantile business.

He had earned much wealth ; but his

private charities were so numerous, that he spent the greater portion of

it in this creditable way.

He had six sons, mz., Haris Cliandra Ghose,

Karn Dhone Ghose, Ananda Chandra Ghose, Ram Krishna Ghose,

Bisvambhar Gbose and Govinda Charan Ghose, o f whom the first, fourth
and sixth had no male issues.
Ram Dhone Gbose, the second son o f

Kasi Nath, left tbree

sons, viz., Khether Chandra Ghose, Sri Nath Ghose, and the late Giris
Cliandra Ghose,

who like the Dattas o f

Rainbagan, the Sens o f

Kalutola, the Mitters o f Nimtala and others are well-lcnown in literary

circles.

They received a very good education at the Oriental Seminary

and highly distinguished themselves among their fellow-students.

Tlie

eldest Khether Chandra was so brilli.aut a scliolar that L ord Auckland

during a visit to the Oriental Seminary, awarded him the prize o f
a beautiful silver standisli according to his Lordship s own design.
Babu Khether Cliandra Ghose is alive, and his younger brothers Babu
jri Nath Ghose and the late Babu Giris Chandra Ghose (the author o f
the life o f Ram Dulal Dey and other works) were the favourite students
o f the late Sir Edward Ryan, the then C hief Justice o f the Supreme
Court, who used to take a warm and lively interest in the
the Oriental Seminary.

welfare of

Babu Sri Nath Ghose served Government for

a long time as Pei*soiial Assistant to the Presidency Commissioner, and

lately as Vice-President o f the Calcutta Municipality.
retired on pension, iu consequence o f his ill-health.

He has now

He is much esteemed

by European and Native gentlemen o f respectability aud position.

He

bears an excellent character.

Ananda Chandra Ghose, the third son o f Kasi N atb, left three
sons Kali Krishna Ghose, Navia

Krishna Ghose and Jivan Krishna

Ghose, o f whom the last two are alive,

the . best and most distinguished
Calcutta.

Babu Jivan Kidshna is one o f

pleaders o f the Small Cause Court,

He has earned a great reputation for his sound education,

courteous habits, and high legal attainments.

Bisvainbhar Ghose, the fifth s*jn o f Kasi Nath, left three sons

The Modern History o f

2-16

Babus Bitia Nath Gliose, Jadu

Nath Ghose and Kala Chand Ghose.

Tliese three brothers were educated at the Oriental Seminary, and are
men o f fame and repute.

Babus Dina Nath Ghose and Jadu Nath

Ghose are graded Native Assistants in the office o f the Secretary to

the Government o f India, Financial Department.

Both of them are

exceptionally good English Scholars,_and they contribute from time to

time to many periodicals, and move in high circles such as surround
the H on ble Maharaja Jatindra Mohan Tagore, Bahadur c. a. i , Raja
Sourindra Mohan Tagore, c .i . e., and several other notabilities o f the
metropolis.

Babu Jadu Nath Ghoae is the present Honorary Secretary

to the Hindu Family Annuity Fund, and was connected with several
other societies and public institutions o f Calcutta.
Ghose is highly proficient in Book-keeping,

Babu Kala Chand

These three brothers have

such an amount o f brotherly affection for each other, that their house is
the scene of domestic happiness.

They are extremely courteous and

their conversation with their fiiends and acquaintance is always pleasing.

A nd, among them the eldest Babu Dina Nath Ghose never utters either
a hasty, a silly, or a severe expression.
polished as hia wit.

Nor are his manners inferior to his temper.

They are o f the happiest kind.

without feeling

In short, bis temper is as

N o one can be often in his com pany

a strong desire o f

winning his friendship and o f

cherishing it warmly, when once won.

X V . M A T H U R S E N S F A M IL Y , N I M T A L A .
M athctb M ohan S en, by caste a Subarna Banik, was the son o f
Jaya Mani Sen.

H e was a respectable banker in Calcutta, and was

known as a Big Babu.

It

said, that having built a large dwelling-

house with four gates somewhat resembling the Government H ou e, he

waa ordered by the then local authorities to have one o f them always
shut up as he was obliged to do.

T o this building (which is now to be

seen in a dilapidated state) a beautiful garden and a Tkakurhati were

attached, which are still known nnder the appellation o f Mathur Sens
Ftdrbagan (i, e.), a Garden containing flower trees, aud Thakurhati (i. e.),

ths Indian Chiefs, Rajas, Zamindars,

& building where hia family idol was kept.

247

The latter part o f the

life o f Mathnr Mohan Sen was quite unpropitious as he was involved

in debts and left a smail property to his sons, o f whom one named Babn
Siv Narayan Sen is alive.
Mathur Mohan had several brothers o f whom Madan Mohan Sen,
the youngest, was a wealthy man o f much repute.

Madan Mohan bad

three sons, o f whom two are alive.

The eldest Babu Pranfcvishna Sen,

is the Dewan o f the Government

Stamp Office.

H e is known to

several European and Native gentlemen as an intelligent, respectable

and wealthy person o f Calcutta.

He is always found to be courteous

to those, who come in contact with him, and his mode o f living ia as
simple aa an old Hindu's used to be.

X V I . T H E M A Z U M D A U F A M I L Y O F K U M A R T O L I.
R am C handra G hose, a Kayastha, came from

Akna a village

adjacent to H ughli, and settled at Kum artoli in Sutanuti, Calcutta.

H e served under one o f the Nawabs o f Murshidabad, and received the
title of * Mazumdar hence the family is known as the old Mazumdar
family o f Kumartoli, Calcutta,

His grand-nephew Balaram Mazumdar

and his grandson Ram Sundar Mazumdar were well-known for their
learning, and for the orthodoxy o f their Hinduism.

Tliey raised and

dedicated a temple to 5tra at Benares with buildings attached to it, and

erected Doadaa-Mandir, i. e., twelve temples at Mahes, near Sirampur.
This family had all along a Bathing Ghat, near Kumartoli, known as
Balaram Mazumdnr s Ohat.

A small temple dedicated to Sioa by one

o f the members o f this family is still existing in the Strand Bank

adjoining to Nandi's Gkat, Kumartoli, Calcutta.

X V I L T H E M IT T E R F A M IL Y O P N I M T A L A .
W e trace the history o f this old family from Gangadhar Mitter, a
Kayastha, who had business connection with Ram
great millionaire o f Calcutta.

Dulal Dey, the

The Afodern History o f

248

Gan gad liar was a son-in-law o f Madan Molian Datta, one o f the
celebrated descendants o f Govinda Saran Datta, the founder o f tlie
old Hatkhola Datta family o f Calcutta.

He bad

three sons Ram

Narayan, Nimai Charan and Nanda Lai, o f whom

the first besides

owning a Zamindari, speculated largely in Government Securities, &e.

Ram Narayan was a friend o f Raja Ram

Mohan R oy, and was a

great lover o f religious books and sacred music.

It was he, who witli

the help o f Radha Mohan Sen published

musical work Sanyit

TaTanyini,

the

Ram Narayan had five sons, Madhu Sudan, Syam Chaiid,

Navin Chand, Piyari Chand and

Chand is alive.

K isori

Cliand, o f

whom

Piyari

Short notices o f the lives o f Cabus Piyari Chand and

Kisori Chand are given below :

Babu Piyari Chand M itter was bora on the 8th Srahan, 1221 B. S.,
corresponding to the year 1814 o f the Christian era.

H is early educa

tion was conducted under the tutorship o f a Qurumnhashaya." H aving

g ot up the rudiments o f his "Vernacular, he was tauglit the elements o f
Persian by a Munshi appointed by his father.

He entered the H indu

College on the 7th July, 1829 and was admitted in the 11th Class.

At

first his awkwardness and his bad pronunciation made him a langbingstock to his fellow students, but by application and industry, he correc
ted all his defects and made himself a very prominent boy o f his class,
and this position he maintained throughout his college career, which
by getting double promotion and the like he finished in less than the
average time.

His merit as a scholar was signally testified to by Sir

John Peter Grant subsequently a Judge o f the Supreme Court, who

awarded his own Prize to Piyari Chand for an essay he had set hia
competitors comprising the late Raja Digambar M itter, c. s. i., and
other students of his year.

H e had no taste for mathematics, but was

very contemplative, and was often called " The Philosopher by Dr.
Tytler, his mathematical professor, so much so, that on one occasion
when Sir John Grant enquired whether any student knew moral philo
sophy in his class. Dr. Tytler jocosely named Piyari Chand as The
Philosopher.

The brilliancy of his scholastic career must be chiefly

imputed to his yearning after knowledge which bore down all petty
obstacles in the way o f the vigorous prosecution o f his studies.

H is

the Indian Chiefs, Rajas, Zamindars, i^c.

249

merits were unobtrusiTe, and therefore required obgervstion, in order fco

be iippreciated.

It is owing to this speculattre cast of liis mind, that

English edncation did not make him a mad entliusiast as it had made
many at that tiaie, but left him a quiet reformer as may be seen a litbla
later on.

W hile an advanced student o f the Hindu College, he had a

free School at his honse o f which Messrs, Hare and Derozio were the
visitors.

Babu Kisori Chand was one o f the pupils aud Babu Biv

Chandra Dev one of the honorary teachers.

Not long after leaving College in December 1835, he was appoin
ted Deputy Librarian o f the Calcutta Public Library and though ho
took the fullest advantage o f hig rare opportunities for reading and
study, he still discharged his duties ao satisfactorily tbat he was even
tually promoted to the more important post o f Secretary and Librarian,
which he resigned in 1867 the curators bearing the highest testimony
to his abilities and services.

During this time he had speculated largely

in partnership with Babus K ala Chand Set and Tara Chand Chakravarti
and realised handsome profits through his prudent management.

He

afterwards separated from them and engaged in mercantile business on

his own account by which he earned a good deal o f money.

H e was

also for several years a Director o f Tea and other Joint Stock Companies.
There occurred another event within this period which is worth men
tioning.

During the administration o f Lord Dalhousie tbe corruption*

o f the Police had become notorious, the columns o f Newspapers were

daily filled with fresh instances o f the systematic way in which bribery
and unlawful oppression were carried on with impunity.

The Ghost

o f a Goenda was nnremitting in his exertions to bring the matter to

the notice of Government.

A t length a commission was appointed to

investigate the real state of things.

the Commissioners.

Messrs. Colvin and Dam pier were

Respectable European and Native gentlemen wer

called upon to give evidence upon the matter.

M itter was one o f them.
corruptions of the Police.

Babu Piyari Chand

H e gave his evidence fearlessly, exposing the

The investigation resulted in the removal

o f some and dismissal o f the more guilty officers.

Societies and associations were the signs of the time and in many
o f them Babu Piyari Chand held tbe more responsible post.
32

He was

The Modei'H History o f

250

the first Secretary o f the Bethnne Society, a member o f the Society for
tlia Preveutioii o f Cruelty

to anim als) Honorary Secretary o f the

Bengal Social Science Association for many years after its foundation ;
a Secretary to tlie Society for the acquisition of general know ledge;
one o f the oldest members o f

the Aorricultural and Horticultural

Society o f India; one o f the foundation members o f the British Indian

Association, and o f the School Book Society,

Before the British

Indian Association was established, the British Indian

Society had

existed of which Mr. George Thompson was the President and Babu
Piyari Chand Mitter, Secretary,

That Society did some good in col

lecting information relative to the condition o f the rural community o f

Bengal,

Based upon the informations so collected, Babu Piyari Chand

Mitter wrote bia article on Zamindar and Rayafc which appeared in tho
Calcutta Review.

He has been for many years a Secretary to tha

Hare Prize Fimd Committee, a member o f the District Oharitabla

Society and of the Calcutta Public Library.

H e was in the Bengal

Council from January 18th, 1868, to January 18th, 1870.

While a

member o f that Council, he introduced two hills for tho prevention o f

cruelty to animals.

They are now known as A cts I and I I I o f 1868.

H e i? an Honorary Magistrate and a Justice o f the Peace for several

years and is a member o f the Calcutta Senate.

He is known to all

high European Officials, who entertain a very great regard for him.
But honorable as bis public life has been, his literary life entitles
him to higher respect.

H is acquirements in English, in Bengali and

as it appears from his writings in Sanskrit, are vast and it is a happy

thing that those acquirements have always been directed to worthy
objects, to the wearing out o f prejudice, the suppression o f vice, and
the propagation o f truth.

H is contribntions to the Calcutta Review

are many and are pre-eminently digtinguished by soundness o f views

ftUtl solidity o f arguments.

Tho first o f those articles, Zamindar and

Rayat, wliich appeared in V ol.,

V I., attracted the notice o f Lord

AlbetnarU, and was brought to the notice o f the House o f Lords,*

Other articles were, marriage o f Hindu W idow, Agricultural Society
o f India, Court A.mlalis in Bengal, Department o f Indiiin Agriculture,
* See London Times, fitli July, 1653,

ike Indian Chiefs, Rajas, Zamindars, ^c.

251

Development o f the female mind in India, Culture o f H indu Females,

Commerce in Ancient India, Social Condition o f the A rya s (January
1877),

Indian W lieat, Hindu

Bengal,

Besides he wrote several

papers on the state o f Hindustan under the Hindus, which appeared

in the selection of discourses delivered at the Society for the acquisi
tion o f general knowledge.

He also conducted with Babu Tara Chand

Chakravarti, a paper called the Bengal Spectator, which has long ago
been dropped.

His life o f David Hare is a little book containing

much valuable information and is written with becoming eloquence.

The Spiritual Stray Leaves is quite a recent publication and shews great
learning and extensive research, together with profundity o f tliought.
Babu Piyari Chand was born in an age remarkable for the spirit
o f enquiry which was newly awakened in the minds of men.

But

Babu Piyari Chand Mitter was a quiet reformer the sobriety and
the contemplative nature o f hia mind preventing him from being a
fierce enthusiast

But he adopted a course wbich was at once laudable

and productive o f

good.

He

started the first Bengali Magazine,

M asik Fatrika,\\\ wbich he tried to explain away prejudices and convey

useful instructions in the clearest and easiest language,
first Bengali Novel,

H e wrote the

1 ju stly praised for its wit,

Spirit and clever touches of nature .

He wrote the first Bengali Satire,

T?

I Eamaranjika

(a little book for young women) but which, Revd. K . M. Benerji, l. l. d ,,

says, is as good for young men ;

| an Agricultural essay written

for the Agricultural and Horticultural Society o f India,

germ o f hymns,

or

I a treatise on the leading subjects of religion,

a spiritual tale,

and

another spiritual novel, are his other Bengali works.

None of his books

is large, but all o f tbem are written in clear and simple language, in a
language in which every one of ua speaks, and all o f them are entitled to
this great praise, the praise o f originality.
as being unique in its kind.

Euperstitious absurdities o f society.

way.

H is satire is also remarkable

Its aim has been to expose the follies and

A nd he does this quite in his own

In bis satirical writings, there is none of the concentrated

venom, the fierce indigation, the sustained spirit o f malignity, which

952

The Modern History of

we find in the lluiuin.

A quaint broad humour pervades the while and

the Hevd. Mr. Long, in hia ludigu Commissioa Report, styles him tb s
Dickens o f BeogaJ.
Babu Piyari Chand was married to the daughter o f the late Fran
Krishna Biswas o f Khardu, who is well-known as the author of several
works on the

Tantras, aud as the collector o f 70,000, Salgrams.

The young lady was educated by her father and was very fond o f read*
ing.

It was under her influence that

was written.

T he death o f his wife whicli took place in 1858 was a severe aiflictiou
to him, and he found solace in the soothing promises o f spiritualism,
for which he liad formerly shewn some predilection.

For the last

twenty years be has been studying psychology, spiritualiBui and works

on animal magnetism; and he is a maguetiser himself.

H e is a contri

butor to the Spiritualistic Journals, both o f England and America,

and articles have appeared in the English Spiritualist and Batiuer o f
Light, appreciative o f bU contributioos.
sophic Society o f Boston.

H e is a fellow o f the Tbeo-

But whatever effects spiritualism may have

produced on his mind, it has certainly widened and enlarged his religious
views.
His charity is proportionate to hia Catholicism.

H is behaviour to

others is marked by kiudaesa, cordiality, and aff.ibility.

life, he is sober, chaste, and loving.

In hU private

One remarkable thing iu hU

character is the ooincidenca o f the philosopher and the wit.

writings are very witty.

AH his

H is vivid imagination combined with an

4cute sensitiveness to outward impressions, enables him to portray

every detail in landscape, every peculiarity o f voice and manner in ch a
racter.

The very nom de plume under which he appeared as an author

has an air of fun about it.

Though very contemplative when alone, in

the society o f friends he is overflowing with jollity.

Tlie sparkling

wit which enlivens his pages, enlivens his conversation.

His iiinoceat

pranks are irresistible.

mirth which
laughter.

H e does not himself seem insensible o f the

he peates, but seconds his fun with a merry peal o f

H e Is the life o f the party iu which he happens to be pro-

ent and the com ic eflects o f his speech are enhanced by contrast with
the sage reflections which he scatters up and down in it.

Truly, there is

the Indian Chiefs, Rajas, Zamindars, (Jr.

philosophy in his wit and wit tti his philosophy,

253

lu morality, in unsel

fish benevolence, in goodness o f soul, he is an exemplary man.

He

knows and is fond o f music and ia pretty well acquainted with Hindu
R ig s and Ragiuees.

H e has three surviving sons viz. Babus Amrita

Lai, Chuni Lai and Nagendra Lai.

The late Babu KUori Chand was born on the 26th May, 1822.
Like his elder brother he at first learned Bengali under Gitrumahfuhga
and Persian under a MunihL

Afterwards ha read successively in the

Hindu Benevolent lustitntion (w hich was established at his bouse by

hia brother), iu Hares School, and in the Hindu College, where lie was
a great favourite with Captain D. L. Richardson for bis literary propen
sities.

He was for sometime an honorary teacher in Dr. D u ffs School,

and studied English classics under him,

The sound knowledge o f

English which he thus acquired helped him a great deal in his after
life, aud. won him the reputation o f a veteran writer.

F or sometime

he served under Mr. Alexander, the Legal Remembrancer, and as

Assistant Secretary to the Asiatic Society.

He contributed largely to

the Bengal Spectator, the Bengal Harkara, the Calcutta Review, and
his articles, specially those in the last named periodical raised his
literary reputation high in the opinion of the European and Native
community.

One o f his articles in the Calcutta Review, that on Raja

Rum Mohan Roy, so much pleased Mr. Halliday, the then Secretary to the
Governmeot o f Bengal that he called upon K isori Chand and conferred
upon him a Deputy Miigistracy in the Rajshahye Division,

There he

acquired a good name by inducing the nobles, the well to-do people of
the district to found schools, hospitals, dispensaries, &c.
W hen Hara Chandra Ghose, was appointed a judge o f the Small
Cause Court, Sir Frederick Halliday then the Lieutenant-Governor o f
Bengal, conferred upon him the post of junior Magistrate o f Calcutta,
in considerotion o f the valuable services rendered by him.
afterwards lost the post.

But he

Since then be led an independent life, and

contributed to the Indian Field which waa afterwards incorporated

with the Hindu Patriot,
Babu Kisori Chand was a type of Young

Bengal.

In the

general intellectual comm otion which succeeded the torpor o f the age

The Modern History o f

254

which had gone by, he took a leading part.

He established societies,

delivered lectures, waa secretary to many institutions o f Calcutta,

was one o f the founders o f the Hare
the British Indian Association.

He

Anniversary, and a member o f

Being associated with Dr. D uff he

took a fancy for natural theology, and established at his house the
Hindu Theo-philanthropic Society.

Ho was also a favourite public

speaker. His merits were chiefly intelleetnal.

I t was the dignity o f sty le '

and the manly eloquence o f his article on Raja Ram Mohan R oy which
secured his Deputy Magistracy.

His best contributions to the Calcutta

Review, besides the one already mentioned were Hindu W oman, Phases
o f Hinduism, Orissa Past and Present, Agriculture and Agricultural
Exhibition in Bengal, Radha Kanta Dev, Territorial Aristocracy o f
Bengal, Nuddea
Bardwan Raj.

Raj, Rajas

of

Rajshahye, Kasimbazar

Kisori Chand died on the 6th August, 1873.

Raj, and
His intel

lectual acquirements at least, his knowledge o f Euglish and hts ability

in essay writing, were equal, i f not inferior to those o f his brother.
But with the purely intellectual ceases all similitude between them.
Indeed it would be amusing to see how widely the character af the one
differed from that o f the other.

Both were reformers.

But while the

elder brother inculcated enlightened precepts by gentle means, the

yonnger shocked the feelings o f the majority o f the people by doing
violence to their time-honored customs.

W hile the one reads and res

pects our ShaAia,TS and takes pleasure in making allusions to them in

bis writings and his conversation, the otber did not think it worth
while to go through them simply from a feeling of supreme contempt.
The one is sober, the other was ju st the opposite.
unobtruding, the other had a dashing spirit.
much, the one loved to lecture much.

The one is calm and

The one loves to think

The one is a thorough spiritua

list, the other was, to all intents and purposes, a sturdy materialist,
probably an honest Epicurean.

Babu Kisori Chand was better known

among the elite and garden-going population o f Calcutta, Babu Piyari

Chand is better known among the mediums o f Boston.
Chand has left no male child.

Babu Kisori

tke Indian Chiefs, Rajas, Zamindars, djc.

255

X V I I I . N A N D A R A M S E N S F A M I L Y , S A V A B A Z A R .
N anda B ah S en , b j caste a Kayastha, resided in Savabazar,
Calcutta, and serred as Dewan to the Commercial Resident at Dacca.
He was famous for his piety and benevolent acts.

He excavated about

twelve tanks in Baraset, H ughli and other places for public use at a
time when the want of water was deeply felt by the people.

H e dedica

ted a large Hindu temple to Mahadeva in his street still known

after his name as " Nauda Ram Sens Street, and distributed lands to
several Brahmans whose descendants are still in possession o f them at
Baraset.

H e was successively followed by Ram Chandra Sen, and

Govinda Chandra Sen.

Sen who had a good

The latter had one son named Jagat Chandra

knowledge of

the English, French, Bengali,

Sanskrit, Urdu, and Persian language.

W hen eighty years o f age Jagat

Chandra was the author o f Kasi Khanda which he wrote in Sanskrit,

and the work is still in use among the Hindus.

H e left four sons who

are all alive and of whom Babu Jainti Chandra Sen is the author o f
Battria
of

Singhctaan,

the work Batiris

Sri-Skitanahomibratta, &c.
Singhaaan are

Tho sale

proceeds

regularly sent to the District

Charitable Society for the benefit of the poor.

Babu Jainti Chandra

Sen has five sons o f whom the eldest Babn Sarat Chandra Sen, is the
author o f the " Pleasing Code in verse.
The Sen family has almost fallen away from Its former prosperity.
They have still a small Taluk at Beonta, and some landed property in
Calcutta and its vicinity.

X I X . N ID H U R A M B O SE S F A M I L Y , B A G B A Z A R .
N id h u R am B osk, known as Dewan Nidhu Ram Bose, was 21st in
descent from Muktaram Bose, a Kayastha, who first settled at Minagar,
after the fall o f the Gaur Dynasty.
Long before the English settlement in this country, Nidhu Ram
left Minagar and settled in Bagbazar, Calcutta.

He had six sons

Radha Charan, Ram Charan, Syama Charan, Bhabani Charan, Kali

Charan and Devi Charan, who were all orthodox Hindus and famous
for their many charitable acta.

256

The Alodern History o f

Kadha Charan had two sons, Oaiiga Narayan and Kaai Nath,
The latter left two issues D ev Narayan and Ram Narayan, wliose
descendants are still alive.
Kam Charan had four sons, o f whom the second Jaya Narayan left
one issue named Mohan Chand Bose.
Bengali poet and an amateur musician.

Molian

Chand was a good

H is name is still remembered

among the lovers o f music in the city as having been the best composer
o f H a lf-A ch ra i songs,
Syama Charaa had six sons, o f whom the eldest Jagannath Bose,
and the youngest Guru Prasad
a very pious and learned mau.

Bose had issues.

The

former was

He married Srimati Bhagavati Dasi tho

eldest daughter o f the late Dewan Sri Hari Ghose o f Kantapukur,

Calcutta.

It is said, that Dewan Sri Hari Ghose having had a great

affection for his daughter constructed a Pucka

expense for the comfort o f the happy-pair.

Building at Iris ow n

Jagannath bose had two

sons Jaya Krishna Bose and Gopi Krishna Bose, o f whom the former was
known in Calcutta as the best amateur painter o f his time.

He left

one son named Rup Narayan Bose who died very young leaving tw o
ODS,

o f whom the elder Babu Kali Kinkar Bose has settled himself aa

a model farmer on tha aide o f that ancient and beautiful river A ja y

situated in the District o f Bardwan.
Bhabani Charan had no son.
K ali Charan had four aona, whose descendants are still living in
Calcutta.
Devi Charan, the sixth son o f Nidhu Ram, died without issue.
This family was at one time known to be rich, but it has now been
reduced to a miserable condition.
X X . T H E P A L F A M I L Y O F J O R A S A N K A .
T he history o f this old family may be traced from K ali Charan
Pal, by caste a T ili, who had thrae sons N athu Pal, Day a Ram Pal and
Radha Charan P a l all famous for their several acts o f piety and for
their stauooh Hinduism.

A m on g the sons o f

Daya Rain viz., Ram

Gopal Pal, Ram Govinda Pal and Ram Sagar Pal, the second excavated

a few tanks in the suburbs o f Calcutta for public good.

the Indian Chiefs, Rajas, Zamindars, Sjc.

257

Ram Chandra Pa], the surviving son o f Ram Govinda Pal, inhe
rited all the good qualities of his forefathers.

He devoted much of

his time to pious observances and is said to have been a distinguished

member o f this family.

A s a religions and charitable Hindu he has

paved the private road leading to the Kaligkai with chunar stones for
public convenience at a cost o f Rs. 2,500.

H e besides constructed a

bathing Ghat with a house for the moribund at Khardah, a village

situated near Calcutta, for the benefit o f

the public at a cost of

Rs. 24,000. . For having thus removed a long-felt want o f the people of
that village he has done an ever-lasting good to his oonntrymen and has
received the thanks o f Government for this particular act o f public
utility and enlightened liberality.

X X L P I Y A R I C H A R A N S I R K A R A N D H IS F A M IL Y ,
CH ORE SAGAN.
SivRAM SiRKAR, son o f Indrft Narayan Sirkar, and grandson o f
Biresvar Bas Das, was the founder o f this respectable family.
Biresvar Das Das, by caste a Kayastha, was bom
1681 A . D,

He waa a native o f Tara a village in Zilla

in the year
Hughli, and

bein
O well-versed in accounts and Zamindari business was honored
with the title o f Sirkar by the then reigning Nuwab o f Bengal,
under whom he served as TashiUar.
is in use in the family.

Since then, the title o f Sirkar

He died at the good old age o f 78 years, in the

year 1759 A , D., leaving an only son Iiulra Namyan Sirkar.

ludra

Narayan Sirkar died in the year 1763 A . D., at the age o f 62, leaving a
son Siv Ram.
Siv Ram Sirkar was born in the year 1722 A, D., and having spent
the beat part o f hia life in his native village removed from
Calcutta at the age o f 69 in the year 1791 A. D .

Tara to

He purchased his

family dwelling house in Muktaram Babu s Street, Chorebagan, and

having enjoyed his new residence only for six years died in the year
1797 A . D., nt the ago o f 75ye.arF, leaving behind him a widow and two
sons Tarini Charan and Bhairav Chandra aged thirteen and eight years
respectively.
33

The widow o f Siv Ram named Dhon Mani Dasi, was tba

The MocUvn History of

258

daughter o f Krishna Mohan Mitter, Auntpui-.

A t the latter part o f

her life, she went on a pilgrimage to Benares where she died iu the year
1848 A . D., at the good old age o f 115 yeara.
Having early become fatherleas, the two brothers Tarini Charan
and Bhairav Chandra learnt the value o f self-reliance, and by dii.t o f
their own efforts and strong common sense they managed to acquire
something o f the English language, and eotered as apprentices in the
present well-known firm o f

Messrs. Thacker Spink fe Co.

They soon

gained the affection and confidence o f their masters who liked them
very much for their honesty and capacity for business.

In a short time,

Tarini Charan became the Banian o f the firm, and the two brothers
join tly worked with honesty and diligence, aud greatly enhanced the
lesjurcea o f the firm.

Besides being an assistant to his brother,

Bhairav had another source o f income in the supply o f provisions to

the ships in Port.

Both o f them were pious and charitably disposed ;

the youngest Bhairav waa a plain simple-hearted man having less o f

worldlinesg than his brother.
pious and charitable deeds.

W hatever he earned he gave away iu

His principal aim in life was to celebrate

alt the Hindu festivities, and on each occasioa, to give alms to the poor
and to feed a large number of them in the best style possible.

Tarini

Charan died in the year 1839 A . D., at the age o f 55 years, leaving
three sons Patrika Charan, Prem Chand and Uaj Krishna Sirkar.

Hia

widow Tara Mani Dasi, the daughter o f Gokul Bose o f Khanakul,

died in the year 1866 A. D.
Bhairav Chandia was b^m in the year 1789 A. D., and died in tho
year 1838 A. D., at a much earlier age than any o f his immediate ances
tors ;

leaving a widow, four sons, and three daughters.

He married

Drapa M oyi Dasi, the only daughter o f Bhairav Chandra Bose, the third
son o f Gokul Chandra Bose o f Chorebagan.
living at a good old age o f 85 years.

Drapa M oyi Dasi is still

O f the four sons o f Bhairav

Chandra Sirkar, Porvati Charan was the eldest, Prasanna Kumar the
second, Piyari Charan the third, and Kam Chandra Sirkar the youngest,
Parvati Charan Sirkar was born in Calcutta in the year 1811 A . D.
He

W as

a favourite pupil o f David Hare and was one o f the most distin

guished scholars o f tbe old H indu College,

Having fiatabed bia College

the Indian Chiefs, Rajas, Zamindars, <^-c.

career, he was appointed Head Master o f the Dacca School.

259
There he

at first met with strong opposition from the orthodox inhabitants who
objected to give their sons on English education, but by gentle persna*
sioDS he succeeded in overcoming their prejudices, and in a short time
managed to establish a school which has since developed into the present
Dacca College.

H e remained there for nearly three years, and was much

respected and loved by the people.

to Hughli as Head

From Dacca he was transferred

Master o f the Branch

School.

By dint of bis

superior talents and through the high moral discipline he enforced, he

managed to infuse a new spirit into the school, which soon became one
o f the best institutions in Bengal.

Parvati Charan was a strong-built

fine looking young man with genial and polished manners.

He waa

very social in hia habits, and by his obliging manners acquired a large
circle of friends.

He was fond o f music from his early years and took

a special delight in playing on the Si/ara.

In the midst o f hia useful career, Parvati Charan suddenly died of

cholera at the age o f thirty'-three on the 11th November, 1843 deeply
lamented by a large circle o f friends both European and Native.

He

was an ornament to the'Educational Department, and the Council o f

Education in a minute expressed their deep regret at the loss which
the Department suffered from his death.

Parvati Charan married the

tliird daughter o f Hara Chandra Mitter, one o f

the grandsons of

Durga Charan Mitter, the bead o f the well-known H ulin Family

o f Darjipara, Calcutta.
four 60ns.

Parvati left behind

liim a loving wife and

Her love and devotedness to her husbaud was so strong, that

the widow from the moment of lier husband s death gave up all earthly
concerns, and with a determination to follow him in the next world reso
lutely refused (ood and drink, and having lingered for nearly three months
breathed her last on the 21st February, 1844.

O f the four sons, the

youngest two died while infants, and the eldest Gopal Chandra and the
second Bhuban Mohan are still living.

W e will notice them in their

proper places.
Prasanna Kumar, the second son o f Bhairav Chandra Sirkar, was
born in the year 1821 A. D.

He was a teacher o f the Kalutola Branch

School, and died in the year 1877 A. D,, leaving a son and a daughter.

The Modem History of

260

The son Babu Upendra Chandra Sirkar is employed in the Port Commis
sioner s Office.
Piyari Cbaran Sirkar, the third eon o f Bhairav Chandra Sirkar, was
born in Calcutta on the 23rd January, 1823 A. D.

H e was brought

up under the eyes of that father o f Indian education, David Hare,

and gave early promise o f future exct-llence.

Front the Hare School,

as it was popularly called, he was promoted to the late Hindu College,

where his career was most brilliant; he carried away the highest prizes
and held for several years one o f the highest scholarships open to the
students o f the College.

He began life a a teacher in the HughU

Branch School, and was subsequently appointed Head Master o f the

Baraset School.

H e greatly distinguished himself there.

Under bis

tnanagement the Baraset School was known to be one o f the best iu

Bengal.

He established the first boarding institution there, and also a

school for girls.

By bis simplicity, amiableness, aud active benevolence

he became not only the pet o f his boys but also o f the people o f
Baraset, and when he left them, he actually left amid tears.

He was

next appointed Head Master o f the Hare School, which he soon raised
to the foremost rank among Government Schoola

A few years ago ho

was piomoted to the Presidency College as Assistant Professor o f

Literature, and the rich stores o f knowledge which he had amassed
were now brought out to the be^t advantage.

It was a sight to sea

hior explain the most difficult passages in prose and poetry, illustrated
by classic

allusions and

anecdotes,

and

whatever

thoroughly impressed on the mind o f his student.

he

taught

Ire

The secret of his

success as a teacher was the familiarity with which he treated his

pupils.

H e never kept them at a distance he treated them as his

friends, and the most obdurate nature yielded to his gentle sway.

Ha

never had recourse to the school-master s b irch he at once won his

way to the heart o f those whom he addressed.
they loved biui in return.
tlie truth o f this fact.

H e loved his pupils and

Many of the rising generation can attest

Babu Piyari Charan did not think that his work

euded in the class-room - he took as much interest in his pupils out o f

it as wheu iu it.
the word.

H e was a friend o f education iu the widest sense o f

Seeing that many poor boys could not eator the Govern

the Indian Chiefs, Rajas, Zamindars,

261

ment Schools, he maintained for several years a middle class school

called the Cliorebagan Preparatory School.

He also assisted many a

struggling student with money, clothing and books.

He waa an advo

cate o f female education, and established a girls school in his neigh

bourhood, which is still iu existence.

He waa also a warm friend of

the widow marriage movement, and earnestly seconded the laudable

efforts o f his friend Pandit Isvar Cliandra Bidyasagor.
spared money nor trouble to further that movement.

H e neither

He saw the evila

o f driuk-craving in native society and founded the Bengal Temperance

Societv.

Although that society did not work so successfully as we

would wish, still it had a great moral influence upon the rising genera
tion.

In connection with it be conducted creilitably for some years a

monthly periodical called the W ell-W isher. * H e also took charge for a
short time of the Education Gazette. A man o f unbounded benevolence,
though not possessed o f commensurate means, he shewed the kindliness
o f his heart in the active work he undertook daring the Famine o f
1866 in feeding the hungry and clothing the naked.
*

Much as Babu Piyari Charan was valued for his literary acquirements
and educational labors, his name will be always cherished in fond recolleotion by his countrymen for bis sterling moral worth. H e was absolutely
guileless we may say that he carried his heart on his sleeve.

Modest

and unobtrusive, honest and thoroughly conscientious, charitable bub

without ostentation, be was one o f the best fruits o f English education,
and those who are in the habit o f denouncing the so-called godless
system of State education will do well to study the moral o f the life
o f this excellent Bengali.

In the family circle, in the educational circle-,

as well as in the wider circle o f society ho has left a void which cannot
be easily filled u p*."

H e was married to tlie fonith daughter o f Siv

Narayan Bose, the grandson o f Manick Ram Bose o f Hatkhola.

had the greatest respect for his mother till his death.

He

Piyari Charan

who was styled by the Hindu Patriot The Prince of ludian teachers
and The Arnold o f the East died on the 30th September, 1875 at
* The Hindu Patriot, 4th October, 1875.

Tke Modem Histffry of

262
12-30

A.

u. having suffered from a long and severe attack o f diabetes.

The Presidency College, the Hindu Scbool, and the Hare ScUoul were
at once closed by order o f Mr. Tawuey, the then Officiating Principal
o f the Presidency College, no sooner the sad intelligence o f the death
o f Piyari Charan reached him as a marked token o f respect to the
memory c f the lamented deceased.

The students under the presidency

o f Mr. Tawney started a subscription to commemorate Ms career u

an educationist

The feeling among them was one o f common sorrow

for a common calamity as if each and every one o f them had lost a
personal friend, and this feeling is largely shared by the outside native
public.

Piyari Charan left behind him five sons and three daughters.

The eldest Bon Babu Jogendra Nath Sirkar went to England to complete
his studies and has come out a Barrister-at-law,and is now practising at
Uaipur.

The second Babu Nagendra Nath Sirkar is a B, A ., and hai

lately been appointed a Deputy Magistrate at Manbhum.

Ram Chandra Sirkar, the fourth son o f Bhairav Chandra, was bora
in the year 1827 A. D., and died in the year 1856 A . D., at the early
age o f 29, leaving two sons Babes Surendra Natli and Narendra Nath,
both o f whom are M. A. and B. L.
BU CceSBful

Bubu Surendra Nath is one o f the

pleaders o f the Calcutta Small Cause Court.

A fter the death of Farvatl Charan, his two sons Babus Gopal
Chandra and Bhuban Mohan, whom we have mentioned before, found a
loving guardian in their much respected uncle Babu P ija ii Cliaran Sirkar
who loved them os his sons,

Piyari Charan took his nephews to Baraset,

and brought them up under his immediate care and tuition.

Babu Gopal Chandra was born at Dacca on the 26th May, 1836 A . D.
H aving finis lied his education in the Presidency College, he passed the
Pleadership Examination, and set up as a pleader at Bhagalpur.

By

his superior abilities and honesty o f character, he soon commenced an

eitensive practice and gained the respect and esteem o f the people.
He is now an ornament o f the Bhagalpur Bar, and he has distinguished
himself as the first pleader in criminal cases.

The officials entertain a

high regard for him both on account o f his moral principles and his capa
city for business.

He is an Honorary Magistrate and a member o f

almost every committee o f the station.

the Indian Chiefs, Rajas, Zamindars,

263

Babu Bbuban MobanSirkar was born in Calcutta on the 4tU January,

1833 A, D.

He was brougiit up under the immediate care and superin

tendence o f his uncle Babu Piyari Charan, and having received a good
education in the Presidency College he entered the Medical College in
1856, and successfully passed tho first University Examination o f Licen
tiates in medicine.

By Iris singular habits o f temperance, and urbanity

o f manners and careful attendance on his patients, he soon gained the

confidence o f the people and is now one o f the best medical practitioners
in Calcutta.

He has always taken an active part in almost all public

movements, and has seemed to feel a pleasure in making himself useful

ill the redress and mitigation o f wrongs.

Since the death o f Babu

Piyari Charan Slrkar, Babu Bhuban Mohan Sirkar has become the
Secretary o f the Bengal Temperance Society.

H e has got a Female

School at his house in Chorebagan o f which he is the Secretary.

is a Municipal Commissioner and a member o f
o f the District Charitable Society.

He

the native committee

On the occasion o f the assump

tion o f the title Empress o f India by Her M ost Gracious Majesty

the Queen, he received from Government a certificate o f honor at the
Darbar held at Calcutta on the 1st January, 1877.
Babu Bhuban Mohan Sirkar is a man o f good moral principles, o f a
kind and charitable disposition and always ready to help the poor both
with purse and medical advice.

Through the influence o f his gentle and

polished manners he has succeeded iu securing a large circle o f friends

by whom he is held in great and deserved esteem.

X X I L R A D H A K R IS H N A M IT T E R S F A M I L Y , D A R J I P A R A .
R adba K uishxa M it te b , a Kulin Kayastha, was the son o f Kali
Prasad Mitter and great grandson o f Monahar Mitter.

H e was married

to the eldest daughter of the well-known millionaire Ram Dulal Dey o f

Calcutta.

He was a bigoted Hindu, and left proofs o f his religious zeal

iu the temples he dedicated to Siva at Benares,

H e had five sons Jaya

Krishna, Raj Krishna, Gopal Krishna, Jivan Krishna and Sri Krishna,
o f whom the second acquired much wealth by becoming an A gent and
Banian to all the respectable American merchants o f his time.

Raj

264

The Modern History o f

Krishna Mitter had a good knowledge o f mercantile business, aud -was

always forward to learn anything that appeared to him new and difficult.
H e left an intelligent son named Babu Amar Krishna Mitter.
Jivan Krishna Mitter, the fourth son o f Radha Krishna Mitter, left
tw o sons named Babus Kumar Krishna M itter aud Kumad
M itter,

Krishna

The other three sons o f Radha Krishna Mit-ter had no issue.

The estates o f the family including landed property in Calcutta,

and a Zamindari in the 24 Pargannas are now under the managers o f
the Family Trust Fund.
Babu Kumar Krishna M itter is the present head o f the family and
takes a great interest in the management of the estates.

H e is a

young man o f good character and is of a charitable disposition.

He and

other members o f this respectable family strictly follow the tenets o f

Hinduism.
X X i n . R A J E N D R A N A T H M IT T E R S F A M IL Y ,
CALCU TTA.
T he residence o f
known village
bed o f the river

this family was formerly at Harinavi, a well

to the south o f Calcutta, where a part o f the original

Ganga

is

still

called

by

the

name

o f M itter s

Ganga.
Dataram Mitter, the twenty-second in descent from the original
stock, first came to Calcutta, and laid the foundation o f the splendid
manson in Thonthonia, Calcutta ; which was afterwards completed by hia
illustrious son Chandra Sikhar M itter and which having within the
last forty years passed out o f tbe possession o f tbe family has changed
several hands and is now

the

residence

o f Babu

Durga

Charan

Law.
Dataram M itter gained a good position among the Kayastba families
o f Calcntta and was much esteemed for his piety and devotion.

Ha

died about the year 1810, and his virtuous wife followed him as Sati.
H e left three sons

Madan

M ohan,

Chaudra

Sikhar, and

Bhola

Nath.
Madan Mohan was one o f the few who in those days were recog
nised as learned in the English and Sanskrit languages.

H e was a

the Indian Chiefs, Rajas, Zamindars,

265

friend of the late Raja Ram Mohan R oy, with whom he was engaged
in making translations o f certain

vernacular works into

English.

H e was for sometime Dewan o f the Barisal Collectorate, but his useful
career was cut short by his untimely death at the very early age of
about twenty-two.

He left no issue.

Chandra Sikhar was the distinguished member o f the family.

fame which his father had acquired was eclipsed by the glory

The
which

Chandra Siktiars nmnificence and charity obtained for him.

Chandra Sikhar was Dewan o f the Marine Board, aud as such did
excellent service to the Government during the Burmese wai*3.
was much respected by the higher officers o f

He

Government and waa

known to the native community as a pious Hindu of the best type.

His house for a series o f years the scene o f many ceremonies and pujas,
which Were all conducted on a grand scale, and in his large courtyard
was performed on every festive occasion the Jattra o f that renowned
Adhikari, Paramananda.
Chandra Sikhar married the daughter of Durgaram Kar, the great
and wealthy Zamindar o f Rajpur, and he was also otherwise connected
with most of the principal Kayastha families o f Calcutta.

But he did

not care to make a fortune for his family, for his whole income large
as it was, waa devoted to religious and charitable purposes.

The conse

quence was that hia expenditure soon began to exceed his income, his
Zamindari passed out o f his hands, aiid his affairs became embarrassed.
A dd to this, his younger brother Bhola Nath, who had hitherto been so
attached to him that people used to liken his loyalty to his brother to
that o f Lakkan towards Sam, became disaffected and began to exhibit
bitter feelings towards him.

A ll these untoward circumstances so

broke the heart of the good Ciiandra Sikhar that he shortly afterwards
departed this life at the age o f forty-two about September 1832.
H is youngest brother Bhola Nath, who survived him, led a miserable
life for sometime, but continued to keep up with the family o f Chandra
Sikhar a deadly feud which did not end until about forty years ago they
were separated by the sale o f the family dwelling-house.

Bhola Nath

left three sons, who are now all dead.

Chandra Sikhar left five sons, viz., Isvar Chandra, Navin Chandra,
3i

266

The Modern History o f

Gopal Ctiandra, Kala Chand, and Gokul Chandra.

The fourth Kula

Chand died at the early age o f about twelve or thirteen.

T he second

Navin Chandra was an well-educated man, who was employed first

in the General Treasury, and afterwards as Head Accountant in the
Calcutta Small Cause Court.

He was much respected by the Judges

o f the Court for his intelligence, his uprightness o f character, and his
gentlemanly manners.

He died at the age o f 35 about the year 1851

leaving no raale-issue.

The youngest Babu Gokul Chandra is an intel

ligent man, but he has not been well for sometime past.
Harmahata, Calcutta, and has tw o sons, Babus Jotendra
Mouendra Nath, o f wiiotn the former is a promising youth.

H e lives at
Nath aud
Babu Gopal

Chandra, the third son of Chandra Sikhar, became a convert to Chris

tianity, and is now about 60 years o f age.

He was educated in the

Hare Scliool and afterwards in the Bishop's College at Shihpur.

The

Revd. G- C. Mitter is a learned man and a truly humble and a pious

Cliristian.

He is well versed in Bengali, Sanskrit, English, Greek, Latiu

and Hebrew.

H e lives at Taliganj, south of Kalighat, where he ia

engaged in teaching gratuitously many boys who come to him for

instruction.

H e is, in fact, a great favourite among all classes living

about the locality,

Isvar Cliandra, the eldest son o f Chandra Sikhar, having been
brought up iu aflluonce, felt much the loss o f all the glory which the
family had in liis youth enjoyed, but he bore his misfortunes with an
uncommon fortitude.

He did not give himself up to despondency, but

preferred to wait with patience for the dawn o f better days.

Himself

a good and pious Hindu o f the true type, he was impressed with the
belief that the virtues o f bis father and grandfather would not go in
vain, but that the family, if kept up in the path o f righteousness and
virtue was sure to rise again from the depth to which it had falleu.
His chief aim therefore was to give a careful education to his five sons,
and having h im sdf been brouglit up in the Hindu College, he laboured
bard to traiu them up under his personal supervision.

He died in

April 1874, at the age o f 67, but before his death he had the satisfac
tion of finding as the fruit o f lits labours, that all his song had com ple
ted their education iu the Presidency College, and had, with the excep-

tke Indian Chiefs, Rajas, Zamindars, ^'c.

tioii o f the youngest, been provided for In the world.

267

His five aonS

are Babus Rnjeinhft Natli, Mahendra Nath, Upendra Nath, Surendra

Nath, and Jagendra Nath.
Babu Rfijendra Nath Mitter, after receiving lug preliminary education

Bengali in a Patshala, entered the Hare School while about

eight or nine yeara o f age.

He was thence transferred to the Presi-

dency(then Hindu) College about the year 1848. Having in thiaCollege

obtained sucees>ively two junior and five senior scholarships, he, at tha
annual examination o f l8o4-55, which was the final year o f his acade
mic career, stood at the head o f all the colleges in Bengal.

He also'

di>tiugiU3hed himself in the Law Department o f the College, in which

he obtained a prize and a certificate of honor, as well as the final
diploma, entitling him to plead in the Saddar (now H igh) Court or to
act aa a Munsiff.
1861,

He was enrolled as a pleader in the Saddar Court ia

He preferred, however, to continue in the Bengal Office, where

he was admitted in September, 1855, by Sir W illiam Grey, then Secre

tary to the Government o f Bengal, on the strong recommendation of
the College authorities.

Having in this office passed tlirough all the

grades, including those o f Hea 1 Assistant and Registrar, he was in July

1877, appointed Assistant Secretary to the Government o f Bengal,
which offioe he still holds with great credit.

He

ia alao an elected

Commissioner of the Town o f Calcutta, for W ard No, 4 ; Honorary

Secretary to Bethune S ociety ;

and a Member o f the Council o f the

Bengal Social Science Association.

He is now about 47 years o f age,

and hia eldest son Babu Khageiulra Nath M itter lias been recently
appointed Deputy Magistrate and Deputy Collector o f Dacca.
Is vat Chandra Mitter s second son, Babu Mahendra Nath, after re
ceiving his education in the Hare School, and in the Presidency College,
commenced life in the service o f that distinguished Barrister, Mr. A , T, T.
Peterson.

H e then served in the E. B. Railway for a few years and

afterwards entered into speculation as a general contractor and trader,

but though intelligent and hard-working, his efforts in this direction wera
not successful, so that he was obliged to close his busine-ss.

H e is now

employed In the East India Railway Company s Office, where his Lntelligisttce and basiness-habita have endeared him to all the high

officiaU o f

268

The Modern History o f

the Company.

H e is 43 years old, and hig eldest son, Bahu Qyatiendra

Nath ia a promising youth.

Isvar Chandra Hitters third son is Babu Upendra Nath M itter,
and B. L., now 37 years o f age.

. a .,

Since leaving College in 1868, he was

employed as Law Lecturer o f the Dacca College, and subsequently also

as Government Pleader, Dacca.

He has lately taken leave fr<im his

appointments iu Dacca, and has joined the Bar o f the High Court,

He

has three sons,

Isvar Chandra M itters fourth son is Babu Surendra Nath Mitter,
now 30 years o f age.
Secretariat,

He is employed as Senior Assistant in the Bengal

H e has an infant son.

Isvar Chandra M ittera fifth son is Babu JagendraNath Mitter, b .l,,

now 26 years of age.

After serving as a pleader in the Judge s Court

at D^cca for three years, he has lately been appointed an Additional

M unsiff at Jalpaigori.

X X I V E A S IK

H e has also an infant son.

L A L G H O S E S F A M I L Y , D A R M A H A T A .

T he history o f this Kayastha Family can be traced from K ali

Charan Ghose, w ho was a Dewan to the French

Government.

K ali

Charan left a son. Ram Dulal, who first came from Chandernagore, aud
settled at Calcutta, when the E nglish were merely carrying on mercan
tile business in this country.

Ram Dulal made a fortune by becoming

the Calcutta A gen t to the Portugese merchants.

H is garden at

Belgatchia was sold to Dwarka Nath Tagore, who made considerable

improvements in it, and named it The Belgatchia Villa, well-known
both in European and Native Society, as the scene o f many a n ig h t o f
festive revelry and mirth in Dwarka Nath's days, and still more cele
brated aa the suburban place o f reception given to His Royal Highness
the Prince o f Wales during his visit to India by the Native aristocracy
and gentry o f Calcutta.

This beautiful property has now passed into

the possession o f the Rajas o f Paikpara.

Ram Dulal Ghose died at an

advanced age o f 108 years, leaving one son named Ram Dbone Ghosa
who was also an A gent to several European merchants o f this country.

the Indian Chiefs, Rajas, Zamindars,

269

Ram Dhone was the first among the natives o f Bengal who established
Indigo Factories in the District o f Behar.

Having suffered a great

loss in his Indigo biiiiiness and as security for hia brother-in-law ; ha

had to dispose o f his whole property.

H e left three sons Babna Basik

Lsl, Dwarka Nath and Bhuban Mohan, of whom the first and second
rose to eminence by their own ability, energy and probity.
The eldest Babu Rasik Dal

w aa born in November 1814.

H e w aa

brought up in Raja Ram Mohan R oy s School and received a certificate

o f proficiency in English from Mr. David Hare the great philanthropist
and staunch advocate o f English Education for the Natives,
began hia service as

H o first

teacher to the Sing family o f Birbhum and

waa

afterwards admitted as a clerk in the Revenue Department o f the then

Accountant Generals Office (In d ia ).

Here he served so creditably

that he from time to time attracted the notice o f his superiors such
as Mr, (afterwards Sir) J. P. Grant, Messrs. Hobhouse, R. P. Harrison,
E. F. Harrison, W , Maples, and others.

These high officers having

appreciated his sound education and exceptional capacity for business,

he gradually rose to be the Chief Assistant to the Accountant General
and was eventually made a Gazetted officer.

He was held

in tha

highest esteem by all tbe European officers with whom b e ca m e into

contact in the course of business.
truly pious man.

Rasik Lai was a rigid Hindu and a

His regard for his mother was one o f the principal

traits o f his character and at several times he cheerfully contributed

the expenses o f her pilgrimage to various holy places in India which
she desired to visit.

He used to hold

with great eclat all sorts of

P ujai and on each occasion to treat Brahmaiia, Pandits, friends and

relations with great care and respect.
poor were great.

His love and kindness for the

He died when 52 years old, leaving eight sons, o f

whom the eldest Babu Gopal Lai Ghose is the Superintendent o f the
Printing Department o f H. H. the Maharaja o f K uch Behar.
Babu Dwarka Nath Ghose was also au educated gentleman.

He

like his eldest brother Rasik Lai Ghose, rose to a respectable post in the
Military Accountant s Office.

Both Babus Raaik Lai and Dwaika Nath

predeceased tlieir old mother Srimati Haramani Daai for whom thoy had
the greatest respect.

Srimati Haramani Daai went to Jagannath

570

The Modern History o f

fourteen times, Hard war three times, Brindaban eiglit times and so ou
to many otiter sacred places but ultimately settled herself at Benares,
where she died at the advanced age o f So years in October, 1880.

She

led a life of piety, and left behind her not only her youngest son Babu
Bhnban Mohan Ghose but also two daughters, twelve grandsons, four
grand-daughters, twenty-one grnnd-children and one great-grandson.
Babu Bhuban Mohan, the third son o f Uam Dhone, haa three sons,
o f whom the second Babu Debendra Nath waa adopted by his second
brother Dwarka Nath during his life time.

X X V . T H E S A N D E L F A M IL Y O P N A T U N B A Z .A R , U P P E R
C H IT P O R E R O A D .
S iv R a m S a mnal or Sandel, by caate a Brahman, first came to

Calcutta as an ordinary gentleman from Korackdi, a village in ihe Dis

trict o f Jessore, but he became very rich by engaging in speculations
join tly with some members o f the Datta Family o f Hatkhola.

He had

established twenty-four Indigo Factories in different parts o f Bengal, and

had pecuniary transactions with Messrs. Colvin Cuwie and Co.

By

his remarkable industry, zeal, and activity in business, he amassed a for

tune o f about Rupees sixty laiAs, besides investing in Zatnindaries in
the Districts o f Jessore and Nuddea, which he left to bis sons, Madhu
Sudan Sandel and Kali Das Sandel,

These two brothers lost a greater

portion o f their paternal estates in litigation.

Madhu Sudan, the elder son o f Siv Chandra, remained at Calcutta,
and erected a magnificent building on the Upper Chitpore Road, which
was at that time known aa The Indian Palace.

This house has recently

undergone a thorough repair with much improvements at the expense

o f the late Babu Asutosh M uliick, who had bought it to live in.
Madhu Sudan had two sons Babus A nanda Chandra alias Nim Chand
and Jagendra Chandra, of whom the former is alive.
Kali Das Sandel, the younger son o f Siv Chandra, resided at
Bhowanipur after receiving a half share o f his father s property.
The Sandals were at one time famous for their charity, but it is a
pity that they have left no permanent mark o f their benevolenoe.

the Indian Chiefs, Rajas, Zamindars, (Jr.

271

X X V I . T H E SH O M F A M I L Y O F B A G B A Z A R .
Ram C haban Shom, son o f

K npa Ram Shorn, a descendant o f

Balabhadhar Shom, hud his large dwelling house in Bosepara, Bagbazar,

wliIcU is DOW bounded on the north by Nebubagan or Shambazar Street,
south by Prasanna Chatteiji's house, west by Bosepara Lane and east
bv Krishna N eogie a land.

H e was generally known as Charan Shom

and was well-known for his piety and love o f Brahinana.

H e died

leaving four sons, Siv Chandra Shorn, Krishna Chandra Shom, Bhagovan
Chandra Shom, aud Jagat Chandra Stiom, and one daughter Srimati
Hara Sundari Dasi, who was married to Rasik Lai Gliose, yoangest son
o f the famous Dewan Sri Hari Ghose of Kantapukur, Bagbazar.
celebrated lady was the last o f the Saties in

This

Calcutta, before that

memorable A ct was passed by Lord William Bentinck for the abolition

o f the rite o f Saii on the 4th December,

.,

1829.

Siv Cliandra, the elder son of Ram Cliaran Shom, was Dewan to
the H on ble East India Company at Agra, and was placed in charge of
the Fort as also of tlie Taj Mahal. A s he was an energetic, upright, and
courteous gentleman, he gained the approbation o f the British officials.
H e married the eldest daughter o f

the late Guru Prasad Bose of

Kasaripara, Simla, Calcutta, and left three sons, Ram Lai Shom, Sham
Lai Shom and Madhav Lai Shom.

Sham Lai Shom was a brilliant

scholar o f the Hindu College, and the late Raja Digambar Mitter,
waa hia class-mate.

He bad also great friendship with Babus Isau

Chandra Benerji and Mahes Chaudra Benerji who ace now retired
pensioners of the Education Department.

He was an eminent teacher

in the Hughli College and the European Professors entertained a very

high opiuion o f him.

H e gained the love o f all the students o f hia

time and high esteem o f the then respectable residents o f H ughli, but
unfortunately died while only 34 years o f age, leaving behind him two
suns, o f whom the younger, Babu Surendra Nath Shorn, is now alive.
Madhav Lai Sliom, the younger brother of Sham Lai Shorn, was edu
cated at the Hare School, and was a Diplomist o f the Medical College.
H e received several gold and silver medals while a student o f the
Medical College, and was appointed a Sub-Assistant Surgeon o f the

The Modern H istory o f

272

Government Dispensary' at Srinaghar, Zilla Oarhwal, N. W . Provinces.

There he most unhappily became insane, and died while young, leaving
an infant son.
Kriahna Chandra Shorn, the second son. o f Ram Charan Shorn, was
Dewan under the

H on ble East India Company at Cuttack, and was

in charge o f the F ort o f that place.

He had to dfeal with the best

European officers, who were well pleased with him for his good and
honest character.

H e married the second daughter of the late Guru

Frasad Bose o f Kasarlpara, Simla, Calcutta, and died leaving four sons,
Raj Krishna Shorn, Nava Ktshor Shorn, K ali Kishor Shorn, and Durga
K ishor Shorn who is now alive.

He had also three daughters, o f whom

the eldest is the wife o f Babu Beni Madhav Mitter, a re.-spectable resident
o f Kuinartoli, Calcutta, and a Supervisor in the Office of the Collector o f
Government Customs ; the second is the widow o f Tarak Chandra
Bose (nephew o f the late Luke Nath Bose o f Bosepara, Bagbazar, who
waa the Principal Saddar Amin-al-la o f 24-Parg:innas), and the third is
the wife o f Babu K ali Krishna Mitter, the eldest brother o f the late
Dr. Navin Chandra Mitter o f Baraset, 24-Pargaima3.
Bhagavan

Chandra

Shorn and dagat

Chandra Shorn, the two

remaining sons o f Ram Charan Shorn, did not hold any employment
under Qovernment, and they both died childless.

Tbis fam ily Is now

almost extinct.
X X V I I . D E W A N S R I H A R I G H O S E S F A M IL Y , K A N T A P IT K C R , B A G B A Z A R , C A L C U T T A ,
T his ancient and once influential, but now decayed family, traces
its lineage back to Makaranda Ghose, one o f the five Kayastha?, who,
with tbo five Brahmans including Bhatta Narayan, were invited by
Adisur, K ing o f Bengal, to come do vn from Kunonj and settle in bis
kingdom.

It is from these five Bralira.ms and five Kay'asthas that the

numerous families o f Dhakhin Rahri and Bangaj Bralimaus and Kayasthas, now swarming over Bengal and spreading into the neighbouring
Provinces, are sprung.
Makaranda Ghose necessarily joined the Royal Court at Gaur, where
he settled with his family, aud it was iu the sixth generation from him.

tke Indian Chiefs, Rajas, Zamindars,

273

that his descendants broke up their home at the ancient metropolis o f

Bengal the elder branch represented b j Prabhakar Ghose taking up its
abode at Akna, and the younger branch represented by Nisapati Ghose
moving lower down to Bali, both villages in the modern District of
Hughli,

further migration of the second branch took place in the

days of Mahadev Ghose alias Mouahar Qhose, who settled down at

Channanpukur in Barrackpur.
Monnbar Ghose, who was I9th in descent from Makaranda Ghose,
the founder o f the Kayastha family o f Qhose, was very poor, having
inherited no property whatever, but be raised him>elf to prosperity by
hia own exertions.

He began service as a petty Qomaatha under Raja

Toder Mai, the General o f the R ajput troops o f tho Emperor Akbar,
But as Qomaatka he did not thrive.

It was when employed as tHoharer

to Raja Toder Mai, while engaged under the same Emperors orders in
preparing a rent-roll o f Bengal, that daring the first revenue settlement
o f the Province, called the Auail Tum or Jamma o f all the Jaghir and
Khalaa lands, Monahar Ghose amassed a large fortune, and removed to
the banks of the Subarnarekha, where he had decided on passing the
remaining years o f his life, but as it afterwards, turned out, vainly.
During the time the Maharaja Man Sing was engaged in hostilities
with the Afghans on the banks of the Subarnarekha, Monahar Ghose,
having lost a large proportion o f his wealth, sought shelter at Chitrapur,
now Called Chitpur, in the vicinity o f the present city o f Calcutta.
Here he lived in a cottage aod out o f the slender relics of his former
wealth, which he had contrived to save and bring away with him, he
erected a small temple, which he dedicated to " Sarbha llangala and
Chitresvari, and bestowed on a Mohanta, Narasinba, some lands, tho
proceeds o f which were to be devoted to the worship o f the idols for
his future welfare and prosperity.

The temple o f Cliitresvari is known

among Europeans as the temple of K a li at Chitpur.

In the Calcutta

Review, Volume I II, 1845, it is referred to as follows

According to popular and uncontradicted

tr a d ilio D ,

this was the spot where

the largest number o f human sacrihces was offered to the Goddess in Baugal
before

th e

establishment o f the British Government.

But soon after the death o f Monahar Ghose, which happened about
35

274
A.

The Modern History o f

D. 1631, these human sacrifices, offered by Deceits to the sanae

Goddess, became so terribly numerous that his son, Ram Santos Qhoaa
alias Santos Ghose, unable to bear the hideous and inhuman sights to
be constantly witnessed there, left Ghitrapur and proceeded to settle at
Bardwat).

This Santos Ghose knew many languages and served suc

cessively in the English, French, and Dutch F actoriesretiring from

service at the good ripe age o f 70 years.

A rumour, however, which

had spread that he bad amassed considerable wealth, reached the cars
o f Rahim Sing, who came and deprived him o f his wealth and ultimately
o f his life.

But duiiag the struggle preceding his death, Ram Santos,

though, then, a very old man, ia said to have killed several men of
Roliim Sings troops and to have saved hia son Balaram,* who escaped
w ith his mother to a neighbouring place o f security.

A fter nndcrgoing

tnany vicissitudes and shifting from place to place, Balaram fixed hia
abode at the French settlement o f Chandernagore, where he rose to
eminence by the successfal pursuit o f trade.

It is said that Monsieur

Dupieix, then Governor of Chandernagore, aud afterwards the celebrated

O ov em or General o f the French Possessions in India, whose fertile and
capacious mind first conceived the magnificent idea o f making India a
dependency o f a European Empire with the help and co-operation of
an army drawn from the masses o f the Indian people, thought so highly
o f Balaram'a mercantile knowledge and experience that both he and hia
successors in Chandernagore often consulted with Balaram ou occaajons
o f any mercantile crisis.

Nevertheless Balaram Uved in a very poor

tyle, through which he was enabled to amass a very large fortune.

He

ditid in 1756, the year o f the Blackhole Massacre, at the advanced

ld age

95 years, leaving four sons, Ram Hari Ghose, Sri Hari

Ghoae, Nara Hari Ghose, and Biv H ari alias Siv Narayan Ghose, the
last two o f whotu predeceased him.

H is surviving sons. Ram Hari

* Balaram had a couein, named Baranasi Ghose, son o f R adba Kanta Qhose,
and grandson o f Ganea Chandra Ghose. Baranasi Ghose was a soti-indaw of
Santiram Bing of Jorasaako, Calcutta, He was Dewan to Mr, G ladw in, late CoUect o r o f 24-Pargannaa. II* uilt a large dwelling-house at Jorasanko, Calcutta. He
coBPtructed a Bathing u k a t for the public good, aud dedicated six temples to tha
Sdcas near the banks o f the river H ughli at B&rrackpur. H aving been a man
of suSicleDt influeiice in his time he secured the honour of his name having per
petuated iu Bacanasi Qhoaes Street, in the Native part o f the city.

ihe Indian Chiefs, Rajas, Zamindars,

275

Ghose and Sri Hari Ghoae closed their fathers trading buainess at Chandernagore, and came down to settle at Kantapukur, Bagbazar, in Calcntta,
where they erected a magnificent dwelling house, with a garden and a
large tank taking up some 20 highas o f land, and lived in almost a
princely style.

The tank is still in existence, and the ruins o f some'

parts o f the house are atill to be seen, though the site o f it, so far aa
can be judged from present appearances, lay within a boundary formed
by Bosepara Lane on the North, by Kantapukur Lane on the South, by
the late Gaur Chandra Boses Laue on the W est, and by the hooae o f
Gopal Chandra Bose and other houses on the East,
Ham Hari Ghose, the eldest son o f Balaram Ghose, married six
times in consequence o f the early death of hia wives.

H is fifth wife

was one o f the sisters o f the late Raja Gopi Mohan Deb Bahadur, o f
the Savabazar Raj Family, o f Calcutta.

H aving lost thia wife also,

socm after marriage, he took to wife for the sixth and last time a
daughter o f one Benode Ram Das, of Bar Simla, in the same city.

By

thia wife he waa blessed with three sons, of whom only one survived
him, Ananda Mohau Ghose.

A s a Commissariat Qonmstha during the

first Kabul War, Ananda Mohau Ghose acquired vast wealth, o f which
he spent a large sum in coustructiug at Benares a Natch Qhar, where
he used to hold Ndtches, or dancing-parties almost nightly, but he was
also very liberal in his gifts and charities, for which bis name is still
remembered in the sacred city.

H e married twice, and his second wife,

Srimati Bhubanesvari Dasi, still survives him and is living at Gya,

where she holds a small Taluk.

This old and I'espectable lady has a

good oommand over the Bengali language, uuderstanda accounts well

and manages her property very successfully.

H er celebration o f the

Arnapurna Fuja is conducted with much edcU.

N o direct heir o f the

blood now represents Ananda Mohan Ghose.

Balarams second son, Sri Hari Ghose, who, besides being a good
Bengali and Persian scholar, bad acquired some slight knowledge o f
Euglish, rose to be Dewan o f the Monghyr Fort under the H on ble
East India Company.

Popular among the civil and military officers o f

the District at the time, he acquired a considerable fortune, which he

wisely spent in uuassumiug and almost unlimited charities.

276

The Modern History o f

The Monghyr Fort, a military post of the Moghal Empire, which

was the scene o f Dewan Sri Hari Ghoaes labors, is a moat picturesque
spot, though tbe fortifications are now partially in ruins.

Tha country

is hilly about the Fort and the F ort itself stands on a low struggling
hillock in parts almost im perceptible from the plains around, except
where the moat-cuts between both clearly in some places and in other
places less distinctly through the heaps o f debris, with which it is
choked.

The outworks were formed o f large blocks of roughly hewn

and uneven-sized stone, closely cemented together and in parts where

the original building has been damaged by artillery or time have been
patched up with ordinary brick-work.

The Eastern Gate seems to be

in only a little better state o f preservation than the Western Gate, by

which travellers find tbeir way into the Fort from the Railway Station.
A n attempt has been made to strengthen the Eastern face o f the
bastion by masonry repairs and to fence the passage along it to prevent
unwary people or children from falling into the deep moat below, which
is here pretty distinct, as well as to the west.

A magnificent avenue

o f trees, which seem to be coeval with the days o f the Moghal Dynasty,
lines tho road, which runs along to the south o f the Town.

The inter

locked branches with occasional openings from a long, shady arch,

admirably suited for a walk.

On the south and the west the works do

not stand out in such clear relief.

But it is on the Northern side that

the mined fort shows to the most advantage.

Here, where during the

rains, the Ganges rises high upwards to the very foot and more o f
the fort, the old bastion with one or two old watch-towers can be clearly
seen, varied here and there by magnificent Ghats and temples of later
years, constructed by the piety o f wealthy Hindus, desireoua o f afford,
ing to tlieir poorer brethern special facilities for worshipping tho H oly
River.

Except a subterranean Ghat, regarding which several legends

and traditions are current, hardly any building o f a period previous to

the establishment o f the British power in Bengal is extant, unless it
be a collection o f ancient tombs clustering round an ancient mosque,
near the Eastern Gate, which probably formed part of a Muhammadan
cemetery in Moghal times.

A few tombs to the south and a greater

number to the north of this gate, but all o f a very old date and lying

the Indian Chiefs, Rojas, Zamindars, tj'c.

277

across the other side o f the bridge show that the burials were not con
fined to the close vicinity o f the Mosque.

Amidst the new buildings,

which have been raised by the European Gentry for their dwelling
within the enclosures o f the Fort rise several ancient trees towering up
high and spreading wide over plain or house.

Notwithstanding its

decayed and weird appearance the place possesses many attractions as a

residence.

Its situation on the banks o f the river makes it pecnliarly

healthy; and, indeed, in former years, wlien sanetaria had not been
established on the speers of the Himalayas and a voyage to Europe was
a question o f most serious consideration, it was a place of very general
resort by gentlemen who sought the benefit o f a change o f air.

The

magnificent sweep o f the broad flashing Ganges from the north round
to the west o f the Fort with a clear view o f the Kharrakpur Hills as a
dark back-ground forms a charming landscape.

Altogether the Fort

and Town of Monghyr are well worth a visit, especially, as at the dis
tance o f about three miles from the Fort, there are the hot and cold
water springs at Sibikundu, to which Europeans flock from curiosity
and Hindus from devotion.
A fter his retirement from the post o f Dewan at the M onghyr Fort,
Sri Hari Ghose settled down at Calcutta, where he maintained many o f
hia kinsmen and several (lestitufce people o f his own caste at his resi
dence.

On account o f the shelter he gave to so many houseless people,

his house was known as a Gohal or crib, these people themselves being
ironically called G a m * or cow.
Hari Ghose a GokaV' has long since run into a proverb, which is
applied commonly to overcrowded houses.

Besides paying the marriage

expences o f the daughters o f several poor Brahmans and Kayasthas

and discharging the debts o f such as were unable to meet their liabili
ties, Dewan Sri Hari Ghose used to feed his dependants with the same
food, which was eaten by his sons and the other near members of his
family.

As a rigid H indu he used to celebrate thirteen H indu festi

vals during twelve months of the year with great eolat.

Having thus passed the most part of his life, he underwent much
* Garu means a cowa term of contempt applied to those Kayasthat who
are dances.

278

The Afodern History o f

suffering iu hU later years in consequence o f having became the security

o f a friend who most treacherously deprived him o f an enormous sum.
Being thus disgusted with the dealings o f a friend and o f the worldly
men who in fact had been the cause o f bis misfortune he at length made
up hia mind to spend the remaining part o f his life in the sacred city
o f Benares,

He sold his house which is now in the possession of the

Gangulies and left large tracts of land belonging to him at Kantapukur

and Shampukur to the care of a Brahman o f the uame o f Nakur
Chandra Chatterji whose descendants are still in possession o f them.
These tracts o f land having remained for a long time quite uninhabited
they are still known as Hari Ghose Poro, i. e., waste land.

Tlie

descendants of Sri Hari Ghose can still claim the lauds left to the care
of the late Nakur Chandra Chatterji but they have not yet taken any
measures for their recovery.
Dewan Sri Hari Ghose went to Benares, after the disposal o f hia
house and property, accompanied by his eldest son Kasi Nath Ghose.
H ere he lived for a short time and met an easy death about the year
1806.

H e had four sons, K asi Nath Ghose, Bisva Nath Ghose, Hara

Lai Ghose, Rasik Lai Ghose, and tw o daughters o f whom the eldest
Srimati Bhagavati Dasi was married to Jagannath Bose grandson o f
K idhu Ram Bose o f Bagbazar.

Kasi Natli Ghose, the eldest son o f

Dewan Sri Hari Ghose, died at Benares without malo-issue.

Bisva Nath Ghose, the second sou o f Dewan Sri Hari Ghose, had
one son named Bhairav Chandra Ghose, who served Government for
sometime at Mirzapur.

He died when 30 years old leaving an infant

son, Beni Madhav Ghose who waa brought up by his maternal uncle
Annada Chandra Bose at Chprebagan, Calcutta.
Bngliah

Beni Madhav learpt

in David Hare's School, and had some knowledge o f the

Persian language- He first married the daughter o f Tara Chand Bose

o f Chasadhobapara, Calcutta, and sometime after the death o f

his

wife he married for the second time the daughter of Naba Krishna
Sirkar whose house was at Thonthonia, Calcutta.

Beni

Madhav waa

in charge o f the Bazar business at Messrs. Peel Blair and Co., and
earned some wealth which he gave away for many good purposes.
He was a good singer o f religious songs such as hymus in honour pf

the Indian Chiefs, Rajas, Zamindars,

Hindu gods and goddesses.

279

H e left two sons Chandra Nath and

Jogendra Nath, o f whom the latter resides at Chorebagan, Calcutta.

Jogendra Nath Ghose from his earlier years manifested a spirit o f lead
ing an independant life, and is the proprietor of ihoFresidency Press.

He

has a good theoretical and practical knowledge on the A rt of Printing.

Hara Lai Ghose, the third son o f Dewan Sri Hari Ghose, left one
son Bhola Nath Ghose, who was a Vakil

the Alipur MumfiiGTs Court.

Bhola Nath purchased a house at Bhowanipur where his widow now

resides.

H e had an intelligent son, Surya Kumar Ghose who was con-

Terted to Christianity while prosecuting his studies in the London

Missionary Institution at Bhowanipur.

R erd. Surya Kum ar was an

Advanced English scholar, and was ordained to the Ministry under the
instructions df the learned missionaries o f Calcutta.

H e died o f cholera,

leaving Issue, who are now Christians.

Basik Lai Ghose, the youngest son o f

Dewan Sri Hari Ghose,

married the only daughter of the wealthy Ram Cbaran Shom alias
Charan Shom of Bagbazar during the lifetime o f his father.

H e died

o f Hydraphobia at the flower o f his age, and fais wife Srimaii Hara
Sundari Dasi waa the last o f the Saties in Calcutta, before that memo
rable A ct was pmesed by Lord William Bentinck for the abolition o f the
rite on the 4th December, 1829.

llasik Lai Ghose had three

so db

Kedaresvar Ghose (died while an infant) Muktisvar Ghose, Bhubanesvar

Ghose alias Kala Chand Ghose and one daughter Sri mati Tara Sundari
Dasi, who died sometime after her marriage with Tariui Cbaran Sirkar
o f Simla, Calcutta.

Muktisvar Ghose and Bhubanesvar Ghose were

brought up at their maternal uncles house.

educated in David Hares School.

Muktisvar Ghose was

H e left Calcutta while 14 years of

age, and went to Cuttack, Orissa, with Dr. Cumberland who was a
greatfrien d of hts grand-father DewanSri Hari Ghose.

Dr. Cumberland

and Mr. A . J. M. Mills the then Commissioner o f Cuttack took great

interest in him ; but the former who was a great philanthropist taught
him as a private student the whole course o f medical science both
theoretically and practically.

Dr. Cumberland paid all the expenses o f

his living till able to secure for him a post in the Cuttack Dispensary.
The learned Doctor when leaving Orissa had also presented him with

280

The Modeim History o f

Bangaloxo which he had conatracted at Puri near the shores o f the Bay
o f Bengal.

Muktiavar Ghose after having served for sometime in the

Cuttack Dispensary was transferred to the Puri or Jagannath Pilgrim

Hospital,

Here he served most creditably for more than 35 years and

his experience in the medical science attracted the attention o f almost

all the Civil Surgeons o f the place.

Several o f them voluntarily gave

him testimonials regarding his high attainments in the medical science

among whom we find the names o f Dr. E. B. Thring, Dr. Robert Pringle,
Dr. B . Kendall, Dr. J. J, Durant, Dr. Meredith and others.
Dr. Pringle stated, I cannot recall an instance in which I have
had to find fault with him, but many in which he has exerted himself
to the utmost to advance the cause o f humanity in connection with the
Dispensary.

His professional knowledge is far above the requirements

o f a Native Doctor, and this opinion is not one hastily arrived at, but
the result o f almost daily observation for nearly four years.
Dr. J, J. Durant said, He is an old and excellent servant, and
possesses a very fair knowledge o f the practical parts o f the medical
profession this he has acquired from the long time he has been in con
nection with the H ospital.
Dr. John Meredith wrote, I have great pleasure iu expressing
my good opinion o f Dr. Muktisvar Ghose.

1 have been in every way

satisfied with the way he has discharged hia duties.

H e has been for

a lon g time in Government service at this station, and is deservedly

respected by all classes.
Dr. Muktisvar Ghose was well-known in Puri or Jagannath as tha
beat local medical practitioner, and a great benefactor to the public.
He had an extensive practice but he never took the usual medical fees
whether from rich or poor.

H e was always found to be happy, and

cheerful, nay even in difficulties, aud used to say to his friends, " I have
no wealth to do charity with, 1 must therefore treat all at p a r, i. e,,
without fees.

He was therefore loved and esteemed by the successive

Maharajas of Puri nay, from the richest down to the very pwiorest
person as his sympathy and kind feelings overflowed to men o f all
conditions alike.

In

several instances he respectfully

declined

to

receive valuable presents which rich and influential men offered him

the Indian Chiefs, Rajas, Zamindars,

281

as some return for the benefits they had derived from hia kind and skilful
treatment.

On one occasion a Civil Surgeon insisted on his taking fees

from the public for the benefit o f his children, but he humbly replied,
1 have promised not to do so.

As a father 1 must maintain and edu

cate them as long as I liv e ; but I don t care for their being wealthy
after my death,

I have come alone, and I will go alone."

Notwithstanding that he was getting a small pay from Govern

ment, yet he was always in the habit o f feeding the poor, helping with
money such o f his countrymen as were quite unable to return to their
homes from the pilgrimage o f Jagannath and keeping in his own resi
dence sick persons who did not like to remain in the Government
Hospital,

By these charitable

practices he was so involved in debt

that sometime before he retired from service he was compelled to sell

o ff the Bangalow presented to him by his kind patron Dr. Cumberland.
This Bangalow brought him in a handsome monthly rent from European
gentlemen who used to occupy it from time to time on Government
service.

H e was a strict Hindu and faithfully observed the precepts

o f his religion.

He repaired and improved the old temple o f the goddesa

Bam Ghandi in Puri, where he used to offer daily pujaa.

Every mid

night he used to attend the temple for the purpose o f worshipping the
goddess when nobody remained to interrupt his prayers.
W hen he retired from the Ooverniuent service on pension, he was
repeatedly pressed by the members o f his family to open a Dispensary
in the District o f Bard wan for the purpose o f enabling him to better
their circumstances.

To this proposal he acceded after much demur.

This dispensary was established in the beginning o f 1868 at Kulingram,

in the house o f one o f his relatives, the late G olok Chandra Sing, and
from its very opening he earned such a good reputation that his name
is still remembered by many people surrounding the village as that o f a
kind and sympathising D octor.

D uring the period o f about one year

that he practised in the District o f Bardwan he was never in the habit

o f demanding fees from patients and only took such as were willingly
offered.

In consequence o f his excessive liberality he could

any provision for his children.

regretted by his numerous friends and admirers.

36

not make

H e died on the 3rd January I860, deeply

The Modem History o f

282

Had M u k tis v a r G b p a e ta k e n a moderate fee fro m eaob o f b is

p a tie o U fh e could b a re amassed considerable w e a lth , aa b e ba d a n e x te n
sive practice in P u r i during hia long service o f about 35 yea rs.
But such was hia indiffarenoe to money and ao devoid waa his
oharaoUr o f ambition that, though repeatedly pressed suceesaively by
Messrs. Wilkinson, Annanc), Money and others, a[l Afagistrato-Collectors
of Puri, to Qcoept o f lucrative appointments in their gift, he steadily
and persistently refused tbeir offers, which he looked upion as merw
temptations to desert tbe cause o f humanity^ to which he had devoted
himsalf for so many years.
Tbe life o f such a man as Muktisvar Ghose is full o f inatruotion.
It seems that, aa he had once said, I have come alone and I will go
alone, he considered any gifts natural or acquired, which he possessed,
in tlie light o f a trust to him from a Higher Power for the benefit of
his fellow -m en ;

and he acted on this conviction throughout life.

Neither tha wants o f a young and growing family nor the incessant
calls upon his philanthropic spirit could swerve him from his determi
nation not to accept remuneration for the results o f labors, which were
succesaful in his opinion only in propartion as they were blessed by
God-

This is tbe highest conception o f the sacred obligations o f tbe

medical man, a conception such as is rarely to be met in the present

day and still more rarely acted up to with such rigid punctuality
through every circumstance o f life, as in the case o f M uktisvar Ghoae.
H is diainterested unselfishness in a world o f selfish interested ness is tbe
highest virtue in his sterling character.

I f he left uo wealth to his

family, he gave them a grander inheritquoe in a spotless name, hallowed

by the countless blessings o f the sick whom he had healed and of the
needy whom he had relieved from want duiiug
as long

a life, which was not

it was useful to his fellow-men.

Muktisvar Ghose knew Sanskrit, and was a famous Chegs-player.

H e majTtied the eldest daughter o f the well-known Radha Govinda Bose
Chowdlmri o f Benapur, a village situated in the District o f Bardwan.
H e had five sous, Loke Na.tli Ghose, Pramatha Nath Ghose, Chandi
Charan Ghose, Trailokya Nath Ghose, and P um a Chandra Ghose, of
whom the first aud the third are alive.

the Indian Chiefs, Rajas, Zamindavs,

283

The first Loke Nath was married to the only daughter o f the late
Kali Charan Bose o f 8bampukur, Calcutta.

H is father-in-law Kali

Charan was an old and respectable gentleman.

The late Kaja Prasanna

Narayan Dev Bahadur of Savabazar and several other distinguished

persons were hia friends.
Bose.

H e was the son o f the late Panchanan

Panchanans cousin Nay an Bose was the Sirkar Major o f several

stations, and had acquired a large fortune by serving the H onble

Andrew Ramsay, late Commercial Resident at Jangipur and Salt A gent
at Tatnluh.

Nayan Bose was a very respeotable gentleman.

He had

a large house at Dharmahata, near Hatkhola, which has now passed into
other hands.
The third Chandi Charan was married to the only daughter o f the
late Govinda Charan Sen, a respectable member o f the old Sen family
o f Jagaddal, a village situated rft the 24-Pargannas.
T he widow o f Muktisvar Ghose possesses many good qualities, and
she like her husband is always kind towards those who ore sick or
helpless.
Bhubanesvar Ghose, alias Kada Chand Ghose, the youngest son
o f Rasik Lai Ghose, died leaving two sons, o f whom the youngest Behari
Lai Ghose $s alive.
The Genealogical Table o f the family from the founder o f it in
Bengal, Makaranda Ghose, is given below :

284

The Modern History o f

O ENEA LO G IC A L

TAB LE

OP T H E LA T E D E W A N SR I H A R I G H O SES

F A M ILY , K A N TA PU K U R , BAG B A ZA R , C A L CU TTA,

1st.GenerationMakaranda Ghose,
2nd.Bhava Nath Ghose.

3rd,Puruaotam Ghose.
4th,Mafaadev Ghose.

5th . Gab Gboao.

6th.Prabhakar (settled at Akna), Niaapati Ghose (settled at Bali),

7th,Usapati Ghose,
8th, Projapati Ghoee.
9th, Bibhakar Gh(we.
lo t h , Har Ghose.

n th .Binayak Ghose, and one brother,

12th.Kakustha Ghose.

' ISth. MdUdhar Ghose.

14th.Satyaban Ghose, and three brothers,

ISth.Ananta Ram GhoBe, and two brothers.
IGth. Padma Lochan Ghose.
17th,KSma Nanda Ghose, and one brother,

IStb.Oopal Ghose, and one brother.

Please turn over.

ISih.Madhu Budaa
Ghose,

Jaaardau

Ghoae,

Bisva Nath
Ghose,

Mahadev Qhosc
Ganee Chandra Ghose,
alias Monabar Ghose
(settled at Channaupnkur,
in Bariackpur).

Purusotam Ghose.

20th. Ram Santos Ghose alias

Santos Qhose, and four brothers.

Si

21st. Balaram Ghose.

20th, Radha Kanta Ghose.

21, Baranasi Ghose, and three brothers.

Or
22od, ^am Hari Ghose,
Sri Hari Ghose,
I
(settled at Calcutta),
23rd. Anaada Mohan Ghose (left his
widow Srimati BhubaQesvaii
Dasi, still alive).
23rd

Easi k ath Ghose,

Bisva Nath Ghose,

Kara Hari Ghose,

1
0

Hara Lai Ghose,

Siv Hari alias Siv Narayan Ghoee.

!

Baaik Lai Qhose.

24th. Bhola Nath Ghose.

I
24th. He dares var Maktisvar Bhubaneavar.
25th, The late Revd. Burya
Qhose,
Ghose,
Qhose,
25th, Beni Madhav Ghose.
Kumar Ghose (Bhowanipur). (died while an
I
2Sth. Behari Lai
j
infant).
Ghose.
26th. Chandra Nath Ghose, Jogeudra Nath Qhose.

54

24th. Bhairav Chandra Ghose.

27tb, Ganendra Nath Ghose,

25tb. Loke Nath Ghose,

26tb. Asutoeh Ghose.

I-

Chandi Charan Ghose.

26th. Fasupatl k a th Ghose.

to
OO

The Afodei'n History o f

286

X X V I I I . T A U A K N A T H P R A M A N I K , J O R A S A N K A .
T akak N ath P r &m ah ik , by profession a brazier, is the son of Guru
Charan Pramanik, who was famons for hia piety and benevolence.
Guru Charan had a great respect for the BroJtmana, and sympathy
for the poor.

He used to feed a large number o f men at his residence and

was in tlie habit o f distributing clothes, blankets, and broad-cloths

according to the different seasons o f the year to such as were in need.
A tradition is still current, that on many occasions white going to
bathe in the River Hughli or returning home, he parted with his
valuable shawls and broad-cloths to BroAmans or sufferers from ccdd
who asked him for such assistance.
wuuh

given to the study of

H e was a strict Hind a, and was

religious subjects.

H e died at an

advanced age leaving his son Tarak Nath Pramanik who has inherited
all the best qualitien o f his benevolent father.
Tarak Nath Pramanik is a respectable merchant who carries on
an extensive trade

in

metals.

Out

of

his profits

he leaves a

moderate margin for his own comforts and spends a heavy sum towards
feeding the poor almost every day.

On every

occasion o f a Hindu

festival, specially in Ekadctsi which falls periodically twice a month, He

distributes food, alms, cloths, Ac,, to the Brahmans and paupers on
a large scale.

He has received a Certificate o f H onour to thia effect,

at the Darbar held at Calcutta, on the 1st January, 1877 on account

o f the assumption o f the title Empress o f India by H er M ost Gracious
Majesty the Queen.

He has a son named K ali Charan Pramanik, who

takes a great delight in the distribution o f his father s daily charities.

X X I X . T U L 9 I R A M G H O S E S F A M IL Y , S H A M B A Z A R .
T ulsi B am G hose, b y caste a Kayastha, was the son o f Ram
Nidhi Ghose.

He first settled in Calcutta from

Paital, a village adja

cent to Howra in the District o f H ughli, and acquired an immense

fortune by serving the Honble E. I. Company as a X kazanchi at Dacna.
Tulsi Bam left two sons, Siv Prasad Ghose and Bhavani Prasad Ghose.
Siv Prasad had two wives.

From the first he had two sons, Kadi

Prasad Qhose (deceased) and K a li Prasad Ghose, and from the second

the Indian Chufs, Rajas, Zamindars,

287

four sons, Loke Nath Ghose, Kailas Nath Ghose (w ho died leaving
two sons, Gopal Chandra Ghose and Nanda Lai Ghose), Tarak Nath
Ghose and Sambhu Nath Ghose (deceased).
Bhavani Prasad died leaving an inteUigent son Hara Prasad Ghow
who is alive.
Tulsi Ram Ghose dedicated two temples one to Siva at Benares,
and the other to K ali at Dacca.

Kasi Prasad Ghose, grandson of

Tulsi Ram Ghose, left two sons, Um a Prasad Ghose and Annada Prasad
Ghose, who have Zamindaries in the District o f *24*Pargannas.

Kasi

Prasad was known in Calcutta as the Indian Poet. He was the author
o f the Shair and other poems, and the proprietor and editor o f a paper,
entitled The Hindu Intelligencer."

H e died in 1875.

K ali Prasad Ghose, the younger brotlier of Kasi Prasad, is a true

Hindu, and is well known for his large expenditure in the performance
o f religious rites.

H e maintaius a few Brahmans o f whom some are

blind and helpless.

The other members o f this family are all independent men of good
character.

V I . C H O T A N A G P U R .
(r r tn c tp a l Families. )
THE CHOTA N AGPU R R AJ

F A M IL Y .

T h b Mundas were the first who cleared th e jangles or wilderaeas

o f ChotaN agpur, and brought the land under cu ltiva tion ; but they
had at that time no

particular Kaja

of

their own.

Tbe Mundaa

subsequently divided the whole country into tewnty or twenty-five vill

ages and selected some Rajas out of themselves to govern each division
o f them separately.

This practice, however, gave

birth to such evil

cousequcnces that the Mundas were compelled to choose the ancestor of

ihe present Raj Family as the Raja o f the whole territory o f Chota
Nagpur.

The Modem H istory o f

288
Drip Nath

Salii was said to have been first honoured with a

Khilat and the title o f Raja by the British Government.

The present Maharaja Pratap Udainath Saht is the sixty-third
o f his line.

VII.DACCA.
{F rim ip a l Families, Nobles and Eminent Men.)
I . N A W A B

K H AJA

ABDUL

G A N I,

c .s .i.

I t is a strange but mournful fact that in Bengal, where until

the establishment o f British rule the Muhammadan power was always
p r e d o m in a n t,

that power should now be represented in the deservedly

high influence, the unbounded public spirit and the vast charities o f one
Muhammadan nobleman alone, the Nawab K haja Abdul Gani, c. s. i.
Sprung from a family, whose original home lay in the far-famed
Valley o f Kashmir, he traces his direct descent from Khaja A bdul
Hakim , who first migrated to, and settled at, Delhi, where he entered
the Imperial service.

W hen Nadir Shah for the time overturned the

throne o f Delhi, Abdul Hakim with his fam ily and hia movable pro
perty

came down to Sylhet, where his affairs flonrished so much

beyond his expectations that he solicited his father, M oulvi A bdul

Kadir and his brothers, M oulvis Abdulla and Abdul W ahab to join
him and share in his fortunes,

Khaja A bdu l Hakim left a consider

able extent o f landed property in Sylhet, where his tom b is still to

he seen.

A fter his death, M oulvi Abdulla succeeded to the manage

ment o f the estate and removed with the whole family from Sylhet to
Dacca, in search o f better prospects.

M oulvi Hafiziilla, who became

the next head o f the family, did not restrict the capital at his disposal
to the trade, from which the whole wealth o f the joint family had
been derived, but, with great intelligence and foresight, laid it out in
the acquisition o f landed property, which in time and by successive
accessions grew iuto what it now undoubtedly is, the most splendid estate

the Indian Chiefs, Rajas, Zamindars, cfr.

in Eastern Bengal, extending over the Districts of
Backerganj,

Tipper a, and Maimensing.

289

Sylhet, Dacca,

On the death o f

M oulvi

Hafizulla who was celebrated for bis charities, the management o f the
joint property passed to Khaja Alim nlla, whose name is almost pro
verbial for charity and wisdom among the people o f Eastern Bengal.
Under his judicious management, the landed estates prospered, their
resources were developed, and the ryots were happy and contented,
I t was his wise and far-seeing mind that concieved aud matured the plan
o f that family compact, which, by constituting the entire property of
the family into a jo in t estate, never to be severed, has contributed so
much to the material development o f

the resources o f the estate and

to the highly-deserved advancement o f the head o f the family in

social and political influence in Bengal.
respect.

W ith a

But this is not. his only title to

marked freedom from prejudice beyond his age,

he rightly appreciated the value o f a good Elnglish education by secur

ing every facility in acquiring it for the members o f his

family.

Am ong the European members o f the community he made himself

exceptionally popular by the spirit with which he took to field-sports,
by the liberality, with which he kept up a stud o f elephants and horses,
and, above all, by the deference to European tastes, which induced him
to establish the custom, still observed in the family, o f bestowing a
handsome cup, besides giving a Ball in celebration o f the annual
races at Dacca.

H igh as public expectation had been

raised by the

liberality, public spirit and conciliatory character o f K haja AHmulIa,

it was left far and completely behind by the princely munificence,
unbounded hospitality and the chivalrous loyalty o f
Nawab

Khaja A bdu l Gaui.

W ithout any

previous

his successor,
training

in

business, the Nawab so soon and so thoroughly mastered the details

o f Zamindari business that, in a short time after he became the head
o f the family, he was almost universally and ju stly looked upon as ft
pattern for landholders as regards his relations both to the Goveranicnt and bis numerous tenantry.

So great was his deserved influence

among the Muhammadan community o f Dacca

that, in

1869, when

ft violent outbreak o f fanatical hatred occurred between the Shias

and Sanies, it was through his mediation and active interference that
37

290

The Modern History o f

a disturbance wliich m ight have led to serious results was efihctnally

composed.

On this occasion he entertained some 20,000 jiersons o f

bo til sects at a feast provided entirely at his own oipcnce.

But it was

during the Mutinies that Nawab Abdul Gani stood revealed in his
true character.

To the threats o f the mutinous soldiery, who, when

Dacca was abandoned to its fate, sought to seduce him from his alle
giance to the British G overnm ent; the Nawiib made this invariable
reply : I f you are powerful, I am not afraid o f you, for I place my
reliance ou H im , who is more strong and powerful than the whole universe
put together, and He, I am sure, will not forsake, or abandon me at
this crisis." On another occasion when advised to withdraw from Dacca
to some distant part o f his estates, he replied, M y presence in the sta
tion at this critical movement inspires my countrymen with hope and
confidence in the British Government, and prevents the evil-doera from
carrying out their wicked designs.

M y absence, on the other hand,

will cause a general panic and precipitate matters, which we are so

anxious to prevent."

D uring this perilous time not only did the

Nawab convert his palace at Dacca into a garrison, which he guarded

by patrols, kept on duty both by night and day, but as a last proof of
his faith in the permanency o f British rule, he subscribed mo.st largely
to the public loans opened by Government, and rendered every assist
ance in his power to the E xecutive authorities of the District.

His

contiTbutions towards the extension o f education in the Districts of

Dacca, Mairaensing, and Baclrerganj have been m unificent; his support
to Charitable Hospitals and Dispensaries in Eastern Bengal is almost
unstinted; and his philanthropy is so tender that, though he has estab
lished and maintains at his own espence an A lm s House at Dacca,
no application for the relief o f real distress perhaps few fictitious claims
to help have ever been made to him in vain.

The embankment which

has been constructed to protect Dacca from the encroachments o f the

River

was

of

itself a sufficient proof o f a public

unexampled in later times.

spirit, almost

But in the Water-works he has set up

in the same city in commemoration o f the Prince o f W ales recovery

from a dangero'us illness at a cost o f nearly two lakhs o f Rupees, he has
raised a monument to his devoted loyalty, such as will preserve his

the Indian Chiefs, Rajas, Zamindars, (|r.

291

hoiiouved name io the memory o f the latest generations o f the people o f

Dacca, who will benefit from the invaluable blessing o f pure water.
The latest instances o f his almost inexhaustible liberality are to be
found in hia subscription o f Ils. 6,000 to the Irish Famine Relief
Fund and in his almost regal contribution o f Rs. 40,000 for the renova
tion of the Zobeida Canal at Mecca.

It is impossible that a noblemans

whose whole life xs made up o f an uninterrupted series o f rare acts o f

liberality, public spirit aud charity should have followed his beneficent
course in life without attracting the notice o f the Government.

In

1866, he was appointed, first, a Member o f the Bengal Legislative

Council, and then, an Additional Member o f the Viceregal Legislative
Council in 1867.

In 1871, he was created a Companion o f the Most

Exalted Order o f the Star o f India, aud in 1875, he was invested with
the title o f Nawab.
During the Prince o f Wales stay at Calcutta, the Nawab waa
treated with marked distinction by His Royal Highness, who presented
him with a medal to be worn as a memorial o f the Royal visit.

H on.

oured in his public character, it is only to be expected that he should be

esteemed and respected in private life. H is virtues especially his charity
and hospitality have endeared him to all classes without distinetiou o f
race or creed.

His Palace rising above the embankments on the city o f

Dacca and his gardeH'honscg within the

city may be visited with

advantage as specimens o f what can be done by exquisite good taste,

when it is assisted by the considerate application o f great wealth.
The Nawab enjoys the rare blessing o f possessing a son, named Nawab
Ashanulla Khan, who shares in his father s virtues as well as in hia
fathers honours ; and their joint example is such as is deserving o f
imitatioQ by all, who desire to be honoured by the Government, and to
be held in grateful veneration by their fellow-men.

The following is

a list o f Nawab Khaja A bdnl Ganis charitable acts :

W ater Supply Works, Dacca,

...

...

...

Rs.

Embankment, ditto,

...

...

...

Famine R elief 1873-74,

...

Orisia Famiue,

...

...
...

1,50,000
30,000
25,000

...

Carriffff oxer JU,

10,OOQ
2,15 000

292

The Modern History oj

JBrovght for or A "Bs.

Cyclone Relief Funds, 1864 and 1867,

ii

Female Ward, M itford UoBpital,

2,15,000
9,000
20,000

Calcutta Medical College Lodge,

12,000

Calcutta Zoological Gardens,

10,000

R elief Fund, Franco-German War,

6,000

Persiau Famine Fund,

3,000

Lancaahire Fam ine Fund,

1)

3,000

Captain Belief Fund,

1,000

Zulfa Famine Fund,

500

Irish Famine Relief Fund,

it
It

6,000

Zobeida Canal, Mecca.

40,000

Total R b. 3,25,500

Nawab K haja A bdul Gani, c.s,i., received the hereditary title o f

Nawab at the Delhi Darbar on the 1st January, 1877, when hia
eldest sou, Nawab Ashanulla Khan was also invested with the title o f
Nawab as a persoual distinction.

The younger Nawab ia a leading

member o f almost all the public societies at Dacca, and is known

to the country at large as a great reformer.

H e received the thanks

o f Government for services rendered during the Mutiny o f 1857, and

the great Cyclone o f 4th October, 1864.

T he Nawab is a capital rider

and a successful and keen sportsman.

I I . R A J A K A L I N A R A Y A N R A I C H O W D H U R I B A H A D U R .
T he

la t e

Raja Kali Narayan

Rai C how dhuri Bahadur, son o f

the late Golok Narayan Rai Chowdhuri o f Bhowal, Jaidebpur, Dacca,

was ao intelligent, public-spirited and liberal 2iamindar.
He founded several charitable institutions iu

the District

of

Dacca, o f which the most note-worthy is the Charitable Dispensary at

Jaidebpur.

H e received the title o f Raja from Government in recog

nition o f his liberality towards his owu countrymen.

Raja Kali Narayan has left au educated son, named Kumar Rajendra
Narayan Rai Chowdhuri Bahadur.

the Indian Chiefs, Rajas, Zamindars, 4'f*

{O ther Families).
T H E SEN F A M IL Y OF K A M A K P U R .
T he history o f this old and well-known .Botdya family o f East
Bengal may be traced from Nilambar

Sen, the eldest son o f Hari

Narayan Sen.
Nilambar was the most celebrated Kahiraj o f his time who ilret
resided at Kumavtoli, Calcutta, not with a view to carry on his prac
tise, bnt simply to pass the remaining part of his life iu devotion near
the banks of the holy river.

His exemplary merits as the most learned

and the most distinguished K ahiraj or Native physician were not at

first known to the residents o f Calcutta, but they were afterwards
disclosed when he for the cause of humanity began to cure from time
to time such patients as used to be brought to the moribund house at
Kumartoli, which belonged to the late Raja Sir Radha Kanta Dev
Bahadnr,

. c . s.

i.

Hence, Nilamb.ar's name became highly popular

and his house at Kumartoli was daily resorted to by a considerable

number o f both rich and poor people o f Calcutta and its vicinity.

Ho

was at last knowu in Bengal as next to Bhanantari tle Indian

Eoculapius,

Sometime before his demise, he introduced his eldest son,

Babu Ganga Prasad Sen, to several wealthy and respectable persons o f

the town of Calcutta, with a view to securing theii patronage for his
son after his own death.
Although Babu Ganga Prasad Sen was not at first a brilliant
Scholar o f Hindu Medicine, yet the name and credit o f his father soon
enabled him to carry on an extensive practise in Calcutta,

He has

now attained the highest repntatiou in tiie circle o f Native Kabirajes

by successful treatment o f an uulimited number o f hopeless cases in
the course of his practice during the last thirty years.

I t is a fact,

that he never seeks for patients but patients always seek for him.

He

has earned some lakhs o f rupees; but his liberality is at tbe same time
unbounded.

H e distributes free o f charge all sorts o f medicines to a

large number o f poor who daily gather around him for medical aid.
H e also maintains at Calcutta several men o f his native place for the
purpose o f imparting to them a good education in

Hindu Medlc&l

The Modern History o f

294
Science.

He meets also the expenditure o f a few o f his countrymen

who live in his house to prosecute their English studies in the Colleges
and Schools o f Calcutta.

Babu Ganga Prasad Sen and his colleague

the late distinguished K abiraj Rama Nath Sen o f Calcutta, received

Certificates of Honour from Government for their high proficiency in
Hindu Medicine at the Darbar, held at Calcutta, on the 1st January
1877, on account o f the assumption o f the title " Empress o f India by
H er Most Gracious Majesty the Queen.
Babus Durga Prasad Sen aud Annada Prasad

Ssti, the younger

brothers o f Babu Ganga Prasad, are most excellent Sanskrit scholars

as also moat experienced Kahirajea.

Both o f them have thoroughly

studied the Ahurbeda and other Sanskrit works treating on ancient

Hindu Medical Science.

Babu Durga Prasad in consequence o f his ill-

health remains with his eldest brother

Babu Ganga Prasad Sen, but

the youngest Babu Annada Prasad carries on

at Hoghalkuria, Calcutta.
o f his time to Pujaa.

his practise separately

Babu Durga Prasad Sen devotee much

He Is extremely courteous, and leads almost the

life o f a hermit.
Bam Lochan Sen, the youngest son o f Hari Narayan Sen, was
not however much inferior in merits to his eldest brother the renowned
Nilambar Sen.

Bam Lochaus son tha late Bam

Kum ar Sen, who

used to practise separately at Kum artoli, Calcutta, was an extremely

good

Persian,

Sanskrit, and

Bengali

scholar.

H is knowledge of

Ahurbeda or Hindu Medicine was vast, but he had not the good
fortune o f acquiring much wealth iu consequence o f a constitutional
disease which put a bar to all his brighter prospects.
liberality towards the poor patients was also great.

Ram Kumar s
H e was very

polite in hia manners and lived in terms o f general friendliness with

all classes o f people.
ous.

H is conversation was always witty and humor

He was also a good Sanskrit poet.

He became in later days a

great friend with the late Dr. Muktisvar Ghose who was his neighbour
in Calcutta.

The friendship o f these two eminent persons who were

famous for their charitable disposition and philanthropy did not how
ever last long, as both o f them died one after the other during the
course o f a year and half.

tite Indian Chiefs, Rajas, Zamindavs, Sjc.

295

Bam Kumar Sen has left an educated son, Babu K ali Prasanna,
who carries on his fathers practise at Kambuletola, Calcutta.

Babu

Kali Prasanna Sen, though a young man o f about 26 years o f age, has
a very good knowledge o f Sanskrit, and knows English.

He has trans

lated into Bengali several works on Hindu Medicine from the original
Sanskrit works, snch as, Chakra Datta, &e.
practitioner.

H e, like his uncles

H e is also no less a good

Babus Ganga Prasad Sen, Durga

Prasad Sen, and Annada Prasad Sen, has already marvellously cured
many hopeless cases in several families o f Calcutta.

H e imparts daily

Sanskrit education on Ahnrbeda, Sfc., to a certain number o f stndents at

his residence, and is often consulted by the best physicians o f the day.
The Sens have a small Taluk in the District of Dacca, and landed
property in Calcutta where they generally live.

VIILDINAJPUR.
{Principal Families). '
TH E D IN A JP U R R A J F A M IL Y .
T he Raj hari o f Dlnajpur is o f an immense size being built o f an

intermixture o f European, Moorish, and H iudu styles, though it is

now in a somewhat decayed state.
Sukdev Ghose, son o f Hari Ram Ghose, a Kayastha, was the founder
of the Dinajpur Raj Family.

He first obtained the titles o f Chaudkuri

and Talukdar, and then that of Raja from the Muhammadan Gover
nors, and had great influence over the people.

H e also received a

firman from Muhammad Shah Suja, the Viceroy o f Bengal in 1063,

T he tank Suks^lgar was excavated by him in

d.

1677.

s.

Raja

Sukdev Ghose had three sons, Ramdev, Jaydev, and Pran Natb, o f
whom the eldest Ramdev died during his lifetime, and he was therefore
succeeded by his second son Jaydev.
brother Pran N ath in

Raja Jaydev was succeeded by his

1G83.

Raja Pran N ath lived in a luxurious style and enhanced his

family possessions by occupying several petty samindai'ies by force.

The Modern History o f

296

H e obtained the title of

Shere.

and a firm an from Emperor Feroke

He ruled over his estates for a period o f about 38 years.

caused a tank to be dug and called Prausagar after his name.

He
Raja

Fran Nath died tn March 1723, A. D., and was succeeded by his adopted
SOD, Ram Nath, who was treated with great respect by the Muhammadan
rulers who coaferred on him the title o f Maharaja Bahadur.
Maharaja Ram Nath Bahadur made extensive endowments in land,
&c., tO' Brahmans and to the members of his own family, built a nice
temple o f Biva at Benares and finished the

handsome temple

Kantnagar which was left incomplete by his predecessor.

at

His name

has been commemorated by a largo tMik, called Ramsagar" celebrated

for its wholesome water,

A Scmnad was granted to him by Sarfaraj

Kban on behalf o f the Emperor Muhammad Jehan Shah Badsha

Gazi-

A n idea o f his territorial possession may be obtained from the

Sannad which gave him jurisdiction over 109 Mehals, compri.sing 67

Pargamias and 42 KUmaU, for which he was to pay Rs. 5,06,422-10 16
gandas.

H e also obtained the possession o f Akbarnagar (Rajraahal)

including 21 Pargannas and 4 Kism ats.

at Gopalganja now in ruins.

H e built a beautiful temple

H e had four wives by whom ho had

five sons, but after his death iu A. D. 1763, the eldest Baidya N ath
succeeded to his entire estate.

Maharaja Baidya Nath like his father

made several endowments to Brahmans, and purchased a good name

among them.

H e died in A. d. 1780, and was succeeded by his adopted

son, Radha Nath R ai.*

During the time o f this Maharaja, the property was so mis
managed that almost all the estates wore sold except the Parganua
Bijayanagar.

Maharaja Radha Nath Rai was succeeded by his adopted

son, Govinda Nath who made additions to the remnant o f his ancestral
property,

Maharaja Govinda Nath built a tem ple at Brindaban with

a K unja, which he dedicated to the H indu god Radha Syam B at.

Maharaja Govinda Nath was succeeded iu l8 4 1 by his son, Tarak Natb.
Maharaja Tarak Nath R ai Bahadur constructed several pachavo^d^
* lUdba Nath Eai was generally called, Maharaja, but he only received th e
title o f Raja Bahadur from the British Goverainent at the time of W , HastiugSr
the then OoTcruoT General.

the Indian Chiefs, Rajas, Zavtindars,

297

in the District o f Dinajpur, and establiabed ttie charitable hospitals at

Dinajpur and Raiganj.

He died in 1865 without issue, leaving the

Zamindari to his wife S^atn Mnhini, who, for several acts o f liberality
during the famine o f 1873-74, has received the title of Maharani on
the 2Rth July 1875,
Maharani Syam Mohini has established an English School, a
Vernacular School, and a Gymnastic School, at Kaliaganj and Dinajpur.
She is indeed a public-spirited H indu lady who has been always found
to be kind to her tenantry.
Maliarani Syam Mohini la now forty-two years o f age, and has
adopted Kumar Girija Kath Rai, a minor.

( Other Fam ilies).

T H E R A I C H O W D H U R I F A M I L Y OF M O H A D E V P U E .
N atan C handka R ai Chojvdhuei, the founder o f

this

family

received from the Emperor Jehaughir as a present a large Zamindari

(known as Jehanghirpurafter the name o f that Einperor)in the District
o f Dinajpur for his vast learning in the Persian and Arabic languages.
Am ong the descendants of Nayan Chandra, Biresvar R ai Chowdhuri
was conspicuous for adding to the Zamindari o f Jehanghirpur; cons*
tructing several Hindu temples, and excavating tanks, &c., for the
public good.

On the death of Biresvar, the estate was divided amongst

his four sons, and his cousin Ijakhi Kanta Rai Chowdhuri.

The latter

was succeeded by his son, Braja Nath Rai Chowdhuri, who, during hia
lifetime, had equally divided his estate amongst hia two sons, Durga
Nath Rai Chowdhuri and Govinda Nath Rai Chowdhuri.
Govinda Nath was an influential, bind and educated Zamlndar.
H e was succeeded by his son, Syama Nath R ai Chowdhuri, who had
established a School and a Dispensary at Mahadevpur, and regularly
paid monthly subscriptions for their support.

H e had besides contri

buted a handsome sum for the purpose o f establishing a printing press

at Dinajpur.

He also paid some annual subscriptions to certain reli

gious institutions in the District o f Dinajpur, and took great interest

in their welfare.
sa

298

The Modern History o f

D uring the Famine o f 1874, Syama Nath expended a aura exceed

ing Us. 15,000 in subscriptions to the several Relief Comniitteea in

Bengal, iu giving lands without rent for the purpose o f making roads,
and distributing grain amongst his own

for which acts o f liber

ality he had received thanks from the Government o f Bengal,

A sum

o f Rs, 7,000 had also been given away by him in donations to differ
ent schools in 'Bengal, aud iu assisting the poor Brahmans on the
occasion o f their sous and daughters marriages.

H e died while 24

years old in 1285 6.S., leaving an infant son, named Narendra Nath Rai
Chowdhuri.

I X . F A R I D P U R ,
(Suidiry Zamindars).
C H O W D H U R I G O LA M a L I OF H A T U R IA ,
C howdhuei GoLAii A l i , o f Haturia iiith e District o f Fandpur, is
the son o f Shaik Muhammad Ashuq, who was the follower o f the doc
trines o f Imam A ba Eusuf.

H e is possessed o f several Zamindaries and

Taluks in the Districts o f Backerganj and Faridpnr, and has largely

aided Government in the construction of u packa bridge on a public
road in the town o f Sub-divisiou Madai'ipur, and o f a pckcha ghat on
the river-side for the public oouveoience.
H e has also given lands as well as the entire cost for constructing
the

Haturia public Branch Road, and as for the main one he gave

lands to Government without compensation, and subscribed a sum of

Rs. 1,177.

H e paid also to Government tha entire sum required to

erect a building for the Charitable Dispensary at Madaripur, and subs

cribed a handsome amount towards raising a large building for the
Qovernment Eutrance School at Barisal.
Chowdhuri Golam A li has also been liberal in giviog subscriptions
to several private schools, Ac., at different places, and his charitable
expenditure to date amounts to Rs. 11,364.
and has three sous and six daughters.

H e is now 54 years o f age,

the Indian Chiefs, Rajas, Zamindars,

299

X . H A Z A R IB A G H .
{Principal FamUies.')
I . T H E H A Z A R I B A G H R A J F A M IL Y .
R aja P ares N ath S ing , the present representative o f this family,
is the son o f R aja Drip Nath Sing, and grandson o f Raja Sahara Sing.
He is possessed o f the Zamindaries Gadi Palganj aud Gadi Pabu, in
Parganna Kharackdeba, Zilla Hazaribagh; and is the owner o f the
Parcsnath Hills and the Fort, and being protector o f the Jain temples
standing on the summits thereof, is worshipped by the Jain pilgrims.
The Raja gave 25 miles o f land to Government without compen
sation for the construction o f the Dumri, Giridi and Madhuhan roads,
and maintains a Vernacular School.

H e pays for fourteen jDfyioara for

the safety o f travellers passing tbrough nis Zamindari.

The Raja is at

present 29 years of age, and has au infant son, named Kumar Tikaeh
Saheb.

I L THE R A M G A R H R A J F A M IL Y .
T he ancestors o f Makund Sing, the ninth Raja o f Ramgarb, were
originally vasaala o f the Maharaja o f Chota Nagpur.
Raja Makund Sing long refused to acknowledge the supremacy o f
the British Government.

H is constant disputes with his General and

distant relation, T cz Sing, induced the latter to throw up his appoint

ment, and to offer his services to the British Government with a view
to subjugating the Raj.

A s a result o f the contest that ensued, Raja

M akund Sing fled to the bills, and never returned to bis country again.
The family o f the ancient Rajas o f Ramgai-h may therefore be consi
dered as extinct.
The British Government gave the country on lease to Tez Sing
for a period o f five years, and on his death to his sou Pares Nath Sing
by a fresh Sannad, dated 17 September, 1784.
Raja Pares Nath'Sing was succeeded by his son. Raja Moni Nath
Sing, during whose time the estate was brought under the
settlement.

permanent

300

The Modern History o f

Tlie title o f Maharaja was first conferred on Ram Nath Sing,

grandson of Raja Moni Nath Sing, aa a, mark o f personal distinction.

Ho was succeeded by Raja Ram Narayan Sing.

X I HOW RA.
{PrincxpaX Families ).
T H E A N B U L R A J F A M IL Y .
T his is one o f the old and respectable Kayastha families in
Bengal.

One o f its members having received the honorary distinction

o f R oy from the Muhammadan Government, that title is still in use

In the place o f the surname K ar, but since the time of Raja Ram
Lochan Roy, who appears to have received the title o f Raja Bahadur
from the British Government, the family is recognised as one o f the
R aj Families o f Bengal.
Raja Kam

Lochan R oy and his brother Raj Chandra R oy were

the sons of Ram Chand R oy, who was a contemporary to

Dev Bahadur, the founder o f

Family.

Chandra R o y served at first as Sirkar* to Colonel

Ram

the

Maharaja

Nava Krishna

Savabazar

Raj

Clive, and eventually as Dewan to H. Vansittart, Esq., Governor,

and General Smith, and lived at Pathnriaghata, Calcutta.

H e had

acquired a considerable fortune, but a large portion o f it was spent by

him ill numerous charitable and religious acts.
Lochan R oy and Raj

His sons Raja Ram

Cliandra R oy were very powerful, learned and

kind-hearted noblemen.

The former had two sons, Kum ar Kasi N ath

and Kumar Siv Chandra who were well-versed in the Sanskrit, Bengali
and Persian languages.

B oth o f them knew little o f English, and were

loyal to the British Government.

Kumar K asi Nath left two sons, R aj Narayan and Tarak Nath,
w ho settled at Andul,

a village situated near Howra.

Raj Narayan

* Tbc position of a Siikai iu the days of Clive was considered to be very

respectable.

the Indian Chiefs, Rojas, Zamindars, ^c,

received the title o f

301

Raja Bahadur from Government for his high

position, loyalty, and unblemished character.

Raja Raj Narayan R oy Bahadur was educated in the

Hindu

College, and acquired a great proficiency in the Sanskrit language.

He

took a leading part in almost all the movements of the Kayasthas,

and maintained their right to be treated in no way inferior except to
the Brahmans in point o f social position.

It was Raja Raj Narayan who

bad most satisfactorily proved from various Sanskrit authorities that

the Kayasthas are Kshatriyas, and that they had formerly used the
sacrificial thread.

I t is a fact, that ha like the Kskatriyas observed

the religious ceremony o f Eiishandika on the occasion o f

wedding at Andul.

his sons

A similar ceremony was also performed by the

late distinguished Raja Sir Radha Kanta Dev Bahadur, k . c. s . i .,

on the occasion of his grandson s marriage.
Raja Raj Narayan was highly esteemed by the

most learned

Pandits o f his time, and his death was much regretted by several
respectable European and Native gentlemen.

He left one son, Bijay

Keshav Roy, who died leaving tw o widows each of whom has adopted
a son.

X IL H U G H L I.
(P rin cip a l Families, Nobles and Eminent M e n .)
I T H E B E N E K J lS OF T E L IN IP A R A .
B aidta N ath B eneeji , sixth in descent from Ganri K anta Eenerji,
first settled at Telinipara, from Mankundn, the original habitation o f
his family.

Baidya Nath left three sons, A bhaya Charan Benerji, Kaai

Nath Benerji, and Ram Dhon Benerji.

Abhaya Charan Benerji left a son, Annada Prasad B eneiji, who
died leaving two adopted sons, SatyaDayal Benerji, (who served Govern
ment, for sometime as Honorary Magistrate), a n d 'S a tja Prasanna
B enerji.
Kasi Nath Benerji died leaving two adopted sons, K ali Das Benerji
and Durga Das Benerji.

The former left Mon Mobau Benerji, and

The Modern History o f

302

others ; and tbe latter R aj Krishna Benerji, who serves GovemtDent

as an Honorary Magistrate.
Ram D hoo Benerji was successively followed by Siv Chandra
Benerji, Nava Chandra Benerji, and Pramatha Benerji.

The last left

one son,nam ed Bbagavati Charan B eneiji, who also serves GovernmeDt

as an Honorary Magistrate.
The Benerji s o f Telioipara are noted for their piety and benevo
lence.

The temple o f A m apm n a instituted by this family haa still an

Alm s House attached to it, where it is said that a large number o f men
are daily fed, most o f whom are poor and helpless.

The Benerjia

have Zamiudariea in Bardwan, Jessore, Nadiya and other Districts.

I I .-B A B U

B H U D E V C H A N D R A M U K E R J I,

c . i.e

B abtt B hudev C handra M ukerji , c. i . e ,, is the son o f BIsva

Nath Tarka Bhngan, a respectable Pandit, who came from Khan^ikul
Krishnaghar, and resided at Maniktala, Calcntta.
H e was born in the Bengali Sak 1787, and when eight years o f
age he was admitted into the Sanskrit College.

He leam t English in

the Hindu College, where he prosecuted his studies with exceptional

success, and received medals, prizes and scholarships.
A fter leaving the college, be estabUshed some private schools, at
Siakola, Chandern:igore, Sripur and other places for the good o f his
countrymen, but for want o f funds he had to give up Ins exertions and
to commence his service aa a second English teacher in the Calcutta
Madrasa on a salary o f Rs. 50, per mensem.

After he had served here

for ten months he waa appointed Head Master o f the Howra Govern
ment School.

By his untiring zeal and indefatigable labours a large

number o f students o f his school successfully passed the Junior Scho

larship Examination, and the Government being high ly pleased with
him conferred on him the appointment o f Superintendent o f the
Hughli Normal School on a salary o f Rs. 300 per mensem, on the 6th
June, 185G.

Babu Bhudev Chandra then removed from Calcutta with

a view to reside permanently at H u g h li

the Indian Chiefs, Rajas, Zamindars, 4'C.

303

Iq the year 1862, he became an Assistant Inspector o f Schoola

nnder Mr. MedUcott, on a salary o f Rs. 400 per mensem, and on the
13th February o f the following year he was appointed an A dditional
Inspector.

H e was promoted to the grade o f Rs. 500 in the year 1867,

and since 1869 he has been appointed as a Divisional Inspector of the

North-Central P rovin ces; a post which has never before been offered
to a Native gentleman.

W hile there were a limited number o f Bengali

books for the use o f the Government Schools, Bhudev Chandra com
posed several works, viz., Sikliya Bidhajak, Prakritick Bigyan (1st and
2nd Part,) and Purabritasar.

H e also translated the Histories o f

England, Rome, and Euclid s Third Book o f Geometry.

Some o f these

books are iu use in Schools.

Bhudev Babu has also written another

work, A itihajik Upanais,

and at present edits the EducationcU

Gazette.
H e is the first Native gentleman in the Educational Department,
and is remarkable for his natural intelligence,educational acquirements,
and his zeal in the cause o f learning.

H e has been lavested with the

insignia o f a Companion of the Order o f the Indian Empire on

the

1st January, 1878, on account o f the first anniversary o f the assamption o f the title Empress o f India by Her M ost Gracious Majesty
the Queen.

I i r .- T H E GOSVAMIES O F SIRAMPUR.
T he Gosvamies o f Sirampur, are known as one o f the old, respect
able, and wealthy families o f Zamindars in Bengal.
Ram Narayan Gosvami firat abandoned his hereditary profession
(religion), and gave himself up to commerce.

H e made much money

by trading with the Danish merchants at Sirampur, and purchased

various Zamindaries in Bardwan, Pnroea, and Midnapur.

H is son,

Kamal Lochan, who acquired money by serving Government as a

Commissariat A gent, purchased further lands in Hughli.

A n d Thakur

Das, son of Kama! Lochan, made money in the same way, and with it
purchased Sator wbea the Pal Chowdburies got iuto difficulties, and

304

The Modern History o f

were obliged to part with their estates.

Muhammadpur is the site o f

his cutcherrj. *
It is generally reported, that Babu Gopi Krishna Gosvami and
liis brothers are at present the leading and wealthy members o f the
Siranipur Gosvamies.

I V H A J I M U H A M M A D M O H S IN A N D T H E M A T W A L IE S
O F H U G H L I IM A M B A R R A .
T here is scarcely any man in Bengal, wlio has not heard the
name o f that eminent person Haji Muhammad Mohsin, who was and
is still well-known for his Vast learning, piety and philanthropy.
Haji Muhammad Mohsin was the grandson o f A ga Fazlulah, a
merchant prince o f Iran, who came to India at the beginning o f
the eighteenth century,

A ga Fazlulah left his son, H azi Faizulah

who resided in Mursbidabad and carried on

business between that place and H ughli.

extensive

mercantile

Hazi Faizulah did not,

however, remain for a long time in Murshidahad as he afterwards

came down to H ughli, where he permanently settled.

W hile living

in H ughli, he had tbe good fortune o f being married to a wealtliy and

very handsome lady, the widow o f Aga ^lotahar, who was a respectable
member o f the Motahar family o f Ispahan and a great favourite of
the Emperor Aurungzebe.

A ga Motahar came from Delhi aud settled

at H ughli after having received from the Emperor extensive ddghirs

in Jessore and other places in Bengal.

He erected the Imambarra

on the very place where Murshid K nli Khan, Nawab o f Mursbidabad,

had established a similar institution.

The widow o f

Aga M otahar

married H aji Faizulah, for her being disappointed in getting the estates
o f her husband which were bequeathed by him to his only daughter
Manu Jan Khanum whom he loved very tenderly.
marriage, H aji Faizulah was blessed with a eon in
well-known H aji Muhammad Mohsin.

Shortly after the

a

. d.

1732, tho

Both Haji Muhammad M ohsin

and his step-sister Manu Jan Khauum, who was elder to him by eight
years, lived together in the house o f A g a Motahar where they were
brought up and educated till the death o f Haji Faizulah.
* Mr, W estlands Jessore, 1871, page 189.

\the Indian Chiefs, Rajas, Zamindars, i|r.

305

W hile Haji Muhammad Mohsin was thus living jointly with his
step-sister, he came to know that some o f her enemies liad made an
attempt to poison her.

H e comronnicated hia suspicions to his sister

Maiitt Jan Khanum, and fled from Hughli with a view to travel over
different parts o f the world.

H e went to Persia, Arabia, Turkey and

Egypt, and visited the holy cities o f M ecia and Medina.

A fter having

thus travelled over these places for a period of about six or seven years,
he returned to Murshidabad where he lived for some years and made
considerable progress in the Persian and Arabic languages, and studied
the K oran with great attention.
During this interval his step-sister Manu Jan Khanum waa married
to Miraa Sala-Uddiii Muhammad Khan, nepliew o f Aga Motahar, who
came from Persia.

Both Mirza Sala-Uddin Muhammad K han aud his

wife Manu Jan Khanum were much liked by the people for their piety
and learning.

The former made several additions tq the ImambaiTa

buildings, and established the H a t still known after his uamo Mirza
Sala.

Mii-za Sala-Uddin Muhammad Khao, however, died in the prime

o f life leaving his wife to wear the weeds of premature widowhood.

SomotimQ after this sad event, Manu Jau Khanum requested her step
brother Haji Muhammad Mohsin to come down to Hughli from M urshi
dabad as she had firmly determined to give up all her property to him.
Haji Muhammad Mohsin accordingly came down to Hughli with two o f
his learned and pious companions Rajab Ah Khan and Shalter AU Khan.
Before the arrival o f Haji Muhammad Mohsin to Hugiili, his step
sister Manu Jan Khanum managed her own estates very creditably as
she had a thorough knowledge o f Zamindari business.

She was much

liked by her tenantry and the people at large for her several charitable
acts.

She was also a very brave woman.

W hen Nawab Khan Jehan

Khan o f Hugbii, sent a messenger to her, with an offer o f marriage, she

answered thus ; No, I will not consent to be the wife o f a man whoso
desire is to marry me, not for the sake o f affection but for money,
This eminent lady breathed her last in the year 1210 B. s., leaving
the Zamindari o f Parganna Sayadpur and Parganna Sabhual, besides
other landed property in Huglili and a princely fortune to her stcpbrotiiQr Haji Muhammad Mohaiu,
33

306

The Modern History o f

As H aji Muhammad M ohsin was born in the year 1732, during

the Sovereignty o f the Emperor Muhammad

Shah, he had to witness

several changes o f Government, revolutions, (fee.

H e saw the Mahrattas

rob men o f their w ealth; the Moghal Dynasty receive heavy shocks
from internal discord and foreign invasion; and that ever memorable
Blackhole tragedy caused by that worthless and most tyranical prince
Surnja-u-Dowla, grandson o f A li Verdi Khan, Nawab o f Mnrahidabad.
H e had also the good fortune o f seeing victory gained in the battle-field
at Plassey by Lord CHve, and the supreme autliorlty exercised by him
over the whole country.

H e was then only a young man o f about 24

or 25 years o f age, and his character in those gloom y days was fealty to
the British Crown which was an object o f bis highest admiration- ' He
altogether led a pious life and was a true Dervish,

H e did not marry

even to his last days as he preferred to remain a bachelor.

H e directed

his sole attention towards the study o f the Oriental languages, and was
especially a great lover of the Koran, the holy text o f the Muhammadans,
H e was also physically strong and known to be one o f the best swords
men and Palwans, i. e., fighting men,
upon anyone.

Bnt, he never raised his hands

H e had no enemies and sacrificed almost all his interests

for the cause of humanity.

W ith regard to his public and private

charities there are many interesting anecdotes, but to enumerate them

will occupy a larger space than our little work can afford.

He was, in

short, a true philanthropist and a great benefactor o f the country as

will appear from the following lines written over the walls of the wellknown Imambarra.
I Haji Muhammad Mohaio, son of H aji Faizulah, eon o f A ga Faizlulah,
inhabitant o f Bundur H ughli, in the full possession of all my senses and faculties,
w ith my ow n free w ill and accord, do make the follow ing correct and legal decla
ration :T h at the Zam indari of Parganna Quismut Swedpore appendant to Zilla
Jossore and Farganna Sabhnal also appendant to Z illa aforesaid and one house situ
ated in Hughli (known aud distinguished as Imambarra) and Imambazar and
(m arket) also eitnated in HughU and all the goods and chattels appertaining to the
Imambarra agreeably to a separate list ; the whole of which have devolved on me
by inheritance, and o f which the proprietory possession I enjoy up to the present
time : as I have no children nor grand-children nor other relatives w ho would
become my legal heirs ; and as I have full wish and desire to keep up and continue
the usages and chacitablc expenditures (M iiiasuin) (O-Ukhrajat-i-husnch) at the

the Indian Chiefs, Rajas, Zamindars, ^r.

307

Fateha, &c., o f the Huzrut fon whom bo blessings aod rewards) which have boen
the established practice of this fam ily, I therefore hereby give purely for the sake
o f God, the whole o f the above property, w ith all its rights, immualties aud pri
vileges whole and entire, little or mach in it, with it, or from it and whatever
(b y way of appendage) might arise from it, relate or belong to it as a permanent
Appropriation for the follow ing expenditures;and have hereby appointed Uajab
A li Kban, son o f Sheikh Muhammad Sadeq, and Fakir AU Khan, son of Ahmad
Khan, who have been tried and approved by me, as possessing understanding,
knowledge, religion and probity, Moot-WuHes (trustees or superintendents) of
the said W uqf or appropriation which I have given in trust to the above tw o
individnalsthat, aiding aod assisting each other, they m ight consult, advise and
agree together in the joint management of the business o f the said appropriation,
in the manner as fo llo w s;That the aforenamed Mootwallees, after paying
the revenues o f Government, shall divide the remaining produce of the Mehals
aforenamed into nine shares, o f which three tJtaret they shall disburse in the
observance o f the Fateha o f Huzrut Syud-i-Kayuoat (head of the creation) the
lost of the prophets, and o f the sinless Imams (on all of whom be the blessings
and peace o f God (and in the expenditures appertaining to the Ushra of Moharam
Oolburam (ten days o f the sacred Moharam) and all other blessed days o f feasts
and festivals, and in the repairs o f the Imambarra and cemetery ; tn?o shares the
Mootwallees, in equal portion, shall appropriate to themselves for their own expeaBOB) and fo u r shares shall bo disbursed in the paym ent of the establishment, and
o f those whose names are inserted in the separate list signed and sealed by me.
In regard to daily expenses, monthly stipends of the stipendiaries, respectable men,
peadas and other persons, who at this present m om ent stand appointed, the
Mootwallees aforenamed after me, have full power to retain, abolish or discharge
them as it may appear to them most fit and expedient.

I have pnblicly com

m itted the appropriation to the charge o f the tw o above-named individuals.

the event o f

a M ootwsllee

Ia

finding himself unable to condnct the bnsiness of the

appropriation, he may appoint any one whom he may think moat fit and proper,
as ft Mootwftllee to act in hia behalf.

For the above reasons this docum ent is

given in writing this 19th day of Bysakb, in tbo year Hejira 1221, corresponding
with the Bengal year 1213, that whenever it be required it m ay prove a leg a l
d eed ."

Hnji Muhammad Mohsin died at an advanced age on the 24th day

o f Zikilda 1227, deeply regretted and mourned by all classes o f men.

He

was buried (without a splendid Monument or an Epitah on his gra ve)

in the same ground where his step-father A ga Motahar, hia step-sister
Manu Jan Khanum, and his brother-in-law Mirza Sala-TIddtn Muhammad
K ban have taken their ever-lasting rest.

A Faieha is made every year

308

Tke Modern History o f

on the 24 th Zikildn, and on that fixed day the following prayer ia read
for the good o f his soul.
0 God increaae thine love upon him with all hie family, and le t him enjoy
peace on the day o f jndgment for the sake of the prophet Mohammad (m ay peace
be upon him ) he who was the first aud last o f prophets; and 0 God, do not sepa
rate him from Muhammad, and m ay the curse of the Alm ighty fall upon him
w ho was the Zalim, tyrant, and usurper of the law ful rights o f the descendants
of Muhammad.

O God give him peace in beaveu for ever and ever, even after

the day of judgm ent.

The life o f

H aji Muhammad Mohsin was so exemplary that it

should be studied with much advantage by both the old and young men
belonging to opulent houses and families o f our country.
H is estates were managed after his death by Rajab A li Kban, and
Shaker A li K ban .

The latter having died first, tha management o f the

entire property came into the hands o f the surviving M atwali Rajab
A li K han and Baker Ali Khan, son of Shaker Ali Khan,

In 1220,

B. s., Rajab A li Khan appointed by a deed o f trust his son "Wasiq A li

K han alias M oghal Jan a trustee in his place.

Both Baker A li K han

and W asiq AH K han managed the estates for sometime, but the Beard
o f Revenue and the Collector o f Hughli acting under the provisions
o f Regulation 19 o f 1810, deputed Syed A li Akbar Khan with instruc
tions to manage the estates as Amin and temporary manager on the
IGth Novem ber, 1815.
A fter eigh t or nine months, the trust was ogMn restored to the
Matwalies as per order o f the C ollector of Jessore, dated 9th July, 1816>
sanctioned at the same time by the Board o f Revenue.

The Matwaliea

paid up the Government Revenue by raising loans for that purpose, and
managed the estates for a period o f about tw o years more as inSeptember,
1818, the Board o f Revenue re-ejected the trustees from the manage
meut o f the W a q f estates appointing Syed A li A kbar K han to act again
as manager.

I n the meantime, Baker A li K han became insane and

his colleague W asiq A li Khan applied to the Board for reinstatement

but to no effect.

He afterwards engaged in litigation which continued

for some years, and filed a regular suit against Government.

The case,

however, was decided against him, by Mr, D. C. Smytlie, Judge o f

H uglU i; whose judgm ent was fin a llj confirmed by the L ords o f the

the Indian Chiefs, Rajas, ZamxHdavs, Sjc.

Privy Council.

309

During the administration o f Sir Charles Metcalfe,

the iucoma o f the W a qf estates waa appropriated for better purposes,

such as the establishment o f the H ughli College, on the 1st August,
1836, Hospital, Musafar Khana, &c.

Out o f the income o f the estates

belonging to the late H aji MuhammadMohsin, a considerable sum exceed

ing a laUi is expended annually for different charitable objects under the
direct management o f Government.
Syed Ali Akbar Khan, of whom we have mentioned above, served
as Matwalle for a period o f about 24 years, but he was eventually sus
pended by orders o f Government.

Moulvie Zomiruddin Khan, alias

Miru Mia, waa appointed in his place.

with great credit.

He served for ten months but

Syed Keram al Ali, the next Matwalie, was a Saddar

Amin o f Jounpur, who had served Government most satisfactorily.

was a man o f sound learning aud sterling merit.

He

H e made good many

improvements to the Hughli Imambarra, and retired on pension after

having served Government for a period o f about 40 years with great
ability and success.

Moulvie Syed Ashrafuddin Ahm ad, eldest son o f

the late Nawab A m ir A li Khan Bahadur, was appointed by Govern

ment in hia place in Juno 1875,

He was bom on the 6th o f January,

1856, and received hia early education first iu the Calcutta Madrassah
under the late Professor H enry Bloch man, n. a . , and then
Doveton College under Mr* H, Roberts.

in tha

H e attained great proficiency

in H istory, aud received scholarships and prizes in that branch o f litera

ture.

H e manages the estates most satisfactorily, and has gained the

highest approbation o f the public for his courteous habits and kind dis
position.

He serves also as Municipal Commissioner, Honorary M agis

trate, aud Member o f several educational and charitable committees in

the Hughli District.

H e waa married in 1874, and has one son and one

daughter.

y . T H E M U K E R J IE 3 O F J A N A t
R am J a t a

M tT E E R Ji

was the founder o f this old family, who

acquired immense wealth,purchased several Zamindaries and constructed

several Hindu temples at Benares^ which he dedicated to the Hindu god

310

The Modem History o f

Siva, and among his descendants Babu Chandra Kanta M ukerji, son of
Golak Chandra Mukerji, ia the present respectable Zamindar o f Janai,
Babu Chandra Kanta M ukerji holds several Zamindaries in the
Districts o f Jeasore, Backerganj, Hughli, 24-Pargannas and other places J
and is an Honorary Magistrate o f Hughli, Member o f the Road Cess
Committee, &c.

He pays a handsome subscription for the support o f an

Anglo-Vernacular School at his village, and has undergone expense to

open a pacha road from Janai to Chanditala,

H e is an orthodox Hindu,

and is always willing to contribute to all public institutions for the

welfare o f hia countrymen.

H e has for several acts o f liberality received

a Certificate o f Honour at the Darbar, held at H owra on the 1st January,

1877, on account o f the assumption o f the title Empress o f India by
H er M ost Gracious Majesty the Queen.
Babu Chandra Kanta M ukeiji is now about sixty years o f age, and
has three pi*omising sons, viz., Babus Brajendra Nath M ukerji, Parvati
Charan M uheiji aud Harendra Chandra M ukerji,

V I .-T H E

M U K E R J IE S OP U T T A R P A R A .

B abus Jaya Krishna M ukerji, Nava Krishna M ukerji, and Bijay a

Krishna Mukerji are the surviving sons o f Jaga Mohan M ukeiji, who
was the founder o f this well-known fam ily,
Babu Jaya Krishna M ukerji and his brothers have largely contri
buted towards the cause o f education, and established a first-class
public library at Uttarpara which contains the most valuable works in
Sanskrit and in other languages, and which is at the same time solely
maintained by them.

T hey founded the Hospital, the School and

several other institutions in the village, and render every possible assist
ance to the Literary and Charitable Society, called the Y o u n g M ans
Association, as also to the Hiiaharx Sava.
Babn Jaya Krishna M ukerji received a Certificate o f Honour at the
Darbar, held at Howra on the 1st January 1877, on account o f the
assumption o f the title Empress o f India by Her M ost Gracious
Majesty the Queen.

H e is at present about 76 years o f age.

the Indian Chiefs, Rajas, Zamindars,

311

V X I .- T H E R A I M O H A S A Y A F A M I L Y O F S H I O R A P H U L I,
KNOVYN A S R A J A S O P S H IO R A P H U L I.
P rior to tlie rise o f Raj Chandra, (w ho was by caste a Kayastha);
hU ancestors obtained the title o f Rai Mohasaya from the Muham
madan Government.
Raj Chandra Rai Mohasaya largely increased his paternal estates,
and at the same time made several endowments o f lands to numeruus
Brahmans, some o f whose descendants hold them even to the present
time.

H e died leaving his son, Haris Chandra Rai Mohasaya, who did

much good to the country by excavating tanks, constructing Hindu

temples, Ac., and was well-known fo r his piety Jind liberality.

Haria

Chandra left two sons, named Babus Jogendra Chandra and Purna
Chandra, o f whom the former died leaving one son, named Babu Girindra
Chandra,
Babu Purna Chandra Rai Mohasaya and his nephew, Babu Girindra
Chandra Rai Mohasaya, hold a large Zamindari extending from Howra
to Patuli, a place situated near Cain a.
ally called Rajas

These two Zamindars are gener

by the inhabitants o f Sbioraphuli on account o f

several good and charitable acts done by their ancestors, specially for
the A lm s Houses attached to the Hindu temples where some hundreds
o f people are daily fed even up to tbe present time.

W e learn, that the

share o f the Zamindari belonging to Babu Girindra Chandra Rai

Mohasaya, which was sold to Rai Lachmipat Sing Bahadur o f Balucliar
has since been bought by The H on ble Maharaja Jatindra Mohan
Tagore Bahadur, c.s.i., and his brother R aja Sourindra Mohan Tagore,
C .I .E .,

the two most distinguislied members o f the w ell-know n Tagore

Family of Calcutta.

V I I L T H E S H O M F A M IL Y O F C H IN S U R A .
T oe

ancestors o f the Shorn Family o f Chinsura in the District o f

H ughli, Were settled in the Province o f Bengal 669 years ago, i. e,,
iu the last reign o f the Gaurian Dynasty, and one o f them Balabhadra
Shorn was Vizirul Moraaluck or Prime Minister to the K in g o f Gaur.
H e was highly respected in consequence o f his having married the

312

The Modem. History o f

daugliter of Gojii Chandra Bose alias Pnrandar Khan, the Chief Officer
under the Gaurian Dynasty, who waa o f the Kayastha caste o f the
highest order.

Since then alt matrimonial alliances formed in this

family have been always with high and ancient Kayastha family o f
Bengal.

A m ong works of public utility attributed to Balabhadra Shorn,

was the opening o f the Jessore Jangal or Old Koad,

One o f the descendants o f

Balabhadra left two sons, one named

Ganga Narayan, and the other Krishna Ballabh.

Ganga Narayan was succeeded by

Ram Charan, Syam Ram ,

Ghanesyam, Gokul Bihari, and Beni Madhav.

Krishna Ballabh was succeeded by Rai Rayau Raj Durlabb Bahadur,
R aja

Janaki

Ballabh

Bahadur, R aja R aj

Ballabh Bahadur, Kaja

Makunda Ballabh Bahadur, and Raja Gaur Ballabh Bahadur, who now
form a separate line.
Ganga Narayans son Ram Charan was Dewan to the Dutch Trading
Company at Chinsura.

Ram Charan was succeeded by bis son Syam

R am who at first held the post o f hia father as Dewan, but was subse
quently a member o f the Supreme Council o f the Dutch Government.
Syam Ram received the title of Babu from Suraj-ud-Dowla, the
Nawab Nazim o f Bengal in (1 7 5 6 ), as a mark o f special honour.
Syam Babn constructed tw o Bathing Ghats, one for the general
public, and the other exclusively for Native females.

H e also caused

to be dug several tanks which still exist in the District o f 24-Pargannas,

Birbhutn, and other places.

H e left one son, named Ghanesyam Babu,

who was also appointed by the Dutch Government as their A gent and
Dewan.
Ghanesyam Babu left eight sons, o f whom, Gokul Babu, the fifth
son, was the C hief Native Officer at Cuttack (Orissa) daring the settle
ment o f that District.

Gokul Bihari Babu left two sons, o f whom the

second Beni Madhav Shorn was a Judge o f the Court o f Small Causes
at Dacca.
Beni Madhav Shorn compiled a code o f Civil laws, encouraged
education, and took an active interest in the Agricultural improvement
o f the country.

He made loyal exertions to put down the mutinous

propensity o f some people in Birbhum, and raised a patriotic fund

the Indian Chiefs, Rajas, Zamindars,

313

entirely without European influence, for the relief o f the sufferers during
the M utiny o f 1857.

The Government o f India in recognition o f hia

meritorious service for thirty-seven years and for his works o f public
utility conferred ou him the title o f Rai Bahadur.

Rai Beni Madhav

Shorn Bahadur died on Thursday, 17 th October 1878, when GO years o f

age, leaving two promising sons, Babus Radhika Lai Shorn and Priya
Lai Shorn.

(Other Fam ilies).

I . - T H E M IT T E R F A M I L Y O F K A L A C H A R A .
JuGAi K ishor M itter , son o f K ali Charan Mitter alias Madhu
Sudan Mitter, and grandson of Ram Jivan M itter, first resided in
Kalachara, Zilla Hughli.

H e was well versed in the Bengali, and

Persian languages, and served as a Mohafez in the Collector s Office in

the 24-Pargannas.

H e was a pious and good-natured gentleman.

left two sons, Jagannath Mitter aud Isan Chandra Mitter.

He

The former

was a Daroga in the Abkari Department under the Collector o f Cuttack,

and earned some fortune.

The latter Babu Isau Chandra M itter is a

man o f simple habits, and o f his two sons the youngest Babu Hem
Chandra M itter is alive.
Babu Hem Chandra M itter is known to many as a courteous and
kind-hearted gentleman.

He has acquired some lauded property in

Calcutta by honest exertions, and makes a good use o f his wealth by the
daily distribution o f alms at his birth-place in Kalachara,

He is an

orthodox Hindu and has a great regard for learned Brahmans and Pandits.
His knowledge aud experience in Jate business are unexceptionally
great.

H e baa an intelligent son, named Babu H ari Das M itter.

II. T H E R A I F A M I L Y O F H A R I P A L .
T his is one o f the ancient and well-known families in the District
o f Hughli.

It rose to pre-eminence at the time of

Siva Daa Dey,

known as Siva Das Mazumdar, who seryed the Muhammadan Government

40

314

The Modern History o f

and obtained tbe dUtinction of Raf from the Emperor A kbar with
a Fanjd,
Siva Das waa liig b lj esteemed by many respectable men o f hia
time, and the Kulin Kajasthas made him a Gostopaihi attended with
the osnal ceremony.

H e had erected a large dwelliog-honse at Haripal

occupying about some hundreds o f higas o f land whidi is still existing

though in a somewhat delapidated state.

A s a pure H indu he did

not fail to immortalise his name by instituting several temples for

Hindu

goda and giving away lands to many learned Pandits and

Brahmans in the District o f Hughli.

He had also excavated several

v e iy large tanks at Haripal and in ita neighbouring vilJagea for tha

public good.

He left seven

sons, Gopi Kanta, Bishnu Das, Chandra

Sekhar, Balaram, Matukram, Ghana Syam, and Ram Gopal whose lineal
descendants are still alive and residing at Haripal.

The seven sons of

Siva Das Rai received Lakhraj, i.e., rent-free lands as Jaghir in the
District o f Hughli from the Emperor Shah Alam in recognition o f their
and their father s good and valuable services to the Muhammadan
Government.
Tarini Charan Rai, sixth in descent from Bishnu Das R ai, had a fair
knowledge o f Bengali Engineering and Architecture.

H e was nomi

nated at different times by several gentlemen in Calcutta as their arbi

trator in the partition o f landed property and in the settlement of
disputes.

He died at Calcutta leaving two sons, Babus Behari Lai Rm

and Priya Lai Rai.

A lthough the surviving members o f the family are not at present
wealthy, yet they hold annually tho Durga Puja and other festivals
from the income o f the lands assigned to them for religious purposes
by their ancestors.

There ia in this family an idol known as Gorindaji

made o f a beautiful stone. They have still an A lm s House where a small

number o f men are daily fed.

I I I T H E S I R K A R F A M IL Y O F P A R A N B A T L
P a r a s C hasdra was the founder o f the Sirkar family o f Paranbati, near Bhadresvar, in the District o f H ughli.

H e was by caste a

tke Indian Chiefs, Rajas, Zamindars, Sfc,

315

Sadgope * and his family title was Ghose, bat he was known as
Sirkar from the time he received that title from one of the Muham
madan rulers o f Bengal.
Paran Chandra Sirkar purchased some Zamindaries in the District
o f Hughli, and dedicated several temples to the Hindu gods and god
desses, viz., Siva, Krishna Rayji, Radhica, Kali, Mangal Ckandi, and
Narayan.
Babu Tripura Charan Sirkar, son o f Govinda Chandra Sirkar,
like his forefathers is always kind to the Ryots o f his Zamindaries and
is in harmony with the other members o f the family with whom he
lives join tly and maintains the old Hindu temples, besides supporting
Brahmans and poor people.

X I I I JE S S O R E .
(Principal Ramilies),
I . T H E J E S S O R E R A J F A M IL Y .
R aja B ierah aditta who held a respectable post under Daud Khan,
the last Pathan K ing o f Bengal, obtained possession o f some parts of
the Sandarhans after the defeat o f that Pathan K ing by the Emperor
Akbar.

The Raja enlarged his dominions by force o f Arms ; deprived

the old capital o f Gaur of its wealth and grandeur, and made Jessore his
seat o f Qovernment.

He was succeeded by his son Pratapaditya " the

hero o f the Sundarbans.

Pratapaditya was a popular prince who daring the lifetime o f hia

father obtained that part o f the 24i-Pargannas which lies to the
South o f the Ichamati River.

H e was a powerful prince and gained

" pre-eminence among the twelve lords who' then held possession o f tha
southern part o f Bengal along the Coast,

Pratapaditya continually

rebelled against the Lieutenant o f the Emperor o f Delhi, till he was

completely defeated and taken prisoner by Man Singh, who carried him
in an iron cage to Delhi, bnt his sufferings though great did not last
long, as he died on the way at Benares from sheer starvation.

316

The Modern History o f

Bhabeavar Rai, the ancestor o f the present Rajas o f Jessore, who

resided at Obanchra situated on the South o f the town o f Jessore, waa

a soldier iu the employ o f the Imperial General Khand-Azam who
bestowed on him the Pargannas o f Saidpur, Ahmadpur, Moragacha
and Malikpur out o f the territories taken from Raja Pratapaditya who
fought with the General and was defeated,
A . D .,

Bhabesvar Rai died in 1588

and was succeeded by Mahtab Ram Rai who like his predecessor

was a faithful ally to the Einpsror o f Delhi, and assisted Man Singh in
tbe war against R aja Pratapaditya.
M ahlab Ram Rai died in 1619

a . d .,

leaving the estate to Kandnrpi

Rai, who acquired several Pargannas in the District of Jessore. Kandarpa

R ai was succeeded by Monahar Rai and he by his son Krishna Ram Kai,
Both Monahar and Krishna Ram also increased their properties by
purchasing several Pargannas from the Muliaramadan Government in
cases o f default in payment o f revenue.

Krishna Ram Rai waa succeeded

by Suk Dev Rai who divided the estate into two shares, viz., threequarters, i. e., tw elve annas for himself, and one-fourth, i. e,, four annaa
for his brother Syam Sundar,

In 1756 or 1753, Syam Sundar and his

infant son having died the one-quarter or four annaa share, known as the
Saidpur estate, became vacant.

A greater portion o f this estate was

bestowed by the Nawab of Bengal on a Mtib am madan landholder, and

in 1814 the property was in the possession o f Haji Muhammad Mohsin,
who before his death made over the estate in trust for the good o f the
H ughli Imambarra.
Suk Dev Rai, the proprietor o f the three-fourth share (known aa
the Isafpur gstate) died in 1745, leaving the whole property to Nilkanta
Rai.

In 1764, Nilkanta Rai died, and was succeeded by Sri Kanta Rai,

who at the time o f the Permanent Settlement, lost all the Pargannas
and was left entirely at the mercy o f Government.

A t the death o f

Sri Kanta Rai in 1802, his son Bani Kanta Rai gained a suit and
obtained possession o f that part o f his hereditary estate which lies
within the Bayadpur Parganna.
Bani Kanta R ai died in 1817, and was succeeded b y his son, Raja
Barada Kanta Rai Bahadur, a minor.

In consequm ce the estate was

managed by Goverumout who greatly increased ils viduc.

H e received

the. Indian Chiefs, Rajas, Zamindars, djc.

317

th title o fj Raja Bahadur from Government for hig good services

during the Mutiny,and before this the Government bad restored to him
the Parganna o f Sahos which was confiscated in 1823,

Raja Barada

Kanta Rai Bahadur was well-known for his public spirit, loyalty to
Government, and love for his countrjm en.
three promising sons,

H e died in 1880, leaving

Kumar Ganada Kanta Rai

Bahadur, Kumar

Manada Kanta Rai Bahadur, and Kum ar Hemada Kanta Rai Bahadur.

II. T H E N A L D A N G A R A J F A M I L Y .
T he Naldanga Uaj Family was founded by Bishnu Das Hazra, a
Brahman, fifth in descent from Haladhar Bhattacharji, who lived about
400 years ago iu Bhabrasuba in the District o f Dacca,
Bishnu Das Hazra first left Bhabrasuba, and lived as a hermit at
Khatrasuni, a place nearNaldaitgn now called Hazrabati, but afterwards
became possessed of five adjacent villages, which he received as a reward
for his having miiaculously supplied some provisions to the Muham
madan Governor on an occasion o f great need and emergency.

H e was

succeeded by Srimanta Rai who added to his paternal estate the whole
o f Mamudshahi.
Srimanta Rai was followed by Gopi Nath Dev Rai, Chandi Charan
D ev R ai,{w ho first received the title o f Raja from one of the Emperors
o f Delhi), Ram Dev Rai, Raghu Dev Rai, and Krishna Dev RaL

The

latter died in 1773 leaving two natural sons, Mahendra, and Ram Santar,
each o f whom got two-fifths of the estate, aud an adopted son, Govinda,
who was known as the Teani (or three-aniias, i. e., the one-fifth) Raja.
The descendants o f Mahendra and the Teani Raja have lost nearly all
their property, which was bought hy the Naral landholders, and live in
comparative poverty in the old Naldanga family house. Ram Sankar's
descendants who held the eastern portion o f the former Zamindari, hold
their estates to this day ; a result due to the fact that their estates have
frequently come under the management o f the Court o f W ards during
the minority o f their owners.
Ram Sankar was succeeded by Sasi Bhusan D ev Rai.

Sasi Bhusan

died leaving an adopted son, Indu Bhusan Dev R ai, who received the

318

The Modern History o f

tUle o f Raja from Governmeat.

Raja Indu Bhusan died in 1870,

leaving his adopted son Pramatha Bhiisan Dev Rai.

Kumar Pramatha

Bhusan Dev Rai is a minor, and the estate is under the supervision o f
tho Court o f Wards.

I l l TH E N A R A L R A I F A M IL Y .
T his ancient Kayastha family which has always been well-known for
its liberality for establisliing Hindu temples, constructing roads, dugging
tanks, &c., is descended from Purushottam Datta, who lirst lived at
Bali, a village adjacent to Howra and then at Chaura near Mursbidabad
whither he removed to avoid the constant oppressions o f the Mahrattas,
From Chaura, Madan Gopal (w ith whom the prosperity of the family
began)cam e and settled at Naral.
Madan Gopal served for a long iim e the Nawab o f Murshidahad,
and acquired immense wealth by trading, and his grandson, Rup Ram
Datta, first obtained a lease o f land at Jessore from the Raja o f Nator
who had appointed him aa his A gen t at the Nawaba Court.

In 1803,

R up Ram Datta died leaving two sons. K ali Sankar and Ramnidhi.
Kali Sankar received the title o f Rai from tho Nawab o f Mnrshidabad,
which the family now use instead o f their surname Datta.
K ali Sankar R ai increased his ancestral estates by becom ing

farmer o f the Bhiisna Zamindari under the Raja of Nator, and at the
same time purchasing several o f his Zamindaries, viz., Teiihati, Binadpnr,
Rnpapat, Kalia, and Poktani, which were sold after the Permanent
Settlement for arrears o f revenue.

Since the year 1900, Kali Sankar R ai

though in a position to pay from his S enam i estates remained wilfally

for some years in jail on account of the arrears o f Government revenue
due on his Bhusna Zamindari, but he was subsequently released on an
amicable settlement by w liich the Government remitted a portion
o f the debt.

A fter this occurrence K a li Sankar R ai lived at Naral with

his tw o sons, Ram Narayan and Jaya Narayan, who died during his
lifetime.

In ]8 i0 , he went to Benares where he purchased several

Zamindaries, and died in 1834, leaving his grandsons, i.e ., the sons o f
Ram Narayan and Jaya Narayan to inherit his splendid estates.

Soon

ihe Indian Chiefs, Rajas, Zamindars,

319

after the death of Kali Sankar Rai, the whole o f the fem ily estates waa
divided amongst Ram Ratan Rai, Hara Nath Rai and Radha Charan
Rai, sons o f Ram Narayan Rai (the representatives o f tbe Senior Branch
o f the fam ily) and Durga Das R ai and Guru Das Rai, sons o f Jaya
Narayan Rai (tbe representatives o f the Junior Branch o f the family).
Ram Ratan R ai, the head o f the Senior Bi-anch o f the family, had
greatly increased his ancestral property, and obtained a three-fourth
share o f tbe Mahmudahahi ZamindarL

H e died in 1860, leaving two

educated sous, Babus Chandra Kumar Rai and Kali Prasanna Rat.
Hara Nath Rai, brother o f Ram Ratan Rai, laid ont a large sum
o f money in constructing a road from Naral to Jessore, for which aud
other acts o f liberality the title o f Rai Bahadur was conferred on him
by Government.

He died in 1868, leaving one son, Babu Kalx D as Rai,

and one grandson Babu Upendra Narayan Rai, son o f his eldest son,
who predeceased him.
Radha Charan Rai, the youngest brother o f Ram Ratan Rai, left
two promising sons, viz., Babus Jogendra Chandra R ai and Pulin Bihari
Rai.
The present members o f the Senior Branch o f the Naral Family,
hold Zamindaries in the Districts o f Nadiya, Pabna, Faridpur, Hughli,
24-Parganuas, Backerganj, and Benares, in some o f which they have
indigo factories, and their family houses are situated at Naral and
at Cossipnr near Calcutta.

They maintain a school and a charitable

dispenaary at Naral for the public good,

Durga Das Rai, the head o f the Junior Branch o f the Naral family,
died childless.

Guru Das Rai, brother o f Durga Das Rai, haa left

an intelligent son, named Babu Govinda Chandra Rai, who holds

Zamindaries in Jessore, Faridpur and other places.

{Sundry Zamindars).
D I G IN D R A N A T H P A L , O F S A T R U J IT P U R .
B abu D igindba N ath P al , Zamindar o f Satrujitpur, Jessore, is
the son o f Mohima Chandra Pal Rai Bahadur, and grandson o f Hari
Narayan Pal.

H ari Narayan Pal was in the employ o f R aja Sitaram

The Modern History o f

320

fiai o f Mohamadpur, as a Collector o f Revenue o f Satrujitpur, where on

seeing the beauty o f the village he permanently resided, and acquired
sufficient wealth, o f which a certain amount was spent in excavating
tanks,constructing roads, giving shelter to travellers and strangers, who
presented themselves at his house, and performing religious ceremonies,
dfc.

His son Mohima Chandra Pal was employed as a Deputy Magistrate

and Deputy Collector in several places in Bengal, and received the title
o f R ai Bahadur from Government.
Mohima Chandra Pal Rai Bahadur left one son, Babu Digindra
N ath Pal, who is an intelligent and a liberal Zamindar, and is now
residing in Calcutta.

X I V . M A IM E N S IN G .
(Principoil Families, Nohles, and Eminent M en),
L T H E S H U S A N G R A J F A M IL Y .
A t the commencement

of

the fourteenth

century, Shamsher

Thakur, the progenitor o f this ancient family, established himself as an

independent ruler o f Shuaang and the Garo Hills by dispossessing
Boisha Oarrow.
Shamsher Thakur was followed by Bhuddi Manta Khan, Kamai
Hazara, Baman K han, and Jagadananda K han.

The latter had two

sons, M allick Janaki Nath and MalUck Jadu Nath, o f whom the former
succeeded him.
M allick Janaki Nath was succeeded by his eldest son, Raghu Nath.
Dui'ing the time o f Raghu N ath, the people o f the Garo H ills became
so very turbulent, that he was forced to apply to the Emperor Jehanghir
for assistance on a promise to pay an annual tribute o f the fragrant
wood, called A gar, a production o f the Garo H ills, which was then much
liked by the Muhammadan rulers o f the country.
T he Emperor Jehanghir furnished him with a force o f 135 sowars,
and 250 Sipahia, and gave him the designations o f Garo Tambi
Mun8ubi and Durgay M nnsubi, the former o f which titles was meant
to invest him with authority to govern the Garos.

the Indian Chiefs, Rajas, Zamindars, <^c.

321

Rftgbn Nath bad seven sons, o f whom the eldest Ram N ath Sing
succeeded him.
to the Emperor.

Ram Nath continued to pay the tribute o f A gar wood

He had no son, but was succeeded by his nephew

Ram Jivan, son of Sripati Kuar, one o f the sons o f Raghu Nath.

In

the official communications o f the Emperors Shah Jehan and Aurangzib

Ram Jivan was addressed as Raja.

Ram Jivan died iu a . d. 1700,

and was succeeded by Ram Krishna who was shortly after deposed by
the Muhammadan Government, and outcasted by his H indu co-reli
gionists on account o f his marriage with a Mosalman woman. Some
time after he assumed the name o f Kuar Rahim lyar.

Nawab Jafer

Khan offered the Gaddi to his son. Ram Sing, who was born o f ft
Hindu wife long before hts fathers marriage with a Muhammadan
lady.

A bout this time a two annas share of the Zamindari was made

over to Ram Sings daughter on her marriage with a person, named

Har Ram S in g; but since then the remaining portion, i, e,, fourteen
annas share has not been further divided.
B am Sing was successively followed by Raja Keshu Sing, Raja
Baj Sing, Raja Bisva Nath Sing, R aja Fran Krishna Sing, and Raja
Raj Krishna Sing, the present representative o f the family.
o f " Raja

The title

was conferred on Raja Raj Krishna Sing on the 12th

October, 1865,

I I . R A J A S U R J I K A N T A A C H A R J I O F M U K T A G A C H A .
B a j a S uhji K anta A chAbji C howdhuei BAHADtra o f Muktagacha
is one o f the most opulent and prominent Zamindars in the District
o f Maimeusing,

The Acharjies, o f whom he is the leading member, are

respectable Barindra Brahmans belonging to the Swritras o f the Nerabil

or unstained class, and claim their origin from Udayana Aeharji Bhaduri,
the renowned compiler o f Kusumanjali, the famous book o f Barindra
Heraldry.
The extensive Zamindari o f Parganna Alapsing that devolved to
him and his predecessors, besides other ancestral estates, was founded
by Sri Krishna Aeharji Chowdburi who obtained it as a gift, or reward
41

322

The Modern History o f

from a Nawab o f Murshidabad in whose Court ho waa an officer of

some note, for certain important and faithful services.
After the death o f Sri Krishna, his four sons, Ram Bam, Hari Ram,
Bishnu Ram, and Siv Ram chose to leave their paternal home at
Champapur in the District o f Bagura, and went to settle at Muktagaclia.
From Sri Krishna the AcUarji family line branched into four lines, and
Raja Surji Kanta is the present representative o f the line, that began
with Siv Ram.

The pedigree from this progenitor runs th u s:

Siv Ram, the father o f Raghu Nandan ;

Raghu Nandan, the

father o f Gauri Kanta, Gauri Kanta, the father o f Kasi K an ta; and
Kasi Kanta, the father o f Surji Kanta.
A ll these ancestors o f the Raja were great men ; and their part
ners in life were also highly respected ladies o f pious, and charitable
dispositions;

among whom we notice Bimala Debya Chowdhurani, the

Rajas grandmother, who ia still known in Benares and other holy places
o f H indu pilgrimage, as Rani Bimala Annapurna, the Ceres o f Hindu
M ythology, for her vast liberalities and charities.
R aja Surji Kanta, like most other sons o f Maimensing Zamindars
was brought up amidst indulgence; and got therefore only a nominal
education in his boyhood.

W hen about fifteen years o f

mother Luckmi Debya Ghowdhurani died.

age, his

A lthough this was a melan

choly event to him ; yet it gave a providential turn to his future life.
The Raja was then a minor and the whole o f tbe extensive Zamindaries
which he inherited, were taken under the management o f tho Court
o f Wards, and he was sent to the W ard Institution at Calcutta
for his education.

In this institution he was detained for a period

o f about three years, and ho waa liberated from it on attaining his

majority in November, 1867.
W ards Seminary,

The Raja finished his education in tho

W hen he returned home, he had some knowledge

o f the English language, but bad in hira what was better still, a good
stock o f the wholesome fruits o f English education.
The day on which he assumed the charge o f his Zamindari man
agement is thought to be propitious.

From that day, memorable in

his life, up to this time, the R aja has been invariably found to manage
every branch o f hia extenaive Zamindari affairs, with the strictness

the Indian Chiefs, Rajas, Zamindars,

and energy of a man o f business.

323

The salutary effects o f such a

management is plainly seen, above all, in the additions which the Raja
has made in the course o f a few years to the vast estates he inherited,
by purchases o f different Zamindaries in Maimensing and other Districts ;
which yield a nett profit o f above Rupees fifty thousand to his treasury.
Raja Surji Kanta Acharji amidst the heavy pressure o f his daily
Zamindari work never neglects to continue cultivating his English edu
cation; and we are glad to remark that hia untiring labours have been
hitherto rewarded with a fair knowledge o f the language.
is lenient to all, even in matters o f business.
the motto

The Raja

H e has in his Crest

Bholehi Suhrid D h a rm o " that is virtue is the only friend

in this world.

And we learn tliat his hospitable door is open to all

and every wayfarer ; hia purse is free to the needy and distressful; aud
good many works o f public utility bear testimony to his extensive
liberality.
On the occasion of His Excellency L ord Northbrook's visit to the
town o f Dacca, the Raja was received with special honour by the
Viceroy.

Sir Richard Temple honoured him also with a visit to hia

own house at Muktagacha.

He received the title o f Rai Bahadur

on the occasion o f the Imperial Assemblage held at Delhi, on the 1st

January 1877, and in February

1880, the V iceroy

and Governor

General was pleased to honour him with the title of R aja at the
recommendation o f His H onor Sir Ashley Eden in recognition o f hia
loyalty and valuable services to the country.
Raja Surji Kanta is the only man in the whole Acharji family
that has been hitherto honoured with the title o f Raja.

A t the time

when the Dewans o f the Court o f Murshidabad were distinguished by

the title

of

Raja, hia father Kasi Kanta A chaiji tried to

get

invested with this title, by cffering a large sum o f money to the then
reigning Nawab as Nazzar under whom he was then serving as hia
officiating Dewan.

H e was about to succeed in his wishes, but at last

he did not choose to have that distinction.

very handsome big tusker elephant.

Kasi Kanta Babu had a

The Nawab got this information

through some private source, and asked from him the Nazzav o f tlia

maguiflceat

elephant

along

with the

amount

o f money he

agreed to

Tfie Modern History of

324
offer.

But Kasi Kanta Babu thought it more prudent to relinquish

bis object o f ambitlou, than to part with his pet elephant, the beautiful
tusker.
Kaja Surji Kanta, a true European in his mode o f private life, is
necessarily a man o f liberal views, a great patron o f learning and the
learned, and a sincere lover and encourager o f manly sports.

He is

known to be a bard rider and a staunch huntsman ; and has boldly met
with many a peril in tiger-shooting.
The Raja is a man just in the prime o f life with a brilliant pros
pect before h im ; and is the undisputed proprietor o f extensive Zamin
daries, c o m p r i s i n g f o u r annas and few gandtxs share o f Parganna
Alapsing, about three pice share o f Parganna Sherepur, Kharija aud
Sikimi Taluks in Parganna Rangbhowal and Fukharia, a little more than
three pice share in Parganna Shusaug in the District o f Maimensiiig; the
whole of Jowar Chandpur Balasia and a great portion o f Khodabatpur
aud other Taluks in the D istrict o f

D a cca ;

four annas share o f

Taraf Jhakar in Parganna Shelbrash in Bogra ; about fourteen annas

F atni shares o f Parganna Shereshahabad in the Malda D istrict; fonr
annas share o f Taluk Devagram in Zilla M urshidabad; and Chitma
and other Taluks in the District o f Patna.

In short, bis magnificent

estates extend over about 300,000 acres o f land, comprising a popu

lation o f above 150,000 souls, and yielding an annual rental o f some
lakhs o f Rupees.

(Svrndry Zemindars).
B A B U R A M C H A N D R A C H O W D H U R I O F B O K A I.
Babit R am C handra C how dhuri o f Bokai, by caste

holds several Zamindaries in the District o f Maimensiug.

Brahman,
H e ia

descendant o f Sri Krishna Chowdhuri, the founder o f the family, who

formerly lived in Tarapcurai, Z illa R ajsh ahye; but subsequently in
Maimensing where he received

a Zamindari from one o f

the Muhammadan

Emperors o f Delhi during whose reign he had subdued a powerful rebel

against the

im p e ria l

authority,

6 r i K ris h n a C h o w d h u ri a fte rw a rd s

the Indian Chiefs, Rajas, Zamindars, djc.

325

purcliased several otlier Zamindariea in Maimeaeing, which were then

nothing but deserts and forests, he managed to have them thickly popu
lated by giving lands to several Brahmans and other classes o f men,
and devising means for their education, constructing roads, digging
tanks, &c., for their welfare.

Sri Krishna Chowdhnri was succeeded iu

direct line by Lakhmi Narayan Chowdhuri, Eudra Chandra Chowdhuri,

K ara Chandra Chowdhuri, and Babu Earn Chandra Chowdhuri, the
present Zamindar, who has two sons, viz., Babus Maheudra Chandra
Chowdhuri and Siris Chandra Chowdhuri.
Babu Ram Ghandiu Chowdhuri is a man o f benevolent disposition,
and is always kind to his RyaU and the poor in general.

X V . M AN B H U M .
{P rin cipal F am ilies).
T H E P A C H E T I R A J F A M IL Y .
T he Eajas of Pacheti are descended from a R ajput prince, who is
traditionally asserted to have been suckled by a cow on the K apilU
Hill, situated near Jhalda in tho District o f Manbhum.

This Rajput

prince was the most powerful o f his race, and his descendants still retain
great local influence.
Garur Narayan Sing Deo, the fifty-eighth Raja was celebrated for
his great love for the Sanskrit langxiage and literature.

H e died in the

year 1258, a s.,and was succeeded by his son, Nilmani Sing Deo, the
present Raja.
Raja Nilmani Sing D eo received the title o f Raja from Govern
ment on the 22nd Kovember, 1861.

He is a great patron o f Sanskrit

learning, and has from time to time spent a handsome sum in prom oting
its cultivation.

326

The Modern History o f

X V L M ID N A P U R .
{Principal Families).

I T H E M ID N A P U R R A J F A M IL Y .
T his family is o f an origin so ancient as to be almost mythical.
Raja Surat Sing one o f the governors o f this Raj family was con
temporary with the Emperor Soliman, and was subseqoently expelled
and deprived o f the Qaddi by his own commander-in-chief Lackhan
Sing, who was assisted by one o f the Rajas of Orissa.
Lackhan Sing was followed by Rajas Sham Sing, Chutoroy Sing,
Raghu Nath R oy Sing, Ram Sing, Jasaraanta Sing and A rjit Sing.
The latter died without issue leaving two widows, viz.. Rani Bhabani
and Rani Shirainani.

During the time o f

these two Ranies, some

relations o f their father-in-law R aja Jasamanta Siog, having combined

with the Chuars, rose against them and reduced them to such straits,
that they were compelled to seek the assistance o f Tri Lochan Khan,
Zamindar o f Narajole, and the first maternal cousin o f Raja Jasamanta
Sing.

Tri Lochan Khan, however, succeeded in restoring order and

was subsequently rewarded with the office o f manager during the

Ranie's lifetime with a promise o f absolute ownership o f
and profits o f the estates after their demise.

In

the dignity

1167

b.

s., both

Rani Bhabani and T ri Lochan died, and the surviving widow Rani
Shiramani becoming sole possessor, gave the

management o f the

estates to Sitaram Khan, the nephew o f the late Tri Lochan Khan.
Sitaram Khan died in 1191 n. s., and was succeeded by Ananda
Lai Khan, whom Rani Shiramani has brongbt up and loved with more
than a mother's affection.

Rani Shiramani assigned her estates to

Ananda Lai Khan and his brother Mohan Lai Khan.

died without issue in 1217

b . s .,

The former

and hia younger brother Mohan Lai

Khan took charge o f the Qaddi. In the month o f Assin 1219

b . s .,

Rani Shiramani died, and after her death, Kandarpa Sing, a kinsman
of Raja A rjit Sing, claimed the estates, but eventually bis claim was
dismissed by Her Majesty s Privy Council on the 3rd December, 1847.
R aja Mohan Lai Khan died in the

an d

was

succeeded

by Lis

m on th

e ldest son A ju d h y a

o f Falgun 1237

Ram

b . s .,

K h a ib w h o w a s

the Indian Chiefs, Rajas, Zamindars, cf'C.

then a mtnorK

327

During his minority the estates were divided by his

mother and step-mother into two equal parts one portion being allotted
to him and his two uterine brothers, and the other to his half-brothers.
In 1841, Raja Ajudhya Ram Khan having attained his majority
sued for possession o f the entire Zamindari, and obtained a decree from
the Saddar Dewani Adalat on the 30th A pril, 1844, excluding the
rights o f the rest o f his brothers, and in September 1867, he waa pnt in
peaceful possession o f the estates free from all incumbrances. The estates
belonging to this family are divided into four parts, viz., Midnapur or
Bhuiijabhum, Dhekeabazar, Monaharghar and Bahadurpur.
Raja Ajudhya Ram Khan was an honest and generous man, and
had a strong belief in Hinduism.

He took great interest in the welfare

o f his people, and largely contributed towards the Midnapur H igh

School, the Relief Funds, Dispensary, Public Library, &c.

Daring

the famine o f 1874, he allowed a remission o f rent, amounting rupees

39,602, and gave land without compensation for a road from the
station o f Keshpur to JvXka extending over six miles in length for
the Famine R elief W orks in Midnapur,

H e died on the 28th June

1879, leaving two intelligent sons, Kumar Mahendra Lai K han and
Kumar Upendra Lai Khan, the former has also a aon, named Narendra
Lai Khan.
Kumars Mahendra Lai and Upendra Lai, the present represent
atives o f the family, manage their Zamindari affairs most satisfactorily,
and maintain Dharmasalas or Alms Houses at the Tkalcurhari of
Ahashghar, Kurnughar aud Narajole in the District o f Midnapur.

I I . T H E M O IS A D A L R A J F A M IL Y .
T he Zamiudari o f Moisadal and six other Pargannas were first
acquired by Janardhan Upadhyay in the beginning o f the sixteenth
century.

The Zamiudari gradually descended in the sixth geueration to

Raja Ananda Lai Upadhya}', who having died childless, was succeeded
by Guru Prasad Gurga, the next heir; and hence Moisadal came
iiito the hands o f the Gurga family.

The late Raja LacUman Prasad

The Afodern History o f

328

was the adopted bod of Raja Rama Nath G orga, the fifth in descent
o f the Gurga family.

He left three minor sons, viz., Knmars Isvar

Prasad Gurga, Jati Pi-asad Gurga and Rama Prasad Gurga.

The estate ia now administered by the Court o f
M r, H. Deveria is the Manager,
about four lahhs o f rupees.

Wards, and

The present nett annual income is

R aja Lachman Prasad lost one o f the

Fargannas, named Mundleghat in the Hughli District for his debts to

the late Babu Hira Lai Seal o f Kalutola, Calcutta.
There is a charitable hospital under the superintendence o f an
Assistant Surgeon, and a middle class English School wholly supported
by the estate.

Besides these, monthly contributions are regularly

paid to several public inatitntiona.

The estate also maintains an Alm s

House and several TKoJcurhafies, most o f which were established by

Rani Janaki, widow of the last descendant o f the Upadhyay family.
The Ryots pay fo r a grand R ath, which attracts thousands o f

spec

tators during the annual festivals.

The estate is gradually improving, and it is hoped that it will one
day'make up for the loss sustained by the late Raja Lachman

Prasad

G u rg a .

I I I . T H E M O Y N A R A J F A M IL Y ,
R aja G ovardhasa B a h d ba lisdr a was the founder o f this ancient
family.

He was originally a Zamindar o f Sahanga. in Zilla Midnapur,

but afterwards became possessed o f the Parganna M oyna Clioungra or

M oyna, which he received ns a present with a Khilat, 1 e,, dress o f
honour, and the titles of Raja and Bahubalindra, from an independent
Mahratta Chief Maharaja Deb R aj Bahadur o f Midnapur for his great
military prowess and proficiency in music.
Baja Govardhana was succeeded by his son Raja Paramnnanda
Bahubalindra, who came from Sabanga and lived in Moynaghar or the
F ort Moyna, which is still in existence, covering about 100 h^as o f
land and being surrounded on all sides by water.
Raja Paramauauda was successively followed by Madhavananda,

the Indian Chiefs, Rajas, Zamindars, <$r.

329

Gokulananda, Kripaiianda, Jagadananda, Brajananda, Anandananda,

and Eadhasjamanandn Bahubaliudra, the present Raja.
The ancestors o f R aja Kadhasyamananda fought against one of
the Rajas o f Tamluk, and took possession o f Sirampur and nine other
villages in the Tamluk Parganna.

They also established several Hindu

temples, gave rent-free lands to Brahmans, constructed roads, dug tanks,

&c., in Moynaghar and other places in their Zamindaries.

A t the

time of Raja Brajananda Bahubalindra, the present Rajas grandfather,

there had been an inundation in Zilla Midnapur and a famine -which
deprived him o f many o f his subjects on which account he waa compelled
to dispose o f the Sahanga and some parts o f Mogna Ckornigra Pargannns.
Raja Radhasyamananda Bahubalindra at present holds some Zamin
daries in the Pargannas o f Moyna Choungra and Tamluk, tlie annual
income o f which is about Ks, 20,000. The Raja is now 55 years o f age,
and is respected by all classes o f men in Moynaghar for his kind and
benevolent disposition.

H e has three sons, who are known aa Chatra-

pati Rajas.

{Qthee F a m ilies),
T H E G O S V A M IE S O F A K A B P U R .
T his is one o f the minor and decayed families in the District of
Midnapur, and we regret that we do not know any thing o f its pre
vious history.
Professor Kbetra Mohan Gosvami, the present representative o f
this family, is the son o f the late Pandit Radha Kanta Gosvami.

He

was born in 1813, and learnt the H indi, Bengali and Sanskrit languages
under the care o f his father who took great interest in his education.
After the demise o f bis father. Professor Khetra Mohan Gosvami
began to learn music under Pandit Ram Sankar Bhattacharjya, Zilla
Banknra, and within a few years commenced singing in public, and
became a great favourite with music-loving people. H e came to Calcutta
about the year 1847, and lived at Patburiaghata in the premises o f the
H on ble Maharaja Jatindra Mohau Tagore Bahadur, c. s. i.
42

H ere he

330

The Modern History o f

learnt more of music from Ostad Lachmi Prasad Misra, who waa then
employed in teach tug music to the Hon ble Maharaj^u

Since this time,

i.e., for the last thirty-three years Professor Gosvami is at Pathuriaghata,

and has long before the establishment o f tlie Bengal Music School been
associated with the Hon ble Maharaja Jatindra Mohan Tagore Bahadur,
c. s.

I .,

and hia brother Raja Sourindra Mohan Tagore, c, i.

.,

in their

labours for the improvement and revival o f Hindu Music.

Under the kind patronage o f R aja Sourindra Mohan Tagore, c i.e .,
Musical Doctor, he has published in Bengali the invaluable works
Sangitsara, Kanta Kaumudi, Jayadeva, ^ c,, for the use o f the Bengal
Music School and his countrymen at large, but all are based on the
system o f notation introduced by the learned Doctor.
Professor Khetra Mohan Gosvami is an orthodox Hindu, and a
respectable old man having several good qualities in addition to bis wellknown musical capacities. H e holds a Certificate from L ord Northbrook,
the late Viceroy and Governor General, regarding his high proficiency
in music displayed before his Excellency, while he honoured the Honble
Maharaja Jatindra Mohan Tagore Bahadur, o. s. i., witli a visit at his
residenee at Pathuriaghata in 1875.

H e has still small Taluks iu Zilla

Midnapur and Banknra, and has no son but a nephew, named Fran
Krishua Gosvami, aged 29 years.

X V II. M O N G H Y R .
{Pidncipal Fam ilies).
T H E G ID H O U R R A J F A M IL Y .
The

R a ja s

of

G id h ou r,

by caste Chetri, belong to the Chandrail

Class, who trace their origin to Chandra, t. e., the Moon, and are
therefore called Chandra Eangshya or o f the Lunar Race,

They

are descended from Attri, Budh, and the illustrious Sisupal o f Chandarl
and the Raja Purmal o f Mohaba.

The ancestor of Bickram Sing, the

progenitor o f this Raj, left Mohaba and settled at Bardi.

he

From Bardi

came with a large retinue o n pilgrimage t o Baidyanath i n the y e a r

ilu Indian Chiefs, Rajas, Zamindars,

331

478 B. s., where he hilled the Chief o f the aboriginal Hill tribee, and
accepted the rule o f the principality of Gidhour, where he permanently
established himself and his people.

Several generations after him,

Raja Puranmal built the temple o f Baidyanath, and conferred on the

Fandaa or priests o f the shrine gifts o f several villages and lauds which
they still enjoy.
In the year 1068 Hijri, Raja Dalian Sing obtained a firman from
the Emperor Shah Jehan for valnable services rendered to Solaiman,
ttie Emperors grandson, in quelling the rebellion o f Sujah Subadar of
Bengal, vrho had made his last stand in tbe Fortress o f M onghyr.
This firman which was sealed and signed by Bhah Jehan and bis son,
Dara Shekoh, is still extant.
confirmed to the

In it the hereditary title o f Raja was

head of the family.

Five generations after him

Gopal Sing became Raja, and with him in the year 1798 the permanent
settlement o f the Raj was made by the British Government.
. Raja Gopal Sing was the grandfather of Maharaja Sir Jay Mangal
Sing Bahadur,

, c. s.

i., who is the present head o f the house, and has

from the beginning o f his career directed his attention to the improve
ment o f the Raj which is at present greatly extended and improved.
H e has largely subscribed to the Charitable and Religious institutions
in the Bhagalpur Division in land aud money, and made free gifts o f
lands to Government for Roads os well as for the Railway, so far aa it
passes thiough hig estates.
During the Sonthal insurrection he rendered valuable services to
Government for which titles and Khilats were conferred on him.

W hen

the Sepoy M utiny broke out he also assisted the Government with sepoys
and sowars in protecting several places in the District o f Behar, and
did all he could to disperse the fugitive rebels from that part o f the
country.

He boldly encountered them in an engagement, and put

them to flight.

In short, he supported all the measures o f Government,

during that critical juncture with all hia personal and hereditary
influence.

In recognition o f these services he received the title o f

Maharaja Bahadur, and was invested with the insignia o f a K night

Commander o f the Most Exalted Order o f the Star o f India.
Jaghir was also granted to him in the year 1864.

332

The Modern History o f

During the Bengal Famine, hia services attracted the attention of

Government, and the title o f Maharaja was ordered to be extended to

liis son.

Subsequently in the year 1877 at the Imperial Assemblage o f

Delhi, where the Maharaja Sir Jay Mangal Sing was present, the title
o f Maharaja was made hereditary iu his family.

He was present at

the landing of H is Royal Highness The Prince o f W ales in Calcutta,

who treated him with marked distinction,
Maharaja Sir Jay Mangal Sing Bahadur,

K.

c. s. n, has made over

his Raj to bis eldest son, Maharaja Sew Perahad Sing Bahadur, wiio
is conducting the affairs o f the estates most satisfactorily under the
able instructions o f bis old, respected and experienced father.

( O th ^ Fam ilies),
S H A H M O H S IN A L I A N D H I S F A M IL Y .
Shah

o h s in

A l i , aged 75 years, is the present Sijjada Nishan o f

the House o f Shah Tajuddin in Dilawarpur, M on gh yr; and his younger

brother Shah W ajid A li is 55 years old.

Shah Mohsin A li holds several

Zamindaries in the Pargannas, Monghyr, Bulya, Nagpur, Ahmadpur,

Malda, aud in Patna District, yielding an income of Rs. 60,000, per
annum.
Tbe family history o f

Shah Mohsin A li begins with Hazrat

Mowlanah Shah Mustaffa Safi, a man o f learning and highest respect

ability ; he was a native of Seistan, a town o f Persia.

Tbe fame o f his

vast learning, and the high distinction in which he was held, reached
the Court of the Emperor Jelaluddin Akbar.
H e was invited to tbe Emperor'a Palace in D elh i; valuable pre
sents in tbe shape o f K hilats were given to him in addition to a hand
some paying Jaghir.

He was principally employed in imparting edu

cation, but tbis was not the only thing he had to do;

he was always

consulted on political matters and his opinion was not merely asked for,
but was adhered to.

When the Afghans revolted iu Bengal and Behar,

Muhammad Momira Khan went out with a large array to subdue them,
but seeing their superiority in numbers, he asked tbe Emperor to come

the Indian Chiefs, Rajas, Zamindars, (Jr.

out in person.

333

The Emperor visited the East, accompanied by Shah

Mustaffa Safi, and a large body o f armed men.

Shah Mustaffa Safi

distinguished himself; he was valiant and possessed a considerable

degree of military skill.

While in the East he heard the great name

o f Hazrat Shah AHadad Arafeen, who was a man celebrated for his piety;
Mustaffa Safi wished much to meet this holy man, and to abandon all
ambition for wealth and honour.

His intentions were communicated

to the Emperor, who, as well as Muhammad Momim Khan, were im

portunate for the Safi to continue with them, offering him grants and
high honours.

The Safi took neither tha one nor the other, but came

down to M on ghjr to meet this renowned religious devotee.

T he meet-

in o f Safi with Hazrat Shah Alladad Arafeen was one o f considerable

and respectful ceremony, he kissed the Hazrata feet, and asked him
a question in Arabic.

The Hazrat at once understood him, and looking

at him, Safi became insensible.

Shah Mustaffa Safi revived after a

minute and thenceforward became the disciple of the Hazrat, whom he

venerated as the Saint o f Saints.

The great Alladad convened a meet

ing o f respectable men, and in their presence made him Sijjada Nishan,
by dressing his head with a turban, and presenting him with rosaries,
Ac.

Mustaffa Safi died on the 4th day o f Zilhij 1050 Hijra, and his

remains were interred in Dilwarpur.

Shah Shurpuddin Ghoiis, his son,

succeeded him ; he walked in the footsteps of his father, and was remark
able for his charity and kindness towards the poor.

3'he Emperor,

Arungzebe Alluragir heard o f his renown and made him considerable

presents in land and m oney; he hesitated much in accepting the daily
allowance fixed for him by the Emperor, but subsequently complied
with a view to relieving the poor.
Mohurrum

H e died on the 7th day o f the

1070 H i jr i; he left one son, Shah Tajuddin Ghous, who

inherited all the good qualities o f his father.

H is death took place on

the 1st day of Rajjub 1110 Hijri, leaving behind him one son, Shah
JVIusnud Ali, to sit on the GoAdi,
1147

Musnud A li died on the 28th Zekiuda

H ijri, leaving as his successor his son, Shah Budruddin, who

dying on the 25th Saffer 1185 H ijri, was succeeded by his son, Shah
Jowad A li.

He died ou the 3rd day o f the Mohurrum 1225.

His son

was Shah Ahmed A li, during the latter part o f whose life, the daily

334

The Modem History o f

allowance which afterwards was granted by the Government was stop

ped, and his estates were resnmed and settled with him.

Shah Ahmed

A li died on the 25th day o f Ralinul Awul 1251, and left four sons, Shah
Ahsun A li, Shah M ohsin A li, Shah Hosaein A li, and Shah Wajid A li.
A fter Shah Ahm ed A lis death, Shah Ahaan AH, the eldest son, suc
ceeded to the QaAdi.

H e died ou the 1st day o f Shaban 12S8 Hijri,

and the Qaddi was held by Shah Mohain Ali, who at present is in
charge o f all the property and the Alms House in Dilawarpur.

Shah

Ahsun AH left four sons, Shah Gunnimit

Hossein, Shah Latnfeet

Hossien, Shah

Muhanumad

Iradit

Hossein

and

Shah

Azizuddin.

Kosaein Ali, one o f Shah Ahm ed A lls sons, died on the 14th Rubu-usSani, 1271 Hijri, leaving behind him three son?, Shah Muhammad Ishaq,
Bhah Muhammad Ibrahim, and Shah Muhammad Yacub. The several
ancestors of this family have been buried in one vault, situate in the
family residence.
The present members, senior and junior, live in commensaUty, and
the household establishment, together with the public places built by
the M onghyr Shahs, for the accommodation o f the poor and others, such
as Aim s Houses, &c., which have undergone considerable improvement,
are still kept up after the manner o f their ancestors, and the Monghyr
Shah Sahibs are persona o f acknowledged position and respectability.

X V III. M U R S H ID A B A D ,
{Principal Families, Nobits and Eminent M en).
I . T H E C A S IM B A Z A R R A J F A M I L Y .
O r all the virtues, which adorn human nature, the highest and
noblest form is developed in that tender and wakeful sympathy which
prompts the discriminate and yet liberal use o f wealth for the benefit
o f the less fortunate children o f poverty.

To relieve the distresses

and promote the moral and mental advancement o f our fellow-men are
acts which o f themselves constitute a right to a higher order o f
nobility, than earthly kings can bestow or withhold.

The posaessioa

the Indian Chiefs, Rajas, Zamindars, Sjc.

335

o f weftltb when so employed, is some compensatioa for the ioequalities

o f fortune, which have grown out o f the defective principles o f onE
social system.

A lthough charity is admittedly a

leading trait of

Hindu character, hardly any member o f tbe great Hindu comm unity
of

Bengal perhaps o f India in the present generation haa been so

earnest and assiduous in the practice o f it on so mnniticent a scale, and

yet so systematically, as that eminent lady, the Maharani Sarnamoyi, c.i.,
o f the Casimbazar Raj Family, who, in the substantial character o f her
countless good works, can challenge comparison with the beneficent acts
o f the celebrated Rani Bhabani o f Nator and the devont Ahalya Bai
o f Indore.
The ancient, respectable and well-known Raj Family o f Casimbazar
was founded, as is well known, by Babu (and afterwards B ew a n )
Krishna Kanta Nandi alias Kanta Babu who rose to greatness, and
attained wealth under the auspices o f Mr, W arren Hastings, the first
Governor

General

of

Bengal, but the ' pre-eminently

conspicuoua

position, which has been assigned to it by the common consent of

the Government and the community o f

India, it owes entirely to

the rare virtues and great public services o f the excellent Maharani
Sarnamoyi, c. i., by whom it is now represented with so mnch lustrsi
W hile Mr. Hastings was Commercial Resident o f

the East India

Company at Casimbazar, the brutal Snraj-ud-Dowlah, then Nawab Nazim

o f Bengal, ordered his apprehension at the same time with the other
English gentlemen o f the station, who, less fortunate than Mr. Hastings,
were seized and put to death.

It was at this moment o f extremtf

danger that Kanta Babu interposed and saved Mr. Hastings* life by
assisting him to escape and by keeping him in a place o f concealment.
This noble act of humanity, M r. Hastings never forgot.

W hen he

became Goveraor General o f Bengal in 1772, he appointed Kanta Babu

his Dewan, in which office the latter continued throughout the entire
period o f Mr. Hastings* administration.
Mr, Hastings bestowed npon Dewan Krishna K anta N w idi in
recognition o f many acts o f loyalty and o f the good services done b y
him t o

Government a Jaghir, named Dooha Behara, situated in t h *

D i s t r ic t s o f G h a z ip u r a n d A z i m g h a r , a n d c o n fe r r e d o n

hia s o n L o k e N a ^

33C

Tke Modem History o f

the title o f Raja Bahadur.

In Pous 1195

s.,

or 1788

.,

Dewan

Krishna Kanta died, leaving his son Kaja Loke Nath Roy Bahadur to
inherit his property.
Raja Loke Nath Roy Bahadur represented the Casirabazar House
for 13 years during the last half o f which period he suffered from an
incurable disease.

H e died in Bysack 1211 n, s., or 1804

a.

; and

his estates passed to bis son, Hari Nath, then an infant o f one year
only.
In 1227

B.

s., or 1820

.,

Kumar Hari Nath attained hia majority

and received by a Sannad from Earl Amherst, dated the 26th February
1825, the title o f Raja Bahadur.

A m ong the more prominent acts of

his liberality, we find that he

contributed

the

munificent sum o f

E s. 20,000, towards the establishment o f the late Hindu College, and

extended an unstinted patronage to Sanskrit learning which flourished
in

Casimbazar during

Augrahayan 1239.

s.,

hia

time.

or 1832.

On his death in the month o f

d

.,

his

o n ly

son, Kissen Nath, came

in to the succession,
Kumar Kissen Nath attained his majority in 1247
A . D .,

B.

s., or 1840

and the title of R^ja Bahadur was conferred on him in the year

1841, during the administration o f L ord Auckland.

The young Raja

was a great patron of learning under a strong conviction that education,

was above all things calculated, if properly directed, to promote the
moral and material welfare o f his country and the restoration o f his
countrymen to that intellectual position, which they had enjoyed in the
long past ages o f Native rule.

W hile personally taking an active and

intelligent part in the educational movements o f his time, neither was

he slow to recognize the merits o f such os had rendered conspicuous
service to the cause of education.

W hen David Hare, the apostle o f

education died, he anticipated the wishes o f his enlightened countrymen

by convening a public meeting at the Theatre o f the Calcutta Medical
College for the purpose o f taking measures to perpetuate the memory
o f that eminent philanthropist and great and real friend o f the Indian
people.

In that movement he took a leading share and voted for a

statue of David Hare, towards which he contributed the largest subs

cription,

But bis enlightened public spirit, impulsive as it often

ihe Indian Chiefs, Rajas, Zamindars, ^'C.

337

seemed to be, did not lead him to overlook the merits o f the men, who
served him or co-operated with him in his good works ; and^ it ia well
known that Uaj a Kissen Nath on one occasion bestowed the mnnificeiit
gift of a lakh of Rupees on the late Raja Digambar Mitter, c. 3. i., a
distinguished and well-known member of the Hindu community in
Bengal,
Raja Kissen

Nath R oy

Bahadur, the

husband of

Maharani

Sarnamoyi, died by his own hand ou the 31st o f October, 1844.

A t tha

time of this melancholy event, the property o f the Kasimbazar Kaj waa
taken under attachment, and Raja Kissen Naths widow was left to the
bare possession of a small share of Stridhorie, out o f which, by prudent
and economical management, she succeeded in defraying the heavy
but necessary eipenses o f her position.
Shortly afterwards, however, the Maharani instituted a suit in the
late Supreme Court against the H on ble East India Company, for the
recovery o f her husbands estates which the Company had taken posses
sion of uuder a will said to have been executed by the late Raja.

It

having been proved on evidence, that Raja Kissen Nath was o f unsound
mind at the time he made the will, the Court decreed the suit in the
Maharanis favour.

The Estates attached to the Casimbazar Raj were

at the time the Maharani entered upon possession, almost in a state of

anarchy, heavily encumbered with debt and unable to yield even their
normal income.

But her own prudent administration o f her affairs

effectively aided by the hearty and disinterested exertions o f her Dewan,

Rajib Lochan Roy Bahadur, unrivalled for the spotless integrity o f hia
character and his perfect knowledge o f Zamindari management, restored
the estates to such a flourishing condition that, with the most comfort
able and contented tenantry in Bengal, they ore now yielding an
annual income more than sufficient to sustain the dignity of the highest
rank, even iu the British peerage.
Maharani Sarnamoyi, c. i., waa boru in Bhatdkul, a village in tha
District

of

Bardwan in Augrahayan 1234

married

in

Byaack 124.5

scattered

over the

s .,

Districts

or 1838
of

B.
d

s., or 1827
H er

e x te n s iv e

d ,,

and waa

e sta te s

Murshidabad, Rajshahye,

are

Pabna,

Dinajpur, Malda, Rangpur, Bogra, Faridpur, Jessore, Nadiya, Bardwan,

43

The Modem History o f

338

Howra aud the 24t-PAigannas in Bengal, and in the Districts o f Qhazipar

and Azimgbar in the North-W estern Provinces.
property both in Calcutta end its suburbs.
Parganna Bahtarhander in Rangpur.

She also owns landed

H er largest Zamindari is

But a historical asBOciation, ever

memorable in our annals is attached to her Zamindari in Nadiya, in

which lies the field o f Plassey, the scene o f that glorious battle, which
decided tbe fate o f India by precipitating the fall o f the M oghal
Empire and by contributing withiu less than a century to the complete
ascendancy o f British rule from Cape Comorin to Peshawar.
In recognition o f her devoted loyalty, her numerous works o f
public utility and her almost unlimited charities, the title o f Mabaraui
was conferred on her on the 10th A ugust, 1871 {V ide Calcutta Gazette
o f that date).

She received the Sannad on the 13th October o f the

same year at a Darbar, held in the Casimbazar Rajbari, the then com
missioner Mr, Moloney presiding.
So signal and conspicuous have been her public spirit, liberality,
and phUaotbropy, that, at about tbe time o f her investiture with her
present title, tbe KngUshman Newspaper of Calcutta not unjustly placed
her on the same scale of transcendent merit with the present Baroness
Bardett Coutts o f England.
A s a further mark o f the high estimation in which the Mabarani
waa held by the Government and in special recognition o f tbe great
services rendered by her during the famine o f 1874, the Government on
the 12th March 1875 set aside the prescriptive usage in such cases, and
publicly pledged itself to extend to any person she m ight choose to
adopt as her heir the title of Maharaja, so that the family, which she
bas illustrated by her unwearying philanthropy and her irrepressible
public spirit, might be maintained in suitable dignity during succeeding
generations {Vide Calcutta Gazette).
But the tide o f public honours had only set in.

In January, 1878,

{Vide India Gazette) she was made a Member o f the Imperial Order o f
the Crown o f India, among other ladies o f the highest ranks o f the
English nobility, who were comprised in the first nominations to this
newly-created Order, and on the 14th Angnst of that year received, at
a Darbar, held in the Casimbazar Rajbari from Mr* Peacock) the

the Indian Chiefs, Rajas, Zamindars, <$r.

359

Commissioner o f the Presidency Division, the Insignia o f that Exalted

Order together with the R oyal Ijetters Patent.

She is the only Nativa

lady in Bengal who has received this high distinction.

The entire address o f Mr. Peacock to Maharani Sarnamoyi as also
her appropriate speech on this occasion, published in the " Englishman
the 22nd August, 1878, are given b elow :
I have been deputed by H is H onor the Lieutenant-Governor o f
Bengal, who regrets his inability to do it in person, to deliver to you,
in the Queens name, the Insignia o f the Imperial Order o f the Crown
o f India which Her Majesty has been pleased to confer upon you as a
mark o f her royal favour and esteem.
2.

Your appointment to the Order is in recognition of the public spirit as

well aa o f the munificent charity you have at all times and in bo m any ways dis
played.

There are doubtless many who hear me to-day, who are far better

scqnainted than I am, not only w ith your good deeds, but with the manner in
which your vast estates are managed, but there may be some who are not so well
informed on these points, and who, while knowing your reputation for charity,
have but an idea of its scope or of its nature.

Under these circumstances it will

not, I think, be out o f place if I mention a few o f those acts of benevolence

and liberality which have procured for you this signal mark of Her Majesty the
Empresss approbation.

It would not be difficult for me to recount the doings

o f your long past years, which have, with those that have followed, made your
life one long act o f charity.

I t w ill be sufficient for m y purpose if I confi^na

myself to the history o f the last few years.

Turning to these, I have found

tbe following instances o f your liberality, and I allude to these particularly

because they aerre to illuatrate what 1 have already said about the wideness of
its scope.
In

1871*72 you contributed Rs, 3,000 to the Chittagong Sailors H o m e ;

Es. 1,000 to the Midnapur High School ; Rs. 1,000 to the Calcutta Chandni
H osp ita l; Rs. 1,000 to the improvement of the river Bhoirab in Jessor ; Rs. 1,000
to the relief o f distress in Murshidabad.
In 1872-73 you gave Rs. 1,500 to the Bethune Female School ; Rs. 500 to
the Bogra Institution ; Bs. 8,000 to the new Native H ospital; Ra. 1,500 to the
relief o f suftereis from epidemic fever, and Rs, 1,000 to the construction of tho
Baharamganj road.
In 1874-75, you contributed, amongst other things, upwards of a lack and
ten thousand Rupees towards the relief of distress in Murshidabad, Hinajpur,
Bogra, Pabna, 24-Parganas, Nadiya, and Bardwan,
The following year you gave JEla. 10,000 to the Berhampore C ollege; Ba. 5,000

The Modern History o f

340

to the fiejftbahi Madrasea ; Ra. 2,000 to the Kattak C olkge ; Rs. 500 to the Garo
H ills Dispcosary.
I q 18r6'77, JOB contributed Es. 1,000 to the Calcutta Female School, estab
lished by Miss Milman ; Rs, 4,000 to the Rangpur High Sch ool; Rs. 1,000 to the
Aligarh College ; Rs. 14,000 to the Calcntta Zoological Garden ; Rs. 8,000 to the
Associaiiou o f

fam iue ia Calcutta ; Rs, 3,000 to the sufferers from the cyclone

in Baksrganj.

Finally, during the past year, you have given Rs. 11,121 for pur*

chasiog warm clothing for the p o o r ; Rs. 600 to the Jaugipore dispensary;
E s. 10,000 to the Madras Famine Relief fund ; Rs.

1,000 to the Temple Native

Asylum ; Rs. 500 to the Howrah dispensary ; Rs. 3,000 to the Calcutta Oriental
Sem inary; Rs. 1,000 to the sufferers by fires which occurred iu Nadiya and
Bankura ; Rs. 500 to the Calcutta District Charitable Society ; Rs. 1,000 to the
M cDonald Indian Associatiou ; Rs. 1,000 to Miss Feudals lustitution for fallen
women.
Such is a rather long but b y no no means an exhaustive list of yoor bene
factions during the past few years.

I say that is by no means a comprehensive

list, because I have purposely omitted from it many items such as subscriptions
to memorials aud the like, that w ould not be meutioued here.
Considerable as the list is, aggregating above Rs. 2,00,000, it is largely exceeded
by the email donations to School libraries, Dispensaries aud to the relief of the
poor aud distressed during the same period, which amount to more than 3 lacs
of Rupees.

Thus during the years to which I have referred, you havo coutribu-

ted nearly SJ Ukhs o f rupees to works of charity and public utility which does
n ot fall short of (th of your entire in come.

Large, however, as this amount

undoubtedly is, it is not so much as the manuer in which it has been given that
makes it conspicuous.

In this country we are accustomed to ace a good deal o f

what I may call spasmodic m oney-giving where large sums are frequently given
to purposes no doubt very good and very useful, but which are aided not so much
because they are so as because the donors hope to bring their names before the
public, or obtain some future reward.

Ttiis hag not been your case.

You have

not been content to wait till you were asked to give, but have taken steps to
ensure worthy objects for assistance being brought to your notice, and have then
given liberally, hoping for nothing in return.

In a word, your charity has been

such as spriugs from a simple uuoatentatious desire to do good, where the left
hand kaoweth uot what the right hand doeth ; which is as admirable as I fear it
is uncommon.

Of

the management of your large estates, lying in uo less than

ten districts iu Bengal and the North-W estern Provinces, I need say but little.
In this you have always taken an active part and have mauifcsted au acquaint
ance with detail and an aptitude for business geuerally, almost if not quite
without parallel among persous of your sex in this country.
16 that,

The consequence

aided by your able advifier, Babu Rajib Lochun Rai, you have, while

the Indian Chiefs, Rajas, Zamindars, (Jr.

341

securiog the reets to which yoa are jostly entitled, done so w itboot harassing
or oppreasing your rayata and have thus escaped those difficulties and complicatioofl
into which so many land-owners have of late years fallen.

For myself I need

not say that the duty which I am called apon to perform to-day is one that gives
me great pleasure : for both as Magistrate of tbe 24-Parganas aud as Commissioner
o f the Dacca Division, 1 have had on more than one occasion reason to thank you
for assistance freely and liberally given on projects which I had in view ; and I
cannot let this opportunity pass without thanktug you for the aid you afforded to
the sufferers from that fearful calamity which on the 31st O ctober 1876 swept over
the southern portion o f the district of Backerganj, carrying death and destruc*
tion with it, and leaving behind it distress and misery, from wbich it w ill be long
before the sufferers fully recover.

It now only remains for me, Maharani, to hand

to you tho insignia o f the order to which Her Majesty has been pleased to appoint
you, with the congratulatory letter ot H is Excellency the Viceroy and Hia Honor
the Lieutenant-Governor o f Bengal, and to express the hope that yon may live
long in all prosperity to enjoy the honour you have now attained and which you
have worthily deserved,

After the address was over, the Commissioner handed over thft
insignia, together with the two congratulatory, letters, one from Hia
Excellency the Viceroy, and the other from H is Honor the LieutenantGovernor o f Bengal, to the Maharani and then resumed his seat.

The

Maharani returned a very appropriate reply, couche<i in language befit

ting her rank aud sex.

She very feelingly expressed her deep gratitude,

mingled wiih loyalty, for the great honour wliich Her M ajesty the
Empress o f India has done her hy appointing her to the Imperial Order
o f tho Crown o f India, andmost humbly hoped that the favour shown
to her by H er Majesty the Empress o f India, by His E xcellency the
Governor General o f India, by H is Honor the Lieutenant-Goveruor o f
Bengal, and generally by all the Government officials from the Commissioner downwards, might continue unabated.

In conclusion, she ex

pressed her regret that the utter ignorance on her part o f the Euglish
language, and the very imperfect knowledge o f Bengali on the part o f
the European

ladies who favoured her with their presence, should

have stood in tbe way o f free interchange o f mutual thoughts.

I t will be seen that Mr. Peacock has given an account o f Maharani
Sarnamoyi's extensive charities up to the year 1876-77, shewing an
estimated expenditure o f

eleven lakhs o f

Rupees on various gocai

342
purposes.

The Modern History o f

To this sum may safely be added some lahhs of Kupees morsv

as the Mahat'aats contributions to purposes of both public and private

charities down to the present time.
AC TS OP B E L IG IO U S OBSERVANCE, C H A R IT Y , PU B LIC U T IL IT Y , tc.^
C O M PILED FROM O R A L R E P O R T S .*
On the occasion o f M akara San,harajUi which falla every year in tho month
o f January she celebrates the H inda ceremony called A nn am eru{ that is to say)
she raises ft mouotain o f rice contam lng some thousanda of maunds with other
materials similar in proportion, such as, Ohee, Dal, ugar, sweatmeats of different
sorts, vegetables, and cloths, which after the due performance of the ceremony
she distributes not only to Brahm ant and F a k irt but to all classes of poor people.
On ibis occasion she gives away shawls and broadcloths to a large number of
Pandit* Skud Brahman* o f different districts in Bengal, and blankets to Nagat and
Fakir* for the purpose of protecting them from the cold.
At the M ahabithuva Sankaranti of the Hindus which generally falls every
year in the month of April, she distributes metallic Gkara*, cloths and money to
Brahmans,

Feeds also a large number

panpers.

During the Durga PJa she distributes handsome annual gifts, called Bar*
thik* to numerous Brahmans and Pandit* o f Bengal and feeds a considerable
number o f poor and helpless people.
ents on this occasion are also great.

Her presents to her servants and depend

A s a pious Hindu lady of the modern time

she gives large sums to Brahman*, &c., who apply to her for pecuniary aid to
celebrate the Durga Puja at their own bouses.
During the time of other Hindu festivals, viz., such as, Syama Puja, Dole,
Jhulna, Janmattomi, Rath, Ac., her expenses are very great.

On the Syama

pQja night she illutaiuates the Itajbari and perfjrma the religious ceremony with
grandeur.
As is well known to the Hindus at large she has always assisted with her
purse such people o f the poor class as are unable to give their daughters in
marriage, to celebrate the Sradha ceremony o f their deceased parents or to giva
Paita, i. e., sacrificial thread to their sons.

She has also in several instances

relieved many persons from debts, involving the loss of their paternal house or
property under decrees o f the Civil Courts,
Regarding her daily charity it is not a matter o f exaggeration to say, that she
supplies cooked food and distributes grains, A c., to unnumbered beggars without
distinction of caste or creed,
* It is not to be supposed that this list exhausts her countless acts of charity j
for it is compiled from mere oral reports, which have reached the author and com
piler, aud have been adopted by him after careful verification.

t)ie Indian Chiefs, Rajas, Zamindars,

343

Aa a great friend o f education slie provides opportunities o f instruction for

several orphans whom she also supplies with food, lodging, clothing, books and
schooling fees.

Several students are to be still found prosecuting their atudien in

the Berhampur College under her auspices.

In her encouragement of Sanskrit

learning she supports several Sanskrit Tolet or Schools in different parts of Bengal,
Like Baja Erishna Chandra Boy of Nadiya she entertains a high regard for
Pandits well versed in the Sanskrit language. She encourages them liberally and
provides them with sufficient funds to manage private schoola, called Tolts, for tha
diffusion of souud Sanskrit learning amongst her countrymen.
munificent bequest o f Rs. 8,050 for the establishment of
connection with the Sanskrit Title Exam ination.

She has given tha

fonr scholarships, in

Being herself well veraed

in the Bengali language, she extends a discriminating patronage to Bengali

anthora.

Many persons who have written email brochures on different subjects in

Bengali have always been amply rewarded from her purse nor has she overlooked
the claims of literary men, w ho have produced works in the English and other
languages.

To almost all the private schools existing in Bengal she annually

makes handsome donations in money, books, and medals made of gold and silver
for the encouragement o f students.
Bhe has excavated numerous tanks and wells ; invariably contributed towards
the relief of epidemic diseases, and always subscribed unstintedly to different
private institutions to the establishment of dispensaries and schools and the cons*
traction o f roads and bridges.
The Maharani has a great love for animals.

She contributed a large sum to

the Zoological Garden at Calcntta, and ihe Qovernment has dedicated a House ta
her called Maharani Sarnamoyis B ou se."

W hen the great benefits she has conferred on the less happy classes
o f her countrymen and the eminent example she sets to the local aristo
cracy and gentry are considered, the wish naturally arises that she may
be spared for a long, long life in incessantly increasing prosperity to
continue to be a priceless ornament to her sex and an inestimable bless
ing to tbe generation, which her generous virtues have redeemed from
the prevailing ttunt o f apathy to human distress and selfish interestedness.

H er deep sensibility, rare good-nature, sound judgm ent, and

intensely benevolent disposition have^ combined to raise this excellent

lady to an eminence, in which she stands solitary, almost nnrivalled
atiU less surpassed among a race, overflowing, as a rule, -ffith charity
to all men.

I t is easy to see th a t M a h a ra n i S a m a m o y is n a tu re is so u tte rly

unsdlfish, a n d y e t so w a rm ly s y m p a th e tic th a t th o m ere sense o f th e

The Modem History o f

344

relief she affords and the benefits she confers is tlie reward she most
highly prizes.

For public honours and for public applause men lay out

wealth on quite a different system.

But it so fortunately happens that

her own good works have found her o u t; and her heroic spirit o f cha
rity, so tejider and yet so unwearying wilL be upheld by public grati
tude as a burning example for as many ages, perhaps, as the number
o f her fellowmen and women whom she has relieved from distress and
want.

Of such a life it can only be wished that it might he im m ortal;

but since that wish would be rain, we only hope that at least it may
be prolonged till it reckons years as uumerous as good works she baa
already done and she may yet do.
The purport o f the following Sanskrit Sloka may be justly and
appropriately applied to Maharani Saruamoyi, c. i . :

trfTKy

fsrif^Trr: i
H T 5 R T : ^ c TT: 11

The literal Bengali and Knglish translations o f the above are also
given below :
B enoall

E nolish.
Those who are sympathising, bountiful, elegant or beautiful, conti
nent or o f subdued appetites aud feelings, aud philanthropic ;

are rare

amongst mankind.
Other eminent ladies ia tndia have contributed with equal or even
greater liberality to the construction and endowment o f splendid or
numerous temples consecrated to the worship o f Ood.

But it ia to the

Maharani Sarnamoyis greater and more lasting credit that her worship
o f God has taken the more practical and beneficial form o f affording
unceasingly from day to day throughout the years o f her life subs
tantial relief for the wants o f G ods suffering creatures.
It has been already mentioned that Rai Rajib Lochan R oy Bahadur
became the Maharania Dewan immediately after her succession to the
states of the Casimbazar R aj.

Rai R ajib Lochan B oy Bahadur is a

ihe Indian Chiefs, Rajas, Zamindars, (jr.

345

native o f a village, nrtmetl Tilli iu Dacca, and seemed designed by

nature to form the complement to the Maharani s character and to the
great part she has takeu in the promotion o f good works in her native
country.
This rough sketch o f the Maharanis life, would, therefore, be
incomplete, if some account o f her excellent Dewan were omitted in
this work.

W e will, however, give separately a brief history o f the Ufa

o f Bai K ^ ib Loehan Rai Bahadur.

I t T H E J A G A T S E T H S F A M I L Y .
W e trace the history o f thia famous and wealthy family from H ira
Nand Sah, who from Naganr (Rajpntana) came in 1G53 first to Patna
and then settled at Murshidabad.

He was called Sah meaning

banker, and had one son, Seth Manik Chand, who succeeded him, and one
daughter Dhan Bai, who was married to Rai Uday Chand, 27th in
descent from Dhandal (tid e the family history o f Raja Siva Prasad,
c.

s. I., of Benaree),

Seth Manik Chand having had no issue, adopted

bis sister's son Jagat Seth Fatah Chand, who was 28th io descent from
Dhandal.

Fatah Chand obtained the title o f Jagat Seth * from

Muhammad Shah, the Emperor o f Delhi, for keeping down the price o f
grain in that city at the time o f a great famine.

Jagat, means, world,

and the compound word Jagat'Seth, means, Seth o f the world.

Seth

is a corruption o f the word Sreshtb, literally meaning grtiat, but now

used for banker.

Hence, the title o f Jagat Seth is now-a-days meaut

as the banker o f the whole world.

Jagat Seth Fatah Chand enjoyed the highest favour o f the Emperor
o f Delhi and his Subadars.

H e waa considered to be the richest

person in India, and was highly honoured by all classes of men.

his descendants were in charge o f the Royal Treasuries.

H e and

They took

large contracts o f various kind, and were known to all as the Imperial
Bankers.
Jagat Seth Fatah Chand died leaving two sons, Seth Day a Chand
and Seth Anand Chand, of whom the former had one son, named
Maharaj Sarup Chand, and the latter Jagat Seth Mahtab Rai.
41

These

346

The Modern History of

two consina Maharaj Sarop Chand and Jagat Seth Mahtab Rai rendered
moat valuable services to the Honble East India Company.

They

voluntarily assisted Clive with all their means, power and strength.

Ib

is said, that the ladies o f the family from an apprehension o f being

disgraced by the men o f Nawab Kasim A li Khan sat upon gunpowder
with fire in their hands for the purpose o f dying all together instead of
submitting to any insult or falling into the hands o f their enemies.
Fortunately afc this critical position Clive suddenly arrived and saved
their lives, but Kasim AU was not unauccessfol in carrying

with him.

ia his flight tho two cousins Maharaj Sarup Chand and Jagat Sefch
Mahtab Rai.

These two respectable personages are said to have been

mercilessly killed by the cruel Nawab.

They were attended by their

faithful servant (Kkidmatgar) Chuni who could not be persuaded on

any account to leave them, and when Kasim A li was shooting them
with arrows be stood before them, so that, he fell first and then tha
two cousins,
Maliaraj Sarup Chand had three sons, Maharaj TJdvant Chand,
Seth Abbaya Chand and Seth Mihar Chand.

The first had one son,

named Maharaj KIrat Chand, who died childless.

son, named Seth Dhankal Chand.
Gulal Chand, who had no issue.

The second left one

Dhankal died leaving his son, Babu

The third Mihar Chand died without

a son.
Jagat Seth Mahtab Rai had four sons, viz., Seth Sukhal Chand,
Seth Sumer Chand, Jagatindra Seth Gulab Chand and Jagat Seth
Khushal Chand, o f whom the first and third died childless.
had one son Seth Gokul Chand who had no issue.

The fourth

The second Seth

Sumer Chand left his only son Jagat Seth Harakh Chand, who had two
SODS, Jagat Seth Indar Chand and Seth Bishun Chand.
died leaving his only son Jagat Seth Govind Chand,

The former

Govind Chand

died childless, but his widow has adopted a sou who has not been
acknowledged by Government.

The latter Seth Bishun Chand left hig

only son, Jagat Seth Kishun Chand, who is drawing a political pension
o f Rs. 800 per mensem, after the death o f his cousin Jagat Seth Govind
Chand, to whom Government assigned a pension o f Rs. 1,200, on his
having made a petition to that effect.

ihe Indian Chiefs, Rajas, Zamindars,

Jagati Seth Kisliun Chand has no son.

347

H e is a very pious man,

and now resides wiih Raja Biva Prasad, c. s. i., o f Benares, where he
intends to pass the remaining part of hia life.
The Jagat Seths o f Murshidahad had no zamindaries worth noticing,
hut they had firms throughout India, and carried on business on an exten
sive scale like the best European Banking Corporations of tbe present
time.

There was a day when CUve offered to them what he possibly

could, but they were at that time so very rich that they declined lo
accept any thing from him.

But, alas! those days are gone, one of

them named above being reduced to comparative poverty, is now depend

ing on a pension the Government bestowed in benevolent consideration
for the fallen fortunes o f thia great family.
The Jagat Seths are by c&ste Jains.

They established several ja tn

temples, but since three or four generations, Batshnaci gods have been
introduced into tbeir family.

There was a time when they made images

o f their family gods out o f the most precious stones, such as, emeralds,
rubies, &c.
Though they are now reduced to comparative poverty and bad
circumstances, yet they are still reckoned to be the most honourable
among the rich and i>oor people of this country.

I I I . T H E N I Z A M A T F A M I L Y O F B E N G A L .
T he Nizamat or the Viceroyalty o f Bengal, the richest province
in India, which has rightly been described by Muhammadan authors as
the Paradise o f Nations, was long regarded by the greatest and most
influential men in the Imperial Court o f Delhi, as a prize worth winning
and wearing.

But its distance from Delhi and the reputed unhealthi-

ness o f the Province, deterred a great number o f the aspirants for it

from incurring the inconveniences and risks o f what was generally looked
upon as exile,

It was during the Viceroyalty o f

Verdi Khan,

a Chief o f Afghan or Path an extraction, and o f great military talents^

who had forcibly occupied the Masnad

at Mursbidabad, that tho

English nation formed their first settloment in Bengal under a Jirman,

of the Emperor o f Delhi,

The Modern History o f

348

A ll Verdi, who knew the value o f trade, patronized and encouraged

the English nierchanta.

But hia grandson, the infamous Suraj-ud-

Dowlah, who was the reverse o f AU Verdis character, wag as decided

an enemy of the English nation ; and his harsh and oppressive proceed
ings, cnlmmating in tlie massacre of the Black IIolc, which closed for
the time the continuance o f the British settlement in Bengal, led to
the battle of Plassey, which evcntnally resulted in the final overthrow
o f the ilogh al Empire in India.
A fte r the decisive battle o f Flassey and the deposition o f the exe
crable tyrant Nawab Suraj-ud-Dowlah, his Commander-in-chief Ifeer
Jaffier Ally Khan, was created by Clive, the Nawab Nazim o f Bengal,
Behar and Orissa.
D uring the time o f Meer Jaffier, or,

in 1758, the Shahzada, after

wards Shah Allum, having, in consequence of some dispute with his

father, the Emperor Aalum Geer I I . fled from Delhi, entered into a league
with the Subadars o f Oudh and Allahabad for the conquest o f the
L ow er Provinces.

The Prince advanced into Behar with about 40,000

men, and laid seige to Patna.

Meer Jaffier was greatly alarmed by the Prince s advance, and at
his solicitation Clive marched witb all the force he could muster to the
relief o f P atn a; but ere he reached that place, the Shahzadas army had
almost entirely dispersed.
On Clives, return the Nabob Meer Jaffier granted him as a jagheer,
the quit rent, about three lakhs per annum, which the Company had
agreed to pay for the Zamindari of Calcutta.
In J759 an Armament o f seven ships from Batavia unexpectedly
made its appearance in the mouth o f the river.
encouraged the Dutch to send this force.

Jaffier Ally had secretly

Being afraid o f the power o f

the English, he wished to balance that of the Dutch against it, while the
latter were eager to share in the wealth which the British had acquired
in Bengal.

Clive, tliough sensible of the responsibility he would incur

by attacking the forces of a friendly power, w.is satisfied that if ha

allowed the Batavian Armament to join the garrison at CUinsnrah,
the Nabob would throw himself into the arms o f bis new allies, and
the English ascendancy in Bengal would be exposed to serious danger,

the Indittn Chiefs, Rojas, Zamindars,

349

T o p r e v e n t this, he obtained from the fears o f the Nabob a Mandate,

directing tho newly-arrived Armament to leave the river.

Under the

authority o f this order, and the pretext o f enforcing it, Clive caused
the Dutch to be attacked both by land and water.

They were com

pletely defeated on both, and all their ships were taken.

A convention

was then signed, by which the Dutch agreed to pay indemnification for
losses, and the English to restore the ships and property.
A n agreement was at the same time made between the Nabob and
the Dutch, which was guaranteed by the Governor iu Council o f Fort
William.
To meet his pecuniaiy engagements, Jaffier had recourse to the
severest exactions.

He resigned himself to unworthy favorites; and it

became necessary to dispose him in favor o f his son-in-law, Meer Kossim

A lly Khan, with whom a Treaty was concluded on 21111 September 1760,
By this Treaty the British obtained possession o f Bardwan, Midnapur,
and Chittagong.
Serious disputes arose between M eer Kossim and the English regard
ing the right of the servants of the Company to trade and to have
their goods passed free o f duty, which led at last to war,

Negociations

were opened with Meer Jaffier, and on 10th July 1763 a Treaty wa^
executed between him and the Company.

Meer Kossim, after sustaining

a series o f defeats, and revenging himself by the murder o f his English

prisoners, fled to Oudh, and eventually to Delhi, whore he died in great
indigence and obscurity in 1777.
In 1764, Meer Jaflder agreed in addition to the sums for which he
had contracted in the recent Treaty, to pay five lakhs a month towards
the expense o f the war then being carried on against the Vizier o f
Oudh, so long as it lasted,
Meer Jaffier died in January 1765, and was succeeded by hia son
Nnjum-6-Dowla, with whom a new Treaty was formed, by which tha
Company took the M ilitary defence o f the country entirely into its own
hands, and among other conditions the Nabob bound himself to appoint,
by the advice o f the Governor and Council, a Deputy to conduct the
Government, and not to be removed without the consent o f
Couacil.

the

The> Modern History o f

350

In 1764, Suja-6-Dowla, the Vizier o f Oudh, nnder the pretence o f

assisting Meer Kossim A lly, had invaded Behar, but his army was com
pletely routed, and the V izier was obliged to throw himself on the genero
sity o f the English.

The whole o f his dominions was restored to him,

except Allahabad and Corah, which were given to the Emperor o f Delhi,
who, on his part, conferred the Dewani of Bengal, Behar, and Orissa
on the Company, by Imperial Firraaund; the English becoming security
for the regular payment o f twenty-six lakhs a year by the Nabob, and
agreeing to allow the Nabob, the annual sum o f 53,86,131 Sicca Rupees
for the support o f the Nizamut.
Nujum 6-Dowla died on 8th May 1766, and was succeeded by
his brother Syef-6-Dowlah, a youth o f sixteen.

A Treaty was formed

with him, by which he ratified the Treaties formerly concluded with his
father and brother, and tbe Company agreed to support him in tbe
Nizamut, and to allow him an annual stipend o f 41,86,131 Rupees.
Syef-6'Dowla was succeeded in 1770 by hie brother Mobarik-6-Dowla,
with whom a new Engagement was made.
Nabob s stipend was fixed at 31,81,991 rupees.
which was formed with the Nabob.

By this engagement the

Thia is the last Treaty

The office o f Subadar had now

become merely a nominal one, all real power having passed into the hands
o f the Company.

In 1772, the stipend was reduced to sixteen lakhs

a year, at which rate it is paid to this day. *

Mobarik-6-Dowla was successively followed by Delair Jang, Syad
Zynool Ahdun Khan o o rf A li Jah, Syad Ahmed A li K han oorf Wala
Jah, aud Syad Mofaarnck AU K han oorf Humayoon Jah, o f whom we
do not know any thing o f importance.
The present titular Nawab Nazim, H is Highness Moontazem-oolmoolk Mohsen-ood-DowIa Faredoon Jah
Bahadur Nasrat

Syad Monsoor AU Khau

Jang, aged 52 years, succeeded his father Syad

Mobaruck AU Kban oorf Humayoon 3 ah.

During the time o f the present Nawab Nazim or in 1873, the affairs of
the Nizamat fell into such confusion that the Government were obliged
to appoint a commission, consisting o f the late Mr. F, L. Beaufort,
Aitchisons Treaties, Vol. I., page 3-5,1362.

the Indian Chiefs, Rajas, Zamindars,

351

o f the Bengal Civil Service, and the late Nawab* Am ir A li Kh&n

Bahadur to arrange for the liquidation o f the Nawabs debts, and
to ascertain the value of the jewels aud other immovable property,
held by the Government for the purpose o f supporting his dignity.
the A ct, constituting the Commission, the titular Nawab and his

By
buo-

cessors on tbe Masnad were declared incapable o f contracting any pecu

niary obligations.
The present Nawab Nazim Syad Monsoor A li Khan Bahadur,
Nasrat Jang has been for years and is still residing in England being
represented in India ju st now b y h is eldest living son and heir apparent
Nawab AU Kudr Syad Hussan A li Mirza Bahadur.
The names of all tbe sons o f the present Nawab. Nazim are given
b elow :
1stKawab AU E ndr Syad Hussan
AU Mirza Bahadur.
2nd Kawab Wala Kudr Syad Hussan
A li Mirza Bahadur.

8thPrince

Khoorshed

Eudr

Syad

Iskander Alt Mirza Bahadur.

9th Prince Dara Kudr Syad Khakan
Mirza Bahadur.

8rdPrince Humayoon Kudr Syad

Muhammad AU Mirza Bahadur.

10 Prince Khuaro Kudr Syad Bnrham

4thPrince Soria Kudr Syad Muham

11Prince Kaoos Kudr Syad Farhad

mad Taki Mirza Bahadur.

5th Prince Asman K udr Syad Asad

AH Mirza Bahadur,
6th Prince SoHman Kudr Syad Wahed
AH Mirza Bahadur.
7thPrince Falluk Kudr Syad Kasir
Ali Mirza Bahadur.

Mirza Bahadur.

Mirza Bahadur.
12Prince Aujum Kudr Syad Daood
Mirza Bahadur.

13Hatim K udr Syad Eaikaoos Miraa

Bahadur.
14 Prince Syad Jaffar Mirza Bahadur,
15 Frinca Syad Baker Mirza Bahadur.

W e do not know how far it is correct, that the Nawab Nazim, besides
hia pension receives special grants for hia personal allowance during hia
residence in England, for hia winter and summer clothing, for the
marriages o f his children, for religious festivals, and a lakh o f Rupees
* Long before Nawab Amir A li Khan Bahadur, Eaja Sita Kath Bose Bahadur
and Raja Prasanna Narayan Dev Bahadur of the Savabazar Baj Fam ily, Calcutta,
were also respectively appointed Dewaos of the Nixamat,

T%e Modern History o f

352

at the birth of each child to provide for its milk.

In addition to tlieae,

the following m onthly allowances hare been also assigned for the
princes.
Eldest son and representative

Rs,

2,000

Second sou
Three sons at Ra. 1,000, each.

3,000

Six sons who are married at Rs. 600, each

1,200
3,600

Four sons who are not icairied at Ks. 300 each...

Total Eff.

1,200
11,000

W e can, however, believe that all such grants aud allowances come
within the compass o f the fixed stipend of Rupees sixteen lakhs a year
already mentioned by ua,
H. H. the Nawab Nazim is entitled to a personal salute o f 19 guns.

I V . R A I L A C H M I P A T S IN G B A H A D U R A N D R A I
D H A N P A T S IN G B A H A D U R .
T hese two respectable Zamindars are the sons o f Babn Pertab Sing,
and grandsons o f Babn Budh Sing, the founder o f their family, who
migrated from Kishengarh in Rsjputana to Murshidabad.

Bahu Budh

Sing, had two sons, Babus Bahadur Sing and Pertab Sing, o f whom the
former died without issue, and the latter inherited all the ancestral
estates.
Pertab Sing daring his lifetime divided all his fam ily possessions
amongst his two sons, Rai Lachmipat Sing Bahadur and Rai Dhanpat
Sing Bahadur, the present zamindars.

The former supports at hia

exclusive expense a School at Balnchar iu Murshidabad and a Dispen

sary at Batasun in Rangpur, for which the medicines are supplied by
Qovernmenfc free.

The latter has founded a School and a Dispensary

at Arimganj in Murshidabad, and pays all the expenses with the excep
tion o f the Government aid fixed for the maintenance o f these institu
tion s

A Dharmsala has been established by him in Bartala Lane,

Barabazar, Calcutta, at a cost o f a Jakh o f Rupees, and has endowed it

with lands yielding an annual income o f Rs, 12,000 for its support.

the Indian Chiefs, Rajas, Zamindars,

353

Both o f the above-mentioned Zamindars have given princely dona

tions in periods o f famine,

and are always willing to render valuable

assistance to the public in cases ,o f emergency and ueed.

T hey also

maintain an Alm s House at Murshidabad, where several poor are daily

fed. They have, however, for their several acts o f enlightened liber
ality received from Government tho title of Rai Bahadur, and hold
Zamindaries in the Districts of Purnea, Rangpur, Dinajpur, Bhagalpur,
Malda, Murshidabad, Nadiya, and other places. . W e also understand,
that Rai Lachmipafc Sing Bahadur has recently sold some o f his estates
to the H on ble Maharaja Jatindra Mohan Tagore Bahadur, c. s. i., and
his brother Raja Sourindra Mohan Tagore, c. i . e ., the two distiugnished
members o f the well-linown Tagore Family o f Calcutta,

V . R A IR A J IB LO C H A N R A I B A H A D U R .
S econd in importance only to his celebrated Mistress, the Maharani Sarnamoyi o f Casimbazar, is her equally well-known Dewan, Rai
Eajib Lochan Rai Bahadur-

W ithout his practical advice, his entire

sympathy in her active spirit of benevolence, and his wide knowledge

o f the world, it would hardly have been possible for that eminent lady
to have carried out her great designs for the benefit of her less happy
fellowmen on so admirable a system and with such successful results
as are to be recognised in all her works o f pnbUc utility and charity.
Dewan Rajlb Lcchaa Rai is the scion o f an ancient and respectable
family in the District o f Dacca.
Pitambar Datta, who founded the Tilli Rai family rose to distinc
tion in the service o f the Nawab Nazim of Bengal, during the days
o f the Muhammadan rule iu India and received from the Nizam at the
title o f Rai, which has descended to his family in hereditary succes
sion.

Pitambar Rai acquired property in the District o f Dacca, and

left a good estate which has

since been parcelled off among

his

numerous descendants, whose ancestral house is still at Tilli, a village

in that District.
Rai Rajib Lochan Rai Bahadur belongs to this family, bnt he left
his Native District, when ho entered into the Maharanis service, hnd
45

The Alodern History o f

354

now resides at Soidabad in the District of Murshidahad.

Besides his

share in the ancestral estate in Dacca, Raj lb Lochau owns self-acquired

lauded property in the 34-Parganiia3, Calcuita, and Mnrshidiihad.
Rai Rajib Lochan Rai Bahadur was born at Till! in 1213 B.s.

He

was at first oiuployed as a Muktiar in tbe Maharani's estates in the

Rangpur District, but the marked ability, integrity and devotion to her
interests, wbich he showed during the course o f her eventually success
ful litigation with the. Government for the recovery o f her husbands
estates, led to his appointment as Dewan by the Maharani herself in
1847

A , D.

when she gained possession o f those vast estates.

He is in

the Maharanis service for about a period of 32 years, and has always
efficiently and conscientiously been discharging the most responsible
duties attached to bis post equally to the credit o f the Maharani, to
tbe benefit and contentment o f her numerous tenantry and to the entire
satisfaction

and approval o f the

o f Bengal.

A s a mark of the appreciation o f his^ services, the Govern

Governoient and

the community

ment conferred on him the title of Rai Bahadur on the 10th August,
1871, (Vide Calcutta Gazette).

The speech of the Commissioner

M r. Peacock delivered at tbe Darbar held on the occasion o f the inves

titure o f Her Highness the Maharani with the Insignia o f the Order of
the Crown of India (published in the Englishman of the 22nd August,
1878) speaks also very highly o f Rai Bajib Lochan Rai Bahadur.
Dewan Rajib Lociian Rais life is a singular instance o f disinterest
edness and self-abnegation among unceasing and unlimited opportu
nities for self-aggrandiscmenfc.
virtues.

B ut this is only the passive side o f his

W hile contented with his own condition o f honourable poverty,

he is ever ready to lend his co-operation in the promotion o f the good

works which form the chief occupation of the Maharani Sarnamoyi s
existence.

As the medium for the distribution o f the Maharanis un

bounded charities, he shows his thoroughly unselfish spirit by giving

the whole praise to hia Mistress, while entirely disclaiming even tbe
credit due to him for the interest and trouble be takes to prevent tbe
abuse o f her liberality.

Tlie administration, which has raised tbe

estates o f the Castmbazar Raj

to their present petition o f splendid

prosperity, attests tho extraordinary talents o f the D ow an; and, if it

tJu Indian Chiefs, Rajas, Zammdars, tjr.

355

were not that his nature is thoroughly unambitious and shrinkingly

modest, he might have made o f himself a more conspicuous figure
among the Native community o f Bengal,
Though well versed in the Persian ond Bengali languages and
literature, Koi Rajib Lochan has never been deeply infected with that
progressive taste, which has led so many o f his countrymen to achieve
excellence in English literature and science.

But what is better, he

possesses an almost unerring judgment in all questions o f business; ond

his mastery over every detail o f Zamindari management is almost
unrivalled.

A Hindu o f unquestionable orthodoiy, his

habits o f

living are very simple, and his wants proportionately fe w ; and, as no

family has been born to him, his whole thoughts are devoted to the
interests of the Maharani and the welfare o f her tenantry, while much
of his own private income is applied to purposes o f charity, other than
such as are taken in hand by the Maharani herself.

W ith his great

knowledge of the world, the Dewan is always able to give sound advice
to the Maharani both as regards the works to which and the persons,
to whom she might usefully direct her liberality ; and so happy is his
management of the Maharanis estates that, while her expenses ai'O
yearly increasing, her income shows corresponding signs o f progresa
without subjecting her tenantry to the least appreciable strain.

Such

results assDredly justify the high sense entertained o f the Dewan b y

all classes o f the community, and it would be only a graceful act o f
recognition of the eminent services which Rai Rajib Lochan Rai
Bahadur has unobtrusively rendered to his country and his countrymen,
if the Government bestowed on him a title more in accord with his
great merits tlian the mere ordinary distinction o f Rai Bahadur, allowed
aa a matter of course to every Hindu, who becomes a Member o f the
Subordinate Judicial or Executive Service.
It would be unfair to close this brief sketch without some notice
o f Babu Syama Das R oy, the Head

Assistant of

the Maharani

Sarnamoyi b English Office, who, under Dewan Rajib Lochan R nia

general supervision, conducts the details o f Her Highness s extensive
Luisiness with exceptional ability and credit.

The Modern History o f

356

{O ther Familxes, Nohles and Eminent M en ).

I . T H E B O S E S A R V A D H I K A R I F A M I L Y O F C H O A ,
BERHAM PUR.
G aur K isor B ose S a r ta d h ik a e i

first left Krisbnagliar, and

settled in Ckoa more than one and a half centuries ago, and his descen
dants have during this time made considerable additions to their family
possessions; purchased a good name by their charitable and religious
acts, and enhanced the respectability o f their family by matrimonial
alliances with several remarkable Kayastha families in Bengal,

Gaur

Kisor left one son, Bhuhan Chandra, who had five issues, viz., Raj Kieor,
Hari Prasad, Jagat Durlav, Ram Mohan and Anando Mohan, o f whom
Raj Kisor and Hari Prasad were managers o f several Silk Factories
under Mr. Borneo at Rampur Beaulea, and they not only acquired
immense wealth, but added some Zamindaries to their ancestral property
by their own

industry, self-exertion, and perseverance.

Raj Kisor

had two sons, Kala Chand and Syam Chaud ; and Hari Prasad had
three sons, Chandra Narayan, Siv Narayan and Jay Narayan, but
among them Kala Chand and Jay Narayan did moat good to the
village o f Choa by establishing au English School, a Girls School, and
an asylum for the support o f poor and helpless travellers,
K ala Chand contributed a handsome donation towards the founda
tion o f the Berhampur College, and distinguished himself for several
acts o f charity.

H e was succeeded by his son, Babu Asutosh Sarvadhi-

kari, who is also an educated and a kind-hearted Zamindar of Berhampur,

and has a promising son, named Babu Sria Chandra Sarvadhikari.

I L B A B U R A G H U N A T H R A I O F M U R S H ID A B A D .
B abu R aghu N ath R ai is the son o f Chattar Rai, who was des
cended from the Kshatriya tribe o f Bayesvara, situated in the District
o f Oudh.

Chattar Rai settled at Gobipur in N adiya about the close o f

the last century, and received the title o f R a i from a Nawab of

Bengal under whom he had served.

the Indian Chiefs, Rajas, Zamindars,

357

Babu Raghu Nath B ai was an infant when hia father died, and
was unfortunately deprived o f all his paternal estates by the treachery
o f some o f

the old servantso f his father and the neighboaring Zam-

indara; but

with the help of a certain amount o f cash, ornaments, &c,,

privately kept by his mother, he was educated and maintained in one

o f his relative s house at Topla, a village adjacent to Nadiya.

W h en

he reached his siAeenth year he went to Marshldabad, and secured a

post in the Custom House, at Lalgola, Murshidabad, and married at
the age of twenty-five the daughter o f Ram Prasad Rai, the head Babu
o f that office.

In 1830, his father-iu-law died, and he succeeded to hia

post, aud soon after became Dewan o f the East India Company s
Factory at

Casimbazar, andatlast served for some time in the Abkari

Mahals to

the satisfaction o f Government.

During the intervals o f

hia services, he purchased several Zamindaries in the District o f M ur

shidabad, and now holds the post o f an Honorary Magistrate, aud is a
member o f the Road Cess Committee, the Town Committee, &c.
Babu Raghu Nath Rai possesses a very good country-house at
Jayrampur, and ia above 80 years o f age having at present two educated
sons, viz., Babus Mahes Narayan R ai and Siv Chandra Rai-

I I I . B A B U R A M D A S SEN , Z A M I N D A R O F B E R H E M P U R .
B abu B am D as S e n is the grandson o f the late Dewan Krishna

Kanta Sen, and the only eon o f the late Babu L ai Mohan Sen, a very
respectable Zamindar o f Berhempur.

H e is a young man o f thirty

years and known to the public as a Literary Zamindar.

fact, an antiquarian,

He is, ia

Mrs. Murray M itchell the accomplished wife o f

Dr. M. M itchell speaks thus about this young Zamindar in her book of
travels, entitled In India.
W e found him a very intelligent, weil-odacated, modest man.

Dr. M itchell

had much interesting conversatiou with this young Zamindar, and found him to
be a very good Sanskrit schoiar.

Babu Ram Das Sen wrote a volume o f poems and sonnets in

BengalL He has since contributed several learned papers on the history
and antiquities o f India to the Banga Darsana,

These were after

wards collected together and brought out in a separate volume under the

The Modern History of

358

title o f Aitihasika Rahasya.

Muller by special permission.

This work was dedicated to Dr. M ax

The learned Doctor, in hia address to

the Oriental Congress of Loudon, speaks very highly o f

this book.

He says that in the Antiquary, a paper very ably conducted by

Mr, Bargesa.

W e meet with eoutribntions from several learned natives,

among them from His Highness the Prince of Travaneore, from Ram
D.as Sen, Zamindar of Berhempnr, from K asi Nath T. Telang, from
Sasliagri Shastri and others, which are read with the greatest interest
and advantage by European scholars.

The Calcutta Review, in noticing

this work, says, that Aitihasik Rahnsya is a specimen o f the noble

and arduous attempts that are being made by onr countrymen to reduce
to intelligible form tbe huge mass o f obscure Indian Records.
work will be completed in several parts.

This

The second p artis in the

Pres, and the third part is in course o f preparation.

The National

Magazine, in noticing Babu Ram Das Sen's Lecture on Modern Budhistic

Researches, says, that Babu Ram Das Sen has all the necessary
acquirements of a student o f antiquities.

He is further a member o f

the Asiatic Society of Bengal, of the Agricultural and Horticultural

Society of India, o f

the Sanskrit T ext Society o f

London, o f

the

Oriental Congress o f London, o f the Accademia Orientale o f Florence,

Ac.

Babu Ram Dos Sen has Zamindaries in the Districts o f Murshi

dabad, 2-4-Pargannas, Hughli, Nadiya, Dinajpur, Midnapur, Ac. There

is an A lm s House" o f his nt Berhampur, built in the time of his
grandfather, in which a large number o f poor people are daily fed.

X IX . N A D IY A *
{Principal Families').
TH E N A D IY A R A J F A M IL Y .
T h e Rai

Rajas o f Nadiya claim their descent from Bhatta

Narayan, the head of the fiv e Brahmans, brought from Kanauj by

Adisur, the fouudec of the family o f the Sen Rajas o f Bengal.
* Nadiya waa oiigiDally founded by Lakshmsu Sen, aoo o f Ballal Sen, K in g of

the Indian Chiefs, Rajas, Zamindars, ife.

359

Bhakta Narayan formed his estate out o f the villages granted to

him by .tYdisur, and from those wuich be purchased himself.

Biava

Nath, one of his desceudauts, first went to the Emperor of D elhi who
confirmed the Nadiya Roj in his favour on condition o f his paying annu
ally a certain tribute.

H e was followed by Ram Cbandra, Snbuddhi,

qVilochan, Kansari, Shashthidas, and Kasiniith.

T he last was unfortu

nately murdered by the Commander o f the Imperial Arm y for having

killed one o f the elephants,* presented as tribute to the Emperor Akbar
by the Raja of Tripura.

The wife o f Kasiiiath, who was pregnant at the

time, fled and took shelter in the house o f Hari Krishna Samuddhar,
where she was blessed with a child, who was named Ram.
Ram acquired vast learning, aud was called Ram Samuddhar on
account o f his having inherited the estate, situated between Plassey and
Ja lan gi; after the death o f Hara Krishna Samuddhar, who had be
queathed it to him sometime before his death.

Ram Samuddhar had four

sons, o f whom the eldest D u rga. Das waa appointed a Kanungo

by

the Muhammadan Governor, who also conferred on him the title o f

Majmuadar Bhabanaod. Durga Das Majmuadar Bhabanand after retiring
from tho service o f a Kanungo, built a palace at Ballabbpur, and ruled
for twenty years the kingdom o f his father which he inherited after
his death.

Durga

Dass younger brothers Hariballabli, Jagadis and

Subuddhi, built palaces o f their own at Fathipur, Kodalgachi and

Patkabari. Durga Das assisted Man Siiih in the expedition against Raja
Pratapaditya o f Jessore, aud for which service tbe Emperor Jahangir
restored to him the Nadiya Raj wliich was confiscated after the death o f
his grandfather Kasiuath, together with the title o f Maharaja.
Maharaja Durga Das managed all tbe

estates belonging to tbe

Nadiya Raj, and erected two new Palaces, one at M atiara, and the other
at Dinliya,

The Maharaja on a certain day expressed hia desire before

his three sons, Sri Krishna, Gopal and Govinda Ram, o f dividing the
Raj amongst them, but the eldest objected to the proposal saying that
Gaur, ill 1003, aod it remained as a capital of the Sen Knjas of Bengal till the
year 12 '3-li!04. when Muhammad B h ^ h tia r Khilji conquered it in the reign o f
L.ak&bmauiya, son o f Lakshmati Sen.
* The elephant being mad did great mischief to the citizens of Nadiya and
was tlictefoi'o killed by Kasiuath,

The Modern History o f

360

the whole belonged to him.

The Maharaja became angry at this arro-

gant reply, and said to Sri Krishna that he must try to find a new
kingdom for himself.

Sri Krishna, on the other hand, being led away

by bis strong ambition went to Delhi, where he managed to commnnicate his wishes to the Emperor, who, on hearing his circumstances, was
highly pleased with his enterprising spirit, and conferred on him the
Fargannas o f Kushdah and Ukhad,
Sri Krishna then returned home, and satisfied hia father the Maha
raja with the most interesting story of his adventures and success in
obtaining the Fargannas enumerated above.

A t' the death o f Maharaja

Durga Das, his tw o sons, Gopal and Govinda Ram succeeded to the
portions of the Raj allotted to them by the Maharaja, but Sri Krishna
alone held the Fargannas he had acquired for himself.

Sri Krishna

and Govinda Ram died childless, but Gopal left a son o f the name o f
Raghab, who succeeded to the Raj and erected in the village R eni
magnificent palaces and a seraglio. Raghab also excavated an immense
lake, which he dedicated to Siva with great pomp and splendour.

He

was succeeded by his son Rudra Rai, who altered the name o f the place
R en i to Krishnaghar, where with the ossistance o f Alan Khan (w h o
with the permission of the Governor of Dacca, had become an architect
in liis service) he built a new palace ; a ndch-ghar or concert-hall; and a
Pilkhand or stables for his horses or elephants.

Rudra Rai, for several

acta o f public utility, received as a reward from the Emperor o f Delhi,

the title o f Maharaja, together with the Fargannas of K h a ri aud Juri
as also arrows, flags, drums, tfcc,, with the permission to erect upon bis
palace a turret, which is called the Kangarh as a mark o f special honour.
F or all these favours Maharaja Rudra Rai sent to His M ajesty 1,000
head o f cattle, a mass of gold equal to hia own weight and other valu
able gifts.

Rudra R ai wms succeeded by his son, Ram Jivan, who,having

incurred the displeasure o f the Foujdar o f Dacca, was deposed from

the Raj, which was given to his brother Ram Krishna,
During the time o f Ram Krishna, Uimmat Sinh attacked the Nadiya
R aj, but was repulsed with great loss.

W h ile His Highness Prince

Azim-us-Shan remained for sometime in Bengal to arrest the progress of

Himroat Sinh, and to regulate tho Districts o f Bardwan and other

the Indian Chiefs, Rajas, Zamindars, djc.

361

places; His Highness contracted a great friendship with Ram Krishna

who was also at this time on amicable terms with the then Governor
o f the English settlement at Calcutta, who placed at his disposal a
garrison o f 2,500 soldiers.

The favour which Ram Krishna had spe

cially gained from H is Highness Prince Azim-us-Shan displeased the

Subadhar o f

Dacca, who, under some pretext, inveigled him into that

place and cast him into prison.

Ram Krishna died in the prison being attacked with small-pox,
and his death highly mortified H is Highness Prince Azim-us-Sha[i, who
instead o f taking any serious steps, simply wrote to Jafar Khan that
the Raj must be conferred on the lineal descendant o f Ram Krishna.
Jafar Khan reported to H is Highness that there was none to succeed
Ram Krishna except his elder brother Ram Jivan, who was in prison.
Ram Jivan accordingly succeeded to the Uaj,

He had a great taste

for poetry and the dram a; and his son Raghu Ram was a warlike prince,
who assisted Lahuri Mai Jaffer
against the Raja o f Rajshahye.

K h an s General in an expedition

Ram Jivan died at Murshidabad whither

be had been called by Jaffer Khan to settle the accounts o f tribute due
from him.

He was succeeded by his son Raghu Ram, who after two

years, was taken prisoner to Murshidabad by Jaffer Khan.

Raghu

Ram possessed such a benevolent disposition that even from the prison
he distributed his charities. H e was, however, soon released, but he died
after four months leaving the R a j to his son, Krishna Chandra, who in
that year received the title o f Maharaja from the Emperor o f Delhi.
Maharaja Krishna Chandra spent twenty lakhs of Rupees to
celebrate the Hindu ceremony of Yajnas, called Aginhotra and JSa;peya. On this occasion learned Pandits were invited from Benares, and
were sufficiently rewarded according to their merits.

The learned

Pandits or Brahmans being united together conferred on him the title

Aginhotri Bajpei Sriman Mabaraj Rajendra Krishna Chandra Rai
amidst great acclamations.

Maliaraja Krishna Chandra, who was very

fond of hunting, went out once in pursuit of game to a place now called
which pleased him so much that he built there a p.ilace, an
asylum for the poor and some patksalaa aud tales for the diffusion o f
Sanskrit knowledge.

16

H e was indeed a great lover and a patron o f the

362

The Modem History o f

four well-known Samajes or seats of tbe best Sanskrit scholars,viz., VaJ^ya,

KumarJiatta, Santipur, and Bhatpara,

W ith a view to encourage

Sanskrit learning, he fixed handsome monthly stipends for those who

came from distant countries and prosecuted their studies in tlie Toles or
Sanskrit schools o f Nadiya.

He also encouraged various branches of

learning by his unlimited munificence to the celebrated Pandits, and

gave away lalchiraj or rent-free lands for the support of Chattmpatis
with several lakks of rent-free bighas to learned Brahmans,

There is a

Bengali proverb still current in this conntry, that any one who does not
possess a gift from Krishna Chandra, cannot be a genuine Brahman,
The learned P and its and literary men who flourished in bis Court and
under his patronage were Sri Kanta, Kamaiafcanta, Balaram, Sankara,
Bebala, Madhu Sudan, Kam Prasad Sen, a Sanskrit Scholar; Bhumvsvar
Bidyalankar, an Eminent P o e t ; Saran Tarkalankar, a Naiyaik or L o g i
cian ; and Anuknla Bachaspati, a Great Astronomer.

The Naiyaik

Kalidas Biddhwanta was the Presiding Pandit o f his Court,

Govinda

Ram Rai of Sugandhya in H ughli, was the Physician-in-chief, and well

versed in CharaJc.

A distinguished Tantrik who lived in his time, was

Krishnanand Sarbwabhaum.

He is tlie author o f Tantrasara.

He

was the fii-st to celebrate the Kali-puja, ond to establish the custom
o f illuminating the streets aud houses on the night o f the ceremony, a
custom that has now extended all over India.

He was a mystic, and

owing to his proficiency in iantra, he was called Agambagis, or the

expounder o f the tantras.

Krishna Chandra

festival, called tho Jagadhatii Puja.

himself established tho

It takes place in or about tho

month o f October, and lasts for oue day and night.

Another orna

ment o f the Court o f Krishna Chandra, was Bharat Chandra, the author
o f Annada M augal and its sequel Bidya Snndar. Krishna Cliandra
also patronised musicians, and was very fond of hearing Dhurpads
and Kheals, and was a .great connoisseur in matters regarding the rags
and raginis regulating Oriental Music.

A s a patron of architecture,

he constructed the large building tor puja in the Rajbari, ond built a
large staircase for going down the sacred well Qyan Bapi in Benares,
for the benefit o f the pilgrims.

H e was universally considered the

head of Hindu society, aud the arbitrator on all questions o f caste,

the Indian Chiefs, Rajas, Zamindars,

363

During tlie time of Maharaja Krishna Chamlra, the political state

o f Bengal was indeed very critical

ow ing to the constant disputes

amongst the Subahdars and their respective officers.

When A li Vardi

Khau waa succeeded by his adopted sou Suraj-ud-Djwlah, Maharaja

Krishna Chandra was in the side of the English with t!ic object o f estab
lishing their power and took an active part In the battle o f Plassey.
The assistance which Maharaja Krishna Chandra rendered the English
was so far satisfactory, tliat he received the title of Rajendra Bahadur"
from Lord Clive with a present o f 12 guns naed at Plaasey, which are
still to be seen in the Rajbari o f Nadiya.
Maharaja Krishna Chandra died at the advanced age o f 70 years,
and was succeeded by his eldest son Siva Chandra.
his father was a pious and learned man.

Siva Chandra like

U e died at tbe age o f 47 years,

and was succeeded by his son Isvar Chandra, who gave away a largo
sum in charity.

Isvar Chaudra died when he was 55 years o f age, and

was succeeded by his son Giris Chandra, who at that time being a
minor, the estate waa for sometime placed under the supervision o f tha
Court o f Wards.
Qiris Chandm was also a great lover o f Sanskrit, and the poet
Rasasagar flourished in his time.

He lost a greater part of his estate,

in default of payment o f Government revenues, but the debottar lands

assigned for the worship o f the family idols yielding an income of
Rupees one laJcli and a few Zamindaries were

only left untouched.

H e died at 60 years o f age, and was succeeded by his adopted son Sris
Chandra Rai.
Sris Chandra increased tbe income o f his family possessions, and
advocated the cause o f

the remarriage o f Hindu widows ; act his face

against the system o f Hindu polygamy ; supported at his own expense

an Anglo-Vernacular S ch ool;

and gave land to Government w ithout

compensation, together with a handsome donation for the erection o f tho

Krishnaghar College.

H e was well-versed in the Persian and Sanskrit

languages, and was a great encourager of Hindu Sluslc.

H e received

the title o f Maharaja Bahadur from Government with the usual Khilat,
Sannad, &c. H e died at 38 years o f age, and was succeeded by liis
son Satis Chaudra.

Satis Chandia died at Masnri on the 9th October,

364

The ATodern History o f

1870, when he was 33 years o f age, and was succeeded by his adopted
BOD,

Kumar K h itu Chandra Rai, who at present being a minor, tha

estate is under the management o f the Court o f Wards.

(O ther Families.')
I . T H E M U K E R J I F A M I L Y O F U L L A .
M ahadev M u k er ji ,* the founder o f this family, is said to hara
made his fortune by holding an employment in one o f his relatives
house at Tiakata Patikabari, Z illa Murshidahad.

H e had two sons, of

whom Durga Prasad only had issue, viz., Baman Das Mukerji, Gauri
Prasad Mukerji and Aunada Prasad M ukerji.
A t the demise o f Mahadev, Baman Das Mukerji, the eldest of his
grandsons iocreased the family

possessions by his own energy and

integrity and was known to be a powerful, respectable, and a liberal

Zamindar.

He was a good Sanskrit scholar aud a great encourager of

Sanskrit learning as he used to hold every year a grand meeting o f

Sanskrit scholars o f different places at Ulla, and made it a practice to
bestow presents on all o f them in accordance with their respective merits.
Baman Das Mukerji died at an advanced age, leaving three sons ; and
hia brother Gauri Prasad left two sons only.
Babu Annada Prasad M ukerji, the youngest son o f Durga Prasad,
is at present the head o f the family, and is also a great lover o f learned
men.

Tiie family has its Zamindaries in Rangpur, Dinajpur, Raj shah ye,

Jessore, Bardwan, Nadiya, H ughli, and other Districts,

I I . T H E M U 8 T A P H I F A M IL Y OF U L L A .
T

h is

family is an old one, its founder Babu Ramesvar Mitter by

caste a Kayastha, wag the son o f a Ourttviohasaya named Mohan Mitter,

who oririnally came from the village of Takabarisa and settled in Ulla,
Z illa Nadiya.

Ramesvar rose into eminence in the Courts of Sbaista

K h an and Murshid K u li KhaiqNawabs o f Bengal, as a good A ccountant;

* Mahadev had one brother, named Krishna Dev whose grandson Sambhu
Nath, s''-a of H&ri Dev, is still olive aud possesses a ia u j good qualities.

ihe Indian Chiefs, Rajas, Zamindars, jr .

363

and received tbe title o f Mustaphi* from the Emperor of Delhi, in recogDitioii o f his services rendered to the State in the Financial Department.
He was well versed in the Persian and the Arabic laiignagee.

H is

acquired Zamindaries are still in the possession o f his descendants.

Ramesvar had ten sons, o f

whom Raghunandaii, Anaiitaram,

Shiv ram and Mukundaram were highly reputed for their wealth, liber
ality, love o f learning and devotion to the Hindu religion.

Both they

and their descendants have greatly enhanced their paternal estate,

Raghunandati and Anantaram first separated from their brothers,
and settled in Zilla H u gh lithe former in Sripur, and the latter in
Sukria.

Raghunandan was a good Sanskrit scholar and astronomer o f '

his day.

Babu Bhuban Mohan Mustaphi is the present head o f hia

numerous descendants.
A m ong

all the descendants o f

Mukundaram, Isvar

Chandra

Mustaphi was a very wealthy and liberal Z a m in d a r; his Zamindaries

extended over many districts.

The present representative o f Mukun-

daram s family is Upendra Narayan Mustaphi.

Anantaram who settled in Sukrta had eight sons, of whom Ram
Narayan, Sambhu Ram , Tilak Ram, and Hari Narayan were well known
to the public.
Ram Narayan served the H on ble East India Company in their
factory at Casimbazar under W arren Hastings, and his merits were
highly appreciated by him.

W hen

Hastings became the Governor

General, be wished to provide Ram Narayan with a more honourable

post, but unfortunately he was then dead.

Otherwise he would have

probably proved himself a second Ganga Govinda Sing, the distinguished

founder of the Paikpara Raj Family, situated in the 24-Pargannas.
Sambhu Ram left two sons, Jogesvar and Biresvar, who acquired
Zamindaries from

Sukria to Bardwan, a distance o f 40 miles.

Both

the brothers were highly liberal and public-spirited, they constructed

roads, excavated several tanks, and erected at on enormous coat a grand
and superb temple o f exquisite architectural beauty.
Mustaphi is an A ra b ic participial noun derived from the A ra b ic inftnitive
Istifee, tbe root of which is tva/a meauing to fulfil a promise or a duty, Heiico,
Mustaphi means one who fulfils a promise or a duty, now it signifies an auditor
o f accounts.

366

The Modern History o f

Ramesvar waa a worthy sou o f hia worthy father Jogesvar, he was

a liberal and a benevolent man; bia name is still proverbial for charity
in tins part o f the country.

His grandson Babn Lakhmi Das Mustaphi

is the present head o f this branch ; he is about 60 years of age.

Among the descendants o f Tilak Ram, the most conspicnous was
Eamnidhi and his nephew Kashigati, who have erected splendid temples,
establbhed Athiihaalas, and done many other charitable acts.

Babu

Khetra Nath is the present bead o f this branch.

O f the descendants o f
is the present head.

Hari Narayan, Babu Kasi Das Mustaphi,

H e is a profound Sanskrit scholar, and ia an author

o f many religious books written in Sanskrit and Bengali.

H e is about

80 years o f age, aud lives at Benares.

Owing to constant partition, tbe property o f this family has been
divided into several shares.

The present members o f the family are all

ordhodox Hindus, and are well known for their politeness, simplicityi
and kind treatment o f their rycAs, though not for their wealth.

I I I . T H E P A L C H O W D H U R I F A M IL Y OF N A T U D A
A n ancestor o f this old and well-known family first settled in a
v il l^ e now called Boinchi in the District o f Bardwan ; perhaps at tbe
tim e when the Mahrattas carried on their periodical forays in tha
Provinces on the North-W est.
W iien he settled in the village it was a dense

but it is said

that he made considerable improvements in it and in its vicinity.

In

time he is reported to have acquired an immense fortune, and he is

known to have employed a considerable portion o f it in excavating
tanks and constructing Hindu temples, which are still known by tbe
name o f Pal.
on

account o f

A bou t two-bund red years ago, the Pal Chowdhuries

some misunderstanding with the then Maharaja o f

Bardwan, selected Natuda, in the District o f Nadiya, as their place

o f abode.
Babu Naffar Cbandra Pal Chowdhuri, the present representative
o f the family, is famous for his several acts o f public utility, charity
and liberality.

He has from time to time offered large sums o f money

tke Indian Chiefs, Rajas, Zamindars,

367

for public purposes, and we give below a condensed list o f hia charitable
acta :
For the rcatoration of the B. A. Classes of the Krishnaghar
C ollege...

...

...

...

...

Bs.

For the establishment o f a Charitable Hospital and Dispensary

,,

For a Turret Clock in the Presidency College, Calcutta

...

6,000
36,000
5,000

For a reproductive Public W ork which will be useful to the

District o f Nadiya, and such other works as will develop
the resources of the couutry

...

...

Total Rs.

,,3,00,000
3.46.000

Babu Naffar Chandra Pal Chowdburi holds 300,000 higas o f land

approximately in

175 villages, yielding Rs. 2,00,000, and is reckoned

among the largest Laud-holders cr Zamindars in the District o f Nadiya.

We only regret lo say, that he has not yet received any distinction
from Government, notwithstanding his charities have been numerous,
and liis public spirit conspicuous,

It ia to be hoped, that his claims will

no longer be overlooked.

I V .- T H E P A L C H O W D H U R l F A M IL Y OP R A N A G H A T .
T he two brothers Krishna. Chandra Panti and 8ambbu Chandra
Panti were the founders o f this well-known family.

The senior Krishna

Chandra Panti, afterwards Krislma Chandra Pal

Ciiowdhuii was

originally a petty trader* at Raiiaghat, where lived at that time a

certain Mohant (a Brahman priest) who had a considerable trade or
cultivation at Arangbatta, a little north of Rauaghat.

This Mohant

had some very large stores of the grain, called Chola, but the insects
got at it and spoiled it all at least so it seemed.

The Alohgnt deter

mined to cast it all away, when Krishna Pal offered him some small
price for it, and subsequently by selling it realized an enormous profit,
for it turned out that the insects had destroyed only a little of the
surface grain.
It is kuown to ua that Krishna Chandra was a common dealer of Pan, i, e.,
beetle-leaves.

368

The Modern History o f

Krishna Pal was now a merchant o f great capital, which he further

greatly increased by trading in, and almost monopolizing the trade in

salt, wbich at that time was sold by auction at the Board o f Revenue,
as opium is now (so at least say the narrators o f tlie h istory ).

At

last he resolved to establish a Zamindari, and Parganna Sator was the

first purchase which he made. *
W hen

Krishna Chandra

rose to opulence and became distin

guished for his liberality, he was offered the title o f R a ja by the

Marquis o f Hastings when he visited Ranaghat in the course o f hia tour
in the mofassil.

Krishna Pantl, however, was so eimple and modest

that he preferred the title o f Chowdhuri, already bestowed on him by

the Maharaja o f Krishn ighar, who, in tliose days, was regarded as the
Par.imounfc Lord o f this part o f the country.

H is E xcellency accord

ingly conferred on him the title o f Pal Chowdhuri, and ordered that
Asha Shota should be borne before him as a mark o f honour.

Thence

forward the members o f the family bear that title and use Asha Shota
as a mark o f distinction.

In poin t o f rank, the Pal Cliowdhnries are

almost reckoned as next to tbe Maharaja of Krishnagbar in tb e Disirict

o f Xadiya.
O f the numerous acts o f charity and public good by the founders
of the family, such as, the excavation o f tanks in various parts o f their
Zamindaries, and the construction o f roads and bridges, the brightest and
most prominent wag their contribution o f a lahh o f mannds o f rice
for the relief o f the sufferers from tbe great famine in Madras that
took place in their time.

Their descendants had afterwards greatly

enhanced their family possessions, and enjoyed a high position in the

District o f Nadiya.
F or the next two generations, i. e., until the time o f Sri Gopal
Pal Chowdlmri, grandson of Sambhu Chandra, the members o f the family
were deeply involved in the famous Pal Chowdhuri suit in the Supreme
Court, which cost them an enormous sum.

This suit lasted from J821

to 1850, and was carried to Europe four times in Appeal.

I t is said,

that at this time half o f the Parganna Sator was sold to Mr. Mackintosh,

* From Mr, J, W estland s Report on the District of Jessore, 1871,

tJie Indian Chiefs, Rajas, Zamindars,

369

Mid the other half to Thaktir Das Gosvami o f Sirampur,

Even at this

critical time, the private charities o f the Pal Chowdhuriea were

bo

extensive that no family in Ranaghat and its suburbs, that applied for
help or relief, was disappointed, but bad their wants fully supplied.
Sri Gopal was regarded as one oif the best and most public spirited
of Zamindars.

He was much esteemed by both Natives and Europeans.

There was not a single work of public utility whether in the metropolis
or in his own District, in which he did not take a leading part.

He

subscribed Rs. 2,000, towards the Krishnaghar College building.

Ho

heartilv co-operated in the Municipal improvements o f Ranaghat, and

freely gave away lands for the construction o f roads and for drainage.
The most noble act o f bla was the foundation o f the higher English
flnd vernacular schools at Ranaghat

These schools have been in

existence for the last thirty years, during which they have all along been
under his personal supervision and support.

The maintenance o f these

institutions has up to this time cost his family more than 12,000 rupees.
They are regarded as the model schools o f this District, and are still
supported by the members o f his family.

In all works o f public utility

he had the hearty co-operation o f hia younger brothers Prasanna Gopal

and Brajendra Gopal Pal Chowd buries, o f whom the former was a great
encourager o f mnsic, and the latter was famous for personally prescrib
ing for, and distributing medicines to the poor.
Babu Surendra Nath, el Jest eon o f Sri Qopal, is the present head
o f the fam i'y.

He has, by imitating the noble example and treading

in the footsteps o f his illuatrions father already within this short space
of his worldly career acquired a good name among his countrjmen.

He

contributed Rs. 1,000 towards the restorations o f the B, A. class in the

Krishnighar College.

T he new hospital building at Pwanaghat owes its

existence chiefly to his munificence, and there is scarcely any w ork o f

public utility that does not bear his name.

Iu addition to the schools

founded by his father, he supports the Ranaghat Girls School.

In all

such works, he receives the cordial co-operatiou o f his younger brother

Babu Nagendra Nath, and his cousin Babu Joges Chandra, son o f the
late Prasanna Gopal, both o f whom are well-educated and enlightened
young gentlemen,
47

The Alodern History o f

370

Babu Surecdra Nath was a Deputy Magistrate and Deputy Collector

for about four years and has recently retired.

He gave every satisfac

tion to Government in the discharge of big duties, and left tbe Govern
ment service which he always considered to be very honourable o f his
own accord, as his absence from home materially interfered with the
affairs o f his own Zamindari.

Had continued in office till this time he

might probably have been honoured with a place in the new Covenanted
Civil Service scheme.

It is said that while he was drawing Rs. 200,

as salary, his own personal expenses exceeded Rs. 500, a month.

He

is now 29 years o f age.

The Pal Chowdhuries have assigned some landed property o f the
annual value o f Rs. 2,000 for religious purposes and the support o f an
Alm s House.

In their palmy days they owned Zamindaries paying

Government Revenue amounting to more than Rs. 3,00,000.

Family

dissensions and lawsuits have involved them in serious losses, and the
estates which now bear a Government Revenue o f about Rs. 1,25,000,
are comprised in the Districts o f Nadiya, 24-Pargannas and Jessore.

X X . RAJSH AH YE.
{P rin cipal Fam ilies.)
I. T H E N A T O R R A J F A M I L Y .
K am D ev R a i , a Brahman, who lived in Mouza Nator, in Par
ganna Lashkarpur, was employed as a TaTisildar o f Baraihati under
Nara Narayan Thakur, sixth in descent from Batsarachaijya, the founder
o f the Fatiya Raj Family.

Kam D ev had three sons. Ram Jivan,

Raghu Nandan, and Bishnn Ram, o f whom the last predeceased him.
The second Raghu Nandan served under Darpa Narayan

(younger

brother of Nara Narayan of tho Patiya Raj Fam ily) as his Mnktiar.
Raghu Nandan soon became acquainted with Muhammadan law, and
secured the post o f Naih-Kanungo, but was appointed Rai R a y an and
Ttewan, i. e., Financial Minister to Nawab Murshid KuK Khan, the
greatest and most energetic o f tbe Moghal rulers o f Bengal.

Having

the Indian Chiefs, Rajas, Zamindars,

371

rendered valuable assistance to tbe Nawab in the settlement of the land

revenue o f the provinces and in other diplomatic affairs, he received
the title of Raja together with the estate o f Santal, wliich belonged to
some o f the old families in the District of Rajshahye.
Raja Raghu Nandan, subsequeDtly transferred the estate of Santal
to his elder brother Ram Jivari,who was also proclaimed Raja in a . d , 1704.
In the course of time, the estate o f Santal was considerably augmented
by the acquisition of several escheated and defaulted estates which had
belonged to Ram Krishna, the Zamindar o f Bhitaria, d :c.; Bbagavati
and Ganes Narayan, the Chowdhuries o f Parganna Bangacbi; Raja
Udit Narayan, a Zamindar o f R ajshahye; Raja Sita Kam, a Zamindar
o f Jessore and to other Zam indars; and at last it grew into so vast aud
extensivo a territory, that Ram JIvan found himself in possession of
estates nearly in all the principal Districts o f Bengal, embracing Monghyr
and Bhagalpur.
o f rupees, o f

The annual collections amounted to about two k r o n

which Rs. 52,53,000 were paid to the Muhammadan

Government as revenue.

In 1706, Raja Ram Jivan obtained the Sannad

o f R aja Bahadnr from Bahadnr Shah, the then reigning Em peror o f

Delhi, and received a Khilat of 22 pieces with the permission to use
Raj-U m brellas, Sticks, Drums, Bugles, &c.
Both the Rajas Ram Jivan and Raghu Nandan kept a military
force sufficient for the protection o f their estates, and held the Civil
and Criminal administration in their own hands.

They died childless

and the Rani o f Ram Jivan adopted Kaja Ram Kanta Rai, who also
on bis death left no issne, as his two infant sons had predeceased
him.

Hia widow was the celebrated Maharani Bhabani,* whose name

still lives as a household word in Bengal and the North-Western P rov

inces.

Maharani Bhabani outlived her husband about 58 years, and

* Mr, J. W estland also lufortus ua in his Report on tbe District of Jeasore,

page 61-62, that, In the last halt ol last century, the Nfltor Zamindari was in
posaession of Maharani Bhabani, who was widow of R aja Kam Kanta Riii, son of
Kaja Uam Jivan Bai. This lady s fame is spread far aud wide, and it is specially
noted that she was a most pious lady, cooLitiually spending her money in the
endowment of idols. She established in Benares alone 380 temples, guest-houses
( aiith a la y), &-a.e. other religious edifices, some o f which are still kept np ; but
some have ceased to be kept up, probably because the fam ily, by tbe loss o f ita
estates, became too poor to support them. Religious edifices were erected by her
also iu other parts of the coimtry, and eudoweil with money aud with laud.

372

The Modem History o f

during tbia period she devoted her time, energies, and wealth to religious
ceremonies and acts o f benevolence.
H er gifts extended to almost all the sacred shrines o f Bengal and
North-W estern Provinces.

A t Benares she erected magnificent temples

for A m apurna, Bissesvar, Dandapani, Durga, Tara, Radha Krishna, &c.,

and some three or four hundred minor temples for Sivas, in addition to
Bathing GhaU, Dhaftnasalas, ^ c .
In one o f the magnificent temples dedicated to Siva at Benares,
the following inscription of a beautiful S am krii Sloka is still to be
seen
I

fsTNOl

It

Maharani Bhabani excavated numerous tanks, and built about three

hundred caravansaries in Bengal, and the North-W estern Provinces, and
distributed food and clothes to a very large number o f poor.

She had

at the same time appointed in different places some hundreds and

hundreds o f Kavirajes and Mahims, who, as a rule, used to go about
from morning to evening with medicine and food for the purpose o f
enquiring into every house whether gratuitous medical aid was wanted.
There are many o f these at Nator, the seat of the fam ily, and there is one wellJcnown one at llurshidabad, which is named Shani B ai, It is endowed with
extensive lands, its principal endowment being Dihi (o r estate ) Phulharia,
w hich lies between Chaugochha aud Kaliganj, aud has its cutcherry at Shibuagor,
opposite Kaligauj.
Mr. Holloway says, " A t Nator about ten days* travel, north-east of Calcutta,
resides the fam ily o f the most ancient and opulent of the H indu Princes of
Bengal. Raja Ram K anta o f tbe race of Brahmans who deceased in the year 1748,
and was succeeded by hie wife, a Princess named Bhabani Raui, whose Dewan or
minister wan Daya Ram o f the Tili caste or tribe ; they possess a tract of country
about thirty-five days travel and under a settled G overnm ent; their stipulated
annual rent to the Crown was seventy lakht of Sicca Rupees, the teal revenues
about one \rcT and a half,

the Indian Chiefs, Rajas, Zamindars,

Her bounty waa aUo extended to animals and common insects.

373
Several

men were engaged by her to feed cattle, birds, &.c., and even to throw
gugar into ant-holes.
She built some edifices at Oya, Nator, Rajshahye, aud Murshidabad,
and gave away from time to time one hundred thousand Bighas o f
IflnJ to Brahmans and Oosvamies free o f rent.

I t is generally said,

that this extraordinarily pious and charitable lady eijiended over fifty
krors o f rupees iu religious acts and charity.

She adopted Maharaja

Ram Krishna, who, on attaining majority, took the management o f tha

whole estate and obtained the title o f Maharaja Dhiraj Pirthipati
Bahadur" from the Emperor Shah Alam.

A t tbe time o f tbe perma

nent settlement introduced by Lord Cornwallis all the dependant Taiukdars o f Maharaja Ram Krishna made direct arrangements with the
H on ble East India Company, and the revenue which the Maharaja used
to pay before was also enhanced.

To this arrangement, Maharaja Ram

Krishna objected, and endeavoured to retain the footing o f au indepen

dent chief or at least to have the administration o f the Police and
Revenue iu hia own hands, but to no purpose.

This disappoiutment,

however, was the cause o f his neglecting at once the affairs o f his vast
estates, and .devoting himself exclusively to the celebration o f religioua
rites.

Unlike hia mother, he forsook all care o f worldly affairs and

left them to manage themselves as they best could, provided he only

could carry on his religious duties.

His Zamindaries began to go to

ruin, and his servants began to plunder him on every aide, and to amass
fortunes for themselves.*"

It is said, that several o f them founded

^opulent houses and Zamindaries in Rajshahye and other places ; o f whom

the principal individuals were Kalisankar Rai, the ancestor o f tho
Naral family, and Daya Ram| Rai, the ancestor o f the Dighapati family.
Tho former was Dewan o f the Nator Raja, and it was partly, if not
chiefly, by hia unjust stewardship he managed to acquire the estates
M r. J. Westlands Jessore, page 62,
I It is said that Dayaram Was first employed by Raja Ram Jivau as an
inferior arnlah, but having acquired a thorough mastery o f Zamindari busineaa
was made the Dewau o f the Raj, which post he held till tho time of Maharani
Bhabani. As a brave and valiaot mac, he assisted the Nawab of Murshidabad
towards capturing Raja Sita Ram Rai of Mahmudpur in Jessore, in recognition

oI which service he received from tbe Nawab the titleo hai Bayao,"

T/ie Modern History of

374

whicli he ought to have managed for another. The latter was also Dewan
o f the same family, aud most o f his purchases are near Nator iu the
Rajshahye part o f the ancient Zamindari.*
A bout tliis time, Maharani Bhabani, who was endowed with con
siderable capacity for busijiess, endeavomed to take once more the
management of the estate out o f her sons hands with a view to save
tho Zamindaries from utter ruin, but the Government for some cause or
other did not accede to her prayer.

Perhaps, at this time, several o f

the Zamindaries were sold, being sub-divided into Fargannns and Dihies.
M r. Westland says, that " o f the estates o f this once wealthy house,
the Blmsna portion was sold up, being divided into many large P argannas.

One purchaser got NalJi, one Sator, one Mokimpur, and so

on ; each o f the portions forming in itself a respectable lauded estate^

Sahujiol was apparently broken up into dihies, or small estates, each o f
which was composed o f several villages lying in the same tract o f country
and paying revenue under one head.

The largest o f these was Dihi

Arpara, which was purchased by Kelaram Mukharjya o f GobarJanga,

the grandfather o f

the late Sarada Prasanna.

T w o others, Dihi

Kancshpur and DLlii Sarupnr, were purchased by Gopi Mohan Thakur,

the ancestor o f the great Thakur Fam ily.
Maharaja Ham Krishna died in 1705, leaving two sons, Bisva Nath
and Siv Nath, to whom he had previously apportioned hia estates, whicli
were then only yielding a reduced income o f Rs, 27,00,000.

The elder

Maharaja Bisva Nath received as his share Zamindaries yielding a

gross revenue o f Rs. 18,00,000.

The younger Maharaja Siv Nath

received all the B ebatlar and rent-free Zamindaries, yielding a net

profit o f Rs. 9,00,000.

Both the Maharajas Bisva Nath and Siv Nath

led a-life o f ease and indulgence and never looked to the affairs of their
estates, consequently similar depredations to such as were made in their
fathers time, were continued and their estates dwindled down to
most deplorable condition,
the Maharaja

Maharaja Bisva Nath, the elder son o f

Ram Krishna, died childless and his widow Maharani

KrUhnamani adopted Maharaja Govinda Chandra, who survived only

Mr. J, Westlands Jessore, page 63.

ihe Indian Chiefs, Rajas, Zamindars, (Jr.

375

a few years after attaining lus majority, and died withont any iasne.
Maharani Sivcsvari, the widow of Maharaja Govinda Chandra, adopted
Maharaja Govinda Nath, who also died without a son.

The widow o f

Maliaraja Govinda Nath, therefore adopted Jagat Indra Nath R ai, who
has received the title of Maharaja on the 1st January, 1877.

Maharaja

Jagat Indra Nath Rai is the present representative o f the Senior Branch
of the family.
Maharaja Siv Nath, the younger son o f Maharaja Ram Krishna,
had also no issue, and his widow adopted Ananda Nath, who was also
celebrated for his liberality aud public utility.

In 1847, Raja Ananda

Nath applied to Government for the bestowal on him o f his grand

fathers title Maharaja Dhiraj Pirthipati Bahadur, but to no effect
In June 1866, however, he was invested with the insignia o f a Com
panion o f the Most Exalted Order o f the Star o f India.

Shortly after,

he received the title o f Raja Bahadur in recognition of his liberality

it) founding the splendid library at Raj shah ye, and other works of
charity and public spirit.

I t is said, that Raja Ananda Nath Bai

Bahadur, c.s.i., in spite o f all these honours was not entirely happy; as
his ambition for obtaining his grandfathers title Maliaraja Dhiraj
Pirthipati Bahadur was not gratified.

H e died in 1867, leaving four

sons, Kumars Chandra Nath R ai, Kumad Nath Rai, Nagendra Nath
Rai and Jogendra Nath Rai, o f whom the first received the title of
Raja Bahadur

from Government in 1869.

Raja Chandra Nath

Rai Bahadur managed the estate for a period o f nine years, during which
time he did many acts o f liberality and munificence.

He founded a

Female Normal School at Rampur Beaulea, and supported it at an

annual expense o f Rs. 1,506-

As a great lover and patron o f Sanskrit,

he defrayed the expenses o f

several students o f that language to

finish their studies ab Nadiya and Benares.

R aja Chandra Nath Rai

Bahadur was for sometime an Attache of the Foreign

Government of India.

Office o f the

He died childless, and his two younger brothers

Kumar Kumad Nath Rai and Kumar Nagendra Nath R ai having

predeceased him without issue, the whole estate devolved upon his
youngest brother Kumar Jogendra Nath Rai, the present representative
of the Junior Branch of the family.

Kumar Jogendra Nath, known as

The Modern History o f

376

Maharaja, is an orth odox H indu, and has an infant son, named Jatiadra
Nath Bai.

I L T H E P A T I Y A R A J F A M IL Y .
T he

T hakues,

or, aa they are commonly called, the Rajas o f

Patiya, Constitute tbe oldest territorial aristocracy o f Rajshahye.

They

reside in Patiya which is now a police sub-station and situated halfway

between Kator the former, and Boaliya the present, 8adar station o f
the district.

Their principal estate is Lashkarpur, a Parganna extend

ing over a large tract o f country and situated on both sides o f tho
Padma.

They are said to have acquired it from Shaikh Lashkar, an>

officer attached to the Court o f Murshidabad.

The origin o f the Patiya family is as follows
There lived, according to tradition, in hia asram at Patiya a BishC
named Batsaracbarjya, who spent his days in devotion.

D uring his

time Lashkar Khan, who had got a grant o f Jagir, called Parganna
Lashkarpur, from the Emperor o f Delhi, having died, his estate lapsed
to the Government.

A t this period, Bengal was governed by eighteen

Snhahdars, who collected the rent and trasmitted the same to tho
Emperor.

After sometime the Subahdars conspired against the Emperor,

and determined to withhold the rents.

For the purpose o f checking

their insubordination, the Emperor sent a General with a snitable force.

On his arrival, he had a secret interview with the Saint Batsaracbarjya,
who entertained him and his officers, and questioned them as to their
mission.

A fter being acquainted with it he wished them enccess, and

pointed out the means o f attaining it.

The General fought with tho

Suhahdars aud brought them to their senses.

H aving accomplished his

mission, he saw Batsaracbarjya and received his congratulations on his

auceess.

In recognition o f the g ood services and wishes o f the Saint,

the General obtained the permission from the Emperor to grant him
Lastikarpur, which had escheated on the demise o f the former pro
prietor.

Batsaracbarjya leading a religious life, did not appreciate the

pecuniary advautages o f the grant or take any pains to develop its

ihe Indian Chiefs, Rajas, Zamindars,

resources.

377

His sou Pitambar was a clever man, who ingratiated him

self with the Emperor and took possession o f bis paternal estate
Laslikarpur.

On the death o f Pitambar, liis younger brother Nilambar

succeeded him in bis estate, and by his exertions enhanced the value of
the estate.
His youngest sou Ananda during the life-time o f his father had
received the title o f Haja from the Emperor.
His son R ati Kanta in consequence of certain unpopular acts, did
not inherit the title of Raja, but was known among the people as Thakur,
a title which still distinquishea the family. For the support of necessitous
people, bis sou Kam Chandra established the idol Radba Govinda.

lie

died leaving three sons, viz., Nara Narayan, Darpa Narayan, and Jaya
Narayan Thakur.
father o f

Daring the time o f Nara Narayan, Kam Deva, the

Raghu Nan dan a, the founder o f the Nat or family was

employed as a Tahsildar of Daraihati.

It was when Darpa Narayan became the head o f the family that
Raghu Nandana, the founder of the Nator R aj, experienced a change
o f fortune, being promoted from a bumble gatherer o f flowers to the
office o f Vukil o f the Patiya family in the Court o f Murshidabad.

During the regime o f Lord Cornwallis, Anauda Narayan was the

head o f the Patiya family.
Lashkarpur was made.

W ith him the Permanent Settlement of

The estate was assessed at Rs. 1,89,592-4-0.

One of the successors o f Ananda Narayan, Rajendra Narayan received

from the Government the title o f Raja Bahadur.

Jagan Narayan,

anotlier successor o f the family, iu the Bengali era 1214, made the
following additions to the Patiya estate by purchase, viz., Pargaima
Pukharia in Z illa Maimansingh, Pargannas Kaligram Kalisapha, and
Kazihata iu Zilla Rajshahye, Biiabanandadiar in Zilla Nadiya and
saveral small Zamindaries.

Having thus enchauced hia profits, he

devoted a portion thereof to the establishment o f a religious endowment

at Benares; he also built a ghat and a guest-house in that city.

He

erected another guest-house on the banks of the river Phalgu in Behar,

In the year 1216, B. s., his hereditary title of Raja was confirmed.
died in Paus in 1223,
48

b. s.

He

His widowed wife erected at Patiya a

The Modetn History o f

378

temple dedicftteJ to Siva, and celebrated the occasion by large grants o f

Lakhiraj lands to learned Brahmang,

R e used to distribute in the eohl

weather clothes to the poor, and during the rainy season to feed both
men and cattle, an example which is followed by the amiable, excellent
and benevolent young Rani Sarat Sundari, widow o f the late Jagendra
Narayan R a i; the latter was educated at the Ward s Institution, and
gave ample promise o f pursuing an exemplary career, hut died a prema
ture death.*
Sarat Sundari Debya received the title o f Kani on the 12th March
1875, and has been created Maharani

at the Imperial Assemblage

held at Delhi, on the 1st January 1877, on account o f the assumption

o f the title Empress of India, by Her Most Gracious Majesty the
Queen.

Maharani Sarat Sundari Debya is famous for her enlightened

liberality.

She made princely donations to numerous charitable institu

tions, aud rendered valuable services during the years o f famine.

i n . R A J A P R A S A N N A NATH

R A P S F A M I L Y , K N O W N AS

D I G H A P A T I A R A J F A M IL Y .
D aya R am , the founder o f this fam ily, was at first employed as
an inferior atnlah by Raja Ram Jivan Rai, elder brother o f Raghu
Nandan o f the Nator Raj Fam ily, but was soon promoted by the Raja
to the post o f Dewan for having evinced a great capacity for Zamindari
business.
Daya Ram held the office o f Dewan o f the N ator Raj, till the time
o f Maharani Bhabani, and amassed immense wealth.

H e assisted the

Nawab o f Murshidabad in capturing Raja Sita Ram Rai o f Mahmudpur

in Jessore, and in recognition o f this service he received the title of
Rai R ayaa.

Daya Ram was a great encourager o f the Sanskrit

language, and had established several Toles or schools, in Rajshahye.

He founded several religious establishments, namely, the idol Krishna
Chandra at Mnhanmiadpur in Jessor, another named Gopal Dev at
Binadin in M urshidabad; he also founded in his Rajbari at Dighapatia
three separate idols, namely, Krishnaji, Govindji, and Gopal.
* A bridged Irom The Calcutta Review No. C X I., January, 1873,

He

the Indian Chiefs, Rajas, Zamindars,

endowed these establighmentg with lands.
the poor with water.
another at Hagiiria.

379

He did his best in supplying

He excavated a large Dighi at Gorplm and

H e excavated several tanks in his Zamindaries,

and also a Chauki or moat around his Rajbari.*

Daya Ram Rai was

succeeded by his son Jagannath Rai, who did not survive him long.
Jagannath

died leaving a son, Pran Nath Rai who celebrated his

mothers Sradha witli great eclat and expense,

Pran Nath Rai left the whole estate to his adopted son, Prasanna
Nath Rai, who infused new blood into the family and proved an ex
traordinary man, achieving for himself the most conspicuous position
among the contemporaneous Zamindars and Rajas, and standing out
from them as a singularly liberal and benevolent representative o f the
Nobility o f B engal.t

Prasanna Nath, as a public-spirited Zamindar,

offered Rs, 35,000 to Government for the construction of a road from

Dighapatia to Baulea, and paid from time to time handsome sums for
the repair o f the roads and erection

o f bridges.

H e established

an Academy at Dighapatea, aod Dispensaries at Nator and Baulen, aud

offered a princely donation o f rupees one lakh for their support.
Prasanna Nath Rai received from Government the title o f Raja
Bahadur on the 20th April, 1854, aud his investiture took place at the
Government House in the presence o f several respectable chiefs, such
as, the Maharaja o f Patiala and others.

Raja Prasanna Nath

Rai

was appointed an Assistant Magistrate in the District of Rajshahye

on the 10th September, 1857,
genial man.

The R aja was both a generous and a

His social qualities were o f a high order.

H e freely

mixed with Europeans, and was almost an Englishman in his tastes and
habits.

His hospitality was kept up in a fine old mafasal style.

The

scene where this hospitality was exercised was the Rajbari of Dighapatia
which the Raja had enlarged and decorated, having built on one side a
fine Nachfjhar, and on the other, a Singhi Dalan.
nificent gateway.

He also built a mag

The Sajbari was the rendezvous o f the officials, the

planters, and the Zamindars.

These reunions always took place during

the Uuli and Jhulan festivals, when the Rajbari and the compound
The Calcutta Review No. C X I. January, 1873.
f

Do.

do.

The Modern History o f

380

around were beautifully illuminated, and the scene was farther enllrened
by rich displays o f fireworks and music.
Baja Prasanna Nath Kai died in 1861, and Ins demise was unirersally 1egretted, being

considered

adopted son, Pramatha Nath

a national calamity.

In 1863, his

Rai was, under the provisions of his

father s will, admitted as a boarder student at the Calcutta W ards

Institution.

He was the only student of the institution who succeeded

in passing the University Entrance Examination.

During the time be

studied at Calcutta, he was under the eye o f his mother, a lady uniting
rare sagacity with an overflowing benevolence.

In Novem ber 1867, he

attained his m ajority; and the first act o f his majority was to erect
Suitable pakha buildings for the accommodation o f the hospital and dis
pensary at Rampur lioaliya at an expense o f Es, 10,000, founded by
hia father.

The Lieutenant Governor in

noticing this liberal act

expressed his desire that an expression o f his gratification might be

communicated to Kumar Pramatha Nath R ai at the earnest he has
given by his liberality in this matter of his intention to make a good
use o f his ample fortune.

The road from Rampur Boaliya to Dighapatia

having fallen into disrepair, K um ar Pramatha Natli Rai followed the

example o f his father in coming forward to defray the expenses o f the
road.
In A pril 1868, he offered to endow Rajshahye Girls Aided School
with an amount, yielding Rs. 180 per annum.

The Lieutenant Governor

accepted the offer and acknowledged the liberality of the Kumar in

suitable terms.

In tbe same year he founded three scholarships for the

Girls School at Boaliya.

In 1871, the Commissioner o f the Division

reported to the Government that Kumar Pramatha Nath Rai was one
o f the most intelligent and well behaved Zamindars of Lower B en g a l;
that he managed hia Zamindaries admirably well, and was favourably
spoken o f by every person com ing in contact with him.

H e therefore

recommended that the Kumar should receive from the Government the
title o f Raja Bahadur.

Lord Mayo accordingly granted the Sannad.

The investiture took place at Rampur Boaliya under the a u s p ic e s

o f the Commissioner acting as the representative o f the Government.
T he Raj it has recently established at his sole expense a Charitable

the Indian Chiefs, Rajas, Zamindars,

Dispensary at his Kachhari at Nakhlla.

381

It has proved an inestimable

boon to the sick poor o f that part o f the country*.

In 1877, Raja

Pramatha Nath Rai Bahadur waa appointed a Member o f the Bengal

Legislative Council.

(Sundry Zamindars.)
K A I G IR IS C H A N D R A L A H I R I B A H A D U R O F K A 6 I M P U R .
R ai G iris C handra L ahiri B ahadur , Zamindar of Kaaimpur,
Rajshahye, is the son o f Babu Kasi Sauker Lahiri and grandson of
Babu Ram Kishor Lahiri.
Rai Giris Chandra Lahiri Bahadur has established an English
school and a dispensary at Kasimpur, aud with

the exception o f the

Government aid he pays almost all the necessary expenses for their
sapport.
&c., to

During the famine of 1874, he distributed clothes, grain,

the poor and to his own Byats, he also remitted a large

amoniit o f the rents due to him.

About eight or nine years ago, when

the river Padma overtopped its banks and covered several villages
in Rampur Beaulea with w ater; Rai Giris Chandra Lahiri exerted
himself very signally in saving the lives o f some hundreds o f men,
whom he afterwards supplied with food, clothes and money to raise
their houses.
He also assisted the iahabitants o f Kasimpur at a time when they
were suffering considerably from an epidemic fever, by em ploying a
doctor out of his own private purse for tbeir proper treatment.

He

has also given without compensation some lands in bis Zamindaries to

Government, for the purpose o f laying down the South-Eastern State
Railway.

F or this and several other acts o f liberality be has at

different times received thanks from tbe Government o f Bengal, and on

the 31st March, 1871, the title o f Rai Bahadur was conferred on him
as a mark o f personal distinction.

H e bolds several Zamindaries in the

The CaicBtta Eeview No. CXI. January,

1873.

The Afodern History of

382

Difltricta o f Rajshah3e, Pabna, and Bogra, and is at preRent 46 years o f

age.

He has a promising son, named Babu Kedar Nath Lahiri.

X X L S O K T H A L P A R G A N N A S,
{Principal Families.)
T H E S U L T A N A B A D R A J F A M IL Y .
G opal C hakdra S ino, the present Maharaja, is au offshoot of the
family o f the Maharaja o f Bansi, iu Gorakhpur.

H is wife Rani Janki

Kinuri, daughter o f Dyal Sing, inherited the Parganna o f Sultanabad

being in direct descent from Baja Baukie Sing, who first obtained the
property from the Muhammadan Governors o f the country,
Maharaja Gopal Chandra Sing first obtained the title o f Raja
Bahadur from tbe British Government in the year 1867, for several
acta o f Public utility and liberality, and on the 12th March 1875, tho
title o f Maharaja was conferred on him in recognition of his valu
able services during the famine o f 1873-74, as a mark of personal dis
tinction.

The Slaharaja Is an orthodox Hindu, and is very fond o f

hearing the Skastars read.

He has always been kind to his tenantry.

X X I L T W E N T Y -F O U R P A R G A N N A S .
(Principal Families, Nobles, and Fminent M en .)
I , T H E B H U K A IL A S R A J F A M IL Y .
T his old and respectable family was founded by Maharaja Jaya
Narayan Ghosal Bahadur, grandson o f Kandarpa Ghosal, a wealthy
Brahman, who lived in Gargovindapur, an ancient village on the site of
which now stands Fort W illiam ,

Kandarpa removed to Kidderpur

when Gargovindapur was taken for the fort.

Chandra Ghosal and Gokul Chandra Ghosal.

H e had two sons, Krishna

The last was Dewan to

Mr. Yerelst, the Governor o f Bengal, and made a considerable fortuue.

ike Indian. Chiefs, Rajas, Zamindars, j r .

383

A fter the demise of Dewan Gokul Chandra Ghoaal in 1719, the whole
estate came into the possession o f his nephew Maharaja Jaya Narayan,
the only son o f Krishna Chandra Ghosal.
Jaya Narayan, who waa for sometime a Kanungo o f the Island of
Snndip, first settled in Bhukailas, a place adjacent to Kidderpnr,
Calcutta, and is therefore known as the founder o f this family.

Here

he founded an edifice for the idol Patitpahani and dedicated two temples
to Sivas which are annually resorted to by a large number o f Hindus
during the festival o f Siva.TatraP
Jaya Narayan received the title o f Maharaja Bahadur from tho
Emperor o f Delhi with the privilege to retain 3,500 sowars.

H e had

a good knowledge o f the English, Persian, Sanskrit, Arabic, and

Bengali languages.

He was a staunch advocate for the promotion of

public education, and with a view to impart free education to children

of different classes in Sanskrit, Bengali, Hindi, Persian, and English,
he established a College at Benares at an enormous cost, which still
commemorates his name.

This College was founded long before the

establiahmeut o f the Government College at Benares, and is now under

the management o f

the missionaries to whom

the Maharaja had

entrusted the institution with sufficient funds for its support.

Besides

this, he constructed at Benares a Thakurbari dedicated to Kornnanidan,

known as Gurudam.

Maharaja Jaya Narayan Ghosal Bahadur died

at a good old age, leaving his property to his only son. K a li Sankar
Ghosal

who

received

the

title o f

Raja

Bahadur

from

Lord

Ellenborough during the Sciud W ar, in recognition o f his valuable

services, public charities, and general benevolence.
Raja Kali Sankar Ghosal established the Benares Blind Asylum ,
where its inmates receive raiment and food free.

In his time a Maka-

purush o f very handsome features was exhibited

Bhukailas,

to the public at

This wonderful man was daily visited by swarms o f people

o f all colors and creeds, and was never found to speak, to eat or drink,
or to wear clothes.

The Hindus comprising males and females daily

worshipped him aa an idol throwing wreathes o f flowers and offering

him sweatmeats and fruits o f different sorts.

The Mahapurxuk is said

to have been brought from the Sibpur charci where he was in the habit of

384

The Modei'n H istory o f

floating oyer the surface of the water during flood, but not during the
ebb tide of the holy river.

H is body waa partly covered with mogs in

fipite of hia good-looking appearance, aud it is also reported that some

time after Le was brought to Bhukailas, he began to speak, to eat, and
to do anything wliich the members o f the BhukaiUs Kaj family used to
order him to do.
Raja Kali Sankar Ghosal Bahadur had seven sons, viz., Kumars
Kasi Kanta Ghosal, Satya Pi-asad GUosul, Satya Kinkar Ghosal, Satya
Charan Ghosal, Satya Saran Ghosal, Satya Prasanna Ghosal and Satya
Bhakta Ghosal.
Kumar Satya Kinkar Ghosal first received the title o f Rai Bahadnr
from Government, aud hU brother Kumar Satya Charan Ghosal after
wards became Kaja Bahadur in consequence o f his elder brothers
having predeceased his father.
Raja Satya Charan Ghosal Bahadur maintained the position and
dignity of the family by contributing liberal donations

towards the

con.straction of several publio works and to public and private charities.

H o died leaving tw o s<ms, Kumars Satya Nauda Ghosal and Satya
Satya Ghoaal, but tho title o f Raja Bahadnr was conferred on his
brother Kumar Satya Saran Ghosal, the fifth son of Raja K a li Sankar
Ghosal Bahadur.
Raja Satya Saran Ghosal Bahadur was a man o f vast experience
and learning.

H e was invested with tlie insignia o f a Companio n o f

the Most Exalted Order o f the Star o f India.

The Raja had several

children, all of whom unfortunately died prematurely with the excep

tion o f a daughter, who waa married to Babu Mahea Chaudra Banerji,
late a Professor o f

the Presidency

College and now on pension.

Shcu'tly after tbe death of Raja Satya Saran Ghosal Bahadur, c. s. i,,
the title o f

Raja Bahadur was conferred on Kumar Satya Nanda

Ghosal, the eldest son o f R aja Satya Charan Ghosal, on the SOth
September 1369, as a mark o f personal distinction.

Raja Satya Nanda

Ghosal Bahadur is a Member o f the British Indian Association, and was

for sometime a Member of

the Bengal Legislative

Council.

He

possesses a libera) disposition and takes an active ititerest in the cause

oi native improvement.

The other tiro iuielligeat members o f the

the Indian Chiefs, Rajas, Zamindars,

385

family are Kumar SatyaSatya Gliosal(Raja Satya Cliaran s second son)

aud Kumar Satya Krishna Gliosal (son of Kumar Satya Prasanna
GUosal, tho sixth sou o f Raja Kali Sankar Ghosal.)

The Utter is an

Honorary Magistrate o f the Calcutta Police aud a Commissioner o f tho

Siibarban Municipality.
Tbe family owns Zamindaries in tho Districts of Tippera, BbuUua,
Backerganj, Dacca, and the 24-Pargannas, and the annual Reveaue paid
to Government is estimated at about Rs. 1,50,000.

I I . T H E H O N B L E D W A R K A N A T H M IT T E R ,
B H O W A N IP U R .
T he late H on ble Dwarka Nath M itter, a Kayastha, was born in
the village Agunsi in the District of H ughli in the year 1836.

His

father was a M uktiar practising in the Hughli courts, and though his
means were limited, ho gave his son a good and liberal education.
Dwarka Nath was brought up in the Hughli College, where he early
distinguished himself.
etudents.

H e took the foremost rank among hia fellow-

H e was latterly transferred to the Hiudu College.

His

literary exercises contained in the Education reports of the time,

shewed
acquired.

the

thorough

mastery

of

the English

language

he had

His Prize-Essay on Lord Bacon, printed in the Education

Report we believe o f 1852, placed liim at the head o f the College

essayist of tbe time.
critics o f

It was highly admired by competent literary

the day, among whom was the renowned D, L. R ,,

lionoured it with deserved laudation iu his Literary|Gazette,

who

In 1855,

he took service in the Police Court o f Calcutta as interpreter to the

then Junior Magistrate, Babu Kisori Chand Mitter.

But he soon after

passed the Pleadership Examination, aud on obtaining the usual diploma

joined the bar o f the late Saddar Court.

He was looked upon with

some coldness by the then leaders o f the bar, but he was warmly taken
by the hand by Babu Sambhu Nath Pandit, then the Junior Government
Pleader, and afterwards bis lamented predecessor on the bench.

But a

man o f sterling worth as he was, he did not long pine away in the cold
^lade o f neglect.

49

The sun o f his forbou^ roeq with th^ opening o f th

The Modem History o f

386
H igh Court,

H e then came into contact with minds, which at once

appreciated him.

Sir Barnes Peacock was the first to recognize his

rare talents and abilitiea

That eminent lawyer was so much struck

w ith the grasp o f mind, thorough mastery o f general principles o f law ,

Bnd Indian Regulations and A cts, and forensic ability exhibited by thia
legal practitioner that he at once accorded him his powerful support,
and the other judges o f the Court, Barrister and Civilian, were not
fllow to mark their appreciation o f his worth and character.
Nath became as it were a general favourite.

Dwarka

A part from his great abili

ties he was pre-eminently distinguished by his thorough honesty and

unflinching independence.

H e and a few o f his co-adjutors, who had

joined the bar with him, raised at once its tone and character.

Hitherto

the legal profession was shunned by the educated native, because it was
considered synonymous with an immoral practice.

N ot that these were

not able and honourable men among the old practitioners, for some o f
them were the pride o f their country, but the general character o f the
bar as a matter o f fact did not stand high in public estimation.
W hether it was owing to the depressing influence o f the Old Saddar
Court, or the absence o f English education, and consequently o f those
high principles o f self-respect and professional honour, which that edu
cation fosters, among the old V akils, it is not necessary to enquire.
Suffice it to say that the advent o f the new pleaders marked a new era
in the ffiistory o f the Native Bar, and at the head o f this young band
stood Babu Dwarka N ath M itter.

T he success and influence ; which

the new men acquired, encouraged other educated native gentlemen to

follow the legal profession, so much so that it has now become with
the educated class o f our countrymen the most favourite branch o f
independent occupation.
far and wide.

The moral influence o f their success has gone

There is now scarcely one important district in the

country, which does not number at least h alf a dozen educated pleaders
in the local courts.

This healthy change was chiefly brought about by

the early labours o f Babu Dwarka Nath and his compeers.

he had many good qualities to recommend him.

A s a pleader

H e was patient and

would not open a case without bringing within his ken the four corners
o f it j he was quick sighted, and could at a glance catch its salient

ihe Indian Chiefs, Rajas, Zamindars,

387

points ; he was remarkably clear and clever in making a statement,

and generally carried tbe Court with him by bis impressive exposition
o f fa cts; he was gifted with oratorical powers, and not unfrequentty
succeeded in making effective appeals to the feelings o f the Judges, he
waa courageous and never shrunk at from hia duty, however ably he
might be opposed on the other side, he contested w ith leading biurristera
with a freedom and ease which challenged tbeir adm iration; ai>d above
all he was thoroughly honest and independent, he would never stoop to
take an unfair advantage o f an opponent nor would he give up a single
point which he considered essential to a fair elucidation o f his clients
case, however galling his firmness and independence might be to the
judges he addressed.

W e could cite many a passage in this brillianfc

chapter o f his life, which reflected great credit upon him, Imt by far
the most memorable one was his seven days argument in the great
Kent Case o f 1865 before all the judges o f the H igh Court, in which
he brought all the armoury o f his knowledge o f political economy,
English

law o f landlord and

tenant, Indian rent

law, and local

eustom to bear upon the vitally important questions at issue.

D ay after

day he rose at 11 a . m,, and continued till 5 and sometime 6 p. m., though
exhausted in physical power, still unexhausted in arguments and resour
ces.

In that case be was opposed in opinion to the leading mind o f tha

Court, and was as a matter o f course confronted by a brisk fire o f inter

rogatories by the Chief Justice, but there was a pleasure to witness the
skill and ability with which this young Norval fenced with ih e veteran.
H e officiated for a short time as Junior Pleader to Government, and on
the death o f his friend and compatriot tbe Honble Sambhu Nath
Pandit, another ornament o f the bar and bench o f the High Court, he
was appointed his successor.

H e took his seat on the bench o f the

High Court in June, 1867, and thus held hia high office for nearly seven
years.

By this appointment be was a looser in a pecuniary point o f

view, for it believed that he was then making much more than
Ks. 50,000 per annum.

But his elevation to the bench for the second

time vindicated tbe claims to and fitness o f the educated natives for the
highest offices iu the Stale.

The unanimous testimony borne by tbe

judges o f the H igh Court, the Government, and tbe public at large t-o

388

The Afodern History of

the ability and efficiency o f the late H ou ble Sambliu Nath Fandit had
confirmed the wisdom o f Parliament in opening the bench of the liighesfc
tribunal o f the land fco the children o f the soil, but Babu Dwarka Nath
Mitter was destined to shed still greater lustre upon the native character,
Tho exchange o f place from the bar to the bench brought him new
responsibilities, which he discharged most conscientionsly, thoroughly,
and efficiently.

Indeed, we have had the most flattering testimony to

his judicial abilities from some o f the leading Barristers o f this city.
One o f them, a severe critic, and very chary o f praise, more than once
described him before us as a genius.

Him self an eminent jurist, he

often wandered how Dwarka Natli without possessing that hard profes
sional training, wliich English lawycars received, could grapple so
successfully^ with the principles o f law and jurisprudence, and meet so
triumphantly the English lawyer on his own ground.

Calm, patient,

sagacious, and firm he made a model judge, and was respected alike by
the bench and the bar.

Sir Barnes Peacock almost doted upon him.

H e was in the hey-day of youth only 43 years o f age bu t he was

respected alike by the old and th e
dence.

young for his ability and indepen

The AVeekly Reporter contains many valuable and luminous

judgments he delivered from time to time within the last seven years,
and as will be seen he not unfrequeuLly differed from his brother
judges, but almost invariably his judgments were confirmed by the
P rivy Council.

A lm ost his last days on the bench were occupied with

the trial o f the appeal by a F u ll Bench o f the Great Unchastity Case,

in w bich he delivered a judgm ent, which has been the theme o f his
countrymens admiration through the length and breadth o f the laud.
A lthough occupying tlie highest official rank among his countrymen,
Dwarka Nath knew no pride or vanity.

H e was simple as a child and

he carried his heart we might say on his sleeve.

I t was to be regretted

that he did not m ix in public movements, latterly he could not do so

hy reason o f his position aa a judge, but he took a warm interest in
public questions, and was a vigorous thinker.

H e was a Comtist by

faith, and be once ably expounded tlie Religion o f Humanity in an afterdinner speech at Sir Barnes Peacocks.

He knew French and derived

great plea$nre from his French stndics.

H e took a deep interest in the

the Indian Chiefs, Rajas, Zamindars, jr .

380

late Franco-Prussian W ar, and warmly eynipatluzed with that brave

and romantic nation, the French.

U e hated oppression, and in his

judgments from the bench he always espoused tho cause o f the poor
and the weak.

A n advocate o f law and order he waa fearless in expos

ing and reprobating the abuses and caprices o f power.

He it was who

first unmasked the evils o f Personal Government in the notorious

Malda Case, though it was said that the bold onset he commenced, and
wbich was manfully followed up by Justices Kemp and Pbear, brought
upon him the thunders o f Belvedere in a confidential communication to
the Governor-General, 80 much so, that it was believed tbat should an
opportunity occur Sir George Campbell for one would not recommend
again the appointment o f a Native judge to the High Court.
let that pass.

But

A man o f strong feelings he never hesitated in private

conversation to express in strong Language his opinions about persons

.and things.

A s a man o f the people he was also their champion,

though his championship did not unfortunately manifest itself iu public

expression.

H e was a voracious reader, bnt was a very reluctant writer,

and tho only literary contributions he made o f late to tlie Periodical Pres
were the articles on Analytical Geometry in M ukerji s Magazine. H e was
also a lover o f science, and devoted a considerable portion o f his time
to the study o f scientific works.

F or sometime he regularly attended

Father Lafont^s Science lectures at St, X avier s College.

He marked bis

appreciation o f science by subscribing the munificent sum o f R s. 4,000

to Dr. Sirkar s projected Science Association.

H e was a man o f open-

handed charity, and persons in actual distress

him in vain.

seldom

appealed to

Though placed so high in the social ladder he was the

same unaffected friend to his old school-mates and compatriots.

Frank

and unassuming, thougli somewhat reserved to strangers, he waa liked

and loved by all who knew him intimately. *

Dwarka Nath being

attacked with cancer o f the throat suffered for months during which
interval he was visited by tbe Viceroy himself through an Aide-de-camp,
the Judges o f the H igh Court, and numerous friends and admirers.
W hile sick he wished to see his native village where be went at the
consent o f tho Doctors, who considered that a change might do well to
The Hindu Patriot, 2nd M aicb, 1874.

The Modem History

390

hia ajstesA, but alas 1 lakl hia bones there where he waa born as Jeatb
relieved him from all pains on 2nd March 1874.
mother

H e left an old

(whom he used to respect very much), a yotmg widow,*

three young children aud the nation at large to mourn bis loss.

The

learned Judges o f the H igh Court met together, and closed the Court
for the day as a mark o f respect to the memory of the late lamented
deceased,

Before the closing o f the Court M r. Justice Louis Jackson

gave an elaborate and feeling address which did justice to the uncom
mon merits and luvaluable services o f his departed colleague.

On

account of the absence o f the Advocate General Mr. Kennedy, Standing

Council, gave a short speech on behalf o f the English bar as follows
I know enongh personally, and I know still more from the general reputation,
in which Mr. Justice Mitter was held by the whole of the profession, to feel an ex
press the loss w hich the Bench and the Bar have here sustaineda los^ which I
may almost call irreparable.

Every word which has fallen from the learned

Judge, who has address us, meets w ith the fullest echo in the heart of every
member o f roy profession.

No Judge inspired us with more confidence for a high

intellect, for none had we a higher respect, and there ore few indeed, if any, who
we felt more certain, vrould take the most accurate and at the sametime, widest
view o f every question that waa placed before him for decision.

Of course there

is one great advantage which he posecssed in bis knowledge of the language and
habits o f the people o f this peninsula, which other Judge* coidd hardly possess.
I t is, I feel, a losa not on ly to the bench, and not only to the suitors in thia court,
but it is a loss to the community which, I fear, cannot be supplied.

Mr. B . T. Allen, the Nestor o f the Appellate Court bar, spoke on

behalf o f the Senior Government Pleader, who was then much over
powered by feeling.

His speech was a lengthy one which described the

rare merits and qualifications o f Dwarka Nath.

H e concluded as

follows
1 think I cannot conclude the few words which 1 have expressed better than
by referring to that which 1 think he would regard as a suitable description o f
bis own career, for although generous, kind, and affable to Europeans as well as
to his own countrym en, there is no doubt that his affections strongly tended and

* This lady is his third wife. His first and second wives died prematurely
one after another. His first connection was with the eldest daughter of the Ute
respectable Zamindar, Frau Govinda Bai Chowdhuri of Benapur, ia the District
o f Bardwan.

the Indian Chiefs, Rajas, Zamindars, 4"^.

391

naturally tended, to those o f his own class ; and I think the following lines w ould
form a suitable epitaph, and such as he would himself have approved.
Be m y epitaph writ on m y country s mind,
H e served hia country, and he loved hia kind.

His Excellency the Viceroy and Governor General deeply regretted

the death o f the H on ble Dwarka Nath M itter, and issued a notification
expressive o f his regret.
Dwarka Nath was a trustee to the Hindu Family Annuity Fund
and a Fellow o f the Calcutta University. H e was, tn fact, a great friend
to education.

H e used to maintain several boys at his house at

Bhowanipur, whom he used to. provide with food, clothing, books, aud
schooling fees.

H e founded and supported one School, aud a Dispensary

at bis village A gaasi.

H e used to held Durga P u ja every year at his

village; on which occasion he used to feed several poor people.

Hia

children are now residing at Bhowanipur, near Calcutta.

I l l , H A R IS C H A N D R A M U K E R J I, T H E L A T E E D IT O R O P
T H E H IN D U P A T R IO T , B H O W A N IP U R .
T h e late Babu

Harla Chandra M ukerji was the son o f a poor

Kulin Brahman by the youngest o f his seven wives, and was born in
1824 in Bhowanipur, a village about a mile to the south o f Calcutta,
in the house o f his mothers maternal grandfather, a rich and respect
able inhabitant o f that place.

The bad customs o f tbe country which

allowed and encouraged the man to marry as many times as ever be

chose, aud compelled him to marry over again when he did not choose,
necessarily doomed tbe woman to pining and distress, if not to a far
ignobler fate.

His mother, therefore, as is usual with the wives o f

Kulin Brahmans, lived in her grandfathers house, and brought up her

children there.

The infant Haris learned his English alphabet at home

from his elder brother, and was sent while seven years old to an English
school in Bhowanipur, where for want o f means he was admitted a free
student.

W ith the help o f a good memory and a souud understanding,

which seemed precocious, he prepared bis lessons so thoroughly, that

the directors o f the school, being quite takea with hia parts, pressed

392

The Modern History o f

him, while tliirteen years old, to compete io an examination with the

advanced students o f the Hindu College.

Tlie re ia ample reason for

believing that he would have creditably acquitted himself, but for the
insufficient time he was allowed to prepare for it.

H is circumstances

did not allow bitu to continuo his studies longer ; and he was compelled
to look out for au employment, which he soon after secured in Messrs.
Tullab and Companys Auction-room, on a salary o f rupees eight a month.
This post contemptible aa it was, was sufficiently welcome to him.
H is cii'cumstances had been straitened even to absolute poverty.
felt the want o f commoneat necessaries.

He

One day, he said, he would

actually have starved, bnt for the remuneration o f rupees two, which he
received from the M.iCktiar o f a Zamindar for having translated into
English some important Bengali papers.
increased to rupees ten.

H is pay was subsequently

F or many years he was in Tullahs office.

Iu 1851, a post worth rupees twenty-five became vacant in the Military

Department.

Many applied for it, because it held out some prospects,

and Haris was oue o f the applicants.

The post was to be filled by

competition, and Haris Chandra secured it.

From his early boyhood

he had a strong propensity for reading.

W h ile in school be had distin

guished himself as a most studious boy.

T his love of reading followed

him through all the vicissitudes o f his life.

A dversity had indeed

thrown obstacles in its wav, but could not crush it out altogether.
N ow circumstances favoured him.
what it was originally.

His salary was more than double o f

He secured the good opinion o f all his official

superiors by the conscientious discharge o f his duties, and their esteem

by his laudable inclinations.

A s soon as they knew that Haris was an

insatiable reader, they assisted him with their books and their knowledge.
B ut the grasp o f his intellect was too great to be contented with the
few volumes which they occasionally gave him.

H e therefore made up

h is mind to be a monthly subscriber of the Calcutta Public Library to

the amount o f rupees two, which he set apart for the purpose from his
slender pay.

Every evening after the office hours, he went to Metcalfe

Hall, where he could be seen poring over the pages o f great authors
with intense attention.
apecial delights.

History, philosophy, and politics were his

the Indian Chiefs, Rajas, Zamindars,

393

Colonel Goldie and Colonel Champenez had the honour 'o f early
appreciating his talents aud intelligence.

They gladly availed them

selves o f every opportunity of promoting him to more honourable posts.

So unceasing was their effort to do him good, that within the year that
he entered the Military Department, his pay waa increased from Its. 25
to Rs. 100.

Y et he did not seek to curry favour.

On the contrary, he

was a very spirited man, and be sometimes carried his spirit to a

culpable excess.

On one occasion Colonel Champenez reprimanded

him for having committed a mistake in casting accounts,

that there was really no mistake committed.
put up with an unjust reprimand.

Haris knew

H e felt it too much to

Strong language, it seems, waa

interchanged, and Haris expressed a desire to tender his resignation.

The matter, ho%vever, did not turn out quite so serious as might have
been expected.

The Colonel had sense enough to see his own error,

and magnanimity enough to forget and forgive.

H e was even glad to

know that the error was one o f his own aud nob o f Haris.

Things

being thus put straight, Haris was restored to his favour, which partook
o f the nature o f esteem as for a friend, and admiration as for a man o f
talents.

Within a short time he was made Assistant A uditor o f

Military Accounts,-a post which was honourable, and which at the same
titne entitled him to a handsome pay.

A few months before his death,

it was Rs. 400.

In the meantime, his literary life had not remained inactive.

Ha

was ambitious o f the reputation o f a man o f letters, and he began

by contributing articles to the newspapers and periodical journals o f
the day.

Ho had other aims.

He longed to be a leader o f public

opinion, to represent the wrongs and grievances o f hia countrymen in

the way in which he thought, they m ight be best redressed.

A ccord

ingly he got himself acquainted with Kasi Prasad Ghose, E ditor and
Proprietor o f the Hindu Intelligencer; and became one of its ch ief
contributors.

Misunderstandings springing up, he cut off his connec

tion with the Intelligencer, and became Editor o f tbe Bengal Recorder,
which soon died away to make room for the Hindu Patriot.

Tha

Hindu Patriot, however, had not wide circulation, and its proprietor dis
heartened by the considerable loss which he suffered within three years^
CO

394

The Modern History o f

Intended to sell the right o f the paper.

N o purchaser coming forward,

the paper was leased, and the press and other things were put up
to sale,

Thia Haris could not bear to see.

The savings o f his thrift

he laid out in purchasing the proprietorship o f tbe Hindu Patriot,

Its small circulation did not deter him, for he was conscious of that
within him which could make something out o f the most unpromising
materials.

From June 1855, he began to conduct the Hindu Patriot.

He was not quite successful at first; but his indefatigable zeal got over
every obstacle ; and the paper soon became a famous one.

When the

mutiny broke out, it had the honour o f vindicating the Bengali charac
ter from any slur o f disloyalty,

Tbe Patriot was not merely a news

paper in the strictest sense o f the term.

It contained analyses o f the

works o f several of the greatest western thinkers.

articles were

Some o f its leading

expositions o f the philosophy o f Hamilton and others.

B ut the chief fame both of him and of his paper rested on something

else.
Some years ago, the British Isles had sent forth a class o f people
who sought to fertilize the country by making Indigo-plantations aud to
make the inhabitants happy by oppressing them.

The history o f their

forcing ryats to serve under them is too fresh in every one s memory te
need recapitulation.
money.

They set out with one cardinal aim, to make

A nd provided they succeeded in accomplishing that end, they

cared not very much about the means they pursued.

tho nature o f the means from thia recklessness.

It is easy to infer

Fire, the sword, the

whip, the cudgel, kicks and blasphemous language fairly bring round the
category.

Their heart was impervious to ali human feelings.

Neither

the honour o f man nor the chastity of woman was sacred to them.
Buch conduct rouses the iaiutest spirit.
revolted at last against these petty tyrants.

A nd the Bengal ryate

But the influence o f the

latter was far too formidable for their feeble resiatence.

A nd unless

backed by some vigorous and unselfish man they had little chance of
ever faring better.

A t this crisis, Haris Chandra was one o f their

staunchest friends (stood forth their cham pion).

Daily in the columns

o f his paper he published fresh instances o f the shocking injustice, the

unwarrantable application o f force, oftentimes o f the barbarous cruelty

the Indian Chiefs, Rajas, Zamindars, ^r.

o f the Indigo planters.

395

In order to get correct information, he kept

men at different places at his own expense.

The confnsion that ensued

caused a commission to be appointei by the Government for the inves

tigation o f the real state o f things.

Evidences o f respectable men

were taken, and o f course Haris Chandra took a leading part.

In thus

espousing the cause o f tlie oppressed peasantry, he had to run a serious

risk.

The planters looked daggers.

Some wretched journals poured

forth their volleys o f abusive nonsense.

But he cared for naught.

Onward in the path o f duty he went, braving the frown and bearing
with a patient shrug the contumely o f all.

N o t only moral, not only

intellectual, but also pecuniary was the assistance which he thus volun
tarily rendered.

The unhappy ryaU crowded his house.

to their tales of sorrow, with tears in his eyes.

H e listened

H e fed them, he gave

them counsel, he helped them with money, he cheered them with hope.
Head and heart, might and'main, he tried to do what he thought hie
sacred d u ty,a duty which he owed to bis country, to his countrymen,
and to his God.

A nd any one who saw him on his dying bed and marked

how hia fading eye brightened up with ineffable jo y at the tidings that
the ryats had been victorious in the contest, might testify to the fervent
zeal, the dimnterested earnestness, with which he devoted himself to the
good o f those whose cause be identified with his own.
Haris Chandra died in 1861 in the 37th year o f his age.
labour brought on his early death.

others take to their beds, he did his office duties.

in his exertions in doing good to others.
to his generosity.

E xtrem e

In a state o f health in which

H e was indefatigable

Poverty was a sufficient claim

On one occasion being advised to enter into some

lucrative profession, he answered that in that case all his tim e would
be taken up by his own affairs, and none would be left for those o f
others.

In his zeal to befriend the poor, he made enemies o f the great.

But his mind was strong enough not to be daunted.

He greatly Im

proved his native village, in which he established on Association for the

discussion of general subjects.

There is still a library attached to the

British Indian Association known after hia name as Haris Cbaadro

ilu k erjis Library.

396

The Modern History o f

X V . - T H E M IT T E R E A M IL Y O F B A R A S E T .

R am S c x d a r M it t e r , by caste a Kayastha, was the founder of

tbis old family.

He served as Dewan in the Opium Factory o f the

Ilon'ble East India Company at Patna, and made a considerable fortune.

P rior to his service under the Company, he received tbe title of Rai
from one of the Muhammailan Governors o f his time,

R j i Ram Sundar

left a large Zamindari in the District o f Behar (G ya), and two sons,
R a i Nilmani M itter, and Rai Pran Krishna Mitter.
one son Rai Rasik

T he former left

Lai Slitter, and one daughter Srimati Tbakurani

D a s i; and the latter three sons, viz., Rai K esar Lai M itter (deceased),
R ai Mohan Lai flitte r and Rai Byam Lai M itter.
This family has also a residence at Syambazar, Calcutta, and o f all
its members the late Rai Nilmani Mitter was chiefly known for his piety
and liberality.

H e dedicated a temple to Siva, and established au

A lm s House, which is now much improved under the careful supervision

o f Rai Mohan Lai Mitter and Rai Syam Lai Mitter, the present repre
sentatives o f this family, who have gained a half-share o f the estate
left by the late Rai Kam Sundar Mitter, as the remaining half has been
inherited by tho heirs o f the late Srimati Thakurani Dasi.

Rai Mohau

Lai Mitter lias two sous, o f whom the eldest is named Baidya Nath
Mitter, aged 13 years; and Rai Syam Lai M itter has only one sou,
named Bipin Bihari Mitter, aged about 15 years.

V . T H E P A I K P A R A R A J F A M IL Y .
T he original seat o f this ancient and respectable Kayastha family
was at Kanrli, in the District o f Murshidabad, and its founder being
oneH arK rishnaSing, who acquired great wealth under the Muhammadan
Government.

This man s grandson Behari

Govinda and Ganga Govinda.

had

two

sons, Radha

The former was a high revenue officer

under AU V erdi Khan and Snraj-ud-Daula, Nawabs o f

when the British undertook the raanagemeut o f

Bengal, and

the* revenues, he

rendered gi'eat service by putting at their disposal the necessary settle

ment and collection papers, for

which he was rewarded by a grant

the Indian Chiefs, Rajas, Zamindars, <jr.

397

o f a Sayar M ahal/ or right of collecting octroi, in Hughli.

Tlio

family still draw Rs. 3,698, per annum from Hughli, the compensation
given them for the resumption o f this Sayar in 1790.**

The latter

Dewau Ganga Govinda Sing took great delight in the politics o f

Hindustan.

H e was a liberal man and spent several lakAs o f Rupees

on hia mothers SradAa.

Ganga Govinda was employed in the capacity

of'D ew an to the H on ble East India Company at th e tim e o f Warren

Hastings, and was vested with full powers to effect a settlement o f tha
Subaks.

H e entrusted the care o f his sou, Frau Krishna, to hia brother

Radha Govinda.
Dewan Pran Krishna Sing waa perfectly acquainted with Zamindari
business.

He was also a very liberal and kind-hearted man.

H e left

a son Dewan Krishna Chandra Sing, alias Lala Babu, who was for
Sometime Dewan to the Collectors o f Bardwan and Cuttack.

Lala

Babu retired from worldly affairs while young, and thereby evinced
great moral courage.

A fter a long religious pilgrimage he took up

his residence in the N orth-W est, where his immense liberality rendered
him famous.

A t Brindaban he built a temple o f Rajputana marble,

and he was involved in some political complications in Rajputana when

he went there to purchase the marble.

There is a large tank in tha

Muttra District, called Radha JCunau,

Babu faced ou all sides with steps. t

and this tank was by Lala

Lala Babu died at Brindaban

leaving a large estate to be iuheritea v an infant son Dewaa Sri

Narayan Sing.
Dewan Sri Narayan Sing not having any male issue adopted two
sous, named Pratap Chandra Sing and Isvar Chandra Sing.
Raja Pratap Chandra Sing was the Vice-President of the British
Indian Association.

H e received the title o f Raja Bahadur from

Government for his princely donations to the Fever Hospital and other
charitable institutions, and for taking an active part in the cause o f
improvement o f the native community.

He was also made a Compa

nion o f the M ost E xalted Order o f the Star o f

India.

* Mr, W estlands Jessore, 1871, page 190.

t

B o.

do.

190-191.

H e died

398

The Modern History o f

leaving four sona, Kamar Giria Chandra Sing, Kumar P um a Chandra

Sing, Kumar Kanti Chandra Sing, and Kumar Sarat Chandra Sing, o f
whom the first Kum arGiris Chaudra Sing died iu 1877.

Knmar Giria

Chandra left by bis will the munificent bequest o f Bs. 1,15,000 for the
erection and maintenauce o f a hospital at Kandi, in the District o f
Murshidabad.
Raja Isvar Chandra Sing had a great taste for music.

He held

with great eclai the Native Theatrical performances, such as, Sannista
&c., in his Belgatchia Villa.

H e died leaving one son, named Kumai'

Indra Cliandra Sing to succeed to Lis immense property.

Kumar ludra

Chandra Sing was present at the Imperial Assemblage held at Delhi,

on the 1st January 1877, and received a medal from His Excellency
Lord Lytton, the late Viceroy.
Kumar Furna Chandra Sing, Kumar Kanti Chandra Sing, Kumar
Sarat Chandra Sing, and Kumar Indra Chandra Sing, the present
re()resentative3 o f the family, are known to be respectable, educated,
and wealthy noblemen o f Bengal.
The Zamindaries o f the Family are situated in several Districts o f
Bengal.

The whole estate is under the management o f an able and com

petent European officer, Mr. R. Harvey, who has largely increased ita
income, and satisfactorily conducted its affairs since the time he was
appointed by Government to take charge o f it during the minority o f
the _present representativea o f the family, who were then Wards of
Conrt,
V I . R A I R A J E N D R A L A L A M IT R A B A H A D U R *
O F T H E S U R A H R A J F A M IL Y .
D r. R

ajen dba

l l . d ., c . i . e ,,

L a la M it r a is descended from a family o f MukM

KuUns, who came from Kanouj into Bengal about nine centuries ago, and
in the lapse o f time assumed the social ascendancy, which is rarely
withheld from high birth, when allied with natural or acquired abilities.
The family o f tbe Mitras, who became permanently settled iu this
Province, was founded by K ali Das Mitra, who came to the Court
* Abridged from the Indian Mirror o f the 31st December, 1378,

the Indian Chiefs, Rajas, Zamindars, cjr.

o f Adisur.

399

The original seat o f Satyabbam Mitra, who was tha

fourteenth in descent from Kali Das, was at Borshe in the 2 4 -Pargannas

District, whence they were called, by way o f distinction from other
families o f the same name, the Borshe Mitras.

One branch o f the family

settled down at Cannaghar in the HughU D is tr ic t;

and from it the

well-known Baja Digambar M itra claims his descent.

The branch,

however, through which Dr. Rajendra Lala traces his ancestry, removed
from Cannaghar first to Govindapur, within the limits o f Calcutta, next,
to Machua Bazar in this city, and finally, to Surah, in the subarbs.
Although the family had always been respectable, they made no marked
figure in the world, until Ram Ram Mitra, the grandson o f Satyabham
who became Dewau to the Nawab o f Murshidabad.

Ajodhyaram, Ram

Baras son, entered the same service and was made a Rai Bahadur.
But the fortunes o f tbe family culminated to their height in the person
o f Pitambar Mitra, Ajodhyarams grandson, who, after acting as Vakil
o f the Nawab Vizier o f Oudh at tho Court o f Delhi, eutered the
Imperial Service, in which he was decorated with the title o f Raja
Bahadur and invested with the rank o f a Commander o f three-thousand
Horse (The H azari Mansah,) an Oriental degree o f Knighthood, only
next in dignity to the rank, held by the Princes o f the Imperial blood.
Commander o f ten-thousand Horse { D a s Hazari).

For the support o f

this digttity,Raja Pitambar was installed in the jaghir (hereditary fief )

o f the District of Kurrah in the Doab.

Such was ihe high estimation

--in which Pitambar was held by the Emperor o f Delhi, and so great was
his personal influence at the Imperial Court, that at the time he was
himself entitled Raja Bahadur, his two brothers were also made Rai
Bahadurs,

During the revolt o f R aja Cheyt Sing o f Benares in 1784,

he waa present at the capture o f the Fort o f Ramnaggar by General

Palmer, the Commander o f the British forces, employed by Warren
Hastings in the suppression o f a popular outbreak in the seat aud
centre o f bigotry, which for a time seriously menaced the very dawn of
the British power in India.

A fter this service, Raja Pitambar returned

to Calcutta, sometime in 1787 or 17b8.

Two or three years after, he

retired from tbe world and became a regular Bysnab.

He died in 180(>

leaving an only son, Brindaban Chandra Mitra, to inherit hia title and

400

The Modern History o f

wealth. When Raja Pitamhar left the service o f the Emperor o f Delhi,
he obtained a settlement o f his claim against Suja-ud-Dowlah, the
Nawab Vizier o f Oudh, for nine lacs o f rupees, which were paid down
in cash and was tbe last addition he made to his persoual fortune,
Tlie jagh ir of Kurrab, which had yielded him a rei'enue o f two laca
and twenty thousand rupees per annum, was lost to him on the outbreak
o f the Mahratta W ar.

His son, Brindaban, who was o f unthrifty

habits, soon squandered tlie bulk o f his paternal proporfcy and was
obliged to take service as Dewan to the Collectorate of Cuttack, where
he stopped for only six months. Among the most valuable bequests to
bis family were comprised some Sanskrit manuscripts, which Raja
Pitambar had taken possession o f daring the plunder o f Ramnaggar
and brought down with him to Calcutta, where some part o f them are
still in tbe archives o f the family. Janamejaya Mitra, the eldest son o f
Brindaban, was the father o f the distinguished subject o f this sketch,
who is, therefore, twenty-fourth in descent from Kali Das Mitra, the
founder o f tbe family. Neither his grandfather nor his father entered
the service o f the State.

But hia father was a man o f cultivated

taste, and devoted much time to the study o f Persian and Sanskrit
literature.

Besides several unpublished volumes o f manuscript hymna

in Sanskrit and Gazuls in Persian, his published works comprise collec

tions o f Persian odes and Bengali hymns, a Bengali analysis o f all tbe
eighteen Purans, and an elaborate alphabetical index to the Bhagbat
Furan.

He was the first Bengali who learnt chemistry from one

Dr. Shoulbred. W hile inheriting his fathers literary taste, the subject o f
this sketch was endowed by nature with that most rare gift, which his
father could never pretend to, namely, g e n iu s; and this gift, which
was doubtless fostered by his fathers example, has been

assiduously

cultivated to the highest degree, which his limited opportunities per

mitted.
W hen

Raja Pitambar M itra

became a Bysnab, aa we havo

before mentioned, he removed from the dwelling house o f the family

at Machua Bazar to the retirement of his garden-house in the quiet
suburbs of Surah; and there, Dr. Rajeudra Lala Mitra was born on
the 15th February, 1824.

Soon after bis birth, hia grandfather,

the Indian Chiefs, Rajas, Zamindars, ^r.

401

Biiiidaban, whose unthriftiness we have also alhuled to, sold the family
residence at Machiia Bazar. Bnt it is only common justice to Brindaban
to say, that though he was the cause o f

the impoverishment of

the family, it waa not bo mnch by hia own peraonal habita o f extra
vagance that lie hastened on this end, aa by the facility with which ho
could be induced to go forward lo the relief o f friends in distress or in
need o f help.

The mother o f Madhu Sudan Sandel, a family o f some

affluence in Jorasanka, where their splendid old dwelling place is now

being pulled down, had taken the lease o f a Kimindarl from the Receiver
o f the Supreme Court for the benefit o f her infant sous pseudonymously in the name o f a Sircar, who was a man o f straw,

Brindaban

Mitra became his security for the payment o f three lacs of rupees per
annum for six years; and, in fulfilling liis engagement on the default o f
Madhu Sudan Sandel s mother, he sold the family residence at Machua
Bazar.

In another case, Ramjany Ostagar took a contract from .th e

Army Clothing Department, and Brindaban became his security to the

amount of a lac of rupees.

This contract broke down ; and a sum o f

about three laes of rupees represented the extent o f Brindabans loss.

These two heavy losses nei^rly drained the wealth o f tho family,
Janamejaya, the father o f Dr. Rajendra Lala Mitra,
sons* and one daughter, all still living.
Lis third child.

left six

The subject o f this sketch is

A fter the prescribed ceremony o f invoking the blessing

o f the family idol on his education, popularly known among Hindus

as B a th e Khori, he was initiated in the mysteries o f the Persian
alphabet.

He was next taught Bengali by the Ourumahasoy in R aja

Baidya Nath R ais fiunily.

A fter three years given to Persian and

Bengali reading he commenced the study of the English language in

Khem Boses School at Pathuriaghata, then the seat aod centre o f
Native education, which Pataldanga has become in our days.

In

Pathuriaghata he passed the early years o f hi& life with his paternal
aunt, who was childless.

In the eleventh year o f hia age, he joined

Govinda Bysack s School in the vicinity and close by old Oauri Sankar
Tlie names of the six sons of Jannnnja ;a are Gopal Lala Mitra, Brjjendra
Lala Mitra. Rajendra Lala Mitra, Upcmlra Lala Mitra, Devendra Lala Mitra, and
Bhobcodra Lala Mitra,

61

402

The Alodern History o f

Mitras house.

WTiile going on his fifteenth year, he was so disgusted

by a prolonged attack o f asthinatic fever and spleen, which lasted from

October, 1838, to October 1839, that he resolved to learn medicine for
himself and, accordingly, entered the Medical College in November o f the
latter year.

A s in the only two schools he ever attended, namely K hem

Bose s and Govinda Bysack s schools, so in the Medical College his

career o f study was very successful and marked by the award of those
prizes; so gratifying to the ambition o f our earlier days.

But though

attending School and College together, he was also pursuing his private
studies under the direction of

a Mr, Cameron.

Dr. Rajendra Lala

Mitra was in his sixteenth year, when he joined the Medical College.
In 1841, Babu Dwarkanatli Tagore offered to take Dr. Rajendra Lala
to England with a view to afford him au opportunity o f completing his
medical education.

This offer, which was readUj accepted by the young

student, was, when it came to his fathers knowledge, effectually thwarted

by his summary withdrawal from the College.
studies terminated-

There his medical

Ilis mind waa then turned to the study o f the la w ;

and with that peculiar facility for acquiring knowledge, inherent in

natural genius, he soon obtained such a mastery o f the principles and
details o f the legal profession that he passed a successful examination,
which qualified him either for enrolment as a Pleader nt the Bar o f the
Saddar Court or for appointment as a Munsiff.

Unfortunately for his

prospects o f advancement in life, for with his great talents he might

have raised himself to the highest rank in tbe Judicial Service, but
fortunately for the cause o f the literaturo o f his country, on which his
genius and labours have reflected so much credit, the examination-papers
o f the year in which he passed were stolen, and the examination itself
was, as a matter of course, quashed.

So thoroughly disgusted waa he

at this renewed disappointment in his expectation o f entering a profes

sion, for which he had qualified himself with so much perseverance and
study, that he turned his back on tbe law and the pursuits of the law
for ever.

The singular circumstances attending tho severance o f his

connection with the two learned professions-of medicine and law, which
offer a career o f any distinction whatever to the youth o f this country,
would seem to indicate that hia fate bad destined him to the exclusive

ihe Indian Chiefs, Rajas, Zamindars,

403

cultivation o f that literature bis numerous and varied works have con
tributed so much to enrich and adorn.

Thrown back again on his own

resources, he bent his mind to a closer and more accurate, as well as

more comprehensive, study o f the Sanskrit, Persian, Hindi and XJrJu
languages and literature, which he prosecuted at home.

In Novem ber,

1846, when he had reached the twenty-third year o f his age, he was
appointed to the office o f Assistant Secretary and Librarian to the
Asiatic Society, an appointment which had previously been held with
so much distinction by that great Orientalist, Csoma dc Koros, a
Hungarian scholar, who died in India a martyr to the cause o f the
science he had so eagerly and earnestly pursued in life.

The appoint

ment was by no means lucrative ; but its duties helped in developing

those tastes and in increasing those stores o f knowledge D r Rajendra
Lala had already acquired at home, by affording him free and constant
access to that rich and select repository o f almost invaluable informa
tion garnered up in the Societys Library.

A fter ten years service

under the Asiatic Society, during which he must have laid up in his
cultivated mind an immense mass o f varied knowledge, he accepted in
March, 1856, his present appointment o f Director o f Government Wards
in Calcutta,

Dr. Rajendra Lala M itra was for the first time married

in his seventeenth year, while still a student in the Medical College and in the twenty.first year o f his age, he lost this wife who died
leaving a daughter who died six months after.

By his second marriage,

which he contracted in hia thirty-sixth year, he has two sous.

So

much for his personal history.

In order to give some idea o f his linguistic attainments, we may
mention that, besides the Bengali, Sanskrit, Urdu, Hindi, Persian aud
English languages, which he had been learning from bis earliest years.
Dr. Rajendra Lala Mitra, while attending the M edical College, studied
both French and Latin, and made some progress also in Greek with a
view to obtaining a direct and readier access to those secret stores o f
medical knowledge which were locked up, like sealed books to him, in
professional works written in those languages.

W hile Assistant Secre

tary to the Asiatic Society, he added to his other acquisitions a tolerable

acqu a in ta n ce w ith the F re n c h to n g u e a n d

a smattering o f German.

404

The Modern History o f

Regarding lus literary labours it may be o f interest to say that he

commenced writing for the Journal o f the Asiatic Society after ha

entei*ed the Society s service, that is, sometime in 1847.

In 1851, he

started the BihidhaHlwi. Sangraha, a Bengali Magazine, that was dropped

in favour o f a similar publication, called the Rahashya Sandarva, which
ran io five volumes in as many years.

I t should be said that the

Bihidhartha Sangrdha was an illustrated Bengali Magazine o f Science

and Literature o f the highest order; and its place has never been filled
to this day.

Dr. Rajendra L ala s next work was an edition o f the

Sanskrit Xamandoki and NUisar, which he published in 1849.

In the

same year, he brought out a Catalogue o f the Asiatic Societys Museum.

A m on g hia numerous publications, o f which a list is appended at foot
o f this article, it is almost superfluous to say that His H istory o f the
Antiquities o f Orissa is as yet his greatest work which, if be should
not surpass it hereafter, will assign to him the first place among the
purely Native authors o f India, who have written with such a complete
mastery o f the English language.

It is not only that the book ia a

monument o f extensive and patient research, deep and varied erudition

and ju st reasoning from accidental or obvious analogies.

A bove all, it

pioves to demonstration, that the natural talents o f our Indian youths,

wisely directed and carefully cultivated, may achieve results which the
high education, afforded by our local Universities and the affiliated
colleges and schools, has yet sought to reach in vain.

But Dr. Rajendra

Lala Mitras active mind has not been confined to the mere study of
science and literature, to which bis whole life has been constantly aud
assiduously devoted.

H is ready pen has been constantly employed in the

discussion o f public questions in the leading journals o f the day for years
together, and his papers on questions o f antiquarian and philological
lore, contributed to various publications both

in this country and in

Europe, have helped very materially in laying the foundation o f that

great literary reputation, which his larger and more elaborate works
have so strongly and widely

established.

W e may be excused for

saying that we have every reason to believe that his forthcom ing work
on Budha Gya, which Dr. Rajendra L ala M itra is now engaged in
completing, w ill be at least o f equal value TTith his History of tha

the Indian Chiefs, Rajas, Zamindars, (Jr.

405

Antiquities o f Orissa and will sustun, if it dees not iucrease, the

literary fame he has already achieved.
It would be unfair to the subject o f thia sketch, if we omitted to
uotice a distinguishing trait in his character, where it h brought iu
contact with the admiuistration o f public affairs.

I t is the singular

independence with w hich he expresses his opinions, even though he

should be obliged to condemn the measures o f the Government he serves.
Though taking no very active part in political gatherings, be has always
made a prominent figure on important occasions at discussions at the
meetings o f our Metropolitan Municipality, where his voice has been
fearless in the exposure o f administrative abuses, and his influence haa
always been exerted to seek relief for the tax-paying classes from tho
pressure o f the grievous burthen o f heavy taxation, imposed on them
by a long course of unchecked maladmiuistration o f Municipal affairs.
As a }mblic speaker, his ready aud forcible elocution and his thorough
mastery o f the English language, combined with his strong sense o f
Justice, bave always commanded the attention o f even the men who
hold, or are committed to entirely opposite views o f a question.
As some indication o f the high estimation iu which our distinguished
countryman ia held in the learned circles o f Europe and America, wo
may, perhaps, be permitted to name a few o f the great men, who do
honour to themselves and to him by maintaining a correspondence with
him on those branches o f Oriental lore, in which Dr. Kajendra Lala
Mitra is a recognised adept; for instance, Dr. M ax Muller ; the late
M. Garcin de Tassy ; Professor Foucaux o f the French Academ y :
Professor Kuhn ; Professor Mayerdere and Professor Weber, o f Berlin ;
Professor Bohtlingk, late o f St.

Petersburg and now of Jena ; P ro

fessor H olm boe o f Christiana ; the late professor Rafu, o f Copenhagen ;

Professor de Gubernatis, o f Florence ; Professor Goldsmidt, o f Straa b u rg ; Professor EggUng and Dr. John M uir, both of Edinburgh ;
Professor Amari and Dr. Hermann Brockbaus, both

of

L e ip sic;

Professor Cowell o f Edinburgh; Mr. Edward Thomas, tbe Nnmismatiat

and Editor o f Prinsep s Essays; Professor W hitney, o f New Y ork ;
Mr. Dawson, o f the Sandhurst Staff C ollege;
o f B on n ; Dr Sprenger,

late

o f the

C a lc u tta

Professor Aufrecht,

Madrassa aud now o f

406

The Modem History o f

Switzerland ; Dr. Rost, o f the India Office Library ; Mr. Brian Hodgson,
Jate o f

Nepaul and

now of

E n g la n d ;

Dr.

Buhler

Dr. Kielhorn, o f Puna, aud Dr. Burnell, o f Mangalore.

of

Bombay ;

The list, if it

were wished, could be considerably lengthened ; but tbe names we hare

given should suffice to stamp the more than European reputation o f
D r, Rajendra Lala Mitra, as a ripe scholar, deeply versed iu tlie abstruse
mysteries o f the ancient history and literature o f India.

For his great

scholastic attainments, the University o f Calcutta conferred on him the

honorary degree of L . L. D ., and at the proclamation o f the Imperial
Title at the Delhi Assemblage, he was made by Lord Lytton a Rai
Bahadur, and on the 1st January, 1878, a Companion o f the newlyconstituted Order o f the Indian Empire.

Besides being Vice-President

o f the Asiatic Society, Dr. Rajendra Lala M itra was elected so long
ago aa in Decem ber, 18G3, a Foreign Member o f tbe Hungarian
Academ y o f Sciences; and he has not unfitly been described by a
Hungarian journal {(he Sunday N m s o f B ud a -F eU ) the pride o f tha
Sciences in Europe. "
Asiatic Society o f

He
Great

is also Honorary Member o f the R oyal

B ritain;

Corresponding Member o f

the

German and American Oriental S o cie ty ; Honorary Member o f the

Imperial Academ y o f V ie n n a ;

Fellow o f the Society o f

Northern

Antiquities in Copenhagen, and CoiTesponding Member o f the Berlin

Anthropological Society,

W e may also mention, by the way, that the

French Republic sent Dr. Rajendra Lala Mitra some time ago the
Palm L eaf and Diploma o f an office o f Public instruction in France.
Our sincere wish is that in spite o f his weak health, Dr. Rajendra
Lala Mitra may be spared for many years to come, so that he m^y be
enabled to continue those literary labours, which will add fresh laurels
to the wreath he has already won by the unassisted, but persevering,
exertions o f his native genius.
K A J B N 0 E A L A L A M IT R A 3 PU B LICATIO N S, &c.
E n g l is h .

Antiquities o f Orissa V ol. I.

Translation o f the Chandagya Upsnishad of the SamaVeda,

Notices of Sanskrit MSS., 4 vola. lU. Svo.,1871 to 1873

8vo., 1863

...

...

1875

...
...

...
...

CarT\d oxer,

...

...

...

...

the Indian Chiefs, Rajas, Zamindars,

407

B rou gh t Forward

...

Descriptive Catalogue of Cariositiea in tbe Asiatic Society s

Catalogue o f tbe Asiatic Societys Library, 8vo., 1854

Index to Vole. 1 to X X IV , of Journal of tbe Asiatic Society,

...

Descriptive Catalogue of Sanskrit Grammars, 1877

...

Buddha Gaya, the Hermitage of Sakya Jfuni R l. 4to 1878

...

A Scheme for the rendering of European Scientific Terms into

MuBeam, 1849

8vo., 1856

...

...

...

...

...

...

...

...

the vernaculars of India, 8vo., 1877

...

...

...

1
1

About a hundred papers and notes on antiquarian subjects in tbe Journal

of tbe Asiatic Society, the Transactions of the Anthropological Society," the
Calcutta Review ,

Mukurjifl Magazine, Journal of the Photographical

Society and other periodicals.

Correspondence and Reviews

in the

Englishman, 7<fian D a ily Nems,

Phoenix, and Editorials in the Citizen, Indian Field, Hindu Patriot, Friend o f
In dia, S tatem an, t c , , at least a thousand,
S a k s k b it .

Taittiriya Brahma o f the Tajur Veda, 8vo., 1854 to 1869

Aranyaka o f Ditto 8vo,, 1872

PratisalAya o f Ditto 8vo., 1873 .

Gopatha Brahmanabf tbe Atharva Veda 8vo., 1872...

&

Kamandakiya Niti, 8vo., 1849

Chaitanya Chandradaya Xataka, 8vo., 1854

Lalita Vistara, 8vo., 1854 to 1877, fasiecular 6

...

A gni Purana, 8vo., 1873 to 1878

Aitanejaruyaka, 8vo., 1876

...

Bibidhartha Sangraha, 4to, 1850 to ."e

Bahasya Sandarbha, 4to, 1358 to 63

...

...

...

...
B e n g a l i.

...

Prakrita Bhugola, 12mo,, 1854 five editions since ...

Patrakaumudi, 12mo., 1863 ...

Vyakarana Prabesha, I2mo., 1862, four editions since

Tilpika Darsana, 1 Vol., 12mo., I860

'

...

Asancha Vyavastha, 1 vol., 8vo., 1873

L ife o f Sivaji, 1863

History o f Meywar, 1861

India in Bengali, 1852

A tlases

and

' ...

...

Maps,

Carried over.

The Modern History o f

408

B-rozight Forward
2

fntlia in Nagari, 1853

...

...

...

India in Persian, 1854

...

...

...

Asia in Persian, 1855

Physical Chart, 1S54

Atlas of all the districts o f Bengal, Behar and Orissa, 1868

Large School Atlas, 1850

Small

...

Ditto, 185S three editions since

Total V

o ls.

55

Dr. Rajendra Lala M itra haa now retired on pension of Rs. 500,
per mensem;
T I L T H E H O N BLE R A M E S C H A N D R A M IT T E R A N D
H i 8 F A M IL Y , R A J A R H A T B IS H N U P U R , N E A R
D U M DUM.
T he Hon ble Rames Chandra Mitter, by caste a Kayastha, is des
cended from the old and respectable Mitter family o f Kajarhat Bishnupur,
situated near Dum Dum, in tbe 24-Pargannas.

H is great grandfather

K a li Prasad M itter held a distinguished post under the Collector o f

Nadiya, and was highly respected for his several private virtues.
K ali Prasad left his estates to his son Ram Dhone M itter who had
received a good education under his care, and held the post of a Munsefl
in Banbishnupur, Z illa Bankura.

Ram Dhone Mitter used to decide

his cases to the entire satisfaction of Government and the people.

He

was virtuous, upright, and intelligent and above all very charitable.
H e left a aon Ram Chandra Mittei- who was well-educated and held the
post o f Sheristadar or judicial Head Clerk o f the Saddar Dewani Adalat
now High Court, Appellate Side.
Ram Chandra Mitter, had six sons, viz., Prasanna Chandra Mitter
(died before he reached manhood) Uraes Chandra M itter, Kesav Chandra
M itter, Kasi Chandra Mitter, Prabodh Chandra Mitter, and the Hon'ble
Raines Chandra Mitter.
The second Umes Chandra Mitter is a good English scholar and
understands Zamindari business exceedingly well.

H e is at present the

Manager of the estates o f the late Babu Sarada Prasanna Kai o f

Chakdighi in the District o f Bardwan.

ihe Indian Chiefs, Rajas, Zamindars, j*c.

409

The third Kesav Chandra Mitter 13 also educated and intelligent, and
is one o f the best musicians in Bengal,

Ilis name is known to the old and

young as one o f the best players of Mridanga the most ancient instru
ment o f percussion among the Hindus which accompanies the higher
order o f songs.

Being in easy circumstances he only looks after hig

own Zamindari business.

The fourth Kasi Chandra M itter is a respectable Attorney o f tho
Small Cause Court at Scaldah.
The fifth was the late Trabodh Chandra Mitter who was a wellknown Attorney o f tbe High Court.
Tbe sixth the H onble Bames Chandra M itter displayed from his
childhood a remarkable love of reading and writing.

Being encouraged

by his tutors and guardians to cultivate hia extraordinary powers, he

soon began to make such considerable progress that before hia fifteenth
year he could understand the writings o f the best English authors
without the aid o f teachers*
W h ile in the Presidency College, he was actively inquiring and
being gifted with a wide aud grasping intellect, he learnt quickly what
was taught to him by his learned professors.

H e passed all the successive

examinations and came out o f the College with the degree o f a Bachelor
o f Arts,

H aving inherited the taste for a knowledge of law from hia

ancestors he regularly attended the law lectures in the Presidency College

for a period o f more three years, and successfully passed the B. L. Exa
mination.
Shortly after, ho pursued Ins career as a pleader in the then Saddai?
Bewani Adalat, and by his indefatigable exertions, integrity, and intel
ligence he soon won the confidence o f .his clients.

After pleading very

creditably for about a year and a half in the then Saddar Dewani
Adalat and for about twelve years in the High Court, Appellate Sides,
he acquired the credit of being one o f the ablest membera o f the Bar,
and was offered by Government a seat on the Bench o f the High Court
after the demise of the H offble Anuknl Chandra Mukerji, which took
place in the year 1871.
Am ong the graduates of tbe Calcutta University and several
educated Bengalis the Honble Bamea Chandra M itter stands foremost
3

The Modern History o f

410
in rank and position.

H e is not only distinguished for his strong sense

of justice, moral rectitude, and iuJepcndence o f character, but for hia

remarkable legal attamments.

He is esteemed aud loved by all for his

gentle, courteous, and benevolent habits.

H e gives away subscriptions to

many public institutions, and takes a lively interest ia the improvement

o f Bishnupur, his native village, and subscribes largely towards its
Charitable Dispensary for the good o f tlie poor.

H e iaa Fellow of the

Calcutta University, and a Member o f several other educational and

charitable institutions both in Calcutta and the 24-Pargannas.

V I I I . T H E H O N B L E S A M B H U N A T H P A N D IT ,
B H O W A N IP U K ,
T he late H onble Sambhu Nath Pandit, son o f Sadasiv Pandit, a
Kashmirian Brahman, was born in Calcutta in 1820.

He was adopted

by his uncle with the permission o f his father Sadasiv, who was a
Peshkar in the late Saddar Court.
Aa the climate of Calcutta did not suit the health o f Sambim
Nath, he was sent to bis maternal uncle at Lucknow, where he studied
the Urdu and Persian languages.
to learn English.

H e waa afterwards sent to Benares

A t the age of fourteen be returned to Calcutta, and

was admitted into the Oriental Seminary, where he made a good progress
iu literature, but shewed no signs o f improvement in mathematics.

Hs

left school iu 1841, and became an assistant to the Record Keeper o f

the late Saddar Court on Rs. 20 per mensem.

Here, he used to earn

sometbiDg more by translating Persian and Bengali docum ents; for

which qualification Messrs. Macleod and French entertained a good
opinion o f him.

In 1845, he was appointed a Decreejari M ohurir

under Sir Robert Barlow, and gave every satisfaction iu the discharge
o f his duties.

H e was the President o f

the Bhowanipur Brahma

Samoj, and published a brocliure On the Being of G od.

In the year

1846, he edited and published hia notes and comments on Bacon's

Essays, which Captain Richardson highly appreciated. The Government
and the Saddar Judges approved his little work, On tha Law relating
to the executwa o f Decrees.

Shortly after, Sambhu Nath was a

the Indian Chiefs, Rajas, Zamindars,

411

candidate for the post o f Reader, bnt being disappointed in obtaining'

it, he made np his mind to join the Bar o f the Saddar Court.

Mr.

Kirkpatrick, the then Registrar o f that Court, gave him a good certifi
cate for the purpose o f enabling him to appear at the Pleadership
Examination which he passed most successfully, and received the usual
Sannad on tbe iCth November, 1848.

W ithin a short time Sambhu

Nath proved himself to be a distinguished criminal lawyer and his law

articles in the Hindu Patriot pleased the Judges very mnch.

The

H on ble Mr. Bethune wrote to him on the 8th A pril, 1852 informing
him that the Calcutta School

Book Society was

about to reprint

Pearson s Bdkyavaliy and asking him to supply a few pages on law

terras and subjects connected with courts o f law, which would add
very much to the usefulness o f the work.
supplied the desideratum.

Sambhu Nath accordingly

The Government appointed him a Junior

Government Pleader on the 28th March 1853, and shortly after he

was deputed by Government to Murshidabad to conduct the prosecu
tion o f Aman A li Khan Bahadur and others, ministers and courtiers o f
His Highness tho Nawab Nazim o f Bengal charged with the murder o f
a slave.

In the year 1855, he was appointed by Government to tha

Chair of Regulation Law in the Presidency College on a salary o f Rs, 400

a month, which office he held for nearly two years, during which ho
published some parts o f his law lectures.

H e succeeded Babu llama

Prasad Roy as Senior Government Pleader in the year 1861.

Soraetimo

after, the Chief Justice, the Hon ble Sir Bernes Peacock, wrote to
him to enquire whether he was willing to take his seat on the Bench.
In due course the Royal Letter Patent conferring the appointment on
him came out accompanied by a private letter from Sir Charles W ood,
the then Secretary of State for India.
office.

Sambhu Nath accepted the high

H e was highly distinguished for taking an active part with the

Chief Justice in settling the important law relatiug to the resumption

o f Lakhiraj lands.

Sambhu Nath was always found upright in the

admiuistration o f justice, and was liked by all classes o f men.

H e was

a strong advocate o f female education, was the first to send his daughter
to Mr. Bethunes School, and took great interest in the welfare o f the
institution.

Sambhu Nath was very courteous and gentle in his habits.

TJie Modem History o f

412

and possessed such a charitable disposition that he spent one-third o f

his income in disti-ibuting medicine to the poor and maintaining a large
number o f orphans and poor boys at school.
angling and no less

He was very fond o f

lover of other national sports.

SambhuNath, when only 42 years old, was attacked with a carbuncle

and died on the 6th June, 1867, deeply regretted by the judges o f
the High Court, his frieuds aud admirers.
N ath Pandit,

.,

H e left tw o sons, Pran

aud Bisvambhar Nath Pandit.

The former

passed his M. A . Esamiuation iu Sanskrit, and has received the title o f

Sarasvati, but the latter ia still a studeut iu the Sanskrit College.
Pran Nath Sarasvati is now practising in the H ig h Court as a
Junior Pleader.

H e resides with his brother at his paternal house, situ

ated at Bhowanipur, near Calcutta.

{O ther Farniliet.')
l.-T H E
B

au

B O SE F A M IL Y O F BO B O E .

C h a ran B osr, alias Shatu Bose, by caste a Kayastha, was ihe

founder of this family.

H e was the Manager of the estate o f Kanta

Babu o f Casimbazar, Murshidabad, Bengal,

Nanda Kumar Bose, the second son of Ram Charan, commenced bis
life as an Aurang Goma&tha in the Factory o f Mandalgbat. He was then
made a Dewaa in the Silk F actory at Casimbazar.

Mr. Thomas Brown,

ihe Commercial Resident at Patna, afterwards appointed him his Dewau

at the Factory iu that place, where Nanda Kumar discharged his duties
very satisfactorily, and by his activity and disinterestedness caused an
increase to the revenues, o f such a large amount as Rs. 10,000 per
annum, when the annua) yield was not more than Ks. 5,000.

On the

recommendation o f Mr. Brown, the Governor in Council was pleased

to grant him a bonus of Rs. 5,000 as a public mark o f the approba
tion o f the Government o f his conduct.

H e was afterwards appointed

Dewan o f the Government Custom House, Calcutta.

The three temples

o f Madan Mohan, Govindaji, and Gopi Hath at Brindaban, were built at

his expense.

H e has also a separate K unjabati o f his own at Briudabau.

the hidian Chiefs, Rajas, Zamindars, (Jr.

F or

413

tlie maintenance o f each as well aa of hia family idol Syam Sundar

Thakur at Boroe, he has mide a gift o f considerable lauded property.

Nanda Kumar died at Brindaban in 1241 n. s. He was very widely
known for bis piety, charity, and honesty.

Hia eldest son, Ram Dhone

Bose held the post o f Cash Keeper o f the Commercial Residency at Patna,
Dewan in the Ghazipur Factory and in the Salt Agency at Hidgili.
His second eon, Govinda Prasad Bose served aa Cash Keeper o f the
Patna Factory, A ctin g Dewan and Cash Keeper o f the Custom Honse,
at Calcutta, and Dewan o f the Salt A gen cy in Hidgili,

H is third son,

Baddi Nath Bose, served as Naib Dewan and Cash Keeper o f the Salt
A gency and Cash Keeper of the Collectorate o f Hidgili, Cash Keeper
o f the Custom House at Calcutta, Daroga or H ead Native Officer o f
the Salt Golas at Salkia, and A ctin g Dewan o f the Salt A gen cy in the
24-Pargannas.
Babu Sri Nath Bose, the son o f Baddi Nath, and the present
representative of this family is the Manager o f the Boroe Aided School,
and contributes a handsome sum towards its maintenance, aud is an
active supporter o f all schemes and projects that have the country's
good in view.

H is eldest son, Babu Jadu N ath Bose, ia a Member of

the District Road Cess aud Education Committee ; his second son, Babu
Mahendra Nath Bose, ia an Honorary Magistrate o f the Baripur SubDivision ; and his third son Babu Baikuntha Nath Bose is the Naib
Dowan (Deputy Bulliou Keeper) o f Her Majestys Mint at Calcutta ; an
Honorary Magistrate o f Sialdah ; Honorary Secretary, Bengal Music
S cliool; Socio Onorario o f Reale Societa Didascalica Italiana, Rome ;
Socio

Protettori o f

Circolo Letterario-Artistico

Musicale, Bellini,

Catania; and Socio Fondatore o f L 'ltalia Scientifica Giornale di Lettere,

Scieiize, ed Arti, Genoa (with a medal).

Babu Devendra Nath Bose,

th.c ivjLirth son of Babu Sri Natli Bose, is a minor.

The Zamindaries of this family chiefly lie in the Baripur and
Diamond Harbour Sub-Divisions,
i r . T H E B IS W A S F A M I L Y O P K H A R D A .
S it C handua D as , a descendant o f Ram Das, tbe founder o f this
Kayastha family, lived in the village of Sankrael near A ndul, Z ilU

The Modern History o f

414

Howrah, and was employed os an Assistant Munshi in a Subordinate

Collec-torate under the Nawab of Murstiidabad.

The Mahrattas having

attacked the Collectorato Siv Chandra escaped with the treasure to

Murshidabad; hut he was followed hy the enenay who shot him dead
from a distance ju st as ho was safely entering tlie Nawab s palace.
The Nawab finding tliat his treasure had been saved by the faithful
service of Siv Chaudra immediately sent for his son Ram Jivan to
whom he presented a Jaghir at Bosautapur with the title Biswas""
(m eaning) faithful.
Ram Jivan Biswas now settled at Basantapur, and his son Daya
Earn, w'ho was a Naib in a Zamindari o f a certain Raja, having proved
himself tyranical towards tbe Ryats, was assasinated by them.

The

RyaU not even being satisfied at this, surrounded the house o f Daya
Ram with a view to rob his property and kill his wife and children.
A t this critical time Daya Rams wife Srimati Bhavani Dasi managed
to escape tlirough the backdoor with her infant son Ram Hari accom
panied by a faithful servant to her fathers house at Mahesvarpur in
Parganna Anwarpur, Zilla 21-Pargannas.

Here, she lived in a cottage,

and with the greatest difficulty brought up and educated her only son
Ram Hari Biswas, who, on attaining majority, secured service in the
Salt Department at Cliittagmg, and was made Dewan in a very short
time.

W hen Ram Hari retired, he brought with him about a K ror o f

Rupees, and settled at Kharda, a village adjacent to Barrackpur for the

purpose of enabling his old mother to bathe in the river HughU daily
if she wished.

Sometime after hig settling at Kharda, he lost his

mother and it ia said that he spent some lakhs o f Rupees ou account o f

her Sradka ceremony.
Ram Hari visited several religious places, such ns, Benares, Gya,
Pryag, Mathura, Brindaban, Puri or Jagannath, &c.

H e dedicated

temples to Siva at Benares, and celebrated the famous religious act called
quell at Jagannath, on which occasion he fed four hundred thousand men
and supplied each o f tliem with a brass lota, a blanket, and some cash.
At Noakliali, Chittagong, he dedicated temples to E/iu5artvart; and
6 opal Jevo with proper endowments, and erected Doadas-mandit, i, e.,
twelve temples and a bathing Qhal at Kharda.

Ho purchased several

the Indian Chiefs, Rajas, Zamindars, tjr.

'416

Zamindaries in 24-Pargannaa, Noakhali and other Districts, and gave

away Brahmafas to several Brahmans,

H e died in 1210

B.

s., leaving

two surviving sons, Pran Krishna Biswas and Jaga Mohan Biswas.
Pran Krishna Biswas, the eldest son o f Ram Hari Biswas, served
as Dewan at Kuch Behar and Sylhet.

H e edited and distributed gratis

many Sanskrit works, o f which the principal ones are Prantoshini,

Baisjiavamrita, Bishiiukaumudi, Bhasakautnudi, Sabdambudi, K riam hudi, Aushodabali, Ac.

He built a magnificent temple for IluU in hia

Zamindari at Anwarpnr ; and added fourteen temples to those erected

by his father at Kharda.

He collected 80,000 Salgrams, and 20,000

Banlingas at a cost o f Hs. 8 or 10 per eacli, with a view to make a

second Batnahedki at Kharda, i. e., next to the one at Srikketra or
Jaggannath, but owing to his sudden death by paralysis, his object was
not carried into effect.

H e died in tlje year 1212 u.

S .,

leaving six sons,

viz., Anandamoy, Ram Chandra (left no issue), Bisva Nath, Sambhu

Nath, Kasi Nath and Chandra Nath, and two daughters.

Anandamoy,

the eldest son o f Pran Krlsltna died leaving one son Babu Tarak Nath
Biswas.

Bisva Nath, the third sou o f Pran Krishna, was well versed in

the Arabic, Persian, Sanskrit, Bengali and English languages.

an orthodox Hindu, and knew music.

He was

H e was also very liberal.

He

died in 1879, at au advanced age o f 74 years, leaving his aon Bahu

Rajendra Narayan Biswas, who is a man of simple habits and o f good
moral character.

Babu Rajendra Narayan has an educated son named

Babu Annada Prasad Biswas, who has also an infant son, named
Amarendra Prasad.
died in the year 1280

Sambhu Nath, the fourth son o f Pran Krishna,

b

. S .,

leaving seven sons, o f whom Babu Kaibalabh

N ath Biswas is the eldest.

Krishna is alive.

Babu Kasi Nath, the fifth son o f Pran

He has three sons, o f whom the eldest Babu Kedar

Nath Biswas is now serving as Deputy Collector and Deputy Magistrate

at Balasore.

Chandra Nath, the sixth or the last son o f Pran Krishna,

died leaving one son, named Tara Nath Biswas.

Tbe sons of Pran

Krishna were and are still well known for having constructed a road
from Baraset to Ghollaand for contributions to schools, hospitals, &c;
Jaga Mohan Biswas, the youngest son o f Ram Hari Biswas, waa
appointed by GoTomment to arrange the Permanent Settlement with

'416

The Modern History o f

the Zamindars and Rajas o f the Ceded District o f Allahabad.

acquired immense fortune, bnt he spent almost all in charitable acts.
H e died in 1223 n. s., leaving a son, Krishna Nanda Biswas,

K ri'hu a

Nanda died without issue j but after his death his two widows adopted
two sons respectively, viz., Radha Raman Biswas and Ambika Nandan
Biswas.

The former, who died without issue, bequeathed all his estates

to his real brothers Bisvamhhar Bose and Krishna Ram Bose, grandsons
o f the late Kala Chand Bose, a respectable member o f the late Dewan
Krishna Ram Boses family, Shambazar, Calcutta.
During the lifetime o f Pran Krishna Biswas, the estate o f Ram
Hari Biswas waa divided between him and hia nephew Krishna Nanda
Biswas after much litigation, in which about twenty lakhs of Rupees
were expended on both sides.

I I I . T H E D E Y F a :iI I L Y O F E N T A L L Y ,
T his Kayastha fam ily is well knfiwn to the Hindu citizens o f
Calcutta and its vicinity:, since the time of Tara Chand Dey and
D ev Narayan Dey, the two worthy sons o f the late Ram Sundar
D ey.
Tara Chand D ey and D ev Narayan D ey dedicated s ix Hindu temples
to S ita at Entally, and performed the ceremony o f Easpanchadya
with grandeur.

Dev Narayan on the death o f hia elder brother Tara

Chand, celebrated the Hindu ceremonies SivaS'Janmafithi, Ghritackal,

Annameru, Tilachal, and Tula, which made bis name conspicuous
among the Hindu society o f Calcutta ond its suburbs,
Tara Chand D ey left three sons, Babus Prasanna Kumar Dey, K ali
Kumar Dey, and Raj Narayan Dey.
Narayan Dey, who died without issue,

The last was adopted by D ev

Babu K ali Kum ar Dey, tho

second son o f Tara Chand, is the Cashier in the Office o f the Superinten
dent, Government Printing.

H e was nominated by Government, Cashier

during the tour o f Their R oyal Highnesses the Duke o f Edinburgh aud
the Prince o f W ales in India.

H e has received from the Prince o f

Wales a Badge, R ing, and Miniature Medal Commemorative of His

Boyal Highness visit.

fTie Indian Chiefs, Rajas, Zamindars, jr .

41Z*

I Y . T H E g o s v a m i e s o f k h a k d a .
T he

Gosvamiea o f Kharda are the m o s t distinguished men, whor

live in the village, called Kharda (24-Pargannas) in the ease, comfort,

and dignity of their priestly caste.

They are descendants o f N itya

Nanda, the associate o f Chaitanya, the great modern heresiarch, whodied about 1528, and through the Agency o f whose disciples a fifth oT
the population of Bengal has been withdrawn from tbe creed o f the
Purans.

The Kharda Gosvamiea possess the greatest ecclesiastical

influence o f any body o f men in the Lower Provinces.

They are the

spiritual guides o f half the great and wealthy Babus o f Calcutta, and
enjoy privileges o f exemption o f H indu observauces accorded to no
others.

They can do with impunity that which would entail ex -

communication on the moat holy personage.

They give the mantra

or holy text, indiscriminately to Brahmans and harlots.

T hey may

enter the houses o f the unclean, who happen to be their disciples, and
partake o f food in their houses, cooked o f course by their own attendance,
without being defiled.

The image which gives its celebrity to this place

is that o f Syam Sundra.

A bout three hundred years ago,

Ptudra,* a man beloved o f the gods, is said, to have been expelled from
a temple at Chatra.

H e retired to Ballabhpur, at the southern extremity

o f Sirampur, then a dense jungle, where he practice religious observ

ances for four or five years.

A t the end o f this time his tutelar g o j

appeared to him, and ordered him to proceed to Gaur, and bring from
thence a celebrated stone, which stood over the door-way o f the palace
in which the Muhamrnadau Viceroy resided.

On arriving at that city,

he found that the prime minister waa a Hindu aud devoted Baishnavs,
He made known the divine revelation to him and asked his assistance
to procure tbe stone for an image o f BLshnu,

The stone was said to

have the singular quality o f sweating, and tho minister, taking ad

vantage o f this circumstance, is said one day to have pointed ont to his
master the tears which it shed and advised that so inauspicious a stone
should be sent away with all speed.

It was ordered to be taken down ^

but as Rudra was placing it on the boat, it fell into the water, and by
* The Radra family is still in existence at Mohes, near Ballabhpur, Sirampur.
53

418

The Modern History o f

another miracle was conducted without his aid to Ballabhpur, where a

portion of it waa formed into an image, over which a splendid temple
has since been erected.

The Gosvamies at Kharda obtained a part of

the wonderful stone, and made an image for their own temple, which
haa become to them the source o f great wealth.

festival is held

there in the mouth o f Novem ber or December attended by tens o f

thousands from all parts o f the country.

Kharda which was in existence

300 years ago, is supposed to contain 4,000 houses, aud no fewer than
20,000 inhabitants ; but it is known for hundreds o f miles round ex
clusively by its temple o f Syam Sundar ju st as towns were celebrated
iu the olden time iu England, for the images and shrines with which
they were enriched.*

The Gosvamies have a magnificent R as temple

o f their own in Kharda.

V . T H E M U K E R J I F A M I L Y O F G O V A R D A N G A .
K h e la b a m M u k e r j i,

family.

a K ulin Brahman, w a a the founder o f this

H e left a large property to his sous, K ali Prasanna M ukerji

and Baidya Nath Mukerji, o f whom the latter died without issue.
K ali Prasanna dedicated a temple to Bim, and one to Anandamayi
Kali, to which an Alms House is still attached for the daily distribution
o f food to the poor.

H e was followed by Sarada Prasanna 5Iukerji,

who was known to the public as an enlightened and a liberal Zamindar.

Sarada Prasanna established on English School and a Dispensary
at Govardaoga for the public good.

H e left four minor sons, Babus

Girija Prasanna Mukerji, Annada Prasanna Mukerji, Ganada Prasanna

Mukerji, and Pramada Piasanua M ukerji, o f whom the oldest has now
attained his majority.
The Mukerjies have Zamindaries in the Districts o f Nadiya, Jessore,
and 24-Pargannas.
V I . T H E M U N S H I F A M I L Y O F T A K I .
T h is is one o f the old and respectable families in the 24-Pargannas.

I t rose to prosperity from the time o f the Muhammadan Emperors, and

had great influence in the community.
* The Calcutta Review, Tol, III., 1845,

ihe Indian Chiefs, Rajas, Zamindars, (Jr.

419

Kai Ram Kanta Goho, son of Rai Sri Kanta Goho, by caste a
K a y a a th a ,

having served nnder the Hon ble East India Company as

Munshi, the family ia still known by that appellation.

Ram Kanta was

much liked by the Enropean Officers o f the Company, as he was thoroughly

proficient in both the Persian and Bengali languages.

U e left a

large fortune to hia sons, Rai K ali Nath Munshi, Rai Baikantha Nath
Munshi, Rai Mathura Nath M unshi and Rai Krishna Nath Munshi, who
were at one time considered to be very powerful and kind-hearted
Zamindars,

In many instances they saved the middle-class gentlemen

from losing their ancestral estates by defending their cause against

many great Zamindars, who had thought o f depriving their poorer
neighbours o f their property.

F or these acts o f philanthropy and

benevolence they spent much wealth.

These brothers were also famous

for both their private as well as public charities.

It ia a fact that Rai

Kali Nath Munshi gave away about Rupees one lalch for the construc
tion o f a road from Baraset to Taki for the convenience o f travellers.
Am ong the brothers, Rai Mathura Nath M unshi left an adopted son,
named Kai Surendra Nath Munshi, who has still Zamindaries in the
21-Pargannas.

The family also owned much property in Calcutta, such

as, the Munshi Bazar^ now in the possession o f Babu Nanda Lai Muliick,
tho owner o f the Seven Tanks.

They had besides Zamindaries in

the 2'4-Pargannas, in Jessore, and in other Districts.

There are other branches sprung from this family, but none is o f
sufficient importance to deserve special notice.

V I I . T H E R A I C H O W D H U R I F A M I L Y O F B A R I P U R .
T h is

is one o f the most ancient Kayastha-families in Bengal.

It

was Madan Mohan, the son o f Balabhadra, who rendered this family
conspicuous.

Tradition has it, that, for default in paying the arrears

of revenue, he was, on one occasion, taken prisoner and carried before

Murshid KuU Khan, tbe Subahdar o f Bengal,

Behar, and Orissa.

According to legends, Qazi Saheb, a Muhammadan Saint, appeared

before the Nawab in a dream, and commanded him not only to release
Madan Mohan and remit his dues, but to confer on him fresh lands

420
and honors.

T7ie Modern History c f

Prom this period, the family came in possession o f some

Zamindaries, the bulk o f which has been conveyed over os Bramhatiar,

Piraitar, ^c.
Raj Ballabli, the fifth in descent from Madan Mohan, was a man
o f eminent position and influence, and was held in high esteem by all
with whom he came into contact.

H e bad six sons, the eldest of whom,

R aj Kish or, was the father o f Raj Kumar, who was celebrated in his
part of the country for his public spirit.
One o f the living representatives o f this family, Babu Basanta
Kumar, has established at Baripur a Charitable Dispensary, which is
well spoken o f by the Government officials, and which still continues to
render substantial medical aid to the poor.

Babu Basanta Kumar is

also a good medical practitiouor and a successful doctor.

H e is known

in Baripur aa the poor mans friend.

T i l l . T H E R A I C H O W D H U R I F A M I L Y O F S A T K H IR A .
W hen Satkhira was an insignificant village not inhabited by
any gentlemen. Ram D eb Cbakrabarti first emigrated thither from
a village called Seiihale near Khulnia in the D istrict o f Jossore, and
amassed immeuae wealth by holding an employment under the Raja
of N adiya; but the prosperity o f tho family began from tbe time o f
hia grandson Bishnu Ram Chakerbarti, who purchased some Zamin
daries o f importance, improved the state o f the villages in various ways
and gave an impetus to the cultivation o f and trade in paddy.
Bishnu Ram s fame was, however, eclipsed by the magnanimity and
business habits displayed by his son, the late Pran Nath Rai Chowdhuri,
who, in the Bengali Sal 1256, separated from his five nephews, Ka^i
Nath, D ev N ath, Parvati Nath, TJma Nath, and Syaru Nath.

Subse

quent to the separation, he purchased on his own acfou at Parganna

Bazitpur, and obtained the Putunia lease o f

Parganna Balanda both

in tho 24-Pargaunas District.

Pran Nath R ai Chowdhuri and his nephews own Zamindaries
scattered over five Districts of Bengal, viz., 24-Pargaaaas, Hughli,

Hlie Indian Chiefs, Rajas, Zamindars,

Nadiya, Jessore, and Midnapur.

421

The eight annas share o f the pro*

perties, which belonged to the late Pran N ath R ai Chowdhuri, ia under

the superintendence o f the Court of W ards, and the remaining m oiety
which belonged to the nephews o f the said Pran Nath ia administered
by the present Zamindars themselves.

The total rental o f the sixteen

annas share is abuut six to seven lakhs o f rupees, and the net profit
about half the amount.
1253

B,

When the epidemic fever which broke out in

s., Pran Nath and his nephew Kasi N ath removed to Kasipur,

north o f Calcutta, and on its cessation the latter returned, but the
former remained in Kasipur, where hia descendants are still living.
Pran Nath Rai Chowdhuri established an English School in the
village Satkhira, which is still ia existence and is progressing welL
W ith the assistance o f his second nephew, D ev Nath Rai Chowdhuri^
he established an Association, named Bidya Samaj, which they main*
tained by their own contributions for th e advancement of learning.
They also established two

Ganjas and some Bazars within the Sub-

Division ; constructed several bridges and broad paths about 60 miles in

length to facilitate communication with hitherto almost inaccessible
places; cat a canal about twenty miles in length ; dug tanks and wells
and instituted an Agricultural Society which is doing some good.

At

their instance a Munsiffi Police Station, Post Office, and Criminal Court
have been established at Satkhira on the bank o f the canal, which has beeu
excavated to facilitate communication by water.
The names o f the wards o f the Satkhira Estate are Babus Grija
Nath Rai Chowdhuri, Satyendra Nath Rai Chowdhuri and Manraatha
Nath Rai Cowdhuri, who are the grandsons o f the late Pran Nath R a i
C how dhuri; the former two are the sons of his eldest son the late
Baidya Nath Rai Chowdhuri, and the latter is the adopted son o f his
younger son, the late Siv Nath R ai Chowdhuri,

I X T H E SEN F A M I L Y O F J A G A D D A L .
SAMBHtr R am S en , son o f Govinda Ram

Sen, and grandson o f

T railokja Nath Sen, first came from De Ganga and settled in JagaddaL
H e left three surviviog sons, viz., Syama Charan Sen, D eri Charan Sen,

422

'The Modem History o f

and Bishnu Ram Sen.

Syama Charan had no issue.

Devi Ohiran had

three sons, viz., Ram Hari, Ram Krishna and Ram Lai.

Ram Krishna

had several issues, o f whom Gadadhar Sen served as an assistant to

the then Executive Engineer Mr. Girstin, when the Town Hall Building
was in course o f construction.
Bishnu Ram Sen, the third son o f Sambhn Ram Sen, died leaving
two sons, Fakir Chand Sen and Bhabani Sankar Sen.

The former held

the appointment o f a Commissariat Dewan about the year 1803

and hence he was known as Dewan Fakir Chand Sen.

A . d .,

He served afc

Cawnpur under the Honble East India Company, and thereby acquired
immense wealth.

He had a Zamindari, called Radhahallabhpur in

Parganna Mangalghat.

A s a rigid Hindu he dedicated several temples

to Sita, and is still remembered as having constructed two bathing

Qhats, one at Jagaddal, and the other at Hatkhola in Chandernagore for
tbe convenience o f tho daily bathers in the river Hughli.

Dewan

Fakir Chand had a great love and affection for his younger brother
Bhabani Sankar Sen to whom it ia said he most willingly gave a half
share o f his own

self-made property.

Dewan Faltir Chand left two

sons, Durga Charan Sen, and Parvati Charan Sen, who are at present
known to be the senior members o f this old family.
Bhabani Sankar Sen, the younger brother of Dewan Fakir Chand
Sen, bad three sons, viz., Khetra Mohan Sen, Ram Chandra Sen and
Madhav Chandra Sen.
daughters.

The first Khetra Mohan had one son and four

The eldest daughter Srimati Bindubasini Dasi was married

to Rajib Chandra Mitter, a member o f the late Gokul Chandra M itters

family, Bagbazar, Calcutta.
Ram Chaudra Sen, the second sou o f Bhabani Sankar Sen, served
in the Commissariat Department,

H e had three song, viz., Govinda

Chandra Sen, Kedar Nath Sen and Baikantha Nath Sen, o f whom the
second Babu Kedar Nath Sen is alive, and holds an employment
in the Commissariat Department.
son of

Govinda Chandra Sen, the eldest

Ram Chandra, was a popular man.

He also served for a

long period in the Commissariat Department at Cawnpur, Ferozepur,

Dlnapur and other places, and rendered satisfaction to several Com
missariat Officers, such as. Lieutenant Douel, Lieutenant T. B. Harrison,

the Indian Chiefs, Rajas, Zamindars, jr .

423

Captain W. Birch, Captain T. Chalmers, Captain W elles and others.

H e loft one son, named Babu K ali Prasanna Sen, and a daughter who
is married to Babn Chandi Charan Ghose o f Bagbazar, Calcutta.
Madhav Chandra Sen, the third sou o f Bhabani Sankar Sen, also,
served

in

the

Commissariat

Allahabad and other places.

Department

at

Ferozepnr, Umballa,

H e left two sons, Babns Paran Chandra

Sen aud Mahendra Chandra Sen.

The former satisfactorily served

Government for many years in the P. W . Department, and has now

retired on pension.

He was a Supervisor when the New Post Office

Building was in course o f construction.

The latter Bahn Mahendra

Chandra Sen is now employed in the District Engineers Office, Jessore.

Alm ost all the members o f this family served respectively in the
Commissariat Department as a hereditary occupation, and had acquired
much wealth.

Several o f them have at present been reduced to very

low circumstances.

C h a p t e r , I I . B e h a r ,
I. C H U M P A R U N .
{P rin cipal Fam ilies.)
T H E B E T T I A B A J F A M IL Y .
T his Raj is situated in th e District o f Chumparun.

I t was founded

by Gaz Sing, son o f Oogien Sing, who first received the title o f R aja
from Shah Jehan, the Emperor of Delhi, together with a KkilaU
Raja Gaz Sing was a man o f great talents, and laid the foundation
o f that great prominence, which the family have since attained among
the Chiefs o f Behar.

He died at a good old j^e, leaving behind him

numerous estates which were inherited by Dhalip Sing.

Baja Dhalip Sing was followed by Raja Dhan pat Sing, Raja Jugal
Kishor Sing and Raja Bir Kishor Sing, who successively and most
honourably held the title o f Raja, and peacefully enjoyed the wealth
and dignity attaching to thcii* position.

424

The Modet'ft History c f

W hea R aja Ananda Kishor Sing succeeded to the

Gaddi, Eff

deceived the hereditary title o f Maharaja Bahadur from Lord Willianv

Bentinek in the year 1830, as a mark o f high distinction.
Maharaja Ananda E ishor Sing Bahadur was succeeded by N aut
Kishor Sing, who also received the title o f Maharaja Bahadur, from
the British Government.
Maharaja Naul Kishor Sing Bahadur died, leaving his son, Rajendra
Kishor Sing, the present Maharaja.

Maharaja Rajendra Kishor Sing

Bahadur is well known for his several acts of public utility.

received tbe title o f Maharaja Bahadur,

He

on the 11th April, 1858.

H is sou Rajkumar Ear endra Kishor Sing Bahadur is an intelligent and

a promising young man.

11CIIUPRA OR SARUN.
{Sundry Zamindars.)
L B A B U DEO K U M A R S IN G .
B abu D eo

K u m a r S in g ,

Zamindar and Honorary Magistrate of

Chupra and Municipal Commissioner o f Sarun, is the son of the late

Babu Raj Kumar Sing and grandson o f the late Babu N itya Nand
Sing, whose ancestors at first resided in Bhagnagger in Sindh, and
settled afterwards in the Province o f Behar, where the family is now
known as Goorairs.
Babu Deo Kumar Sing holds Zamindaries in Pargannas, Chirand,
Makair, Goah, Barrai, Ac., in Zilla Sarun, yielding an income o f
Rs, 40,000 per annum, of which a sum o f Rs. 800 is expended annually
for the purpose o f feeding mendicants and beggars, who come to the
temple Shimlaya established by his ancestors ; and a certain amount is
also allotted to a Math belonging to Mohanth Ramdheyau Das to feed
poor men in Dahiawan,
During the famine of 1874-75 he laid out a sum o f Rs. 5,000 in
distributing grain, clothes, <kc., to the poor and helpless people at his
own residence and in his Zamindari, besides his subscription o f Rs.SOO
to the Central Committee for Famine R elief in Bengal.

W ith a view

the Indian Chiefs, Rajas, Zamindars, Spc.

425

to improve agricuUnrc he has advanced Rs. 1,000 to the ryats in his

Zamindari to dig wells, and has given a large portion o f land witliout
compensation to the missionaries o f Cluipra for tlie purpojie of a buriat
ground.

H e regularly pays an annual subscription of Ks. GO to the

Sarun Government School, in addition to which two boys are at present

getting an education at bis expense, not^vithstauding he has previously
maintained several students who have successfully obtained the Univer
sity Degrees.

Babu Deo Kumar Sing also pays annually Rs. 60 as

subscription to the Charitable Dispensary o f Chupra.

H e is now 40

years o f age.

I I . R A I B A B U M O H A B IR P R A S A D S A U B A H A D U R .
R

ai B a b u M o h a b i r P r a s a d

S a h B a h a d u r , of Chupra, is the son

o f Rai Babu Shew Golani Sah Bahadur, who was born on the 6th
April 1818, and inherited his paternal estates situated in the Districts
of Sarun, Chumparun, and Shahabad on the 25th October, 1841.
Rai Babu Shew Golam Sali Bahadur took great interest in the well
being o f hia r y a ts ; assisted the poor and needy ; encouraged men o f
genius and learning ; dug two tanks, one in his native village in Chupra,
and the otlier in the compound o f the Judges Court, Sarun expending
a large sutn of money for the purpose o f supplying water to the public ;
and built at bis own cost two magnificent temples with fine gardens
attached to them for public worship, and for the support o f pilgrims,
priests, *fcc.

During the mutiny o f 1857, be rendered good service to

the British Government by sup[>lying money and eecuriug Government

property, and received as a reward the title o f Rai Bahadur from
H is Excellency Lord Canning, ou the 24tli August, 1859.

H o died on

the 4th September 1871, aud was succeeded by his son, Rai Babu
Alohabir Prasad Sali Bahadur, the present Zamindar, who, like his father,
has done much good to the country.
During the famine of

1874, Rai Babu

Mohabir Prasad Sah

Bahadur, contributed a handsome donation for the support and relief o f

the poor and helpless people, and lias paid the large subscription o f
Rs. 14,360, to the Collector o f the District for a road and a magnificent
&4

426

The Modetn History o f

building for the Normal School, Chupra.

H e also regularly pays an

annual subscription of Rs. 250 to the Government Scliool at Chupra,

and a certain amount to the Cliaiitablc Dispensary of the District, and
has opened an Hospital for the support and relief o f poor and helpless
strangers, who have occasion to pass through Chupra.

He, however, for

his liberality received from Government tho title of Rai BubaJur

on the 10th September 1875, and is at present 32 years o f age.

in .GYA.
(P rin cii^ l Fhmilies.J
I . T H E D E O R A J F A M IL Y .
T his is one o f the most ancient families in Qya.

It traces its

rise from the time o f Rai Bhan Sing, who was a Sesodia Rajput aud a
younger brother to the Raiia o f Udaipur or Mewav iu Rajputana,
Rai Bhan Sing, during a pilgrimage to Jaggarnatli, assisted and
rescued the widow Rani o f Umgagarh from great difficulties in which
she was placed

by the rebellion o f her ryats and troops after the

death of her husband.

In recognition o f these important services,

the widow Raui, who was old and childless, bestowed on him tbe
Unigflgarh Raj.
Umgagarh or Um ga H ill is situated on the east o f Aurangabad.
It was formerly inhabited by men o f superior skill ia learning and the
arts o f war.

I t had an excellent fort o f rare strength and architec

tural design.
Bhaii Sing and two o f his successors lived at Umgagarh ; but
their descendants removed to

Deo in Gya sometime before or at tbe

commencement o f the British rule in India.

Umgagarh or Umga Hill

being thus deserted, it has now become the abode o f the hill tribes, but
a grand fair is still held annually ou its summit by several Hindus to
recall to mind its past glory and prosperity as also to observe certain
religious Ceremonies on that occasion.

the Indian Chiefs, Rajas, Zamindars, <^'c.

427

Dnving the administratloD o f Mr. Warren Hastings, RajaChattarpati

Sing of Deo who was then too old to take the field, voluntarily sent
his son Fatteh Narayan Sing to assist the East India Companys forces
in the war against Cheyt Sing o f Benares.

In his first engagement

Fatteh Narayan fought bravely under the command of Major Crawford

subsequently distinguishing himself in a battle against the Pindarieg
under the command o f Major Russell.

H e obtained a nankur or rent-

free holding of eleven Mouzas from the H on ble East India Company for
his good services in the contest with Cheyt Sing, and the Raj o f Palamow
was recommended to be presented to him for the part he took in the
Piiidari W ar.

The Palamow Raj was finally exchanged for sundry

Mouzas in the District of Gya, yielding an annual income o f R s 3,000.

R aja Fatteh Narayan was succeeded by his son, Raja Ghanesyam
Bing, who proved himself to be as brave as his ancestors.

H e rendered

efficient service hy joining the British soldiers when they were fighting
against the mutineers at Surguja, and in recognition of tins service, the
Palamow Raj was offered to him by the British Government.
H e was succeeded by his son, Raja Mitra Bhan Sing, who was very
popular and well Versed in military tactics.

H e assisted the British

Government during the K ol C-impaign, receiving as a reward a remis

sion o f

Rs, 1,000, from revenue due to Government for his Deo

Zamindari.
Raja Mitra Bhan Sing was succeeded by his son, Sir Maharaja Jai
Prakash

Sing Bahadur, K.c.s.r., who is well known for his staunch

loyalty to the British Crown.

The Maharaja distinguished himself

during the Sepoy War for his indefatigable exertions iu keeping peace
and order in the District o f Gya and for the active part he took with
Cob)nel Dalton in putting an immediate stop to the insurrection in the
Chota Nagpur Division.

The title o f Maharaja Bahadur was conferred

on him on the 21st June 1859, and sometime after he was invested with
the Insignia o f a Knight Commaader o f the Most Exalted Order o f the
Star o f India.
The Fargannas Roh and Somai and Mouz i Babhandib in Parganna
Sherghati, yielding an annual income of Rs. 10,461, were also presented
to him as Jaghir in recognition o f bia great and valuable services W

428

The Alodern History o f

the British Government.

The Maharaja Ls very kind to hia numerous

ryais, and is always willing to help the poor and needy.

I I . T H E T I K A I U R A J F A M IL Y ,
T he city o f Tikari in the Province o f Behar is situated on tha
river Murhar, about 15 niilee to the northwest of Gya.
population of about 9,000 persons.

It contains a

The chief interest attaching to the

town centres round tlie fort or castle o f the Rajas o f Tikari, which has
a good earthen rampart with bastions fit for guns, and a large wet
ruoat
The airthentic genealogy o f this ancient Raj goes back to the days
o f Muhammadan rule in India.

Dliir Sinh is known as tbe earliest

ancestor o f the Rajas of Tikari.

He was the father o f Sundra Sinh,

who first obtained tlie title o f Raja tlirough the active support he ren
dered to A li Vardi Khan, Alababat Jang, and other Subahdars o f Bengal,
and Behar, in resisting the devastations o f tbe Marliattas, and after
wards in putting down a dangerous rebellion in the city o f Patna.
H aving thus distinguished himself ho was reported on favourably to the
Emperor o f Delhi, and was rewarded for his zeal and fidelity.

H e also

rendered excellent services to other Subahdars o f Bengal in the battles

o f Sasseram, Narhat, &c.

This Raja was as unscrnpulous as he waa

bold, and soon found means to increase his possessions by annexing the
Pargannas Okri, Sanwafc, E kil, Bhilawar, Daklmair, A ngti, and Pahara
with parts o f

Amrathu and Maher, besides several other estates In

various parts o f Behar and Ramgarb,

To him the existing fort at Tikari

owes its completion and improvements.

manner o f his death.

There is a doubt as to the

It is said that he was killed in battle in 1758,

but the more probable story is tbat he was assassinated by .a Captain of

his uuard.

He left no issue but was succeeded by the eldest o f his

three nephews, viz., Buniad Sinh Bahadur.

placed himself under the protection o f the
treacherously murdered by order of

This nobleman having

British Government was

Nawab Kasim AU Khan,

He

founded a village in Sahibganj, and called it after his own name

Buniadganj.

H e left a son, named M itrajit Sinh, who waa

only a few

t)ie Indian Chiefs, Rajas, Zamindars, 4^.

420

months old, vrhea Kasim Alt hearing of the existence o f an heir to tha
Raj sent a party o f men to kill him ; but the mother contrived to keep
the child in a place o f safety till after the battle o f Baxar.
During the interval, however, the aduuiiistratiou o f the State fell
into the hands of Sliitab Rai, who deprived him o f nearly all his posses
sions; but these were afterwards restored during the administration o f
Mr. Law as Collector o f Behar,

His abilities won for him tbe approval

o f the Imperial Court of Delhi, which honoured him with the title of
Maharaja, a title that was recognised by the English subsequently.
During ttie mutiny o f Kullian, Zilla Kharakdieli, Maharaja Mitrajit
Sinh assisted the British Government with his own forces.

H e cons

tructed a bridge over the river Jamoni between Gya and Tikari,
caused a large tank to be excavated at Dharamsala which proved very
useful daring tbe famine of 1874, and exerted himself much towards
tbe improvement of land on bis estates, so much so, that the revenues
were nearly doubled.

On his death in 1341, the estate was divided

between his two sons, Hitnarayau and Madnarayau Sinh, the former
got nine-sixteenths, and the latter seveu-sixtecntlis o f tlie property.
Hitnarayan was the elder and received a letter of condolence from tbe
British Government, and subseqnently on the lOth November 1845, was
honoured with the title o f Maharaja, accompanied by a K hilat, &c.,
from Lord Hardinge.

Being o f a religious tura of mind he gave up

the management o f the Raj in the hands o f hia wife Maharani Indrajit
Kooar, and spent the remainder o f his daya on the banka o f the Ganges
at Patna,

H e died in 1861.

Under the adminUtration o f the Maharani, the Raj flourished and

the ryats seemed contented and comfortable.
husbands sanction

and approval

her

She adopted with her

nephew Ram

Kriahna Sinh

Bahadur, son of Babu Kailas P ati S in h ; and obtained from the next o f
kin of the late Raja, who were all descendants o f Nihal Sinh, brother
o f Buniad Sinh, a written renunciation o f all claims whatsoever to the
property for themselves and their successors.

The deed o f adoption

was registered in 1862, and ratified in 1870 by the next o f kin to tbe
late Maharaja. The Maharani after performing pilgrimages to Ramesvar,
Dwarka, and Badrinarayan, died at Brindaban on the 9th January, 1878.

430

The Modem History o f

B j a will, dated the 29th of October, 1877, she transferred ber property
to her diughter-ln-hiw, Maharani Rajrup Kooar.
Tbe works o f public utility aud charity executed by Maharani
Indrajit Kooar, are as follows :
Couatriicted tw o temples, one at Patoa on the banka of the Ganges, and
another at Brtndabas, coating respectively one laXh, and three and half lakhs
of rupees.

In 1857, she protected and kept safe the Uhalna Chatti, which lies

on the road to Calcutta ; aud during tbe late famiui', she spent a large sum o f
money iu feeding and assisting tbe famine-strickeu iuliabitants o f Tikari and its
neighbourhood.

In 1873, on the 8th o f M ay, Maharaja Ram Krishna Sinh Bahadur

was recognised by the British Government and honoured with the title
o f Maliaraja.

He died in 1875, leaving the following memorials

after him
A temple at Ajudbia, Zilla Fyzabad, a t a cost of nearly a lakh o f rupees.
A temple at Dbaramsala, Zilla Gya, near the tank of Maharaja Mitrajit Sinh
Bahadur at a coat of Rs. 60,000,
I d 1869, he contributed Ra. 10.000 towards oonatruction and repairs of roads ;
aud 10,000 Rupees towanls fatuiue relief works in 1874, Rupees 2,000 for the
Patna College, and he gave considerable portions of land, free of charge, for
making roads, and construction o f the Patna H ospital Building.

The present Maharani Rajrup K ooar is the widow o f Maharaja

Bam Krishna Sinh.

She waa born in tho year 1828 at Pratabpand in

Mozufferpur and came to Tikari in 1863.

By her marriage she had

only one daughter, Mussatnafc Radlior Kisori alias Nanhko Sahiba.

She

received a complete education and training in Zamindari affairs front

her mother-in-law, Maharani Indrajit K o o a r; and while shewing great
administrative ability in the management o f the estate, she has distin
guished herself by no less public spirit and liberality iu establishing and
supporting works of public utility and benefit.
acts is given below

A list of her charitable

*

Built a bungalow for a school to Entrance standard in Tiksri, a t a cost of

E a 5,000.

Purchased Government securities for Rs. 30,000, through the Comniis-

sioner of Patna, in the name of Collector of Gya, the interest o f which is to be

devoted to the maintenance of the above school, she caused also her relatives and
dependents to subscribe, annually, Rs, 1,000 for that institution. Purchased a stock
books, fo r one y e a r , for th e T ik a r i school, through the Collector of Gya, at a co a t

the Indian Chiefs, Rajas, Zamindars,

of fis, 1,300.

431

To provide for the grant of medals and scholarship to stadents,

she gives annually Rs, 200,

Caused several rooms to be added to the building o f

the Tikari School, and provided various furnitures therein, at a cost of Rs. 1,200,
Improved establishments o f the said school by the addition of a new master at
an annual cost, from her private purse, of Rs. 756,

Invested in Governtnent

securities, for the maiutenaoce of a Junior scholarship of Rs.

10 per mouth,

styled Baylcy Scholarshi]t, to be awarded aunually to one who should pass

Entrance Examination fiotu the said Tikari school, Rg, 6,000.

Invested ia

Government securities for the permanency of three minor scholarships, styled

Eden Scholarship, each o f Rs. 2 per month, tenable for two years at the said
school, to be awarded annually to those who should pass vernacular or minor
scholarship examination, Es. 5,000.
anmiallyj Ks. GO.

Sobscribes for the Pathshala at Tikari,

Has opened a public library at Tikari, consisting o f 1,600,

copies o f English, Persian, Hindi, and A rabic books.

Sabscribes fo r the said

library all the leading periodicals at a cost per annum of Ra. 300.
the binding of the library books, Rs. 400.
a cost o f ils. 200,

H as given for

Proposes to build a library-room at

Has engaged a librarian and a pcou for the management of

the library at an annual cost o f Rs, 250.

Subscribes to Government school at Gya, annnally, R s. 600 ; S ocietys school
at Gya Ra. 120 ; Dharatn

8ams] Pathsala at Gya, anuually, Rs. 100 ; Jom or

school, Aurangabad Division, annually Rs. 48, Shabarghati school in Zilla Gya,
annually, Rs. 26 ; and Jahannbad school, annually, Rs. 25.

Has established at

her Coat a Pathahala ia every large Mauza in her Zamindari,

Built a Bungalow

for a school at Koch, Zilla Gya, at a cost of Ra. 450.

Has subscribed to the

Industrial School at Bankipur, in commemoration of the visit of H. R. H. the

Prince of Wales, Rs. 10,000.

Granted rent-free a bungalow, called Tal Bagh,

at Bankipur, for the use o f the said Industrial S c h o o l; the bungalow being worth
Rs, 10,000. Subscribes for Baukipnr Girl s school, annually, Rs. 60. Granted a
piece o f l.aud, measuring six kattas aud seventeen dhoous, free o f charge, for
the construction of a new class-room ia the Temple Medical School at Bankipur,
w orth

Ils. 100.

Sabscribes annually for a school at Motihari,

Contributed to

the scheme o f tbe National Indian Association, Bengal Branch, for female educa*
tioo, Rs. 300.

Made a donation to t l ^ Hindu Hostel, Calciftta, Ra. 1,000. Made

a donation to Abu Lawrence School in Uajputana, Ra. 600,

&.aid achool, annually, Rs. 4S,

Subscribes for the

Has subscribed for Calcntta Zoological Garden,

with her mother-in-law, Rs, 5,000,

Besides above, she proposes, with the view of advancing learning, to establish
a class in connection with the Tikari High Scho 1, for teaching and training her
patwaries in surveyiug.

Has established a new dispensary at Tikari, in com

memoration o f the assumptioD by Her Majesty of the Imperial title, under tho
designation o f the Empress Dispensary, Tikari, at a cost o f Rs. 30,000.

Has

432

The Modern History o f

given, for tbe erection o f a building for the above dispensary, iu the hand of the
D istrict Collector, Rs. 8,816.

Subscribes for Hospital at Gy a, au anally, Rs, 48,

and for Hospital at Jahanabad, aanually, Ra. 21.

Hospital, Rs. 300.

Made a donation to the latter

Has given for the repairs of old streets of, and for opening

new ones in, Tikari, Rs. 1,683 ; and for the repairs of the roAd between Tikari
and Fatehpur, Ra. 16,000.

Has given for the repairs of the tank, and construc

tion o f a ghat, at Masurbi, which was dug during the Kebar famine of 1877,
and designated, w ith the sanction of Government Temples Pond, Rs. 13,000.
Has also given considerable lands of Mauzahs War, Bahadurpur, Esapur, Pargaua
Soris, Division Aurungabnd, to Government, free of ch a rg e; and contributed to
the Bay, a river scheme, Mozufferpore District, Rs. 150,
Lithographic Press at Tikari, at au annual cost of Ra. 1,000.

Haa established a
Contmnally givea

alms (in cash, clothing aud food ) to beggars, destitute persons, and poor travellers
arriving at Tikari ; and, at an average, not less than 200 people are daily relieved
at an estimated cost, per annumj of Rs, 15,000,

From the above list, it will be observed, that the Maharani haa
speat tipwards o f a lakh and thirty thousaod. rupees in the eonstniction
o f schools and libraries aud hospitals and dispeusaries and maintains
the two former at an annual expenditure o f at least 30,000 rupees ;
besides maintaining at her own cost a Pathsala in every large Mouza in
her Zamindari.
Whatever other qualities the chiefs o f the estate may have displayed,

the spirit of loyalty to the British Government and tlieir

beneficence towards their tenantry are among their principal charac

teristics.

None, however, o f the predecessors o f the present Maharani

has surpassed her in the largeness of her liberality in conti ibutions for
purposes o f charity and in the extent o f works of public utility she has
executed for the benefit o f the tenantry on her estates.

The Maharani,

ill short, is no way inferior in merits, position and respectability to

several other distrngutshed chiefs o f^ h e Behar Province.

I V . P A T N A .
{Principal FamilieB.)
TH E P A T N A UAJ F A M IL Y ,
T he history o f this f.imlly can be traced from Maharaja She tab
Bai, who was Nazim of tho Province o f Behar, and rendered valuable

the Indian Chiefs, Rajas, Zamindars, cjr.

433

services towai'ds the estahlislimmit o f the English power in this side o f

India.
When the Emperor Shah Alam ceded to the Hon ble East India
Compan}' the Dewani o f Bengal, Behar, and Orissa, Shetab Hai was
appointed Naib Dewan of Beliar iu 1767.
On his death be was succeeded by his son Maharaja Kullian Sing,
who hidd the'same office and title ; but the Government afterwards took
the management of the Dewani in their own hands.

Maharaja Kullian

Sing enjoyed the grants made to him by the Muhammadan Governors,

and resided in Calcutta where he died in 1823, leaving his grandson
Bhup Sing, the then surviving heir.
Before Bhup Sing removed his residence to Patna in 1829, he was
invested with the title o f Raja Bahadur with an annual pension o f
Rs. 24,000.
Raja Bhup Sing Bahadur died on the 17th January 1874, and was
succeeded by hia son Miihipat Sing, the present Maharaja.

H e first

obtained the title o f Raja Bahadur, from Government on the S'lsfc

August 1874, but subsequently the title of Maharaja was conferred
on him on the occasion o f the Imperial Assemblage held at Delhi on
the 1st January 1877, as a mark o f personal distiuction.

( Sundry Zamindars.)
I . R A I H A R I K IS H E N .
T he late Rai Hari I ^ h e n o f Dewan M ahull a, Patna, was the son
of Rai Baiisidhar,

Iu the year 1841, Rai Hari Ki.slieii was appointed

Local Agent by the Government of

kind-hearted Zamindar.

Ben gal, aud was a liberal and

Amongst his charitable acts the most praise

worthy one was the opening o f au Alras House during the famine o f
1874, where upwards o f four or five hundred men gathered daily to
receive alms, which were personally distributed by him, and on this
account the Collector o f the District conveyed his best thanks to him,
and remarked that his good example will be followed by others among
the citizens o f Patna.
55

434

The Modern History o f

Rai Hari Kislieu died on the 17tli January, 1879, leaving two

promising sons, Kai Jai Kishen, and Rai Radha Kisheu,

I I .-B A B U

R A M A N U G R A H N A R A Y A N OF B A D A L P U R A ,
KH AGOUL.

B abu Ram AN coR A n N a r a y a n

of

B a d a l p u r a , K h a g o u l, is a

respectable Zamindar and member of tbe Bengal Un coven anted N ative

Civil Service. H e is the son o f BabuTaik Narayan and grandson o f Babn
Kanhya L ai (son o f Rai Sita Ram Singh).
and succeeded to the Zamindari in 1870.

H e was born in

a. d.

1855,

H o has established several

religious and charitable institutions in tbe District of Patna, of which

(the magnificent Hindu temple at Badalpura, where hundreds o f Jagies,
Sadkus, .Bais/iovos, and devotees are daily fed), has made bis name cons
picuous from Jaggamiath in Orissa to Dwarka in Guzerat, and from
BadHnarayan, in the Himalayas to Bamesvaram, near the Cape Comorin.
The Sunday Alm s House, where a large number o f poor men avail
themselves of his charity, has endeared his name to every heart; and
the Khagoul Serai is also remembered by every traveller, who happens
to share tbe hospitality o f this benevolent Zamindar.
Babu Ram Anugrah Narayan is a great friend to education.

He

has establisbed a High Class English School at Khagoul, with a board

ing establishment for the benefit of the students, who have their board
and lodging free from all charges except the schooling fees, and has
thereby done a great deal o f good to the poor people of the Patna
District.

He has on several occasions rqpeived

Government o f Bengal.

thanks from the

The Editor o f The Morning Times spoke

highly of him ia his paper o f the 24th December, 1875, o f which an

extract is given below :
Babu Ram Anugrah Narayan, the Zam indar o f Khagoul, ii well known aa an
earnest promoter of the cause o f education.

He baa established an English

School at Khagoul, which hitherto prepared boys up to the Minor Scholarship

standard.

To the School he has added a boarding establishment for the benefit of

the students who have their board aud lod g in g /rftf of any extra charge besides
the schooling fees,

the Indian Chiefs, Rajas, Zamindars,

435

0& more than one occasion Babu Bam Anugrah Karajan haa received the
thanks o f the Government for his acte of public n tilitj, generoeity, benevolence
and for earnest and zealous exertions in order to promote the cause of education.
For these acts of philanthropy and public usefulness, we eoraniend Babu Kam
Auugrah Narayan to the notice of the Government of Bengal, and hope that aa
an acknowledgment of his public spirit he may ere long receive some concessions
from Government, in the form of a personal distinction.

V . SEWAIST.
(P rincipal F am ilies.)
T H E H A T W A R A J F A M IL Y .
M ah a ru a

K b is h r a P r a t a b

S a q e s B a h a d u r , the

present head

o f the Hatwa Raj Family is 102nd iu direct descent from Raja Beer
Sein, w h o possessed the family estates and held his Court at Hossipur
long before the MahatnmAdan conquest o f Beliar.

The position and

rank o f the family was also recognized by several o f the Emperors o f

Delhi, one o f whom conferred the title o f Maharaja Bahadur, o h
Maharaja Khem Karan Sahee Bahadur, the 87th Baja o f Hossipur,
III 1769, the then Maharaja Fatteh Sahee revolted against tlie East

India Company, and fled before the Compauys troops to the jangle^} of
Gorakhpur, from whence he made constant raids upon the troops left to
protect the estate.

His misdeeds culminated in the murder o f Babu

Bassant Sahee, his cousin, who had beeu taken under the protectiou o f
the British, and tlie Raj was declared to be eonSscated.

The family,

however, always continued to enjoy the chief benefit o f it, and at the
time of tlie Decennial Settlement, Chatter Dharee Sahee was recognized
as owner.

In 1837, the title o f Maharaja Bahadur was conferred by

the British Government ^ a in on the family, and they have worthily

maintained their right to it ever since.

In the troublous times o f

1857-58, the then Maliaraja did good service in keeping the country
clear o f rebels, and was rewarded by Government in recognition o f hie
eminent services to the State with a valuable Jagktr in the District o f
Shababad.

436

TJie Modern History o f

Jfaharaja Chatradhari Sahi Bahadur first removed his family seat

from Hossipur to Hatwa.

H e waa succeeded By his grandson Maharaja

Knjendra Pertaub Sahee Bahadur, who, at his deatli, left tlie whole o f
his estates to his son Krishna Pratab Sahee, the present Maharaja, who
attained his full

age in October

1874, and received

the title o f

Maharaja Bahadur from the British Goverumeat on the 31st A ugust,

1874.
Maliaraja Krishna

Pratab

Sahee Bahadur now

holds several

Zam indaries; the gross income o f which is about Us. 10,00,000, o f

which a sum of Ks. 3,00,000 is annually paid to Government ou
account o f revenue.
Bhubanesvar Datta.

T he able manager o f all his estates is Babu

The estates cover an area of 2,500 square miles

with a population o f 3,91,000 souls.

The Maharaja entirely supports three Charitable Dispensaries, one
o f which is in charge o f an Assistant Surgeon and tw o in charge o f
Native Doctors.

He maintains a number o f village or Campbellian

Pathsallas as also an English School at Hatwa liberally contributes to

several public institutions and to all important charities, and keeps open
a beautiful house for European visitors whom he supplies with elephants,
Ac., for Shikar or hunting parties.
The Maharaja was present at Calcutta to pay hia respects to His
Royal Highness The Prince o f Wales in the month o f December 1875,
and was warmly received by the Prince and His Excellency Lord
Northbrook, the late Viceroy and Governor General.
He gave a grand ball in the Town Hall o f Calcutta on the evening
o f the 2nd January 1880 in honour of their Excellencies Lord Lytton,
the late Viceroy and the Commander-in-chief, Lady Lytton, and His
H onor the Lieutenant Governor of Bengal and the gentry o f Calcutta.
On this occasion the Tow n Hall was gorgeously illuminated, and
beautifully decorated with various sorts o f fancy and valuable things.
There was a display o f fire-works, dancing party, &c., and the Bands of
H er Majestys 90th and 40th Regiments played during the night.

Tbe

Maharaja also gave handsome donations to numerous public institutions

at Calcutta a

fe w

days before the commencement of the ball.

The Behar Landholders Association having recently proposed the

ike Indian Chiefs, Rajas, Zamindars,

437

formation o f a fund for providing comforts for the soldiers engaged in

the Afghan W ar and the means o f subsistence for the families o f such
o f them as have fallen or may yet fall in battle, the Maharaja at onca
subsci ibed tbe munificent sum o f Rs. 20,000 on the spot *, and it is
generally reported that he had also offered to send up warm clothing to
the same troops at a further charge of some Rs. 5,0U0.

The Maharaja

is at present about 27 years of age.

VI.SHAHABAD.
{Principal Families.)
L T H E B H A G W A N P U R R A J F A M IL Y .
M ahahaj L achmimal, the founder o f this family, belonged to tb
Jjunar Race.

Nearly three hundred years ago, he came from Sutri, a

place situated near Delhi to reside iu M ouza Bhagwanpur where hia

descendants are still living.

By

dint of his power and influence he

acquired possession o f two Pargannas Chynpiir and Chowsa ; but at

the time o f Maharaj Ibrimardan Shah, the eleventh Raja, the estates
were attached and confiscated by the British Government and for some
criminal offence which brought on him the displeasure o f the British
Government,
Maharaja Ibrimardans grandson, the present R.ija Lai Surajbhan
Sing, rendered valuable services during the mutiny of 1856-57, in recog
nition o f which tlio title o f Raja was conferred on him on the 15th
April, 1S59, together with a Jagliir or lauded property yielding an annual
income of Ra. 5,000.
Raja Lai Surajbhan Sing is very kind to his tenantry, and possesses
many good qualities.

IT. T H E D U M R A O N R A J F A M IL Y .
T he M.aharajas o f Domra on are said to have sprung from a stock
of Pumbar Rajputs, who came from D jein iu the Province o f Malwa

438

The Modern History o f

m Central India,

Maharaja Sindhot Sing, who is said to have firit

settled in Behar, abdicated the sovereignty he had acquired to his son

Maharaja Bhoj Sing, who gave his name to the tract o f conntry, called
Bhojpar, where he settled his family.

In lapse o f time, the family

became divided ; the head o f the house continued iu his ancestral home
at Dumraon while one branch settled itself at Busar, and another at
Jagadishpur,

Gopal Saran Sing o f Buxar, a distinguished member o f

a younger branch, obtained tho title o f Raja from tlie British Govern
ment in recognition o f good services; but this branch has died out.
Far worse was, however, the fate o f the youngest branch, which settled
at Jagadishpur it became extinct in the person o f the notorious rebel,
K oer Sing, whose fate since the mutiny has never been ascertained.
Narayan Mai was the first chief o f this ancient and respeetublo
Raj, who obtained the title o f Raja from the Muhammadan Govern
ment in

A.

r. 1604, during the reign o f the Emperor Jehangir Shah.

Raja Narayan Mai was followed by Birbul Sahi, Radar Fratab Sabi,
Man data Sabi, Hovil Sing, Chattardhari Sing, and Bikramajit Sing,
who respectively managed and governed the estate in a very satisfactory
manner; and were so loyal to the Muhammadan Governmeut that
almost all o f them had at different times received several Jaghirn and
the title o f Raja with the privilege o f keeping a sufficient number
of

infantry and cavalry from A lam gir

Shah, Furrucksbeer Shah,

Muhammad Shah and Shah Alam, the Emperors o f Delhi.

On the 10th March, 1816, tbe title o f Maharaja Bahadur was
conferred upon Maharaja Joy Frakash Sing by Marquis o f Hastings,
the Governor General o f India, in recognition of his staunch loyalty to
the British Crown.

Maharaja Joy Prakash Sing fought under Major

Hector Mnnro against Sliuja-ud-daulah, Nawab Vazir o f Oudh, at the

battle o f Buxar, in October, 1764.

H e waa succeeded by his grandson

Janki Prasad Sing, who, having died while young, was succeeded by
Maharaja Mahesvar Box Sing Bahadur, the present holder o f the title
o f Maharaja.
Maharaja Mahesvar Box Sing Bahadur assisted the British Govern
ment during the war with Nepal.

B ut this was not all.

During the

Sepoy Mutiny o f 1856-57, he rendered a more eminent service by leading

the Indian Chiefs, Rajas, Zamindars,

439

lus dansmen after the English troops into the action o f Jagadishpur,
against

his kinsman Kuer Sing, and by actirely assisting in the

defeat and dispersion o f the rebels.

Wliile always prompt to support

the Government in times o f war, the Chiefs o f Dumraon have been

equally ready to do their public duty in periods o f peace, and in seasons
of

national distress.

The present Maharaja Mahesvar B ox

Sing

Bahadurs contributions during the Orissa Famine are said to have

exceeded his available means ; and he acted with the same unselfishness
in assisting the measures for the relief o f the Behar Famine o f 1874-75.
For these conspicuous services, the Government o f India on the recom
mendation o f Sir Richard Temple, the then Lieutenant Governor o f
Bengal, conferred the title o f Raja on Maharajas son Rajkumar Radha
Prasad Sing on the 12th March, 1875.

The title o f Maharaja is

said to have been previously conferred on the Maharaja Mahesvar Box

Sing himself in December, 1872.
When His Royal Highness the Prince o f Wales visited Bankipur,
during his tour through India in 1876, Maharaja Mahesvar Box Siug
Bahadur expended a considerable sum o f money to make the festivities
suitable to the occasion.
aud indiscriminate.

The Maharaja s acts o f charity are countless

He supports at hia expense separate establish

ments for European and Native visitors to Dumraon, and constantly looks
after their comfort and ease.

Maharaja Mahesvar Box Sing and his

son Kaja Radha Prasad Sing have both received commemorative medals
from Hia Royal

Highness the Prince o f Wales ; and the Maharaja

alone received another medal from

Lord Lytton, the V iceroy and

Governor-General, at the Imperial Aseemblage held at Delhi, on the

1st January 1877, on account o f the assumption o f the title

Empress

o f India, by Her Most Gracious Majesty the Queen.

A few years ago, Maharaja Mahesvar B ox Sing with a view to
devoting his time exclusively to religious prayer and acta o f piety w ith
drew from the world and devolved tbe management of his Raj to his
son Raja Radha Prasad Sing, whose character and disposition fit him
to perpetuate his fathers good name and to keep up the princely cha
racter o f his most ancient family.

440

The Modern History o f

V I I T

I RH U T.

{Principal Families.')
I . T H E D A R B H A N G A R A J F A M IL Y .
T h e Maharajas of Darbhanga derive their descent from Slahes
Thakur, a Brahman, who, in the beginning of the sixteenth century,
removed his lares et penates from some place in the Jabbalpur District
o f the Central Provinces, and served one of the Rajas o f Tiihnt as a
priest.

But Mahes Thakur did not altogether devote himself to. his

priestly duties, as he spent much o f liis time in imparting young men

a knowledge o f those useful branches o f Sanskrit Literature, Science,

and A rt In which he doubtless excelled.

According to a popular tradi

tion preserved in the family, Raghu Nandan, a pupil o f Mahes Thakur,

having, during a visit to the Court o f Delhi, attracted the Imperial
notice by his vast learni;ig and intellectual power over a Mullah o f the
Court, the celebrated Emperor Akbar. Shah bestowed on the Hindu
scholar, as a mark o f the Imperial recognition o f his high merits, -the
large Zamindari o f Parganna Hatti, District D arbhanga: the nucleus
round which, in the course o f nearly four centuries, have gathered the
princely estates, now comprised iu the well-known Darbhanga Raj.
Raghu Kaudan whose love o f letters was all-absorbing very dis
interestedly assigned the Imperial gift to the Guru, or spiritual guide,
Mahes Thakur, in gratitude for the instructions he had received.

The

estate has since continued in the possession o f the Darbhanga Raj

fam ilyspreading to its present vast extent with the effluxion of time.
Mahes Thakur died in

a. d

1550, and waa succeeded by Gopal Thakur.

It is not known when, and how the title o f Raja came into this Raj
family.

It seems, however, to have been first borne by Raghu Sing,

who was a Revenue Collector of Tiihut under the Muhammadan rulers

o f the country.
Raghu Sing died in 1736, and was succeeded by Pratap Sing who
removed bis family residence from Bhowar, a village situated near
Muddhubani, to Darbiianga the present seat o f the Raj family.

At

the Indian Chiefs, Rajas, Zamindars,

441

Bhowar, the ruins o f the old Palace and fort constructed by Raghn
Sing are still to be observed with many other interesting things.
Pratap Sing died in A. D. 1776 ; and his brother and successor
Madhu Sing was thefinst Chief who came into contact with the English.
Shah Alam, the Emperor o f Delhi, addressed Madhu Sing as " Raja
iu a firman, dated 1194 Ilijr i or 1776 a. d., from which it is apparent
that thia title existed in the family before that date.

T he British

Government settled with Raja Madhu Sing, the Zamindari o f Sirkar

Tirhnt, a ta n annual rental o f Rs. 1,78,506.

In 1808 Raja Madhu

Sing died, and was succeeded by Cliattar Sing, who received the title o f
" Maharaja from the Emperor Shah Alam, together with the Zamindari
o f Parganna Dharanipur in Purnea,
Maharaja Chattar Sing waa succeeded by his son Rudra Sing, to
whom the then Governor General of India addressed as Maharaja
Bahadur in a Parwanua, dated l2th

October, 1840.

The title of

Maharaja Bahadur," with the tacit recognition o f Government, waa

also borne even by Rudra Sings son the late Mahesvar Sing, father of
the present Maharaja.

In the absence o f any specific grant o f the title,

it may fairly be assumed that it has become hereditary by prescription.

Maharaja Mahesvar Sing died in October, 1860, leaving liis iulant
son, Lachmesvar Sing.

Maharaja Lachmesvar Sing was born on the

25th May, 1858, ond is the 17th Chief in descent from Mahea Thakur,
the progenitor of this ancient and most respectable Raj family of the
Province o f Behar.

The Maharaja himself aud hia extensive estates

were at once placed under the charge o f the Court of W ards, who,
during nearly 19 years, directed the education o f the young chief, and
most satisfactorily managed his extensive estates. Maharaja Lachmesvar
Sing was first sent to the W ards Institute at Benares, and placed
under the tuition o f Mr. Chester Maenaghten, but he was eventually
brought back to Darbhanga where he was under the tutorship o f
Mr. Alexander.
followed

The valuable results o f

the system o f

education

with regard to the young Maharaja Lachmesvar Siug, aie

strongly testified to by the Lieutenant Governor, Sir Steuart Bayley,

who, as the former local representative o f the Court o f Wards in Behar,
had ample opportunitiea of form ing an oplnloD, which, in the course o f
56

442

The Modern History o f

liU address at the Maharajas installaUon Darbar, at Bankipur, he

expressed as follows ;
The occasion o f m j asking j o a to meet me here to-day is one which has a
special interest for me.

I have, for many years, had the pleasure o f knowing

the young Maharaja o f Darbbanga, and, at one time there was not a day in which
his affairs did not occupy some portion o f my time and o f my thoughts.

I havo

watched hia education from boyhood, and his derelopmeut into a mao, whose
abilities, manners, accomplishments, and personal character eminently fit him for
the high position he has to fill and to whose future I may look forward as well
calculated to reflect credit on the Court o f W ords and on those gentlemen to
whom bis education has been entrusted.

The Maharaja Is an affable you ag man o f genteel and agreeable

manners.

H is intellectual attainments are of a high order, and he is

besides well-versed In Zamindari business, to which he was specially

trained during the last four years o f hia minority.

H e talks and writes

English with the fluency and accuracy o f an English gentleman.

N ot

only is his hand-writing g o o d ; bnt his language is pure, simple and

faultless.

W h at is greatly to the young ch iefs credit is, that the high

education, by which he has fully profited has not only not denationalised
him, but has still left him a good orthodox Hindu.

The predominating

trait in his character, is known to be thorough independence o f spirit.

T he estates o f the Darbhanga Kaj are scattered over the Districts
o f Tirhut, Darbhanga, Patna, M onghyr, Bbagalpur, and Purnea, and
yield a net annual income o f nearly Rupees 18,00,000.

Tbis vast pro

perty ia now almost entirely under the Kha& or direct system, which
was introduced by the Court o f Wards.

The Estate supports, at its

own cost, a first class Dispensary and an Anglo-Vernacular School at

Darbhanga, besides twenty-three Vernacular Schools in the Districts of
Darbhanga

and Tirhut.

It also contributes towards tho funds of

numerous aided schools and other public institutions in different parts

o f the country.

The Tirhut State Railway, which runs entirely, or

almost entirely, through the Maharaja s own lands, is generally regarded

as a monument o f the Maharaja o f Darbhangaa liberality and public
spirit.

The Maharaja bas a younger brother, Kumar Ramesvar Sing,

also a highly educated nobleman, who is a Member o f the Covenanted

C ivJ Service, and is generally well spoken of.

A n annuity o f a lalh

the Indian Chiefs, Rajas, Zamindars, 4'C-

4^3

o f Rupees liaa, according to family usage, been settled upon him in

land, for which the Raj is to pay the Government Revenue, subject to
recovery from the Kumar.
Early in February 1880, the Maharaja o f Darbhanga took Calcutta
by surprise by a ball and supper, which, after the example o f hia brother
Chief o f Hatwa, he gave at the Town Hall in honour o f the E x-V iceroy
and Lady Lytton.

Tbe exquisite splendour o f tbe decorations and

the sumptuousncss o f the feast, with which the Maharajas guests

were regaled on the occasion, are described as triumphs o f fine taste and
unstinted liberality ; and it ia not likely that the impression, which tha
young chief o f Darbhanga left on the minds o f such as were present at
the festivities, or o f such, as were forced to content themselves with
reading descriptions o f those gay doings, will very soon be forgotten.

I I T H E S H A H A R R A J F A M IL Y .
UaAu S ein , the founder o f this family, first obtained tha title o f
Baja from the Muhammadan rulers o f the country.
Daring the time o f the English, Doast Daman, the 6th Raja, was
in the possession of the estates.

H e received the title o f Raja and a

Khilat from the British Government.

H e waa followed by Raghu Nandan Sing and Shew Nandan Sing,
who successively received the title o f Raja and Khilats.
R aja Shew Nandan Sing Bahadur rendered good service during
the mutiny o f 1657-58.

He was succeeded by his son, Shewraj Nandan

Sing, the present Raja, who received the title o f Raja Bahadur ou
the 3rd March 1875,

Raja Shewraj Nandan haa inherited all the good

qualities o f his father, and ia very kind to his tenantry.

{Sundry Zamindars,)
R A I C H O W D H U R I R U D R A P R A S A D B A H A D U R OF
N A N PUR.
R ai C howdhuei R udra P rasad B ahadur of N anpur , Tirhut,
holds

several

Zamindaries

in

tho

Districts

of

Mozuffei'pur

and

444

The Modem History o f

Allalifibad, and is the fion o f Chowdhuri Ganga Fraaad alias ChoWdhuri

6uba Lai.
fa the year o f the mutiny (1 8 5 7 ) R ai Chowdhuri Rudra Prasad
Bahadur supplied an elephant aud rashad, i, e., food to the British
army without receiving any compensation, and as a liberal Zamindar
lias contributed largely towards the erection o f a hospital building at
Mtizufferpur as also towards the Patna College.

H e founded a Verna

cular School for a limited number o f students in his Zamindari M onza

K oilo, which has now been abolished, and gave a handsome donation to
the Scientific Society at Moznfferpur, and to tbe Committees formed to
receive His E xcellency L ord Northbrook at Darbhanga in 1874 and
H is Royal H ighness the Prince o f W ales at Patna in 1876.

A large

bridge has been constructed by him over tlie Lakhandebi River in the
District o f Mozufferpur at a cost of R f, 7,000, for tha convenience o f
the public and to be repaired yearly from his private purse.
During the famine o f the years 1861, 1866, and 1874, he liberally
supported the poor and his helpless ryais by distributing alms, advancing
grain, constructing roads, channels, & c., the expenditure amounting
to Rs. 32,549.

The yearly subscriptions which he pays to the Sutamadhi

Hospital and S ch ool; the Scientific Society at Mozufferpur and the

Dharma Samaj School, aggregate a sum o f Rs. 240.

H e is now 62 years

o f age, and has a promising son, named Babu Mahadeo Per shad, about
24 years old.

Chapter

I I L0 r i s s a.*

I. B A L A S O R E .
{P rin cip a l Zamindari.)
R A JA SYAM A NANDA DE BAH ADU R.
R aja S ta h a N anda D e B ahadur , b y caste a Subarna Banik,
was born on the 16tb February, 1817, and is a descendant o f Shar De,
* With regard to the history of tbe Tributary Mahola of Orissa, vide Fart I.
Xb j Native States o f tbia work, page 202 to 206,

the Indian Chiefs, Rajas, Zamindars, ^c.

who waa an inhabitant of Mayapur, District Hughli,

445

From Mayapnr

the family, who originally were tradera at some uncertain date, removed
to Barda in Ghaiital within tbe same District.

Shar De was successively

followed by Esvar De, Narayan De, Katnakar De, Syam Charan De,
Hridaya Ram De, and Jayakrishna Kam De.

The latter about HO

years ago migrated to Balasore for the purpose o f carrying on a maritima

commerce.

Jayakrishna Ram De purchased several Zamindaries in

Orissa, and his son, Manik Ram De, and grandson, Raghu Nath De, had
also comparatively enlarged their paternal estates.
Raghu Nath De had only one son, Raja Syama Nanda D e Bahadur,
the present Zamindar, who now holds several Zamindaries, Taluks,
Mouzas, &c., in the Districts o f Balasore, Cuttack, and Midnapur, and
pays regularly an annual sum o f about Rs. 30,000 to Government aa
revenue; but his income is derived from many sources besides his
Zamindaries, viz., Maritime Commerce, Salt Manufacture, Money lend
ing, &e.
Raja Syama Nanda De Bahadur is famous for his charitable acta.
He has excavated eight tanks and a well for public use at a cost of
about Rs, 12,000 at different places in the Districts o f Balasore and
Cuttack.

During the famine in

Orissa in 1866, he expended a sum

exceeding Rs. 6,000 in supplying food and clothes to the poor and
paying subscriptions to the R elief Funds in Orissa and the NorthWest Provinces, and in addition he distributed grain worth Rs, 21,768,
and advanced w ithout interest a loan o f Rs. 47,890 to his own faminestricken tenantry for their relief and support.

He has contributed a

sum o f Rs. 600 for tlie erection o f School buildings in the District o f
Balasore, aud has paid Rs. 1,000 towards the maintenance o f the
Cuttack High School,

Raja Syama Nanda D e Bahadur has also opened

a Charitable Dispensary in the heart of the town of Balasore, and has

erected a suitable building for that purpose at a cost o f Rs. 1,500, and,
with a view to support this institution, has entrusted to Government a
landed property (M ouza Bargaon, Parganna Banchas, Z illa Balasore)
yielding annually a net profit o f Rs. 500.

The Raja expends monthly

a handsome sum to meet his daily charity to pilgrims and paupers, and
is always ready to lend hia helping hand to the public in all cases o f emer-

446

The Modern History o f

gency or need.

He has in commemoration o f tbe advent of Hia Royal

Highness the Prince o f W ales endowed the Balasore Z illa School with
two scholarships o f Rs, 8 each per month, tenable for tw o years at tho
Cuttack High School by students who successfully pass the Entranco
Examination but are not entitled to Government scholarships, and to
defray which Government Promissory Notes to the value o f
have been entrusted by him to the hands o f Government.

5,000,
A sum o f

Rs. 600 has also been paid by him to the Permanent Memorial Fund
at Cuttack, and he distributed clothes to tbe poor worth a large sum on
the Proclamation day o f

the assumption o f the title Empress o f

India" by H er Most Gracious M ajesty the Queen.

On the 21st M ay 1875, Raja Syama Nanda De Bahadur received
from the Government the title o f Rai Bahadur in recognition o f hia
liberality during the Orissa Famine o f 1866, and several other acta o f
public and private charity in the District o f Balasore,

The title o f

Raja was afterwards conferred on him by Government at the Imperial

A sse m b l^ e held at Delhi, on the 1st January, 1877.
The Raja is at present 63 years o f age, and has two promising sons,
viz., Kumar Baikantha N ath De, aged 29 years, and Kumar Sattendra
Nath De, aged 15 years only.
Kumar Baikantha Nath D e is an Honorary Magistrate and M uni
cipal Comtnissioner and M ember of almost all the Local Committees o f
Balasore.

He assists his father in both his public aud private business,

conducts a Printing Press, and undertakes the publication o f useful

books and magazines for the diffusion o f knowledge.

( Other Zamindars.J
BABU K A IL A S C H A N D R A GH OSE R A I M O H A S A Y A .
B abu K ailas C handra R ai M ohasata is the son o f Babn
Sriatidhar Rai Mohasaya, who was a very kiud-hearted and pious
Zamindar.

The forefathers o f Babu Kailas Chandra Rai Mohasaya,

have sprung from

the ancient Kayastha family o f

Juckpur near

Midnapur and Lackhannath near Jaleswar, who successively held the

the Indian Chiefs, Rajas, Zamindars,

447

post o f Saddar Kanunga during the time o f the Muhammadan rule,

and also in the early days o f the British Government, and received
from the former a Panj/% which ia still in his family and which having
been shewn to Mr. Beames, the late Collector and Magistrate o f Balasore,
he made the following remarks :
This P&nja cant&ina only quotations from the Koran and religions phrases of
the Muhammadan religion.

There is no name of any Padtha nor any date.

It

is tbe usual mark of dignity given to those who held any important offices under
the Muhammadan rulers.

The ancestors o f Babu Kailas Chandra Bai Mohasaya also enjoyed

the honours and privileges o f Goshtipatti* in the Kayastha Samaj o f
Midnapur and Balasore, and his family is a branch o f the Lackhannnth
Mohasaya family, from which it had been separated during the reign o f
Suja-ud-Dowla in accordance with an agreement made between Pratap
Narayan Rai and Lack! Narayan li a i; the former beiag the founder o f
the house in Dahurdal, and the latter was tbe headman of Lackbannaths
family.

Babu Kailas Chandra Rai Mohasaya o f Daliurdal now holds

several Zamindaries and petty Taluks in the Districts o f Balasore

and Midnapur, and has, on several occasions, received thanks from the
Government o f

Bengal for the active liberality and assistance he

rendered to the people during periods o f famine and distress.

He is at

present about 40 years o f age, and his son, Babu Aubinash Chandra Rai,
is only ten years old.

II. C U T T A C K ,
{ P r i n c i p a l F a m iU ts.)

I , T H E RAJ F A M I L Y O F K I L L A H D A R P A N .
P andit M asa tapra n , a descendant o f the ancient Kashmiri family
of Saroswat Brahman, came on a pilgrimage to the shrine of Jagannath,
settled at Cuttack, aud bought some landed property in the Province o f
Orissa, where he acquired much respect for bis great knowledge o f
Sanskrit and for several acta o f public utility and charity.

He wa^

448

The Modern History o f

succeeded by hia sou. Pandit O opi Nath, who bought at revenue sale the
Raj gee Killah Darpan on the 27th March, 1843> and entered into an
agreement to pay to the Government the same peshcnsh or tribute o f
Bs. 7,310-10-2 on the due date as the form er Raja.

In this way he

came to acquire all the powers enjoyed hy the former Rajas as one o f the
Tributary Chiefs.
The area o f Killah Darpan with the other Zamindaries, is 600
square miles.

Population 50,000, souls.

Annual incom e Rs, 44,000,

In this estate or Killah there are sevei'al hills among which the higiiest
is the Baroonabunta which contains two temples one is called Mohahinayoh Swayembhu, means, Mohaganapati K hetra of the H indu s; and
the other K a ri Sankar Swayffmbhu, i, e., one Swayembhu made o f two
images Hari and Sankar o i beautiful colors.

There ia a holy spot here,

called Amarahati Hagar, measuring three feet only, besides several

ancient temples, containing the images o f Indra, Indrani, and several
other Hindu goda and goddesses.
Pandit G opi Nath, with a view to better the condition o f hia ryaU,
had opened the Chutya,

Barchuua, and Newulpur Bazars, and exca

vated tanks and wells for public use.

H e assisted the British Govern

ment during the M utiny o f 1857, to quell the insurrection at Sambalpur

with men, elephants, and all sorts o f provisions for the soldiers.

Ho

died in 1859, and was succeeded by his minor son, Baidya Nath Pandit,
the present representative o f the family.
Pandit Baidya Nath was educated in the Calcutta W ards InstitutioD and on his attaining majority he was called upon by Government
in 1868 to assist the P olice in providing for the crossing o f the river
Brahmani which was then innuudated.

In the year 1870, he advanced

Rs. 9,000 to Government to encourage irrigation which was first started

in Killah Darpan, and in the year 1875 he opened a Charitable
Dispensary and Hospital at Dharmasala on the Grand Trunk Road for
the public convenience.

H e has established a Charitable Vernacular

School at Chutya, in K illah Darpan ; and annually contributes Rs. 500,

towards the Cuttack College, besides giving other donations, viz.,
Rs. 1,000 for the completion o f the N ew Market, Rs. 200 for the
estahlishmeut o f a Branch Dispensary, Rs. 100 towards the foundation

the Indian Chiefs, Rajas, Zamindars,

449

o f a Medical School, and Rs. 100 towards the erection o f the General'
Hospital Building these acts of

liberality being intended for Hio

benefit o f the Town o f Cuttack.

The title o f Raja Sri Vedamnrat Pandit Debsarma Bhobendra'
Bahadur, was conferred on the family by the ancient Hindu sovereigns,
and confirmed by the Maharaja o f Puri, but the title o f Rai Bahadur
is the only distinction conferred- by the British Government on Pandit
Baidya Nath on the 1st January, 1877, for his several acts o f liberality.
Rai Baidya Nath Pandit Bahadur ia now about 30 years.

Besides-

Rs. 6,000 on account o f Revenue aud cesses for other Zamindaries, he

pays Rs. 2,500 for oesses to which KUlah Parpan has-been assessed by
the Government.

I I . T H E R A J F A M I L Y O F P A R 1 K U 0 ;
A t the commencement o f the Moghal

Dynasty, Jadu Raj, thw

founder o f this Raj family, held possession o f Z illa Ban pur, in Kbordah^
Killah Parikud, and Pargannaa Badgercote and Satbpara.

These

estates were occupied by his successors down to the fourteenth genera*tion, but towards the fall o f the Mahratta Government the Maharaja o f
Puri fought against Raja Hari Seback and deprived him o f all hie
estates with the exception of Killah Parikud.

I t is said, that the Raja

o f Puri also destroyed the two strong forts o f Bank ad and Niladriprasadi
constructed by the ancestors o f Raja H art Scback, in Zilla Banpur in
Khordah.
W h en the H onble East India Company were taking possession
o f the Province, the Raja o f Parikud did not dare to meet the BritisR
forces; but they were assisted by Fatteh Muhammad, Jamadar o f
Malud, in crossing the Ghat at Manikpattan.

F or this service, Fatteh

Muhammad obtained from the Company as Jaghir the five Pargaunas,

tU ., Mahid,

Parikud, Undhari, Badgercote

and Mauikpattao.

It

was in this way that Killah Parikud was included among the Jaghir
Mahals, and its Raja was ordered to pay his quit rent to the Jaghirdor.
D uring the great Orissa Famine of 1866, Raja Chandra 6ikhor
Man Slog very largely relieved his ryats iu their distress, and was ia

450

The Modern History o f

conBequence created a Compaoion o f the Most Exalted Order o f the

Star o f India.
E aja Chandra Sikhor M an S in g ,c, s. i., died on the 4th June, 1872,
aud was succeeded by Gaur Chandra M an Sing Hari Chandan Mardaraj
llhramorbar R oy, the present Raja,

R aja Gaur Chandra Man Sing

received the title o f R aja from the Government on the 23rd December,
1872.

H o possesses many good qualities.

{Sundry Zamindars.)
B A B U K A L I P A D A B E N E R J I.
B abu K a l i P a d a B e k e iu i is a well-known Zamindar of Cuttack.
H is great grandfather, Ananda Chandra Bachaspati, was formerly an
inhabitant o f Kachrapara, Z illa N a d iy a ; and his grandfather, Bai cly a
N ath Benerji, and his father, Isan Chandra Benerji, held respectable
posts under Government, and became well known in Cuttack (Orissa),
Babu Kali Pada Benerji is an Honorary Magistrate and a leading
Member o f all the Public Committees o f Cuttack, and was selected as a
witness by the late Parlum entary Committee for Indian Finance,

He

has established a Press for the public good, and at present maintains a
H . C, E. School at Cuttack from his private purse, o f which he is
Secretary.

H e ia a young man of about 31 yeara o f age.

III.^ P U R I

OR

JAGANNATH.

(PrtTicipal Fam ilies.)

th e

E A J F A M I L Y O F K H O R D A H B E T T E R K N O W N AS
T H E R A J F A M IL Y O F P U R I O R J A G A N N A T H .

F b io e

to the gixtecnth century, the ancestors

passed as influential Zamiudars o f Orissa.

of

this R aj family

W hen about 1580, Man

Sing was deputed by Todar Mai to survey the lands in Orissa under
the Moghal Bandi system and to settle questions arising out o f disputes
het(Y9ea laudlordd and teuonts as to the

b o u n d a rie s

o f their respective

(he Indian Chiefs, Rajas, Zamindars, ^c.

lands, Ram

Chandra Deb, the then founder o f the

451

Khordah R;ij

family, evinced great ecal and disinterestedness in assisting Man Sing,

in his endeavours to settle claims and in preparing an accurato RentRoll.

In recognition of his valuable Bervices, Ram Chandra Deb,

amongst all other Orissa Zamindars, was created by Man Sing, the' first
hereditary Raja o f Orissa, and was rewarded with the free-hold o f a large
territery extending from Mahanadi (the northern boundary o f Cuttack)
to K hcm tl near Ganjam (Madras P residency),

H e was in addition

appointed the hereditary guardian o f the celebrated temple o f Jagannath,

and had then the supremacy over upwards o f one hundred petty Zamindars
o f Orissa.

H e was eventually exalted to the title o f Maharaja, and

Was entrusted with the reins o f Government in that Province,

Khordah was the hereditary mountain stronghold o f
hence its members are known as the Khordah Rajas.

this Raj

T he dominion

of the Khordah Raj was so much extended that about the year 1798,
it had its northern boundary up to Tribeni near M ogra in Bengal.
T ho names o f the descendants o f Maharaja Ram Chandra Deb,
with dates o f their accession to the Qaddi, are given b e lo w :
Ram Chandra Deb, tbe First k, d . 1530.

Krishna Deb,

Purushottam Deb,

Gopi Nath Deb, A. D. 1770.

A,

n. 1609,

A , D.

1716.

N arsin g D eb, A . D , 1630.

Bam Chandra Deb, the Second

Gangadhar Deb,

A, d ,

1655.

Dribya Sing Deh, the Second

Balabhadra Deb,

a .d

1656.

M akunda Deb, the Second

Makunda Deb, the First

Dribya Sing Deb,

th e

A . D.

First

1664.

. n.

1773.

.d .

1786.

Ram Chandra Deb, the Third,

A .D .

1798.

.d .

1818.

1697.

Up to 1818, Khordah Raj was the appanage o f the H indu Chiefs

who represented the old reigning family o f Orissa, the Qajapatti line.
Here, in their mountain stronghold, they survived the storms o f the
Muhammadan and Mahratta iuvasions, and here they foolishly tried in
1818 tbeir feeble strength against the E nglish conquerors o f
Mahrattas.

the

The result o f the rebellion was the loss o f Khordah,* and

the retirement o f the Raja| to Puri.

A s the representative o f the ruling

Khordah is at present a Qovemment Khas Mahal,

t Ram Chandra Deb, the Third.

452

The AToderfl History o f

branch o f the ancient royal family the elder branch fmrvives in the
Zamindars o f Dul the Rtya o f Kliordah was hereditary guardian o f
the temple o f Jagannath. *
Ram Chandra Deb, the third, was succeeded by his son, Birkishori
D eb; who occupied the Qaddi for a few years.

H e was followed by

R aja D ribyaSing Deb, who was transported Tor life in 1878, on convic
tion o f the offence o f causing the death o f a Byragh

Raja Dribya Sing D eb is a young man of 24 or 25, and waa

adopted by the lato Baja*

H is natural father is R aja of Khem ti, a

small Zamindari in ih e Ganjam District,

H e claims, both as Thakur

R q ja aud Raja o f Khordah, precedence over the tw enty-six chiefs o f

the Orissa Quijats,

The first great blow to this ascendancy was given

when the Chiefs were allowed to sit in the Commiasioaera presence, as

well as the Raja,

The next was the grant o f sannads to the Hill Chiefs

dn 1874, when Sir Richard Temple presided at the Cuttack Darbar.

T he sannad was witdiheld from the P uri Chief, because he could not
reconcile himself to the new precedence then created.

A t the last

Darbar, in which the Raja was present, his chair was numbered 27.

He

was placed at the head o f the Zamindars, but below the Chiefs holding
a semi-independent position.

Tbis caused immense dissatisfaction.

T he Kaj as were almost as much hurt as their quomdam superior, and,

in deference to their wishes, chair N o. 27 was brought to the head of
the TOW, but placed a little in rear.

This arrangement the Baja deli

berately disregarded, and his chair waa then placed at such a distance
as to make it the top o f the second row.

H e then rose and demanded

permission to leave the darbar, and, on this being refused, waited sullenly
until the ceremony was oyer and then went off to P uri without taking
leave. The Commissioner, who has been his consistent frieUd all through,
received a telegram in answer to an application he had made, announc
in g the intention o f the Government to confer the title o f Maharaja on
the Puri Raja, but, as the Chief had left so discourteously, the matter
dropped.

A s to the estimation in which the Puri Raja is held by the

Ooryia people, it is sufficient to say that his appearance anywhere in

The JEnglUhman o f the 26 th March, 1873.

the Indian Chiefs, Rajas, Zamindars, 4'o.

453

tbe province would be the signal for tbe popnlace to prostrate them
selves and to pay him the reverence usually accorded to their divinities.**
It is said, that Raja Dribya Sing Deb has aa infant son.

S e c t io n

I I . T H E N O R T H -W E S T E R N P R O V IN C E S
AND OUDH.

Chapter LThe North-Western Provinces.

I. B E N A R E S .
(P rincipal Mtmtlies, Nollcs, and Eminent M en.)
I. P A N D I T
T hb ancestors o f

BAPU

D E V A

S A S T R I,

c. i.

e.

Pandit Bapu Deva Sastri, c. i. s ., settled in

Tonka ou the Godaveri, a village situated iu the District o f Ahmednagar.

They acquired wealth by carrying on some money transactions, and were
respected by many for their good position and learning in the Vedat,
Sita Ram Deva, the father of Pandit Bapu Deva Sastri, was also
particularly noted for his knowledge o f the Yedas,
and was skilled in mechanics and the fine arts.

H e knew Medicine,

Mr. L. Wilkinson, who

was at his time the Political A gen t at Sehore, entertained a very high
opinion o f him, and in the course o f an interview with him, remarked,
** if you had been in England, you would have been Sir Sita Ram .
Pandit Bapu Deva Sastri was b om in Puna on the 1st November,
1821.

W hile yet a child, he entered a school to study the Veda*.

At

thirteen years o f age he began learning Sanskrit, and before completing

his fifteenth year he was admitted into a Marathi School as a mathema
tical student, and made a considerable progress in this branch o f study.
In the year 1837, he removed with his father to Nagpur, where he studied
with great diligence the Sanskrit grammar Eaumudi and some Sanskrit

* T h e linglithman of the 26th M u c h , 1878.

The Modern History o f

454

mathemstical works, such as, LiJavafi, Bijaganita, ^ c.

On one

occasion.

Mr. L. W ilkinson had visited Nagpur, and on Bapu Deva Sastris paying
him a visit was

to

so

much pleased with his attainments, that he took binx

Sebore after having taken permission from his learned father.

in the morning he read the

Here

(Sanskrit Astronomy by

Bhaskaracharya) In the Sanskrit College, and in the afternoon taught

Arithmetic and Algebra to the students o f the Hindi School.

Thus

having passed nearly two years o f his life he was appointed Professor of
Mathematics in the Sanskrit College, Benares, at the strong recommendatign of Mr. W ilkinson to Government.

Here in February 1842, he

commenced his services by teaching M athematics and Astronomy.

In

1853, he was rewarded with a Khilat, worth R s.2,000,by Mr. Thomason,

the then Lie\xtenant-Governor,for having composed atreatise on A lgebra
in Hindi, on Western principles.

H e wrote some other valuable works,

viz.. Arithm etic and Trignometry in Sanskrit, an English translation o f

the Surya-Sidhanta and a supplement to a version o f the Qoladhyaya
o f the Sidhanta-Siromani by Mr, L . W ilkinson, together with new
and fresh notes printed in

the Bibliothica-Indica, in Calcutta, and

the second part o f the Bijaganita in Hindi,

F or his last work he was

rewarded at Allahabad in a full Darbar with a purso o f Rs, 1,000,

together with a pair o f shawls by Sir W illiam Muir, LientenantG ovem or o f the North-W estern Provinces.

A t the suggestion

of

Mr. Kempson, the late Director o f Public Instruction, North-W estern

provinces, he wrote also a Hindi Arithm etic (com plete in tw o parts)
which was much approved by him, and the Government.
author o f several other brochures in Sanskrit,

H e is also an

In. 1864, the Royal

Asiatic Society o f Great Britain and Ireland made him an H onorary

Member o f that Institution, and in 1868, the Asiatic Society o f Bengal
conferred on him the same honour.
o f the Calcutta

In 1869, he was made a Fellow

University, but this

honours were awaiting him.

was

not

all

as some more

H e was invested with the Insignia o f a

Companion o f the Order o f tbe Indian Empire, as a mark o f personal

distinction in recognition o f his valuable services to tbe country.
Pandit Bapu Deva Sastri, c, i. e ., has acquired a knowledge of
almost everything that could improve or adorn tbe mind.

He is highly

the Indian Chiefs, Rajas, Zamindars,

455

accomplished and endowed with great talents, enlarged, cultivated, aud

Tehued by education.
IT. T H E M IT T E R F A M IL Y ,
T his is an off-sboot o f the ancient and respectable family o f
Govinda Kam Mitter of Kumartoli, Calcutta,
Govinda Kam held a respectable employment under the H on 'b le
East India Company in the days when Mr. Zeplmniah H olwell was
Governor of Calcutta, and had acquired such local iuflueuce that he was
styled the Black Deputy or M ayor o f Calcutta.
1766

A .D .,

H e died in

leaving hia only surviving sou, Raghu Nath Mitter.

Ragliu

Nath bad fom* sons, o f whom the youngest Auaudamaya Mitter, on

account o f some family dispute, left Calcutta and settled at Chowkhamba,
Benares.
Anandamaya held the employment o f Dewan to tho Collector o f
Rajsliahye, aud acquired immense wealth.

A t Benares he performed

the Durga and K a li Pujas with the same great eclat with which they
are still hold by bis descendauts.

H e died in

A,

.,

1819, leaving an

only surviving son, Rajendra M itter, who lived in a princely style at

Benares, and on account o f bis numerous cboiitable acts was known iu
that holy city aa Raja Rajendra Mitter,
Rajendra.Mitter gave away without compensation to Government
8^ Bigalis o f land for a part o f the Grand Trunk Road from Raj ghat
to Benares running through his estate Mukdumpur, and contributed

handsome sum towards the construction o f an Entrance Gateway to Gie

now Benares College.

For these, and several other acts o f liberality and

public spirit, he received from Government a Khilat o f seven Parohas,

i.e ., o f seven articles, consisting o f a string of pearls, a diamond ring, a
golden belt, au embroidered turban, Jama, Pajama, and a PalkV* as a
mark o f honour.

H e died on the 26th January, 1856, and bia tw o

sons, Babus Guru Das Mitter and Baroda Das Mitter received a letter
o f sympathy from the H onble Mr. J. R . Colvin, the then Lieutenant'
Governor of the North-Western Provinces.
Babu Guru Das Mitter as a worthy son o f hia worthy father ren
dered good services during the mutiny o f 1857, and received a K hilat,

456

The ATodem History o f

worth Rs. 2,000, from G overnm ent

In concert with hia younger brother,

Babu Baroda Das Mitter, he contributed Ks. 6,000 towards the cons
truction o f a well of pure water for the use o f the inmates o f the Blind
and Leper Asylum at Benares, and made a princely gift o f five Municipal
6 per cent Loan Debentures, aggregating R s. 5,000, for the permanent
support o f the Chowk Dispensary in the same city.
bestowed Rs. 1,000, on the Allahabad C o lle g e ;

Both have since

Ks. 6,000, towards

the Memorial in honour o f H is Royal Highness the Prince o f Wales*

visit to In d ia ; R s, 500, in aid of the Charitable Famine Relief Fund
formed at Rajshahye in 1 8 7 4 ; and R s. 1,000 towards the charitable
relief of the poor and destitute in 1878.
Babu Guru Das Mitter offered R s. 3,6 0 0 towards the expense o f
erecting an hospital for Europeans on a portion o f the ground attached
to the Asylum founded by Raja Kali Sankar; and contributed hand
somely towards the bridal offerings sent from the H o ly city to their
Royal Highnesses the Prince

and Princess o f Wales, for which he

received thanks from the Prince through the Secretary of State for
India.

He has also recently received another Khilat from Government

for his enlightened liberality and public spirit.

Babus Guru Das M itter and Baroda Das M itter

have actually

followed the foot-steps o f their noble father ; and their liberality and
munificence, have from time to time, been acknowledged b*y Government
with thanks

They have gained the highest approbation, love, and

esteem o f both the Europeans and N atives o f Benares, and elsewhere

for their courteous and gentle habits.

Their names are also to be found

in the Governor Generars Darbar List o f the " Hereditary Nobility of

Benares, and we trust that they will soon have some marks o f dis
tinction for their long continued liberality aud public utility.
Guru

Das

Mitter, b . a .

Mitter

bas

an intelligent son, Babu Prasanna

Babu
Badan

Babu Baroda Das Mitter has also one sou o f the name o f

Babu Promoda Das Mitter, who is an accomplished Sanskrit scholar,

and the author o f several Sanskrit works.
This family possesses Zamindaries both in Rajshahy'e aud Benares.

the Indian Chiefs, Ttajas, Zamindars,

45t

I I I . T H E R A I F A M IL Y .
T his is one o f the most ancient aud respectable families at
Benares.

Rai Patnimal Das, tho celebrated Banker, who received the

title o f Raja from Government left two sons, Rai Sri Kishen Das and
Rai Ram Kishen Das.

The former died leaving two sons, Rai Narayan

Das and Rai Narsingh Das ; and the latter left four eons, viz., Rai
Kishavram Das, Rai Sitaram Das, Rai Puni^ottam Das, and Rai Bishen
Chand Das.

The present representatives of this family have from time

to time offered liberal contributions throngh the British authorities for

different charitable purposes.

I V . R A J A S IV A P R A S A D , c. s. i A N D H IS F A M I L Y .
T ow ards

the end o f the 11th century there was a man, named

Dhandhal o f the Panvar (Pramara Kshatriya) tribe in Ranthambhaur

(Jaipur territory).

Having obtained a son through the blessings o f a

Jain P ontiff (Sripujya) he embraced that religion and was included in

the Osval caste,

Ranthambhaur

being

taken and plundered by

Alauddin K hiiji, the family migrated to Ahmadabad and Chatnpaner

successively and settled ultimately at Khambhat.
Amardatt, 26th in descent from Dhandhal, presenting a diamond to
Shah Jahan pleased him so much that the Emperor conferred on him
the title o f Rai, brought him to Delhi and appointed him his Mukim
or Jeweller.
R ai Amardatt died leaving one son, named Rai Uday Chand who
married Dhan Bai, the sister o f Seth Manik Chand o f Murshidahad.
Rai Uday Chand had three sons, viz., Rai Subhag Chand, R ai Mittrasen,
and Rai Fatah Chand,
Rai Fatah Chand obtained the title of Jagat Seth at the time of
Muhammad Shah for keeping down the price o f grains in Delhi when
famine was raging in that Province.

Jagat Seth Fatah Chand being

afterwards adopted hy his maternal unole, Seth Mauik Ciiand of

Murshidahad succeeded to his property aud settled there.
A fter the Dellii Massacre by Nadir Shah in which Rai Subhag
Chand

and Rai Mittrasen, the elder brothers o f Jagat Seth Fatah

58

458

The Modern History o f

Chond| were kilted the remaining members o f the family went down to
reside in MursiudabaJ.

Rai Subhag Chand left one son, Rai Amar

Chand, whose son was Raja Dal Chand,

Jagat Seth Fatah Chand bad

two sons, Seth Daya Chand aud Seth Anand Chand,

The former had

on e son, Maharaj Sarup Chand, and the latter had also one issue named
Jagat Seth M ah tab Rai,

The three cousins, ilaharaj Saiup Chand,

Jagat Seth Mali tab R ii and R aja Dal Chand were arrested by Nawab
Kasim A li Klian on account o f their taking up the cause o f the British
and joining Lord Clive.

Raja Dal Cliand alone escaped and reached

Benares where he ended his days under the protection o f the Nawab
Vazier o f Oudh.

H ow Kasim A li took the two cousins Sarup Chand

and Mahtab Rai with him in bis flight to M onghyr and killed them
both is well known.
Raja Dal Chand died leaving bis son Raja Uttam Chand, who also
had only oue son, named Babu Gopi Chand.
Raja Siva Prasad is the son o f Babu Gopi Chand and great grandson
o f Raja Dal Chand.

He lost hia father when only eleven or twelve

years o f age, and was brought up by his excellent mother and most excel
lent grandmother, who is said to be an ornament o f her sex.

H e owes

hia education, though very scanty, to the Benares College, then only an
English Seminary, but he is a self-made and self-improved man.

So

early as in the 17th year o f hia ago, he accepted the post o f Yakil o f
H is Highness the late Maharaja o f Bhavatpur to attend the Court o f
Colonel Sutherland, the then Governor Generals A gent at Ajmere, in
which capacity he attended Lord Ellenboronghs Darbar at Delhi.

Of

course nature had not formed him to suit the intrigues of the native
Darbars, which, if his word is to be taken, he found rotten to the
bottom .

He quarrelled with the Maharaja and returned home.

W hen the

Sikh W ar broke out, R aja Siva Prasad went up to

Firozpur, joining M r. W illiam Edwards, the then Under-Secretary in

tbe Foreign Department o f the Government of India from Saharanpur
and accompanying the convoy under

Brigadier Eckford.

H e was

appointed Naib Mir Miinshi (F oreign Department) and afterwards Mir

MunsM o f the Simla A gen cy when Mr, Edwards became Superintendent
of the protected H ill States,

W hen Mr. Edwards in 1S51 or 1853

tfu Indian Chiefs, Rajas, Zamindars,

459

went home on furlough, Raja Siva Prasad resigned and on account o f tho
old age of his mother intetiLted to live a private life in Benares, bnt
Mr. Henry. C. Tucker, the then Governor GeneruFs Agent at Benares,
prevailed on him to accept the Mir Munsltiship o f tbe Benares A gency,
and afterwards obtained for him from tbe Government the post o f Joint
Inspector in the Department o f

Public Instruction.

Sir W illiam

Muir made him full Inspector in the Third Grade and after serving the
Government for thirty years, he has now retired ou the full pension o f
lis. 5,000 per annum (maximum allowed to tlie Uucovenaiited Officers),
and is living at Benares,

H e has two sons aud three grandsons.

He

has some landed property in Benares and also in the Goraekpur District.
Tlie title o f Raja, the Companionship o f the Most Exalted Order
of the Star of India, the medal for the battle o f Sabraon, the rewards
in land, in khilati, watches, Jtc., speak highly o f the valuable services
he has rendered to the Government and his country in the Political
Department as well as in the Department o f Public lostru ction ia
the time o f war and mutiuies, as well as o f peace.

I I . _ c A \V N P U R ,
(Principal Eamilies.)
M A H A R A J R E O T I R A M T E W A U P S F A M IL Y .
M a u a r a j*

eoti

Ram

ew ari

during the K abul and Lahore Wars.

waa a Government contractor,

He honestly performed his duties

ill supplying the requirements o f the Commissariat Department, and hia

character wae spotless.

He passed bis life in the exercise o f acts o f

charity aud o f prayer.

Sixteen years before his death ho abstained

from eating grains, but only lived on milk, fruits, and sugar.

He died

peacefully at the age o f 58, leaving an only sou, Maharaj Prag Narayan
Tewari, and lits two grandsons, viz., Ganga Narayan Tewari, and Jamna
Narayau Tewari.

'

'

* Tbe Brahmans ot the N, W , Provinces are generally called Maharaj,

460

The Alodern History o f

During the mutiny o f 1857, Maharaj Prag Narayan Tewarl gave

refuge to several Europeans and civil officers ; and saved their lives by
coiicealing them in his house.

H e protected the Government Treasury

at Cawnpur, and supplied the requirements o f the Government at

Alambagh in Lucknow.

H e also assisted many Europeans in Cawnpur,

and provided their wants for winch the mutineers plundered his own
property.

W hen the mutiny was over tho Government conferred on

him some Jaghlrs in recognition o f his past services. He is now a

Member of the Cawnpnr Municipality and a Manager o f the temple
o f Rangachari at Brindaban and of the estate attached to the said
temple.

He has dedicated temples to Lukshmi Narayan at Cawnpur.

The wortli o f this temple including its estate together with shops and
houses attached to it is about Rs. 5,00,000.

This estate is under the

management o f a Committee o f which the said Maharaj is the President,

but he has nothing to do with it as it is Debatra.

The Sribaishnavas

are entertained in this temple and are provided with food, clothing, &c.,
according to certain rules prescribed for them.

Like his father Maharaj

Prag Narayan is also a charitable, good-natured, religious mau.

He

has Taluks in tlie District o f Cawnpur, o f which the principal one ia

Ghaturapur in Parganna Jajpur.

He and his two sons, Ganga Narayan

Tewari and Jamna Narayan Tewari, are respectable Talukdars, Bankers,

&c., and their gross animal income is Rs. 1,00,000.

11 L E T A W A H.
( Sundrg Zamindars, )
B A B U

G I R I D H A R

D A S .

B abu G ik iu u a r D as, o f Etawah, is the son o f the late Babu Tek

Chand, who died at the age o f 60 years.

During tbe sovereignty of

the Emperor o f Delhi and the Kings o f Oudh, the ancestors o f Babu
Giridliar D-vs were most respectable Jaghirdars o f the Pargannas of
Dicha/ and Chuklaidars o f K orha Jehanabad in which place they built

the Indian Chiefs, Rajas, Zamindars,

461

a Dharmasaln, excavated wells, &c,, for public good, and by their own
influence made Nirpat Sing Raja of PerUpnaggar ( a place situated in
the Parganna o f Etawab).

One o f the descendants o f Raja Kirpat Sing,

named RajaLukindar Sing, is now living and owning the same estate.
The ancestors o f Babu Giridhar Das also purchased ses eral Zamindariea in Etawab, and erected there some buildinga with gardens, tanks,
&c., partly for their own use, and partly for the advantage of the public.
They established at a large expense two Kunjas or Rest-houses at the
two celebrated religious places o f tha Hindus, viz., Mathura and
Brindaban, where poor pilgrims aie received and fed.
Bfibu Giridhar Das has inherited all the ancestral estates, and
improved several o f the benevolent institutions founded by bis fore
fathers.

He U an intelligent Zamindar and an Honorary Magistrate

o f Etawah, and is now about forty-four years o f age.

I V

J A N S I .

{Principal Families.)
RAJA

KASHO

R aja K asuo

K A O D A N K A R B A H A D U R , O F G U R S A R A I.
R ao D a n k a r

B a h .u j u e o f

Gursarai, Janst, North-

W estern Provinces, is the son o f Dankar Rao Anna.

Raja holds

the hereditary Jaghir o f Gursarai, and some villages which have been
bestowed upon lus sons by the British Government in the Districts o f
Jansi and Jaloun for their loyal services during the Mutiny o f 1857,
aud o n which account he was also honored with a Khilat and the title
o f Raja Bahadur.
During the famine of

1868, Raja Kasho R ao Dankar Bahadur

maintained a Charitable Alms House for the support o f the poor people,
and has kept upon to this day a Sadabrata, i. e., a place where alms
are daily distributed to poor and helpless men.

In 1870, he offered a

subscription of Ra. 4,000, for the Central M uir College, Allahabad, and
he snpports the Anglo-Vernacular School o f Gursarai, which has been
c ' f ... !iiihed by Government at hia special request.

The Raja is a profi-

r.u ii Sanskrit scholar, aud has opened several Toles or schoola in

462

The Modern History o f

Gursar&i for the study o f Sanskrit.

He is at present above 83 yeara o f

age, aud his sou, Kumar Atmaram Balkishen Baba Saheb is 54 years
o f age.

V . J A U N P U R .
{Sundry Zamindars.)
M O U L V IE S A V E D T A F A Z Z U L H O S SE IN K H A N .
M oulvie S ated T afazzdl H ossein K han is the son o f Sayed
Tassuduk

Hossein Khan, and

a descendant o f

Sayed Muhammad

Durwaish who came to lud)a with his family from Arabia, and settled
at Jaunpur in a place, now called M ufta M ohulla,

after the title

Mufta which Sayed Mobarrnfc received from one o f the K ings o f

Delhi.

Several o f the ancestors o f M oulvie Sayed Tafazzul Hossein

Khan were autliors of Persian and Arabic works, and held good posts
under the Muhammadan Emperore, who also bestowed ou them the
highest honours; but his father Sayed Tassuduk Hossein Khan was
employed under the Britisli Government as Saddar Suddul, and
died before the Mutiny o f J857,
M oulvie Sayed Tafazzul Hossein Khan is now 60 years o f age,
and bolds Zaiiundaries in Jaunpur and other places, yielding an annual
income o f Rs. 8,000 inclusive o f Government revenue.
man.

He is a pious

H e devotes much o f his time to worsiiipping God, and doing

public good, such as, educating the pov)r, supi)lving the sick with food
and medicines, and giving alms to travellers, &c.

V I M

A T H U R A .

{p rin cip a l Families, )

T H E SETT F A M IL Y OF M A T H U R A .
P arak ji , the founder o f this well-known family, left an adopted son,
Manilalji.

Manilalji liad three sons, Sett Lachnii Chandjr Rao Bahadur,

Sett Radha Kishenji, and Sett G ov in la Dasji, c,s.i.

The first Sett

the Indian Chiefs, Rajas, Zamindars,

463

Lachmi Chandji received tlie title o f Rao Baliadur together witli a

Jaghir from Qavernoieiit iu recognition of liia services during the
Mutiny o f 1856-57.

He left one son, Sett Rnglm Nftth Dasji.

Sett Radha Kiahenji, the second son o f Manilalji, died leaving one
Bon Lachman Dasji.
^ t t Govinda Dasji, c.s.i., the youngest son o f Manilalji, was a
highly respectable noble and banker in Mathura, and for his eminent
services he was invested with the Insignia o f a Companion o f the Most
Exalted Order o f the Star of India.

He died in 1S78.

The Sett family have raised a magnificent temple at Brindaban

at an enormous cost.

An Alms House is also attached to this Hindu

temple, where a good number o f poor are daily fed.

daapter II,Pratabgarh (Oudh.)

(Sundry Zamindars.)
B AB U L A L M A H E S B U X OF D A H U A W A N .
B abd L al M ahes B ux , Assistant Commissioner of Barabanki and
Talukdar of Dab ua wan in the District of Partabgarh (O udh) ia the
son of Lal Bissesvar Bux, a descendant o f the family o f HommalIt is said tliat Manlk Cliand, Raja o f Manikpar, once came to
bathe at the confluence o f the three sacred rivers, the Ganges, Jamna,
and Saraswati, and there met 'Hommal, one o f his relatives, whom he
brought home to hie capital and offered his daughter in marriage.
Raja Manik Chand died, and was succeeded by bis son-in-law Hommal,
who, after his death, left the estate to Puranmal.

After the death o f

Furanmal, the principality was divided amongst his three sons,

E oraa

obtained the Taluk of Ram pur ; Khem Karan that o f Dera ; and Rai
Kassu that o f Dhingwas.

A t the death o f Khem Karan the estate o f

Dera was again partitioned, and Hummat Saha obtained aa hia share
the Taluk o f Dahuawaa iu the District of Partabgarh, Oudh. ^

464

The Modern History o f

HuTnmat fell in battle, while fighting bravely against the Nawabs

Nazim.

He was succeeded by Gaj Sing, Ram* Bux, Bhairo Bux, A jit

Bux, Siv Dyal, Bissesvar Bux, and Lai Mahes Bux, tbe present Talnkdar.
Bahu Lai Mahes Bux was tlie first to learn English, and had it
taught in his family.

Sir George Couper,

Chief Commissioner of

Oudh, appointed him an Assistant Commissioner.

He 1ms gainfil the

confidence o f Government as also the public, and is now about 32 years

of age.

S ection I I I . T H E PAN JAB .

Chapter

I .A m r i t s a r .

{Principal Nobles and Eminent Men.)

S IR D A R

M A N G A L SIN G R A M G H A R I A , c. a. i.

T h e late Sirdar Mangal Sing Ramgharia, c. s. i., of Amritsar,

W as a

descendant o f Sirdar Jassa Sing Ramglmria wlio co-operated

with that rich and powerful chief Sirdar Hari Sing o f Sialba in 1778
in routing the Pattiala General with tlie loss of several hundred men
and in taking Diwau Nanun Mul and Mohan Sing as prisoners.
Sirdar J a s s a Sing Ramgharia was the most distinguished le a d e r
of

the c o n f e d e r a c y o f that name.

H e firat fortified the v i l l a g e of

Amritsar, now the Commercial metropolis o f the Panjab, and took pos
session o f almost all the Northern pertlon o f the Bari Doab, the
country between the Rivers Bias and Ravi.

A confederacy o f Chiefs

was formed against him, the Bliangis, Ranh eyas, and Sukarchakias,
headed

by Jassa Sing Ahluwalia, and he was expelled from the Doab

and fled to Sirsa and Harriana, where he supported himself by plunder

and by s e l l i n g his s e r v i c e to w h o m e v e r w o u ld buy tbem , as on th e above
O c c a s io n

to Hari Sing Sialba.

* Ram Bux ia still

th e a u th or o f
Q i-a m m a r ,

know n

iS h a ik h t a r ,

to

several

a valuable work

Pandits

Nagopebbatta,
oa the faniui b a u a k r i t

as th e p a tro n o f

o f coa u n erL ta ry

ihe Indian Chiefs, Rajas, Zamindars, ^'c.

465

In 1783 Sirdar Jassa Sing retnrned to Amritsar, and recovered

a large part o f his posaessiona.

They were, however, confiscated by

Maharaja Raujit Sing, on the death o f his son Jodh Sing in 1816.
A fter the death o f Sirdar Jassa Sing, Raja Balbir Sen o f Mandi,.
who was well disposed towards the British, surrounded Sirdar Mangal
Sing ^amgharia on the 4th February 1846, then stationed at the town
o f Mattdi, and the I>ahore detachment would moat certainly have beeu
utterly destroyed, had not the S kdar begged hard for the lives o f himseU
and his men.

This request was granted and they were escorted to

the Kangra frontier about seventy-five miles distant.

Thence, contrary

to the solemn assurances of Mangal Sing and his followers, they

returned by a double march,burnt a number o f villages round Kamlagarb,
and threw themselves into one o f the forts, while the Mandi troopa
were employed elsewhere.*
Sirdar Mangal Sing was in charge o f the Golden Temple at
Amritsar.

H e afterwards rendered some good serviceB to the British

Government for which he was invested with the Insignia o f a Companiono f the M ost Exalted Order o f the Star o f India.

H e died in February

1879, aud his surviving son Sirdar Goordot Sing Kamgharia is an

Inspector

Police, Jullundar.

Chapter

I I *D e 1 h i . f

(Principal Kebles.y
I M O S H A R R A F -U D -D O L A H N A W A B N A B I B A K S H K H A N
B A H A D U R D E LAW A R JA N G .
MosHARRAr-UD-DoLAB N awab

N abi B aesh K hah

B ah a d v b

D elawar J axo is the son o f the late Nawab Golam Muhammad K han
Bahadur.

During

the reign of Muhammad Akbar Shah II., he held

the rank o f an ambassador to ihe court o f Delhi, and had the honour
From Lepel Gitffiua Panjab Bajaft,
f About the Delhi Frinoea, vide Fart I, The Native States** of this work,
page 216,
S9

466'

The Modern History o f

o f receiving from the K ing the most exalted title of Mosharraf-Ud'Dolah

Nawab Nabi Baksli Khan Bahadur Delawar Jang, besides K hilai con
sisting o f seven parchas, i. e., clothes o f honour and three pieces o f
jewellery.
The fonr well-known villages, viz., Korali, Narangpnr, Balirola and
Mator situated ill the Meerub District, were afc first in the possesgio#i o f
the Nawab a family, who were subsequently ousted by the K ing o f
Delhi.

The K ing, however, used to pay for sometime half the income

o f the villages to the Nawabs father, and afterwards some monthly and
half-yearly allowances which were eventually stopped b}" Bahadur Shah,
the last K ing o f Dellii.

The Nawab being highly disappointed at tho

stoppage o f these allowances, represented the matter for redress to the

British A gen t afc Delhi, who wrote several times to the K ing Bahadur
Shah in his favour, but the K ing replied that he had no business to
interfere in such royal matters.

Meanwhile, the Sepoy

Mutiny broke

oufc, and on its termination the British Government confiscated the four
villages mentioned above considering them to be the personal properly
o f Bahadur Shah, the last K ing o f Delhi, and the Nawab laid bis
appeal before the authorities in England through Mr, Richard Charit-s
Saunders, a Barrister practising before tlie Privy Council,

The Nawab

is in the possession o f a few lauded properties, and is nearly 92 years

o f age.
During the M utiny o f 1857, the Nawab showed his strong loyalty
to the British

Government by presenting a petition to Baiiadur Shah

urging on him in very serious terms the necessity o f u-^ing bi3 influence
witli the soldiery and others to protect the live? of the seveial ladies
and children then in confinement in the Palace, and at the sametimo
induced Mirza Mo >hal, the favourite sou o f Bahadur Shah, the E x-K ing
o f Delhi, to enter into terms of peaco witli the British Government.

The

Nawab also wrote on the subject to Mr. Greathed, the Commissioner of

Meerut at the British Camp, through his own servant Ilaji Begg, who
was unfortunately ma?aaered by tbe mutineer Bakhfc Khan on the road.
AVhen Delhi was captured tlie petition above referred to was accidently
found in tho Palace.

The Nawab has received from Government a sum

o f Rs. 500, as a reward for bis having at tho risk o f his owui life

the Tndlan Chiefs, Rajas, Zamindars, ^c,

4C7

presented a petition to Bahadur Shah, the E x-King o f Delhi, to protect

tlie lives of the ladies and children then imprisoned in the Palace.
M ajor H arriot states in his work entitled The Delhi K ings Trial
that the Nawab did not at the time hold such a position aa to entitle
him to petition tbe E x-K ing on the subject, but we believe, that he has
misrepresented the case, as the Naw.ab waa au old ambassador o f the
time o f Bahadur Shah s father, which was as dignified a post aa that
of a m iu ia t o r , and that the Nawab w a a always respected by K ing
Akbar II., and Bahadur Shall o f whom tbe former wrote about him on
the 8th April, 1835, to the Bi iti-rh A gent at Delhi that he was an here
ditary servant and one of the old pillars o f the State, and that his
representations should be looked upon as indicative o f His Majestys
wishes.
The Nawab, we understand, has not yet received any other rewards
from Government, such as, Jaghirs, etc., besides the sum above alluded
to as Mr, Phillip.

H. Egerton, Deputy Commissioner of Kangra, and

late o f Delhi, states in hia certificate, dated Kangra 12th December,

18C2, given to this Muhammadan Nobleman that In 1857, when the
records o f tbe E x-K ing of Delhi were seized and examined, a verystrong feeling in favour o f tho Nawab was excited by a petition from
him to the E x-K ing, which waa then found remonstrating against;
the murder o f English women and children who had been collected in
the Palace, which was then in contemplation.

M r. Saunders Officiat

ing Commissioner at Delhi, sent him a reward o f Rs, 500, at the time,
and I believe he has never received any thing more from our Govern
ment.

I have always given tho old man credit for this act, by which at

the risk o f his life, and apparently in the interest o f humanity aloue,
he protested against a barbarous and savage massacre.
The Times of India, the Pioneer, and Ibe Delhi Gazette have also
favourably represented tlie Nawabs loyal acts to the Government in
their papers of the 5th, 28th, and the 3 Jth November ISTG respectively.
The Nawab, on his late pilgrimage to Mecca, Medina, and E gypt,
received a letter o f introduction from H is Excellency the Governor o f
Bombay to the British Consuls ; and met with a kind reception from
the Consul at Jedda, who favoured him with introductory letters to

The Modern H isiory o f

468

th e Sheriff and the Pasha o f Mecca,

H e l. so obtained from the

Sultans Ambassador letters lef introduction to the M ecca authorities,

which made his journey a very iiappy one.
The Nawab is a worthy, intelligent, and meritorious old nobleman,
nnd his compilation o f a work, entitled Adal-i-ahal-i-Farang, has been
highly spoken o f by several distinguished British Officers and the E du
cational Societies o f the Panjab, N. W . Provinces, and other places.
Uolonel R. A .

Napier, A . C. Magistrate Delhi, stated in hia letter,

dated Delhi, 11th May 1874, that This book contains tbe essence o f
loyalty.

The writer with honesty and candour clearly shows how very

much happier the natives o f India are under the British rule, where
justice is meted out to all impartially.

The writer brings up facts

from Indian H istory showing that cruelty and oppression was exercised
sinder the

Muhammadan and Hindu rule,

Nawab N abi Baksh Khan

well deserves the respect o f the English in consideration o f bis huma

nity in saving the lives o f the European prisoners,
I t is a matter

of

deep regret, that tbe N aw aFs only

son,

6harf-U d-Dolah Golam AH K han died in the year 1879, at the age o f 51
years.

I I , P A N D IT S A R U P N A R A Y A N , c . i. e P O L I T I C A L A G E N T
A N D D E P U T Y B H IL A G E N T , M A N P U R ,
T h o u g h a Brahman o f Kashmir, by descent, the connection o f
his family with that happy country broke six generations back on the
father s side.

W hatever the occupations o f the fam ily in Kashmir, his

immediate ancestors had to live by service, a lot, to which they were

bound irrevocably by th e custom o f

the Tribe in Hindustan.

Kashmir Pandit, out of the Valley, engaging in trade or other profes

sion, is still looked dowu b y his equals in the Tribe here.

Following

this custom, Pandit Sarup Narayans grandfather served during the first
years o f his own life in Lucknow , aud latterly with ihe Nawaba of
Ferazpur in the D istrict o f Gurgaon.

H o was Tehsildar at Bichore, in

that Parganna,and there the axibject o f our sketch waa borninScptem ber,
182^.

On the state o f Ferazpur being resumed about the year 1833-36)

iJte Indian Chiefs, Rajas, Zamindars,

469

as a pnnishraent for the murder o f Mr. S. Fraser, the family removed

to Delhi, where Pamlit Sarup Narayan received hia education.

Ha

was brought up privately at first in Persian and his stay, while so

engaged, was partly at Delhi and partly with hia father who held
appointment in the Mofussil in the Government Inland Customs line.
The superior advantages, however, o f Euglish education being now
generally understood, Pandit Sarnp Narayan was placed in the Delhi
College when aged about eleven.

There being no University system

in vogue then in India, he had to content himself with the kind o f

instruction that was then available.

Happily for him the College at

Delhi was one o f the best conducted educational institutions at tha

time and the instruction imparted there was o f a first rate.

Passing

the lower classes in about four yeara, Pandit Sarup Narayan soon
reached the Second Division o f the First Class, which was practically
the real First Class o f the College, as the only tw o students in the First
Division above him, retained their places in the College more as pro
fessors and teachers than as students.

In his Class Pandit Sarup

Narayan soon earned one o f the highest scholarships then open and
retained it for about three years, during which time he went rapidly
through the course o f

prescribed studies, embracing as they did,

Literature, Mathematics as far as the calculus, Natural aud M oral Philo

sophy, Political Econom y, &c.

In his class he always kept the first

place, but before his education was thoroughly completed, or, more
correctly speaking, before he had time to acquire a knowledge o f the
Practical Sciences by independent study, (th e college curriculum not
including these) he had to leave the college only aged eighteen to
take service in Malwa.

Curiosity and friendship rather than want,

had led to hia choice thus to leave the college rather prematurely, and
he was induced to take up the general offer o f a post at Indore to
follow there a friend who had gone shortly before to succeed his deceased
father in a lucrative post in that Province.

But though his stay

in the college may have been rather short, and his stock o f book
knowledge at leaving it, limited, he made up for it by constant appli
cation.

A strict and conscientious regard for performing his duty

enabled him to rise steadily and to obtain a high position in the

470

71ie Modern History o f

Government service, aud assisted by commou sense and untired assi

duity he appears to liave succeeded fairly in combatting tho

iiuiltifa-

rious range o f duties which persons in high position in that service

are called on to perform.
Pandit Sarup Narayan came to Indore to take up the head
tcachership o f tlie Indore Muddursa which was during the minority
o f his present Highness Maharaja Holkar under the direct control o f
the Resident at Indore.

A fter he had held thU post for three years,

he was appointed by Government as Officiating Mir Munshi to the

Resident at Indore on the 4tb January, 1 850,and one month after he was
made a confidential clerk.

A fte r his service iu this capacity for more

than a year, he was permanently appointed as M ir M unshi on tho 1st

M ay, 1851.

From time to time, he was deputed on special duty to

Shojapur (the Head Quarter o f Her late Uighness the Tara Bai Sahib
the Rani Dowagar o f Maharaja Jankaji R ao Sindhia), Dhar, Dattia,
and other places for the purpose o f iiuproving the state o f affairs aud
settling disjiutes between the chiefs and their fcaudatories, &c.

On the

11th Ju ly 1856, he was appointed Dewan o f the Bundelliband A gency,

and was at ludoro during the M utiny o f 1857.

Holding this appoint

ment he had not failed to exert bis best to assist Governnieut in restor
ing peace aud order soon after the departure o f the Mutineers from
Indore to Agra.

W hile ia sick leave from 1st December 1858 to 30tU

November 1859, he obeyed the orders o f Government by joining the

camp o f the late Sir R . Shakespear on the 31st October, 1859, for the
purpose o f resettling matters in BundelkUand which was then in a
confused state in consequence o f the late Mutiny.

He held also the

respectable posts o f Native Assistant and Second Assistant to the

A gen t Governor-General for Central India, and was graded as Officiating
Political Assistant, 3rd Class.

He was appointed Deputy Bliil Agent

Manpur on 3rd July 1876, and was in charge o f the Indore Residency
from 13th December 1876 to 15tli January 1877, during the absence
o f the A gen t Governor General for Central India.
1878, be waa appointed Officiating

On the 5th April,

Political Assistant, 2nd Class.

PatnUt Sarup Narayan, Political Assistant and Deputy

M anpur,

se rve d

Government iu

se ve ra l

other

ca p a citie s

Btiil Agent,

for a period of

the Indian Chiefs, Rajas, Zamindars, (Jr.

471

about thirty year?, during which period he had not a single days leave on
private affairs and was never absent on privilege leave.

His sole object

was to.do his public duties most faithfully, nay to the exclusion of all
regard for private duties and interests.

He possesses a very good

knowledge o f the English langu.ige and literature, and is proficient in

both the Persian and Urdu languages.

He bears a noble character and

is respected

He has been invested with the

by all classes o f men.

Insignia of a Coinpauion of the Order o f the Indian Empire, on the

1st January, 1880, in recognition

of

his distinguished

services to

Government.
Pandit

Sarup

Narayans eldest brother Rat

Bahadur

Pandit

Dharam Nara^'an, ia at present filling the post o f Native Assistant to

the Agent Governor General for Central India.

His second brother,

Motuiiiiduldowla Rai Bahadur Pandit Prem Narayan,occupied for twenty

years a very eminent position in the State o f Urcha in Biindelkhand,.
and was latterly living with his aged father at Delhi, holding tha
position o f an. Honorary Magistrate there, when in May 1879, aftera weeks illness; he was suddenly removed by the hands o f Providence
to the great regret o f all who knew him.

His youngest brother Pandit

Syatn Narayan is at present the Naib Subuh o f Oojein In Malwa in

the service o f the Gwalior State.

Chapter III.Ludhiana.
(P A n oip al N obles)
S IR D A R

A T T A R SIN G , M A L .4 Z -U L -U L A M A -0 -U L -

F A Z A L A , C .I.E ., C H IE F O F B H A D O U R ,
S ir d a r

A tta r

Sino,

Malaz-ul-Ulama-o-ul-Fazala, c . i. E ,, son o f

Kbarak Sing, is the present C bief o f the Bhadour House, founded by

Duna, son o f Rama,

Duna was a man o f peace, who received the

authority o f Cliaiidbri from the Muhammadan Government for tho

purpose o f collecting the Imperial Revenue from the people.

H o had

five sons, viz., Begha Sing, Dao Sing, Sangu Sing, Sukhu Siug, and
Suma Sing, o f whom the eldest Begha Sing succeeded him iu the year

The Alodem History o f

472
1726.

The career o f Begba Sing presents very little (ff importance*

H e had four issues, xiz,, Gurdas Sing, Chuhr Sing, M ohr Sing, and
Dal Sing.

H e died in the year 1773, and waa succeeded by his second

son, Chnhr Sing, as the eldest Gurdas Sing had predeceased him.
Chuhr Sing was the most famous o f all the Bhadonr stock, and hio
prowess and energy added much to bis ancestral possessions, and the
fame o f Chuhr Sing ke Bar, his victories over the Burars, and his
charity to the poor, are still sung in many ballads, by the village bards.
H e was the acknowledged arbiter in all disputes, the people preferred
their complaints before him, and he punished offenders severely.

F or

all this Chnhr Sing was tbe most notorious robber on the border ; cattlelifting was not named in the code o f offences which he punished, and
to this very day, his old enemies, the Burars, if an ox o r buffalo strays,
will call it iu the Jangle, O ! Chuhr leia 1 (O h ! carried away by
Chuhr).
In the year 1799, Chuhr Sing was appointed Cliaudhari and
Collector o f revenue in the Pihora and Bhadour districts, by Timur
Shah, who, in that year, had invaded India, desiring to recover some o f
the authority possessed by his father A hm ad Shah.
A fter the death o f Raja Amar Sing o f Pattiala and the succession
o f the weak-minded Sahib Sing, the Bhadour Chief began to extend
his possessions at tbe expense o f the Pattiala State.

H'e seized ninety

villages in the neighbourhood o f Bhadour, many o f which he subse

quently lo s t ; attacked the Maler K otla Afghans, whose villages were
redeemed by Pattiala, giving certain others in exchange, and even gained
for a time possession o f th e district o f Barnala.
his successes, treachery put an end to his life.

But in the midst o f

On his road home from

Barnala he remained to rest at the village o f Ghanne, and was invited

by a Burar o f the name o f Sujjan to sleep in a small burj or tower for
the night.

Chnhr Sing, who was accompanied by his brother Dal Sing,

suspected nothing, but their deceitful host, having drugged their liquor
aud seeing them in deep sleep, surrounded the tower with armed men,
and, piling brushwood against the walls and doors, set it on fire.
A w oke by the heat and noise and finding all exit barred ; the two
brothers mounted to the roof, from which

they shot arrows at their

enem iv

the Indian Chiefs, Rajas, Zamhidars, ifc.

473

till the roof fell ia aud both perished in the flames,

Tbia

bappeued in 1793.
The news o f their fathers murder had no sooner reached his two
sons, Bir Sing and Dip Sing than they determined to avenge it.

They

set out iu search o f Sujjan, and surprised hitn hawking, riding tbe
horse o f the murdered Chief.

They killed him and seized Ghanne

with the ten neighbouring villages forming the Ilaka o f Malukba.

Pattiala troops joined iu this expedition under the command o f Albel
Sing and Bakshi Seda.
Bir Sing, the elder son o f Chuhr Sing succeeded to the estate,
but iu 1813, after the Cis-SatIej-3tates had been taken under British
protection, the two brothers divided it equally between them.
On the demarcation o f boundaries in 1809, Maharaja Ranjit Sing
retained two Bhadour villages,

Saidoki and

Bhagta.

The

British

Government did not insist on their surrender, but paid to Bhadour

R s. 2,000, per annum, as an equivalent, which sum was paid direct to
the descendants o f Bir Sing and Dip Sing, from 1813 to 1810, when
the Pattiala State, with the design o f supporting its unjust claim o f
supremacy over Bhadour, contrived to obtain payment through its
Vakils.
Dip Sing accompanied Raja Bh.ag Sing o f Jhind on his visit to
Lahore iu 1805, and returned with him the next year, when Ranjit
Sing made his expedition against Pattiala ; but refused to join against
the head o f the Phulkian house, and left the camp o f Ranjit Sing at
Jagraoa.
year.

This Sirdar died in 1823, and his brother the following

A fter the Cis-Satlej-States came under British protection, tho

history o f Bhadour is contained in that o f Pattiala, and albhongh its

chiefs

asserted

vigorously

their

independence, yet

they

admitted

Pattiala to be their bead and claimed to follow no policy distinct from

Pattiala.

There is, therefore, little further o f interest to record.

Kharak Sing, the son o f Dip Sing, succeeded to his fathers share o f
the estate, and, altliough a man o f character and considerable ability,
waa more devoted to religion than administration, aud built and endowed
many temples and charitable institutions.

A t the time o f the Satlej

Ci'.mpaigu he gave assistauce to the British with a contingent, and

60

474

The Modem History o f

furnished supplies to ths army.

H e waa aucceeded by liis aon ^ ird a r

A ttar Sing, in the year 1858, when the supieinacy o f Pattiala over
Bhadour was granted by the British Government as an act o f grace
nnd as a reward for loyal service.
Sirdar A ttar Sing, was born in the year 1833.

He was educated

at Benares, and there acquired a taste for learning which is very rare
among the Sikhs.

H e has a good library at Bhadour, stocked with

valuable M SS., Sanskrit, Gurmukhi and Persian, and has founded a

school, in which these languages are taught free o f all charge, the very
poor being fed as well as taught.

Besides encoumglng learning. A ttar

ia himself a good scholar and composes in a graceful style.

In 1870,

he was appointed one o f tbe Senate o f the Panjab University'College,

TVhile a Jaghirdar o f the British Government he did good service, in
1857, at Ludhiana and at Ferozepur, with fifty horsemen, and received
the acknowledgments o f Government, and exemption from p4ayment o f
six mouths commutation.*
Sirdar Attar Sing was elected a Member o f the Asiatic Society,
Bengal, when he first visited Calcutta,

A t the commencement o f the

year 1873, he opened a Dispensary in commemoration o f the recovery

o f His Royal Highuess tha Prince o f Wales from his serious illjiess,
and w'hich is still in existence under the charge o f a Hospital Assistant
where the sick remain under treatment, and provided with board and
lodging till they are restored to health.

Attached to this Dispensary

a native physician is also employed for those people who do not like
to take English medicine.

In 1875, he visited Calcutta for the second

time when H is Royal Highuess T be Prince o f W ales was at Calcutta,

and was invited to attend the Chapter of the Star o f India, held on the
1st January, 1876, in honour to the Prince.

The travels of Guru

Tegh Bahadur aud Guru Goviuda Sing, have been translated by him
into E nglish from Gurmukhi, the language of the Sikhs, which ha
dedicated to His Royal Highness tbe Prince o f Wale.? when His Royal
Highness visited tbe Fanjab, and for which he received a suitable
acknowledgment through Sir Bartla Frere.

He attended levees and

* From Lepel Griffins Paojab Rajas.

the Indian Chiefs, Rajas, Zamindars,

475

Darbars held at Laliore, Calcutta, and Simla, on different occasions by

His Excellency the Viceroy and H is Honor the Lieutenant-Governor
o f the Panjab.

He was present at the Imperial Assemblage held at

Delhi, on the 1st January, 1877, on account o f the assumption o f the

title Empress o f India by Her Most Gracious Majesty the Queen, and
received the title o f Malaz-ul-Ulama-o-ul-Fazala from Governtnent
as a mark of personal distinction.
In 1873, he wrote a work entitled Sakhu book, i, e., on the doctrine
of the Sikh religion, and had translated at the request of the Govern
ment o f India several parts o f the Grunth o f Duswan Padshah (tenth
Guru) into Urdu, for which services he received th.mksfrom Government
as also from His Grace the Secretary o f State for India.

H e gave a

warm reception to Sir Henry Davies, the late Lieutenant-Governor of

the Panjab while His Honor visited Bhadour on tour.

Sir Robert

Egerton, the present Lieutenant-Governor o f the Panjab, attended the

evening party held by him on the 18tb January, 1879, at his Bhadour
House, a building winch is at present considered to be an ornament to
the city o f Ludhiana.
Sirdar Attar Sing Malaz-ul-UIaraa-o-ul-Fazala has moreover been
invested with the Insignia of a Companion o f tbe Order o f the Indian
Empire, on the 1st January, 1880.

S ection IV , R A J P U T A N A .

Bikanir.
( principal

Nobles.)

A B H IR CH AN D D A G A , R A I B A H A D U R , BETTER K N O W N
AS BANSI L A L A B H IR C H AN D .
T hb late A bhir Chand Dago, Rai Bahadnr, commonly known to
Europeans as Bansi Lai, was a man o f whom Smiles would delight to
form one o f his clever biographies, a man of perception o f character and

476

The Modem History o f

iteail-fftstnesa o f purpose beyond most of hts countrymen, and hts life has
an interest for us from the fact that his adhesion to the British cause
during tbe perilous times o f the Indian mutiny was the turning point
o f hia fortune.
He was the son o f one Bans! Lai Daga, a Marwari o f Bikanir,
who carried on a lucrative business in the drug trade at Nagpur.

He

was born in 1818, and at the early age o f eight was initiated into tbe
business ; his education in reading and writing being at the same time
carefully carried out.

The precocious child developed into an intelli

gent, energetic youth, who attracted the notice and confidence o f his
fathers constituents in various parts o f the country which he afterwards
visited in the extension o f the business o f the firm into which he had
been admitted a partner, and hia foresight, even then, was such as to
vastly extend the sphere o f his operations, aud with his father's coc ^ ra tio n greatly to augment their mercantile transactions, which came
to embrace other branches o f commerce in addition to the drug trade.
H e became a general dealer and Banker, and in the latter capacity
established branches of his house in Calcutta, Bombay, and Madras,
and at Sekandarabad, Labor, Uaipur, Jabalpur, Tezpnr, Bangalor, and
Kanhpur and connected himself with a Loudon A gent.

His zeal and

probity attracted the attention of those in authority, and various

Qovernment departments and the native court o f Nagpur availed them
selves of his services, but it was the great crisis o f the Indian M utiny
that fully developed the character o f A bhir Chand, at that time the
head o f his firm.

It was a time when men in his position were faint

hearted and doubting, and faith in the Government had sunk so low that
promissory paper was selling at euormona sacrifices, even at 75 per cent,
discount in some cases.

The Marwaris were utterly demoralized, and,

not knowing which way to turn, they secreted their wealth and shrank
from contact with either side.

Abhir Cband, however, never wavered,

nor doubted for an instant the ultimate success o f the British.

The

depreciated paper which hia countrym m so eagerly g ot rid of, he unhe

sitatingly bought in, any, he indentified himself so thoroughly with the
cause o f the Government as to undertake large contracts for the supply
ijt food for the troops in

tbe field, and

freely

advanced money on supply

the Indian Chiefs, Rajas, Zamindars,

477

billa drawn on other parts o f the country, disorganized as it was.

Tho

fertile plateaux in the vicinity o f Kampthi were swept o f their wealth

o f golden grain, whicti poured down into the depots established at
various points by the energetic contractor.

The result was a great

increase to his capital, and he now took rank amongst the first class o f
the Native Bankers.

But further distinction was in store for him.

Lord Canning conferred on him the title of Rai Bahadur, then not quite
80 common as it is now, with a rich Khillat, and a golden armlet on
which liis services were inscribed, and he was presented to his Lordship
at the Viceroyal darbar at Jabalpur in 1861.

During the peaceful

years that ensued, the energetic merchant and Banker went on steadily
augmenting his business.

W ealth had not hardened his heart, for the

calls on his purse by the poor were never unheeded.

M uch of his

benevolence is unknown to the general public, but there are monuments

o f hia charity in hospitals, tanks, and schools at Nagpur aud Kampthi,
Tlie Local Government invested him with the powers of an Honorary
Magistrate of the first class, and availed themselves o f his assistance
and knowledge in the introductiou o f the Inland Customs, Octroi, and
income tax, o f

which he for a time had the management.

In the

Bengal Famine of 1873, he was selected by Government aa one o f tho

Commissioners for the supply o f food grains for the afflicted districts,
and in 1ST 6 he was invited to the Yiceroyal darbar at Delhi, and was
a recipient o f one o f the medals struck in honour o f the proclamation
o f the Qneen as Empress o f India.
During the ye.ir 1879, he tendered for the important Post of
Khazanchi to tlie Bunk of Bengal,^nd was accepted.

Ha was a oaaa

o f great energy, and personally looked into every detail o f hts exten
sive business, corresponding daily with bis agents iu all parts.
H e had a keen sense o f humour and loved a joke.

On one occasion,

when the Raja of Bikanir honoured him with his presence at his son**
marriage, Abhir Chand had, in accordance with feudal cc.stom, to present
him with a nazar, which he did by' offering the Raja the chair on which
he sat, a cumbersome looking piece o f furniture.

The Raja could not

move it, and no wonder, for it was composed o f bags of rupees 50,000
in value.

In appearance he was portly, but vigorous looking, with an

478

Tke Modern History o f

intelligent face and keen eyea with a ahrewd twinkle in them.

He

cirrifd his sixty years so well that he seemed to have yet many years
o f life before him, but, as is not uncommon with vigorous minds, he
was struck down by paralysis suddenly whilst on liis way to Bikanir,
and died at a place, called Allia iu Z illa Joudpnr, on the 25th August,
1S79.

I t is said a Fuklr had warned him against Nagpur some years

ago, aud said he would die there.*

Babu Gopi Kishen, a very smart,

aod affable man now represents Bansi Lal A b h ir Chand aa Khazanchi

o f the Bank o f Bengal, Calcutta.
Bansi Lal A bhir Chand has left an adopted son Kastur Chand Daga
who is generally known as a promising, intelligent, and hard-working
young man.

H e bears an excellent character and carries on his fathers

business with credit.

Bansi Lal A bhir Chaods brother. Ram Baton R ai Bahadur, resident
of Mean M ir, is also a distinguished person.

H e rendered eminent

services during the recent K abul W ar, and ia now about 50 years o f
age.

S ection V . C E N T R A L IN D IA .

Indore.
(Principal Families.)
T H E

K I B E

F A M I L Y ,

ViTTAL M ah adev , known to students o f H istory as T antiaf Jogh ,

and the founder o f the present opulent K ibe family, was a man o f rare
genius.

H e was a Karada Mahratta Brahman o f Khaodelsb, born

about the year 1778.

He came out while young to Mahesur, thnn

capital o f Holkar, and joined his brother Balaji Naiek, then Gomasta
o f Hari Punt Jogh, a rich Suwcar.

The Sowcars affairs not being

Vide The Fnglithman, dated 13th September, 1879.

t Tontia is the anglicised word for Tatift,

the Indian Chiefs, Rajas, Zamindars, j r .

479

prosperous after the virtuous and benevolent qneeii, Ahalia Bais death
Tatia Jogh attached himself to a European Commandant of the Catnpoos
aud became his confidential man o f business, having been placed m tho
management o f the countries assigned for the support o f this body o f
troops and having the sole charge o f providing funds for their payment.
He severed his connection with the troops ou the murder o f the European
officers and retired to Oojein.

H e rejoined the force, when it came to

Malwa, and continued hia business as Sowcar, and prospered with

the support o f Holkara Minister, Balaram Sett.

lie severed liimself

again from the army during the brief but violent domination o f Dliarma
Koover, but on the latter s death was appointed to the general ciiarge
of the battalions, and from this position he rose to the highest influence
and power. H e lived at a time of great trouble and liad to fight bis way
up amidst tremendous difficulties and more tremendous

intrigues.

Various were the viscissitudes o f liis life and on more than one oceasion
his life was.in the most imminent danger.

B ut he had secured the

friendship o f Zallm Sing of K ota and he afforded him mateiinl protec

tion.

In about 1811, Tatia began to take a considerable lead

affairs o f the State ; but he had powerful enemies.

in the

Amir Khan, the

famous Pindari chief, and bis A gent Guflfoor Kiian had vowed to deprive
Tulsa Bai, the lie gent o f Hoi kar, o f power wliile Tatia pledged himself
to the cause o f Tulsa Bai and the infant Prince Mulhar Rao.

The

State was thns distracted by factions when the approacit o f the British
array effected a re-union of

their conflicting interests.

Zalim Sing

who hud unsuccessfully attempted a Ieconciliation, selected Tatia at this

crisis as the man best able to combine and direct tha discordant
adherents o f Ho 1kar and as a proof o f his own friendship, he sent a
detachment of three hundred infantry with two standards for the avowed
purpose o f protecting Tatias person.
But Tulsa Bai had been induced by her Dewan to hate Tatia,
who, on his return from a brief visit to Zalim Sing, waa seized by the
soldiery and made a prisoner.
behalf o f the Petsliwa and the

Meanwhile intrigues

were busy on

British army had marched to Hulwa.

A council was held, presided over by Tatia, still a prisoner.

Tatia

advised the deputation o f a competent person to treat with General

480

The Modern History o f

Sir John Malcolm, the British Officer at A ugor. B ut he was suspected o f

intriguing with the British, and not only was his confinement prolonged
but the severity o f his treatment was aggravated.
Tulsa Bai was seized and murdered.
with the British.

In the meantime

The court declared itself for war

Tlie battle o f Mahidpur was fought and resulted in

the complete defeat of Holkars troops.

Tatia effected bis escape in the

confusion and joined the Maharaja Mulhar R ao Holkar.

Xesheri Bai,

the young Princes mother, invested him with an honorary dress as

minister and entrusted tbe Prince aud the interests o f the State to bis
care,

Tatia conducted the negociations for peace with Sir John Malcolm

and concluded the treaty o f Mundissore,

Sir John Malcolm thus

relates what Tatia said o f him self in connection with the negotiations.
H e trusted, lie said, that the manner in which he negotiated the
treaty would be considered in his master s favour.

H e had not omitted,

he said, to defend and maintain the interests committed to him to the

best o f his a b ilitj'; but he had not, at the same time, taken a proper
view o f the actual condition of his master and had submitted on all
points where be saw me determined aud where reaistai.ee was unavailing,
and adds Sir John, I deem it a justice to Tantia J o g b to state that
bis conduct has been os he has Iepresented i t ; nor did he bring forward
one word relative to his personal intt-iests till all tliose which related
to his master were finally settled.

Lord Hastings, the then Governor-

General, speaks o f Tatia thus : The good sense and experience o f

Tantia Jogh, into whose hands the entire administration fell, havo
seconded my views and I have every reason to be satisfied with the
conduct o f the court of H olkar mnce the signature o f the treaty.
A s a peaceful administrator o f a distracted country, Tatias genius
was of a high order.

The revenue rose in two years from 5 to 17 lacs,

the expenses o f collection fell from 40 to 15 per cent, and the greater
number o f the deserted villages was re-populated.

In recognition o f

his services the Maharaja conferred on him a Jakaghire iu perpetuity

worth R s.20,000 a year, and offered to settle Rs. 1,50,000, a year on
him for expenses, but Tatia declined to accept it on the ground o f the
then e.vhausted condition o f the State.

The State o f Jallawad con

ferred on him a Jahaghire in perpetuity worth R s. 5,000 a year.

the Indian Chiefs, Rajas, Zamindars,

481

But it was by trade Tatla amassed his enormous wealth.

His transac

tions extended up to China and he had shops in many of the principal

towns o f India.
In J826, Tatla died, leaving Gunput Rao, alias DaJee Sahab Kibe
io succeed him.

Dajee Sahab, who was Tatias daughter s son and. was

adopted by him, was invested as titular Dewan of the State.

During

His minority the affairs o f the family were managed by Tatia s widow,
the famous Rukmabai, whose charities are widely known.

The templo'

and a magnificent flight o f Ghats at Oojein and a number o f useful

wells iu parts o f Kattywad where water waa most needed still stand
as monuments o f Rttkmabais piety and charity.

Ou her death, Dajuc

Sahab assumed the management o f affairs aud in spite o f the heavy

lasses sustained daring the famous Bombay share-maiua, the family
prospered under hU management.

During hia tour in the Bombay

Presidency, Sir George Clarke, the G o vctd o t , held a Darbar for lu s

reception and treated him with marked respect and consideration.

Tho

Cbmmander-in-Chief, Sir W, Mansfield, attended a party at Dajee Sahah's

house.

A Khilat o f honour from Her Majesty was presented' to him.

Dajee Sahab also w ent on a tour to Rajputana and was everywhere

received with the highest honours.

During tbe mutiny in 1857, Kibes

agents were stationed with the British Officers in Central India, and
assisted the Government with, advances o f money from time to time
and in various other ways.

Dajee Sahab died in 1863, leaving tlireo

sons, Rao Sahabs, Vinayek Rao, Gopal Rao, and Mukund Rao.

Tho

second is au intelligent undergraduate o f the Bombay University.

R ao

Sahab

Viuayek Rao K ibe is a gentleman o f enlightened

views, and is a generous patron o f the poor and the distressed and o f
men o f learning.

H e continues his family business as Banker, and is

treated by the Indore Darbar with all the honours duo to the Dewan of
the State.

Rao Sahib Yinayek Rao ia held in very high esteem by tha

Maharaja Holkar and the British Officers, and ia much liked by tho
people for his kindly disposition and affable uLauDers,

61

482

The Modern History o f

S ection V I. T H E C E N T R A L P R O V IN C E S .

Bij ay raghogarh{P rin cip a l Families, Ncdtles, and Eminent M e n .)

T H A K U R J A G A M O H A N S I N H A A N D H I S F A M IL Y .
T h e history o f tbo family o f tbe present Thakur Jaga M ohaa

Sinha o f Bijayraghogarb, Jubbulpore, C. Provinces, begins from the

great chief, Beni Sinha Hajuri, who was prime minister at the court o f
Maharaja Hindupati o f Pannah, and whose numerous victories over the
Marhattas and Mosulmans o f Bamla are still sung by the pocta and
bards in the whole Province o f Bundelkband,

Tlie chief Beni Sinlia

H ajuri was followed by the poet Gang and Thakur Durjan Sinha, who
had two sons, viz., Thakur VUhnn Sinha and T hakur Prayag Daa.
A fter the death o f Thakur Durjan Sinha a dispute arose between hia
two sons, and the matter being referred to the British Government, the
elder, Thakur Vishnu Sinha obtained possession o f Myhere with tho
fort (w liich was held by his father in the shape o f a Protected State)
and the younger, Thakur Prayag Das received the estate o f Kaihvara.
Thakur Vishnu Sinha left one son, Thakur Mohan Sinha, who died
o f Paralysis at the age o f forty.

H e was succeeded by his son, Thakur

Baghuvir Sinha, the present Kaja o f Myhere,

Thakur Prayag Das after obtaining possession o f Kailwara built a
fort and named it after the place where it waa raised B ijayragh ogiih.
T he fort still exists but in a ruinous state.

Thakur Prayag Das

died in A.D., 1845 leaving his son Ttiakur Suraja Prasada, in whose time
such an outbreak occurred in Bijayraghogarh that the estates were not
only confiscated by Government, but he was taken prisoner.

H e died

in 1866 and left a minor son, the present Thakur Jaga Mohan Sinha,
who was brought up at the W ard's Institution at Benares.

The Thakur

devoted much o f his time to the study o f English aud Sanskrit and
at an early age, became a poet as also a good prose writer.

H is chief

works are tho Pramitakshur Dipika, Megh.a Data, Life o f Pandit Ram
Lochan Prasad, a H indu poet, &c.

The Thakur's poetical gifts seem

to be hereditary ; as his forefathers were the authors o f several Hindi

tTie Indian Chiefs, Rajas, Zamindars,

483

and Sanskrit poems wliose names arc still heard in Jubbulpore and
Central India.

Thakur Jaga Mohan Sinha is at present twenty-three

years o f age, and receives a political pension from Government.

S e c tio n VII. ASSAM .

Sylhet.
( Principal Families,)

THE DASTIDAR FAMILY OF SYT,HET.

Babu K a l i b a l l a b h Rai, the progenitor o f this family, was highly
distinguished for hia learning at the time o f the Emperor Muhammad
Shab, who conferred on him the title of Rai.

H o also won great

respect at the court o f Murshidabad, and was appointed Dastidar and

Kananguha o f Sylhet.

He was succeeded by his son, Babu Shubid

Rai, who obtained the title and dignity of his father, and built a large
dwelling-house on a hilly tract o f land still known aa Shubid-Rai-Girda*
where the family still reside.
Babu Shubid Rai was succeeded by Babns Syampat R ai and JadaV
Rai.

The latter had one brother, named Babu Hari Krishna Rai, who

was, iu fact, the glory o f tho family.

W h ile Babu Hari K rishna was

on infant, his mother on account o f a vow offered him to a Fakir, who

carried him to Murshidabad, and gave him a liberal education iu
Sanskrit and Persian languages.

Babu H ari Krishna assisted R aja

Rajballabh, the then Deputy to Nawaish Muhammad, the Nawab o f

Dacca, iu preparing au account o f the revenue o f Eastern Bengal.

F or

this service Babu Hari Krishna was introduced by Raja Rajballabh to

the Nawab o f Murshidabad who gave Babu Hari Krishna a reward o f
Rs. 10,000.

W ith this amount Babu Hari Krishna bought his freedom

from the Fakir, and went to serve at the court o f Murshidabad, but in
the course o f a short time became the Nawab* o f Sylhet.

Babu Harf

lo tho report o f the Looal Collector, elated K artick 1195 n .a., it has been
mentioned that Babu Hari Krislm a waa the 11th Nawab of Sylhet,

484

The Modern History o f

Krishna excavated a large tank, called Sagor D ighi in SylKet, and

among several temples that he erected the one for the worship o f
Clihina-Masta is worthy o f notice.

H e possessed a generous heart,

but waa unfortunately mnrdered by his own body-guards who were

instigated by Sukhorulla Khan, the late Nawab o f Sylbet.

Nawab

Sukhorulla K han was however dethroned by the English Government,

and the office o f Nawab o f Sylhet was bestowed upon three persons
Babu Hara Govinda R ai, the nephew of Babu Hari K.rishna R a i ;
Rabn Manlh Chand, the
Sadatolla K han.*

Dewau o f Babu Hari Krislina R a i; and

Shortly after the H onble East India Company took

the management o f the country in their own hands, but in the year 1788
the firman o f Kananguha with the honour and title o f D astidar"f
was granted to Babu Jivan Krishna Rai, the son and successor o f
Babu Hara Govinda Rai.

Babu Jivan Krishna R ai was succeeded by

Babu Gopal Krishna Rai, who again was succeeded by his son Babu
Nava Krishna Rai Dastidar, the present representative of this old and
respectable family.

Babu Nava Kriahna Rai is an educated andliberal

zamindar, aged 26 years.

H e has an infant son.

Se c t i o n V I I I . T H E B O M B A Y , (P rm d en cy ).

Chapter I.Bombay.
{T rim ip a l Nohlm and Kminent M en .)
L S IR A L B E R T D A V ID

S A S S O O N , K t .,

c . s .i

T he F am ily op S ir A lbert D avid Sassoon, which haa always

been wealthy and respectable, raised itself to prominence by its conspi
cuous acts o f charity, which is the marked trait in their character,
* The seal marked gadatulla Khan and Hara M anikya, is still to be seen in
the Local Collector a Office.
I From
Dost the word Dastidar has been derived.
The Dost (means
band) of the Dastidar fam ily of Sylhet, is still to be found in the Local Collectors
and is yet the standard measure rod for tbe survey o f laud ia the District

o l l^ylh e t.

ihe Indian Chiefs, RaJas, Zamindars,

485

David Sa?soon, Esq., was the founder of the institution, called

after hia name, David Sassoons Indus trial and Reformatorj Institution.
He also established a hospital at Puna, called after his name, Sassoon
Hospital Puna, and contributed a princely donation of Rs. 1,88,000
out of the total cost, which amounted to Rs. 3,10,060.

The name o f

this wealthy and honourable personage will remain for ever immortal
for theae and several other acta o f charity which lie did in hia lifetime
for public good.
Sir A lbert David Sassoon, K t., c. g. i.,
Sassoon, Esq.

is tbe son o f

David

Thia noblemans career has been marked by acts of

charity and public spirit almost inherited from his distinguished father.
T o perpetuate the memory o f that revered fatlier, he invested Rs. 5,000
in the Government funds the interest Us, 250 per annum being applied
to the endowment o f a scholarship tenable for two years in any
institution selected by the Bombay University for Degrees in Arts.
He made a pi'incely gift o f Rs. 10,000 to the District Charitable Society,
Calcutta, when he visited the metropolis oa tlie first time, but we regret
to say, that hia other acts of charity aud enlightened liberality are not
known to us.
Sir A lbert David Sassoon has been made an English Knight by
Her Most Gracious Majesty the Queen-Empresa.

H e has also heen

invested with the Insignia o f a Companion o f the Most Exalted Order

o f the Star o f India in recognition o f his valuable services and works o f
public utility.
The Sassoons carry on their business in Bombay, Calcutta, China,
and other places with great credit, and speculate largely in opium,
indigo, silk, &c.

I I . B H U G W A N D A S S P U R S H O T A il D A SS, E sq.
B huowah D ass P drbhotam D abs, Esq., a Hindu Benia, by casta
VisaLad, was

born

at

Kambay iu

the

year

1839.

M r. Purshotam Daas Huree Chund was also born there.

H is father

Mr. Purshotam

Dags, with his father Mr. Huree Chund Lucmichund, came to Bombay
about fifty years ago, and traded to Siam.

M r. Purshotam Dass Huree

486

The Modem History o f

Chund was a great merchant and acCTimrvlated immense wealth b y lils

trade.

Hindu Girl s Schools were first established in Bombay and tlie

first exhibitroo thereof took place at the house o f Mr. Purshotam Dass
Euree Chund, on which occasion he spent Rs. 1,000 in distributing Sadees
and sweetmeats to the girls attending the said school.

Sir Eskine P e r r y ,

C hief Justice o f the late Supreme Court o f Bombay, presided at the

Exhibition aud spoke in high terms o f the handsome charity given by
Mr. Puraliotam Dass Huree Chand.

H e died in ] 853 at Mathura,

leaving an only son, Mr. Bhugwan Dass Purshotam Dass, then a minor.
A few years afterwards M r. Bhugwan Dass Purshotam Dass attained
majority when he inherited his father s wealth and resumed his fathers
trade with Siam,
Mr. Bhugwan Dass Purshotam Dass first endowed in the year 1S59
a

Mahrathee G irls School in connection with the Stndents Literary

and Scientific Society o f Bombay, and which is still in existence.

On

that occasion, L ord Elphinstoue, the then Governor o f Bombay, pre

sided and spoke in very high terms o f Mr. Bhugwan Dass Purshotam
Dasss charity.
In connection with the school a scholarship was awarded in the
name o f his mother Soorajbai, for which purpose he offered a sum of
Rs. 3,000.

H e subscribed a sum o f Ra. 1,000 towards building a

ward in the Poona Hospital, and paid donations to several other charit
able institutions o f that place, amounting to Rs. 5,000.
Mr, Bliugwan Dass Purshotam Dass presented a sum of Rs, 10,000
to the Bom bay University for the purpose o f founding a Sanskrit
Scholarship, and Rs. 2,000 were presented by him to the Alexandria
English Native G irls School for the purpose o f awarding a scholarship
in the name o f his wife, Javerbai.
In 1862, an exhibition o f the Girls School o f the Students Literary
and Scientific Society

o f Bombay, took place

at th e

residence o f

Mr. Bhugwan Dass Purshotam Dass, on which occasion the H on bla

W . Frere, late Member of the Council o f Hia E xcellency the Governor
o f Bombay, presided, and another exhibition o f the said schools took
place in 1865, which was presided over by Sir Eartle Frere, the then
-Governor o f Bombay.

H e has lately offered to the Bombay Geographical

the Indian Chiefs, Rajas, Zamindars, tjc.

487

Society Rs. 3,000 for the purpose o f preparing an Index to the first
seventeen volumes cff the Societys trausactions.

I l l , T H E H O N B L E B Y R A M J E E J E E J E E B H O T , c . s. i.
T h e H o s b l e BTKAiiJEE J e e je e b h o t , c.s.r., ia the son o f the
late Jeejeehhoy Dadhabhoy, Esq.

H e waa au active Member o f the

Legislative Council, and has been inveated with the Insignia o f a

Companion o f the Most Exalted Order o f the Star o f India by Her Most
Gracious Majesty the Queen,

H e is as liberal as his father who set

apart in his will a sum o f Rs. 2,00,000, the interest of which is from
time to time to be contributed to sueh benevolent objects as the trustees
deem necessary aud proper.

H e is also a nobleman o f public spirit.

H e offered Rs. 2,000 to Gov-ernment forgivin g prizes to the meritorious

students o f the Bombay University, named after Bai Maneckbai
Byramjee Jeejeebhoy,

I V . C U R S E T JE E N O S S E R W A N J E E C A M A , E s q .
C u n sE T J E E N o s s e r w a n j e e

representative o f
Bombay.

C a m a , E s q .,

ia the present heir and

the old and highly respectable

Cama family o f

About this family, Mr. Dosabhoy Framjee remarked in his

well-known history of the Parsees that, The wealthy individuals who

compose the Cama family are all ever ready to meet the calls o f
humanity.

On the death o f the late Nusserwanjee Muncherjee Cama,

bis sons voluntarily set aside a fund o f 1,25,000 rupees for different
charitable institutions.

This spirit o f liberality is highly commendable,

as it displays on the part o f the sons o f the deceased a generous selfdenial in applying a handsome sum o f money to noble purposes, which
otherwise would have been their own.
Cui'setjee Nosserwanjee Cama, Esq., is respected by all classes o f
men, aud possesses a liberal heart.

The Modern H istory o f

48 B

V . - M ssses . D E N S H A J E E A N D n u s s e r w a n j e e ;
T hese two respectable Parsees are the sons o f the late Manockjee
Nusserwanjee, Esq., who was highly loved and honoured by his people,
l i e o'n tbe death o f his wife set apart 30,000 Rupees fon different
charitable institutions ; aud his contributions to charitable purposes
are invariably characterised by great liberality
B oth Messrs. Denshajee aud Nusserwanjee are also like tlieir
lamented father very enterprising and kind-hearted noblemen, and are
still known to many as wealthy Parsees o f high character, respectability
and position.

V I . T H E H O N 'B L E D O S A B H O Y F R A M J E E K A R A K A , c. s. r.
T he

H on ble D osabhoy

F ramjee

K araka , c . s. i .,

son of

Mr.Framjee Dadabhoy Karaka, was born at Surat on the 8th May, 1829:
Receiving bis education at tbe Bombay Elphinstone Institution and
College, ho commenced his public career as Editor o f the Jame Jamshed
Giizarati Newspaper.

I n 1855, he was appointed Manager and Sub-

Eefitor o f the Bombay Times, which w.as then edited by the talented
Dr. Buist.

On the passing of the Press Gagging A ct during tho

Indian M utiny

in 1857, M r, Dosabhoy

was appointed by

Elphinstone, censor o f the Native Press m Bombay.

Lord

In the same year

he wrote aud published pamphlets iu the Vernacular languages, show

ing the blessings enjoyed by the people under the British Government aud
warning his countrymen from joining the Sepoy revolt.

For this volun

tary service to Government be received tbe thanks o f Lord Elphinstone.

In the year 1858, Mr. Dosabhoy Framjee went to England aud there
published in English a history of his own countrymen, the Parsis.

Ou

his return to Bombay he wrote and published a large quarto volume,

illustrated with steel-engravings of his travels in Great Britain.

In

1859, he was appointed Assessor to the M unicipality o f Bombay.

In

1865, he took service under Government, and was appointed Income

Tax Assessor.

In 1864, he was appointed a Magistrate o f Police at

the Tndian Chiefs, Rajas, Zamhidars,

489

Bombay, a post whioU until then had not been conferred upon a natire
o f the country.

In 18G7, he was appointed License Tax Collector,

Bombay, and held suceesaively the appointment o f Certificate Tax

Collector and Income T ax Collector till the abolition of the latter tax
by the Government o f Lord Northbrook in -1870;

The fearful catas

trophe whieh occurred on the Bhore Ghaut Raihvay in 1867 led to the
appointment by Government o f

a commission to enquire into the

causes o f the accident and Mi*. Dosabhoy was the native member oa.
the commission which was presided over by the Htni ble Mr, Bayley,.
now a Judge of H . M . High C ourt

His services as Income Tax.

Collector reoeived the warm approbation both o f the local and supreme
Governments.

H e again reverted to the Magistracy and vreis appointed'

Second Magistrate in 1874.

In the aame year he acted for sometime

as Chief Magistrate of Police and Revenue Judge o f Bombay.

For

his distinguished services under Government he wag appointed Sheriff

of Bombay for the year 1872.

Mr. Dosablioy Framjee has been

Member o f the Municipal Corporation and the Town Council since their
constitution, and was apiwinted Chairman o f the former body in the
year 1875.

In this capacity he had the high honour o f reading aud^

presenting the address o f Welcome to His Royal Highness the Prince of

Wales on his first landing in India.

He also had the honour o f reading-

ou Board the Serapis" the Farewell address on His-Royal Highness

embarkation for Europe.

On this occasion H is Royal H iglm ess pre

sented him with the medal struck in commeiuoratioii of his visit to

India.

Mr, Dosabhoy was also the proposer o f the aildress o f congra

tulation from the Mimicipal Corpoi'ation o f the city o f Bombay ou

the assumption by Her Majesty of the title o f

Empress o f Lidia..

Mr. Dosabhoy Framjee has always taken an active part in every movement
connected with the good of his countrymen aud for this as well as his
distinguislied sei-vices under Government the dl.stiuction of a Companion,
o f the Most Exalted Order o f the Star of India was conferred upon
him on the first o f January, 1877 when Her Dlajesty assumed the
title o f Empress o f ludia.

In 1878 he was ajipoiated a Member o f

tlie Legislative Council o f His Excellency the Governor o f Bombay.

A t present he is employed on special duty iu connection with the
62

The Alodern History o f

490

License Tax, and conducts hia duties to the satisfaction o f Government

and the public.
Mr. Dosabhoy Framjee Kamka, Member o f the Town Council and
Municipal Corporation, Fellow o f

the University

and one o f the

Presidency Magistrates for the city o f Bombay and a c .s .i.jis au influen

tial and most courteous nobleman.

He has a very good command over

the English and Guzrati languages, and is known to Government as a

loyal British subject.

His son Mr. Jehangir Dosabhoy Framjee is an

educated youth o f about twenty-four years o f age.

He holds a Gazetted

appointment as Assistant Collector o f Customs, Bombay.

V I L - F R A M J E E C O W A S J E E , Esq.
TiiK late Framjee Cowasjee, Esq., who, for half a century, was
one o f the most enliglitened, liberal-minded, energetic, upright, and
honourable merchants, was the greatest native improver in tlie Bombay
Pre^^idency, for which manifestation o f public spirit he was justly styled
the Earl o f Leicester o f India.

On his estate at Powai, about eighteen

miles from Bombay, he introduced the cultivation o f cotton and tea,

and planted a great quantity o f sugar canes, indigo, and mulben-icS for
silkworms, and a large number o f other valuable growths o f the soil.
Though he did not succeed to the extent o f his dLsires, he converted
the place from a forest into a fertile estate, yielding a net revenue o f
20,000 Rupees, or 2,000/. per annum.
Framjee Cowasjee was the first Parsee, we may safely say, the
first and only native o f India who, in the year 1838, sent a present of
that sweet

and delicious fruit

Gracious Majesty the Queen. *

the Bombay mangoes, to Her Most

He left three sons, o f whom one is alive,

Hia grandson Sorahjee Postonjee Framjee is a inerclmut, and his nephew

ib tlie celebrated Mr. Manackjee Uustoinjee, Persian Cousul in Calcutta.

From Mr. Dossbhoy Framjees work, entitled The Faraees : Their History,
Mauucre, Cuatomi. and k clig io n ," page 142143.

ihe Indian Chiefs, Rajas, Zamindars,

491

V H I . J A M S E T J E E D O R A B J E E , Esq.
How eager a Parses is to betake Jiimaelf to any profession, will
be best judged of from the fact that no sooner was railway enferprise
introduced into India than several o f tbe race found eraploymeiit for
themselves as contractors for the construction o f railroads.

In a field

o f labour entirely new to them, they have made a name aud attained
distinction.

Jamsetjee Dorabjee is now considered the foremost native

railway contractor in India.

This Parsee began his railway career by

tendering unsuccessfully for the first two contracts ou the lino from
Bombay to Tannah.

His offer for the third contract was accepted at a

very considerable reduction of the estimate by the Chief Engineer, and

the maimer in which it was executed gave every satisfaction.
Jamsetjee nest undertook to construct three large viaducts, each
of. them nearly 200 yards long, and over fifty feet in height.

A t this

time it was predicted that the work was beyond his strength, or mors
than he could perform, but it was finished within the appointed time,
and in the words o f the Chief Engineer, Mr. Berkeley, in a style worthy
of any contractor, o f any country, and o f the approbation o f any
engineer,

H e again took another contract o f twenty miles from

Callian to N arel; and again a further length o f seventeen miles from

Karel to Campoolee, at tbe foot o f the Bhore Ghaut, all o f which he
executed to the satisfaction o f the railway authorities.
In the year 1857, Jamsetjee Dorabjee obtained, by public competi
tion, from the directors o f the Great Indian Peninsula Railway, in London,
a contract for the construction o f a further twenty-six miles o f their
line, extending from Wasind to Knstsarah, at the foot o f tbe Thul Ghaut
incline.

These works are very formidable, and partake very much o f

the same character aa the great works which are being executed ou tha
two Ghaut inclines.

They lio in a difficult and unfavourable district,

nearly covered with jungle, full o f trap hills and mountain torrents ;
unhealthy in places, difficult o f access, devoid o f water during the hot
season, and thinly populated,
The contract is a large one, amounting probably to nearly 300,000?,,
and the Parsee contractor undertook to complete the works by tha

492

7'he Alodevit History o f

month o f December, 1859, in a period o f little more tUan two year?.

It

coniprises about 1,000,000 cubic y'ards o f cmbanktneut and many heavy

rock cuttings.

A lso four large viaducts, o f which one consists o f six

60 feet arches 100 feet high, another o f seven 30 feet arches 50 feet
higli, a tlrird o f seven 50 feet arches 100 feet high, and the fourth o f
three 50 feet arches 70 feet high.

I t also contains a large mass o f

masonry, in numerous smaller bridges and culverts, in addition to

which, the contractor has uudertaken to construct all the stations,
Hia aiTangements for this great work were woikman-like and com
prehensive.

H e largely avMlcd himself o f native agency, and entrusted

the practical superintendence to several Europeans o f acknowledged

abilities and experience, who received liberal appointments from him.
H e employed, notwithstanding the great demand for labour, 17,000
hands, and by judicioua provisions for their health and necessities, suc
ceeded iu keeping the greater portion o f them upon the works during
the unfavourable part of th eyear.

Heexhibifced considerable judgmenfc

and foresight in the preparatiens which he made, and which enabled him
to cope successfully with the unusual difficulty o f his contract.
The progress of his works was rapid, and he gave entire satisfaction
to the Company, by his exertions and his care and liberality in tho
execution o f Uie works which he had undertaken.

W hen this contract

was completed, Jamsetjee Dorabjee had constructed ninety miles o f

railway, or the whole o f the line upon the Concan, except the four
miles between Tannah and Perseek, which were made by Messrs. W ythes
and Jackson. *
Mr. Jamsetjee Dorabjee s sons do ordinary business, but his grandson
Mr. Cowasjee Dadabhoy ia a distinguished graduate o f the Bombay
Univeiuity,
I X . S IR J A M S E T J E E J E E J E E B H O Y , B a b t .
Thb H on b le M r. D osa bh oy F e a m je e ,

c . s.

i., in his valuable

w ort, entitled The Parsees: Their History, Manners, Customs, and

Religion, wrote about the late first Par see Baronet, Sir Jamsetjee
* F iom Mr. Dosabboy Fram jee's work, eutitled The Parsees : Their History,
Manners, Qostoms, and Beligion," page

the Indian Chiefs, Rajas, Zamindars,

493

JeejeeWioy of revered memory wliile Le was alive, in the following

eulogistic term s:
W h o has not heard of that very prince o f munificence, tho
venerable Paraee Baronet, Sir Jamsetjee Jeejeebhoy, whose unbounded
charity is not only unsurpassed, bub without a parallel in ancient or
modern times.

Since 1822, when his

charitable acts began to be

publicly noticed, scarcely a year has passed in vyhicb he has not

displayed that spirit o f liberality which has made his name so famous
throughout the w'orld, aud brought upon him the blessings and regard
of hia people and unprecedented honours from bis gracious Sovereign.
The capital o f Western India, and Surat, Nowsari, and other
places in Guzerut, and Khandalla and Poona

in the Deccan, bear

testimony to his liberality, philanthropy, and public spirit.

H e has at

various times released the prisoners confined in jail for debt under the
authority o f the Snaall Cause C o u rt; built causeways for the benefit of
the public and the promotion o f traffic between Bombay and Salsett;
founded schools and colleges for the education o f his countrym en;
erected hospitals for tbe relief o f the suffering poor ; established bene
volent institutions for relieving the indigent and poor at Bombay,
Surat, Nowsari, and other places; built spacious and

comfortable

dharumsallas for the oonveuience o f travellers ; and erected works for

the supply o f water, and relieved people from the scarcity o f the moat
precious of all commodities,
Sir Jamsetjees. subscriptions to various charitable objects have
always been handsome aud extensive, while we cannot guess the extent
o f his private charity.

T o the poor, the needy, and the distressed, he

has always held out a helping hand.

Nor are his charities confined to

people o f his own caste or race; be gives indiscriminately without

reference to caste, colour, or creed.

So widely had the fame o f hia

munificence spread, that in 1812 he received tho honour of Knighthood

from the hands o f our gracious and most beloved Sovereign, Queen
Victoria.

Tho patent o f Knighthood* was, amidst great ostentation and

The follovriiig accouot of the armorial hearinga of Sir Jamsetjee Jeejeebhoy

ia taken from a newspaper of the day :
Sir Jamsetjee Jeejeebhoys ' coat, of arma censiats of a handsome shield in

494

The Modern History o f

public demonstration, piesented to Sir Jamsetjee, at the Government

House at Parel, by Sir George Anderson, then Governor of Bombay.
On the 15th of December, 1843, Sir Jamsetjee received a further mark
o f Her Majestys approbation o f his generosity and public spirit in the
shape o f a gold medal* set in diamonds.
His grateful countrymen were not, however, behind hand in recog
nising and publicly testifying tbeir respect for the good qualities which
distinguish this great man.

In the month of June, 185G, a public

meeting, organised by the native population o f Bombay, and cordially

supported by the Europeans o f the city, was held in the Town Hall
o f Bombay, under the presidency o f the R ight H on ble the Governor,
Lord El plan stone.

The object o f the demonstration was to vote a

statue to the venerable Sir Jamsetjee Jeejeebhoy, to bo set up in the

Town H all, where the effigy o f the first native o f India will be placed,
by the side of those o f Elphlustone, M alcolm, and Porhes.
E xcellent speeches were delivered at the meeting, two o f which
we are tennpted to reprint, as they not only fully describe the excellent
qualities o f Sir Jamsetjee, but as they are the spontaneous expressions
o f two men high in authority in India, they will carry greater convic
tion with them than the opinions which emanate from one who belongs
to Sir Jamsetjees own country and race.
The eloquent and impressive speech o f L ord Elphinstone runs
thus

W hen I was asked to preside over this meeting, I felt no

ordinary satisfaction in accepting the invitation.

The occasion was

unusual, I believe I may say, in India, unprecedented.

Every ona

the form of tbe slilclds ased by the E nigbts of St. John at the defence o f Malta,
beautifully emblazoned by scrolas of gold. At the lower part of the shield
is a laudscape scene ia India, intended to represent a part of the island of Bombay,
with Itie islands o f Salsette and Etephanta in the distance. The sun is seen
riaiug from behind Salsette to denote Ituiustry, and in diffusing its ii'rht and heat
diHplaying liberality. The upper part of the shield has a white ground to denote
i,.tegrity aud purity, on wbich are placed tw o bees repreaentiug industry and per
severance. The shield ia suriuounted by a crest consisting of ;; beautiful peaeoi'k,
denoting wealth, grandeur, and m agnificen ce; and in ils mouth U placed
au ear of padd-Vj denoiing beneficence. Below the shield is a white pennant
foiued, on whicn is inscribed tho words, Industry and Liberality,' which is Sir
Jamsetjee's m otto.'
* The medal bears, on its face, the im ^ e of the Queen, encircled with
diamouds. The reverse hears thia inscription : Sir Jamsetjee Jeejeebljoy, Bart,
from tho British Government, in honour ot his manificence aud his patriotismt

the Indian Chiefs, Rajas, Zamindars,

must approve of the object so far,

495

that every one must wish to do

honour to Sir Jamaetjee Jeejeebhoy,

Those who

take an interest in

the improvement and progress o f the natives o f this country must,

1 think, view our proceedings to-day with peculiar pleasure.

I t is a

good sign when a community comes forward of its own accord to do

homage to real worth ;

in honouring Sir Jamaetjee Jeejeebboy, tho

community honours itself.

The mere fact o f this meeting renders it

superfluous that I should expatiate upon Sir Jamsetjee Jeejeebh ojs

claima-to our respect and love.

But I would point out

that these do

not rest solely upon the vast sums which he has contributed to objecti
of public charity and couveiuence.

The extent, indeed, o f those con

tributions is almost incredible; to enumerate the various benefits which

he has conferred not only upon thia town, but upon the presidency at
large, would be to trespass unduly upon your time.

I may, however,

be permitted to observe that his public benefactions alone amount to a

quarter o f a million sterlingor exactly tlie sum which it will take to
constioict the great works which will supply this Island with water.
In what age, and in what country, can we find another example

of

such princely munificence ? Three o f the largest cities in Great Britain,

Glasgow, Liverpool, and Manchester whose united population, however,
is not double that o f Bombay have lately incurred, or are at this
moment incurring .an expense o f upwards of two millions sterling upon
water-works.

I will suppose that the united

wealth o f these three

cities exceeds that of Bombay iu the proportion that the cost o f their
water-works bears to ours,

I must admit that this is no criterion at

all, and that it is very probable that I have much under rated

their

superiority o f wealth but which of these cities, I ask, can boast of a

citizen who has devoted 250,000/. to purposes o f public charity and
benevolence ?
But I have just said it is not the amount only o f Sir Jamsetjee
Jeejeebhoys charities that comnmnds my admiration.

True liberality

is shown iu the manner o f distribution no less than in the amount.

I will not go back to the dark ages, and cite the times when

Christian

monasteries and Bhuddhist wicbaras were endowed by men, who sought

to gain the favour o f Heaven by renouncing their possess ions and

496

The Modem H istory o f

performing wliat they considered an act o f charity, and which waa certa in ljr
one o f abnegation.

I may, however, refer to those who founded our

great collegiate institutions, and to the monai ehs who built the Hotel des
luvalides at Paris, and Greenwich and Chelsia Hospitals near lion doc.
Tiie former afforded education only to those who participated in the
founders faith.

The latter were for the worn out soldiera and sailors of

the kings who established them.

Par be it from me to undervalue these

noble foundations but I cannot help remarking that Sir Jamsetjeos

benefactions, with the sole exception,

I believe o f the Parsee bene

volent institution, are made to the entire coniimmity, not for Parsees
only, but for Hindoos, Jews, Christians, and Muhotnedans,
It is this Catholic character of Sir Jamsetjees benevolencehis
sympathy for the poor and suffering o f all castes and creeds that haswon for him tho universal respect aud esteem o f all ehisses of the com
munity, and it is to this feeling that we owe tbe gathering which tho
SherifTs requisition has collected to-day in this ball.

The manner in

which Sir Jamsetjee Jeejeebhoy acquired his great wealth was hardly
less honourable to himself aud beueticial to the community than the
mode in which he dispenses It.

B y strict integrity, by industry and

punctuality iu all his commercial transactions, he has contributed to

raise the character o f
mai'kets.

the Bombay merchant in* the most distant

His whole life is a practical illustration o f tlie truth of the

homely proverb that honesty is the beat policy, and in this respect
and in others he will leave behind him an example which I trust will
long continue to be held up for imitation among us.

But I have said

enough, though certainly very far less than I might have said, upon
Sir Jamaetjee Jeejeebhoys claims upon our admiration and gratitude.
I must not sit down without offering a few remarks upon the mode
in which it is proposed that we should testify these sentiments.

I hear

that some object to a statue : it would be more consistent, they say, with
the character o f the man whom we seek to honour to make our tribute
assume tbe shape o f a work o f charity than a w ork of art.
unable to concur in this view.

am

In the first place, I would remark that

Sir Jamsetjee has anticipated us in every work of charity with which

we might seek to connect his name.

W e have already hospicaU,

the Indian Chiefs, Rajas, Zamindars,

497

dhnmmsallas, ediKational institutions, tanks, camewajs, aivd I know

not how many other things, intended for the relief and Instruction and
convenience o f the people, called after hira.

Besides I tliink we may

well wish to perpetuate among the worthies who have a place in thi*
hall, or Our public streets, tbe likeness of a man who has conferred such
great benefits upon the community, and who will leave behind him so
briglit an example o f all the qualities which diguify the acquisition o f
wealth, and render its possession a blessing.
* Most civilized nations, both in ancient and modern times, have
adopted this mode o f honouring distinguislied public virtues and services.
A t Athens, we read that tha porticos were crawJed with statues,
and at Rome the number in the forum became so great that the censor,
P. Cornelius Scipio and M. Papiliiis, removed all those which had not been
erected with the sanction of the senate and the people.

Ik is not likely

that such an accumulation will take place anywhere in modern times

least o f all is it likely in In d ia ; but if it were possible, I would venture
to predict that no future censor would be found to direet tbe removal of
the statue o f Sir Jamsetjee Jeejeebhoy from the spot where it is to be
placed, and that ib will remain to distant generations a monument of
the civic virtues o f the man, and o f tlie gratitude o f the community.
In an equally eloquent speech, H. L. Anderson, Esq., Secretary
to Government, thus testified to the good qualities o f Sir JanciBetjee ;
' 1 feel iiKit Some apology is due frem me for presenting myself to the
n e m g at so early a period o f our proceedings.

I may be permitted

cnus briefly to explain that, in undertaking to move this resolution,

I have yielded to the opinion expressed to me, by several native gentle
men, that my near relationship to one o f his oldest friends would render
my performance o f this duty acceptable to Sir Jamsetjee
It has been also indirectly intimated to
was entertained by Sir Jamsetjees sons.

J e e je e b h o y .

me that a similar feeling

Under these circumstances, and

having very much at heart the object for which this meeting was con venecl, I have felt that I ought not to shrink from tlie work wliich has
been thug assigned to me.

In this hall wa have frequently met to

render our tribute of admiration to the heroes and statesmen who havo
illustrated the policy aud tho arms o f our commou country.
63

This day

498

The Modern History o f

we acqnit ourselves o f a duty dear to us all, o f expressing our gratitude

to one who, having acquired vast wealth by a long career o f honourable
industry, has distributed that wealth with unparalleled benevolence.
The days are past when good deeds done in India remain unknown ; this
country is daily occupying a larger space in the minds o f

thoughtful

men, and there Is nob a region on the civilized globe, from China to the
far Republic o f the W est, wliicti has not heard o f the benevolent
K night o f India,

This island owes much to the public spirit of onr

native fellow citizens, it has enabled Bombay to maintain no unequal

contest in tho honourable emulation which progress must ever call forth
between the three presidencies.

I believe that gentlemen who have

devoted their best energies to the interests o f Calcutta aud Madras

have said, What could we not do if our natives were like the natives
of B om bay.
* Pre-eminent among those who have thus contributed to the pros
perity o f this presidency, is Sir Jamsetjee Jeejeebboy.

I fear that I

should exhaust the patience o f the meeting if I were to recount all the
great public works which have been constructed by his munificence,

shall therefore only I'apidly glance at some of the m ost prom inent;
bnt it ought not to he forgotten that, in addition

to the great works

which will endear his name to remote generations, his private his
almost secret charities have divided tbe weekly bread to thousands o f
his fellow-cFeatures,

The characteristic o f hia munificence has beeu

enlightened usefulness.
His wealth has been achieved by sagacity, industry, and the purest
good faith ; it has not been lavislied with mere ostentatious and illconsidered profusion.

In the long list o f his public benefactions, there

is not one which does not exhibit a wise discrimination, and amply
deserve the title o f a good work.

Some have naturally beeu devoted

to the relief aud the iinjuovcment o f tlie members o f that ancient faith
ill which he was himself born aud nurtured, but the greater poi tion
have solely contemplated the common good o f all.

I f a stranger land

ing ca these shores were to inquire what were the works hy which the
Parsee K night, o f whom he had heard so much, had acquired hia
renown, we should but have to tell him to look aryund.*

l i e would

the Indian Chiefs, Rajas, Zamindars,

499

see hospitals wlricli, besides the tender offices they have extended to
tlie afflicted, have, in conjunction with the Grant College, conferred on
India the inestimable benefit of a skilled body o f native medical prac
titioners.

lie would sea tanks, by which, to adopt the expression o f

Edmund Burke, the industry o f man carefully husbands the precious

gift o f God.

He would see, and not only here, but also at Nowsari in

the north, and Khandallah in the south, dhurumsallas the homes

of charity, in which the houseleaa and the wandering find refuge and
relief.

He would see the noble causeway which unites the Islands o f

Bombay and Salsette.

H e would see the water-works at Poona, the

bridges at Earla Parla and Bartha.

He would see roads, wells, aeque-

ducta, and reservoirs.

But these works, great ns they are, are very far from representing
all the good deeds o f Sir Jamsetjee JeejeebUoy,

He has founded and

endowed an institution for the education and maintenance o f the children

o f poor Parsees, at an expense o f nearly 50,000/.

Many o f thosei

whom I now address must have been present, as I was, when he gave
in one gift to the sacred cause o f education the sum o f 30,000/.; and
they will not easily forget the sensation created hy that announcement
made with so much calmness and simplicity.

Bnt besides founding the

schools which bear his name, and besides contributing m ost liberally to
various other educational institutions, he has proposed to give a new
impetus to the native mind, to develope, i f possible, another vein of
talent by the formation of a school of design.
he has devoted a sum of 10,000/.

To this great pui'posa

But it would be to gild refined gold

to dwell on the abundant evidences o f the public spirit o f this excellent

citizen.
* It will be sufficient for me to repeat what has been said by the
noble lord in the chair, tbat he has expended, for the solid and enduring
benefit of Bombay, no less a sum than a quarter of a million sterling.
But in addressing a meeting at which many o f ray own countrymen ara
present, I must not fail to allude to the facts that, when the bouea o f
thousands o f heroic men Europeans and Sepoys were whitening in
tbe snows o f Cabool, when famine decimated the Highlands o f Scotland,
when a

mysterious

dispensation of

Providence deprived our poor

500

The Modern History o f

Irishmen o f their daily food, when the widows and the orphans of the
brare men who died for the right at Altna and Inkermann, stretched
forth their hands for aid, none evinced a more generous sympathy, none
ahowed more alacrity in giving bread to the hangry, and binding up
the wounds o f the broken-hearted, than he whom this day we honour
ourselves in honouring.

If, gentlemen, such deeds as these go without

recognition in hia own generation, the shame will be ours.

The blood

less triumphs o f commerce have been illustrated by the ennobled names

o f Ashburton and Overstone.

In the glorious temple which adorns

the capita] o f the British Empire, in which lie the bones of the iron
victor o f a hundred fields, and tbe mutilated form of him,
The saviour o f the silver coasted isle,
The shaker o f the Baltic and the Kile

in that temple near tbe marble which gives to posterity the form o f
Samuel Johnson, stands the statue o f the illustrious philanthropist,
John Howard.
associate.

Nor oould learning and valour demand a worthier

Let us then, in the same spirit, give a great example to all

In d ia ; let us show how a good man can be appreciated ; and in this

island, in which due reverence has been rendered to the genius o f
M ellesley and Elphinstone, to the virtues o f Cornwallis and the gallant
spirit o f M alcolm , let us enable the humblest o f his countrymen, in
distant times, to gaze on the lineaments o f their great benefactor.
Such tributes are usually reserved for the illustrious deed.

But in

so mixed a population as that o f Bombay, it is very meet that our

venerable friend should knew that all creeds and races, Parsees, Hindus,
Mussulmans, Jews, and Christiana, have accorded to him their grati
tude.

T hat he should be assured by the concurrent voices o f all, he

has not laboured in vain, that he should see his good deeds, in th^
language o f our great poet
Formed in the applause
W here they are intended, and which like an arch reverberates
The voice again, or lik e a gate of steel,
Fronting the sun, receives and renders back
His figure and his h eat.

* H e is now full o f years.

The evening o f his days is brilliant with

th e lustre which anticipates the praisw of posterity.

Long may ho

the Indian Chiefs, Rajas, Zamindars, (Jr.

501

husband out lifeis taper at the close, happ^' in Ida most estimable family
hsppy ill the applause and affection c f his fellow-citizenshappiest in
the memory o f his hononrable and useful life.
Her Majesty has lately, we are glad to say, further honoured
Sir Jamsetjee by ootiferrmg a baronetcy upon him.
*
*

*
#
*

W e cannot conclude our short notice of this great man without

appending a list o f his benefueUons so far &a we have been able to
ascei'tain them

Rupees.

Sum paid for the relief c f poor debtors in 1S22, 182G, and 1842 ...

3,010

B adow m eat for the performance in Bombay aud Guzerat, of

various Parsee rites and ceremonies

............................................ 1,80,0(X)

Cost o f a building and adjoining ground for the oelelation of

Public Festivals am ong the Farsees

...

...

70,000

Ooutributton in money, grain, and clothes for the benefit o f the

sufferers by the great fire at Surat and Syed Poora

...............

30,800

Sutna remitted for the relief o f poor Parsees at and near Surat,
from 1810 to 1847

39,000

Subscriptions to the Fanjrapol in Bombay

,,

at Patton

.........................................

71,600

.........................................

3,000

Endowment for the relief o f poor Hindoos in Guzerat, in memory

o f a H indoo f r i e n d ..............................................................................
Parsee cemeteries in various places

.....................................................

Sums given in aid of distressed members of native families

30,000
29,600

...

44,000

Building and repairs o f various Parsee places of w o r s h ip ................

16,700

Cost o f sundry wells aud resetvoirs in Bombay and other places

in tbe Presidency

...........................................................................

15,000

Fund for the benefit o f the poor blind at X o w s a r e c ............................

G,000

Subscriptions to the Parsee panchayet for charitable works................

16,000

Parsee Ohnrch at P o o n a .............................................................................

45,000

Dharamsalla at Khandalla

.................................................................

20,000

at K o w s a r e e ..............................................................................

20,000

F n sd for the funeral expenses of poor Parsees at Qtinderee near

Nowsaree
..........................................................................................
Redem ption of tbe body-tax levied by the Gaikwad Government
on the Parsees at N o w s a re e ......................................

Carried oxer B t,

5,000
17,000

6,59,740

The Modern History o f

502

Bfoxtgbi forvaard Its. ,,, 6,59,7iO

.......................................

62,500

at Stirat............... .......................................

1.25.000

Eudowtnent for poor Paraees at Nowsaree

,,

8,400

Btiildiuga at Nowsaree for Parsee religions observances

Bnildiags CODOected with the cemetry at tbe aamc place

..............

Contribution towards the construction of the J, J. hospital

The Obfltetric lustitntjou in connection with the J. J, boapital

22.000

...

Bridge at Aria Forla

4,000

.........................................

6,500

Tank at Bsndora
................

1.50.000

.........................................

1,80,270

Dharamsalla, Bellasis Road, Bombay

Water-works at Booua

30.000
1.55.000

Mahim C a u s e w a y .....................................................
Mabim Boad

8,600
1,60,500

Bridge at Bartha near Surat

7,300

............................

Tank on the Byculla Road

............................
Endowment to the Parsee Benevolent Institution for the education
and mainteaance o f the children of poor Parsees at Bombay ..
School o f design in Bombay

4,40,000

1,00,000

.............................

3,000
15.000

A Zend Avasta School for Paraeea

Bonk and prize fund Grant Medical College

23,000

...

Subscription to the Parsee punchayct for charitable works ...

15.000

Contribution to the fund for the benefit of European pensioners

and their widows

..................................................................

Subscription to the Elphiustone Profesaorahipa

Byculla Schools

Bistrict Benevolent Society, Bombay

............................

e,ooo

................

11,500

................

1,000

................

5.000

Sailors Home, Bombay

2.000

Shivry School of Industry (founded by Dr, Buist)

Free School, Calcutta
.........................................

1,500

Fund for the relief of the Scotch andIrish

Naval School at Devonport..........................................

W ellington Testimonial
Patriotic Fund

2,000

10,000
1,000

.........................................

7.000

........... .........................................

6.000

Belief F u n d ............................
Havelock TeBtimouial

............................

2,000

.........................................

1,000

Total RupBiis.,. 2,219,810

T o ta l S teb lin o... 221,9Si

l; L (

the Indian Chiefs, Rajas, Zamindars,

503

M r. Dosabhoy Framjee, a!so remarked, in the concluding part

o f Chapter V . o f bis work mentioned above, that I t is solely owing
to the benevolence of the wealthy Parsees that not a single Parsee
beggar is to be seen, a fact highly creditable to the race.

Tbe committee

o f ihe Bombay District Benevolent Society* thus publicly acknow

ledged the fact in one o f their reports," * The public at large owe a debt
o f gratitude to the Parsees o f Bombay, for not one beggar o f that
caste has ever applied to this society for relief, nor is a Parsee pauper
ever to be seen in our streets.
Sir Jamsetjee Jeejeebhoy, the first Baronet, Lad three sons.

The

first son, Mr. Cursetjee Jamsetjee succeeded to the Baronetcy in 1859.

He died in 1877, and was succeeded by bis son, Mr. Manackjee, who is
now tbe third Sir Jamsetjee Jeejeebhoy,

Mr. Sorabjee Jamsetjee, one

of the sons of the first Baronet, is still alive.

X .-T H E

H O N B LE M A N G H A L

T he H onb le

D A SS N A T H U B H O Y , c. s. i.

M a n g h a l D a s s N a t h u b h o y , c . s. l ,

respectable Justices o f the Peace, Bombay.

the Bombay Legislative Council.

is one o f tha

He is also a Member o f

H e offered a handsome sura o f

Rs. 20,000 to Government towards the endovvmeiit o f a Travelling

Fellowship for Hindu graduates o f the Bombay University.

He is a

leading representative o f the Native community o f Bombay, and has

been invested with the Insignia o f a Companion o f the Most Exalted
Older o f the Star of India in recognition of his valuable services and
works of public utility and enlightened libei-ality.

X L - T H E H O N B L E M O R A R J E E G O C U L D A SS,
T h is

i. e.

noble is one o f the principal millionaires o f Western India.

He is a Bhattla by caste, and his native place is Porebunder in Guzerat.

He was bom in November 1834, and lost his father while still young.
* This iustitution is supported hy Goveiument, its Officers, aud the European
and Native gcatlemen.

504

The Modern History o f

H e spent hid youth in pilgrimage, and began to trade when only thirteen
years old, doing business particularly in wholesale piece goods.

Coming

at this time largely in contact with Euglish merchants, be felt a liking

for English, which lie learnt in the few intervals o f leisure he could get.
W hen twenty-seven years old he became a guaranteed Broker (called in
Calcutta, Banian) to a European Firm in Bombay.
appointed Justice o f the Peace for the Town and

In 1863, he was
Island o f Bombay.

A t this time public attention in Western India was being directed to

the establishment of mill-industry.

Mr. Morarjce was one o f tlioso

who saw that the industry could be made pro&table both to the country
and to him who would engage himself in it as au enterprise.

He

founded a mill in Bombay, which is now called, ** The Morarjee Goculdase

Spinning and Weaving C o .," employing from 1,100 to 1,200 labourers
every day.

He also founded another m ill in Sholapnr, c-alled The

Sholapur Spinning and W cavin g Company, Limited. It was at the former

uiill that ilie system o f imparting instruction for a few hours every day
to young labourers was first introduced.

I n 186S, Mr. Morarjee began

his travels, and, in 1870, he visited the whole o f Northern India, going
as far as Cashmere and Shrinugur to the north and as far as Calcutta
to the east.

H e also visited all the well-known parts o f Sonthern India,

In 1873, he was api>ointed by Government one o f th e commissioners to

enquire into and report upon the necessity o f introducing factory laws
into India.

During the famine which visited Bom bay in 1876-77,

Mr. Morarjee was Secretary o f the Deccan Famine Fund Committee.

His

services in this connection were recognized by Government who conferred

on him the title of c. i.

in January, J878.

He has been appointed a

non-official Member o f the Legislative Council o f Bombay since the 30th

August 1878, and in January 1873, he was elected a Fellow o f the
University o f Bombay.

H e has also been a Member o f the Municipal

Corporation, elected once by the Government and for a second time by

the Justices o f the Peace.

Mr. Morarjee supports a girls school in

Bombay, called formerly the M iss Mary Carpenters Girl's School and a
Dharamshala to Poona,built in 1869, which accommodates daily from 400
to 500 travellers.

Iu Novem ber 1372, at Mr. Morarjees request His

Highness M obbut Khanjee, k .c .b .i ., the Naw ab o f Junagaih, abolished

the Indian Chiefs, Rajas, Zamindars, tj-c*.

505

the Meei'bari poll tax o f G aud 8 pies per bead, levied upon trarellors
while entering Verawal and Somnath respectively.

Tliis tax was a

source o f vexation to many.

X I L T H E H O N B L E S O R A B J I S H A P U U J E E B E N G A L I.
T he H onble Sorabji Sbapiirjee Bengali is a respectable Member
o f the Bombay Legislative Council.

A s a great patron of education,

lie offered Rs. 3,000 to Government for tbe purpose o f endowing an

annual prize, named The Karsandas Mulji Prize worth Rs. 100 to be
presented to any graduate or undergraduate o f the Bombay University
who should write the best essay in English ou a subject selected by the
Syndicate,

He also takes part almost in all public movements.

X I I I . T H E H O N B LE S H E T

FRA M JEE

N U SSERW AN JEE

PATEL.
T h e H onb le Shet Framjee Nusserwanjee Patel ia one o f the
respectable Parsee Shets, who have attained their high position by com
mercial enterprise and remarkable industry.
June, 1804, in the island uf Bombay.

lie was born on tbe 26tb

H e is descended from a good

family, and his ancestors were men o f position who took part in the
discussions o f the local Panchayets.

He began his life as a merchant,

and after many years of hard work amassed a considerable fortune,

was a partner in two different firms at different times.

Ha

He retired from

business in 1858, and gave in clmrge o f his sons the business o f tho
firm (Framji Bauds & C o.,) which still bears his name.

Throughout

his business-life his character was marked in a very large degree by all
the qualities that can- make a successful merchant.

His advice was

very often sought by many in times o f difficulty and commercial crisis.

During his business career he was not able to devote sufficient time to
public questions, but after his retirement he took a warm interest ia
every movement that waa set on foot for the public good.

W ith

other leaders of the Parsee community he introduced many social an^

64

506

The Modern Ilislory o f

tnoval I'eforms iu llic country.

a sti'Ong supporter in him.

The cause o f female education fouiul

H e was one o f tho founders o f tho raraco

Girls Schools, and his services done to the cause of female education
were higldy spoken o f in a report to the Government hy Sir Alexander
Grant.

Tlie Hon'ble Dosabhoy Framjee, c.s.a., said in his work, entitled

Ih e Parsees;

Their H istory, Manners, Customs,

and Religion,

that Fianijee Nusserwaiijee, Esq., is well known both to tho Native and
European community o f Bombay for bis great liberality; there

is

scarcely any charitable object which docs not receive some assistance
from his purse.

H e was one o f the four Parsco gentlemen, who mainly

contributed towards the establishment o f tho Parsee Girl s Schools, and

he is at this day one of its warmest supporters.

H o has o f late evinced

such an interest in the cducaUou and general enlightenment o f his

countrymen that any measure tending to further this object receives
his beat sympathies, and his purse is ever ready to minister to the
wants of institutions which have for their object the promotion of the
welfare and advancement o f the people.
For tbe benefit of the Par see lads he also opened a school in the
town known as Framjee Nusserwanjoo Anglo-Vernacular School.
This all was done at a time when there was a great need for such useful
institutions.
undertakings.

H e is always ready to assist all charitable and useful

H is subscriptions to various objects o f charity have

been handsome and extensive.

He

built Dharmasaias, constructed

roads, and -ex.cavated tanks and wells for the good o f the public.

Ho

advanced the cause o f Guzrati literature by liberal assistance, in recog

nition o f which, many valuable books have heen dedicated to him by
several learned FandiU.

Actuated by religious zeal he contributed

very large sums to relieve the sulferinga o f the poor Zorastrians in

Persia.

Committees were formed under hia management to make

fiurtablo arrangements for the boarding and lodging o f these faminestricken co-religionists.

In procuring suitable and requisite laws for the

Zoraatrian community he took a v ^ y prominent part.

H e bad also the

honour o f a seat in the commission idong with two judges o f the High
Court appointed by the Government to consider the advisibility o f making
some special laws for the Parsees.

A fter a lon g time, through his

the Indian CJiiefs, Rtijas, Zamindars, (Jr.

507

untiriag zeal and influence, the Parsees got a code of special laws for
themselves.

He was the President of the Parsee Law Association

Cummiitco,

with Messrs. Sorabji Sapoorjcc

Bengali and Namrojee

Turdoorjee, as Honorary Secretaries,

He was appointed by Government a Member of aevcral Committees,
and bad tho honour o f receiving letters of thanks for hie disinterested
and praiseworthy labours.

In recognition o f his valuable services, he

waa appointed to a seat in the Legislative Council o f Bombay,

which

honourable poet he discharged with credit under the Government of

Sir Bartlo Frere.

The usefulness o f his active life was for a time in

terrupted by serious and protracted illness, but by tbe grace o f God Fie
was spared to coutinuc his career as a useful citizen.

H e is now full

of years and has ceased to take that active part which ho onoc used to
do.

He never bestowed his cliarities in publie, and whatever ho did be

did in an unassuming manner.

His gifts to his own coutitrymcn are

many and the most important of tliem is a Fire Temple built for their
use at a great cost.

The sums ^ v en

by him at different thnea for

charitable purposes amount to somo lakhs of rupees.

the private relations of life is simply blameless.

His character in

Ho Is up to this day

respected by hia community for tho valuable services rendered to them,

by him.
H e held the Honorary posts as Fellow of the Bbmbay Braaich o f tBo
Royal Asiatic Society, Justice o f tlie Peace for the Town and Island o f
Bombay, Chairman o f the Association fw

ameliorating the condition

and alleviating the distress o f the Zora.-!trian inhabitants in Persia,

Vice-President Bombay Association, Vice-PVesident Bombay Branch o f
the East India Association, Member o f the Sir Jamsetjee Jeejeebhoy a
School o f

A rt

aud

Industry Committee, Fellow of

the Bombay

University, Patron o f the Fort Reading Room and Library, Member

of the Managing Committee of tbe Sir Jamsetjee Jeejeebhoy's Parsee
Benevolent Institution, Trustee o f the Paucliayat, and Member and
Chairman o f several other charitable, social, and public institutions.

508

The ATodern History o f

Chapter

I I S u r a t .

I A R D A S IR D H U N JE E SH A W B AH A D U R.
T he

late Ardasir Dhunjeeshaw Bahadur o f Snrat, and his ances

tors, have done immense service to the Government.

Mr. H. G, Briggs,

a name not unfamiliar iu literary circles in Bombay, in his work

entitled Cities o f Gujarashtra gives a brief but accurate summary
of

Ardasirs distinguished services.

So well has Mr. Briggs treated

the subject, that we shall be excused for quoting his remarks-

He

sa ys
* A m ong the natives o f Western India he (A rdasir) stands alone
for his abilities, his energy, and his unwearied zeal for the Government
he served, the country which gave him birth and his countrymen
refuge in exile.

To form any idea of tlie state o f Surat at this time,

and to appreciate the exertions o f Ardasir, it must be

borne in mind

that both the city and the river were plagued with robbers and pirates
equally daring and adroit.

The indolent avariciousness o f the citizen

was exposed to the rapacity o f his needy neighbour, at whose means

tlie villanous K o li o f Gujarat could be introduced into his dw elling;
and tbe nature o f such felonies was frequently rendered more atrocious
by the commission of murder : but the stealthiness and security with
which such feats were performed wholly defeated the aim and the ends
o f justice.
* N or was the system o f piracy any half-handed m easure: tho
Gifts o f the Ocean (the happy sobriquet) were shared from Cambay
north, as far southward as Daman by a leagued fraternity, whoso
emissaries were too frequently the servants or friends o f the enterpris
ing merchant.

I t was nothing unusual to learn o f singular storms and

stranger shipwrecks ; yet Swali Nest or Thari Hole had received many
hundred bales o f cotton or richer spoil both unsoiled by the sea and
unknown to any voyage but that of the liver.

The gains were equally

distributed ; which permitted the existence o f the band such a series of

years.

But, even this nefarious, audacious, and extensive plot, perished

under proper vigilance and due discrimination.

the Indian Chiefs, Rajas, Zamindars, <|r.

' M r.

509

Anderson, lately Governor o f Bombay, a man o f severe

thought and determined principles o f action when Session Judge o f

Surat, had bestowed some attention on this subject, but was at

fault

as to the means of extirpating these evils, and he bent his eye upon a
young and adventurous instrument for accomplishing the required pur
pose : his penetration o f character found in Ardaair the willing engine.
From this period is to be dated the extraordinary exertions o f Ardasir
for S u rat; instantly diverting his notice to the amount and nature
of the existing sore, he probed their extent, and then resoried to
Iemcdial steps.
The emploj'ment of his energies for the state did not terminata
iu the suppression o f the grievances noticed; they were followed, by
remodelling the police of the city the introduction o f an establishment
o f dondias, or watchmen an improved gaol discipline, quite as well as
the foundation of a paper manufactory to engage the time o f the pri
soners in salutary pursuits, and the improvemeut o f the roads.

Amid

these trying labours he devoted a large portion o f his time in rendering

considerable assistance to Mr. Borrodaile, o f tlie Civil

Service, in a

valuable work prepared for the Government, which that gentleman had
the candour to admit without Ardasirs services the undertaking mnst
have failed.
* The intricate, the substantial, the important services o f Ardasir
induced the Government in November, 1825, to bestow upon him a
Khilat, or honorary garb, in that manner most gratifying to the pride
o f the recipient.

The ceremony was performed in open durbar by

the agent for the honourable the Governor, and the opportunity availed
of to present Ardaair witli 5,000 rupees.

On this occasion a petition,

signed by 800 o f the principal native residents o f Surat, was delivered

to the agent, expressive o f the pleasure experienced in this prominent
notice o f the efforts o f their fellow-citizen for the general security and
weal o f the community.
* Upon the 22nd of December, 1829, and during his stay at Surat,
Sir John Malcolm, the then Govcimor o f Bombay, by way o f particu
larly marking the meritorious labours of Ardasir, at a special durbar
held, to which were summoned all the principal pei-soiiages in and about

510

The Afodern History o f

Surat, invested him with a Khilat, and conferred the title o f Bahadur
in themselves uo ordinary honours, but wliich in this instance were
accompanied by the presentation o f a horse with rich trappings, and a
jaghir of tbe annual rental: o f 3,000 Rupees, promising Ardasir, at the
same time, to send him a gold medal.

Upwards o f 20,000 natives had

assembled to witness the ceremony, and to signify their thanks to the

Governor for the homnirs paid Ardaair.

General. Hessman was ordered

to afford a strong military force to give importance to the occasion,

and a company

o f infantry escorted

Ardasir, with a military baud,

to hifl residence.
In

1830, the Judicial Commisaiuncr, Mr, James Sutherland,

haring received special instructions from the Government o f Bombay,

held a durbar on

tha 14th o f December to carry into effect the

iutentious o f tbe honourable the Governor in presenting Ardasir witti

the promised medal.

In the presence o f a Urge concourse, composed

o f European and Native gentlemen, after a long, eloquent, and appro

priate speech iu Hindooataui, detailing the several valuable and useful
Services rendered by Ardasir to ttm state and tho comiuunity of. Burnt,
and ably expatiatiug upon the high sense entertained

by Government

o f this public servant, Mr. Sutherland delivered to Ardasir the g ift of

the Bombay Cabinet.

It is a plain round slab of gold, bearing the

following inscription on one side, Tliis medal is presented to Ardasir

Dunjeeshah Bahadur, E otw al o f Surat, in token of the high sense
entertained by the Bombay Government o f the diligence and fidelity
with which he has performed his public duties both as au officer of
police

and

in other capacities, 1st January, 1830.

The obverse

bears a translation in Gujarati.

* Years have since fled, and Ardasirs unremitting ability, his
unwearied

zeal remain

unaltered ;

his

assistance in the

general

allairs o f the country, have continued to prove the tbcmc o f all his
superiors.

H is counsel has beeu frequently sought, his opinion never

disregarded and his merits were found o f no ordinary calibre in the

diplomatic arrangements required in the affairs o f native slates, parti
cularly those o f the Nawabs o f Surat and Sucliiu and the Ran a of
Dliaiaujpur.

In the last matter whore the pecuniary

embarrass

ihe Indian Chiefs, Rajas, Zamindars, cjr.

511

ments of the prince had been fo promptly and satisfactorily arranged

while Aidasir was native agent to the Governor, tho Hindoo chieftain,
in grateful recollection o f the Zoroaalriana intervention, suiDmarilj
thrust u[K)n hitu a village affording a yearly rtrvenne ctf two

thousand

rupees, which Ardasir, with his usual spirit, declined to a cce p t; a

reference was subsequently submitted by the

Rana to the

Bombav

Governmetit on the subject, and tbe expected negative reply ensued'*

Ardusir Dhunjeesliaw Bahadur has left a son.

I T .- S Y A D H O S S A N -A L -E D R U S , c.s.i.
T ub S t ads are the descendants o f the children u f the danghter o f
the Prophet Mahommad, the apostle o f Goil.

The title o f Syadat or

Syadahip was first conferred upon the Prophet Mahommad hy God

through his angel Gabriel, and the Mosnlraans who are not descended
from the Prophet s dasghters, cannot enjoy the raak and title o f Syad,
meaning a chief o f a community,
Syad Abuhaker Sakran, first kept the name o f his son Syad
Abdulla, as Syad Abdulla Saheb Edrus, tlie great grandfather o f Syad
Hosaan-Al-Edrus, c.s.'f,, the subject o f our sketch.

The descendants o f

Syad Abdulla Saheb Edrus have since continued to use the title Edrns,
an Arabic word meaning a leader o f all tho people, &c.

They are

highly honoured by the Arabs who fall prostrate before them, kiss their
Lands and feet, and obey their flag or standard if raised dnring the
tinne o f a war either goiag on between theiaselvea or against their
enemies.
The ancestors o f Syad Hossan-AI-EJrus, c.s.i., migiuted from M ecca
in Arabia, and settled at Gujcrat in the H ijri year 958, when it was
governed by IluisIUs, who excrcited great oppression upon the ryots,
but they were soou driven out o f the place by the Emperor o f Delhi.
The Syads ancestor?, howv'Vcr, were highly respected by the Emperor
* From Mr. Dosabhoy Framjees work, entitled The Parsees ; their H istoiy,
Manners, Customs, aud Heligiou, page 150-102.

5l2

The Modern History o f

Aliimgliir and hia successors, who at all times com plied with their
requests and heard their petitions with great attention.
Syad Mabommad Saheb Edrus, son o f Syad A bdulla Saheb Edrus,
and grandfather o f Syad Ilossan-Al-Edrus, c.s.i., first settled at Surat,
which was ab that time not in a flourishing condition nor was it a
populous place.

There were only a few

fishermens huts situated on

the banks o f the River Taptee,biit this place gradually became prosperous
and thickly populated by different classes o f men.
W hen

Surat began to prosper, the Portuguese commenced to

plunder and take away the property and goods belonging to the people,
and the cruelties practised by them became so great and intolerable
that Syad Mahommad Saheb Edrus was compelled to apply to the
Emperor o f Delhi for redress.

The Emperor though at this time

received no revenue whatever from Surat, yet in consideration o f the

position and greatness of the applicant he erected a wall, stationed a few
Sepoys, and established his own rule over the place.

Several jaghirs

were bestowed upon Syad Mahommad Edrus by tbe Em peror A lum ghir
in recognition o f his good and valuable services, and was called by the
people Bdheh, i. e., ruler o f the place.
W hen the English established a factory at Surat in a .d . 1716,
the Syads represented to the Emperor, that as the Nawab o f Surat was
exercising much tyranny upon the rgata, so it w ould be better if the
F ort o f Surat were transferred from his control to that o f Mr, Spencer,
a very respectable servant o f the Hon ble East India Company.

Their

application was heard by the Emperor and the Fort o f Surat was trans
ferred to the U on ble East India Company by the Imperial Government,
Syad Mahommad Saheb Edrus rendered most im portant and essen
tial services to tho Governor Mr. Duncan, when he came to assume
the Government o f Burat by quelling the disturbances that were created
by the deposed Nawab and his creatures.

H e also assisted the Euglish

at the time o f the Janxma. Bandi Settlement by collecting all the people
and inducing them to accept the rates proposed by the Company,

It

proved so very beneficial to tbe interests o f the Government that there

was an increase o f revenue to the extent o f Rs. 2,000 per year collected
from the Pargannas o f Chikli, Surban, W alore, A jatpore, and Bidharef.

ihe Indian Chiefs, Rajas, Zamindars, jr .

513^

During the reign of Kanojirav G aikw arof Baroda, the Syad Mahommad
Saheb Edrua used his best endeavours to induce tbe Gaikwar to pay
an annual salami or tribute to the Euglisb and to allow them to establish
their factory in Baroda.

H e also took an active part in putting a stop

to all other sorts o f disturbances and confusion that-took place at

different times among the ryaU o f Surat, and for these eminent servi
ces the Governor always regarded him as a great and powerful ally
having the fullest confidence in his integrity aud loyalty towards the
British Crown.

H e was always honoured like the independent chiefs-

and the Governor used to pay him visits now and then aud in eases
of bis paying return visits he was not only received warmly but in a
most pleasant manner.

The Governor voluntarily granted a sannad for

Rs. 500 a year for the provision o f his son, Syad Sheriff Shaik Edrus
while he was an infant, and allowed a guard o f honour consisting o f six
Sepoys to be in attendance at his house, their cost being originally paid
by the Qovernment.
Syad Mahommad Saheb Edrus died at Surat where bis house, his
tomb, and superstructure are still in existence.

H e left Ms estates to

his son, Syad Sheriff Shaik Edrus, who like his father was also very
respectable and powerful.

He assisted the English in suppressing a

serious disturbance that took place in the year 1844, in consequence o f

the Government having enhanced the tax on Salt and the Collector
and Magistrate Sir B. K. Arbuthnot, Baronet, submitted a report to
Government bearing testimony to tbe valuable services rendered by
him on that trying occasiou.

Syad Sheriff Shaik Edrus was not also

slow in putting a stoj) to a very serious disturbance that took place in

the year 1851, in the month o f Moharam, in consequence o f a Parsee
having printed and published at Bombay a comic portrait of
Prophet

the

Mahommad, which was indeed quite against the religion

o f theMosulmans.

For this valuable service Mr, John Marshal Davies,

the then Collector and Magistrate o f Surat, favourably reported of him

and a letter o f thanks was sent to him by the Goveramenb.
He was succeeded by his son, Syad Hossan-Al-Edru3,c.s.i., who, as a
worthy son o f his worthy father, ia always ready to render his assistance
to Government in all matters regarding public calamity and distress.
65

5 14

The Modern History o f

He voluntarily assisted the British Government during the mutiny

o f 1837, even at the risk o f his own life aud property and was ready to
join the EtigUsh troops at a moments notice to fight against Tapia
Topi when a rumour g ot abroad that he vras com ing witli a large force
to capture Surat.

In the recent license tax riot, in Surat, he also

assisted the A cting Collector M r. Ollivant, towards its suppression, and

received a letter o f
Magistrate

thanks from Government.

The Collector and

o f Surat, the Commissioner o f Police, and the H on ble

M r. Ellis having submitted reports to Government bearing testimony to

his distinguished services, H er M ost Gracious Majesty theQueen-Empress
o f India, was pleased to aj^point him a Companion o f the Most Exalted
Order o f the Star o f India ; the investiture taking place in an open
Darhar, held at Poona by His E xcellency Sir Bartle Frere, Bart, k, c. n.,
Governor o f Bombay.
all classes o f men.

Syad H osson-Al-Edrus, c. s. i., is respected b y

He is a pious, intelligent, and kind-hearted nobleman.

H e is about 55 years of age, and bus a promising son named Syad Zain
Edrus.

S e c tio n

IX.-HAIDERABAD.

( Principal Nohles. )
H IS E X C E L L E N C Y N A W A B S I R S A L A R J A N G B A H A D U R ,
M U K T I A R -U L -M U L K S U J A -U D -D A U L A , o .c.s.i.
W it h one exception, no statesman o f Indian birth has so strongly
and with such beneficent results set hia mark on the times he lives in, aa
H is E xcellency Nawab Sir Salar Jang Bahadur, Muktiar-ul-M ulk Sujatid-Danla,

. c . s . i ,,

the Prime M inister o f the Nizam o f Haiderabad.

The exception, we refer to, is, it is needless to say, His E xcellency Raja
S irT an jore Madhava Rao,

k . c . h. i

,,

who holds a corresponding position

to the subject of the present sketch uuder theG aikw ar o f Baroda.

Although His Excellency Nawab Sir Salar Jang through a becom
ing feeling o f modesty has not favoured us with any details whatever

the Indian Chiefs, Rajas, Zamindars,

515

o f Iiis early life, we are sorry that we are not iti a position to give any
information, by which it will be possible to trace the development and
formation o f a character, which has for more than a generation exer
cised a commanding iuflueneo over the destinies o f tbe greatest and
most important Muhammadan State iu India,

But the life aud character

o f His Excellency Nawab Sir Salar Jang form au inseparable part o f

the history which he has actually enacted since the days he arrived
at manhood.

From his career it may be fairly inferred that he is a

man o f a large and enlightened mind, impressed with strong convic'

tions and actuated by great strength o f will.
A bou t May 3853, on the death o f his uncle, Soruj-ul-Mulk, His
Excellency Nawab Sir Salar Jang was appointed by the Nizam to
succeed him as Prime Minister o f the Haiderabad State.
Nearly two'years after his accession to his present high office, he
showed that decision and energy of character, by which at a later
time, he was so conspicuously distinguished.

In August 1855, some

local disaffection having manifested itself among some turbulent Arabs

in the suburbs o f Haiderabad, H is Excellency Nawab Sir Salar Jang
took prompt and vigorous measures for the arrest of the men, who
were subsequently by order o f the Nizam banished beyond seas.
A s a proof o f the large practical views he brought to the Nizams
administration, which had never been noted for its progressive character,
it may be mentioned that, iu November 1856, H is Excellency held
at Chnnder Ghat an Exhibition o f the raw materials and manufactures
o f the Nizam s State with a view to stimulate those indigenous indus
tries the productions o f which had been so highly appreciated at the
great Exhibitions o f London and Paris;
The Sepoy M utiny, which for a time ehoofc the British Empire
in India to its foundations, brought him forward to the most prominent:
position iu the foremost ranks o f all the Statesmen, whether European
or Indian who contributed by their nnflinehing loyalty and their
devoted exertions to crush down rebellion and restore order.
the city of

Haiderabad

two attempts to excite a

IVithia

rising against

tbe British Government were promptly and vigorously put down by

His Excellency Nawab Sir Salar Jang, who was strongly supported

by

516

The Afodern History o f

H is Higlmess the Nizam himself.

W hen the Military cantonra-'nt of

Balarum, the Head-quarters o f the Contingent Foree kept up by the

British Government for the protection o f tho Nizam s capital was
suspected to be menaced with danger, it was H is E xcellency Nawab
Sir Salar Jang who heartily co-operated by tho precautionary measures
he had taken, in enabling the force at the British Residency to repel
an attack on it made by a band o f Rohilla and other insurgents.
It waa to have been expected that, during the early stages o f tha
mutiny when events were apparently going on all sides against the
British Government, the city o f Haiderabad with a large admixture
o f turbulent and desperate characters in its regular population should
Lave been palpitating with sympathy for the rebellious sepoya who
were pursuing unchecked their course of cowardly murder and brigan
dage.

But as soon as a part o f the Haiderabad contingent, which had

been sent to aid in the British operations in Cenfral India, the reports
which they sent to their families and friends in Haiderabad, turned the
tide o f feeling to the British cause, which was throughout so warmly
espoused by the Nizam and his great M inister or, at least, allayed
further symptoms o f disaffection.
For his great services during the mutiny. His Excellency Nawab
Sir Salar Jang received from the British Government a KhilXcd o f the
value o f Rs. 3 0 ,0 0 0 ; and the Governor-General in Council informed
H is Excellency that the ability, courage and firmness with which he had
discharged bis duty to the Nizam and to the British Government and
opposed and frustrated those counsels, which might have brought dis
grace and ruin on His Highness, were highly appreciated and entitled
him to the most cordial thanks o f the Government o f India.
A u intrigue, however, had been set on foot for the removal o f His
Excellency Nawab Sir Salar Jang from the head o f

the Haiderabad

administration ; and the Nizam, who had been worked up to the step
by false repi-esentations, actually communicated his intention to remove
the Minister, when Colonel Davidson the Resident, declined to carry
on Imsiness with any other than H is Excellency Nawab Sir Salar
Jang, pending a reference to the Government o f India.

The Governor

General expressed his surprise and regret at His H ighnesss intention,

the Indian Chiefs, Itajas, Zammdars, (^r.

to which he would give no countenance.
Nizam s

517

W hile acknowledging the

claims to consideration, Lord Cannini^ reminded him of

the heavy burden and responsibility whicli had fallen on the Minister
and o f the admirable manner in which he had borne it adding that
no ruler, whatever his power or capacity could afford to dispense with
a faithful and able Minister, who would do his duty honestly and apeak
the truth without fear.

His Excellency Nawab Sir

Salar Jang still

continues at tbe head o f affairs in Haiderabad, which he governs with

an vigour, ability, and success, which are to be observed iu only a very
few o f the Feudatory States of India.

His adminUtration is most

popular with the commercial classes and is confided in by the higher

classes o f the local nobility.
In recognition o f his loyal services to the British Government and
o f his

markedly able administration o f the Haiderabad State, His

Excellency Nawab Sir Salar Jang was invested with the Insignia o f
a K night Grand Commander by Her Most Gracious Majesty the
Queen Empress o f India.
In 1875, Hia Excellency Nawab Sir Salar Jang as a representative
o f His Highness the young Nizam, was present at Bombay, as well as
in Calcutta ; to meet His Eoyal Highness the Prince o f W ales,

His

Excellency attended tbe grand reception of Native Princes and Chiefs

held in both these places, and was also present at the Grand Chapter o f
the Star o f India, held at Calcutta on the 1st January, 1876.

Tbe

Prince paid him return visits both at Bombay aud Calcutta, and conversed
with him in a friendly manner.

His Excellency was also present with

His Highness the young Nizam at the Imperial Assemblage held at

Delhi, on the 1st January, 1877 on account o f the assumption o f the
title " Empress o f India by Her M ost Gracious Majesty the

Queen
as a

and on this occasion he received a personal salute of 17 guns

mark o f distinction.
In 1877, H is Excellency also visited England, where he was
ing bis stay the guest o f the Duke of Sutherland.

d u r

The University

o f Oxford conferred on him the degree of L .L .D ., while the city o f

London presented him with an address as a mark o f

and

distinction

in

which his character

the great honour

a n d services w ere

held.

518

The Modem History o f

The aduiinistration o f tho greatest Muhammadan State in India

continues to be malutained iu the highest state o f efficiency by H is

Excellency Nawab Sir Salar Jang Bahadur, Muktiar-ul-Mulk Suja-udDaula, O.C.S.I., whose firmness of character in times of war and fertility
o f resonrces in seasons o f peace illustrated by a rare spirit o f honour
and independence, have combined to make him with but one rival to
compete with him for pre-eminence, the greatest statesman o f purely
Indian birth in the present age.

S e c t io n X . M A IS U R .*

{PHncipal N ohhs. )
B. K R IS T N IE N Q A R , Esq., c.s.i.
T his respectable personage belongs to an old Alaisur family.

Hia

ancestors served in Maisur under the Hindu, Muhammadan, and British

Governments, and his father, who is well-knowu in the country aa
Pay Master Venkatiah, was a respectable landed proprietor and banker,
Mr. B. Eristniengar commenced his official career in 1841 as a clerk
in the Revenue Department, but he discharged his duties in such a man
ner that he was promoted to the post o f Division Sheristadar.

Having

shewed every zeal and energy in the management o f his duties aa a

Shex'istadar he was soon appointed a Principal Saddar Mooiiseff or SubJudge a;. I

v'sistant Commissioner before he attained his present rank

as a District Officer in 1864.

H e is now a Second Grade Deputy Com

missioner drawing a monthly salary o f Rs. 1,333-10-8, and is known to

be an educated and courteous gentleman.

The distinction o f a Com

panion o f tbe M ost Exalted Order o f the Star o f ludia was conferred
upon him ou the 1st o f January 1877, when Her Majesty assumed
the title o f Empress o f

India."

M r. B. Kristniengar, c.s .i. is an

With regard to the history of the Maisur Princee, vide Part I., *' The
Native States of thia work, page 187 to 189 and 216 to 217.

the Indian Chiefs, Rajas, Zamindars,

519

example to his countrymen as to how a person can rise from

the

hnmble post o f a clerk to an exalted position by remarkable industry,

perseverance, and energy.

H e is now 56 years o f age.

S ection X I . T H E M.-VDRAS,

Chapter I.Qaryam.
{PrincipoX Families.)
T H E S R I R A J A S F A M IL Y OF M A N D A SA .
T he still noble, but, once, almost royal house o f Mandasa in

the

Ganjam District o f tlie Madras Presidency can, in point o f antiquity

and purity o f lineage, be surpassed by very, few, indeed, even o f
the princely races, who figured in the early ages o f the authentic
history o f

India.

The annals o f this ancient

house are chequered

by the vicissitudes, which India has herself undergone during so many

ages o f foreign r u le ; and the partial revival o f ita ancient splendour
seems to be a reflection o f tbe grandeur which India is gradually attain
ing among tbe nations o f the world.
The family o f Mandasa, whose original home was at Peshawar in
the Panjab, was founded by Bam an a Siug, a Kshatria, who, in hopes
o f passing a religious life, went in

1195 to the Mabendra Hill,

where for sometime, he peacefully passed his days in the worship of

GoaJcaroLSwara the famous Mahadev on the M.ihendra.

A ccording to a

local tradition, Makadev on a certain night commanded Bamana Sing in

a dream to remove a stone, which stood in the southern part o f the
temple, under an assiu-ance that a river would issue, from the place
where the stone stood, and that he should reign over the part o f country,
which might be irrigated by the river.

On the following morning

Bamaiia Sing carried Out the instructions ho had received iu his dream,
and, ou lifting up the stone a small river gushed forth taking a winding

520

TJie Modern History o f

or circular course through what now constitutes the Zamindari o f

Mandasa.

B ut in raising the stone, Banian a Sing dropt from his finger

a gold ring which was carried off and lost in the stream, which was
from that cause and from that time, named Sunnarmiddya or Gold Ring.
Bamana Sing built a fort on the banks o f this river and called it Peeta
ManjisUa or Mandasa\ exercising sovereign rule over the country
watered by the stream, whose sources he had unlocked.

This Prince

caused many tanks to be dug and gardens to bo planted ia the Talug.

This Zamindari continued to be possessed and ruled by his descend
ants till the jtear I8 60 a .d .

One chief of

this family so much

distinguished himself by hia numerous and great deeds o f charity that

the title o f Rajamani Deo was conferred on him as a mark of personal
distinction by the Zamindars and people o f the country round.

From

that time the title has become hereditary by prescription in thia

family.
On the 22nd January, 1860, the present Zamindar, Sri Jagannadha
Rajamani Raja Deo, the forty-seventh in lineal descent from Bamana
Bing, the founder o f the fam ily, succeeded to his fathers honours and
estates.

His succession has been most auspicious to the estate and its

tenantry in the whole long line o f his ancestors.

Am ong his many works

o f great public utility we may mention that he has caused several tanks
and wells to be dug in the Talug, besides many canals, which he has
had constructed for utilising the waters o f the Sumaamuddya river in
the irrigation o f his lands.

A s some illustration o f his munificence, it

should be stated that he built many bouses in the modern town o f

Mandasa, and gave them free o f rent for occupation and use by merchants,
settling in his estates.

The town is quite a model town.

The Sri Raja

has opened Patsalaa in different parts o f the Talug, and has placed at the
disposal o f Government tne sum o f Rs. 2,000 for the foundation o f a
Sanskrit Scholarship in the Berhempore College, in commemoration of
the Prince of W ales visit to India, This scholarship is to be styled The
Prince o f W ales Mandasa Sanskrit Scholarship. Besides this undoubted
proof o f his loyalty to the British Crown, he liberally gives in token of
hia interest In the progress o f education a yearly donation o f 50 rupees
to be invested in Prizes or rewards to tho most distinguished students in

ihe Indian Chiefs, Rajas, Zamindars, j*c,

the same college.

521

The Sri Uaja has established and maintains a middle

class school in Mandasa, in wliieli the English, Telugu, and Oorya

languages are taught the pupils being entitled to Scholarships and beint>*
provided with an ample supply of books for their instruction.

W ith

praiseworthy liberality, he opened the beautiful Ckuttram at Harripore

on the road from Benares Ito Ramaiswarain ; and he has also established
Ckoulirees in Manclasa, in which

Vaishuavas,

Brahman

Pilgrims,

Muhammadans, East Indians, and Europeans are provided with shelter

and fed for a day or two.

A large number of Mnliams or M atts lias

also been constructed in different parts o f tbe Talug,

The Sri Raja has

also built a bungalow on. tlie top of tbe Mahendra Hill, where the
European gentry o f

tbe district pass the summer as tlie Sri Rajas

gueststheir wants and comforts being provided for at the Sri Raja s
expense.
In recognition o f his numerons deeds o f charity, liberality, and
public spirit, tbe Sri Raja was presented with the first certificate at tbe
Imperial Darbar, btid at Berhempur on tho 1st January, 1877 ; and,
subsequently as a mark o f Her Imperial Majesty the Queen-Empress
o f India s distinguished favour, he has been decorated with the distitic*
tion of a Companion o f tlie Most Exalted Order o f tiie Indian Empire ;
the insignia of which were bestowed on him on the 12tb December 1873
by the then Collector, G. D. Leman, Esq., who went to Mandasa for
tbe purpose, and held a grand Darbar in a magnificent Feudal erected
withiu the walls o f tlie Sri Rajas Fort.

Many Zamindars in Ganjani,

Pooree, Cuttack, and Balasore, who sent their representatives to testify

to their sympathy in the au>p;cions occasion.

Such a great event had

never before occurred in the fiimily o f Mandasa aud marked a view and
bright epoch in its history.

Tiie contributor had the fortune o f being

an eye-witness o f the grand occasion.

The Sri Raja is generally known for his cminenco as an accom
plished Sanskrit scholar and as a true Vedantuit, besides possessing
considerable knowledge o f Astrouoray aud Logto and excellent taste in
sculpture, architecture, and other fine arts.
Sri Narayaua BoJajenua Santo, the Sri R.ija s half-bi'otber, ia hia
head Dewan and, boiug a nobleman o f great iutelligeuue and ability,
66

522

The Modern History o f

managesthe affairs o f the estate with marked

success, and the peace,

liberty and happiness, which the people o f tbe Talug enjoy under the
Sri Riga and his Dewan, are such as to make them the objects of
admiration aud envy to the tenantry on neiglibouring estates.
The Sri Itajas happiness crowned by tlio possession o f three sons,
aged respectively, 21, 19, and 11 year.-;, of great i:itelligeneo and future
promise.

W iiile carefully educating them in many Hindu Arts and

Sastrams, the Raja has not omitted to provide them with proper instruc
tion in Eiiglisb, the language o f tho ruling power o f the day.

The

Sri Rfijas eldest son, who is a youth o f good constitution and clever
parts, is being practically taught the business o f managing tlio estates
o f Mandasa.

H is uncommon talents have already so strongly manifested

themselves that bis political views even now hold out a fair promise
that he will certainly equal, if he does not excel, bis emieuiit father iu
those great

q u a l i t i i 'S ,

by \7hich his father is distinguished.

The Zamindari o f MauJasa lies in the heart o f the Ganjam District.

Its soil is fruitful and its climate healthy.

The well-kncwn Mahendra

Hill, which forms the North-W estern boundary o f the Talug, and is
exactly 4,923 feet above the level o f the sea, belongs for the most part
to the Mandasa family.

It was once thought o f as a suitable sanatarium

for tbe city o f Calcutta.

The permanent assessment or Peislicush which tlie estate pays to
the Government is 14,000 rupees only per annum, besides nu annual
payment o f 4,000 rupees on account o f its liability for the Road-cess, &c.

Chapter II,Madras.
(P rincipal Nohles.)
I . T H E H O N B L E M I R H O M A Y E O N J a H
F

ew

liueage,

as

BAHADUR,

c .i . e .

members o f the Indian Aristocr.acy can boast o f so grand a

the H on ble Homayeon Jah Bahadur, c. I.

Not only is

he fifty-eighth ia descent from the Great Prophet o f Islam, but he ia

also through his mother very nearly related to the great historical hoiiie

the Indian Chiefs, Rajas, Zamindars, ^r.

o f the celebrated

523

H jder AlU, tlie darin^ captam and able statesman,

who, with such signal success, bad long ruled tle kingdom o f Maigur,
wiiich he had violently wrested from its Native Princes.

The H on ble

Horn ay eon Jali Bahadur is the son of the late Mir Abdul Kliudus
Saheb, ami grandson of Mir Asudvalla Khan
Cbitput and Dewan of Subdur A lly

Bahadur, Jagbirdar o f

Kban

Habadur and a distant

relation o f M ir Klmraruddin Khan Bahadur.

Tbe grandfather o f the

subject o f this sketcli is better known in history as Mir Assud, who

was preceptor o f Subdur Ally, son o f the Nabab of Arcot, and after
wards Dewan o f Trichinopoly, in succession to Cliunda Sabeb.

When

Subdur A lly was assasginated In Vellore (O ctober 1742) Alir Assud,

the Dewan was according to Onne in the F o rt; and tbe inviolable
attachment which tins minister was known to bear to his roaster,
suggested to Mortez A lly the intention o f destroying so dangerous a
witness o f the uiuider wliich lie had committed.

Oiders were given to

put him to death, when some o f Mortez A lly s officers represented to

him tlie necessity of preserving the life o f a man from whom alone he
could obtain tiiat knowledge o f tlie affairs o f the Carnatic, wlueli
would be necessarv for liis own conduct, as soon as lie should be declared
Nabab.

These representations

were dictated by reverence to the

character o f M ir Assud, whose virtues preserved him in this 1051.101 of

imminent danger from tlie deatmction to which he had been doomed.
'Ihc Honorable Ilom ayeon Jah's mother was the late Shaiizadi
Sliahrubh Begum, daughter o f Prince Sultan Yaseen, the fourth son of
the well-known Tippu Sultan.
Tills nobleman was born at Calcutta about the year 1837, and
received his education here.

But ho was forced to leave the capital o f

ItKUa in search o f health, travelled over the north and south o f tho
Peninsula, and finally settled down iu Madras early in 1860.

In 1866,

he also travelled over Arabia and Persia and, after hig return, he waa
appointed an Additional Member o f the Legislative Council o f tho
Governor o f Fort St. George in 1867, and has held that high honour ever
since.

He takes an active part on all important bills and in all public

questions o f the day.

In both public and private character the Hon'blo

Mu' Homayeon, Jah Bahadur is known t o many as a nobleman o f excellent

524

The Modem History o f

character and highest respectability.

On the 1st January 1860, he was

invested with the lusiguia o f a Companion of the Order o f the Indian

Umpire,

I I . T H E H O N B L E T l U a V A R U R M U T T U S A M I
A lY A R , B 1. ABD C I.E.
T h e H o n b l e

T iE u v A R u n

cttu sam i

A ita r ,

b .l,

and

o . i .e

., s o n

o f Venkata Narain Sastriar, was born on the 28th o f January 1832 of

a respectable family, in the village o f Viichuvadi, in the District o f
Tanjore,

IVhen he was a boy o f about eight years o f age, his father

had the misfortune to lose his eyesight, and he and his brother, who is
his senior by four years, had to support the family.
W as

Ilis mother, who

the daui^hter o f a well to-do latulholder iu the D istrict of Tanjore,

removed to the town o f Tiruvarur in order to secure to her children

opportunities o f receiving a goad education.

Under her care and

superintendence Muttusanii Aiyar received hia education in Tamil and

learned business iu the Tassildar s office at Tiruvarur from a NdtiaIcarnam or Taluq Accountant.

W lien Muttnsami A iy a r was about

14 years old, he had tlie misfortune to lose his mother, under whose
affectionate superintendence a desire to learn and secure distinctiou in
life waa implanted and fostered in him at an early age.

The loss o f his

m other and the blindness o f his old father rendered it necessary for him
to neglect his education for a time and serve as an assistant Ndtiukarnam.
In 1840, Muttusami Naick, a native friend of Sir H enry Montgomery,
Eart, became the Tassildar o f Tiruvarur and form ing a good opinion
o f Muttusami Aiyar s intelligence and eagerness to learn, advised him
to give up his situation as Assistant NdltuTcavmm and to join the
Mission School at Negapatam,

The liberality of tliis w orthy gentleman

secured Muttusami A iyar opportunities for first com m encing his Rngliah
education in the Mission School at Negapatam for one year and after
wards completing it in the late Madras High School and in the
Presidency College.

AVhile at school Sir H. M ontgom ery took a warm

interest and watched his progress in the coilcge.

D uring his career as

a student he was also assisted )<y Mr. Bishop, Collector o f Tanjore, Raja

the Indian Chiefs, Rajas, Zamindars,

Sir T. Madava Row,

.c . b

and Mr. Hurri Row.

525

When in 1854 the

High Scliool at Madras was converted into the Presidency College,

Muttnsami Aiyar obtained a fii-st-class certificate o f Proficiency, and
secured the prize annually awarded in the name o f Lord Elphinstone
for the best essay in English.

He also passed first in the examination

held by the Council o f Education in which students from all the Schools
in the Presidency were permitted to compete, and obtained the highest
reward o f Rs. 500 offered to the most successful candidate, and his name
was published in the Fort Saint George Gazette as one eligible for any
appointment in the Government service.

A t that time Muttusami

Aiyar attracted the favourable notice o f Mr. Holloway, who was one of
the examiners, and Sir Alexander Arbuthnofc, the Secretary to the H igh
School Committee.

I t was about this time that Mr. Powell, tho

Principal o f the Presidency College, asked Muttusami Aiyar whether

he would proceed to England to pass the Civil Service Examination.
But Muttusami Aiyar had beeu already married and the social penalties
which threatened Brahmins who undertook a voyage by eea, deterred
him from availing himself of that offer.

Sir H. Montgomery then

introduced lum into the public service as Record-keeper in the Collectorate o f Tanjore.

He afterwards became Deputy Inspector o f Schools

on a salary o f Rs. 150 per mensem, and was favourably mentioned by

the Rev. Mr. Rieharda, the Inspeetor of Schools, to Sir Alexander
Arbuthnot, who was tlien the Director o f Public Instruction.

W hile

holding this service Muttusami A iyar passed the B. L. Examination

and became a graduate o f the University o f Madras.

He w.as then

selected as a District Munsiff in which capacity he served for some

years,

Mr, Beauchamp, who was a Civil and Sessions Jndge, was so

favourably impressed by the procedure in Muttusami Aiyar s court, that

ho said that Muttusami Aiyar was one of the few natives he knew in
this part o f the country who might sit with him on the same bench.
Wlieii the Inam Commifision was started in this Presidency, Mnttvisami
A iyar was selected by Mr, George Noble Taylor as one o f his depu
ties.

A fter serving in the Commission for more than two years, he

became a Deputy Collector and had tbe charge o f two Talaqs in bis own
District.

526

The Modern History o f

A n important Session's case in wljich Mr. John Brnce N orton

appeared as Coimsel for the aecnsed, was enquired into b j Muttusaini
A ija r, and tbe learned geatlernau waa kind enough to think tiiat the
latter did liis work so well thab he sho ild not be thrown away in the
Revenue Department.

In

186-5, the Government appointed him as

Subordinate Judge o f South Canara, and his work in that capacity so

much attracted their favourable notice that lie was made one o f the
Presidency Magistrates, and subsequently raised to the office o f the
Judge o f the Madras Court o f Small Causes.

In 1871, when the New

Civil A ct was juiblished, tlie late Lord llob a rt appointed Mnttusami

A iyar as District Judge o f Cuddajiali, but the appointment was held in
abeyance and cancelled without being pnblislied on the ground that no
such appointment could be made legally under the Act before rules
were framed and sanctioned by the Secretary o f State.

In 1377,

Muttusami A iyar was one o f the native gentlemeu invited to g o to

Delhi on the day o f the Proclamation o f the Imperial title, and he
received a commemoration medal from the Viceroy.

Her M ajesty tho

Queen was graciously pleased to appoint him as a Companion o f tha

Older o f the Indian Empire in l873.

In July o f tho .same year His

Grace the Duke o f Buckingham and Chaudos recommended Muttusami

A iyars appointment aa an A cting Ju d ge c f the High Court at Madras,
wliich appointment he holds at present,

Muttusami Aiyar was an

examiner fo r the degrees o f Bachelor .and Master o f laws in the

Uiiivei*.sity o f Madras from 1871 to 1878 ; between wlueli period he
picked up a knowledge o f German with a view to add to his knowledge
o f law.
H e owes his success in public life to liis ability, industry, perseveranee and the high character for integrity that he has tiironghout
maiutained, which enabled him to secure the good will and approbation
o f such eminent men as His Grace tlie Duke o f
Cliando.?, Sir

H,

Montgomery, Sir

A rbuthnoi,

Buckiiighhm and
Mr. Holloway,

Mr. Carmichael, Sir W . Robinson, Mr. Johu Bruce N orton, and several
other European friends under whom he had the good fort'.me to serve.
Ho has an intelligent son, named Tiruvarui' M , Sarain.adha Aiyai.

the Indian Chiefs, Rajas, Zamindars, ^c.

527

Chapter III.Nellore.
{Principal Families.)
T H E V E N K A T A G I R I P.AJ F A M IL Y .*
T he: founder o f tbis ancient Raj family was a small proprietor in
the village oi Anannaniigallu in the North, by nanie Chavvi Reddl, son
o f Clieyur Pole Keddi, o f the Vellama caste.

One lucky day,

while

Chavvi Reddi, nothing dreaming o f the mighty turn wtiich the wlieel of
his fortune waa the next nioment to take, was supeiintetiding the work
o f his Paria servant, Raich an, who happened to be ploughing a plot
o f ground, called Niigabhairavan, the ploughshare disclosed a docuiitetib
whose contents at once pleased and jmrplexed the master.

I t recited

that an immense treasure of nine lacs of Rujiees lay buried in the place
where it was found, and that any peison might make himself master
o f it by sacriiiciug a human being on the spot,

Chavvi Reddi's heart

leaped with jo y at the thought o f the treasure, but how was the
sacrifice to be compassed ?

In thia difficulty he consulted Raichan.

This low-caste man, with a spirit o f chivalric self-devotion which

deserves applause, offered himself to the sacrifice on certain conditions
which were easily granted,

liis only demands were that his masters

Gotra name should be replaced by that o f Ualcherla, that his own

name should form part o f tlio name o f every male member o f the
Reddis family, that the spot where the treasure was found should be
created into a village to be called after his own name, and that no
marriage should bo performed iii the house without the
marriage o f some member o f the

servants family.

previous

The master o f

course consented, Raichan was sacrificed, and Cliavvi Reddi found

himself in possession o f a treasure by which himself and his desccudauts
had been destined to rise to honour, greatness, .and power,
Tho very first act o f Chavvi Reddi after this was to perform lha
conditions imposed by the deceased Paria, and they were, and are even
now, strictly complied with.
* From Biographical Sketches o f the Itajas of Venkatnfiiri com piled fiom
the Palace rcconls hy order of the present Haja nnder the supninteudeiice o f
T. Kama Bow. T in te d at the Asiatic Press by Uighland & Co., Madras, 1873.

528

The Modern History o f

A fter living sometime in Eaickerla (fo r this was^he name o f the

hamlet newly created), Chavvi Reddi removed to Pillalamarri where
he permanently settled down.

Here, while visiting hia fields one day,

he was overtaken by darkness, thunder, and rain.

XJudaunted by

fear be sought tlie protectiou of a banian tree, which was however,

supposed to be the haunt o f a spirit, called the " Bhetala,

The spirit

was greatly pleased with Cliavvi Reddi's boldness, aud appeared before
him in a visible form.

H e stept forward with drawn sword, and, un

moved by its terrific appearance, firmly demanded what it was.

Tho

spirit mildly told him that his courage had mightily delighted him ami
oftcred to grant him any favours he wanted.

He requested that

himself and his descendants should be blessed with wealth, valour, aud
domains, and that, in all lus battles with his enemies, tbe spirit should
lead the war to victory and renown.

The Bhetala readily granted

these requests, and told him that his guardian presence during war
should be signified by tlie flight o f a Brahminical kite from right to left
at the beginning o f the March.
Tiie news o f Chavvi Reddis interview with the spirit waa soon
published throughout the village by two spectators who happened to
be viewing it from a distance, and this favoured individual was thence
forward feared and respected by all.
Am ong others the news reached the ears of Kafcateya Ganapati
Raja, then K in g o f Vorugullu, and grandfather o f the well-known
Prataparudra Maharaja.

H e at once sent for Chavvi Reddi, with

whom he was greatly taken, and in token o f his regard he made him
a grunt o f land yielding a luc o f Rupees, and presented him with
elepliants, horses, jewels, and other insignia o f R oyalty.

H e also

bestowed on him the denomination of Pillalamarri Bhetala Naidu (the

name explains itself) and the hoiu riflc title o f Kakateya Rajapoojita,
i.e ., He wlro was respected by Kakateya R a ja .
Bhetala Naidu is also known aa the head of the whole Vellama
Caste, which had formerly consisted o f seventy-six, but ranges itst^lf
at present xmder seventy-seven

Gotrama or Familieg.

H e called

together tiie lieads o f all the Families, and sent them to the K ing o f
Vorugullu, at whose hands they received great respect and honours.

the Indian Chiefs, Rajas, Zamindars,

529

The descendants o f C h a w i Reddi, at first attached themselves to

the K ing o f Vorugulhi, but rising soon to more and more importance,
they snbseqiientlv came to a position o f equality and alliance with the
king, and settled down separately as independent chiefs.
Tlie possessions o f the family have constantly varied.

Each

member rnled where hia conquests led him or where the territories
granted to him by those whom he aided were situated.

Hence there

Clinnot be anything like the history o f the Samastanam as at present

constituted, lies entirely in the District of Nellore, and is one o f the
most important and thriving states o f the kind io the Presidency o f
Madras.
It is composed o f the nine Taluqs o f Venkatagiri, S ^ attu r, Pol or,
Munubolur,

Felliir, Darsi, Kocherlakota, Podile and Marcella, and

pays to the British Government a Peisiicush o f Star Pagodas l,ll,O o 8

as settled by the

Sunnud-i-Mulkit

Istrimrar, issued

to Kumara

Yachama Naidu, 25th in descent from C h a w i Reddi, by the British

Government on the 24th Augnst, 1802 in recognition o f the valuable
services rendered by him in the war witli Hydar Ali.

The jewels and

other presents that were sent to him by the British Government were
one Kaligi (crest set with valuable stones) one Serpeeh (a gold band
over the turband set with valuable stones) two rich lace cloths, a torband, a belt, two white shawls and two rich silk cloths.
Bungaru

Yachama

Naidu,

the father

of

Kumara

Yachama

Naidu, received the title of Raja Punchahazari Muusubdar from

Mahomed Ajeebudien Alnmghir Sahni, Emperor o f Delhi, and again
in his days Nizam A li Khan A sufji Salmi, one of the sons o f Nizam
Asufjah, made him Shadhazari Munsubdar in recognition o f bis
abilitips, and obtained for him the title o f Bahadur from the Emperor
Jalal Uidien Sultan A h Ghrn* Shah Alum.
Sarvagna Kumara Yachama Naidu, father o f Bungaru Yachama
Naida, and grandfather o f Kumara Yachama Naidu, received in recog
nition o f his fathers,services twelve Taluqs, viz., Saravapalli, Nellore,
Rapur, Venkatagiri, (in the Saravapalli Sirkar or Zillah), Kalastry,
Satyavedu,

Chnnnnrgudur,

Tripati, Sagattur, (In

the Chaiulragiri

Sirkar,) Vishnu Kanji, Oarumguli, and Mofturvuk (ia the Caujeevaiam

67

630

The ATodern History o f

Sirkar) with the titles o f Shadliazari Munsnbdtir and Siiadhazaii SaVarila

Hunsub, i. e., the leader o f 6,000 foot and 6,000 horse.
The Taluqs named above yielded a schist o f 10,13,04,625 dams or
R s. 25, 32, 615-10-0 (40 dams being equal to a ru[>ee),

Unja Survagna

Kumara Yachama Naidu was anointed and crowned at Venhatagiri iu

the year Bhava s. s., 1617

1696), aud since this period bis suc

(a. d,

cessors are residing in this place.

Kumara Yachama Naidu, grandson o f Saivagna Kumara Yachama
Naidu, died on tbe 18th March 1804, leaving behind him bis adopted
son, Bungaru Yachama Naidu, who was crowned on the second day o f
Visaka Bahula o f the year Rakshasa (26tli May 1804).
Bungaru Y^achama Naidu Wok possession o f all the nine Taluqs
which liad

been enjoyed

by his adoptive father, and entertained

Sir Thomas Munro, iiie well-Unown Governor o f Madras, with great

pomp at Nilubulli in the Sagattur Taluq.

H e died on the 4th day uf

Margasira Bahuia o f the year Plavanga (25th December 1847), leav

ing his son,

Kumara Yacham a

Naidu, the

worthy ruler

of the

Ver.katagiri Samastanam, who has recently transferred the Raj to his

eldest son.

A Khilat was conferred by the British Government on

Kumara Y*achama

Naidu

on

his coronation ceremony which took

place on the j4t!i day o f Magha Suddlta o f the year Plavanga (18th
February 1848).

Like his ancestors he has established several choul

tries, and has constructed numerous H indu temples witUiu his Taluqs
and in other places o f devotion.

H e has not also failed to speud an

enormous sum in visiting at different times the aacrod places, viz.,

Jiiggernath, Ramesvar am, Canjeeraram, Sreerangam, ilu ttra, Freyag,
Gya, Brindavanam, Govirdanam, Gokulam, Benares, itc.

It is said that

the Raja not only presented large sums o f money to the Brahmans, aud
priests, but also Taluqs as his forefathers did in former days.
On the 1st May 1864, he

voluntarily

condescended

to offer

Rs, 1,800 a year for feeding and clothing the patients o f the Nellore
Dispensary, and gave a handsome contribution o f Rs. 20,000 at the
fiimc of the Bengal Famine.

In the year 1SG6, ho was created a

Companion o f the Most Exalted Order o f the Star o f luilia.

In

commemoration o f the honour thus conferred on him by Her Alajesty,

the Indian Chiefs, Rajas, Zamindars, (Jr.

531*

the Raja constructed a building in his own name near the llo n e g a rs
Ciioultry at iladnis, and made arrangements for feeding one hundred
people daily, and for supplying another hundred with rice.

Tliis charity

was placed under the superintendence o f the Managers o f the Mouegar'a

Choultry.

For a time the Knja continued to pay the expenses from

his own hands but in 1870, on the 28tU June, he made over to the
managers Government Bonds for Ba.

1,00,000

ou

condition that

the cost o f the charity should be met from the interest thereon.

W ith

a view to impart education to the public, the Raja had established two
Anglo-Vernacular

schools, one

at

Veukatagiri and

tbe other

at

Naidupetta, and had had them under his owu management for ten years
till 1872.

But on the 1st April o f that year, they were made over, with

the buildin<ra
O and the furniture, to the Local Funds Boards established
under Madras A ct I V o f 1871. He on hia fourth visit to Benares
rendered it memorable by the establishment o f a Poor-house for
feeding about 250 blind and other infirm persons daily.

The want of

a charity o f the. kind had been greatly felt, and the Raja s name is,
therrfore, held in peculiar esteem by the people on this account.

He

visited Madras in the years 1870 and 1375 to pay hia due respects to
Ilia

Royal Highness Tlie Duke o f

Edinburgh and to H is Royal

Highnes.s The Prince o f W ales respectively, and was present at the

Levee, Darbar, &c.

The day o f The Prince o f W ales landing at

Bombay was celebrated at Veukatagiri with great eclat and grand dis
plays o f fireworks, &c.

On the following day, the 9tli November 1875,

the Raj opened a Foordmuse at tliat place in commemoration o f the

event.

H e was only absent from the Imperial Assemblage held at Delhi

by the permission o f Government to attend to the most disastrous state

o f aflaii'8 iu his Zamindaries, in consequence of a very severe famine, and
to look after his own subjects and make proper and suitable arrangements
to feed the poor, and maintain famine relief works on a larger scale.
A correspondence having

passed

between

the

R aja and tho

Government of Madr.as regarding the proper form of address to be adopted

toward.'} him, it was finally ordered that lie should be tlienceforward
addressed as Raja V elu^oti Kumara Yachama Naidu B&hadur, c. s.
Fauchahiizari Muuaubdar, Raja o f Venkatagiri.

532

The Modern History o f

T he Kaja is an excellent Telagu scholar.

H e has taken great

pains to arrive at the truths preached by the Vedas, the Purauas, and
the celebrated and wonderful philusophical work, called the BhagavatGeeta.

In the year s. s., 1,793, Pramodoota (1 8 7 0 ), the Baja produced

two philosophical works in Telugu prose.

Both o f them discuss such

philosophical questions as the existence o f G od, Whether the

world was created or accidently came into existence, Ac,, bu t by d if
ferent processes.

One is called Qeetartha Sangrakam ^ and decides

these questions by a consistent citation o f authorities from the Vedas,

the Geeta, &c.

The other is called Saramsa Panchakam, and solves

the same questions by pure reasoning without reference to revelation.

The Raja is blessed with seven sous and one daughter.

The second

son, Sri Ramakriahna Yaehendra, was given in adoption to the Raja o f

Pittapooram.

The third son, Sri Rungamannar Krishna Yaehendra

was given in adoption to the R ani o f Bobblli.

The fourth son, Sri

Navaneeta Krishna Yaehendra was also given in adoption to the Raja

o f Jutprole aud the remaining four sons, viz., Sri Rajagopala Krishna
Yaehendra, tbe first, Sri Mtuldukrishna Yaehendra, the fifth, Sri
Venkata Krishna Yaehendra, the sixth, and Sri Venugopala Krishna
Y aehen dra; the seventh, are residing at Venkatagiri.
daughter, Sri Lakshmi Venkamma, was married to

T he Rajas

Raja Cbilikani

Venkata Gopala R ow , 3rd eon o f R aja Cbilikani Juggannatha R ow on

the second day o f Sravana Suddha o f the year Y uva (A u gu st 1875),
On tho 20th November 1875, the Raja made over to his son-in-law the
Muttah o f Tiruvoor, in the Trivellore Taluq o f the Chingleput District,
bought by him on the 16th April 1872, from LalpettaU Venkatasa
Naidu, and the deed o f

grant provides for tbe enjoyment o f

Muttah by his son-in-law and his male descendants.

tbe

On the 6th day

o f Sravana Suddha o f the year Y u v a (A u g u st, 1875) the Raja's eldest

son, Sri Rajagopala K rishna Yaehendra was married to Sri Lakshmi
Venkamma, daughter o f Tangella M oodi R aja Simhadri A ppa Row.
B oth these marriages were celebrated at Venkatagiri on a scale o f
princely magnificence.
Raja V elugoli Kumara Yachama Naidu G aroo Bahadoor Punjcha
Uazari Munsubdar, c. s. i., having ruled the country from 18th February

ike Indian Chiefs, Rajas, Zamindars,

53B

1848 to 25tli October 1S78, resigned the administration o f the Raj on

the 3rd March, 1879.

Xtie ceremony of installation o f the young Raja

was held with great pomp and splendour; and on this occasion a
Maliathaly K hillut (consisting o f two pieces o f Kachold, one turhan,
one Kummurband, and two pieces of Kiukhab') waa conferred on him.
by tho Government o f Madras through the proper channel (according
to the ancient custom in this Zamindary).

The Young R aja on receipt

o f the Khilliit through the Deputy Collector o f the District offered

him hia personal thanks and delivered an appropriate speech.

The

R aja also conveyed his best thanks through the Deputy Collector to the
Empress o f India and to the Honorable the Governor o f Madras.

salute o f eleven guns waa fired and a review was held in honour o f the
occasion.
Having thus installed his elde.?t son in his Raj, the Senior Raja is
now spending his days in prayer, and thanksgivings, and invoking the
blessings o f God on his sous reign, prosperity, and happiness.

He is

now about 52 years old.

Chapter IV.Tanjore.
{Principal Nobles).
H IS E X C E L L E N C Y R A J A S IR T. M A D A V A R O W ,

.c .b. i.,

P R IM E M IN IS T E R OF B A R O D A .
I k the early dawn o f Briti.h rule, while the administration o f
public affairs was in a transition state, two Native Statesmen o f d if
ferent races and creeds made themselves conspicuous by tbeir equal
rivalry for the favour and patronage of tbe new masters o f India.

It

is needless to say that these two Statesmen were the Nawab Muhammad
Reza Khan, and the Maharaja Nanda Kumar R oy whose melancholy
fate has

so lon g

History,

Great os the memory they have left beliind for talent in

been the theme

of

native ministry

and Indiaa

diplomacy, tbeir fame has been thi'owu completely in the shade by the

534

The Modern History o f

higher chai'aoter and more eminent services o f two other Statesmen o f

these days, each the representative o f tho two races and creeds, into
which the population o f India ia divided.

It is needless to mention

that we mean His Excellency Nawab Sir Salar Jang Muktiar-ul-niulk

Suja ud-Dniila, o.c.s

I ., o f

whmn we have alrea;lv

and His Excellency Raja Sir T. Madava Row,

g iv e n

k , c . s. i.,

some account,
the subject o f

the present sketch.

H is Excellency R aja Sir Tanjore lladava Row, k x . s. i ,, was bom
at Combaconum iu the Tanjore District o f the Madras Presidency in
A.D. 1828,

It would seem as if statecraft was a hereditary gift in his

family ; for his father, the late R. Iiu!n;a Row, and his uncle, R . Vencafc
R ow entitled Kai Raya Rai by the Governmetit of India both held the
high office o f Dewan, or Prime Minister at the Court o f Travoncore.
The Raja is a Brahman by caste, and a Mahratta by race.

From 1841

he was educated in the High School o f the Madras University, where he

waa considered among the first pupils o f Mr, Eyre Burton Powell, e.g. i.,
and obtained, in 184G, a Diploma from the Madras University as a
scholar o f the highest class with the ring of a Proficient o f the First
Class.

Not long after he was, as a mark of rare distinction, selected

to fill temporarily, the post o f M r. Pow ell himself, as Professor o f

Mathematics and Natural Philosoidiy in tlie Madras University.

From

the Accountant Generals Office at Madras, wlicre he served from the

15th February, 1847, till the 30th April, 1840, ju st aa he was about
to be advanced to a situatian o f much higher rank and emolument, *
by the Accountant General, Sir T. V. Stonhouse, he was preferred to
the ap|K)intmeut o f Preceptor to the sons o f His Highness the Raja
of

Travancore.

Sir T. Madava R ow discharged his duties with so

much ability, credit, and success, that he was advanced in July, 1853, to
the still more important office o f Dewan Peishcar, or Assistant Prime
Minister o f the State.
A pril

Nearly two years after, i, e., in tiio month of

1855, H is Highness the R aja o f

Excellency R aja

Tr.ivancore wrote to His

Sir T. Madava Row in the following appreciative

term s:
The UDaffected leal with which yen undertook and Ritiefsctorily succeeded
in improving my nephews, by impni'ting a useful aud liberal education; the

the Indian Chiefs, Rajas, Zamindars,

555

urcloiir, interest, and integrity mnoifestcd by you in the capacity of a publio

servant, aud the skill with wbieh you have been conductiug tbe affairs iuiuiediEtely uuder your guidance, to my full and entire satUfactioo, are

am vices

too

valuable to pass unnoticed or unrewarded.

B ut the Raja of Travaucores testimony is not the least proof o f

Ilia services.

The Revd. P. Baylis, of the London Missionary Society

o f Travancore, warmly wrote o f the integrity, energy*, and impar

tiality with wliicb, Sir Madava Row had fulfilled the duties of the
office o f Dewan Peishcar, and o f the good opinions regarding him
expressed by people

of all classe?.

Madras, coinmunicated

to

His

Lord Harris, Governor

Excellency

Raja

Sir

of

T . Madava

R ow , K, c. 8 .1., in July, 1856, his entire approval o f his proceedings

which ail appear calculated t() do much good and to act salutarily,

It

was not in vaiu that bis Lordship expected great results from Hia
Excellency Ruja Sir T. Madava R ow s connection with the administra
tion o f affairs in the Travancore State.

Besides improving the condi

tion o f two Districts, o f which he held independent charge, the Dewan

Pei she nr signalised his administration by putting a stop to the gross
frauds, practised iu the transport o f salt from Nanjinandto Trevandrura.
T he Honble J. B. Norton, a former Member o f the Madras Legislative
Council, publicly spoke of him as a splendid example o f what educa
tion may do for the native.
In the beginning o f 1858, be became
Dewan and at once set about those great reforms which have established
liis claims as an able and successful administrator he greatly relieved
the general trade of Travancore by reducing ttie liigli rates of export
and import duties, and by further removing other fiscal restrictions, he
completely revised the prevailing system o f admitiisteriug civil and
criinitial justice.

He laid down a better plan of popular education ;

he increased the provision for the medical wants o f the people ; he

projected a liberal scale o f public works with a scheme o f commmiicatioiis snch as was unknown out o f British India.
Though bis plana necessarily increased the expenditure o f the
State, its annual income still showed a clear margin of surplus.
30th April, 1866, Dewan Madava Row
of

a K n if'h t Commander o f

o i India.

On the

invested witli the Insignia

the M ost Exalted Order of the Star

A fter a long aery ice o f fourteen years, H is Excellency

536

The Modern History o f

R aja Sir T. Madava Row, in May 1872, resigned the office o f Dewan
o f Travaneore, on a pension o f Rs. 500 per mensem, secured to him by
H is Higiiness the Raja o f tlmt State.

In the Parliamentary Blue Book

on the Moral and Material Progress o f India for 1871-72, the following
testimony is borne to

H is Excellency R aja Sir T . Madava R ow s

services:
The State o f Travaneore, in the extreme south o f the Peninsula, w ith iU
evenue o f half a million, is one of tha best governed parts o f India.
And

the

whole

adi^uistration

is admirably

conducted.

8ir T. Madava

Row, K, C, 8 . 1., who hag now resigned the office of Dewan o f Travaneore, waa an
able statesman ; and the present prosperity of the State is due, in a great measure,

to bie judgm ent and integrity.

L ord Napier o f Merehiston and Ettrick, in M arch, 1872, when
temporarily filling the V iceroyalty offered a seat in tbe V iceroys
Legislative Council to Sir T. Madava, who, notwithstanding the pressing
request o f the A cting Governor o f Madras, Sir A , J. Arbutlmot, was
obliged to decline it for private reasons.

Shortly after. His Highness

Maharaja H olkar o f Indore invited His Excellency R aja Sir T. Madava

Row to become the Prime Minister o f the Indore State.

In February,

1873, he entered on this office on the condition that he would stay in

4ndore for three years only.

In no long time after his arrival at Indore,

Lord Northbrook proposed to Raja Sir T . Madava Row to proceed to

England to give evidence in matters o f finance before the Finance
Committee o f the House o f Commons.
could not be spared from Indore.

But Raja Sir T. Madava Row

Before the expiry o f the second year

o f his engagement with the Maharaja o f Indore, but with ttie consent
o f His Highness Maharaja Holkar, the Government o f . India, in
April, 1875, a]ipointed Raja Sir T. Madava Row to be Prime Minister
o f the Baroda State.

In Baroda, his services promise to be as suc

cessful, as they proved years ago at Travaneore.

In scarcely more

than four years Raja Sir T. Madava Row who took charge o f an
empty treasury was able to deposit to the credit o f the Baroda State
the enormous sum o f eighty lakhs o f rupees in the Public Treasury at
Bombay.
His Excellency Raja Sir T. Madava R ow has always been held ia
the highest fcstiraatioa by every higli public functionary who has had any

the Indian Chiefs, Rajas, Zamindars, cjv.

opportunity o f watching his career.

Sir Charles E. Trevelyan,

537
k . c.

B ,,

when Governor of Madras, said, I hope that, with the co-operation o f

the Raja and the Resident, Madava Row will workout great benefits to
the country (Travaucore), and thus confer new honour on the Hindu
nation.

Mr. F. N. Maltby, Resident in Xravancore, wrote as follows :

The Dewan Madava Row is a very reinarkaljle man,

I have never yet met

with a native o f India who has obtained so thorough a mastery over our lauguage,
or so intimate a knowledge and appreciation of the modern views o f Englishmea
in matters of political economy and Govemmcnt.

He has already done important

service to the Raja o f Travancore, and I hope that he will long enjoy the confi
dence and guide the councils of the Raja.

My own intercourse with the Dewau

Madava Row has been o f a very agreeable character.

I may add, that nothing has made me more hopeful of the effect which
English induence and English education are producing on the Native mind, than
my intercourse with the Dcwans Madava Row aud Shungoony Menone.

I have

often heard it stated that the fine old class of native officials, of whom Poorneyah
of Mysore was a typo, was dying out, aud that our rule raised up none to replace
them.

Some years ago, though reluctant to admit that such was the effect of our

example and iuduencc, I should have thought it difficult to refute it by example.

My intercourse with Madava Row and Shungoony Menone makes me most hopeful
that, after a transitory period, a new class is coming forward whom the influence,
in 4arly years, of a liberal education has fitted intellectually and morally to take
an important part in the advancement o f their country ; and I am glad to say that
I can point to several others in those states whom I believe to be foUowiug in
their steps.

Lord Napier o f Merchiston and Ettrick, Governor o f Madras,

addressed Sir T. Madava Row on the occasion o f his investiture with
the Order o f the Star o f India in the following terms :
Sm Madava

R ow,

The Government and the people o f Madras arc happy to welcome yon back
to a place where yon laid the fonndation of those

distinguished qualities

which have becom e conspicuous and nsefnl on another scene.

Tbe mark o f

Royal favour which you have this day received w ill prove to you that the
attention and generosity o f Our Gracious Sovereign are not circumscribed to
the circle o f her immediate dependents, but that H er Majesty regards the faith
ful services rendered to the Frinces and people of India beyond tbe boundaries
of our direct administration, as rendered indirectly to herself and to her repre
sentatives in this Empire. Continue to serve the Maharaja industriously and wisely,
reflecting the intelligence and virtues of Uis Uighness faithfully to his people.

68

538

The Modern History o f

Tbe miseion ia w bicb yon are engaged has raoro than a local
siguificaDce.

and transitory

R em eubor that the spectacle of a good Indian Miaister serving

a good Indian Sovereign is one which may have a lasting influence on the policy
o f England, aud on the future o f Native Govermneats.

Even, Professor Fawcett, M. P., in the House o f Commons, observed

that 6ir Mauava Row administered Travancore with so much skill as
justly to entitle him to be considered tbe Turgot o f India.

H e found Travancore, when he went there in 1849, in the lowest stage

o f degradation.

He has left it a model State.

This is the

kind o f man for whom we have no proper opening at a time when our
resources are declared to be inelastic, and when, if the opium revenue
failed us, we should not know where to turn for the amount required.
Besides his eminent scholastic attainments, which have led to his
appointment as a Fellow both o f the Madras and Bombay Universities,
U is E xcellency Raja Sir T . Madava R ow is a thorough master o f the
English language in which he writes with great facility and success.
His Excellency Sir T. Madava Row received the title o f
on the 1st January, 1877, on account o f the assumption o f tbe
Empress o f India
His

Raja
title

by Her Most Gracious Majesty the Queen.

Excellency Raja Sir T.

Madava Row,

. c . s . i .,

and His

Excellency Nawab Sir Salar Jang Bahadur, M uktiar-ul-mulk Suja-udDaula, G. c, s. i., may be taken as the highest types o f the administrative
talents o f the two great representative Native Races o f India.

A nd

the staunch, unshaken loyalty o f both shows that, under favourable

conditions, India can furnish men, who will prove as they have proved,
real pillars o f strength to the British Empire in the East.

Chapter V .Vizagapatam.
( Principal Families, Nobles, and Eminent M en . )
I. T H E H O N B L E R A J A G O D A Y N A R A E N A G U J P U T E E
RAO.
T he Honorable Raja Goday Naraena Gujputeo R ao o f the town
and diatrict o f Vizagapatam is tbe scion o f the ancient Ouday family

the Indian Chiefs, Rajas, Zamindars,

o f the Northern Circars in the Madras Presidency.

539

His ancestors,,

Accana, Peda Sooria, Bhnpati, and China Sooria successively for four
generations attained to celebrity.

Bhupati had merited the appro

bation o f the Nizam s GoTernmeut; and bis services were rewarded by

grant o f lands.
The Honorable Rajas grandfather was distinguished bimaelf in
the service o f the British Qovernment.

It was of this perswiage, that

the Honorable Court of Directors in a communication to the Govern

ment o f Fort Saint George, dated 17th April, 1779, stated;
W e concur in the acknowledgment your Qoverameat have rendered o f the
zeal for our interests mao i tested on various occasions by Goday Jogga How.

Goday Jugga Row and his descendants have very well perpe
tuated their names in the district by roads, bridges, tanks, wells,
chetrums, schools, and other good works of public utility.

It is also

known that the Honorable Raja s uncle Goday Sooria Pracasa Row,
and father Goday Sooria Naraena R ow were also men of learning, fame
and repute.

Their names were mentioned in honorable terms by the

late Sir Frederic Adam and Sir Thomas M unro in their minutes, as
will be found in the Russels reports and Munros selections.
The Goday family has a large rent roll, and pay the largest con
tribution 2l%pcihcusk to Government Revenue next to the Vizianagram
Samastanam in the Vizagapatam District.
Raja Goday Naraena Gujputee Rao received a liberal education
in the Hindu College, Calcutta, perhaps the only instance at that
time, a member o f such a respectable house being sent to the metro
polis for education from a distant Presidency quite different in langnago
and custom, when there was no steamer or railway communication.
The Raja followed tlie footsteps o f his revered ancestors in all that
concerned the good and welfare o f his fellow-citizens.

His services

on the first introduction o f the Municipal Association at Vizagapatam

as a voluntary institution were duly appreciated by Government. In the beginning of 1866, when Sir W illiam Denison, Governor
Madras, paid a visit to the Di>>triet, Las honored tlie Mahal o f tha
G od ajs princely mansion with his visit, and partaken o f his hospi
tality.

540

The Modern History o f

The Raja was selected to represent the landed classes in the

Legislative Council by Lord Napier in 1868.

in the Council.

Ever since he continued

H is Lordship lias also appointed him a Fellow of the

Madras University.

The Raja has founded a prize in the University for

the encouragement o f Sanskrit learning, and helped a great measure

ill the work o f education.

It is well known that the popular Charitable

Institution Munigar Choultry in Madras has the Raja a constant

attention and support

W e cannot quote better than from one o f tlie

public prints in Madras on the high distinction o f Raja" conferred

upon him on the occasion o f his visit to the Viceroy in March 1881,
His name has often been before tbe public of India aa a generous aud
charitable person.

Iu Madras hig name is a household word.

As a Member of

the Legislative Council lie brought his name forward in being a ready supporter
of useful projects and measures calculated to benefit the country.

He is an exten

sive lauded proprietor and be bag always treated the landed classes with marked
consideration.

He is tbe great chief among the chiefs of tbe Hindu community.

The Honorable K aja is not unknown in Bengal, and is highly

respected in tbe metropolis.

Ho has still some o f his CoIIege-matea in,

Calcutta, such as, Tlie Honorable Maharaja Jatindra Mohan Tagore

Bahadur, c. s.

I.,

Member o f the Supreme Legislative C o u n cil; Kaja

Sattya Nanda Ghoshal Bahadur, and several others.

The Raja is au excellent Bengali scholar, besides his unexcep
tional knowledge o f the English and Tclegu languages.

He is not

only famous for hia piety and enlightened liberality, but also for his
sterling moral worth, natural intelligence, and educational acijuirements.

I I . T H E V I Z I A N A G A R OR T H E V I Z I A N A G R A M

RAJ

F A M IL Y .
F ew

people o f culture in England and still more in India h o v e

not during later years heard o f tlits illustrious House, which, by the
rare public spirit and unbounded liberality o f its late Chief, has been
raised to an almost equally conspicuous position with tlie most ancient
principalities o f Madras and the sister Presidencies.

His Highness

ike Indian Chiefs, Rajas, Zamindars, ^c.

541

the late Chief Maharaja Mirza Sri Vizearama Gajapatiraj Munnea Sultan
Baliadur, K. c. s. i., rendered to his country and countrymen services
which the gratitude o f the present generation and, even posterity,
should not willingly let die.

His marked loyalty to the British Crown

and his great acts o f philanthropy made him also popular in the far
West.
According to traditions o f this famous Raj, an own brother of the
Maharana o f Mewar or Udaipur in Rajputana, named Vejeabhoop first
migrated to Oudh and made considerable conquests there.

In a similar

spirit o f

Vejeabhoop,

adventure Madhavavurmah, a descendant of

invaded the Deccan with a large force in 514 Saka era corresponding
with 519

A . D .,

Ramanad

and conquered that tract o f country comprised between

and Cuttack (Orissa), which Madhavavurraahs

dynasty

held in sovereignty for a very long period of about 921 years.

The next prince o f note, Cheiia Thummiraj alias Raghoonadharaj,
from whom the present Maharaja is ninth in descent lield office as
Subahdar of the Northern Circar in

d,

1652 uuder Abdullah the

5th K ing o f the Kutubshahi Dynasty of Golcondah and obtained the

Pargannas of Kum ily and Bhogapuram as Badshahi Jaglnrs, which
still belong to the Maharaja of Vizianagar.

During the reign o f

the Emperor Aurangzebe, Thummiraj, was confirmed in the title of

Subalidar, and received as a valuable present a Zulficar or twoedged sword, which formed the Coat of Arms still in use in this distin
guished family,

Thummiraj was

succeeded by his son,

Sitarama-

cheudrulu, who added ten Pargannas or Barouies to the Raj, and

assumed the high title o f Kalinga Maliaraj in virtue of hia new
acquisition Potnoor, the capital of tbe Kalinga Raj.

This prince,

however, was eminently conspicuous for bis staunch loyalty and good
faith to the British Government.

He was succeeded by his son

Aiiandaraj the First, who had two sons, Scetaramaiaj and Vizearamaroj
the Fii*st.
Vizearamaiaj the First was a brave and valiant prince.

H e gained

a victory over Jafer Alii Khan, tbe Nawab of Chicacoie, taking away all
his emblems Mahee, Maratebs and Punja as trophies.

He con

siderably extended his inherited dominions, made several improvements

542

The Modern History of

in it and admlnisteTed it so ably tbat the Emperor honoured him witb

the Insignia o f Munnea Sultan or Chief of the H ill Districts,
This prince took up his residence in the Town o f Vlzianagar and
the existing Fort at that place erected in the year 1712 owes to him its
completion and improvements.
A ccording to Aitchisons Treaties, Ananda Raj was a great friend
to the English, and it was he who expelled tbe French from the
Northern Circars, but he died shwrtly after at Rajamandry from attack
o f small-pox.

As the selection o f aa heir was entrusted to the family \

the Rani selected the second son o f her husbands cousin, YiziaramaraJ,
as tha successor to the Raj.

This was confirmed by the Nizam w ho

also bestowed the distinction or title Mirza or Prince iu virtue o f a

Firman from the Emperor in A pril, 1760.

The Pesbcufdi or tribute of

the Chiefsliip waa settled at Rs. 2,90,059-4-0 payable to the M oghal

Government; but this sum was withheld for several times and the
frequent conquests o f Seetaramaraj, eldest son o f Anandaraj the First,
added much to the prestige and independence o f the family. *
The list o f the Zamindaries which were at that time tributary
the Vizianagar Raj is given below :
ZAMlKDABIEa,
I.

Jeypore

2.

SniDgavarapucota

10.

Andra

3.

M odgole

11.

Regulavalsa

4.

Salcor

12.

Poram

6. K otapslem

13.

Teda or Pachipenta

9.

Palacondab

6.

Kurpam

14.

SuDgutuvalsa

7,

Ankapilly and Suttayavaram

15.

Chemudu

8.

G olconda

16.

Bajam

17.

Narava

The MaharajM o f Vizianagar were

occasionally spoken o f as

Zamiudai's from the time the Government obtained possession of tbe

Northern Circars in 1765.

The chief cause o f this change was, we

believe, their liability to pay peshcush or subsidy to the British Govern

ment,

In spite o f this, however, they were reckoned by the Nizam

. the Indian Chiefs, Rajas, Zamindars, <fc

543

and by the English as the most distinguLshed Chiefs, exercising indepen

dent powers and receiving salutes o f 19 guns from the paramount
power.

It is also a fact, that the Maharajas o f V izi anagram had under

them several (1 7 ) tributary Zamindars in the Northern Circars, who

always regarded them as their Chief.
W hen Sir Thomas Rumbold was appointed Governor o f Madras
In 1778 ; Kaja Vizearama Raj was summoned thither for the purpose
o f settling the payment of his tribute.

The Raja proceeded to Madras

under the escort o f a Grenadier Company commanded by Colonel John

Brathwait of the Madras Army, and received every honour suitable to
the High Rank (w ith a salute of 19 gu n s), c f a chief, whose territory
equalled in extent a vast Kingdom and whose power had almost held
the H on ble East India Company in awe.

This illustrious prince was

succeeded by his son Narain Babu, who resided in the sacred city o f
Benares and devoted much o f his time to prayer and acts o f piety,
Narain Babu died at Benares in 1845, deeply regretted by his numerous
admirers and friends; and it is said that minute guns were fired on the
occasion as a special case.

Lord W illiam Bentlnck, tho then Governor

General o f India, testified to bis very respectable character in the

following terms
I have known the Baja of Yizianagar for several years, and 1 have high
respect for him.

His conduct has always been very correct and I have no hesita

tion in recommending him to my snccessor for a contlnuaoce of the consideratioa

which I have made it a point to shew him as due to his rank and character.
Go v t . H ou se,

Calcutta, 19 JIfarcA, 1835.

Sd.

W . BENTINCK,
Governor G eneral o f IniOa,

Narain Babu was succeeded by b is son H is Highness tbe late

Maharaja Mirza Sree Vizearam Gajapatlraj Maharaj Munnea 8ultan
Bahadur, k. c s. i.

The Maharaja was born on the 7tU August, 1826,

and since the age of three years resided in Benares.

He received a

liberal education under the tuition o f capable European Tutors, and with
it an accurate knowledge o f English habits and customs.

H e always

liked English Company and moved in the circle o f several respectable

European residents o f Benares with a view to learn more about their
manners.

H e left the sacred city o f Benares for Vizianagram where he

544

The Modern History o f

safely arrived on the 8th o f April 1848, and was duly installed on
the Qaddi or enthroned on the 5tli May o f that year.
installation was performed with great eclat.

The ceremony of

A salute o f 19 guns wae

fired from the cantoninent both on his entering the Fort and on his
coronation ( Puttabhishekum).

The number of gnns, however, was

most unfortunately reduced afterwards to 13 at the time of the general

reduction o f salutes.
The Maharaja was initiated into tho duties o f managing hia exteaeive estates by Mr. F. H. Crozier o f the Madras Civil Service, who
undertook the management o f the Gaj as Special A gen t by order of
the Government.
The Maharaja in the courie o f about three or four years attained
a thorough mastery o f Zamindari business and the estate was accor
dingly made over to his direct management in 1852, not only freed from
debts which were the accumuiafcions o f three generations, but with a
large surplus o f nearly a l a ^ in tlie Treasury.
W hile H is Excellency Lord Harding was on his way to the
Lahore Expedition in 1845, the Maharaja paid his respects to Hia
Excellency on board the Steamer at Benares.

Hia Excellency presented

him with a beautiful gold ring and expressed a wish that Uis Highness
would proceed to his country.
In 1863, the Maharaja visited Benares again; and in 18G4 he
received the title o f Maharaja with K hilluts, and was appointed by
Lord Lawrence to be a Member o f the V iceroys Legislative Council.
A t the Grand Darbar held at Agra, in 1866, the Maharaja was
invested witb the K n igh t Commandership o f the Star o f India, with
Khilluts, such as, elephant, &c., and his salute of 13 guns was extended
to the Bengal Presidency.

He also received the title o f His Highness"

and his name was enrolled in the list o f the Chiefs o f India, entitled to
return visits from the V iceroys of India, which honour was granted by
H is Excellency Lord Northbrook in 1874, and the Darbar salute in
1876.

(Thia family had always the honour of receiving salutes).

The

Maharaja had the honour o f receiving a visit from H is Royal Highness

The Duke o f

Edinburgh iu January,

1870, and from Hia Royal

Highness The Prince o f W ales in January, 1876, both at Benares,

ike Indian Chiefs, Rajas, Zamindars, 4'c.

54^

Tl>e Duke of Edinbargh presented His Highness with a sword and

Royal Family group picture.

His Uoyal Highness The Prince of W ales

had previously received His Highness in December 1875 at Madras,

and presented him with a Gold Medal, Ring, Sword with belt.
RiQe, Ivory

W hip, an Album

Express

eoutamiiig Portraits o f the Royal

Family, and a book o f Polycliromatic A rt with inscriptions on theot

aa fo llo w Presented by Hia Royal Highness The Prince of Wales
to His Highness The Maharaja Mirza Viziarama Gajapati Raj Mnnnca
Sultan Bahadur, K. c. S. I., of Vizianagram.

The Maliaraja also had

the honour of receiving letters from Her Gracioos Majesty The QueenEmprcss on particular occasions.
A fter his last visit to Bengal and tho North-Western Proviucea,
the Maharaja arrived at Vizianagar on the 28th April 1876 having
on the ground o f ill health declined Lord L ytton s nomination to reap
point him for the fourth time to the Legislative Council.

For three

years subsequently he led a life o f more or less retirement.

Exactly ou the third year o f his last return to his own house, that
is, on the 28th April 1879, His Highness died quite suddenly in his
F ort at Vizianagar o f what is supposed to be disease o f the heart,
though for the previous 18 days he had been suffering from a low type
o f fever.
His Highness had presided uninterruptedly over the
administration of his Raj for 30 years, 11 months, and 23 days.
On receiving the sad news of the Maharaja's demise, His Excellency
The Viceroy Lord Lytton, His Royal Highness The Prince of W ales,
H is Grace the Duke of Buckingham, His Excellency Sir F. P. Haines,
H is Majesty the K ing of Siam, His Excellency Nawab Sir Salar Jang
Bahadur, o. c. s.

I .,

His Higlmess The Maharaja Jugutjiing Bahadnr

o f Nepaul, His Highness The Maliaraja o f Jaipur, His Highness T ho

Maharaja of Indore, His Highness Tlie Maharaja o f Travancore and
several Maharajas, Rajas and friends o f His Highness expressed their
sympathy and condolence by telegrams and letters to his son Koom ar
Maharaja.
Hia Highness is succeeded by his only snrviviug son, Maliaraja
Auandagnjapatiraj, who is 30 years of age, and the young prince, so far
as we may judge from his education, and the training he has received,
00

546

The Modern History o f

shows every disposition to emulate his father's excellent qualities and

to attain his father's great reputation.
The late Maharajas public life since then has been matter o f
general notoriety.

R iccedingly popular atnoug his own countrymen,

with whom his high liueagoj bia many sterling qualities and his irreprovebahle

character naturally carried great weight, His late Highness

was held by the Government and the European gentry in such high
estimation and respect as have rarely before been so willingly accorded
to any other Native Prince,

His refined courteous and gentlemanly

manners and his desire to please made him a universal favourite and
welcome guest in whatever society he honoured with his familiarity ; but
his skill as a horseman, his love o f sport, billiards and all manly games
made him additionally acceptable among his European friends.
Btit tho predominating trait in his character which is likely lon g
to keep his memory green in the hearts o f his countrymen is a sixmtaneous and overflowing spirit o f charity and liberality, such as have
rarely been met with in modern days even among Native Princes, whoso
besetting fault generally is certainly not a tendency to parsimoniousness,
but rather the reverse.

H is donations, however, were not made for

show, but invariably to promote some good cause or public object not
confined to his own estates and to his N ative Presidency o f Madras but
comprising, Bengal, the North-W estern Provinces and, beyond India,
extending even so far as England.
His Highness charity and liberality were equalled, if not surpassed
by a spirit o f staunch loyalty.

E ver L oy a l" was the motto engraved

on the Diamond R ing presented to him by L ord Harris, the Governor

o f Madras, as a memento o f H is H ighness services rendered during
the M utiny o f 1857.
His

Highness services in Supremo Legislative Council

were

valuable as is evidenced by his being a third time elected to that honour

when he introduced the M ajority Bill, which is now the Law o f India,
being the first Native Member o f Council who ever introduced and
carried through a Legislative enactment.
Tlie JIaharajas whole career was marked by princely liberality
aud generosity, and muniliceuce both public and private.

His numerous

the Indian Chiefs, Rajas, Zamindars,

547

public benefactions arc well known all over India, and are irrespect
ive of

caste or creed.

Hia mind was imbued with philanthropic

principles, and he has left hia property unencumbered and a surplus of

about fifteen lakhs o f Rupees for his successor.

Hia own Raj benefitteJ

im mensely; laklis of Rupees were spent on Roads, Bridges, &c.

He

established a sujjerior High School, a Sanskrit Seminary, a School for

Caste Girls, a School of Arts, and erected a grand Market in memory
of His Royal Highness The Prince o f W ales visit to India (called
Prince o f Wales market).

Five first class girls schools in Madras,

managed by a Committee of Native gentlemen, owe their existence to

H is Highness and the handsome Fountain in a most conspicuous place
in Madras evidences his regard for that city.

Benares will ever

remember H is Highness Tho Maharaja o f Vizianagar.

Turn where

you will there ia some monument o f tbe regard in which he held the
place where he spent his early days.

The Racqnet Court for Europeans,

or The Town Hall erected in memory o f His Royal Highness The

Duke o f Edinburgh s visit to Benares for the general public, Tho
Carmichael Library, The Vizianagar Dispensary and the four Qirla
Schools.

Allahabad is also indebted to H is Highness munificence.

The princely gift o f one lakh of Rupees was made to the Muir College
building and tho Clock Tower was his special donation.

In addition to

other grants, various Civil Engineering Colleges in India have scholar

ships endowed.

Calcutta, Madras, Allighur, Cuttack, Ghazeepnr, many

other Colleges and Schools attest to the Maharajas liberality.

A splendid

granite Fountain in Hyde Park, London, testifies that tbe Maharajas

liberality was most cosmopolitan, and the superb Cnp for which the
Lords and Commons contend at the annual gathering at W imbleton
will cause H is Highness to be ever remembered at home.

In fact, there

was no call o f a public nature or for public purposes to which he did

not afford help with a liberal hand.
N o native prince, since British rule has been established in India,
has ever so much identified himself with the spirit of British adminis
tration, and so completely made himself an acceptable friend among the
highest circles of European society as the late Maharaja o f Vizianagram ; and if the present Midiaraja only follows in the footsteps o f his

548

The Modern History o f

illustrious father, the fam ily will have gained the position due to its
high antiquity and purity o f race.
The present area o f the estate is about 8,000 square miles.
lation 900,000 souls.

Popu

ihe Indian Chiefs, Rajas, Zamindars, fjr.

549

APPENDICES,
CONTAINING

Tlv- names o f several Native. Princes., Chiefs, and Njhles on whom Sulntes,
O niersof Haronetcy and Knighthood, Titles and Honorary iJistinC'
tiom have been, conferred by ihe BHtish Oovermnent from its
early setilemenl down to the liresent time,
with short no/ices.

A P P E N D I X A.
(S A LU TE S . J
t SALUTES ATTACH ED TO C n iE F S n iP S .
Salutes o f 21 gum.
Barodn,The Oaekwar of
IlytlcTabad,TJie Nizam of
Mysore, The Maharaja of
Salutes o f 19 guns.
Bhopal.The Begum (or Nawab) of
Qwaiior.The Maharnja Sciiidia of
Iiuiore. The Maharaja Holkar of
Jammu and Ca?hracre. The Maharaja of
Klielat. Tho Khau of
Kolhapur.The Kaja of
Meywar (U daipur). The Maharana of
Travancore. The Maharaja of
Salutes o f 17 guns.
Bhawulpur. The Nawab of
Bhurtpur. The Maharaja of
Bikanir The Maharaja of
Biindi, The Maharao Raja of
Cochin.The Raja of
Jaipur.The Maharaja of
Earauli. The Maharaja of
Kotah.The Maharao of
E u tch .The Kao of
Marwar (JtKlbpur.) The Maharaja of
I attiala.The Maharaja of
B cw ah. The Maharaja of
Salutes o f 15 guns.
Alwar.The Maharao Raja of
Dewaa, Senior Raja of
Dewaa.Junior Kaja of
Dhar. The Maharaja of
Dholpur.The Kaua of
Dnngarpur, The Maharawul of
D attia.The Maharaja of
S d u r. The Maharaja of
Jessalmlr. The Mahaiawal of

Jellawar. The Maharaja Rana of

Khairpur. Mir Ali Murad Khan of
Kishengarb, The Maharaja of
I artabgarh, The Uaja of
Serohi. The Uao of
Sikkim, The Maharaja of
Urcha {'tebrij. The Maharaja of
Salutes of I.'l guns,
BcDaTca. The Maharaja of
Jiiurah. The Nawal) of
Kucli Hohar. The Kaja of
Uampiir. Tha N,awal> of
Hatlam.The K ja of
Tipperah. The Kaja of
Salutes o f 11 guns,
A jcygarh . The Maharaja o f
Banswara. The Maharawul of
Baoni. The Nawab of
Rhaunagar. Tlic Thakur o f
Bijawar. The Maharaja o f
Cambay. The Nawab of
Chirkari. The Maharaja of
Chamba. Tha R;jja of
Chattarpur. The Kaja of
Draiigdra. Tho Raj Sahib of
Faridkut.The Raja of
Jhabua. The Haja o f
Jhiud. The Raja of
Junaghar. The Nawab of
Kahlur (Bilaspur), The Raja of
Eapurthalla,The Kaja of
Mandi. Tlic Raja of
Nabha. The Kaja o f
Kauanagar The Jam o f
Narsitjgarh.The Kaja of
Falonpur, The Dowou of

50

The Modetn History o f

A P P E N D IX A.

I . SALUTES ATTACH ED TO C H IE F S n iP S ,
Porbnndar, T)io IlaDa
of*

l^alasinor. Tlic Riibre o f

Pan lift, The Mftharnja of
Baria,Tho Raja of
Barwani.Tlic K aiiaof
Pftdhftupur, The Nflwab o f
IiftjgaiTi. The Nawab o f
Chota Udaipur.The Baja of
Bftjpipla.The llaja of
F udhli.The Sultan of
Sitamau.Tbc E n jaot
Lfthej,The SiiUan of
Sillana, The Kaja of
Lunawara. The R;ina of
Sirmur fNahan). The Raja of
Maler Kotla. The Nawab o f
Suket. The fl.aja of
Niq;ode.The Baja of
Sainpthar,Tlio Maharaja of
Snwaiit W.ari.The Sir Dcani of
Took, The Nawnb o f
S ooth ,Tbe Kaja o f
Salutes o f 9 gnng.
Alirajpur. The fiana o f
II, PERSO N AL SALU TES.
Salutes o f 21 gnns.
D h n l^ p Singh. Hia Highness M r Ilarnja, G.C.S.I.
O walior. HLs Highness Jayajt Rao Sindia fiahadur, 0 ,c ,s .l,, Maharaja o f
Indore, His Highness Tnfcliji Kao llolkar Bahadur, o.c.s.r,, Mahar.aja o f
Jaipniv His Highness Sewne Ram Singh Bahadur, G .c.s.l., the late Maharaja of
Jammu and Cashmere. His H ighncssRanbir Singh Bahadur, G.C.S.I., Mahart\jao
Travancore. His Highness Sri llama Varma, G.c.s.1., Maharaja of
Udaipur (M eyw ar), His Highness Sajjan bingh, Maharana of
Salutes o f 19 guns.
Bengal. His Highness Nawab Mansur AH Khan, Nawab Nasim of
Jodhpur. His Highness J as want Singh Bahadur, G.C.a,!., Maharaja o f
Nepal. Tlic late Maharaja .Sir Jang Bahadur. O.C.n., & G.c.s,r., prime Minister of
Reffah, His Highness Raghuraj Singh Bahadur, G.C.a.1,, Maharaja of
Sahiies o f 17 guns.
BhopaL His Highness Nawah Alijah Amir-ui-Mulk, Consort of H er Highness
the Begum of
H yderabad. Nawab Sir Salar Jang Bahadur, G.C.8.I., Minister of
H yderabad. Nawab Amir-i-Kabir, SharaS'Ul-Umra Bahadur, Minister of
KiHhcngurh, His Highness Pirtlii Singh Bahadur, Maharajo of
Took. His Highness Mabammud Ibrahim Khan Bahadur, Nawab of
Urcha (Tehri), Hia Highness Mohindar Fartab Singh Bahadur, Maharaja of
Salutes o f 15 guns.
Areot. His Highness Prince Azina Jah Zahir-nd-daulah, Bahadur of
Bhaunagar. His Highness Takht Singji, Thakur of
Bhopal. Her Highness the Qudsia Begum of
Drangdra, His Highness Man Singji Raj Sahib of
Juuagarh. His Highness MolmhhaL Khan, K.C.8.I., Nawab of
Kauauagar. His Highness Shri Wibhaji, Jam of
Rampur. His Highness Mahammad K alb A li Khau Bahadur, G.C.s.l., Nawab of
Salutes o f \Z guns.
Bardwan. His Highness the late Maharnj Dhiraj Mahtab Chand Bahadur of
Jliind. His Highuess Raghbir Singh Bahadur, G.c,s.l., Kaja of
Nfthha. His Highness Hira Singh Bahadur, Kaja of
Paiiiia, His Highness Sir Hudra Partap Singh Bahadur, K.C.a.i., Maharaja of
Taujor. Her Highness Princess Vijaya Mehemi Mukta Boyi Amonani, Raja
Sahib o f
Viziaoagram. U is Highness the late Maharaja Mirza Viziaram Gajapatty Baj
Mania Sultau Bahadur, K.c.S,!., o f

the Indian Chiefs, Rajas, Zamindars,

551

A P P E N D IX A.
II. PE R SO N AL SALUTES. (COTiriwufJJ,
Salutes o f 12 guns.
Maculta. Omar bin Sallah bin Muhammad Nukeeb o f
Hluibar.Awadh bin Omar Alkayati, Jcmaclai of
Sahitet o f 11 gnxis.
Maler Kotla. Muhammad Ibrahim Ali Khan Bahadur, Nawab of
Morvi- Waghji, Thakur Sahib of
Tehri, His Highness Partab Sha, Baja o f
Salutes o f 9 guns,
Bausda. Shri Naraindcoji Bamdeoji, Maharawal of
Biroiula. Kagbir Dya], Uaja o f
B111ram nur, Maharaja Sir Dig Bijai Singh of
Dbarmpur.Sbri Gulab Singji Amar Singjt, Maharawul of
Ihirol.Jai Singji, Thakur Kahih of
Gondal, Bhapwat Siugji, Tlmkur Sahib of
Jnujira. Sidi Ibrahim Khan, Nawab of
Kharoud. Udit Pert.ap Deo, Raja of
K ilchipur. Am ar Siug Bahadur, Bao of
Lim ri.Jas'vaut Siugji, Thakur Saliib of

M yhere. Kaghbir Singh, Baja of

Palitaua.Sur Singji, Thakur Sahib of
Bajkot, Bauoji, Thakur Sahib of
Socotra. The Sultan o f
Hucbiu,Sidi Abdul Kadir Mahammad Yacub Khan, Nawab of
W ad wan. Dajivaj, Thakur Sahib o f
Waukanir, Bauo Siugji, Baj Sahib of

A P P E N D I X B.
(S U N D R Y T IT L E S A N D U O N O R A J tT D IS T IN C T IO N S .)
B A R O N E T - C H k b e d it a b t .)

No.
1 j

N am e

and

D e s t in a t io n .

The H onblc Sir Jamsetjee

Jcejeebhoy, Bart, Bombay

IlEMARKS.

Is the tlMrcl Baronet,

With regard
to the
history o f the first and
sccoud
Baronets, vide
i page 492-503.

The Modern History o f

552

A P P E N D IX B.

K HICHT GRAND CROSS OF TH E M O ST HONORABLE ORDER OF TH E B A T H - ( P e h s o n a l >

When Conferred.

Beu abes.

No.

N a m e a n d D b s t in a t io n ,

[lis Excellency tbe late Mnba*

raja Sir Jant; Hahadur, G.C.B.!.,
Prime Minister of Nepal

1857.

His Highness Sir Jiaji Bao

Riodbin Bahadur, Q.C.Al., &c.
ftc., o f Gwalior,............................

For good and valuable

services during the mutiuy. Died iu 1877.

1877.

His High DOSS the late Maha

raja Sir Khauili Rao, Gaikwar
o f Baroda
............................

1857.

Investiture took place

iu thoGoverumoiit House,
Calculi A ou the 1st Janu
ary. 1878,
Bor good services du
ring the mutiny. Died
in 1870.

K N I C H T (P e r s o n a l.)
No.

N a m e a n d DEi^TiNAtioN.

When Conferred.

B euabks.
j

Sir Allxjrt David Saasoon, Kt,,

C. s. 1., o f Bombay
...............

Now in England,
Beccived tbe honour of
Knighthood from Her
Most Gracious Majesty
the Queeu-Emprcsa ul
India,

Sir Cowasjee Jehanghir, K t.,

C. s. I., o f Bombay
............... i

Dittow

The late Sir Jamsetjee Joejeebboy, tbe First Baronet of

B o m b a y ........................................

1842.

Ditto.

TM Most E x a l t e Order o f the Star o f India.

HONORARY
No.

KNICHTS

GRAND

COMMANDERS-

N a m e a n d D e s t in a t io n ,

When Conferred.

His Highneas Ismael Pasha,

K cdive of Eaypt
...............

...

( T e r s o n a l .)

li EMABES.

...

ihe Indian Chiefs, Rajas, Zamindars, <^r.

553

A P P E N D IX B.

HONORARY K H IC H TS GRAND C O M M A N D E R S -(G w fm w c rf O

No.

2
3

Name and

D e s t in a t io n .

When Conferred.

His Highness H ajee Meersa

HuBsaia Khan ...
..............

...

Hia Highness Prince Tewfic

Pasha
........................................

...

Hbm aeks.

Hia E xcellency Cherif Pasha

...

...

Hia Excellency Safoet Pasha

...

...

His Highness The Khan of

K h e l a t ........................................

...

...

KNIGH TS GRAND C O M M A H D E R S -(P k r s o n a l .)

No.

am e

and

e s t in a t io n ,

Hia Highness the late Nizara

Afzul-Ud-Daula, of Haidera
bad
........................................

His Htghnees Azim Jah ZahirUd-Daitla Bahadur, Prince o f

A ico t
........................................

E is Highness the late Maharana Bhagwaut Sing of Dbol*

pur
........................................

His Highness Maharaja Dbulecp Sing Bahadur, reputed son

of Ranjit Sing, surnamed the
Lion of Lahore (now in
England)...
............................

His Highness Maharaja Ishri

Prasad Narayan Sing, of Bena
res.
........................................

VVTien Conferred,

1861.

1st Jan., 1877 ...

1857.

H em abks.

For good services d a

ring the mutiny. Died
on the 26th Feb,, 1869.
At the Delhi Darbar,

For good services d a

ring the mutiny. Died ia
1873.

Resigned

the

sore-

T cig n ty of the Panjab on

His Excellency the late Maha

raja Sir Jang Bahadur, g.c.b,, See.
Prime Minister o f Nepal.

70

tbe 29th March, 1849.

1st Jan., 1 8 7 7 ...

185T.

At the Delhi Darbar.

For good services d a

ring the mutiny. Died
in 1877.

554

The Modern History o f

A P P E N D IX B.

K K fC TS CHAND COM M ANDERS

1
No.

10

When Conferred.

B em ahks.

His Highness Maharaja Jas*

want Narayan Sing o f Bharatpur.
......................... .

1st Jan., 1 8 7 7 ...

A t the Delhi Darbar.

Hia Highness Maharaja Jesw ant Sing H., o f Jodhpur, ...

1st Jan., 1 8 7 6 ...

At Calcutta hy Hia
Royal
Highness
The
Priuce of Wales iu per
son.

ahk

and

D s s t is a t io n .

H is Highness Maharaja Sir

Jia ji Rao Sindhia Bahadur, Q.c.
B., &c., A c., o f Gwalior.

1857,

H is Highness Nawab Kalb

Ali Khan o f Rampore.................

For good services du

ring tbe mutiny.
For good services ren
dered
to the British
Government.

Hia Highness the late Maha

raja Kristna R aj W adiar, of
M aisur.............................................

...

D o.

Died in 1868.

His Highness the late Maha

raja M aheodarSiog Bahadur of
P a ttia la ..........................................

1871.

D o.

D ied in 1876.

H is Highness The R a ja of
Nabha...............................................

...

Do.

H is Highness the late Maha

raja Nsrlnder 8ing Bahadur, of
Pattiala............................................

1st Nov., 1861...

H is Highness the late Maha

raja Mirza Maharao Pragmalji
II., of K achh.................................

...

16

B is Highness Baja Raghbir

SingBabadur, o f Jhind.

1st Jan., 1 8 7 6 ...

17

Hiff Highness Maharaja Raghuraj Sing o f Bewa,

1864.

For good services du

ring the mutiny.

16

H is Highueas the late Maha

raja Bain Siug Bahadur, &c., &c,,
o f Jaipur.............................

1857.

Ditto.

11

12

13
11

Ni

For good services ren

dered to the British
Govcrninent, D ied ou
the 14th Nov., 1862,
Do,

Died in Jan., 187G.

A t Calcutta by His
Royal
Highness
the
Prince of Wales in per
son.

tJu Indian Chiefs, Rajas, Zamindars, (jr.

555

A P P E N D IX B.

KNIGHTS CHAND C O M M A H D E R S .-r t ? o r i '''')

No.

19
20

21

22

23

N a m e a n d DagiTNATiON.

When Conferred.

B bm akks.

His Highness Maharao Bftja

Ram t^ing of Bundi

1st Jan., 1877 ...

At the Delhi Darbar.

His Higbiiesa Maharaja Bsma

Varma of Xravanoore ...

For good services ren

dered to the British
Government.

His Highness Maharaja Ranbir Slug Bahadur .kc., &c., of

K ashm ir........................................
His E icclleticy Nawah Bir
Saliir Jnug Raliiidur 4;c.,
Minister o f Haiderabad...

Ditto.

His Highness the late Maha*

rana Sambhu Sing Ualiador of
Mewar or Udaipur
...............

For mild and benevo

lent administration of
tbe State. Died in 1874.

24

Her Highness Nawab Shah

Jehao, Begam of Bhopal.

25

His Highness MaharajaTukaji

Rao Holkar Bahadur, ^ c., &c.. 1
of Indore........................................

26

For good services du

ring the mutiny.

l8 tN 0 T 1 8 6 1 ...

His Highness the late Nawab

Yusaf Ali KLian Bahadur, of
H am pu r........................................

For peaceful adminis

tration of the Btate, Ac.
i

For good services du

ring the mutiny.
Do, Died in April 1866,

...
1

KNIGHTS CDIVIMANDEIIS-TP^Rson al .)

No.

1
2

N a m e a n d D e s t in a t io n .

When Conferred.

ItEUABKS,

Hts Htglincss Raja Auaiid

Boo Fuar o f Dhar
................

1st Jan., 1877 ...

At the Delhi Darbar.

...

For good services ren

dered to the British G o
vcrnmeut.
Ditto.

His Highneas Maharaja Datu

Ttimmongoug
Abubakar, of
JoLore ........................................
Raja Diukar Bao, Minister
of B c w a ........................................

555

The Modern H istory o f

A P P E N D IX B.

K H IC H TS C O M M A N D E R S -(t h n r in v c d .)
No.

4
5

8
9

10
11
12

13
14
15

N a m e a n d D e s t in a t io n ,

When Conferred.

Maharaja Dirg Bijye Sing, of

Bulrampore in O n d h ................
Mntataz-ud-Dowlah
Nawab
Muhammad Faiz Ali Khan,
Bahadur .........................................

R em arks.

For good services ren

dered to the British
Government,
Ditto.

...

Rao Raja Gan pat Rao K irkee

Shamshir, Bahadur, Dewan o f
G w a l io r .........................................

Ditto.

Nawab Golam Hassein Alazai

Khan Bahadur, 16 th Bengal
C a v a lr y .........................................

Ditto,

Maharaja Jeypercaah Sing

Bahadur, o f Deo, in Dehar

For good services duriug the mutiny.

Hia Highness the late Maha

raja Jowan S iogb ji o f Edar ...

F or good services ren

dered to the British G o
vernment, Died in 1SG3.

Maharaja Joymungal Sing, of

Gidhor, in Bengal
................

For good services du

ring the mutiuy.

Bao Kashce Rao H olkaiD ada

Saheb, o f Indore
................

For good services ren

dered to the British Go
vernment,

Nawab E b an Bahadur Khwaja

Mahomed Khan Khuttuk of
Kohat
.........................................

...

Ditto.

His Highness MAharaja Kirtec

Sing o f Manipur
................

...

, Ditto.

His E.vcellcncy Raja T. M a

dava Row, Minister o f Baroda...

30 April, 1866

Ditto.

His Highness Man Singhji,

Raj Saheb of Drangdra

1st Jan., 18 7 7...

A t the Delhi Darbar.

16

His Highness Mohabat Khan,

Nawab o f Juuagarh
..............

17

His Highness Rama Virma,

Raja of KocUin...
................

F or good services ren

dered to the British Go
vernment.
Ditto.

tke Indian Chiefs, Rajas, Zamindars,

557

A P P E N D IX B.

K H IC H TS COMMANDERS
W h e n C cra fe fT e

Bi m a h e s .

The late Rnja Badha Kaata

Dey Bahadur, o f the Savabazar
Kaj Family, Calcutta..................

T86S.

His HighneBS tbe late ROja

Ranadhir Siug Bahadur, of
EapurtUaia

FVir good services ren

dered to the British G o
vernment.
Died on the
m h April, 1667.

18M.

Ditto.
Died on tbe
2nd April, 1870.

N ame an d

D e s t in a t io n .

General Ranodip Sing Rana

Bahadur, Prime Minister of
Nepal
*,
Hts Highness Maharaja Rudnr
Fartab 8iug Slahutidar Baha
dur, of p a n n a ...........................

Ditto,

1st Jwa, 187*.

Raja Sahib Dyat Misser, of

Eiebeukote
..........................

A t Calcnttft by His
Royal
Highness The
Priuce of
W ales
in
person.
For good services ren
dered to
the British
Govem meoL

His Highness Raja Shamsher

Prakash Bahadur, of Nuh&n ...

1st Jan., 1876

At Calcutta by H is
Royal
Highness
Tha
Prince of
Wales
in
person.

His Highness Shivf^i Bhonsla

Chatrapati, Raja o f Kolapoie...

lstJao.,'1877

At the Ekdhi Darbar,

His Highness the late Maha

raja Sir Viziarara Gajapatty
Raj Mania Sultan Bahadur of
Viziauagram
............................

His Highness Sri Wibhaji,

Jam o f Nowanagar
................

For good services ren

dered
to the British
Government.
IstJon., 1877

At the Delhi Darbar.

558

Tha Modem History o f

A P P E N D IX B.
C O M P A N I O N S - ( P e b 8o n a l . )

No.

1
2

4
5
6
7
8

10
11
12

13

Nam e

W hen Conferred.

R em arks.

Amaravsti Shasia Sbastri,

Dewan of T ia v a n co re ................

1st Jan., 1877 ...

A t the Delhi Darbar.

The late Raja Ananda Nath

Etai Bahadur, o f theK attor Baj
Family, Rajshahye
...............

Jane, 1866 ...

and D k s t i n a t i o n ,

Muhammad Ali Ashgar A li

Khan, of Rampore, N orth-W est
ern P r o v i n c e s ......................... .

For good services ren

dered to
tbe British
Government.
Ditto,

Nawab Syad Ashgar Ali Khan

Bahadur, CliUpoie, Calcutta ...

Ditto.

Syad Ahm ed Khan o f A li

................
garh
...
...

Ditto.

Meer Akbar AH, Khan Baha

dur, o f Haiderabad
................

...

Ditto,

Nawab Muhammad Akrnm

Kban, of U m b ............................

...

Ditto.

Azam Gouri Sankar Udeaankar. Joint Adminiatrator of

Bhaouagar
............................

1st Jan., 1877... :

Byram ji Jeejeebhoy, Eaqr.,

B o m b a y .........................................
Rao Bahadur
Am bur Das

Becher

A t the Delhi Darbar.

For good services ren
dered to the
Biitiah
Government.

Das

Sirdar Bikrama Sing of Kapurthala ...

...

Ditto,

...

Ditto.

Bnkshee Khonan Sing, Com

mandant o f the Forces of H ib
Highness the Maharaja Holkar
o f Indore
............................ 1st Jan.,T877 ...
The late Raja Chandra Nath
Roy, of the NaLLor Raj Family,
Itajshahye
................

------------------------- -------------------------------------

A t the Delhi Darbar.

For good services ren

dered to the
British
Government.

the Indian Chiefs, Rajas, Zamindars, <Jr.

559

A P P E N D IX B.

COM
No.

14

15

16

17
18
19

Name

an d

When Conferred.

D e s t in a t io n ,

The late Baja Chandra Sbekar

MauSing Hari ChandanMurdrap
Bhramorbor B oy, of Parikood
( O r is s a ) ..........................
Baja Damara Knmara Venkatappft Nayedn Bahadnr Vam,
............................
o f Kalahasti

At Calcutta by H is
Royal
Highness
The
Prince of W ales in
person.

Saiad Futteb Ali Khan Baha

dur, Nawab of Ennganapilly ...

1st Jan., 1877...

At tbe Delhi Darbar,

Dosabhoy
Framjee,
Esq.,
B o m b a y ........................................

Ditto.

Ditto.

Nawab Golam Ali Khan, the

lute Nawab of Bunganapilly...

21

Nawab Golaui Hussein Khau,

o f the F a u j a b ............................

24
25

26

For good services ren

dered to the Britisli
Governjxentw
1st Jan., 18 7 6...

Tbe late Qovind Dass Seth,

of Muttra
...........................

23

For good services during tbe Famine of 1866.

Died on the 4th June,
1872.

The late Baja Digambar

Mittur, C alcutta...........................

20

22

1866.

B km arks.

For good services ren

dered to the British
Goverument.
Died in
October 1868.
1st Jan., 1S77...

For good services randercd to the British

Government.

Nawab Khaja Abdul Gunny,

of D acca........................................
Mahomed Hyat Khan

At the D elhi Darbar.

...

1871-

Ditto.

...

Ditto,

Istakant Sbungtony Menon,

Dewan o f K ochiu
................

Ditto.

Moulvi Mir Imdad Ali Khan,

Bahadur, North-Western Pro
vinces
........................................

Ditto.

The H on ble Maharaja Jatin

dra Mohaa Tagore Bahadnr, of
the Tagore Family, Calcutta . . . ' 28th July, 1879.
1

Ditto.

The Modern History of

560

A P P E N D IX B.

C0MP
No,

10 R

N am e a s d TIlkhtination.

27

Raja
Jeuwant
R t a w s b ................

28

BftO^

jw b e n Oonferred.

of

Sir Cfowa#^* Jfehanghir, K t.,

of Bombay
................
~

29

F or good aerrice* ren

dered to the British
Government.
**

R ria Jwe Kl&seo Das Baha

dur
........................................

30

31

Ditto.
Ditto.

The late Jbwala Bahai, Dewan

o f Kashmir
............................

1st Jan., 1877 ...

A t the Delhi Darbar.

B. KrisDaVeDgar. Esq.. Officia

ting Depnty Commissioner of
M y s c r r e ........................................

1st Jan., 1 8 7 ?

A t the Delhi Darbar.

M angal Das Nathnhhcy, Esq.,

B o m b a y ................
................

32

Remabkb.

F or good services ren

dered to the British
Government.

The late Sirdar Mangal Sing

Ramgharia, o t Umritsur

...

Ditto.

34

8ethNaom all,iof Kurrachee...

...

Ditto.

35

ITuzrut Nur Khan, Minister

of Janrah
...
....

1st J a n ., 1 8 7 7 ...

A t the Ddlhi Darbar.

33

The late Raja Pratap ^handra

Sing o f thePaikpara Raj Family,
24 Pargannas ................

36

37

1
1
38

89

For good Bervioes ren

dered to the British
Government.

The late Honble Prasanna

Kumar Tagore, of the Tagore
Family, Calcutta
............... 30th A p ril, 1866.

Ditto.

H is Highness MaharajaFertab
Sing of JoJbpur............................

t*

D itto.

Ragbu Nath Rao W ittal,Chief

of Viucbur
............................

/*-

F or good services du
ring the Mutiny of 1857.

the Indian Chiefs, Rajas, Zamindars,

561

APPENDIX B.

COHPAHIOHS-rflrirtwrfJ
[

No.

40

N ame

and

D e s t in a t io n .

The late H on'ble Maharaja

Kama Nath Tagore Bahadur, of
the Tsgore Family, Calcutta....

When Conferred,

1875.

Rbm abes.

For good Services ren

dered to the British
Government,

41

The late Raja Kam Siug, of

Banai, Baati
...............

Ditto,

42

The late Kaja Sattya Saran

Ghosal Bahadur, of the Bhokailas Raj Family, 24^Pargannas

Ditto.

43

Baja Sheoraj Sing, o f Kashipur

Ditto.

44

Baja Surat Sing

45

...............

...

Ditto,

Syud Hnseein El Aidross, of

Surat
........................................

Ditto.

4G

Sir Albert David Saaaoon, Kt.,

of Bombay
............................

Ditto.

47

Baja Shiva Prasad,of Benares

48

Mir Shahamat AH

...............

Ditto.

...

Ditto,

49
60
51 1

Malik Sahib Khan Tawonnatb,

Khan B a h a d u r............................

Ditto.

Sahibza Obednlla Khan, of

Tonk
........................................

Ditto.

KajaTikam Sing, o f Morsan

...

Ditto,

63

Rnja Velngoti Kumara Ya*

chamu Nayuda Bahadur, of tho
Yenkatagiri Kaj Family

1866.

Ditto.

53

The Hon ble Vembanfcer Eamieogar, o f Madras

...

Ditto,

Rao Sahib VishvanathNarayen

Mandlik, filcmber of Council of
the Goveroraeut of Bombay for
making laws aud regulations ...

IbtJan., 1877 ...

Ditto.

51

71

562

The Modern History of

A P P E N D I X B.
The

Order

of

ihe

In d ia n

M E M B E R S ( E x -O f f i c i o

His Highness Sir Jiaji Rao

Sindhia Bahadur, a,C.B..C,c.s.l.,
Couoaellor o f the Empress,
General in the Army, Hisamus-Sultanat, &c., Maharaja of
G w a l i o r .........................................

and

for

E t np i r e.
L i f e .)

For distingoished Ser

v ic e s r e n d e r e d
to the
B ritis h Government.

Hia nighnesB Sir Mtihammad

K alb A li Khan, G .C.S.I., Coun
sellor o f the Empress, Nasvabof
Ham p u r .........................................

Ditto.

H is Highness Sir Eaghbit

Sing Bahadur, O.C.F.I., Coun
sellor o f tbe Empress, Haja of
Jhiod
.........................................

Ditto.

His Highness The late Maha

raja Sir liam Sing, o .c .a i ,,
Counsellor o f the Empress, of
Jaipur
................................. ...

Ditto,

His Highness Sir Ram Sing,

Counsellor o f the
Empress, Maharao Baja of
Buudi
................

Ditto.

His
Highness Sir
Rama
Varma, G .C . s .l,, CounBellor o f
the
Empress, Maharaja
of
Travaneore
.............................

Ditto,

H is Highness Sir Ranbir

Sing, G.C.S.I., Counsellor of th e
Empress, General in the Army,
Indar MahindarBahadur Sipari-Saltauat, Maharaja of Jununu
and Kashmir
............................

Ditto.

Hia Highness Sir Tukoji Bao

Holkar, Q.C.S.I., Counsel lor of
tho EmpresB, Maharaja of
luUorc
.........................................

Ditto.

G. c . S. I.,

the Indian Chiefs, Rajas, Zamindars, ijr.

5G3

APPENDIX B.
The

Order

of

the

Indian

COMPAHIOHS( ^ x -O f f i c i o
No.

and

for

N a m b a n d D e s t in a t io n ,

When Conferred.

Meer Ali Khan, eldest son

and heir o f the Jam o f
Bcyla, K h e l a t ............................

1st Jan., 1878 ...

Sirdar Asad Khan, Chief of

tbc Sara wan Brahuis, K h ela t...

Ditto.

Empire.
L

i f e .)

Re m a r k s.

For good services ren

dered to the British
Government.
Ditto.

Sirdar Atar Sing, Malaz-ulUlama-o-ul-Fazala, of Bliadaur,

Panj&b ............................

1st Jan., 1880 ...

Ditto.

Bapu Deva Shastri, Professor

o f Mathematics, Sanskrit Col
lege, Benares
............................

1st Jan., 18 7 8...

Ditto,

Babu BhudCT Mukerjce, Ben

gal Educational Service

Ditto.

Ditto.

Bukht Sing, Rao Bahadur,

Rao of Bedla, in Meywar

Ditto.

Ditto,

Bymanjec J a m esjee...............

Cettepaliem Ranga Charloo,

Esq., Controller o f the House
hold of FI is Highness the Maha
raja of M y s o r e ............................

...

1st Jan., 1878...

Ditto.

Ditto,

Sirdar Gohur Khan, Chief of

.the Jelawao Brahuis, Khelat ...

10

Honorary Lieutenant Colonel

Sheik Hedayat A li Khan Baha
dur, Sirdar Bahadur, 45th N. I.

lat Jan., 1879 ...

Ditto,

The Hon ble Mir Humayun

Jah Bahadur, Additional Mem
ber of the Council o f Hia Ex
cellency the Governor o f Madras
for making Laws and Regula
tions
........................................

1st Jan., 1880 ...

Ditto,

11

12

Pandit lavar Chandra Bidyasagar, SukeasStreet, Calcutta...

Ditto,

Ditto.

Ditto,

Ditto.

The Modern History o f

564

A P P E N D IX B.
The

Order

o f

the

COMP ANI ON

No.

13
14

15

16

17

18
19

20

am b

and

e s t is a t io n

Babu Khem Sing

India n

When Conferred,

R em arks.

F or good services ren

dered to the British
Government.

................

The Honorable Kristo Daa

P.al, Rai Bahadur, Member of
the Bengal I^egislative Council
aud Municipal Commiaaioner,
C alcu tta..........................................

Empire.

Continued.)

1st Jan., 1878 ...

Ditto.

Pandit Mabeah Chandra Nyaratna, Officiating

Principal,
Sanskrit College, Calcutta. ... i 34th May, 1881.

Ditto,

Mirza Golam Ahraatl, Extra

Asst. Commr,, Peshawar

D it t o .

Meet Mahmood Khan, eldest

son and heir o f the Khan of
K h e l a t ......................... .
Raja Mangal Sing

Ditto.

1st Jan., 1878...

DiUo.

................

Morarjee Goculdasa, Esq..

Merchant, and Justice of the
Peace, B o m b a y ............................

Ditto.

1st Jan., 1878 ...

Ditto.

P andit Nain Sing, late of the

Great Trigonometrical Survey...

Ditto,

Ditto.

21

Sri Rajamani Raja Deo, Za

mindar o f Mandassa, M adras...

Ditto.

Ditto.

22

Rajendra Lala Mittra, Rai

Bahadur, l . l . d ., o f the Surah
Kaj Fam ily, 24 Pargannas
...

Ditto.

Ditto.

Saleh Hindi, Khan Bahadur,

of Joonagarh, Bombay Presi
dency
.........................................

Ditto.

Ditto.

Pandit Sarup Narain, Politi

cal Assistant and Deputy Bhil
Agent, Manpur, Central India...

1st Jan., 1880.

Ditto.

Sirdar Sultan Jan Saddozu,

Extra Aset, Commr., K obat ...

24th M ay, 1881.

Ditto.

24

25

the Indian Chiefs, Rajas, Zamindars,

505

A P P E N D IX B.
The

O rd er

o f

the

I n d i a n

Em pire,

C O M P A N I O N %{Continued.)
No.

N a m e a n d D e s t in a t io n .

When Conferred.

R bm abes.

26

Kazi Shahab-ud-din, head of

the Revenue Department of the
...........................
Baroda State

1st Jan., 1880.

Sorabjee Shapurjce Bengali,

Esq., Sheriff for the Town of
B o m b a y ........................................

For good services ren

dered to
the British
Government,

24th May, 1881.

Raja Sourindro Mohan Tagore,

Musical Doctor, o f the Tagore
...............
Family, Calcutta

1st Jan., 1880.

For the
revival
Hindu Music.

29

TimvarurMuthuswami Aiyar,
Esq., L.L. B., Judge of the Small
Cause Court, M a d r a s ...............

1st Jan., 1878 ...

30

Synd Vilayut Ali Khan, Ban

ker, Zamindar, and Honorary
Magistrate, Patna, Bengal

For good scrviceRTcndered to

the British
Qovernment.

Ditto,

Ditto.

...

Ditto,

27

28

81

Moung OoQ

............................

Ditto.

of

T K E IMPERIAL ORDER OF THE CROWN OF INDIA.

No.

am e

and

e s t in a t io n ,

Her Highness Devajee Ammanee Maharani Sitavilas, of

Maisur ........................................

1
When Conferred.

R em arks.

*
1878.

For good services ren

dered to
the British
Government.

Her Highness Dilawar-unNisaa Begam Saheba, o f Haiderabad

...
...........................

Ditto,

Ditto,

Her Highness The Maharani

Dhalip Sing
...........................

Ditto.

Ditto.

Her
Highness
Maharani
Jamna Bai Saheb Gaikwar, of
B a r o d a ........................................

Ditto.

Ditto.

5G6

The Modern History o f

A P P E N D IX B.

TH E IMPERIAL ORDER OF THE CROWN OF I N 0 I A .-( C ( * ^ ^ ^ -)

No.

N am e a n d

D E s x iN A T iO N .

Her
Highnesa
Maharani
Saraamoyi, o f Coasimbazai ...

When Conferred.

1878.

R em arks.

For pood services ren

dered
to the British
Government.

ban

H er Highness Nawab ShahjeBegum 0,C.a.i,, o f Bhopal...

Ditto.

Ditto.

H er Highness Nawab Kndsia

Begum, o f Bhopal
................

Ditto.

Ditto,

H er Highness V ijya Mehemi

Mukta Boyi Am onaoi Baja
Saheb, Princess of Tanjore ...

Ditto.

Ditto.

GOUKSEILOR OF TH E EM PRESS,
No.

When Conferred.

R em arks,

H is Highness Sir Jiaji Rao

Sindhia Bahadur, g .C. b ., g . c .s .1.,
&c., Ac., Maharaja o f Gwalior...

Tat Jan., 1 8 7 7 ...

A t the Delhi Darbar,

H is Highness Sir Kalb Ali

Khan, a . c. s. i., Nawab o f
K s m p n r .........................................

Ditto.

Ditto.

Hia Highness Sir Raghbir

Sing Bahadur, O.c.fe.1., Raja
o f J h in d .........................................

Ditto.

Ditto.

His
Highness
Sir
Ram
Sing, O.C.B.I., Maharao R aja o f
Bundi
.........................................

Ditto,

Ditto,

B is Highness the late Maha

raja Sir Ram Sing, G.c.s.i. A c., Ac.,
o f Jaipur.........................................

Ditto,

Ditto.

Hia
Highness Bir
Rama
Varma, G ,G .s . i , , Ac,, AC., Maha
raja o f Travancore
................

Ditto.

Ditto.

N am b

and

D b s tln a tio n .

the Indian Chiefs, Rajas, Zamindars, (Jr.

567

A P P E N D IX B.

C O U H ^EU O R OF THE EM PRESS. ( (\>ntinucd.)

No.
1
7 '

N o.

When Conferred,

R KM ABES.

His Highness Sir

Ranbir
Siug. G.C.S.I., Ac., Ac., Maharaja
o f Jammu aud Kashmir

1st Jan., 1877...

A t tbe Delhi Darbar.

His Highness Sir Tukoji Rao

Holkar, G .c.s.i,, Ac,, &c., Maha
raja o f I n d o r e ............................

Ditto.

N am e

N am e

and

and

D e s t in a t io n ,

GENERAL

IN T H E A R M Y

D e s t in a t io n ,

When Conferred.

His Highness 8ir Jiaji Rao

Siudhia Bahadur, O .C .B .,a .c.s.l.,
Counsellor o f the Empress, fcc.,
&c, Maharaja of Gwalior
...
2

His Highness Sir Ranbir Sing,

Bahadur, G .C .8 .I., Counsellor o f
the Empress, &C., &c., Maharaja
of Jammu and Kashmir

1st Jan., 1877

Ditto.

Ditto.

B em abks.

At the Delhi Darbar.

Ditto,

FA R Z A N D fl-K K A S-l-D A U U M -IN G LISH tA .

N o.

N a m e a n d D s 8t i n a t io n .

When Conferred.

R bm abks,

U is Highness Maharaja Sevaji

Rao Caikwar, 111., A c., Ac., of
Baroda ...............

1st Jan., 1S77 ...

At the Delhi Darbar,

The M odem H istory o f

568

A P P E N D IX B.

HISAM-US-SALTAHAT. ^
No.

N am e

and

D e s t in a t io n ,

His Highness Sir Jiaji Kao

Sindhia Babadur, G.C.B,, G .C.S.I.,
Coll nsei lor o f
the Empress,
General in the Army, Ac., &c.,
Maharaja o f Gwalior ...............

When Conferred.

R bm arks.

1st Jan., 1877 ...

A t the Delhi Darbar.

(KDAR M AHINDAR BAHADUR SI P A R I SALTAN A T .

No.

N a m e a n d D e s t in a t io n .

W hen C onferred.

His Highnesa Sir Ranbir

Sing Bahadur, G.c.B.l., Counsel
lor of the Empress, General in
Ibe Army, &c,, &c., Maharaja of
Jammu and Kashmir ...

1st Jan,, 1877

B bm au ks.

A t the Delhi Darbar.

S A W A I.
No.

N a m e a n d D e s t in a t io n ,

Jwhen Conferred.

Rem arks.

His Highness Maharaja Kanjor

Sing, o f A jigarh...

1st Jan., 1 8 7 7 ...

A t the Delhi Darbar.

SIP A H D A R -UL-M U LK No.

N a m e a n d D e s t in a t io n .

When Conferred.

R em arks,

Hia Highnesa Sri Maharaj

Dhiraj Jai Sing Deo Bahadur,
of Charkari
............................

1st Jan., 1877 ...

A t the Delhi Darbar,

the Indian Chiefs, Rajas, Zamindars, ^'c.

569

A P P E N D IX B.

LOKENOARNo.

N a m e a n d D e s t in a t io n ,

When Conferred.

--
1

Hia Highnesa Rao Maharaja

Bbowaoi Sing o f Dattm

1st Jan., 1877 ...

Rem ark s.

1
Afc the Delhi Darbar.

RAJA M U8H IR -I-K K A S BAHADURNo.

N a m e a n d D e s t in a t io n .

Raja Sir Dinkur Rao, K.c.S.1 ...

When Conferred.

BEMARffa,

1st Jan., 1877...

A t the Delhi Darbar,

RAJA-I-R AJAG AH .
No.

N a m e and D e s t in a t io n ,

When Conferred.

Rem arks.

His Highness Sir Ragbir Sing,

a .c.s.l,, Raja o f J h in d ...............

24 May, 1881...

In Honor of Her Ma
jestys birth-day.

M A IA Z -U L'U IA M A -O -U L-FA Z A IA No.

N a m e a n d D e s t in a t io n .

When Conferred.

Rem ark s.

Sirdar Atar Sing, c . I. E., of

Bhadour ........................................

1st Jan., 1877 ...

At tbe Delhi Darbar.

S H EIK H-UL-M USH AIKH .

No.

N a m e a n d D e s t in a t io n .

When Conferred,

Rem arks.

Dewan Gyasuddin Ali Khan,

Sajjada Nasbiu, Ajmir...............

IstJan., 18 7 7...

At the Delhi Darbar.

72

570

The M odem H istory o f

A P P E N D IX B.

M AHAR AJA DKtRAJ BAHADUR-^

N o.

N a m b a h d D e s t in a t io n .

When Conferred.

The late His Highness Mahtab

Chand Bahadur, of the Bardwan
Raj fam ily
............................

9th April, 1 8

The title is hereditary.f

The Ute Tcj Chandra Bahadur,

of the Bardwan Raj Family ...

A . D . 1791...

Ditto.

MAHARAJA
No.

N am e an d D e s t i n a t i o n .

The late Ananda Kishor Sing,

o f the Bcttia Baj Family, Chumparun
.........................................

BAHADUR.

When Conferred.

1830,

Runwftrilal Bahadur, the late

Maharaja of the Bunwaribad Raj
Family, Birbhnm
...............
Chattardhari Sahi Bahadur,
the late Maharaja o f the Hatwa
Baj Family
............................

E KM a r k s .

R em arkb,

By Lord W illiam Beatinck.

For good services ren
dered to the British
Government.

1837.

Ditto.

Sir Joy Mungul Sing Baha

dur, K.C.S.I., o f theOidhour Raj
Family .........................................

1st Jan., 1877...

At the Delhi Darbar.

The title is hereditary.

Sir Joy Prokaab Sing, Baha

dur, K . c. 8. I ., o f tbe Deo R a j
Family in G y a ............................

21st June, 1859,

For his good services

during the mutiny.

J o y Prokash Sing, the late

10th March, 1816.
Maharaja o f Doomraon

By Uarqnis of Hastings.

* Several titles like Maharaja Dhiraj, Maharaja Babsdur, Maharaja, Maharana,

Raoa, Raja Bahadur, Raja, Nawab, itc., seem to bo hereditary among the Native
Princes belonging to the Native States (vide Part I.J
I Where it is not mentioned, that the title ia hereditary, it should be uader*
stood that it ia personal.

the Indian Chiefs, Rajas, Zamindars,

571

A P P E N D IX B.

M AHARAJA BAHADUR. Continned.

N a m e a n d D b s t in a t io n .

When Conferred.

Juggnt ludro BanwariGobitid,

o f the Bunwareebad Raj Family,
B irbh um ........................................

21st Dec., 1657.

Krishna Pratap Sahi Bahadur,

of theH atw aRsj Family (Saruu) 31st Augt.,1874.
LachmesTar Sing Bahadur,
Maharaja of Darhbauga, Tiihoot. September, 1879.
Mana Vitrama, Zamorin or
1st ilnja o f Calicut, Madras ...
The late
Maharaja Nava
Krishna Dev Bahadur, the
founder o f the Savabazar Raj
Family, Calcutta
...............

1st Jan., 1878...

Rajendra Kishor Sing Baha

dur, of tbe Bettia Raj Family,
Chumponm
............................

For good services ren

dered to the British Govt.
For various acts o f
charity and public utility.
The title is hereditary.
For good Bcrvicea ren
dered to the britifih Govt.

Ditto..

1858.

nth April,

For good services du

ring the Mutiny.

The title was conferred

on him by the Emporor
Shah Alum through Lord
Clive granting him at
the same time the dignity
of Masnab-shash-bazari
with
four
thousand
sowars.
For good services ren
dered to tbe British Govt.

1766.

Naul Kishor Sing Bahadur,

the late Maharaja of the Bettia
Raj Family, Cbumparun
Rajendra Pratap Sahi Baha
dur, the late Maliaraja o f the
Hatwa R a j Family (Sarun)

Kkh arks,

1856.

Ruder Sing Bahadur, the late

Maharaja o f the Darbhanga Raj
Family ........................................
The
late
Maharaja
9r
Chandra Bai, o f the Nadiya Raj
F a m i l y .......................................
T he late Maharaja Satis
Chandra Rai, o f the Nadiya Baj
F a m i l y ] ....................................... 9th Jan., 1858...

Ditto.

Addressed
by
the
Govr.-Genl. of bis time
as Maharaja Bahadur. *
For enligbteaed liber
ality.
Ditto.

The Modern History o f

572

A P P E N D IX B.

MAHARAJA.
No.

N ahb

a n d

D e s t in a t iu k .

Ananda Bao Fuar, Raja of

.........................................
Dhar
Bhagiratbi Mahindra, tho late
Maharaja of Dheukauai, Tribu
tary Mehalg, Orissa
................

When Conferred.

B sm abks.

1st Jan., 1877...

A t the Delhi Darbar.

1866.

For liberality during

the famine of 1866, The
title of Baja has been
declared to be hereditary
in June, 1874.

Chatter Sing, Raja o f Samptbar

.........................................

1st Jan., 1877...

A t tbe Delhi Darbar.

Debya Sing Der, Raja of

Puri, Orissa
............................

Ditto.

Ditto.

Dhanurjoy Narain Bhanj Deo,

Baja o f K illa Keonjhar, Orissa..,

Ditto.

Ditto,

8
9
10

11

Gopal Chandra Sing, Baja of

Sultenabad, Sonthal Pargannas
12th March, 1857.

F or services during
the Famine of 1873-74.
The title of Raja Baha
dur waa conferred on
him in 1867.

H et Narayan Sing, tbe late

Maharaja o f the Tikari Baj
Family, ( G y a ) . ............................

lOthNovr., 1845.

F or good services ren

dered to tbe EhtishGovt,

lu derjit Sing Deo, Baja of

S irg o o j^ , Chota Nagpore

23rd Deer,, 1872.

Ditto.

Jagatindro Natb Roy, o f the

Nattor Raj Family, Rajshahye...

1st Jan., 1877...

At the Delhi Darbar.

The H on ble Maharaja Jatindro Mohan Tagore Bahadur, c,

u. I ., o f the Tagore Family,
C a lc u tta ........................................

Ditto.

Ditto,
The title o f Baja
Bahadur was conferred
on him in 1871.

Sir JoyM angul Sing, of tbe

Gidhour Baj Family ...............

1865,

For good services du

ring the mutiny.

the Indian Chiefs, Rajas, Zamindars, (jr.

573

APPENDIX B.

M A H A R A J A. r CbnUnuzd.)
N am e and

D b b t in a t io n .

R iijn K ftoifil

K r is t iim

When Conferred,

Be

u a s k s

D ev, o f

the ^ vabazor Kaj Family, CJal.........................................................

23rd Feb., 1880,

For good services. The

title of Kaja' was con
ferred un him ou the 1st
Jannary, 1877 at the
Delhi Darbar.

Eisben Cbandar Bbanj Deo,

o f Mobarbaoj, O r is s a ...............

1st Jan., 1877...

At ihe Delhi Darbar.

C Q tta

Lall UmmcT Sing, the late

Maharaja of birgoojab, Chota
N a g p o ie ........................................

Tbe title is hcredltaiy.

The late Mitrajit Sing, of tbe

Tikari Raj Family
...............

lOtb Nov., 1845.

Maheahar Bax Sing, o f the

Doomraou Kaj Family, Shahabad....................................................

23rd Dec., 1872.

For good services. The

title of Raja" was con.
fcn cd ou him in 1841.

Mabipat Sing, of the Pstna

Kaj Family
............................

1st Jan., 1877...

At the Delhi Darbar.

The H on ble Maharaja Naren*

dra Krishna, of the Savabazar
Raj Ramily, C a lc u tta ...............
Hia
Highness
Nripendra
Narain Bhup Bahadnr, o f tbe
Kuch Bebar Baj Family

Ditto.

23rd Feb., 1880.

Pratap XTdai Nath Sahee Deo,

a minor, of the Chota Nagpore
B aj Family
............................

Raj Krishna Sing, Raja of

Susang. Mymensing ...............

By Lord Hardinge,

Ditto.
The title o f
Raja was previously con
ferred on him.
The title seems to be
hereditary.

The right of tbe head

o f the family to the title
of Maharaja haa been
sanctioned by Governmeat on the 31st Deoem*
her, 1872,
1st Jan., 1877.

A t the Delhi Darbar.

574

The Modern History of

A P P E N D I X B.

MAHARAJA
N o.

N a m e a n d D e s t in a t io n .

When Conferred

R BMABKB.

22

The late Ram Krishna Sing,

o f the Tikari Raj Family, (Gya)

8th May, 1873...

For good services ren

dered to the British Govt.

The late Maharaja Ram Nath

Sing,of theRamgarhKaj Family

June, 1 8 6 3 ...

The late Raja Rama Nath

Tagore Bahadur, c.s.i,, o f the
Tagore Fam ily, Calcutta

1st Jan., 1 8 7 7 ...

Sew Prokaah Sing, o f the

Gidhour Raj Family ...............

At the Delhi Darbar.

The title of R aja waa
conferred on him in 1873.

12th March, 1876.

For good services ren

dered to the British Govt.

23

24

25

26

His Highness the late Maha

raja Mirza Viziarama Gajapati
R aj Muuea Sultan Bahadnr,
K.C.3.I., o f Vizianagram

1864.

RAJENDRA
N o.

Name

an d

D e s t in a t io n .

The late Raj ft Krishna Chan

dra Rai Bahadur, o f the Nuddea
Kaj Family, Krislmaghar,

Ditto.

Ditto.

BAHADUR.

When Conferred.

1757-58.

R bm arks,

Received the title o f

Rajendra
Bahadur^
from Lord Clive with a
present of 12 guna used
at Plassey,

MAHARANI.
No.

N am e abtd

D b s t in a t io n ,

H ara Sundari Debya, of Searsole, B a r d w a n ............................

When Conferred.

K em abks.

1st Jan., 18 7 7...

A t the Delhi Darbar.

Received tbe title of
Rani on the I2th March,
1875.

the Indian Chiefs, Rajas, Zambtdats, ^r.

575

APPENDIX B.

N ame

and

D e s t in a t io n ,

When Conferred.

Hingan Eumari, o f Findara,

............................
Maubhum

1st Jan., 1877 ...

At the Delhi Darbar,

Reoeivetl the title of
Kani on tbe 12th March,
1875.

Sham Mohini, o f the Dinajpur

R aj Family
...........................

26th July, 1875

For services during

the Famiae o f 1873-74.

Sfa.irnatnoyi c . I,, o f the Cossimbazar Raj Family, Murshidabad

........................................ 10th Aug., 1871.

Sharat Sundari Debya, o f tbe

Putia Raj Family, Rnjshahyc...

RAJA
No.

R em arks.

N ame

and

D e s t in a t io n .

1
The late Raja Ananda Nath
Rai, C .S .I ., o f the Nattor Raj
Family, Rajabahye
...............
Raja Ardote 8ing, Rais of
Kotee, in B a gh elk a u d...............

1st J a a , 1877

For vnrioD B acts o f cha

rity aud public utility.
In recognitiou o f tho
Maharauis services, duriug the famine o f 1874,
the Govt, publicly aonounccd iu the Calcutta
Gazette, of the 12tb
March, 1875, that the
title of Maharaja Ije cou*
fcrred on any jtersoii tho
Maharani might choose
to adopt as her heir aud
successor.
At tbe Delhi Darbar.
Received the title o f
Raui OD tbe 12tb March,
1875.

BAHADUR.
When Conferred.

1866.
le t Jan., 1878...

Rem arks.

For good services ren

dered to the British Govt,
The title is hereditary.

576

The Modern History o f

APPENDIX B.
RAJA
N ame

BAHADUB.-rchari^'^J

an d D estinatiu n .

The late Raja Bhoop Sing Ba

hadur, o f the Patna Raj Family

When Conferred,

1829,

The late Raja Eaidyo Nath

Rai Bahadur, of Sukhazar,
Fathuriaghata, Calcutta

R e m a EE 3,

Died on the 17th Janu

ary, 1874.
Received the title from
Lord Amlierst.

Baja Biaesshar Malia, o f Scarsole, Bardwan ............................

1st Jan., 1 877,.-

At the Delhi Darbar.

Received the title o f
Roja on
the 12th
March, 1875 for services
during the Famine o f
1873-74.

The late Raja Baroda Kanta

Roy, o f Chnncbnr, Jessore

15th Sept., 1858.

For good services du

ring the mutiny.

Raja Chuckerdtmr Sing Deo,

o f Seraikillnh, Chota Nagpore...

18th Feb., 1856,

F or pood services ren

dered to the British Govt.

The late Raja Doost Damun,of

the Shahur Raj Family, Mozulferpore ......................................... 10th March, 1816.
Raja D yanidhi Deo, o f tbe
Bonai Tributary Estate, Chota
N a g p o r e .........................................
The late Raja Gopi Mohan
Dev Bahadur, o f the Savabazar
Baj Family, C a lc u t t a ................

The late R aja Hari N ath Roy

Bahadur, o f the Cos.simbazar
Raj Family, Murshidabad

5th May, 1871.

1833.

15th Feb., 1825.

Raja Harnath Chaudhri, of

Dubalbati, R a js h a h y e ..................I 1st Jan., 1877

Ditto.

For pood BOTvices du

ring the Keonjhur rebel
lion of 1857-68.
Received the title from
Lord William Beiitijick
with the privilege of be
ing attended
by an
armed retinue.
R eceived thetitlefrom
Earl Amherst.
A t the Delhi Darbar,
Received the title of
Raja
on the 12th
March. 1875 for good ser
vices during the famine
of 1873-74.

the Indian Chiefs, Rajas, Zamindars, (Jv.

57T

APPENDIX B.
R A JA

N am e

and

B A H A D U R

D b s t in a t io n ,

<ContitiHcd,)

When Coafeired,

Raja II arbnl lab Narayan Sing, '

let Jan., 1877...
of SoucburSa, Bliauyulpore
Raja Harcndra Krishna D c t ,
of the Savabazar Raj Family,
Calcutta
............................

4th June, 1874.

The
Hon ble
Maharaja
Jatindra Metmu Tagore Baha
dur, c.s.i,,of the Tftgore Family,
C a lcu tta ........................................ 17th March, 1871,
The late Raja Kali Sankar
Glioaal, o f tho Bhukailaa Raj
Family, 2-l*Parganua3...............

R em arkb,

A t the Delhi Darbar.

Received the title o f
" Raja ou the 121h
March, 1875.
For good Bervicoa ren
dered to the British Govt.

Received the title o f

Maharaja on tbe 1st
Jan., 1877.
Received tho title from
Lord Flleuborough.

The late Raja Kali Erislma

Dev Bahadur, o f the Savabazar
Raj Family, C a l c u t t a ...............

1833.

Received tho title from

Lord William Bentiuck.

The late Baja Kissen Nath

Roy Bahadur, o f the Cosaimba*
ear Raj Family, Murshidabad ...

1841.

Do. Dm Iiord Auck

land.

The late Raja Kali Narayan

Rai Chowdhuri, o f Bhowal,
Dacca
........................................
Raja Kumad Naraiu Bhup,
Zamindar of Bijut, iu Ascam ...
Raja Kunwar Maharaj Sing,
of tlaldaur, N, W. P....................

20th Oct., 1876.

1878,
U t Jan., 18 7 8...

Khallak Sing, Raja o f Sorila... lat Jan., 1877 ...

Raja Lila Nanda Sing, of
the Pumea R aj Family

73

8th Dec., 1861.

For public epirit and

liberality.
D itto.

Ditto.
A t the Delhi Darbar.
Tbc title
of Baja
Bahadur waa also con
ferred ou his grand-father
and father in 1811 and
1821 respectively.
Hia
grand-fat her
rendered
j good services during the
Nepal War.

The Modern History o f

578

A P P E N D IX B.

No.

Nam e

an d

D e s t in a t io x ,

When Conferred.

The late Raja Loke Nath Roy

Bahadur, of the Cossimbazar
Raj Family, Murshidabad

RsMAaKE.

Received tbe title from

W, Hastings,

Raja Mangal Sing, o f Bbinai,

A j m e r c .........................................

1st Jan., 1877 ...

A t the Delhi Darbar.

Raja Muni pal, o f Pal Lehara,

Orisaa
.........................................

5th May, 18 7 1...

For valuable services

during the Keonjhar reiMllion o f 1867-68. The
title has been declared
to be hereditary in June,
1874

Raja Mahipat Sing, o f the

Patna Raj F am ily

3l8t Aug., 1874.

For good servicca ren

dered to the British Uort.

The
late
Baja
Naraing
Chaudra Rai Bahadur, of Sukbazar, Pathuriaghata, Calcutta...
The late Raja Prasanna Nath
Roy, o f Dighapati, Rajshahye...

Ditto.
20 April, 1854.

The late
Raja
Prasanna
Narain Dev Bahadur, of the
Savabazar R aj Family, Calcutta
Raja Pramatho Nath Roy, of
Dighapati, Rajshahye ...
.

First received the titla

o f Rai Bahadur iu 1847,
20th Sept., 1869,

The late Raja Pratap Cbandra

Sing Bahadur, c.s.i., of the
Paikpara Raj Family, 24-Par*
gannaa
......................................
Raja Pertab Narain Sing Deo,
of Juahpore, Chota Nagpore ...
The late Raja Sir Radha
Kanta Dev C a b ^ u r, K.c.s.l,, of
the Savabazar
Family,
C a lc u tt a .........................................

Ditto.

For good services ren

dered to the British Govt,

Ditto.
3rd Dec., 1859.

1837.

For good eerviced d a

ring the mutiny.
The
title is hereditary.
For loyalty, high p o
sition,
vast learning,
.T.ppr oved public
aud

the Indian Chiefs, Rajas, Zamindars,

579

APPENDIX B.
RAJA

K o.

Name and

BAHADUR-rAift/iJit^d.)

D e s t in a t io n ,

When Conferred.

E E s iA R K a .

personal character, and

eminent oervices ren
dered both to the coun
try and the Governmeut.
iyied in April 1867.
Raja Baghn Nandan Sing,
Soorsnod, Mozufferpore

27th May, 1859.

Raghbir Dyal Sing, Raja ol

Birond .........................
1st Jan., 1877 ...
Raja Rajendra Narain Dev
Dabadur, of the Savabazar Raj
Family, Calcutta
30th April, 18G9.

The late Rojendra Narayan

Raj, of the Patiya Raj Family...
The late Raja Raghu Nandan
Sing, of the Shahar Raj Family,
Mozufferpore ' ..............
7th 3ep 1820.
Raja Radha Nath Rai, of the
Dinajpur Raj Family
The late Baja Raj Krishna
Dev Bahadur, of the Savabazar
1797 or 1798
Raj Family, Calcutta ...
Baja Rajendra Lai Mullick Ba
hadur, of Chorebagan, Calcutta
1st Jan., 1878

Baja Ram Eanjan Chuokarbutty, of Birbhum

.............. 1st Jan., 1877 ...

For valnable eervioea

during the mutiny.
At the Delhi Darbar,

For loyalty, purity of

character, and good ser
vices rendered to the
country.
For good services ren
dered to tho British Govt.
Ditto.
Received the title fron
W. Hastings.

Received the title from

The Hon ble Sir Joihs
MacFherson.
For various acta oif
charity and public ntility. Received the title
of Rai Bahadur on the
3rd January, 1867 for
good and valuable servi
ces during the famine of
1866-67.
At the Delhi Darbar.

The Modern History o f

;s o

A P P E N D IX B.

No.

N am e an d

D e s t in a t io n .

44

The late Raja Raj Narain

Boy Bahadur, of tho Andul Raj
Family, near Howia ...............

45

The late RajaSattya Charan

Ghosal Bahadur, of the Bhukailas Raj Family, Sl-Pargannas...

46

Raja Sattya Nanda Ghosal

Bahadur, of Ditto,

47

The lato Raja Sattya Saran

Ghoaal Bahadur, C .S .I., of Ditto

48

The late Raja Shew Nandan

Sing, of the Chutnparuu Raj
Family ......................................

49

50

61

52
53

When Conferred.

R bm abks.

For good services ren

dered to the British Govt,
Ditto.
30th Sep., 1869.

Ditto*
Ditto.

21et May, 1869.

Ditto,

Tbe late Raja Siv Chandra

Kai Bahad ur, of Suk bazar,
Pathuriaghata, Calcutta

Ditto,

The late Raja Sita Nath Boae

Bahadur, of the Savabazar Raj
Family, Calcutta

Ditto,

The late Raja Sukmoy Rai

Bahiulur, of Sukbazar, Fstburiaghata, Calcutta...........................

Received tho title from

W. Hastings for several
acts of charity aud pub
lic utility.

Kumar Shankar Sing, of

Bilram, in the Etah District ...

1880.

Saheb Praladh Sen, of Ramnuggur, Chmnparun

...............

54

The late Shew Nandan Sing,

of the Shahar Raj Family,
Mozufferpore
..........................

65

Shewraj Nandan Sing, of the

Shahar Raj P^amily, Mozufferpore
......................................

13th Oct., 1860.

For good services ren

dered to the British Govt.
For good services da
ring the mutiny.
Ditto.

3rd March, 1876,

1

D itto.'

the Indian Chiefs, Rajas, Zamindars,

58l

A P P E N D IX B.

RAJA
No.

ec

N am e and

BAHADUR

D e s t in a t io n .

U dit Pratap Deo, Baja of

K h a rou d ........................................

When Conferred.

R km arks,

1st Jan., 1877 ...

A t the Delhi Darbar.

RAJA.
No.

N ame

and

D e s t in a t io n .

Ajita Singh, o f Teraul,Partabgarh

.........................................
Nawab Sayyid AU Shah, of
Sirdhana, Mirath
...............

Balwant Rao, of Jabalpnr ...

Balwant Sing, o f Gangwatma

Banepat Sing, of Barah, Alla

habad
........................................

When Conferred.

Rem abes.

1st Jan., 1877...

At the Delhi Darbar,

June, 1876.

...

1st Jan., 1877 ...

Ditto.

Ban Mast Sing, o f Katebra,

Jhansi
........................................

Beer Chander Bannai], o f

Augurtollah, Hill Tipperah ...

Benoodhnr Bajrodhur Narin*

dro Mohapatur, o f Rnnpore,
Pooree ........................................

Nov., 1858

For good services ren

dered to the British Govt.
A t tbe Delhi Darbar,
Ditto.

...

Sep., 1859...

P ot good services ren

dered to the British Govt.
Ditto,

1869.
The title is hereditaiy.

Brojo Soonder Mnusing Hari

Chundcr Mohapatur, o f Nursingpore, Pooree............................

21st May. 1874.

Ditto.

...

Ditto.

Ditto.

10

The late Chandra Nath Roy,

o f the Nattor Raj Family ...

11

Rao Chattar Sing, Jagirdarof

Kauuyadhana ...........................

1st Jan., 1877...

At the Delhi Darbar.

12

Chaitan Deo Bhunj, Duspulla,

Pooree
........................................

21at May, 1874.

The title is hereditary.

1869.

For good seTvices ren

dered to the British GoVt,

582

The Modern History o f

APPENDIX B.
RAJA.-

No.

N a m e A in > D e s t i n a t i o n .

13

The late DigatnbarMitter,C.8.i.,

C a lc u t t a .........................................

14

The late Dhakbioa Banjan

M u k c T ji.........................................

15

16

-{C on tinu ed.)

W hen Conferred

1st Jan., 1877...

B bm arks.

A t the Delhi Darbar.

For good servicea dulin g the mBtiny o f 1857.

Dhurmjit Sing Deo, chief of

Ddaipar, in the Chota Nagpore
Mahal
.........................................

1st Jan., 1877...

A t the Delhi Daibar.

Damara Kumara Venkattapa

Nayadii, Zamindar o f Kalahaeii,
North Arcot District ................

D itto.

A t tho Delhi Darbar,

Ditto,

Ditto.

17

Deba Sing, o f Rajghar

18

Dilsnkh Bai, o f Bilram, Etab

19

Dusrothee Birbar Mungraj

Mahapatar, of Baromba, Pooree

2l8t May, 1874

Tbe title is hereditary.

20

Nawab Mahomed Faiz A li

K h a n ,of Pahasee, Bnlandshahar

Sep., 1870.

For good services ren

dered to the British G ovt.

21

The late Gopal Sing, o f the

Gidhour Baj Family ................

22

23

21

25
26

Aug., 1859.

...

...

For good services ren

dered to the British G ovt,

The H on ble Bao Gangadhar

Rama Eao, Zamindar o f Pitta*
pur, Gadavery D istrict................

1st Jan., 1877...

The
British
Govt.
sanctioned the title o f
Raja which his ancestors
received from the Mabo*
medan Govt,
At the D elhi Darbar.

Gour Chunder Man Sing,

Hari Chundun Murdraj Bhra
morbor Roy, of Parikood, Pooree

23rd Dec., 1872,

The title ia hereditary,

Harieh Chunder Chowdry, of

Mymenaing
............................

1st Jan., 1877...

A t the Delhi Darbar,

Harish Chandra, o f Chitta

24th March, 1874,
gong H ill Tracts................
Haribar
K hettrio
Birbar
Chumpted
Sing Mohapatar,
o f Tigireah, Pooree
................

21st M ay, 1874.

Is the head
Chuknta tribe.

of tb e

The title is hereditary.

the Indian Chiefs, Rajas, Zamindars, ^r,

583

A P P E N D IX B.

II A 4 k . iContiMued.y
No.

27

N ame

ah

D e s tin a tio n ,

Hardeo Buksb, o f Hardui

Omlii
........................................

28

The latelndii BImsan Deb Rai,

ot the Naldauga Raj F am ily...

29

Jai Eieheo Daa, o f Muradabad

30

The late Jagan Narayan Rai,

o f the Fatiya Kaj Family

When Conferred.

Oct., 1858. ...

...
Jan., 1860

...

Jagat Sing, of Tajpur, Bijnor

32

The late Jogendro Saont,

o f Autmullick, Pooree...............

21st May, 1874.

Jeswaot Rao, of Lakhna,

E t a w a h ........................................

Sept.,

...

1359

...

34

Ealka Frasada, o f Barielly...

Dec., 1867

...

36

Eesho Rao Dmkar, of Guisarie, Jhausi

...........................

Dec., 1859

...

36

Khetter
DLui^;epur

Moban Sing, of
..........................

Ditto.
Ditto.

31

33

For good BerviceS ren

dered to the British Govt;
Ditto.

4*a
Dec., 1873

R km arks.

1st Jan., 1877 ...

Ditto.
The title is hereditary.
For good services ren
dered to the British Govt*
Ditto,
Ditto.
A t the Delhi Darbar.

Kunwar Har Narayan Sing,

of Hattrasa, AUgarii District...

Ditto.

Kiaaen Chunder ilurJraj,

Hurrce Chunduu, of Nilgiri,
Pooree ........................................

21st May, 1874.

The title is hereditary.

39

KriBtcndro Roy, o f Bolihar...

23rd Feb., 18S0.

For good Services ren. dered to the British Govt.

40

Lachman Sing, Deputy Col

lector, B u la u d sh a b a r...............

1st Jan.. 1877...

41

Lachman Sing, of Earanli,

Mainpuri
.........................

42

Lall Soorajbhun Sing, of

Bhugwanporc, Shahabad

37

38

Jan.,1869
15tb April, 1859.

Ditto.

At the Delhi Darbar,

For good services ren
dered to the British Govt,
For good services da
ring the mutiuy.

The Modern History o f

584

APPENDIX B.
R A J A . - ~ ( Continued.)

N o.

43

Naub

AM D D e s t i n a t i o n ,

Slat May, 1874.

The title is hereditary.

H. E. Sir T. Madhava Row,

...

1st Jan., 1877 ...

A t tho Delhi Darbar.

K.c .8.1,, Minister o f Baroda

46
47

ThakurM adboSing, of Sawar,

Ajmere .........................................

Died in 1852,

22nd Nov., 1861.

Notobar Murdraj Brobmorbar Hoy, o f Khandpara, Pooree

2lst May, 1874.

The title is hereditary.

Nnndo
Kissore
of Sukioda, Orissa

1st Jan., 1877.

A t the Delhi Darbar,

Bbupati,
................

60

Faddolab Kao, o f Anl, Orissa

61

Partap Sing, o f Pisangan,

Ajmere ............................

Ditto.
Ditto.

The late Rai Patnimal Dass,

o f the Rai Family o f Benares...
The late Prasanna Nath Rai,
o f Dighapati, Rajshahye

54

Pitambar Deo, of Boad, Pooree

65

Pran Sing Deo, Koria, Tribu

tary Estate, Chota N ag pore ...

66

Ditto.

Nilmoney S iog Deo, of Paehcti, Motiblioooi

................

49

63

Ditto.

The late Sirdar Nchal Sing,

Raja o f Kapurthala
................

48

62

R E M A K K d.

Loodoo Eishoro Siog Mandhata, of Nalagarh, Pouree ...

44
4S

Wheu Conferred.

68
1

20tb April, 1854.

21st May, 1874.
8th July, 1876.

Ram Chandra Birbar Hari

Chandan, of Talcherc, Pooree...

21st M ay, 1874.

Ram Chunder Deo Dhubal,

jf Lohaxdugga, Dhulbhoom ...

...

-----

Ditto.
Ditto.
F or good services ren
dered to the British Oovt,

Radha Prosad Sing, o f DoomraoD, S h a h a b a d............................ I2th March, 1875.

67

F or good services ren

dered to the British Govt.

Ditto.
T he title is hereditary.
Ditto,
F or good services ren
dered to the British Govt.
Tbe title is hereditary.
Ditto.

the Indian Chiefs, Rajas, Zamindars,

585

A P P E N D IX B.

RA J A
No.

N a m e a n d D k s t in a t io n ,

69

Raghu Nath Sukhur Deo, of

Gaugpoi-e
Tributary Estate,
Chota N s g p o r e ............................

60
61

Raj Kissea Sing

...............

Ram Narayan Sing, o f Kbaira,

M oD gh yr.......................................

When Conferred, 1

1871.

The title is hereditary.

1873.

For good serviccB reudered to the British Govt.

1st Jan., 1877...

62

Ranbir Sing, Dehra D bun ,...

63

Shambbn Narayan
Sing,
B e n a r e s ........................................

Jan., 1871 ...

Sbama Nanda Dey, of Balasore

........................................

1st Jan., 1877...

66

Shama Shankar Rai, o f Teots,

D acca
.......................................

Ditto,

66

H. H. Siva Shan
Mtikha
Rao,
Hindu Rao Ghorpuri,
Mamlekst Madar, Senapatti,
Chief o f Sandur

64

67
68

Sira Frasada, c.s.l.,of Benares

Remarks,

Sept., 1875

...

March, 1874 ...

A t the Delhi Darbar.

For good services ren
dered to the British Govt.
Ditto.
At the Delhi Darbar,
Ditto,

Received the heredi

tary title of Raja from
Government,
For good services ren
dered to the British Govt,

Dr. Sourindra Mohan Tagore,

C.I.K, Ac., Ac., of the Tagore Fa

69

70

23rd Feb., 1880

Rai Rurja Kanta Acharji Ba

hadur, o f Muktagacha...............

Ditto.

Ditto.
Received the
title of Rai Bahadur,
on the IstJan., 1877, at
tbe Delhi Darbar.

lat Jan .,1877 ...

At tbe Delhi Darbar,

Sirdar Surat Singh Mijithia,

............................

C.8.I., Ben area

71
72

Ditto.

mily, C a lc u t t a ............................

Tejbal Sing, o f Daiya, Alla

habad
........................................ August, 1859 ...
Rao Saheb Tritnbakji Nana
Ahir Rao, o f N a g p u r ...............

Z4

1st Jan., 1877...

For good services ren

dered to the British Oovt;
At tbe Delhi Darbar.

The Modeim History o f

APPENDIX B.

R A J A . " ~ ( Continued.)
No.

Name

73

and

When Conferred,

D k s t in a t io n .

Velugoti Kumara Yachama

Naidu Bahadur, C.S.1...................

R kh ares.

...
1

BAHADUR.
No.

1
Nam e

and

IVhem Conferred.

D e s t i n a t k >n .

R bm abks.
1

M ohendro KiMiore Sing, o f

Bettia, Chumparun
................

27th May, 1869.

For good services du

ring the mutiny.

KUMAR
No.

Naue

an d

D E B T iN A T i o ir .'

Jnggernath Sing Deo, Sataikillah, Chota N a g p o re ................

PAL
No,

N ame

The

and

late

W h cD

Conferred.

20th Jan., 1858

R k m a bk s ,

Is the hereditary title

of the Chiefs o f SeraikUlab.

C H O W D H U R I E.

D is t in a t io x .

When Conferred.
1

R emarks ,

Krishna Chandra

Pal Chowdhuri, o f R anaghat...

From Marquis of Has

t in g .

TheaoBAOf Uie recugaized Maharajs_aad Rajas are gosorally called Kutoars.

the Indian Chiefs, Rajas, Zamindars, ^r.

587

A P P E N D IX R

RAO
No.

1
2
3

BAHADUR-

N a m e a n d D e s t in a t io n .

When Conferred.

Bao Amar Sing, o f K bilchipur

........................................

April, 1873....

Rao Bakht Sing, o f Baidia,

M e y w a r ........................................

1st Jan., 1877...

R k u abks ,

For good services ren

dered to tbe BritishGovL
At the Delhi Daibar.

Bahat Sing, Thakur of Pokaran, R a jp u ta n a ...........................

Ditto.

Ditto.

Bhagwant Rao DsBhpandsy,

...........................
of [lichp ui

Ditto.

Ditto.

Daji Nilkant Nigarkar, P ro

fessor,
Engineering College,
B o m b a y ........................................

Ditto.

Ditto.

Gopal Rao Hari, Judge of

Small Cause Court, Ahraedabari

Ditto.

Ditto.

Gokaiji Jbala, of Juoagarb,

KaUywar...
..........................

Ditto.

Ditto.

Jugjivandass
Khushaldass,
Deputy Collector, S u r a t ...........

Ditto.

Ditto.

Rao Saheb Hari Narayan,

Police Inspector, Ahmadnagar

Ditto.

Ditto.

10

Rao Cbattarpati, Jagirdar of

A l i p u r a ........................................

Ditto.

Ditto.

11

Kesri Sing, Thakur o f Kuchawan, Rajputana...

Ditto.

Ditto.

12

Keru Lnkshman Chhatri, Pro

fessor o f Mathematics, Deccan
C o l l i e ........................................

Ditto,

Ditto,

Khanderao Vishvanatb, alias

Rao Saheb Raste, 2nd class Sir
dar o f the Deccan

Ditto.

Ditto,

Keshorao Bhasker, Deputy

Assistant Political Agent, Kattywar
.......................................

Ditto.

Ditto.

6
7
8
9

13

14

588

The Modern History o f

APPENDIX B.
RAO

N o. j

15
16

17

N ame

and

8 A H A D U R - ( C r i t t cr f . )
When Conferred.

D e s t in a t io n .

Kbushabai Sarabfaai, Dafterdar, Bewa Kanta

................
Dewan Lai Sing, Mukhtiarkar
of Talaka Guni, iu Hyderabad
Collectorate, Sind
................

1st Jan., 1 8 7 7 ...

Ditto.

The late Sett Lachtni Chandji,

o f the Sett Family o f Mathura

Rbm abk s.

At the Delhi Darbar.

Ditto,

For good services du

ring the Mutiny.
A t the Delhi Datbar,

18

Luxemon Sing, Kao of Jigni

19

Madborao Wassudeo Barvc,

Karbbari, Kolhapur
1

Ditto.

Ditto.

Makaji Dhanji, late Karbbari,

Draugdra.........................................

Ditto,

Ditto.

20
21

22

23
24
25

26

27
28

1st Jan., 1877...

Rao Sahib Muccoond Ram

Chunder, Assistant Fngineer, P.
W. Department, Bombay

1st Jan., 1878...

For good services ren

dered to tbe British Govt.

Naml Shankar Taljashankar,

Assistant Political Agent, Junawara and Sooth in Rewa Kanta

1st Jan., 1877...

At the Delhi Darbar.

Narayenrao Auant Mutalik,

o f Karad, Sattara
................

Ditto.

Ditto.

Narayen Bhai Dandekar, D i

rector, Public Instruction, Berar

Ditto.

Ditto.

Premabhai Hemabhai, o f Ahmadabad

...
...
<-

Ditto.

Ditto,

Rao Prithi Sing, Jagirdar of

Tori F a te b p u r............................

Ditto,

Ditto.

Hajdhar Rudar Sing, Chief o f

G u r ih a r .........................................

1857.

Sheonath Sing, Thakur

Kherwa, Rajputana

of
1st Jan., 1877...

For good services ren

dered to the British Govt.
At the Delhi Darbar.

the Indian Chiefs, Rajas, Zamindars,

589

A P P E N D IX B.

RAO
No,

N am e

and

BAHAOUR-rreifrf.)

D e s t in a t io n .

|When Conferred.

Rk m a r k s .

i
29

Sturram Paodoorang, of Bom*

........................................ 1st Jan., 1877...

30
31

Sbrivalingaya Gada, of Morthalli, C a o a r a ...........................

Ditto.

8trdr Siog, the late Chief o f

L o g a a a i.......................................

1857.

At the Delhi Darbar.

Ditto.
For good Bervices du
ring the matiny.

32

Sudasheo Ruguuath Joahi,

Karbbari, Mudhol
...............

33

Trimalrao Venkatcsh. late

Judge, Small Cause Court, Dharwar
........................................

Ditto.

Ditto.

Venaik Rao Janardau Kirt ie , Naib Dewau of Baroda...

Ditto.

Ditto.

Veheridass Ajubhai, Deaat o f

Neriad, Kaira, Bombay

Ditto.

Ditto.

Waman Rao Pitamber Chitoia, Sheriahtadar at Sawuut*

.......................................
wari

Ditto.

Ditto.

34
35
36

Wasaodeo Bappuji, Assistant

Engineer, Department Public
Works, Bom bay.............. .

37

RAO

No.

Name

and

D s s t in a t io n ,

Thakur Bahadur
Musuda, Ajmere

Govind Rao Krishna Bbashkat, o f N imar ...........................

Bing, of
...............

Ditto.

Ditto.
i

At the Delhi Darbar,

1st Jan., 1877...

SAHIB.
1
When Conferred.

K ih a r k b .

1st Jan., 1877 ...

At the Delhi Darbar.

Ditto.

Ditto.

The Modern History o f

590

APPENDIX B.

RAO
No.

-(.continued.}

N a m e a n d D e s t in a t io n .

When Conferred

Thakur Hari Sing, of Deolia,

Ajmere ..
............................

1st Jan., 1877...

Thakur K a lja n
Sing, of
Junean, A jm e re ............................

Ditto.

R bh abes.

A t the Delhi Darbar.

Ditto.

Kukajt, Patel o f Sheogaon,

in B e r a r .........................................

lB tJ a n .,1 8 7 8 ...

For good services ren

dered to the British G ovt.

Madho Rao Gasgadhar Chitnavis, of Nagpur

................

1st Jan., 1877 ...

At the Delhi Darbar.

Thakur Madho Sing, o f Kharwa, Ajmere

............................

Ditto.

Ditto.

Rajaba Mobite, o f Nagpur ...

Ditto.

Ditto.

Thakur Eanjit Sing, of Bandanwara, Ajm ere

................

Ditto.

Ditto.

RAO.
N a h b a n d D b s t in a t io n .

1
When Conferred.

Ri m a s k s .

Annidh Sing, Jagirdar of

Paldeo, Central I n d i a ................

1st Jan., 1 8 7 7 ...

At tbe Delhi Darbar.

No.

Babar Mai, Rawat o f Barar,

Mhairwara, Bajputaria................

Ditto.

D itto.

Jado RaoP&ndaj, of Bbandara

Ditto.

Ditto.

Uma, B a w a to f Kukra, Mbai1 rwara, Rajputana

................

Ditto.

Ditto.

4 \

the Indian Chiefs, Rajas, Zamindars, ^r,

591

A P P E N D IX B.

IIAt
No.

BAHAOUfl.

Nam b a k d D e s tin a tio n .

When Conferred,

R im a r k b .

Annada Prasad Rai, of Murehidabad................

lat Jan,, 1877,.,

At the Delhi Darbar.

A rcot Narayan Swami M o

deller, of Bangalore
...............

3
4

fi
6

7
8

10

11

Ditto.

The late Beni Madhav Shome,

o f Chiuaurah
...........................

4th July, 1878...

For good servieee in

the Judicial Department.

Bakhehi Narsappa, Atde-dcCamp o f Hia Highness the Ma

...............
haraja of Mysore

1st Jan., 1877.

A t the Delhi Darbar.

Boidyonath Pandit, Zamin

dar of Kila Darpan, Cuttack ...

Ditto,

Bansi Lat Abir Chand, Jabbulpore ........................................

1861.

BanwariLal Sohu, Darbhanga

6th Feb., 1874...

chahadi Snbia, AflBiataut Com

missioner, Coorg
............... 1st Jan., 1877...
Chaudfari Rudar Prasad, Kamindar of Nan pur, in Sitamurbi

Ditto,

Das Mai, Late Tahsildar, Hud iia r p u r .......................... .

Ditto,

Dinabaudhu Patnaik, Tahsildar of the Khond Mahals, Cut

tack, Orissa
...........................

12

The late Babu Dina Baudhu

Mitter, Calcutta
...............

13

Dhanpat Sing Deoghar, Baluchar, Murshidabad

...............

14

Ditto.

5th Nov., 1876...

Ditto.
For good services ren
dered to the British Govt.
For acts of charity and
public spirit.
At the Delhi Darbar.
Ditto.
Ditto.

For good services.

For good services in
tbe Postal Department.

18th Dec., 1866.

For acts o f liberality

and public spirit.

Durga Narayan Banerji, Ins

pector Bengal Postal Establish
For pood services in
22nd March, 1876.^
ment
1 the Postal Department,
1

592

The Modem History o f

APPENDIX B.
RAI

N o.

15

16

Namb

When Conferred

R em abks,

1st Jan., 18 7 8...

For good services in

the Judicial Departmeat,

............................

1st Jan., 1877...

At the Delhi Darbar.

Giris Chandra Das, Supdt.

Govt. Toshakhana, Calcutta ...

2nd April, 1874

For good services.

18

19
20

21
22
S3

24
25

26
87

an d

D e b t in a t io n .

Durga Pmsad Ghose, late

Judge o f the Small Cause Courts
o f Howrs, H ughli, and Siram
pur, Bengal
............................
Durga Prasad Sing, Zamin*
dar o f Mud ho bans, in Champa-

rsQ
17

Continued.)

Giris Chandra Lahuri, Kas*

aimpore, Rajshahye
31st March, 1871.
Gohordone Lai Saha, Darbhaoga, T irh oot.............................

13th Oct., 1874

Golak Cbandra Chaudhri, of

Chittagong
............................

1st Jan., 1 8 7 7 ...

Oopal Mohan Sirkar, Trea

surer, Govt. House, Calcutta ...

Ditto.

The late Hara Nath Rai, o f

the Narai Family
................
Harichand
Y adnji,
Head
Clerk, Presidency Pay Office,
B o m b a y .........................................

Moonshee Ishree Pershad

Ditto,
At the Delhi Darbar.
Ditto,
For works of
utility.

1st Jan., 1 8 7 7 ...

Hem Chander Rai, o f Purnea 12th March, 1675.

Het Narayan Sing, Chundergarb, Gya
.............................

For acta o f liberality.

public

A t tbe D elhi Darbar.

F or good services du
ring the Fam ine of 187374.

27th May, 1859.

For valuable services

during the mutiny.

22nd Jan., 1873

For services relative to

the W ahabee prosecutioDs.

Jadhav Chandra Ghose, D y.

Supdt. of Vaccination, Metropo
litan Circle, C a l c u t t a ................ 11th Sept., 1873.

For good services in

the M edical Department.

the Indian Chiefs, Rajas, Zamindars,

593

A P P E N D IX B.

RAI BAHADUR
No.

Name

and

De s t i n a t i o n .

When Conferred.

R e m ar k s.

28

Jadu Nath Rai, E isbnagar...

16th April, 1867.

For good services da

ring tbe Famine of L866,

.2 9

Eansi Lai Dey, Beadon Street,

Calcutta ...

6tb June, 1872.

For good services in

tbe Meffical Department.

Kanbya Lai, Aesistimt Dis

trict Supdt. of Police, Paujab...

let Jan., 1877...

At the Delhi Darbar,

31

K ali Kinkar Rai, the lateSubordiuate Judge o f Faridpur,

Dacca

32

R a i Kalian Sing, Hony. Ma

gistrate, Amritsar
............... 1st Jan., 1877...

At the Delhi Darbar,

Khem Karan. Ajrent of the

Military Horse Van Dak, Gawal- j
Pintli
....................................... 1st Jan., 1878...

For good services.

The Hon ble Babu Kristo DaS

Pal, Member of tbe Bengal Legialative Council
............... U t Jan., 1877 ...

A t the Delhi Darbar.

SO

33

34

36

36

Lala Badri Das. Mukim to

His Excellency tho Viceroy, Cal
cutta
.......................................

Ditto.

Ditto.

Lachman Rao, A ide-de-cam p

of His Highness the Maharaja
of Mysore
............................. j

Ditto.

Ditto.

37

Lall Thakur Das, Asst. Sur- i

geoa, Peshawar ...
I 24th May, 1881,

38

Lachmipftt Sing Deoghar, of ^

Baluchar, Murahidabad
... |23rd July, 1867.

39

Thakur Man Sing, o f Sukpur,

Bhagalpur
............................ 12th March, 1876.

40

Thakur Mangal Sing, Mem

ber of Regency Council, Alwar.
The late Mohima Chandra
Pal, o f Satrujitpur, Jessore

41

76

In Honor of Her Ma
jesty s birtb day.
F o rA o ts o f liberality.

For good services da

ring the famine of 187374,
A t tbe Delhi Darbar.
1st Jan., 1877...
For enlightened liber*
ality.

594

The Modern History of

APPENDIX B.

N a jc b a n d

D e s t in a t io n .

Megraj Oswal. of Azimguage,

Murshidabad and Goalpara ...

When Oonferred.

R em abes,

8tb Oct., 1867.,..

For valuable services

daring tbe Bhutan Cam
paign.

Mebtah Bijey Sing, Dewan of

His Highness the Maharaja of
1st Jan., 1878....
Jodhpur, Rajputana

F or good services.

Mohabir Prasad Shah, of Goldeogungc, Saruu

.............. .

10th Sept., 1875.

For acts o f liberality

daring the famine of
1873-74.

Babu Modhu Sudan Ghose,

Commissariat Departmeui. ...

24th Hay, 1881

In Honor of Her Ma
jesty s birth-day.

23rd Deer., 1857.

For good services da

ring the mutioy.

1st Jan., 18 7 7...

A t the D elhi Darbar.

Nandepat Mahta, of MozafEer........................................

pur
Narayan Chandra Chaudhri.
Zamindar of ChorainaQiu Dlnajpur, R a ja h a h je ............................

Narendra Narayan Sing, of

Burooari, Bbagslpur ................ 12th March, 1876.
Nimai Charan Bose, Zanin*
dar of Kotbar in Balasore

lat J a n .,1877 ...

Obhoy Charan Bose, o f Dacca 2Ctb June, 1873.

Rao Pandurang TantiaGorey,
Snpdt. of the State of Dewas,
(Senior Branch), Central India

1st Jan., 1878.

Peary Mohan Banerji, of K omirkola, Bardwan

...............

10th Aug., 1866.

Pergnnnait Jug Deo Sing, of

Fetoria, Chota Nagpur

6th H ay, 1871...

For good services du

ring the famiue of 187374.
A t the Delhi Darbar.
For good services in the
Judicial Department.
For good services.
For good services in the
Judicial Department.

For good services du

ring the Keoojbur rebel
lion of 1867-68.
Paocbanan Banerji, o f Hughli
For good services in the
D i s t r i c t ......................................... 2nd April, 1874...
Judicial Department.
Radha Ballabh Sing Deo, ZaA t the Delhi Darbar.
mlndar of Bankura
..............
1st Jan., 1877...

the Indian Chiefs, Rajas, Zamindars,

595

A P P E N D I X B.

RAI B A H A D U R ,-(< > ''rf)

No.

N A H I: a n d

58

61

63

64

65
66

67

68

Raj Kumar Sing, Tandna, Gya

Dr. RsjcndraLala Mitra,c.l.B.,
o f Surah, 24 Pargannas

At the Delhi Darbar.

Jan.,1877 ...

Rfljib Loehan Rai, Cossirabazar, Dewan to the estates of

U th Angt., 1871.
Mabarani Sarnamoyi, C.L
Ram Narayan, late Inspec
tor, Oudh Police Force

For good tnaBagement

of the estatea of M sharani Sarnamoyi, o.l.
For good services.

1st Jan., 1878...

Ram Narayan Das, o f Darji- '

para, C a l c u t t a ............................ 7th J a n .,1869...

Bam Prosad Mitter, o f Shambazar, C a lc n lla ...........................

18th Feb., 1862.

Ram Ratan Seth, Banker,

Mian Mir
...........................

1st Jan., 1877 ...

For valuable services

in the Medical DepU.
For good sorvicos as
Supdt. Govt. Toaakhana,
Calcutta,

At the Delhi Darbar,

For good services du
ring the fanjino of 187374.
Ditto.

RamaiSing, o f West Tirhut... ; 12tb March, 1876

Ramaui Mohan Bat Chau*
dhuri, Rangpur
...............

For good services du

ring the Famine o f 1873^
74.
For good services duf
ring the mutiny.

1859.

1st

RsMAKKh.

For good services as

Treasurer in the Govt,
House, Calcutta.

Radha G ovinda Rai Saheb,

o f DinajpuF
................
_ 12th March, 1675.

57

60

When Conferred,

Radha Charan Sett, of Cal

cutta
........................................ 26tb Feb., 1862.

56

59

DsSTtNATIUN,

Ditto,

The Hon ble Babu Bam San- |

kar Sen, Member of tbe Bengal |
Legislative Couucil, C alcutta... 1st Jan., 1877...

A t the Delhi Darbar.

Ram Bundar Ghose, Dy.

Supdt. of Vaccination, Metro- \
politan Circle, Calcutta
... j 16th April. 1875

For good services in tbe

Medical Department.
f

The Modern History o f

596

APPENDIX E.
RAI
N o.

69

70
71
72
73

74

75

76
77

78

N am e

an d

B kW k{l\ )ft-(a> n tin ued .)

D e s t in a t io n .

When Conferred.

Rudra Narayan Sing, Pachgachia, Bbagalpnr

................ 12tb March, 1876,

R bm abks.

For good services du

ring the famine of 187374.

Pandit K up Narayan, Mem

ber of Regency Council, Alwar

1st Jan., 1877...

At the Delhi Darbar.

Tbe late Satya Kinkar Ghosal

o f the Bhukailas R aj Fftmily...

V*

For good services.

Rai Sabeb Sing, Honorary

................
Magistrate, Delhi

1st Jan., 1877 ...

Shetah Chand Nahur, Murehidabad

............................ 12thMarch, 1875.

At th e Delhi Darbar.
For good services du
ring the famine of 187374.

The late Babii Shew Golam

Sah Bahadur, o f Chupra

24th Aug., 1859.

Shosbi Chandra D atts,of Mas*

jidbari Street, Calcutta

25th April, 1873.

For good services in

the Bengal Secretariat
Office.

17th Dec., 1850.

For good services as

Supdt. Govt. Tosakhana,
Calcutta,

Snrji Narayan Banerji, Supdt.

................
o f Mails, Darjeeling

12th May, 1871.

For good services in the

Postal Department.

Ugra Narayan Sing, Zamindar o f Supul, Bhagalpur

1st Jan., 18 7 7,,,

At the Delhi Darbar,

Sri Narayan Basak, Calcutta

From Lord Canning.

79

Urorao Sing, Honorary M a

gistrate, D e l h i ............................

80

Upendra Nath Dnardar, o f

Buaar ..........................................

2nd July, 1875.

For good services du

ring the Bhutan W ar.ftc,

Yell a
Mullappah Che tty,
Bangalore
............................

let Jan., 1877 ...

At the Delhi Darbar.

81

D itto.

the Indian Chiefs, Rajas, Zamindars,

597

A P P E N D IX B.

RAf.
No.

N a m k a n d D e s t in a t io n .

When Conferred.

Hkm arks.

BishcD Sarap, Inspector ot

Police, A jm e r e ............................

1st Jan., 1877...

At the Delhi Darbar.

Seth Chand Mai, Honorary

Magistrate, Ajmere

Jadu Nath Mukerji, Govern

ment Pleader, Uazaribagli
22nd June, 1876.

No.

1st Jan., 1877 ...

Mehta Panna Lai, Junior

Minister, Meywar State

Ditto.

D itta

Seth Samir Mai, Honorary

Magistrate, Ajmere
...............

Ditto.

Ditto.

Nam e

and

RAYA
When

D e s t in a t io n ,

Conferred.

The late R . Vcncat Bow,

Dewan o f T r a v a n co re ...............

1
1

1 I

N am e a n d D e s tin a tio n .

Bai Munshi Amin Chand,

Judicial Asatt. Commr., Ajmere

R i m ABES.

For meritorious
vices to Govt.

SIRDAR

A t the Delhi Darbar.

RAI.

For liberality and pub

lic spirit.

Kotbari Chakkan Lai, Head

o f the Kevenue Department,
and in charge o f the State
Treasury, Meywar
...............

RAI

No.

Ditto.

Ditto.

scr-

BAHADUR|When

Conferred

1st Jan., 1877...

R im a r k s .

At the Delhi Darbar.

The M odem H istory of

59S

A P P E N D IX B.

SIRDARN o.

N a MS a n d

D V S T IK A T IO If,

When Conferred.

Re m ar k s.

la t Jan., 1877 ...

At the Delhi Darbar,

Rat an S iog fo f Rhotas in

the Jhilam District) District
Sapdt, of Police, Ceotral Provincea
.........................................

THAKUR
No.

N am e

an d

D E S T iN A T io ir .

RAWAT-

When Conferred.

K eu arks.

1st Jan., 1877 ...

At the Delhi Darbar,

Thakur Hira, o f Dewer Parganns i n Mhairwara, Rajputana

THAKURN o.

1
2

N am e an d

D e s t in a t io n ,

L a ch m i
Narayan
Eera, Siugbhum

Siug, of
................

'

le t Jan., 1877 ...

R em arks,

At tbe Delhi Darbar-

Narendra N ath Sahi Deo, of

28rd Dec., 1872.
Govindapur, Lohardagga

The title is hereditary.

Raghu Nath Sing Deo of

Ehursaon, S in g b h u m ................ 13rd July, 1865...

Ditto.

Ujambar Sing, of Anandapnr,

Singbhum
............................

Ditto.

DIWAN
No.

11
When Conferred.

N am e

and

D e s t in a t io n ,

Diwan Gujraj Sing, the Diwan o f Jassu, Central ludia ..

15tb Feb,, 1873

BAHADURWhen Conferred.

1st Jan., 1877...

em arks.

A t the Delhi Darbar.

the Indian Chiefs, Rajas, Zamindars, (jr.

599

A P P E N D IX B.

OIWAN.
(
No.

Nam e

and

s s t i n a t ION.

Pandit Manphul, c.s.i,, Hooy.

AsBtt. CommiBsioner ...............

JAWAD-UL-NISSA
No.

am e

and

MuBamat Mitlm
Cbupra, Saraa ...

am e

and

U t Jan., 1877...

At tbe Delhi Darbar.

When Conferred.

Bsh a bk s.

15th Oct., 1969

W idow of the late

Rai Shah Banawari La)
Bahadur. Received the
title for acts of liberality
and public spirit.

of

Bibi, o f
Ditto,

NAWAB
No,

ttSMAHKS.

SATUDAH't-KHANDAN.

D e s t in a t io n .

Musamat Mandar Bibt,

Cbupra, S a r a n ................

When Confwred.

D e s t in a t io n .

BAHADUR.
When Conferred.

Mumtozomql Mulk, MohsnQAd Dowlft, Karradotiiah, Syad

MuQBurali
Khan
Bahadur,
Nar*t Jana, Nawab Nazim of
Murshidabad (now in England)
Syad Ashgar A li, c.s.i., of
C alcu tta ........................................

Ditto.

R em arks,

The title ia hereditary.

4th July, 1 862...

In consideration of his
father's charitable actsi,
Ae.

The Modern History o f

600

APPENDIX B.

NAWAB'
No.

N ame

an d

D e s t in a t io n ,

Syad Abdul Hoseo, M ongbyr

H. H. Ala-ud-din Ahmed
K ban, Chief o f Laharu

10

11

M aclvi A bdul Latif Khan

Babadur ...
............................

When Conferred,

R em arks,

1st Jan., 1877 ...

At the Delhi Darbar.

...

The title is hereditary.

Reed, the title

of
R bao Bahadur on th e
1st January, 1877.

June, 1880

Mahnmmad AH Khan Baha

dur o f Chatori, Bulaudahahar
District ...
............................ 1st Jan., 1877 ...

A t the Delhi Darbar,

Amir A li, o f Medbi Bagon,

C a lc u tta .........................................

19th Nov., 1875.

For good services.

Ahsan Ullah K ban Bahadur

o f D a c c a .........................................

1st Jan., 1677 ...

A t the D elhi Darbar,

Mumtaz-ud-Daula Nawab Sir

Mabammad Faiz A li Khan Baha
dur, o f Fabasee, Uulaudshabar

Sept.. 1870

...

For good serricea.

The Hon ble Mir Mahammad

A li o f Faridpur, Bengal

1st Jan., 1877 ...

Ehaja A bdul Gani, c.s.l., of

Dacca

Ditto-

Ditto.
The title is
hereditary.
Reed, the
title of Naw ab (for life)
on the 21st May, 1675.

Sayyid AU Shah, of Sirdhana,

Miratb
.........................................

June, 1876 ...

For good services.

Arbab Sarfaraz Khan, Mohmand, of Peshawar

24th May, 1881.

A t the Delhi Darbar.

In Her M ajestys birth

day.

the Indian Chiefs, Rajas, Zammdars, (Jr.

601

A P P E N D IX B.

AR8ABNo.

ame

ahd

D e b t in a t io n .

am e

and

BAHADUffWhen Couferred.

D e s t in a t io n .

Abdul Kadir, Senior A ssis

tant Commisaiooer aud Town
Magistrate, Mysore
............... la t Jan., 1877...

Abdul Ratiim Khan, son of

1
Sbab Mawaz Khan of Isa Khel,
Baonu D is i r i c t ............................

3
4

UK.MAnKS.

Shah Praflaud Kbao, of Gulbela, Peshawar ...

............... 24th M a y,1881....{
In Honor of Her Ma' jcKtys birth-day.

KHAN
No.

When Conferred

Ditto

Agha Kalbabid, Honorary

Asstt. Commissioner, Paujab ... let Jan., 1878 ...
Allftdad Khau, Sirdar Baha
dur, Pensioned Resaldar, North1 Western Provinces
...............

R s M ARKS,

At the Delhi Darbar.

DHto.
For good services*.

Ditto,

Ditto.

let Jan., 1877 ...

A t the Delhi Darbar.

Nawab Alladad Khan,

Karachi Collectorate

AH Dost Sahib, Inspector of

1st Jan., 1878 ...
Police, Madras ...

For good .services.

Ali Khau, Zamindar o f Mon- |

g h jr
........................................ 1st Jan., 1877 ...

A t tbc Delhi Darbar.^

Aulad Hosen of Peharsar, in

Bbaratpur, ASstt. Cominr., C. P.

Ditto.

Ditto.

Bbikan Khan, Z.amindar of

Parsaiiot, West Tirhoot
...

Ditto.

Ditto.

Bomnnji Sorabji, Aaslt. En

gineer, Department o f Public
Works, Bombay
...............\

Ditto.

Ditto.

10

of

The Afodcrn History of

602

APPENDIX B.
KHAN
No.

11

12
13
14
15

16
17
18
19

20
21

22

am e

and

BA HA DU R

e s t in a t io n .

When Conferred.

R em aeks.

1st Jan., 1878 ...

For good services.

Munshi Bukaullah, late First

Grade InBpector t>f Police in
tbe U nghli Ditttrict, Bengal ...

Caraetji Rastaiuji, Chief Jus

tice, Baroda
...
^
1st Jan., 1877 ...
Chaitan Sbah, Assistant Sur
geon, P esh a w a r............................

Ditto.

Ditto,

Dad Mataammad Jakrani, of

Jacohabad

Ditto,

Ditto.

Dastur IToshung Jamaspjoe,

As.sistnnt Professor of Oriental
Languages, Deccan
College,
Poona, B om ba y............................

le t Jan., 1878 ...

Davur Rastaraji Khursbcdji

Modi, of Surat ...
1st Jan., 1877 ...

For good services.

At the Delhi Darbar,

Gbaus Shah Kadri, Makandar, in tbe Baba Buden llilla ...

Ditto.

Ditto,

Mir Gul Ilasan, Hyderabad,

Sind
.........................................

Ditto.

Ditto.

Ghulam Mobi-iid-din Khan,

Offg. Extra Asatt. Commr.,
Panjab .........................................

24th May, 1881.

In Honor of Her M a
jestys birth-day.

Syad H adi Hasseiu, Hony.

Afistt. Commr., Panjab............... lat Jan., 1878 ...

For good services.

M ir Hafiz Ali,
Dargah, of Ajmere

1st Jan., 1877.

At the Delhi Darbar.

16th April, 1860.

For pood services in

tbe Bhutan Campaign.

1st Jan., 1877 ...

At the Delhi Darbar.

M otawali
...............

IIoDy. M ajor Sheik Hodayet

Ali, Aidc-do-Cam p to H. E. tbe
Commander-in-Ch iff...
j

23

At the Delhi Darbar,

Mil B jd a r AH Khan, of My
sore
.........................................

the Indian Chiefs, Rajas, Zamindars,

603

A P P E N D IX B.

KHAN
No.

24
25
26

27

28
29

B A H A D U R -C C b a riR R c rf ).

N a m e a n d D k s t in a t io n ,

Imdad Ali, Bhagalpur, late

Sabordiuate Judge o f Gya

Wheu Conferred. I

2nd Sept., 1875.

R em arks.

For good services in

the Judicial Deptt.

ImantuddiQ Khan, of Banga

lore
........................................ 1st Jan., 1 8 7 7 ...

A t the Delhi Darbar.

i

RajaJnhandad Khan, Extra

Asatt. Commiaatooer, Peshawar

24th May, 1881.

In Honor of Her Ma
jesty's birth-day.

Houlvie Ishar Hoasein, of

Uirzapur, Calcutta
...............

I8th Feb., 1862.

For good services aa

Mir Munshi
in
the
Foreign Deptt.

Kflzi Ibrahim Mahammad, of

B o m b a y ........................................ 1st Jan., 1877 ...

At tbe Delhi Darbar,

Kazi Mir Jalaluddin, of Bom

bay
........................................

Ditto.

Ditto.

Kazi Shahabuddin, Chief of

tbe ReTeuue Departt., Baroda

Ditto.

Ditto.

Jamsctji Dbupjibhoy Wadia,

Master Builder, Bombay Doc
kyard
..
............................

Ditto.

Ditto,

Kadir Mobi-Qd-din Saheb, of

Mysore ...............
...............

Ditto.

Ditto.

Syad Kabil Shah, o f Varnahar

in the Nagor Taluka, Sind

Ditto.

Ditto.

Mahammad Jaa, Douorary

Magistrate, A m r its a r ...............

Ditto.

Ditto.

35

Maulvi Masum Mian o f Ballapur, Akola

...............

Ditto,

Ditto.

36

Mahammad AH, Assistant

Commissioner, Bangalore

Ditto.

Ditto.

37

Mahammad
Rashid Khan
Cbaudhri, Zamindar of Nator,
Rajshahyc
............................

Ditto.

Ditto.

30
31

32
33
34

604

The Modern History o f

APPENDIX B.

KHAN BAHADl)R-rcwri*/eJ.;
N ame

No.

38
39

40
41
42

43
44

and

Destination ,

When Conferred

B bmahks .

Syfld Maliammad Abu Said,

Zamindar of Patua and Oya ...

1st Jan., 1877...

A t the Delhi Darbar.

Alftliomed Akbar K b an, Orakzai, Ofijj.Asstt. and Distt, Supdt.

o f Police, Panjab
................

24th May, 1881.

In H utjot of Her Ma
jesty's birth-day.

Mahomed Zaffar Khan, Khattak o f Kohat

...
................

Ditto.

Ditto.

Mahomed Afzal Khan, of

Guudapur, Dera Ismail Khan. .

Ditto.

Ditto,

Muocherji Cowasji, Aasistanr

Engineer Department Public
Works, B om b a y............................

1st Jan., 1877...

At the Delhi D w bar.

M irza AH Mabammsd, Kara

chi, S in d .........................................

Ditto.

Ditto.

Moodeen .Sheriff,
Surgeon, Madras

Honorary
...............

1st Jan., 1878...

For good serrices.

Syad Murad AH
Rohri, Shikarpur

Shah, of
...............

1st Jan., 1877...

At the Delhi Darbar.

Mir Nizam Ali,

Magistrate, Ajmere

Honorary
...............

Ditto.

Ditto,

Nascrwanji Carsetji of Ah*

mediiagar, Bombay
...............

Ditto.

Ditto,

48

Parumal, of Hyderabad, Sind

Ditto.

Ditto,

49

Pestonji Jehangir, Settlement

Commissioner, B aroda...............

Ditto.

Ditto.

Pir Eakhsh, Kohawar, Zamindar in Shikarpur

...............

Ditto.

Ditto.

Ditto.

Ditto.

Ditto,

Ditto.

45
46
47

60

51 1
52

Bahmat Khan, Inspector of

Police, P a n j a b ............................
Baaiami) Borabji, o f Broach
in Guzerat
............................
1

t)ie Indian Chiefs, Rajas, Zamindars, (Jr.

605

A P P E N D IX B.

KHAN

B A H A O U H.-(^ n fm u ed .)
!
iWhen Conferred.
1

Kghakks .

Jamadar Saleh Hindi,

of Jduagarb, B o m b a y ...............

1st Jan., 1877 ...

At the I>elhi Darbar.

54

8 ay ad Badsh&h Mian, of
Kobat
........................................

24th May, 1881.

55

In Honor of Her Ma
jesty's birth-day.

ShamsuddiD Ali Ebati, Special

Mamlatdar, Poona Distt., Bom
bay
........................................ 1st Jan., 1878 ...

No.

63

56
57

58

69

NAHG AMD D kSTINa TIOM.

Tamuz Khan, o f CalHnga,

C a lc u tta ..........................

7th Jan., 1869...

Taz-ud-dio Hosacin, Assistant

Commissioner, 2nd Class, Berar 1st Jan., 1878...
Waliedoodin, late Subordi
nate Judge of Shatiabad, Patna 18th June, 1874.
Wall Mahfttnmadof Dingau
Bhurgri, iu the U market Taluko,
Sind
........................................

1st Jan., 1877...

Zainooddeen Floescin, lateDy

Magistrate in T i r l i o o t ............... 9th Feb., 1875.

For good services.

For good services in
the Medical Departt,
For good servicea.
'
For pood services ia
the Judicial Departt.

A t the Delhi Darbar.

For good services in

the Judicial Departt,

KHAN.
N o.

N am e

akd

D e s t in a t io n .

Budha
Khan o f
Hatun,
Mhairwara, K ajputan a.............
Fateh Khan, of Chang

When Conferred.

Rsh ask s.

1st Jan., 1 8 7 7 ...

At the Delhi Darbar.

Ditto.

Ditto.

606

The Modem History o f

A P P E N D I X C.

Titles conferred on the Native Armies hefonging to tJieXstand

2nd Classes, respectively, o f the Order o f British India, at
the D elhi Darbar, held on the 1st January, 1877,

I .-T O

TH E

1ST CLASS W ITH THE

T IT L E O F SIRD AR B A H A D U R

Ben gal.

1. lospector, 4th Closa. Khan Ring. Oude Police, late Perozepore Regiment.
2. Kessaldar-Major Rahecmtlad Khan, Bahadur, 2nd Bengal Cavalry.
3. Subadar-Major Thakoorpersad Alisser, " Bahadur," 4th Regiment Native
Infantry.
4. Snbadar Gnbrayh Sing, Bahadur, Stb Regiment Native Infantry.
5 . Subadar-Major Sbawa Ram, Bahadur, 13th (T be ShekhawatteeJ Regiment
Native Infantry.
6. Subador-Major Kam Button, Bahadnr, 15th (The Loodianab) Regiment
Native Infantry,
7. -S u b a d a r Ramchurn, Bahadur, 38th (The Agra) Regim ent Native Infantry.
8 . Subadar-Major Bun bahadoor Sing, Bahadur," 42 nd (Assam) Regiment
Native Light Infantry.
9. Subadar-Major Bahadoor, Bahadur, 43rd (Assam) Regim ent Native Light
Infantry.
10. Subadar Buubeer, Bahadur, 1st Goorkha Regim ent Light Infantry.
I I . Subadar Surrupjeet Thappa, Bahadur, 2nd (Prince of Wales' Own) Goorkha
Kegim eot (The Rirmoor Rifles).
12. Subadar-Major Taij Bahadur Khawaa, Bahadur, 3rd Goorkha (The
Kemaoon) Regiment.
13.Ressaldar Ramtahul Sing, " Bahadur," 4th Punjab Cavalry, Punjab Frontier
Force.
14. Subadar-Major U nokaSing, Bahadur," 5th Regiment, Native Light Infantry,
15. Subadar-Major Jewun Sing, Bahadur," 32ad (Punjab) Regim ent Native
Infantry (Pioneers),
16. Subadar Hubbeeboollah Khan, Bahadur, Governor General's Body-Guard.
17. Subadar-Major Kurrug Sing Rana, Bahadur," 44th (Sylhet) Regiment
Native Light Infantry,
18. Subadar-Alajor Bullea Thappa, *' Bahadur, 4fh Goorkha Regiment.
19. Snbadar Sewaahie Sing, Bahadur," 34th (T h eF u tteb gu rb ) Regiment Native
Infantry,
20. ReaSftldar Ausuf Ally, Bahadur, 3rd Bengal Cavalry.
21.Subadar-Major Busaawun Singh, Bahadur. Corps o f Sappars and Miners.
22.Subadar-Major Kuirarnutoollah Khan, Bahadur," 33rd (The Allahabad)
Regiment Native Infantry.
23.Subadar-Major Pyabb, Bahadur, 1st Punjab Infantry, Punjab Frontier
Force.
24. Resaaldar Kumrooddeen Khan, Bahadur, 17th Bengal Cavalry.

25.Subadar-Major Bulwunt Sing) Bahadur,* 6th Regiment Native Light

Infontry,

the Indian Chiefs, Rajas, Zamindars,

60?

A P P E N D IX C
B e n g a l C Gpntinued.J

26.Snbadar Rewbiicciis Doobey. Bahadur, lU h Begimeot Native Infantry.

27. Kessaldar-Major Meer .laffir Ally, Bahadur, 5tb Punjab Cavalry, Punjab
Frontier Force.
28.r-Rc8saldar-Mnjor Allaooddeen Khan, Bahadur, 2 nd Cavalry, Hyderabad
Coutiugent,
29.Subadar Ram Chunder, Bahadur, 2nd (prince of Wales Own) Goorkha
Kegiment (The Sirmoor Rifles).
30. Subadar Hoomail Khan, Bahadur," 42od (Assam) Regiment Native Light
Infantry.
31.Subrtdar Kamoo Kuthait, Bahadur, 13tb (Tbe Shekhawattee) Regiment
Native Infantry.
32. Ressaldar M.jortuza Kban, Bahadur, 6th Bengal Cavalry,
M adras.

33.Subadar-Major Sheik Homed, Bahadur, 6th Regiment Native Infantry.

34. Subadar-Major Sheik Surver, B.ahadur, 29th Regiment Native Infantry,
35. Subadar-Major Kistnamah, Bahadur, 41st Regiment Native Infantry.
36. Suhadar-Major Mootoosawmy, Babadur, 5th Regiment Native I n fa n try ,
37.Subadar-Major Sheik Hussciu, " Bahadur. 26th Bcgimeut Native Infantry.
38. Subadar Rungosawnay, Bahadur, 2 Gth Regiment N.ative Infantry,
39.Subadar Jehaugir Khan, ** Bahadur, 26th Regiment Native Infantry,
40.Subadar Nirsumaloo, Bahadur, 14th Regiment Native Infantry,
41. Sob.adar-M.'ijor Soobiah, Bahadur, 35th Regiment Native Infantry.
42.Subadar-Major Mahomed Casstm, 30th Regiment Native Infautry,
43. Subadar-Major Luchmun Sing. 27th Regiment Native Infantry.
44.Subadar-Major Alohdceu Khan. 28th Regiment Native Infantry,
4o,_Subadar-M ajor Sheik Homed, 3rd Kegiment Light Infantry.
46.Subadar-Major Mahontcd Oassim, 3rd Regimeut Light Cavalry.
47. Suba<lar-Major Appnvoo. 25th Regiment Native lulantry.
48. Subadar-Major Dalliah, 17th Regiment Native Infautry,
49.Subadar-Major Appiah, 7i1i Regiment N-itive Infantry,
60, Subadar-Major Bauboo R,am, 38th Regiment Native Infantry.
6 1,Subadar-Major Y acoob Kban, 13th Regioicut Native Infantry.
Bo h bay.

62,_Keaaaldftr-Major Bennee Sing, Bahadur, 3rd (Queens Own) Regiment,

L ight Cavalry.
53, Subadar-Major Simailjee larael, Bahadur, 27th Regiment Native Light
Infantry, or let Beloocb Regiment.
5 4 ,Subadar Baliojee Moray, * Bahadur, Corps of Sappers and Miners,
55ISubadar Shaik Emam Dharwar, Bahadur, No. 1 Mountain Battery,
Native Artiliery.
56.Subadar Save Errapa, Bahadur, Corps of Sappers and Miners,
5 7 . Ressaldar-Major Meer Kassum Ali, Bahadur, 3rd Regiment Sind Horse.
58!Subadar-Major Samueljee Issajce, Bahadur, 3rd Regiment Native Light
InfuntrV.
5 9 . Subadar-Major Feetarober. Bahadur, 29Lh Regiment Native Infantry or
2ud Belooch Regiment.
60.Subadar-Major Chundum Ditchit, Bahadur, \ 1 5 lh Regiment Native In
fantry.

608

The Modern History o f

A P P E N D IX B.
pOMBiY, ( Continued.)

Cl. Subadar-Major Rnbenjee Israel, Bahadur,* 8th Regtmctit Native Ihfatitry,

62. Ressatdar-Major Hoofsain Bux, Bahadur, Poona Horse.
63. Ressaldar-Major Moostuffa Khan, " Bahadur, lat Regiment, Sind H orse
64.Subadar-Major Shaik Muddsr, Bahadur, 25th Regiment N ative Light
Infantry,
63.Subadar-Major Shaik Ooenmn, Bahadur," 9th Regim ent Native Infantry,
66. Subadar-Major Shaik Esmall, Bahadur, 2U t Regim ent Native Infantry
or Marine Battalion.
67, Ressaldar-Major .Shaik Hoosain, 2nd Regiment Light Cavalry,
68. Subadar-Major Devee Sing, 20 Regiment of Native Infantry,
69, Subadar-Major Appurbul Sing, 14th Regiment N ative lufahtry.

I I TO TH E 2M> CLASS W IT H TH E T IT L E O F B A H A D U R
B en gal,

1. Subadar-Major Ounnesha Sing, 27tb (Punjab) Regim ent Native Infantry.

2, Subadar-Major Goraundha Sing. 2nd Sikb Infantry, Punjab Frontier Force.
3, Subadar-Major Atxloolah Khau, 26th f Punjab) Regim ent Native Infantry,
4 . Subadar-Major Rnsaool Khan, 6th Punjab Infantry, Punjab Frontier Force.
6. Subadar-Major Peer Box, 22nd (P u n ja b ) Regiment Native Infantry.
6. Subadar-Miijor Sohuniali Tewarry, 8th Regiment Native infantry,
7- Subadar-Major B h iindooR am , Deolee Irregular Force, Infantry.
8. Ressaldar-Major JafEer Ally Khan, 3rd Punjab Gavaliy, Punjab Frontier
Force.
9. Subadar-Major M ardan Ali Shah, No. 1 Mnnntain Battery, Punjab Frontier
Force.
10. Ressaldar-Major Khanan Khan, Aide-de-Camp to the Viceroy, (Queens
O w n) Corps o f Guides, Cavalry.
11. Subadar-Major Jhumrnuu Sing, 17th (The Loyal Poorbeah) Regim ent Nativa
Infantry.
12. Bessaidar-Major Sheik Babadoor, 1st Cavalry, Hyderabad Contingent.
13. Subadar-Major Sheck Muhboob, 3rd Regim eot Native Infautry.
14.Subadar-Major Urjoon Sing, IDth (Punjab) Regitneut Native lufantry.
15.Subadar Gamah Khau, 24th f Punjab) Regiment Native Infantry.
16. Subadar Hookum Sing. 45th (Rattray s Sikhs) Regim ent Native Infantry.
17. Subadar-Nebal Singh, 20t!i (Punjab) Regiment Native Infantry.
18. Subadar-Khoaj Mahomed, 9th Regiment Native Infantry.
19. Ressaldar Ram Sing, 2nd Regiment, Central India Horse.
2d. Subadar Siboo Siug Nagee, 3rd G oorkh a(T h e Kemaoon) Regiment.
21. .Subadar Cbuttur Bhoj Awusthe, 4th Regiment Native Infautry,
2 2 .Subadar Bhola Persad Sookl, Corps of Sappers and Miners,
23. Subadar Nchal Sing, 14th (The Ferozepore) Regim ent Native Infantry.
24. Reeealdar Jehangeer Ehan, 10th Bengal IjSncera.
25. Subadar Runbeer Khuttree, 2nd (Prince of W ales O w n) Goorkba Regim ent
(The Sirmoor Kiflee).
2R. Subadar SewUihal Sing, 2nd (Queen s Own) Regiment Native L igh t Infantry*
27. Subadar G ol urdun Sing, 41st (The G w alior) Regiment Native Infantry.
2 8 Ressaldar T;.hour Khan, 6th Bengal Cavalry.
29, Subadar Rambuccus Miar, Nepal Escort.
30. Ressaldar and Woordie M ajor Emam Buksh Khan, ISthBcngal Cavalry.

ihe Indian Chiefs, Rajas, Zamindars, Ajc,

609

A P P E N D IX C.
Madbah.

31 Subadar-Major Mherwar Sing, 40th Regiment Native lofantrT.

32. Subadftr-Major Sheik Emaum,
Regiment Native Infantry.
33.Subadar-Major Nagiah, 31st Regiment Light Infantry,
34. Subadar-Major Veeragoo, 2.3rd Regiment Light Infantry.
3i>. Subadar-Major Venketsawmy, 8th Regiment Native Infantry.
36, Snbadar-Major Bowani Sing, 16th Regiment Native Infantry.
3 7 , Siibadar-Majnr Sheik Booden, 4tli Regiment Native Infantry.
38, Subadar-Major A M ool Nubby, 1st Regiment Light Cavalry.
39, Snbadar Sirdar Khan, 1st Regiment N.ative Infantry,
40, Subadar Sheik Mirdten, 19tb Regiment Native Infantry.
41, Snbadar Sheik Abdool Cawder, 2nd Regiment Native Infantry.
42, Snbadar Syed Ahmed, 36th Regiment Native Infantry,
4 3 , Snbadar Sheik Soonnder, 37th Regiment Native Infantry (Grenadiera).
44, Snbadar Homed Beg, 9th Regiment Native Infantry.
45, Subadar Manuel Davis Cozen, 3-tth Regiment Light Infantry.
46, Subadar Sheik Ooaman, 32nd Regiment Native Infantry,
47, Snbadar Pethcpeermal, 39th Regiment Native Infantry.
4S. .Snba<lar Riingiah, 22nd Regiment Native Infantry.
49, Snbadar Afahomed Moideeree, 11th Regiment Native Infantry.
60. Snbadar Syed Abdool Cawder, 10th Regiment Native Infantry.
61. Subadar Ghoolam Nnbbee, 20th Regiment Native Infantry.
62.Subadar Yacoob Khan, 33rd Regiment Native Infantry,
Bo m b ay.

63. Subadar-Major LouLg Gabriel, 23rd Regiment Light Infantry.

64.Snbadar-Major Shaik Sooltan, 6th Regiment Native Infantry.
55. Subadar-Major Solomon Elijah, 19th Regiment Native Infantry,
66. Subadar-Major Durriow Sing, 18th Regiment Native Infantry.
57- Snbadar Major Mahomed Khan, 11th Regiment Native Infantry,
68. Subadar-Major Bheema Nair, 26th Regiment Native Infantry.
69.Subadar-Major Lakshemon Rao Dongrey, 7th Reziment Native Infantry.
CO. Subadar-Major Ittoojee Jadow, 24th Regiment Native Infantry,
6 J, Subadar-Major Essobjee Israel. I6th Regiment Native Infantry.
6 2 , Subadar-Major Sayajeo Scinday, 2nd (Prince of W ales' Own) R a im en t
Native Infantry (Grenadiers).
6 ,3 ,- Subadar-Major Mahadoo Seerka, 22ud Regiment Native Infantry,
64. Snbadar-ilajor Miosajee Israel, 17th Regiment Native Infantry,
65 . Subadar-Major WuHee Mahomed, 1st Regiment Native Infantry (Grena*
tllGTs)
66 . Subadar-Major Hsjjee Khan, 30th Kegimont Native Infantry or Jacob's
67 S u b a d a r -M a jo r Shaik Oomcr, 10th Regiment Native Light Infantry.
6s!-R essaldar-M ajor Shadee Khan, 2nd Regiment, Sind Horse.
69 Subadar Shaik Mohideen, 9th Regiment Native Infantry,
79 Subadar Gnnnesa Sing, 28th Regiment Native Infantry.
7 L -S u b a d a r Shaik Abdoola, 13th Regiment Native Infantry,
____
7 2 Subadar Raghojec Moruekur, 4th Regiment Native Infantry or Rifla Corjw,
7 3 ! Subadar Bheeka, 3rd Regiment Native Light Infantry,

The Modern History o f

1 0

ABSTRACT OF THE APPENDICES A. B. AND C. SHEWING

H E AGGREGATE NUMBER OF THE HOLDERS OF
SALUTES, TITLES, &C.
A P P E N D IX

A.

/, Salutes attached to C hief shifts.

A g g r e g a ir N um ber,

Salutes o f 21 Guns

19
17

1,5

IS

11

12
16
6

32
12

I I . Personal Salutes.
7

Salutes o f 21 Guos
1ft

17 -

15 13 -

12

6
2

3
17

11 9-

A P P E N D IX B.
Sundry Titles and Honorary Distinctions.
Baronet
...
...
...
...
...
...
K uight Grand Cross o f The Most Honorable Order of
the Bath...........................................................

Kutght
...
Honorary Knights Grand Commanders of The Most
Exalted Order o f the Star of India........ ......................
Knighta Grand Commanders
o f ditto
...
,,,
...
Knights CcinitaaQjera o f
ditto
................
...
...
Companions o f
d it t o ...
...
...
...
Members (Ex-Officio and for Life) of The Order of
the Indian E m pire.................................................................
Cnoftpaoiona (E x Officio and for Life) of ditto
...
...
Members of Th* Imperial Order of theCrow n of India
...
CouDBellor of the Empress
...
...
...
General in the A r m y ..............................................
...
Carried over.

1
^
3
6
26
26
64
8
31
8
tt
2
...

317

Jhe Indian Chiefs, Rajas, Zamindars,

Gll

A P P E N B IX B.
Sundry Titles and Honorary Distinctions. (Cmitiiined.)
BrougTit foTtfard.
Farzand-I-Khas-l-Dnul&t-I-Ioglisbia ...............
Hisam-us-Saltauat
....................................................
Indar Mahiudar Bahadur &ipar-I-Sa1taaat
Sawni ....................................................
...............
Sipahdar-Cl-M ulk................
Lokendar
..........................
Haja Mushlr I-Khas Bahadar
Raja*I-Rajagan..........................
Malaz-UI-tilama-O-CI-Fftzala
Bheikh-Ul-Mu s h a ik h ...............
Mnharaja Bhiraj Bahadar
Maharaja Bahadar
Maharaja......................................
Rajendra Bahadur...............
Mabarani
...........................
Raja Bahadur
...............
Raja
...............
Bahadur
............................
K u m a r ...................................... .
Pal Cbowdburie ...............
Rao Bahadur ...........................
R ao S a tie b ............................
R ao
........................................
Rai Bahadur
...............
B ai.................................................
Rai Raya Rai
...............
Sirdar Bahadur...........................
Sirdar
............................
Thakur E a w a t...........................
Thaknr
............................
Diwan Bahadur
...............
D iw a n

.AgsrtgiUt Nutttbtr.
317

............................... *

I
1
X
1
1
1
1

1
1

2
17
26
1
5
56
73

I
1
1
37
9
4

81

fi
1
1

1
1
4

1
2
2

Jawad-UI-Nissa Satadah-I-Khandan
Nawab Bahadur
...............
Nawab .....................................
A rbab ,
............................
Khan Bahadur.........................
Khan
............................

11
1
60

A P P E N D IX C.
Titles conferred on the Native A rmies.
69
73

Sirdar Bahadur
Bahadur...
To tal

J he ^ nd.

877