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·THE BANSBERIA RAJ.

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·BANSBERIA RAJ FUBLIC LIBRALL JU, HOWRAH THE BY SHUMBHOO CHUNDER DEY, B. A., B. L. VAKIL, HIGH COURT, CALCUTTA AND AUTHOR OF “HOOGHLY : PAST AND PRESENT;" "BENGAL UN- DER HINDOU, NIHIJEDAN AND ENGLISH RULE;" “A SHORT HISTORY OF CALCUTTA SUPREME, FADAR AND HIGH COURIS;" "NOTICES OF EMINENT JUDGES OF THE SAID COURT;" 11$- CORSE ON THE JUDGE," &c. H'ITH ILLUSTRATIONS. Esid. 1902. 6 MAJU Cateutta: PRINTED AND PUBLISHI:D BY B.B. MUNSHI AT THE POORAN PRESS 1908.

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·CONTENTS . PAGE. INTRODUCTION 1 ... .. CHAPTER. I. THE PARENT FAMILY AND DEVADITYA. 3 CHAPTER. II. EXODUS TO PATULI AND RISE TO THE RANK OF 'ZAMINDAR'. ... CHAPTER III. GLORIOUS PROGRESS UNDER UDAYA AND JAYANANDA. 1 CHAPTER IV. RAGHAB RAI CHAUDHURI AND THE BANSBERIA HOUSE. ... 16 CHAPTER V. RAJAH RAMESWAR RAI MAHASAI. ••• 18 ... CHAPTER VI. ... ... ... RAJAH ROGHUDEB RAI MAHASAI. CHAPTER VII. RAJAH GOBINDADEB RAI MAHASAI. 31 CHAPTER VIII. RAJAH NRISINHADEB RAI MAHASAI. 33 CHAPTER IX. .. ... RANI SANKARI AND HER SON AND GRANDSON, 52 CHAPTER X. ... ... 64 RAJAH PURNENDUDEB RAI MAHASÁI.

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·THE GENEALOGICAL TABLE OF THE BANSBERIA RAJ. Devarlitya- -Duttabati. ! Binayak Tapan Mondoi Buran Modhusudan Jadav 1 Maheswar Ubaru Kulapati Kabi I Iswar Keshav (Kishu) Pishina-Dinajpur Raj (Bishu) Dwarikanath--Patuli. Sreemanta Srimukha Hariram Ghosh (Son-in-law) Sahasraksha Rajah Udaya (Sabhapati Rai) Jayananda Rai (Mazumdar) Raghab Rai (Chaudhuri & Mazumdar) Rameswar Rai (Rajah Mahasa:)-Bansberia. Rajah Roghudeb Rai Mahasai (Sudramani) Rajah Gobindadeb Rai Mahasai Rajah Nrisinhadeb Rai Mahasai Rajah Kailasdeb Rai Mahasai Rajah Debendradeb Rai Mahasai Rajah Purnendudeb Rai Mahasai

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·THE VISHNU TEMPLE.
Bloiks kindly lent by the
Calcutta Historiial Society.
HAMSESVARI TEMPLE SHOWING THE MAHRATTA DITCIL

·MĀJU. HOW RAH FUBLIC LIBRARD MAJO Esid. 1902. THE BANSBERTA RAJ. INTRODUCTION. The Bansberin House occupies a very high place in the peerage of Bengal. Indeed, it yields to none in the antiquity of its origin, and may well be traced back at least to the time of Adisur, the last of the founders of independent Ilindu dynasties. Its grand old prent was held in esteem by that fainous king and was consulted on all important occasions. The family furul well during Hindu supremacy, but when like a bolt from the blue the 'canny Afghan deilt a cleath-blow to the Son dynasty, it removed to a safer place and having Jurked there in dim obscurity for centuries together ag.iin emersed into light with the dawn of Mogul rule. While the family was still living at Patuli, in the district of Burdwan, it was ennolled by Emperor Akbar the Great wlio decorated it with the title of Rui, which in those days bore much higher significance than it does now. But this distinction, high as it was, was only an earnest of greater honors which were soon to come. Shortly after Akbar's demise, the next Emperor, Juhangir, raised the status of the Patuli family by conferring upon its then chief the title of Mazumdar. This was undoubtedly a much higher distinction than Rai or Zamindar, for while there were a goodly number of Rais and Zamindars, there were only four Azasumiars in all Bengal. Of this sacred Vedic number was Bhabananda*, the reputed founder of the Nadia Raj. * In the celebrate 1 Fifth Report of the Select Committee Bhabananda i described as "Majumadar or temporary recorder of the jumma of the circar of Hooghly and crory, or Zamindar of the pargana of Aukerah." * Aukerah' is evidently Ukhra, a well-known pargana in the district of Nadia.

·THI BANSBERIA RAJ. Thus, by the then Lord of India from whom flowed as from a fountain all honors and decorations was the Patuli family placed on the same level with the Premier House in Bengal. But the family was destined to rise still higher. This climb almost to the topmost rung of thu ladder, however, was made after the original family had broken up, and Rameswar, the fortunate recipient of the very noble title of Rajah Mahasai, had settled down for good in Bansberia. The merit of this distinction, however, lies not merely in its glorious uniqueness but also in its moral excellence. Thus, the Bansberia House possesses a rare peculiar eminence of its own, and, to compare great things with small, takes as much pride in it as the royal House of England does in what is called the brightest jewel on its diadem. No other branch of the Patuli family can as a matter of right lay claim to it, in as much as it originated at a time when not only the family had separated in estate, but the several branches had left their ancestral abode and settled down in different localities. The social annals of Bengal would be incomplete without an account of this family which has such a long brilliant record to show, The fame of the family is as resplendent now as it was "in the brave days of old", only that its fortune has to a certain extent suffered in the rough and tumble of the battle of life. The Bansberia House is the only relic of the grand old Patuli family that is worthy of special notice, the other branches having been relegated to the cold neglected region of want and indifference. Like some commanding hill it has borne its majestic head high above the walks and ways of ordinary humanity for centuries together and is likely to bear st equally high, if not higher still, for centuries more.

·CHAPTER 1. The Parent family and Devaditya. In the good old days when the star of the Hindus was in the ascendant, when Northern India was for the most part ruled by Bijoy Sing and Bengal by Adisura, a person of the name of Devaditya Dutt bidding a long adieu to the magnificent city of Kanouj-the Kanyakubja, of the Sanscrit writers-was found slowly wending his way towards the south-east. Though he was accompanied by his family and was encumbered with the odds and ends of a Hindu household, still he found no difficulty in the way, and at last arrived at Mayapur * in the Muxıdavad + district, but he did not settle there for good. Not long after, he moved to a place which he named after his patronymic, Duttabati, not far from the capital of the Beng:1) king. Devaditya, possessed as he was of great sterling merit, highly distinguished himself, thereby casting the fame of his ancestors, whatever it was, in the shade. He had deep regard for his great sovereign who on his part held him in high esteem. Though not actually in name, he was virtually his Prime Minister, and his words of wisdom were always listened to with attention and respect. Thus, Devaditya became a power in the land and his influence for good or for evil was very great, indeed. Basking under the sunshine of royal favour he rose high in rank and position, and, at last, when his time came, departed this world leaving a very handsome legacy to his son, Binayak Dutt. The son, however, was not at all worthy of the sire, at any rate he could not gain distinction in any way whatever. He lived and died like an ordinary mortal, without doing anything which might attract notice * There are several other places of the same name in Bengal, notably one in the district of Hooghly and one in 24 Parganas. The one below Achipur on the way to Diamond Harbour is noted for its powder magazine. The name Mayapur literally means the 'city of illusion.' + This old antique name was changed into its present name by Nawab Jafar Khan who called it after his own title-Murshid Kuli-in the first quarter of the eighteenth century.

·THE BANSBERIA RAJ. or extort praise. Indeed, for five generations together the family did not produce any man of note until we come to Jadab Dutt. This remarkable character flourished in the time when Rija Ballal Sen was on the throne of Bengal. It is somewhat curious that this king ascended the throne in the very year in which William of Normandy having defeated and slain Harold took possession of the English throne. Jadab did not take service of any kind, and, surely, there was no necessity for it, as he was a man of substance and had considerable property. But though not a servant of the sovereign, he was one of his trusted friends and advisers, and his valuable counsel, was as a rule taken on all important affairs of state. When Ballal Sen proposed to make a classification * of nobility, he asked Jadab as to the propriety of the nicasure. The latter apprehending the abuse of kulinism in the distant future gave a decidedly adverse opinion. Every means was cmployed to bring him over to the side of the kirg, but all to no purpose. Jadab, strong-minded as he was, stood firm as a rock and did not lucige an inch from the views which he had already expressed on the subject. The king was certainly displeased but the sturdy Kayirstha of the bold Uiter-Rarhi sept had greater regird for the still smell voice of the winner seer" th:in the mandate of a powerſul liege-lord. The result was that the family of Jadab was not included in the classification of Ballal but stood aloof in "stately solitude" as Virgil would have said. This fact is alone sufficient to show that Jadıb who made light of the frowns of royalty must bave been a min of considerable importance. Indeed, he belonged to the class of land-holders wlio possessed a large share of influence in Bengal. They were, as it were, the barons of the land, and the king could not make or unm.ke them at his will and pleasure. They liad a position which even the sovereign power could not ignore. They were almost above the law * In this matter of great importance Pallal was followed by the famous Raja Hara Sinha Deva of Mithila, who flourished in the first half of the fourteenth century. Like him the Maithil king divided the Brahmins. and Rajpoots into different classes, and this classification is still ob served in the modern district of Tirhut. The dynasty of Sheo Sing, the patron of Vidyapati, "the morning star" of Bengali poetry, followed that of Hara Sinha Deva, and was succeeded in its turn by the Darbhanga House. Sec Sarbadhicari's Tagore Law Lectures p. 396 ...

·THE PARENT FAMILY AND DEVADITYA. 5 and wielded very great powers in their little estates. They were only a step below the higher class of Zamindars and that step was a very short one. In the Mulfoozat Timooree or, memoirs of Timour, two kinds of Zamindars are taken notice of une superior, having a country nd subjects, and the other, inferior or dependent ; and it is at least probable that the former may have been the successors of ancient Rajils, or rulers of the country, while the latter were subordinate chiefs, or perhaps landed proprietors, of the country. It would appear that both the superior and the inferior Zamindars had been left at the first conquest of the country in the possession of some of the powers which they originally held in their particular purganas, so far as was consistent with a general subjection to the conquerors *. Judab was not a Zamindar in the highest sense of the term, and, as a matter of fict, it was pretty long before his family was honoured with that titular distinction between which and a petiy prince there was not much to choose. But though not a Zumindur of the superior order, Jadal's position and influence was considerable. He lived bis days in pc.ice and glory, and when the "fatal sisters" cut the thread of his life, departed this world, leaving a numerous progeny, consisting of ten sons and seven grandsons. As ill luck would have it, this happy and ftourishing family, in an evil hour, incurred the grave displeasure of the reigning sovereign, who, carried away by sudden gusts of anger, ordered their total destruction. The order being strict and peremptory, it wils soon carried into effeci, and, thus this prosperous family which to all appearance bade fair to have a long life, ran a very serious risk of being cut off ruot and branch. But man proposes, God disposes. It had, however, been ordained by the Great Disposer that the family should not cease altogether, so that in spite of the cruel resolve and strenuous efforts t of Ballal Sen to the contrary, * Vide Neil B. E. Bailie's Land 'Tax of India, pp. XXXVI and XXXVII und Edition. + A more striking instance of Ballat Sen's violent temper is to be found in the case of his only son and heir, Lakshman Sen. Once on a time the Prince had given some offence to royalty and the king, his father, took it so much to heart that, carried away by his ruling passion which “like Aaron's serpent swallow'd all the rest," he readily ordered his decapitation. Lakshinan, who then happened to be somewhat off from the royal presence, on hearing of this cruel order and knowing full well the ·Vidyanidhi's Sammandha Nirnaya. THE BANSBERIA RAJ. it was saved from the general massacre and it is very gratifying to observe that the parent tree still exists with all its noble branches and offshoots. One of the sons of Jadab was Mabeswar, and though he himself could not escape from the horrible carnage, wonderful to say his delicate wife who was big with child, saved her life by flight. In due time this helpless lady gave birth to a fine little son, who, in view of his miraculous deliverance was given the queer name of Ubaru. It does not appear where the daring mother had fled to, but there could be no doubt that it was an insignificant place, considerably remote from the royal seat. Poor Ubaru grew up in obscurity, and, nature of his royal sire, lost no time in making his escape into the territory of some neighbouring potentate. Being sorely affected by the absence of her lord, Lakshman's young wife gave vent to her sorrow in a Sansarit couplet which she took care to inscribe on the front wall of the Temple of the Family Idol, in the hope that it might attract the notice of the king. The verses were as follows:- পতত্য বিতং ৰারি নৃত্যন্তি শিখিনে মুদা। PJ #ta: potcai at 8:4 wtfel plat CTII (Rains are falling incessantly and peacocks are dancing in joy, this day my sorrow can only find relief either in my lover or in death. ) Fortunately these pathetic lines soon caught the eyes of the king who, being moved by the tender feelings they so eloquently expressed, instantly ordered the boat-men to his presence and solemnly made this declaration before them, that whoever should succeed in bringing up his most beloved son within a specified time should have their prayers, whatever it was, fulfilled to the best of his power. Encouraged by the hopeful words of the king, some boatmen, bolder than the rest, offered to go in search of the Prince and launching a wellrigged vessel, at once started on their venturous quest, and, as good fortune would have it, erelong succeeded in their attempt. When Ballal Sen again sighted the face of his missing child whom he had almost taken for lost his joy knew no bounds, and he readily asked the successful. boatmen what their prayer was. They replied that their only request was that they might be permitted to wash his royal feet. The request, simple as it was, was there and then complied with and from that day the Kaibarthas whose water had hitherto been held polluted were permitted to serve the twice-born--a privilege which they still enjoy, even though Hindu tule has long since become a thing of the past. See Lal Mohan ·THE PARENT FAMILY AND DEVADITYA. 2 as he was a friendless young man, could not do much to improve the condition in which he had been placed. He lived and died an ordinary mortal, leaving a son named Kulapati. Though the latter bore a high name, he too failed to give a better turn to the fortune of the family. Like his father, he died unnoticed and unknown. But what distinguishes his case from that of his father, Ubaru, is that he left a large progeny, consisting of nine children. Of these sons, the eldest, Kabi Dutt, was the ablest and most important. Fortune again smiled upon the family, and this worthy descendant of Devaditya rose sufficiently high. As was quite natural, he longed to go back to the place founded by his famous ancestor and in this he was also favoured by circumstances. By this time Raja Ballal Sen had gone to give his last account before a much higher Tribunal, leaving his throne to his worthy son Lakshman Sen. As the latter was a milder ruler than the ferocious Ballal, Kabi Dutt found no difficulty in gaining his favour, and, availing himself of it, managed to return to his ancestral abode at Duttabati. There he rose high in rank and influence and was honoured with the title of Khan. Thus, he came to be known as the Khan of Duttabati. Kabi had six sons, of whom Ishwar was the ablest and most influential, Like his grandfather Kulapati, Ishwar had a very large family consisting of eight sons and nine daughters. But it does not appear that they all survived him. At any rate, among the sons, only Kisu ( Keshav ) and Bisu ( Bishen or Vishnu ) rendered themselves famous. Like the unfading banyan tree, Kisu has been the prolific parent that has kept alive the old Patuli family in all its glory and magnificence. As for his younger Bishu, he distinguished himself in another way. He got a high appointment under the Mahomedan Governor of Bengal and acquired considerable property in the district of Dinajpur. Along with this rise in material condition, his social rank was heightened by his being honoured with the title of Thacoor Mahashai. He died, leaving a son, named Sreemanta, who, like him, was a high official in the service of the Provincial Governor. Sreemanta flourished towards the end of the fifteenth century, when the seat of Government was at Rajmahal. He was a Canongoe, who, unlike the officers bearing the same name in the present day, was charged with the collection of the Imperial revenues and exercised both civil and military powers over the people in his jurisdiction. Sreemanta having lost bis only son during his life-time, gave away his estate to his son-in-law, Hariram Ghove ·8 THE BANSBERIA RAJ. . a Kulin Kayastha. Thus, Hariram became a very influential makazid lived in a rich style. He had two sons, of whom Sukhdeb succeeded to his property. The son became more famous than the father, and obtained from the ruling power the proud title of 'Raja.' 'Thus, the Dinajpur Raj dates from him. He also received a firman from Shah Shuja, Viceroy of Bengal, in 1063 B. S. The extended tank, Sukhsagar, which keeps his name afresh in the memory of the people, was excavated by him in 1.677 A. D. He occupied the Gadi from 1644 to 1681, and died, leaving his estates to his second son, Jaydeva, his eldest son, Ramdeva, having died in his lifetime. Jaydeva, however, had a very short career. He died soon after his ascension to the Gadi, and was succeeded by his younger brother, Prananath." The latter's adopted son, Ramnath, got the title of “Maharaja Bahadur," and highly distinguished hiinself by his many good and pious acts. An idea of his vast estates might be formed from the simple fact that he häd to pay over five lakhs of rupees in the shape of Government The present Maharajah, Girija Nath, who was adopted by Maharaja Tarack Nath's widow, Maharani Shyam Mohini, is the sixth in descent from Maharajah Ram Nath, the richest and most powerful of the Dinajpur Rajas. revenue. 0 ·CHAPTER II. Exodus to Patuli and rise to the rank of • Zamindar.' On Keshav's death his son, Dwarka Nath, succeeded to his estates and became the head of the family. By this time the Moslem rule had spread far and wide and the Hindus were harassed in every possible way. The Mahomedan Governor of Muxadavad ruled the district with a rigour in which fanaticism formed an important element so that Dwarka Nath found it absolutely necessary to leave his jurisdiction in order to avoid cruel religious persecution, He, accordingly, removed to Patuli, some ten or twelte miles to the south of the historic town of Katwa *, in the district of Burdwan. Patuli, though a small village, is very beautifully situated. It stands on the right bank of the Bhagirathi, and is also within bail of the Ajai which joins the former at Katwa. Patuli was also the original seat of the well-knotn Gossain family of Serampore in the district of Hooghly. Here Dwarka Nath, built a palatial residence worthy of the renowned family which he represented. The Patuli palace lasted for several generatione after which it fell a prey to the ravages of the river. The Bhagirathi gradually encroached upon the spot and at last swallowed up the princely mansion with all its belongings, thereby converting the place into a deep whirling pool of water which is known as the Patuli Daha. Dwarka Nath's grandson, Sahasraksha t, was a very pious and kindhearted landholder. He ingratiated himself into the favour of the mighty Mogul Emperor, Akbar, who by a Firman or Sanad dated in the year 980 Bengal era, corresponding to 1573 A.D., formally declared him "Zamindar". This was no small honour done to him. For in point of rank a Zamindar, properly so called, occupied a very high place. The meaning of the word is, no doubt, a landholder, but custom had Attached to the terra & rank which a mere landbolder could not aspire to. The Zamiadar possessed considerable powers over his tenantry. He was not only their protector from outside entmias but * More properly called Kantakpalli, “the village built of brambles + The word means "thornand-eyed', a name of the god, ladru.

·THE BANSBERIA RAJ. also their judges in matters, civil and criminal, arising between themselves. Indeed, he had almost absolute power over their lives and properties, only that his actions were subject to the control of the Provincial Governor. In the Ayeen Akbari, mention is made of ' class of persons called Zamindars, as forming an important part of the military force of the Empire. In Bengal they are described as furnishing large bodies of cavalry and infantry, besides cannon, boats and elephants *. These were probably the twelve traditional Bhuyan or "original" Zamindars of Bengal, who held a hereditary status in their respective territories. As Dr. Hunter says, such Zamindars held princely courts, maintained their own bodies of armed followers, dispensed justice in their territories or estates, and handed their position from father to son. But all of them paid a tribute or a land tax to the Mahomedan Government at Murshidabad, and, as a rule, in cases of death, the heir deemed it prudent to obtain from that Government an official acknowledgment of his succession t. Sahasraksha, it is true, did not possess all the powers and privileges of such a first class Zamindar, but there seems to be little doubt as to his having been raised to a status higher than that of a mere refenue agent of the Ruling Powers. On the occasion of his being recognised as Zamindar, Sahasraksha was given the Zamindari right of Pargana Faizullahpur in the district of Nadia. True to his name he did many good acts and was held in high esteem by the people. In the fulness of time he passed away in peace. int See Neil B. E. Baillie's “Land Tax of India" (1873). p. 36. # See Bengal Records, Volume I. p. 33.

·CHAPTER rir. Glorious progress under Udaya and Jayananda. On Sahasraksha's death, his son, Udaya, succeeded to his rank and estate. The new Zamindar became more famous than his father.. In his hand the family rose both in honor and opulence. In conse. quence of his having done some important services to the Mogul Government, Udaya gained the favour of the same Great Emperor. who had been so kind to his father. Akbar conferred upon him the hereditary title of Rai*, after which the family renouncing the humbler designation of Dutt assumed the prouder one of Rak. Udaya not only raised the social status of his family, he also considerably added. to its estate. This he managed to do through the favour of Raja Man Sing who was a great favourite of Emperor Akbar. When that valiant Rajput who was the commander-in-chief of the Mogul forces was coming with a large body of followers to Bengal, he on his way stopped for sometime at Beneras, with a view to paying his regards. to his Guru (spiritual guide) Jiya (Jiva) + who was residing at that sacred city. It so happened that Lakshmikanta, the only son of the Guru, had been for some time passing his days incognito, unknown to the father, and as it was very probable that he might be travelling. or toiling somewhere in the East, the wise old man, whose heart was still lit with the lambent love of kith and kin, earnestly directed Man Sing to find out, if he could, the whereabouts of his beloved ebild. The Mogul General who regarded his spiritual preceptor as his God on earth, never forgot his injunction, and, as a matter of fact, was always on the alert how to carry it out. As fortune would have it, while passing by the banks of the Bhagirathi he met the Pawli i . * Udaya's full title was Sabhupati Rai. And truly did he shed lustre on the Samaj of Patuli, for, as the Ghattack Karika has it :- “পাটুলীতে দত্ত উদয় সভা শােভা করে।” t Jiya ( Jiva ) renounced the world and led the life of an ascetic.. Me had a brother named Sheo ( Shiva ) who was a householder. The latter is commonly regarded as the ancestor of the well-known Ganguli hrahmans of Amatya, though that honor rgally belongs to his elder, Jiya.. Paluli was not far from Amatya,. the original residence of Jiya.

·THE BANSBERIA RAJ. 0 Zamindar Udaya, and deeming him a fit person to enquire about the missing young man communicated his wish to him. The latter. anxious as he was to oblige the great General, took up the matter in right good earnest and after some enquiry found the missing boy in the vicinity of Kalighat, whom he readily presented to the Ambar Chief *. Man Sing was highly pleased with Udaya and in the ecstasy of joy, asked him how he might please him in his turn. Udaya submitted that he was quite content with what he had, but as he every now and then had to move up and down the holy river, Bhagirathi, and would very much like to die on its banks he would be greatly delighted if he could get some places by its side so that he might not have to draw his last breath in the soil of somebody else. The grateful Rajput hero gladly acceded to his request and with the permission of his master, the Great Mogul, which he duly obtained, bestowed † on him some places on the banks of that * It is, however, stated in the last Census Report-on what authority the writer does not say,--that Jiya's infant son had risen to be the chief officer of Maharaja Prata paditya, 'the hero of the Sunderbuns', and that when Raja Man Sing was sent down to Bengal by Emperor Jehangir to punish Pratapaditya and bring him as a captive to Delhi, the Moguł General's first object was to withdraw bis Guru's son from his service which object, it is said, he carried out through the help of Jayananda Sudramani. There is, however, no reliable evidence to show that Jiya's son ever served Pratapaditya or bad anything to do with him. In fact, that son who had been residing somewhere near the temple of the Goddess Kali at Kalighat was found out by the Patuli Zamindar, Udaya, and not by Jayananda, as the writer says. And it was not Jayananda, but Raghudeb who for a signal act of generosity was for the first time honoured with the title of "Sudramani." The writer has also erred in stating that Jayananda was taken into the service of Emperor Jehangir as "Majumadar" (collector), the fact being that that post was bestowed upon him by the next Emperor, Shah Jehan. of For the assistance which Bhabananda had rendered to Man Sing in conquering Jessore and capturing its king Pratapaditya, the victor had him granted the Zamindari rights of fourteen Parganas. The grant was made by the Emperor, under a Sanad dated in the year, 1015 H. E. corresponding to 1605 A. D. In the Sanscrit "Kshitish Vanysąvali Charitam" it is stated that along with the said Zanindari the title of Raja was also conferred on Bhabananda. But the matter is not free from doubt. At any rate the Sanad makes no mention of it. Ser Kartikaya Rai's book, pp. 79,80.

·GLORIOUS PROCRESS UNDER UDAYA AND JAYANANDA. riyer * Like his father, Udaya when his time came, passed away in peace. The deceased left four sons of whom Jayananda was the eldest. All his brothers having died childless, Jayanandu came by the whole * See Lal Mohan Vidyanidhi's Supplement to the "Sammandha Nirnaya" where appear the following verses :- “মানসিংহ মহারাজ, কাশীতে আছিল। জীয়ের নিকটে তিঁহ উপদিষ্ট হল। রাজারে কহিল দ্বিজ, শুন বাপধন। করিতেছ শুনি, তুমি বঙ্গেতে গমন। মম পুত্রে গিয়া তুমি, ঠিকানা করিব। সেই কাৰ্য্য করি বাপ, মােরে বাচাইব। বঙ্গেতে আসিয়া রাজা, সে কাৰ্য্য করিল। প্রথমতঃ ঐ কাৰ্য, পশ্চাৎ সকল পাটুলীতে হয় শূদ্রমণি জমীদার। তাহাকে ডাকায়ে রাজা, কহে সমাচার। রাজাভামতেতে সেই, ঠিকানা করিল। গুরু-বাক্য ঐক্য করি, ঠিকানা হইল। তারপর রাজা, গুরুপুত্ৰ:দরশন। করিয়া, হইল অতি আনন্দিত-মন। শূদ্রমণি মহাশয়, করজোড় করি। দেখেন, রাজার মনে আনন্দ লহরী। রাজা বলে, ওহে তুমি যে কাৰ্য্য করিল। তার পরিতােষ তুমি লহ এই বেলা। মহাশয় কহিলেন, আপন পায়। অভাব নাহিক কিছু, এই বাঞ্ছা হয় । ঈশ্বরীর তীরে মম তরণী ভিড়ন। নিজ দেহ নিজ স্থানে পায় যেন স্থান। মধ্যে মধ্যে আছে মম গমনাগমন। দুই চারি দিন করি, নীরে যে ভ্রমণ। তথা বলিয়া রাজা, তাহাই যে করিল। গঙ্গায় পশ্চিম তটে বহু স্থান দিল। The title "Sudramani," bowever, was not given either in the time of Akbar or ir that of Johangir; it was first bestowed on Raghudeb by Nawab Murshid Kuli Khan in the first quarter of the eighteenth century.

·13 THE BANSBERIA RAJ.. property left by his father. At that time Jehangir yas on the throne of Delhi. It does not appear that Jayananda had received any marks of favour from that Emperor, but there is direct evidence to show that he received some very high favours from his son and successor. Indeed. in the very year* in which Shah Jehan ascended the throne, honours and decorations flowed in as it were, upon the Zamindars of Patuli. The Emperor graced him with the title of Mazumdar † and granted him the Zamindari right of Pargana Kot Ectiarpur $ as jaigir, while the Governor of Bengal, Kasim Khan Juwaini, following the example of his Imperial master, appointed him Canongoe or registrar of fiscal division. It is not clear whether Jayananda was made Sadar Canongoes chief registrar at the seat of Government, or Pargana Canongoe, that is, registrar of fiscal division only. The probability, however, is that he was made the former, as the office of a common Canongde was naturally inconsistent || with the position of a Zamindar. Jayananda was a contemporary of Bhabananda & the reputed founder of the Nadia * Shah Jehan ascended the throne in 1035 B. S. corresponding to 1628 A. D. + The proper word, however, is Majumadar which means recorder of the "jama" of a Sarkar. Bhabananda as recorder of the jama of Sarkar Satgaon, held the title of Majumadar-a title so common among Bengal families, and generally corrupted to Mazumdar. See Hunter's Statistical. Account of Bengal, Volume I. pp. 362-63. 1 One of the "original" 24 Parganas. ll in 1783, Joy Narayan Ghosal of the Bhukoylas Raj family was. dismissed from the office of Canongoe of Sandwip on the ground that the office was incompatible with the position of a Zamindar. The Canongoo had no fixed salary attached to his office, but was paid a commission (rasum ) which in some cases rose to a very large figure. See Hunter's Statistical Account of Bengal Vol. VI. p. 182. Now-a-days, officers bearing that name are paid fixed salary, and their position is comparatively low. In the famous Fifth Report of the Select Committee, it is stated that Raghuram a lineal descendant of Bhabananda, “enlarged the jurisdiction of Nadia, to its present magnitude, in the Government of Jaffer Khan. The district gained some respectability under the long and crafty management of Kissen Chund ; but is now in danger of being reduced or dismembered through the incapacity of his son Shib Chandra, the profligacy of bis servants, and mode of realising balances." Vide Fifth Report p. 371 (1812 ).

·GLORIOUS PROGRESS UNDER UDAYA AND JAYANANDA. 13 House which is, so well-known to fame. Indeed, the two families which graced the banks of the sacred Bhagirathi were closely bound by the ties of friendship and lived in amity and peace. At any rate, we know of no instance in which their mutual good feelings were disturbed. Jayananda departed this world probably in the third decade of the seventeeath century. So did his friend, Bhabananda of Nadia, ·CHAPTER IV. Raghab Rai Chaudhuri and the Bansberia House. Jayananda left five sons of whom Raghab was the eldest, and as the other sons died leaving no issue, Raghab like his father, ultimately became the sole owner of the entire family property. Ragbab was equally fortunate with Jayananda and like him succeeded in gaining the favour of the Emperor, Shah Jehan, who by a Sanad dated the 12th Rubi ro66 H. E. ( 1649 A.D.) conferred upon him the title of "Chaudhuri" and in the year following that of "Mazumdar." The bestowal of these titular distinctions was not unaccompanied by grants of a substantial character, for, as a matter of fact, Raghab got vast Lakhraj or rent-free lands as absolute gifts and the Zanindari right of the following twenty-one Parganas*, namely, Arsha, Haldaha, Mamdanipur, Panjnaur, Boro, Shahapur, Jehanabad, Shaistanagore, Shahanagore, Raipur Kotwali, Paonan, Khosalpore, Moiat, Bux. bunder, Havilishahar, Paikan, Mozzaferpore, Hathikanda, Selimpur, Amirabad, and Janglipur. As the greater part of these estates lay in Sarkar Satgaon, Raghab for the better management of these large additions to his ancestral property, was obliged to put up near Satgaon or rather Buxbunder Hooghly, the then capital of Lower Bengal, and he, accordingly, built a large house at a village two miles to the east on the right bank of the river Hooghly, to which he gave the name of Bangshabati, commonly known as Bansberia, and began to spend most part of the year there, paying occasional visits to his ancestral house at Patuli, especially at the time of the Durga Puja At this time Bansberia was a small insignificant village with a sparse population, consisting mostly, of the dregs and scum of society. It was * Of these Parganas Arsha, Boro, Jehanabad, Khosalpore, Buxbunder, Mozzaferpore, Hathikanda, Selimpur, and Paonan, are in Hooghly ; Mamdanipur, Shahapur, Raipur Kotwali, Shahanagore, Havilishahar Paikan and Amirabad in 24-Parganas; and Haldaha and Panjnaur in Nadia; Shaistanagore, Moiat and Janglipur cannot be identified.

·RAGHAB RAI CHAUDHURI AND THE BANSBERIA HOUSE. largely covered with thick jungles in which the denizens of the forest held their solitary sway. Raghab reclaimed the jungles, and, in tho place of the savages of the wood whom he had killed or cast out, settled human beings of different orders by making them grants of rent-free lands and helping them in various other ways. Thus, what was a little obscure village, partly tenanted by savage beasts and partly by equally savage men, became in a few short years some. thing like a town with a large sprinkling of peaceful citizens of all castes and creeds. Raghab was a remarkable man. Not only did he raise the Patuli family in honor, he also added much to its affluence. The Zamindari left by his father was considerably augmented by the addition of one and twenty Parganas. Some of these Parganas were very large and rich. The gross collections of the biggest and richest of them all namely, Arsha in Sarkar Satgaon amounted to upwards of two lakhs. Indeed, the net profits after paying the Government revenue in respect of that single Pargana were sufficient to entitle a be called a big Zamindar. Thus, Raghab had become one of the greatest men and was deservedly held in high esteem by the neighbouring Zamindars. He lived like a prince and died full of years and honours. man to ·CHAPTER V. Rajah Rameswar Rai Mahasai. Raghab Rai Chaudhuri left two sons, Rameswar and Basudeb. These two brothers were in the best of terms and, as a matter of fict, lived very happily for sometime. But at last, a change came over their minds and they thought of dividing their property. They did not, however, go to law, but came to an amicable arrangement in which the right of the elder, as has been the custom in this family, was duly recognised, he in consideration of priority of birth getting two-thirds and thie younger one-third only. Shortly after partition of the family property in the minner as stated above, Rameswar removed with his family to Bansheria which he made his perminent dwelling house, paying only random visits to the old palace at Patuli. Thus the latter place dwindled down into insignificance while the former rose to considerable importance. Rameswar brought several families of Brahman, Kshetry, Kayastha, Baidya and other castes and settled them in the new town, which he divided into different paras or sections, each section being assigned to persons belonging to one particular caste and calling. Along with the Hindus some Mahomed ins were also brought in and allotted lands in the western portion of the town. These Pathans served as guards and soldiers to the House. Their descendants still live there, though considerably reduced in were . * Basudeb had two sons, Monohar and Gangadhar, and who on their father's demise divided their property in the proportion of ten annas and six annas. Monohar removed to Sheoraphuli and founded the fart.ily of that name. Gangadhar having died childless, his cix annas share was taken possession of by Durga Prosad, youngest son of Raj Chunder, son of Monohar, who removed to Bali and founded the family of that name. Thus the Sheoraphuli and the Bali families have come to be known as the ten-anga and six-anna Zamindars respectively.

·RAJAH RAMESWAR RAI MARASAI. 19 Dumbers. The northern portion was assigned to the Baidyas and what are collectively called the Nabasaks; while the eastern and the southern portion were divided among three hundred ånd sixty families of Brahman and a goodly number of Kshetrya and Kayastha families. Rameswar also directed his attention to the very inportant subject of education. He founded several tols or Sunscrit schools and placed them under charge of learned Pundits who were brought in mostly from Benares. In these schools were taught the Darsanas or branches of Hindu learning viz: Dursan par excellence or philosophy, Nyaya or logic, Sabitya or pure literature, Alankara or rhetoric, Smriti or law and Sruti or the Vedas. Of the Pundits so brought down, the most eminent wts Ramsharan Tarkab gish of Benares, the Athens of India, who was, therefore, appoinied by Rameswar as his Sabha (court) Pundit. Rumsharan held this high office till his death after which it has been all along held by his descendints from generation to generation who look upon it with prid. *. Rimesw.ir was å loyal subject of the Great Mogul and had always the welfare of Government at heart, Having found that some persons were wrongfully enjoying the profits of certain Pirgan is without paying anything to Government, he with the knowledge and consent of the Provincial ruler took prompt steps against them and having succeeded in ousting them from these estales, took possession thereof on behalf of the powers that be. This good service being brought to the notice of the ruling Emperor, Aurangzel; otherwise called Shah Aluingir, who though a slern bigot in matters of religion, was never backward in rewarding merit, wherever it was found, justly thought that such a well-wisher of Govern inent richly deserved special favour at his hands, and he, accordingly by a Sin id dated in the year 1673 A, D., conferred ypon him the rare title of "Rajah Mahasai" together with Punj. Percha Khelat or dress of honor made up of five pieces, which title was not a mere personal distinction, but was made Rereditary in the family descendible to the eldest brunch thereof. * The Bansberia Samaj thus formed by Rameswar appears to be the oldest and most famous in this part of the country. The Pundit Sainaj at Bhatpara yields the palm to it, its founder, Narain Thakoor, having fwurished much later, ·THE BANSBERIA RAJ. The Sanad, evidencing the bestowal of the above title, is a very important piece of document and its importance is greatly enhanced when it is considered that it emanated from a sovereign who was a confirmed hater of Hindus and who left no stone unturned to demolish their faith. It is in Persian and bears the Imperial Seal. An English translation thereof which has been certified to be correct by a good Persian scholar, Mr. Henry Beveridge late of the Indian Civil Service, is given below: Togra in Arabic. Togra in Arabic. Shah Gazi Alumgir. Togra in Arabic. Seal of the Emperor. TO RAJAH RAMESWAR RAI MAHASAI Pargana Arsha, Sarkar Satgaon. ( Government of Satgaon. ) As you have promoted the great interest of Government in getting possession * of Parganas and making assessments thereof, and as you have performed with care whatever services were entrusted to you, you are entitled to reward. The Khelat of Punj Percha ( five cloths s. e, dresses of honor ) and the title of "Rajah Mahasai" are therefore given to you in recognition thereof, to be inherited by the eldest children of your family, generation after generation, without being objected to by any one t. 10 Safar, 1090 Hijri. In later times Sitarain Roy of Mahmudpur in the district of Jessore was given the title of "Raja" for some such act byu the same Government. This valiant chief forns the subject of one of Bunkim Babu's novels. of The original Sanad was exhibited, at the annual meeting of the Asiatic Society of Bengal, held on 5th February, 1902, by its then Presidoot, the late Sir John Woodburo M. A. K. C. S. 1, Licutenant Gover.

·نیشان برگردند
بات خنده برگه
SANAD OF THE TIEREDITARY TITLE OF RAJAH MANTASAI GRANTED)
TO RAMESWAR Ral BY AURANGZEB IN 1673 A. 1).

·No text on this page.

·RAJAH RAMESWAR RAI MAHASAI. By another Sanad of the same year he was granted 401 bighas of rent-free lands for his residence * and the Zamindari right of the following twelve Parganas, t namely Kalikata, ( Calcutta ) Dharsa, Amirpur, Balanda, Khalore, Manpur, Sultanpore, Hathiagarh, Meda mulla, Kujpore, Kaunia and Magura. At the time we are speaking of, a reign of terror had begun in this part of Bengal, owing to the repeated incursions of the Marhattas or Burgees as they called in common parlance. Locust like they came in numbers and plundered every. thing they could lay their hands upon 1. Like many other were nor of Bengal. Vide Proceedings of the Asiatic Society of Bengal 1902, p. 45. * In accordance with this Sanad, the British Government has exempred the lands for the residence of the Rajah from payment of rent since 1st Septemler 1870 under clause 7 (a) of Section 2, Chapter XX!Il of the existing rules of the Board. + of the Parganas, Amirpur, Balanda, Manpur, Hathiagarh, Medamulia, (now called Maidamal) and Magura are in 24 Parganas; Kalikåta an : Sultanpore in N::dia, and Dharsa 1 Hooghly. The rest are not identifiable. Balanda is famous for its mits which are so largely used by the common people. It contains the town of Harua, the buriat place of Gora Chand, the legendary saint of the district. Hathiagarh, the most southerly Mahal of Sai kar Satgaon, is a large Pargana, extend. ing from Diamond Harbour towards Sagar Island, and has a high value in legendary accounts. Bhagirath of the Solar Roll having led the way as far as Hathiagarh then declared that he could not show the rest of the way, whereupon mother Ganga, in order to make sure of reaching her destination, divided herself into a hundred mouths thus forming the Delta. One peculiarity of this Pargana is that betel-leal does not grow in it. Medamulla south-east-of Calcutta mostly belongs to the Chau. dhuris of Baruipere. Magura lies to the south of Calcutta. Sultan. pore lies east of Krishnagore, between the Ichamati and the Kapadah. Dharsa is on the right bank of the Hooghly, between Howrah and Serampore. I During Sivaji's life, all plunder was public property. It was brought at stated periods to his Durbar, when the man who had taken it was praised, rewarded or promoted. " Then lan:ls were fairly portioned ; Then spoils were fairly sold ; The 'Burgees' were like brotbers, In the brave days of old."

·THE BANSB: KIA RAJ. places Bansberia and its neighbourhood suffered much from their cruel devastating raids. Their very name struck terror into the hearts of the residents and was used in the nursery to frighien little children to sleep. The name of the Lion-hearted Richard was not more dreaded in Constantinople during the Crusades than that of the Burgees in Bengil towards the end of the seventeenth century and the first part of the eighteenth. Rijih Rameswar, in order to secure himself and his properly against the ravages of the Marhatta marauders at a great cust caused a deep and wide ditch to be dug around his extensive dwelling house, with the grounds adjoining it. It covers nearly a mile in circumference. The royal residence being thus moated, it has since been koown the Gurbati * (a range of buildings encompassed by a ditch ). Curiously enough the Rajbati with the lands attached thereto, consider.bly resemble the lists made by the old Athenian king, Theseus, for the purpose of a grand tournament. As the poet says, or moat as "The whole circumference, a mile long; The form was circular, and all without A trench was sunk to moat the place about" t. The stately residence was not only surrounded by a trench, it was also defended by a fort which was built in such a way as to secure a strong strategic position. The fort w.is garrisoned by a goodly number of soldiers, who were armed with swords, shields, pikes, muskets, bows and arrows, and was mounted with several pieces of artillery. The sides of the moat raised to a great height, and brambles and prickly shrubs were planted on them so as to impede the progress of the turbulent raiders. The Rajbati thus became an asylum for the neighbouring were The word literally means 'the monted House'. The term 'Gur' also means a fort or fortress, but here it means a ditch or trench. At Benipore in the 24 Parganas, there is also a place surrounded by a trench called Gurbali, where Rajah Nrisinhadeb built a fine house, noted for its ar: istic workmanship. + See Dryden's Miscellaneous Works Vol. III. p. 39. 1 The furit is not in existence, only some vestiges thereof, re. maining a little to the north of the old gateway.

·FOTO
-
THE VISHNU TEMPLE.
THE VISHNU TEMPLE, BASSBERIA.
Blocks kindly lent by the
Calcutta Historical Society.

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·NAJAN KANLSWAR RAI MAHASAI. villagers to resost to in tines of danger. When the Marhatta horsemen, spreading ruin und desolation in their way, came near Tribeni, the people would flee thither for safety and protection, R: jah Rimeswor was an excellent type of an othodox Hindu of olden times. He had deep reverence for all the gods and goddesses of the Hindu pintheon, but the Deity that held possession of his heart in especial was Vishnu, otherwise styled Basudeb. To this parago: of benuty among the gods, he dedicated a splendid temple in 1601 Shik era (1679 A. D. ), which as a piece of architectuie stands almost unriyilled in Bengal. The building is a strikirg proof of the wonders of the misonic art. The bricks all over the body of the shrine have been beautifully cut into figures of gods and goddesses, and the carving is really a marvel of the sculptorat. A basalt slab attached to the terrace of the temple Bears the following inscription in the old Bengali character :- মহীব্যোমাঙ্গ শীতাংশু গণিতে শক বৎসরে | রামেশ্বর দত্তেন নিয়মে বিষ্ণুমন্দিরং | ১৬০১ There is one thing very peculiar in this inscription. The founder who held a very high position in society makes no parado of his rank but contents himself with the original family designation of Dutt. This simple fact is a striking proof of Rameswar's having been a sincere devotee and not a mere braggart or what is still worse, a hypocrite. Indeed, though on of the greatest and richest men of his time, he knew not what pride was, and had far greater regard for truth and virtue than for titles and riches, thereby verifying the words of the prince of Scottish poets : The rank is but the guinea's stamp, The man is the gawd + for all that. * The year is f und in this way. 7-1, 60117 - 5,99 = 6, and its - 59-1. Applying the well-known canron of construction-4 atat stro- figures move backwards-we get the year 1601 Sahak, which corresponds to 1679 A. D. $ This word means 'gold'.

·CHAPTER VI. Rajah Roghudeb Rai Mahasai. Rameswar died early in the beginning of the eighteenth century, leaving him surviving, three sons, viz: Roghudeb, Mukunda and Ramkrishna. These brothers did not live as a joint undivided family. On a partition taking plice among them, Roghudeb, being the eldest, got, in right of priniogeniture which has always been respected in this family, one half of the property left byr ? męswar, while the other two jointly got the other half; in other words, od the two-thirds of the parent estate received by Rameswar, Roghudeb got one-third and his two brothers one-third in common. This one-third, again, being sub-divided, Mukunda being the elder of the two got nine annas and Ramkrishna seven annas only. It would appear that in the partition which had taken place between Rameswar and his brother Basudeb, pargana Arsha, the biggest of the estates of the family had in its full integrity fallen to the share of the former and he died possessed of it whole and entire. Similarly, Basudeb became absolute owner of pargana Boro, which had fallen to his share. Subsequently, the sons of Rameswar, having chosen to separate their patrimony, it became necessary to break up pargana Arsha, and, accordingly, a considerable portion was carved out of it and along with a large part of Boro formed into a separate Zamindari, which, to use the language of the famous Fifth Report of the Select Committee, was called “Zamindary Kismateah Mahomedameenpore." The estate, SO formed, wis a very big one, as would appear from the single fact of the Ausil and Towfeer thereof having been in the year 1172 A.B., that is, nearly twenty years after its formation, 206, 325 Sicca rupees. On the partition which took place betweerf the two younger sons of Rameswar and his two nephews, the former got Mahomedameenpore proper in the proportion of ten and six annas, and the latter got Boro in the proportion of nine and seven annas. All these particulars would appear from the celebrated Fifth .

·RAJAH ROGHUDLI RAI MAHASAI. 35 Report referred to above. The portion of it which has direct bearing on the subject now under consideration, is so very important that we deem it necessary to quote it in extenso. Tha snid Report, speaking of the Zamindary Kismut Mahomedameenpore says :-"This district, comprehending about 700 square miles, with all the European settlements in Bengal, on the western margin of the river Hooghly, from the Foujedarry capital of that name, or port custom-house called Bukhshbunder, down to the opposite shore of Calcutta, was dismembered from the Painam permanent holding of Arsha, then the Eathiman entire of Ramisser, a Koyt, father of Ragoodeess ( 1. e. Roghudeb ), and grandfather of Govindes (ie. Govindadeb ), who succeeded to one-third of the whole trust, first erected into a separate zamindary, between the year35 and 1147 A. B. It was at the same time, parti. tioned among the former's two younger sons and two nephews, with a Brahmin dependent of the family, each of whom gavo his own name, ( still retained on the Khalsa records, ) to the subdivision or portion so acquired; but all were assessed for revenue to Government under the single head of Mahomedameenpore, and in like manner paid alone, through the channel of the most considerable or responsible of the participants.” Lower down the "subdivision or portion", spoken of above, is given as follows:--"Mokund, and son of Ramisser, 9/16 of Mahomedameenpore, and Ramkissen, 3rd son of Ramissser, 7/16 of the same: Menoker ( i. e. Monohar ), his nephew, eldest son of Basdeo (1. e. Basudeb ), 10/16 of Boroo, and Gungadher, and son of Basdeo, 6/16 of the same. The Brahman dependant, referred to, is Suntose (i. e. Suntosh) of Answeerpore. From what is recorded in the Fifth Report it is evident that the Zamindari of Mahomedameenpore, formed as it was principally out of Pargana Arsha, the sole absolute property of Rameswar, extended from Bukshbunder alias Hooghly on the one side to Ramkrishnapore, now in Zillah Howrah, on the other; that it was created between the years 1728 and 1740 A. D., that is, some years after the rule of Nawab Murshid Kuli Khan who died in 1725; that, though the estate, so formed, was subdivided into well-defined shares, it was one and entire, so far as Government revenue was concerned, which was payable by and through the principal sharehoidet, under the single head of Mahomedameer:pore. Thus 1 ·26 TNL BANSBERIA RAJ. it is quite clear that among the members of this rich and renowned family, Roghudeb, who alone held one-third share of the whole family estates, was the most important character, and that, as between his two younger brothers and the sons of his unclt, Basudeb, Mukunda, who got nine annas share of Mahomedameenpore, held the foremost place. In no sense, therefore, could Monohar be equal, far less superior to Roghudeb, the fact being that he was inferior, in position, as well as in estate, not only to him, but also to his younger brother, Mukunda *. Roghudeb who, as we have already stated, got one moiety of the property left by his father, Rameswar, rendered himself more famous by a very remarkable act of generosity. Murshid Kuli Khan was then Nawab of Bengal. He was a very energetic Governor and ruled the country with an iron rod. Kinfurtailed the powers of the Foujdars of the several districts and made theris subservient to his authority. The Zamindars of Bengal had become very powerful and it was high time that they should be put down, or at least reduced to a lower level. The Nawab in the exercise of bis superior authority ousted † them all from their C * Mukunda's slare, whatever it has come to, is now represented by the Shil pur family and that of Ramkrishna by the Rajhat family. In the furmer case the property reduced as it is from what it was origin. ally, is in the possession of ite:cendants of a different branch altogether. Of these two families the Shibpur family fares better than the Rajhat branch. It is now represented by Rai Nolit Mohon Singh and has properties quite enough ts enable a gentleman to live in a decent style. As for the other family it is considerably reduced, so much so ti at the members, as a rule, find it difficult to maintain their position in society. + See Hunter's Bengal Records Vol. I. pp 34, 35. As regards tbe.righ s of the Zamindar, Professor H. H. Wilson tbus expresses himself :-“The rights of the Zamindar have been the subject of much controversy with reference to his character as hereditary owner of the land he occupies, or as the responsible collector only of the revenue on behalf of the Government. Under the Mahomedan administration tie latter was the capacity in which the Zamindar was ordinarily considered, and the chief authorities never hesitated to exercise the power, when they possessed it, of turning out a Zamindar and placing another in the Zamindari, whence the one in possession was termed Sanadi, or Alkami, the Zamindar by patent or command." (See Glossary of Judicial ·RAJAH ROGHUDEB RAI MAHASAI. 37 several estates and made fresh settlements with whomsoever he liked, certainly not in all cases with the former Zamindars, for if any one failed to furnish good and sufficient security for the regular piyment of revenue, the estate was not restored to him but was settled with one who was in a position to give such security. In this way some very important changes were made in the revenue administration of the country, the effect of which was that there was a considerable increase in the sum total of the revenue payable to Government. This revenue, Murshid Kuli Kh was very strict in reclising, and if any Zimindar defaulted in puying up the arrears due from him he was subjected to very severe punishments and was not allowed to go at large until he paid off his dues, or nade some arringenients for the same. For the purpose of realising revenue by having recourse to hard mesures the Nawab had two principal agents who exhausted their armoury of cruelty in torturing the unfortunate defaulters. Of the several instruments of torture held in requisition, there was one which, whether we consider the originality of its plan or the effectiveness of its exercise, has no match on earth and has given its deviser a most unenviable notoriety. That niischievous imp of the duvil had caused a tank to be dug and filled with ordure and everything filthy and noxious that could be thought of, and, to add insult to injury, styled it Baikunthu, the Paradise of the Hindus, in gross abuse of language. If any Hindu Zamindar, after having suffered afl the other punishments, was still unwilling or unable to pay the arrears due, he was stripped naked and dr.igged through this infernal pool by a rope tied under his arıns. Roghudeb on being informed that a defaulting Zimindar of the Brahman caste w.is. about to be dragged into the abominable tank which though called Baikuntha, was the very reverse of it, came forward with and Revenue Terms.) Indeed, opinions differ very materially as to the status of the Zamiodars, for while Mr. James Grant, speaking with all the authority of Sarrishtadar, or chief Record Keeper of Bengal had described them “as no more than annual contracting farmers or receivers of the public rents". Mr. C. W. Boughton Rouse devoted a chapter or rather volume to maintaining that "a general state of hereditary property existed in Bengal (See his Dissertation concerning the Landed Property of Bengal p. 20, London, 1791) and was vested in thc Zamindars.* Vide Hunter's Bengal Records Vol. I. p. 32.

·THE BANSBIRIA RAJ. his usual kindliness, and paying off the whole debt, relieved the Brahman Zamindar from the terrible suffering and ignominy which had awaited him. The Nawab, though unusually severe in matters, which concerned Government revenue, was neverthe less alive to the charm of goodness and was not slow to reward real sterling merit wherever it was found. When this truly generous act on the part of Roghudeb reached his ears, he was much affected, and in token of the great pleasure, which he felt at this most striking instance of charity, bestowed upon its author, the proud title of " “Sudramanı" or the Jewel of Sudrąs. A writer in the Calcutta Review for 1845, however, says that the said act was done by “Monohar Roy, the Zamindar of Patuli", and that the said title was conferred upon him * Speaking of Hurrish Chunder of the Sheoraphuli family, * whose time the fracas in connection with the bathing festival noticed by him took place, he says that "the Rajah, who is of the writer caste, is descended from one of the most ancient and respected farnilies in Bengal, the well-known designation of which is Sudramani or the Jewel of Sudras" †. The writer is evidently under the impression that the title was conferred at the time when the family was still living in its original seat at Patuli, in as much as he describes Monohar as "the Zamindar of Patuli", and not of Sheoraphuli. And in his description of Hurrish Chunder also, the family he alludes to, is evidently the Patuli, and not the Sheoraphuli family. Now accepting what he says, to be correct, namely, that the bestowal of the title of Sudramani took place while the family was living in Patuli, the Monohar Roy referred to by him could not have been the son of Basudeb of the same name, the fact being that following the example of his brother, Rameswar, who removed to Bansberia, Basudeb also removed to a place still lower down the Hooghly and settled at Sheoraphuli. This being the real state of things, one might suppose that the writer probably meant Monohar * See Volume IV. p. 489. The writer, I may notice here, has been followed by Mr. Toynbee in his Sketch of the administration of the Hooghly District and the latter by Dr. Crawford in his History of the same district. ^ See Ibid p. 488.

·RAJAH ROGHUDEB RAI MAHASAI. 29 Roy *, brother of Udaya. But this could not be, as Udaya lived in the time of Emperor Akbar, while the undisputed bestower of the title, Murshid Kuli Khan, was Governor of Bengal, in the reign of Aurangzeb and his son Bahadur Shah. The above hypothesis being thus found to be quite untenable, we are thrown upon the only other resource that is left to us and to suppose that the Reviewer meant Monohar Roy, son of Basudeb, and also that the title was conferred after the family had settled down in Sheora. phuli. The writer, it is true, may have meant so, but as he does not cite any authority for his statement, we have only to consider the probabilities of the case in order to judge whether it is true or not. But on balancing the probabilities on both sides, we find that the preponderance is decidedly in favour of the claim of Roghudel Now, Roghudeb belonged to the elder branch of me parent family and was much richer than Monohar who got only ten-annas of the one-third share of Basudeb. Again in the rent-roll of Jafar Khan entitled Murshid Kuli, Roghudeb and not Monohar figures as a big landholder. In that important document the greiter part of Arsha, one of the largest and richest Parganas in all Bengal is given as belonging to his Zamindari t. But not only was Rog hudeb a more substantial Zamindar than his kinsman of the Sheorapluli family, he was also more pious and had greater regard for Brahmans to whom he was liberal almost to a fault. In the famous Fifth Report, as we have already shown, Monohar is given an inferior place not only to Roghudeb, the owner of one-third share of the entire family property, but also to his second brother, Mukunda, who held nine annas share of the big Zamindari of Mabomedameenpore which extended from Hooghly on the one side to Ramkrishnapore on the other along the banks of the river which flows by them. All these circumstances tend to show that the title was probably given to Roghudeb rather than to Monohar. There is also another circumstance which considerably supports the conclusion we have arrived at. It is admitted on all hands that the title emanated from Murshid Kuli Khan, and, as that Satrap ruled Bengal from 1704 to 1725 it must have been One of this name finds place in the Ain-Akbari, but he is a Rajput of Ajmere and has nothing to do with Bengal. + See Hunter's Statistical Account of Bengal Vol. I. p. 363 note.

·THE BANSBERIA RAJ. bestowed during that period; but there is no evidence to show that Monohar Roy had become a man of importance at that time, while the evidence in favour of Roghudeb on the point is most convincing. He had come by the whole property of his father, Rameswar, who, in addition to other properties, was owner of pargana Arsha, whole and entire, his brothers then living under his care and guardianship. But the above mentioned act of generosity magnanimous as it was, dwindles into insignificance when compared with Roghudeb's matchless charity to Brahmans to whom he is reported to have made surprisingly large grants of rent-free lands; and there is a saying current in this part of Bengal that no Brahman family which do not hold Lakhraj Brahmutter lands of the Binsberia Rajas deserve to be called Brahmans at all. In fact this note scion of a renowned aristrocratic House was a very pious soul and his charity was commensurate with his piety. His good acts, mark him out as one of the most glorious of mortals, who did them not to gain fame, "that last infirmity of noble mind,” as the British Homer calls it, but for the sake of the thing itself. The ruinous raids of the Mirhattas having become more frequent, Roghudeb, in order to render his residence and its surroundings far more secure against their attacks, caused a second trench to be dug around the first one, thereby providing a double line of defence. The said moat has to a large extent silted up; but the original one sunk by Rajah Rameswar is still in a very good state, and is well able to stand a seige or a blockade. There is a tradition current in this part to the effect that, once the Burgees, as the Marhatta free-booters were more commonly called, had laid seige to the fort for a few weeks, when on a dark night the garrison in a body sa!lied out, and quietly crossing the trench without being perceived by the enemy, suddenly fell upon them and committing some havoc compelled the rest to beat a hasty retreat. After this shameful discomfiture the Burgees were never seen in this part of the country.

·CHAPTER VII. Rajah Gobindadeb Rai Mahasai. 1740 A. 1). * Roghudeb died, leaving an only son, named Gobindadeb to succeed to bis titles and estates. Like his father this young prince was of a pious turn of mind and made large rent-free grants to Brahmans and to several noted shrines in Bengal. He might have done more good to the country in a Hindu point of view, but the terms his life was considerably short, and he breathed his Jot in the month of Aswin 1147 B. S. corresponding to October, In the time of Gobindadeb, Agradwip † the sacred seat of the god, Gopinath, was lost to the Patuli Zamindari to which it had belonged, and became the property of the Nadia Raj. The acquisition was very cleverly made and did immense credit to the admiralle tact and presence of mind on the part of the agents of the Nadia Rajah. At that place a mela takes place in the monti of Chaitra in honor of the Deity located there, when a vast crowd assemble from different parts of the country. On one such occasion some five or six pilgrims had lost their lives in the tremendous rush. This sad occurrence coming to the notice of the Nawab of Murshidabad, he was highly enraged and in the fury of the moment asked the agents of the neighbouring Zamindars present at the Kirti Chunder, the powerful Zamindar of Burdwan, also died in the saine year. The Revd. John Zachariah Kiernander, the well-known founder of the Mission Church at Calcutta, first came to the shores of India in that memorable year. + Owing to a change in the course of the river the position of this place is changed from one bank to the other. This will appear from a comparison of Major Rennell's map (1781) with the position which the village now occupies. The poet, Bharat Chandra also says, "falfaat catetal faat, অগ্রদ্বীপ নিরখিয়া, নবদ্বীপ পশ্চিম বাহিনী। Man Sing ·32 THE BANSBERIA RAJ. Durbar as to whose estate the place belonged. The agent of the Patuli Zamindar apprehending very serious consequences from the utmost displeasure of the Nawab if he gave out the truth, denied that the village appertained to the Zamindari of his master. The agents of the Burdwan Rajah also said that the place was not included in the Burdwan estate. In this way several others also replied to the same effect. But when the turn of the agent of the Nadia Rajah came, he, more clever than all the rest, finding the present a fit opportunity of doing a good substantial service to his master, replied that the village belonged to his master, and, as to the incident referred to above, he explained it away by reporting that the crowd was so very great that in spite of all efforts to the contrary such incidents could not be avoided and artfully added that it was really a wonder that here were not more deaths from the terrible jostling of the assembled crowa.. Most of the gentlemen présent at the Durbar testifying to the truth of the statements made by the Nadia agent, the Nawab excused the party, dismissing him with a warning to be more careful for the future * The joy of Roghunath, in whose time this unlooked for acquisition was made, as it were, by a piece of sheer good luck, knew no bounds, and rewarding his clever agent very handsomely took possession of Agradwip with great pomp and circumstance. This event must have taken place before 1729 the year in which the said Rajah died and was succeeded by his son, the illustrious Maharaja Krishna Chandra Roy. When Govindadeb closed his earthly career his only child was in his mother's womb. This posthumous son is known in history as Rajah Nrisinhadeb Rai Mahasai. * See Kartick Chandra Roy's Kshitish Vangsavali Charita P p. 142, 144.

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·so RAJAJI NRISINILADEB RAI MAHASA.

·CHAPTER VIII. Rajah Nrisinhadeh Rai Mahasai. This noble scion of a noble house saw the light of heaven three months after his father's decease. In the meantime a rumour had got abroad that Govindadeb had died without male issue and that the Bansberia Raj stood in need of a proper representative. This on dit for which there was very little foundation had gained such publicity that even the birth of Nrisinhadeb did not serve to silence it. Taking advantage of this fortuitous circumstance Manick Chand, * Dewan to the Raja of Burdwan, made a false representa tion to the Durbar at Murshidabad ignoring the birth of the Bansberia Prince, and his representation produced its desired effect. Ali Verdi Khan, who then held the reins of the Bengal Government, taking a fancy to do a good turn to the Raja of Burdwan, settled the vast estates left by Govindadeb with him. In April 1748 the Raja took forcible possession of the hereditary Zamindari of Nrisinhadeb on this side of the river, while Raja Krishna Chandra of Nadia who was almost supreme on the other side, and who also could not resist the temptation of having his hand in the pie got hold of pargana Halda which formed a part of the * This gentleman was a very noted character. He rose very high and ultimately became Dewan to the ruler of Bengal. While Foujdar of Hooghly he held a chief command in the army of Seraj-ud. dowla and took part in the taking of Calcutta. The terrible ignominy of the Black Hole massacre he shares with the Nawab. Indeed, some historians throw the whole blame upon him. When Clive and Watson came from Madras in order to take revenge on the captors of Calcutta and the perpetrators of the Black Hole tragedy, he had gone to Budge Budge (Danisliº Lodge) to oppose their progress but deeming resistance vain, hastened back to Calcutta and from thence inarched to Murshidabad Teaving 500 soldiers for the defence of the town. Though not daubed a Raja or Rai, Manick Chand's influence was very great, and his self-conceit much greater. 5 ·34 TML BAXSBIRIA RAJ. ৫ Bansleria Raj and included it in the Zamindari of his son, Shumbhoo Chunder Roy, which he could easily do, as the revenue of that përgann was payable along with that of his own estite. Nrisinhadeb bas recorded the acts of spoliation in his Diary and we cannot do better than quote his words. He wrote: "My father Govindudeb Riri died in the month of Aswin 11.47 B. S. (October 1740 A. D.) I was then in my mother's womb. Manick Chandra, Peshkar * of the Burdwan Zamindar, on a false representation to Nawab Ali Verdi Khan that my father had died without male issue got my ancestral Zamindari, which was acquired by purchase or received under Sinad, included in the estate of his master and unjustly took possession thereof in the month of Baisi:k 1148 B. S. ( April 1741.) and as the revenue payable for the kisinuts of pirgana Halda was included in the estate of Raja Krishna Chandra Roy, he too in the same year tdok possession of the said kismuts by including them in the talook Shumbhoo Chunder Roy. Majkuri talook, mouza Kulihand:, was included in Chuckla Hooghly, Foujdar, Pir Khan, did not allow the Burdwan Zamindar to take possession thereof, hence the said talook is in my possession. Such injustice and illeg-lity has never been done to any Zamindar or talookdar in Subah Bengal” t. of his son, He may liave been Peshkar before, but at the time he made the representation he was Dewan and the author of the "Seir-Mitaquherin" also describes him as such. + The original runs as follows:--- *সন ১৯৪৭ সালের মাহ আশ্বিনে আমার পিতা গোবিন্দদেব রায়ের কাল হয় সেকালে আমি গর্ভস্থ ছিলাম, বর্ধমানের জমিদারের পেস্কার মাণিক নবাব আলিবর্দী খাঁর নিকট আমার পিতার অপুত্রক কাল হইয়াছে, খেলাপ জাহির করিয়া আমার পুস্তপুন্তানের জর খরিদ। সনন্দী জমিদারি আপন মালিকের জমিদারি সামিল করিয়া সন ১১৪৮ সালে মহ বৈশাখে খামাখা দখল করে ও হল পরগণা কিসমতের মালগুজারি রাজা কৃষ্ণচন্দ্র রায়ের সামিল ছিল তিনিও ঐ সন কীসমত মকুব আপন পুত্র শম্ভুচন্দ্র রায়ের তালুকের সামি করিয়া দখল করেন। মৌজে কুলিহাণ্ডা মকুরি তালুক হুগলী চাকলার সামিল ছিল, পীর খা ফৌজদার বর্ধমানের জমিদারকে দখল দিলেন না। অতএব তালুক মজকুর আশা, দখল অাছে। সুবে বাঙ্গালার কোন জমিদার ও তালুকদারের পর এমত বেইনসাপী ও বেদায়ত কখন হয় নাই।”

·RAJAH NRISINHALIK KAI MAKASAI. 35 The Burdwan Zamindari was, in its inception, of a very insignificant character. The present Raj family was founded by Abu Rai, a Kapur Khetri, of the Purjab, who came to Bengal and got a petty post in the police line under the Fouzdar of Burdwan soinewhere in the vear 1657 4. D. His son, Babu Rai, acquired some landed properly but it was not such as would entitle him to rank with the recognised Zanindrs of the country. He was at best a talookdar and possessed some influence in the chuckla of Burdwin. Even in the time of Krishna Rain, the fourth in descent from the reputed founder, the family Zimindari was not of large extent. In II A. B. (corresponding to 1695 A. D.) the Z:mindari of Burdwan, as described in the celebrated Fifth Report of the Select Committee, "was of very confined dimensions, comprising no more than six or seven pergunnahs in the time of the first Zamindary occupants, Kishorir.im (i. e. Krishnaram ) and Jaggat Roi (1. e. Jagitrim Roy) of the Keltry (i. e. Khetri) caste, whose names appear in history in the rebellion of Soubah Sing and Cita (?) of Chiteva and Burdah, in the reign of Alemger, Tradition or uncertain family genealogy states parental consan. guinity between the last mentioned possessor * of Burdwan Keerutchund (i. e. Kirti Chandra ) the first of the present race on the Khalsa records, who by successive annexations † in the usual mode of malzaminy operations, had in 1135 increased the jurisdiction to near its actual size, and obtained a obtained a common Dewanny sunnud for the same. During the administration of Jaffer and Suja Khan, his son Chitta ( i. e. Chitra) Sein, was in like manner vested in the office of land older in 1946, and was . Jagatram was treacherously killed in 1702 A. D. He had two sons, Kirti Chandra and Mitra Ram: Kirti Chandra left a son, Chitra Sen, who succeeded him, while Mitra Ram's son Troyluckly: Chandra alias Tiluck Chand succeeded the latter, he having viel swi: hout inale issue. + Kirti Chandra was very powerful, and added to his ancestral Zanindari parganas! Chitwa, Bhursut, l'arda and Monobarslahi. He dispossessed the Raja of Chandrakona of his estates, and also seized and appropriated the Zanindari of the Raja of Balghars, a place adjacent to Tar!:eswar in the Hooghly district. In this way he had become a very big Zamindir when, the angel of Death hurried liin away from this world.

·TXL EANSLERIA RAJ. succeeded in 1151 Ly his cousin Tilluck Chund father of the present titular Rojah Tye Chund (i. e. Tej Chandra ), who obtained the zamindary in virtue of a Sunnad from the Company soon after his official predecessor's death about the Bengal year 1177 A. B." Thus, it is clear that it was only in the time of Krishna Ram that the Burdwan House first came to be recognised as Zamindar. In Krishna Ram's time, the rebellion of Soubha Sing, talookdar of Chitwa and Barda, took place. The proud rebel defeated Krishna Ram and made an end of his family with the exception of his son, Jagatram, who managed to escape from the general slaughter. Jagatram was succeeded by the valiant Kirti Chandra who rose to fame and largely added to the Zirnindari by successive annexations. He managed to get a general Sanad for the acquisitions so made, thereby legalizing his viist possessions, He died, leaving bis son, Chitra Sen, sole heir to his estites. The latter flourished during the rule of Murshid Kuli Khan and his son-in-law, Suja Khan, and was the first to get the high title of "Raja," about the year 1740. He proved worthy of such a powerful father and followed closely in his steps by making frush annexitions to the Raj, The Bansberia Rajah, Gobindadeb, having died in 1740, leaving only a child in its mother's womb, it was falsely reported to the Durbar at Murshidabad that he had died without leaving ony issue. This representation was made by the astute Dewan of the Burdwan Raja, the great but not good Manick Chand, who possessed considerable influence in the Nawab's Court, and the result was that the Burdwan Raja was granted permission to take possession of the Zamindari, left by Gobindadeb, after the manner, then so very common of "malzaminy operations” as they were called. As the posthumous child of the deceased who had by this time come out of his mother's womb, had none to advocate his cause, his ancestral Zamindari was without any objection annexed to the Burdwan Raj. This took place in the year 1149 A. B. cor: responding to 1742 A. D. nearly two years after the death of Rajah Gobindadeb. Up to this time, even the fact of the deceased having bad a son born to him was not made known to the publie, at any rate it had not come to the ears of the great Nawab at. Murshidabad. And, accordingly, in describing the Burdwan Raja's Vide Fifth Report p. 402.

·RAJAM NRIBINKADIB RAI MAKASAI. 37, AS .. ... It ... .. "annexations in 1149,” the aforesaid Fifth 'Roport describes the Bansberia zumindari so annexed the "Zemindary of Govindez," and not of his son, Nrisinb.deb, though by tlat time, the former had died, and the latter was living as his sole heir-at-law; and it gives in detail the names of the several estates so taken with their respective juminas. All these estates were situate in Chuckla Hooghly appertaining to Sircar Satgaun. They were as follows :- "Arseh, Kismut 8,378 Havilleesher 1,920 Selinpoor 5 574 Mahomedauitenpore 12,394 Hejrah Kahly 92 Abwab Foujedarry 3,091 F'oyzullapoor ... 272 Kaluar Jugeer Circar 8,623-9,752 Boroo 1,957 Pecyunan 20,362 Auhar Shaisteranagur 5,215 Chutypoor 2,769 Fygliunty Although these estates fell within Chuckla Hooghly, none of them would seem to have been within the direct rule of the Fouzdar of Hooghly. Arshe Kismut would appear to have been the portion which was left to Gobindadeb's father, Roghudeb, after the big pargana Arsha was broken up and along with a considerable portion of Pargana Boro formed into Zamindari Mahomedameenpore. Havilee Sher, though it lay on the other side of the river, formed a part of Chuckla Hooghly which had lands on both sides. As for Mabonnedameenpore here mentioned, it was probably a different estate from the much bigger Zamindari we have noticed above. Hejra Kably is not identifiable ; so are Kahrar Jageer Circar and Auhar, "Pueyunan is evidently pargana Poanan, and Pyghunty seems to be Paighati. Besides the above estates, pargana Halda which also formed a part of the Bansberia 4,066 ... ... 38" * ► Vide Fifth Report p. 403.

·38 THE BANSBERIA RAJ. its own, Raj, as it lay in the district of Nadia, was taken forcfble possession of by Raja Krishna Chandra *. Thus, the Bansberia House which not long before occupied the front rank in the aristocracy of Bengal, both in respect of property and of position, was all of a sudden thrown on the background for po fault or laches of This was certainly a most glaring piece of injustice, as the estate, so wrongfully taken possession of, had not fallen into arrears, nor was the owner for the time being, guilty of any misconduct. Indeed, he was not a doli capax at all, to use a legal phrase; the head and front of his offending was that he came out of his mother's womb a little too late. This little infint wlio should have been looked upon with gre:t tompassion was on the contrary, reduced to very great straits for ro fault of his own or of his agents. The small estate of Kulihanda, was almost the only property left to him and he had nothing else to depend upon for the defrayal of the necessary expenses which were certainly large, indeed. He had no friend or patron to look up to for help and the times too were not at all favourable. of the Mahomedan Empire was trembling in the balance. 'The English too were rapidly advancing in power and the Nawabs of Bengal had become mere puppets in their hands. They were playing the game very cleverly and it was almost certain that a change of rule was inevitable. In this very disturbed state of the country young Nrisinhadeb had other alternative than to wait with patience and bide his time. In the meantime, events were thickening fast and affairs wore a very gloomy aspect. The Marhatta free-booters had created quite a panic, so that like Cowper's hero in the solitary island of Juan Fernandez the people lived in "constant alarm." The Nawab, Ali Verdi Khan, was, no doubt, a very energetic ruler and was not sparing in his efforts to put a curb upon their incursions. But their rueful raids became so very frequent that he got tired of them and, at last, deeming discretion to be the better part of valour purchased their non-interference by ceding a considerable portion of Orissa and granting the Chouth of Bengal. Tie land The fate, no * Some other estates of the Raj were also misappropriated partly with the permission direct or tacit of the ruling power, and partly clandestinely.

·RAJAH NRISINHADEB RAI MAKAGAI. 39 were again smiled with peace, but unfortunately it was a calm of that description which only boded a storm. The old Nawab died in the early part of 1756 and was succeeded by a wayward youth who bore a very bad character, and who, so far from being fit to rule others, was not even capable of ruling himself. He was a veritable Timon in misanthropy, and his hatred of the English whom he had hated from his very boyhood, was deep and during. It was, therefore, no wonder that shortly after his accession to the throne he quarrelled with them and went to the wildest excesses. He marched upon Calcutta with a large army, captured it in no time and committed that crime, which for its singular atrocity and for the tremendous retribution by which it was followed has no parallel in the records of world's history. The English captives were thrown en masse into a dark dingy pigeon-hole like room, where after suffering the greatest hardships and privations most of them closed their eyes in agony and anguish, and the few survivors who toddled out of their nightly prison in the next morning so honibly disfigured and changed that even their own mothers could not have recognised them at the first sight. The news of this horrible tragedy reached Madras in August and, as was natural, roused the fiercest and bitterest resentment. The cry of the whole settlement was for vengeance, and within a few short hours it was determined that an expedition should be sent to the Hooghly with Clive at the head of the land forces and Watson commanding the naval armament. This expedition sailed in Octo ber, but as it had to make its way against adverse winds it did not reach Bengal till December. Clive with his usual promptitude a once commenced operations with vigour. He took the fort at Budge Budge ( Danish Lodge ) and compelled Manick Chand, the Governor of Calcutta who had gone to oppose them, to beat a hasty retreat. Proceeding onwards, he recovered Calcutta, and marching further up, stormed and sacked Hooghly, the famous port of Wes Bengal. These successful operations alarmed the weak-minded Nawab, who soon came to terms with the English). But the trucefor it was only a temporary cessation of hostilities to gain time was of a short duration. The treaty was broken, when Clive with his sturdy companions in arms pushed on towards Murshidabad The English general was, if not materially, at least morally, suppor ted by all the greatest natives of Bengal whom Seraj-ud-dowla ·40 TKI BANSBIRIA RAJ. had alienated from him by his manifold atrocities xd oppression. At last, the crisis came and the English and the Nawab met in battle array at Plassey, where in a very short time the fate of Bengal was decided at once and for ever. The Nawab lost the day and sought safety in flight. The Victor entered Murshidabad in triumpli and placed Mir Jaffer on the throne. The new Nawab showed his gratitude by making large presents to the English ; but it was not long before he found to his deep regret that his throne was not secure so long as he was in the hands of the English. He, accordingly, opened secret negotiations with the Dutch at Chinsura, who hoping to inake another Plassey affair for themselves, acceded to his proposal and brought down a pretto large arimny from Batavia. But all their hopes were crushed for ever at the fatal field of Bajara, incorrectly called Bidera, where they sustained a signal defeat at the hands of Colonel Forde, who, if he had lived long enough might have proved a worthy rival of Clive The power of the Dutch in Bengal was completely overthrown and they were reduced to a mere trading corporation which they were when they first made their settlement at Chinsura. Three months after this glorious victory, Clive returned to England where he received a regular oviation. The king himself gave him a long interview and readily raised him to the pccrage. Clive's return to England was a signal for the Company's ser. vants to renew their malpractices, and the result was that the country was thrown into the utmost confusion. His successor who lacked his ability and tact, failed to exercise proper control and hence the complicated machinery of Government went out of order. At length, the necessity for a change in the administration became so very great that Clive was forth with sent back to India to set things to rights. This remarkable man whose bravery on the field was not less conspicuous than his skill in the council, again made his appearance on the land where he had won such high success. As he had anticipated, he met with the fiercest opposition in the matter of the reforms which he was bent on making; but nothing daunted, he proceeded with his work and at last succeeded in effecting it to his beart's content. Order was restored where there was utter confusion and the country again wore a smiling look. Having assiduously responded to the call of duty, Clive left India for good in 1767. "But as the seed of corruption -- ·RAJAH NRISINHADEB RAI MAHASAI. 41 had entered the vitals of Government, the country wanting the helping hand of the disciplinarian, again fell into disorder and misrule. His policy was to a great extent abandoned; the abuses which, it seemed, he had merely “scotched, not killed" began to revive ; and at length the evils which a bad Government had engendered were aggravated by one of those fearful visitations which the best Government cannot avert. This was the terrible famine of 1770 which filled the whole valley of the Ganges with misery and death. As Macaulay has with such dramatic effect described it. 'Tender and delicate women, whose veils had never been liſted before the public gaze, came forth from the inner chambers in which Eastern jealousy had kept watch over their beauty, threw themselves on the earth before the passers-by, and, with loud wailings implored a handful of rice for their children. The Hooghly every day rolled down thousands of corpses close to tlie porticoes and gardens of the English conquerors. The very streets of Calcutta were blocked up by the dying and the dead. The lean and feeble survivors had not energy, enough to bear the bodies of their kindred to the funeral pile or to the holy river, or even to scare away the jackals and vultures, who fed on human remains in the face of the day. Such horri. ble scenes were never to be forgotten, and were faithfully depicted by the feeling poet some years after, in lines, the very sound of which makes one's hair stand on end like " quills upon the fretful porcupine." He says:- "Still fresh in memory's eye the scene I view, The shrivelled limbs, sunk eyes and lifeless hue; Still hear the mother's shrieks aud infant's moans, Cries of despair and agonising groans. Dire scenes of horror, which no pen can trace, Nor rolling years from memory's page efface," Thus the state of things was simply deplorable, and, surely, it could not have been otherwise, when both God and Man had, as as it were, banded together to effect the ruination of the country. The extent of the fearful unprecedented mortality was never correctly ascertained; but it was believed that the "fell fiend” had been instrumental in sweeping off from the face of the earth, about a third of the whole population. After the country had, thus, successively passed through 6 ·THE BANSBERIA RAJ. was the terrible ordeal of war, famine, and pestilenke, a very great change was introduced into the Government of British India, This effected by the Regulating Act of 1773, which vested the Government of the Bengal Presidency in a Governor General and a Council consisting of four members, and established in Calcutta a Crown Court of Judicature, composed of a Chief Justice and three puisne Judges, with power to try cases arising within the limits of the Presidency town. Under this Act, Warren Hastings who was then Governor of Bengal was appointed the first Governor-General, and the four members who were to form his Council were Colonel Monson, General Clavering, Philip Francis, and Richard Barwell, all of whom with the exception of the last were imported from England. Sir Elijah Impey was the first Chief Justice of the Supreme Court. The change in the administration was expected to prove beneficial to, the country, but it soon turned out to be the very reverse. The three members of the Council wlio had been sent from the mother country opposed Hastings at every step and, thus, threw the aff:sirs of State into the utmost confusion. But not only was there discord and disunion in the Supreme Council, contention was also raging high outside its four walls in asmuch as the Supreme Court excelling in its pride of place set its bold front against it. At last, matters came to such a pass that there wiis great probability of the two greatest bodies in the land settling their differences by having recourse to arms. A reign of terror thus began lasted for some years. At length, in consequence of the death of Clavering and of Monsoo, peace was to a certain extent restored in the Council, but its dissention with the Supreme Court wus still going on. When all other resources failed, Hastings pitched upon an expedient which had a talismanic effect. He offered Sir Elijah a seat in the Sadar Dewani Adalat in addition to his chiefship of the Supreme Court, and as a fat pay was attached to the post, the offer was readily accepted. . In this way Hastings managed to make his position safe and strong and also to bring back peace into the country, which had left it for such a long period While the country was thus passing through a series of reverses Nrisinhadeb very properly thought that, however well-grounded his claim might be, there was not the slightest chance of its being heard with the attention it deserved, and that he had, therefore, no other alternative left than to bide his time : Rather than have his ·RAJAH NRISINHADEB RAI MAHASAI. 43 ence. case summarily frown out amidst the pressure of more important affuirs it was better to wait until an opportunity presented itself when he might expect to have justice done to him. In this In this way he 'patiently waited for eight and thirty years until the country thoroughly recovered from the vortex in which it had so long been whirled about. But Nrisinhadeb did not fritter away his time during these stirring stormy years. Endowed with great parts by D.me Nature, he considerably improved them by culture and laid in a good stock of knowledge and what is more important than book knowledge, experi- He studied Sanscrit, Arabic, and Persian with great diligence and mastered these languages in a comparatively short time. The child is certainly the father of the man, and Nrisinbadeb early showed prognostics of bis future greatness and excellence, The hero that was to be, not only possessed a well-stocked mind, he also bore an exemplary character. lle was not addicted to pleasures, improperly so called, but was of a contemplative turn of mind, in which the intellectual prevailed over the sensual. He always preserved calmness of temper, but it was a calmness which was sicklied over with the pale cast of melancholy. The only thing which seemed to hive gained a mastery over his mind was the firm resolve to get back the Zamindari which through no fault of his own or bis people's had passed into other hands. He was always on the look-out for means to effect his purpose, but this he did not find until Bengal virtually passed into the hands of the English. Clive had laid only the foundation of the British Raj but it was reserved for Warren Hastings to build thereon. The latter was appointed Governor in 1771 and after the passing of the Regulating Act two years later became Governor-General of all the Indian possessions of the Last India Company. Nrisinhadeb lost no time in personally applying to the Governor-General for the restoration of his ancestral estates. Mr. Hastings with his usual sense of justice ordered an enquiry, the result of which made it as clear as noonday that gross injustice had been done to Nrisinhadeb. The sympathetic satrap in the natural goodness of his heart wished that he could restore all his lost estates to the wronged party, but this he was not in a position to do, as the power of the Company whom he represented was confined within definite bounds. The Company then acted as the Dewan of Bengal and was Zamindar of the district of 24 Parganas. There- ·44 THE BANSBERIA RAJ. fore, the most he could do was to restore to Nrisinhadeb only those Mahals of iis ancestral Zamindari that fell strictly within the jurisdiction of the English in the 24 Parganas. Thus, the restoralion was only partial, but as it was, it brought in a good subs. tantial property and considerably raised the position of the Bansberia House as it then stood. Nrisinhadeb has recorded all this in his valuable Diary * This is what he wrote:- This is what he wrote: -" In 1185 B. S. (1778 A. D.) the Governor-General, Mr. Hastings in Council having on enquiry and just and equitable consideration came to know that the property in question was my ancestral estate, has since 1186 B. S. (1779 A. D.) given me possession of those Mahals of my ancestral estate which passed from the hands of the Burdwan Zainindar and were included in 24 Parganas, and granted me a Sanad from the Committe and Council. I am in possession of the Parganas † named below: --Baridhati, Ektiarpore, Hathiagarh, Mobai, Nimuck o' Mompunja, Mayda, Magura, Manpur, and Khorda." Nrisinhadeb had gained the good graces of Warren Hastings not only through the justice of his cause but also by his many >> * The original runs as follows: * সন ১৯৮৫ সালে গবনর জনল যুক্ত মেস্ত্র হিষ্টীন সাহেব ও সাহেবান কৌষল হক ইনসাপ মতে তবীজ তহকীক করিয়া, আমার মিষ জানিয়া আমার পৈতৃক জমিদারির মধ্যে যে সকল মহল বর্ধমান জমিদারের দখল হইতে চব্বিষ পরগণার সামিল হইয়াছিল সেই মহালতের জমিদারিতে ইস্তক সন ১১৮৬ সাল আমাকে সরফরাজ করিয়াছেন ও কৌসল ও কমিট হইতে সনন্দ দিয়াছেন । + Baridhati, one of the original 24 Parganas, lies south of Calcutta and west of Diamond Harbour. It is in the Baruipur sub-divisio.1 and contains the villages of Bishnupur, Jainagar and Magri Hat. On 17th March 1788, the Zamindar, Nrisinhadeb Rai made a petition to the Collector representing the ruinous condition of his Zamindari This was followed by a similar representation on the part of the ryots of the same Pargana in 1790. (Sce Hunter's Bengal Records ). South of this Fargana is North Hathiagarh. It appears that in 1790 both these Parganas were inundated as were some others and that the ryots made a representation to the authorities praying for relief. (See Ibid). Mabai also in 24 Parganas, is famous for its "Hat". Nimuck o' Mompunja appear in Hunter's Statistical Reporter, Voll simply as Nimak-o-mom that is salt and wax farms, ·RAJAH NRISINHADEB RAI MAHASAI 45 good accomplishments. He was well read in Sinscrit, Arabic, and Persian and had the reputation of being a ripe scholar. He was also a good poet and could compose verses both in Persian and Bengali. Even the medical science of the day had received bis attention and he translated a book on the subject named Uddish- Tantra into Bengali verse, so as to familiarise it with the general public. He had also studied the difficult but not the less entertaining subject of Hindu music and bad gone so far and deep into it as to be able to compose songs. His extant effusions which are mostly of a religious character plainly show that he was an adept in that divine Art which, wonderful to say, softens the fe. rocity of the savage and eleviites the civilised man much above himself. Indeed, such was his mastery of that branch of belle-lettres that he could reduce Hindi songs into Bengali verse and adapt them to the niceties and intricacies of the Rings and Raginis which regulate Hindu music He was also a good hand at the sister art of painting, and though certainly not a fluysum or a Reynolds, gained considerable repute as a limner and mapmaker. Warren Hastings having desired to have a good and accurate map of Bengal, Nrisinbadeb was asked to make the attempt. He did mike the attempt and succeeded in executing the work very cleverly. On the map being presented to the Governor General be was highly pleased with it and in token of his great pleasure mide a handsome present to the artist. But Ganga Govinda * whose avarice had increased with his influence appropriating the money to himself, gave Pargana Dhanghata to Nrisinhadeb in lieu thereof. * Following the example of his patron and predecessor Clive, Hastings engaged the services of some natives of note. Of these men none had greater influence with him than Ganga Govinda Sinbathe founder of the Paikpara Raj. Ganga Govinda had been his Persian tutor and was now his Dewan and as such wielded very large powers. Indeed, his influence in the realm for good or for evil was only next to that of the Governor-General himself. Even Raja Krishna Chandra of Nadia, who was the premier Zainindar of Bengal in his day, when at logger-heads with bis refractory son, Shunibhoo Chunder, sought Ganga Govinda's help by a short note couched in these words.;am পুত্র অবাধ্য, দরবার অসাধ্য। আ করেন গঙ্গা গোবিন্দ।

·46 THE BANSBERIA RAJ. Warren Hastings left India in 1785 and was succeeded by Lord Cornwallis who was a far more influential man than his predecessor and wielded much higher powers. Nrisinhadeb who was anything but contented with the few Parganas which were restored to hini by Warren Hastings was always on the look out for an opportunity to regain the many that still remained out of his hands. The new Governor-General was busy settling the State affairs which had fallen into disorder, and so Nrisinnadeb did not think it prudent to trouble bim with his own. He, therefore, bided his time and deferred making the representation until a few years after. In the meantime he propitiated the Great on Higli by building a fine temple and dedicating the same to the Goddess Swamblaba * setting apart talook Gholsara berring Towji No. 18, in the flooghly Collectorate to meet the expenses of the Deva sheba and other contingencies relating thereto. This act of piety was done in the year of grace 1710 Sika era, corresponding to 1788 A. D. as appears from the following couplet inscribed in a stone slab placed above the door-way of the temple :- আশাচলেন্দু সম্পূর্ণ শাকে শ্রীমৎ সয়ম্ভব। রেজে তৎ শ্ৰগৃহঞ্চ নৃসিংহ দেব দত্ততঃ ।। The inscription is of the simplest kind possible, and as in the inscription on the temple of Basudeb above referred to, the founder does not make a show of his rank or riches, but describes himself simply by giving his naine with the original patronymic of the fumily affixed to it. When at last Nrisinhadeb found that Lord Cornwallis was quite in a position to listen to his grievances, be applied to him for the restoration of the rest of his ancestral Zamindari which was or * The word means 'self-created' 'self-existent' a name of the goddess Kali. She is otherwise called “Mahishmardini or the Buf. falo queller". + This is how the year of the building of the temple is made out: appy meaning fu represents 10:1959 = 7 and 6-: thus, according to the well-known rule of interpretation of Sanscrit slukas, namely, “ figures inove backwards," the year becomes 1710. The couplet means that the temple to the goddess Swambhaba was embellished ( beautifully built) by Nrisinhadeb Dutt. le

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TEMPLE OF VISHSI'.
TEMPLE OF HANSESVARI.

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·RAJAH NRISINHADEB RAI MAHASAI. 47 still unjustly kept back from him. The Governor-Gencral gave him to understand that so far as his power went, he could not do him any good directly in the matter. He, therefore, advised him to lay his case before the Court of Directors in England, at the same time promising to do what he could for him indirectly through his connection with that Court. But appeal to that bigh Tribunal was not quite an easy affair, it meant a considerable outlay of funds which in the then state of his affairs Nrisinhadeb was not in a position to advance. But the suggestion of the good Governor-General had taken deep and firm hold on bis mind and he thenceforward directed his attention towards the procuring of the sinews of war With this idea swinging to and fro in his mind, he resolved to cut short his expenses but this could not be well done so long as he remained at his house, living in the old customary way. Accordingly, in the month of November, 1792, he started for the holy city of Benares with a few companions, leaving the management of his estate in the hands of an able and faithful relation. At that Holy of Holies, Nrisinhadeb lived a retired liſe, spending most part of his time with the venerable Yogis for whom he entertained the highest regard. They were all adepts in the Tantric system of Yoga consisting in the practice of communion of the human soul with the Supreme Being; and Nrisinhadeb's bent of mind having taken that direction he gladly became a disciple of one of the niost eminent anong them, and learnt both the principle and practice of Tantric rites at his hallowed feet. But this was not his sole occupation at Kashi, Raja Joy Narain Ghosal, nephew of Gocool Ghosal, the well-known founder of the Bhukailas Raj family was living at that place at the time; he had a mind to translate into Bengali verse that well-known Sanscrit work, Kashi-Khanda, but he lacked the ability to do it single-handed, and was, therefore, anxiously in search of a co-adjutor. This second Fletcher if one might say so, he found in Nrisinhadeb who was a good Sanscrit scholar and a tolerable poet to boot. This worthy scion of the Sudramani family of Patuli a$ Nrisinhadeb * is described in the metrical introduction to the translation, was accompanied by one Jagannath . * In the Introduction to the “Kashi Khanda, of Joynarain Ghosal, Nrisin h adeb is described as a resident of Patuli, though since the time ·৪৪ THE BANSBERIA RAJ. came Mukerjee who also took active part in that labour of love. The work was begun on the ist of Falgoon 1714 Saka era, correspon. ing to February 1792, and was not completed until April 1796. Nrisinhadeb took great pains in the getting up of the work and it saw the light of publicity under bis superintendence. While Nrisinhadeb was thus busily engaged in doing literary work on the one hand and learning Yoga on the other, on a letter from his wortly and honest manager, informing him that favoured by circumstances coupled with care and thrift on his part he had been able to get together a very large sum of money. By this time a wonderful change had come over Nrisinbadeb's mind and he had commenced to look upon this nether world as a place of sojourn where man tarryeth for some time and then passeth away on to where he is to dwell for ever. Indeed, he was advanced too far in the path of virtuous abnegation again to fall back upon grovelling temporal affairs. He gave up the idea of appealing to the Court of Directors in England and made up his mind to devote a considerable portion of the accumulations to the erection of his great grandfather, the family had been permanently living at Binsberia. The verses alluded to, are:- মনে করি কাশীখণ্ড ভাষা করি লিপি। ইহার সহায় হয় কাহারে না দেখি । মিত্ৰশত চৌদ্দ শকে পৌষমাস যবে। আমার মানস মত যোগ হইল তবে। শূদ্রমণি কুলে জন্ম পাটুলি নিবাসী যুত নৃসিংহ দেব রায়গহ কাশী। তার সহ জগন্নাথ মুখুৰ্য্যা আইলা। প্রথম ফাত্তনে গ্রন্থ আরম্ভ করিল। তাহার করেন রায় তর্জমা খসড়া। মুখুৰ্য্যা করেন সদ। কবিতা পাড়া। রায় পুনর্বার সেই পাতড়া লইয়া। লিখেন পুস্তকে তাহা সমস্ত শুধিয়া ॥ পদ্ধতি ভাষাতে করিলেন পরিক্ষার। রায় করিলেন সৰ্ব্ব গ্রন্থের প্রচার।

·RAJAH NRISINHADUB RAI MAHASAI. 49 of a temple at® Bansberia. Benares is certainly sacred ground all round, crowded as if with Houses of God. On whichever side you turn your gaze, the eye is arrested by a thick forest of temples. Jerusalem is not better entitled to be called the city of shrines than is this holy land of the Hindus. But these temples, numberless as they are, did not satisfy to their full the cravings of Nrisinbadeb's heart; he wanted to find a visible, tangible, epiphany of what according to the Yoga philosophy represents the Divine Force. Accordingly, he made a plan of the temple, contemplated by him, in accordance with the mystic formula of Shata-Chacra-Bheda, with five stone staircases to represent the five Narhies, or vital channels in the spinal chord, namely, Era, Pingala, Susumna, Bajrakhya, and Chitrini, and the Goddess Hamsesvari to represent the Kundalini Sakti or Para Sakti of Yog.t. With the view to building some such temple he wrote back to his manager asking him to send a moiety of the money in his hands that he might purchase therewith the necessary materials for the purposes of the intended temple. When the money caine, Nrisinhadeb bought large blocks of stone, and sent them on with some noted artists and sculptors to Bansberia by boats down the Ganges, himself following them not long after, Nrisinhadeb reached hoine in December 1799 * after an absence of nearly eight years, and at once laid the foundation. stone of the far-famed temple of Hamsesvari. The works were pushed on with vigour but after the second storey was completed the founder was summoned away from this world into the next. Nrisinhadeb after having achieved fadeless fame departed this 'vale of tears' in the year 1802 †. He had two wives, of whom This is a very memorable year. In it dled the Revd. Zacha. riah Kiernander at Calcutta after a residence in India of nearly sixty years. But though this year witnessed the loss of one Indian Missionary, it on the other hand saw the arrival of three such men, Marshman and his comrades. The great President, Washington of sacred memory, also died in.the same year ; indeed, his death took place on the last day of the last month of the last year of the eighteenth century. † Cuttack which had so long remained in the hands of the Mar. hattas became the property of the English in this year. The Peace, rather Truce of Amiens was also concluded in the same year. 7 ·50 THI BANSBERIA RAJ. 1 the elder died a Sati * with bim as was then the practice. As for the younger, the well-known Rini Sink tri, whom he had married, in 1785, in the forty-fifth year of his age, she was enjoined by her husband to complete the temple which he had commenced to build. Nrisinhadeb was a remarkable character. True to his name, he was a mighty man of action, and has leſt a deep dent upon the history of his family which is not likely to be effaced by the wear and tear of time. But for bis wonderful patience and perseverance, tiis family would in all probability have long since floated away down the stream of time, and been heard of no more. He firmly resolved to recover its lost possessions and, at last, succeeded in winning back a considerable portion there. of. He sct the Zamindari in fairly good order and wis improving it when the hand of Death put a period to his earthly career. He built a splendid causeway across the moat and embellished it by planting rows of Vakul trees on both sides. The boughs of these orderly trees are so curiously interlaced that they forın a fine avenue of green luxuriant foliage, by which is approached the grand old gateway at the west end, which like a splendid relic of the past, is the only part left of the old grotesque-looking buildings. Rajah Nrisinhadeb was certainly one of the most noted men of his time. In him was happily combined gracefulness of person with strength of character. He was of a comely presence ; of a sweet and melancholy aspect ; his face was regular, handsome, and well-complexioned ; his body strong, healthy, and justly proportioned, and being of moderate stature, he was capable of enduring the greatest fatigues. Like his body, his mind too was The "Sati” rite, though utterly shocking to ordinary human feelings, was then very common. Some years after, the wife of Ram Mohan Roy's elder brother also died a Sati-ma circumstance which made such a painfully strong impression upon his mind that he ever after laboured hard to stamp it out, and, at last succeeded in doing so in 1829 when a Regulation was passed by the Governor-General Lord Bentinck for the purpose. The last Sati that was perpetrated in the Hooghly District was when Mr. (afterwards Sir Frederick ) Halliday was Magis. trate. This good man was present on the occasion, and has given a very graphic account of the scenes witnessed by him.

·BAJAM NRISINHADAB RAI NAXAJAI well-stocked witil knowledge of a varied nature, which made him an agreeable companion, a useful co-adjutor, and a faithful friend. His diligence was admirable, and his patience more admirable still. He was a man of strong will and firm resolve. Though born in a very rich family, he found himself in a comparatively poor condition. This anomaly te was determined to remove, by regaining the estates which bis family had been unjustly deprived of. IIc had no means at his disposal, nor friends to help him, but he miinaged to secure both, and succeeded to a certain extent in recovering his patrimony. Having been bred up in poverty, Nrisinhadeb had learnt the worth of inuncy, ind, obe, tierefore, observed rigid economy in his expenditure. But he was anything but miserly ; on the contrary, he was always forward in doing good deeds. But the one pious act which has deservedly inmortalized him is the building of the lernple of Hamsesvari. True it is, le did not live to complete it, but if the idear had not struck him and he had not carried it out to a considerable extent, the thing would most probably have not seen the light at all. He was a Sirkti and was imbued with the Tantric principles of Yoga. The temple with the Goddess enshrined in it is a tangible manifestation of his faith. Like a verilable Hindu of the old type, he lived and moved and had his being in religion. But this is saying only a part of him. In the domestic circle, in his relation with his friends and dependants, in fact, in his general converse with the world, he was almost all that could be wished. He was merciful, modest, chaste, temperate, and religious. In short, he was a really good soul, and in giving a short but fuithful portraiture of his character we cannot do better than reproduce with only a slight alteration the words which a poble historian has used in depicting England's royıl martyr, Charles I, and say that, "he was the worthiest gentleman, the best master, the best friend, the best husband, the best fatlier, and the best Hindu of the age in which he lived."

·CİTAPTER IX. Rani Sankari and her Son and Grandson, it was, When Nrisinhadeb died, the property left by him came under the management of his widow, Rani Sankari, who by a regular deed had been duly empowered to do so by her husband. Unlike the females of the day, this lady had learnt to read and write, and, what was still more remarkable, to keep accounts. In point of fact, she was much above the average of her sex, therefore, no wonder that she found no difficulty in personally managing the estate left in her charge. She also, did not forget the injunction of her deceased lord in regard to the temple which he had left unfinished. Slc continued the services of the sculptors, artists and masons who worked on for a dozen years more until the temple became an accomplished fact in the year 1814 * It cost a mint of moncy, nearly 5 lakhs (£50,000) in round numbers. After the building was completed, the pious Rani lost no time in dedicating it to the Goddess Hamsesvari who was enshrined therein along with thirteen Sivas. On the occasion of the Protistha, or dedication, the Rani spent money with both lands loose-a common native expression. She invited Brahmans and Pundits from different parts of India, and gave them valuable presents, and also distributed food and clothing among thousands of the needy and the poor in a way befitting the solemn occasion Indeed, the dedication ceremony was a splendid aftair and it cost an immense deal of money, As is the case with almost all big . This year, as it witnessed the arrival of the first Protestant Bishop and Metropolitan of all India, Thomas Fanshaw Middleton also witnessed the death of Lieutenant-General Palmer, father of the Merchant Prince, John Palmer, and the "confidential" Minister of Warren Hastings. Bot!. were very distinguished characters in their respective avocations.

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TEMPLE OF TTAMISESTARI.
TEMPLES OF HAMSESVARI AND VISHNU,

·'RANI SANKARI AND HER SON ANI GRANDSON. 53 Hindu temples, this well-known House of the Divinity has a Sunscrit Sloka inscribed on a stone slab forming a part of the frontpiece, which gives all the necessary particulars regarding it. It runs thus:- *1*10799 afg (19 stico 819793977: 1 মোক্ষদ্বার চতুর্দশে শ্বর মং হংসেশ্বরী রাজিত ভূপালেন নৃসিংহদেব কৃতিনারং তদাজ্ঞানুগ!। তৎপত্নী গুরুপাদপদ্মনিরত। ঐশঙ্কৰী নিৰ্ম্মম ।। **1771 9091 (This holy temple mirde resplendent by Hamsesvári in the company of fourteen Sivas who are so many doors to salvation (Moksha), was begun by the earthly lord Nrisinhadeb of good deeds, and has in obedience to his muudatę been completed by his wiſe, the auspicious Sinkari, who is constantly devoted to the lotusfeet of her Guru. In the Sick: year 1736.) The temple of Hamsesvari is one of the most noted in India, and stands almost unparalleled in Bangl. Not to speak of the mystic character of the plan in which it is built and which none but the initiated are in a position to understand fully, it has a beauty of its own which is not to be found in any other shrine. It is in reality a glorious speci!nen of the wondrous achievement of the architectural art. Beauty, synimetry ind subliniity are so harmoniously combined in it that it cannot fail to attract the grze and move the heart of the mosi indifferent spectator. There is so much of the marvellous in it that even a nil admiruri man finds much to praise in it. The teinple of Bhubaneswar with all its vaunted wealth of architecture seems to fall short of it. Like the poet's lady “it is a thing of beauty and joy for ever. Indeed, * The year is thus made out :-3 = 6;77= 3; 690 = 17; tliat is, 1736 Saka, taking the figures backwards, according to the well-known rule of interpretation of Sanscrit Slokas regarding dates. f The Sloka rendered into Bengali stands thus :- চতুর্দশ মােক্ষদ্বার রূপী (চতুর্দশ ) শিবের সহিত হংসেশ্বরী কর্তৃক বিরা- জিত গৃহ এই মন্দির যাহা কৃতী নৃসিংহদেব ভূপাল কর্তৃক আরব্ধ হয় তাহা ১৭৩৬ শকাব্দে, তাহার আনুগ। পত্নী গুরুপাদপদ্মনিরত। শ্রীশঙ্করী fara pronta 1 ·54 THE BANSBERIA RAJ. >> the structure is, to use Thackeray's choice expression, "an out-andouter in some respects. On approaching the temple, one is naturally led to think that he is in sight of a most holy object and that he is treading sacred ground breathing inspiration all round ; and his mind thus elevated above itself is filled with the mingled feelings of awe, reverence and grandeur. The shrine is a seven-storeyed structure, and its height is very considerable, not much inferior to that of the Ochterlony Monument that stands in its solitary pride on the green grussy Muid in facing the "City of Palaces." It is crowned with thirteen minarets. Underneath the central spire which in height aná bulk surpasses all the rest is the presiding Goddess sitting on a lotus-flower whose stalk springs from the navel of a Siva lying supine upon a three cornered Jantra (geometrical figure). The Goddess, though a form of Kali, is not "wrenthed with human heads", or "pedestalled upon a carcass”, as that fierce-looking Deity is generally represented ; but looks like a most beautiful lady of sweet sixteen whis might well be mistaken for a blue-eyed Houri of Heaven. The witchery of her form and features has a talismanic charm which cannot fail to attractitie sight of the dullest and most sherpish of mortals. The Goddess seems formed of stone, but in re:ility she is made of Nimba wood painted blue Above her in the upper storey is a. Siva carved out of white marble, as there are twelva others underneath the remaining twelve minarets. In this sacrori edifice there is harmonious combination of grace and grandeur, light and shade, strength and repose. It draws pilgrims from all parts of the country, and has become a famous place of Hindu pilgrimage. Except the reputed sbrine of Tarkeswar, there is not another temple in all 'Bengal which is so much frequented by Hindus as this the temple of the Goddess Hamsesvari. Those persons who come to batbe at the Tribeni Ghat, the south Prayag of the Hindus, always make it a point to pay a reverential visit to this shrine of shrines. Mr. E. B. Havell has well observed that, "if India has not produced a Phidias or a Raphael, it has created the most magntficent architecture in the world *. A Ruskin finding fault with a See his article, “ The Taj and its Designers," in the Nineteenth Century for 1903.

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PORTAL OF HAMSESVARI TEMPLE.
Blocks kindly lent hy the
Caliulta Historical Society'.
THE HAMSESVARI TEMPLE.

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·RANI SANKARI AND HER SON AND GRANDSON. 55 Mogul architecture as an "evanescent style," might take exception to such remarks, but one who has carefully studied the Indian. art and has imbibed its spirit, would feel no hesitation in giving his full unqualified assent to it. Indeed, by voicing such noble sentiment, the great Artist of the present day has only given out the truth. The Taj at Agra which is universally admitted as one of the ten wonders of the world, is a sufficient answer to the disparaging criticism of the "grand old man" of Coniston. True it is, the temple of Hamsesvari cannot be placed on the same platform with that great ideal of the building art, but we must bear in mind that the two things are quite different in their nature. The Temple with its sculptured arches and its spires pointing heaven wards is a symliol as most Eastern buildings are symbols, but the Mausoleum stands alone among Eastern buildings, for it represents in art an attempt towards individuism,-"the proud passion of an Emperor's love wiought into living stone. The one is like the Partheon a shrine for a Goddess an exquisite casket to contain the jewel; the other is the jewel-the ideal itself. It is this difference in their character which renders it necessary to judge them by different standard. When so judged, the temple of Hamsesvari appears in its true colors and deserves great praise, though certainly not to the extent the Taj does, which stands almost unparalleled in the world. Indeed, the temple is a very beautiful piece of architecture in which Art strives to surpass Nature. It is all throughout nicely carved and ornamented, the general effect of which on the mind of the beholder is very striking. The central block in which the presiding Goddess holds her Court is surrounded by transepts which rest on stone columns and arches. It is circular in plan, and is roofed with a graceful doine, supported by pillars or rather pilasters at the corners of the octagon. The transept in the front or suuth side is calleri the Nat-Mandir, literally the dancing hall; it is a splendid piece of work, propped up by twelve columns and arches, beautifully carved and ornamented. The painted ceiling, the fine lattice-work above the doorway and the stone fountain below, make up it picture which is certainly pleasing to the sight. On festive occasions, when the whole building is lit up and the fountain is made to play, and the musical band at the Nahabatkhana strike up their best, the whole scene with the spacious courtyard ringing with the ·56 THE BANSBERIA RAJ. muffled eloquence of the ever thickening crowd looks like a thing which exists only in the imagination of the poet or in the fancy of the romancist. In the flowering scason when the gay gaudy par. terres in their blossoming pride unfold in manifold caskets of all the colors of the rainbow their wealth of odours in the beautiful garden in front, the atmosphere in and around the temple, is saturated with the sweetest perfunes, so very pleasing to the olfactory nerves. The main gateway with its grind orchestra and clock-house are simply imposing. The străit road leading to the royal entrance is a thing of beauty, while the rows of Verkul trees which line its two sides all through present a picturesque vista which unites the regularity of the grove with the raciness of the garden. Rani Sinkari wis, as we have already stated, a very able and intelligent lady. She understood Zumindari affairs well and by good and efficient management added much to the property left by her husband. Like Rani Bhabani of Nattore, or, to go still higher, Ahalya Bai of Indore, she used personally to go to the Zamindari and see with her own eyes the condition of the tenantry. This direct inspection was undoubtedly a gain to both parties. As for the tenants, it was a real blessing, affording as it did, a glorious opportunity of directly representing their grievances and having them redressed without the intervention of third parties. The landlord too had not to act upon garbled or over-coloured statements and was, therefore, not liable to be imposed upon by his officers whom self-interest often leads to act against the dictates of their conscience. Rani Sankari wis anything but a cruel or an exacting landlord ; indeed, she looked upon her ryots as though they were her children, and was in turn regarded by them as their much-respected mother. The Rani Mata, as she was commonly called, was viewed in the light of a Goddess, and a notion bad got abroad among the simple tenantry that if they took her name early in the morning practice which they generally observed their day was sure to pass off in peace and comfort, In short, she was what is called a model Zimindır whose example well deserves to be followed by people of her class. But though motherly to hcr tenants, the Rani was discriminate in the matter of the bestowal of favour, She only showed kindness where the case really required it. We happen to know an instance in point. A poor ryot who owing to bad season and the consequent failure of crops could not pay up the

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·RANI SANKARI AND HER SON AND GRANDSON. 57 rent due, came up to the Rani's Cutchery where she was holding her Court, and placing at a little distance from her some paltry produce of his dwelling abode, stood before her with clasped hands after making due obeisance. On being asked what he had to say, the poor man gave a fair and faithful account of the state of his affairs and prayed that the rent due froin him might be remitted. The Rani very properly thinking that the case really required relief at her hands, not only remitted the rent due from the tenant but also directed the Gonastha of the village to supply all bis wants so long as his affairs did not take a better turn. The fellow overjoyed at the unexpected kindness of the Rani Mata returned home and reported the matter to the whole body of villagers who filled the air with the praises of the Rani. A few days after, a well-to-do wily tenant, en vying the lot of his poor neighbour who had gained such high favour as he thought, by making a small present, appeared before the Rani Mata with more substantial presents and making his obeisance in the usual way, prayed to have his rent remitted on the ground of inability to pay. The Rani, whom it was no easy matter to impose upon, at once saw through the whole dodge, and, instead of showing any kindness to the cunning old man, ordered the Go. mastha to realise every pice of the rent due without delay. Her order, strict as it was, was promptly carried out and the fellow through sheer shame could not show his face in the village for some time. This right discerning conduct on the part of the Rani, so far from giving any offence to the public at large, became the subject of praise all round. Though well able to live splendidly, the Rani was, as matter of fact, very simple in her mode of living. Unnecessary display of pomp and riches she abhorred from her very heart. This was the main reason why she could not pull well with her only son, Rajah Kailasdeb, who was nothing if not showy, And was, as a matter of necessary consequence, a little too extravagant in his expenses. But though simple in her habits, the Rani spent a good deal in charity. Intensely pious as she was, she had deep regard for Brahmans and Pundits and made them presents with unstinted liberality. She took special delight in relieving the distress of the poor and the needy, and her alushouse was always wide open to mendicants and others who stood in need of help and shelter, There have been very few persons in Bengal who were à ·58 THE BANSBERIA RAJ. charitable like her. Indeed, her charity almost possed for a proverb. Not only were the poor fed and clothed, people in difficulty found adequate relief at her hands, and on festive occasions, specially at the time of the Dole Jatra her gifts to the assembled Brahmans and Pundits of Bengal were on an unusual scile. As the tulented Babu Akshoy Chandra Sirkar has remarked, she made her parting Pronam (obeisance ) to each of them by presenting one plateful of red-powder and another plateful of money. A Hindu of Hindus as she was par excellence, she had the highest regard for Brahmans : Indeed, she looked upon them as gods on earth. One instance out of many would, we hope, suffice to show the depth of her reverential feeling towards them. In her time the principal articles of food, such as rice, pulses and the like, used to be sent up from her Zamindari at Hathiag:rh, laden in big bouts, for whole year's consumption. On the borts reaching the river ghat at Bansberia, it was the practice of the Brahmans of the place to rep:ir to the spot and take out as much of the goods as would suffice to feed thein all the year round ; and after they had thus taken out whit they required, the remainder went to fill the granary at the Rajbiti for the performance of the Deb-sheba, the feeding of mendicants, and such like purposes. On one occasion it so happened that all the goods that had been sent were taken up by the Brahmans, so that there remained nothing to be stored up in the royal graniry. Upon this, the man who had been sent in charge of the boats came up to the Rani and in a piteous plaintive tone, informed her of what had happened. The good lady, so far from being vexed or in any way displeased, told him in reply, "the goods and things have been garnered up in the granary, aye, they have been really so garner d up: Could there be a more striking piece of good luck than this ?" The Rani in the nobleness of her heart verily believed that the supplying the wants of those who are in need, is the best way of storing goods ; indeed, it is, as the poet says, like “hoarding treasures in Heaven. The Rani celebrated the Tula Furush rite with great eclat. This is the " weighing one's person " in golden scales with counierpoise of gold, silver, and other valuables, and distributing the same among the Brahmans and Pundits assembled on the occasion. This ceremony is not peculiar to the Hindus, it was also in use among the Mogul Emperors of Delhi, some of whom were found ·RANI SANKARI AND HER SON AND GRANDSON. 59 to be obrating almost every year. It was regarded as an auspicious thing which brought in its train peace and prosperity to the person celebrating it. Rani Sankari spent about a lakh of rupees on this memorable occasion. Though naturally kind-hearted, the Rani was sure to loose the mor.el equilibrium of ber temper at the sight of treachery and wick dness. We happen to know a very striking instance in connection with this, trait in her character. This is with reference to her Mukter at Hoog'ly, wliom we would not name for decency's sake, more especially as he is no longer in the land of the living. This man whose duty among other things was to deposit the Govern. ment revenue, pylobe by the Rani, in the Collectorate, had been as usual paid the amount to be deposited in the Collector's Office on a certain occasion. But actuted by wicked selfish motive, Tie bad me:int to make defirult with a view to purchasing the Mahal Bonami at the auction which would take place in the regular course of affairs. This fact coming to the knowledge of the Rani in the morning of the sale day, her indignation knew no bounds, and instantly ordering a palanquin to be made ready, she, armed with a broomstick --that formidable weapon in the hinds of an infuriated IIindu f:male-proceeded right up to the Collector's Court and reached it wien office work hud just commenced, and running up, like a veritable Fury, to the spot where that rascal of a Muktear W:$ plying bis usu :) avocrion, and abusing him by name, coinmenced bel bouring him with the broomstick, at which all present were struck with wonder and amazement. Roused by the sudden noise, the Collector himself came downstairs and on being inforined of what the matter was, tried to pacify the Rini who was still exercising thit inost efective weapon ber ill-fatel Igent. At the earnest request of the great m'in, she desisted and recovered her usual good temper though not without considerable effort. The Collector wanted to punish the wicked practitioner by handing him over to the Criminal Court, l»ut the Rani who was averse to ruining a man altogether, however much he might deserve it, observing that the severe corporal punishment she had already dealt out was quite sufficient, dissuaded him from proceeding to that extremity. The Muktear was taken severely to task by the good Collector and would most certainly have lost his sanad but for the kind intercession of the Rani.

·80 THE BANSBÉRIA RAJ. Rajah Kailasdeb was, as we have already stated, a kile toð extravagant in his expenses and loved to pose as the Bean Brummell of his day. This was more than his mother, Rani Sankari, could bcar who was quite averse to pomp and show. No wonder then that the mother and the son quafrelled, and the matter became so very serious that the dispute had to be settled by aid of Court. Rajab Kailasdeb brought a suit for recovery of possession of his ancestral Zamindari situate in the districts of 24 Parganas and Hooghly, laying his claim at a trife less than a lakh and fifty thousand. The Rani defendant pleaded that the properties claimed which had belonged to her husband, the late Rajah Nrisinhadeb Rai, had been given her by kim and that she had been exercising the rights of ownership in accordance with the ternis of the deed of gift and that the plaintiff had no right, title or interest therein. The suit was hotly contested in the Provincial Court at Calcutta where it was brought, and, at length, a decree was passed in favour of the plaintiff. The Rani heing aggrieved by the said decree preferred an appeal to the Sadar Dewani Adalat. The appeal dragged its slow length along till the year 1826. In the long interim owing to disputes between the two contending parties, collections had not been made, and the Government revenue having fallen into arrears, the Zamindari, the subject matter of the litigation, tan the risk of being brought under the hammer. In these circumstances the parties came to their senses and agreed to compromise the matter in dispute between themselves. Under the compromise so effected the Rani af Shebait of the newly-established Goddess Hamsesviri got possession of Gifteen Mouzas out of the Zimindari of Parganas Hathiagarh and Mamdanipur situate in the district of 24 Parganas and one Mouza named Kulihanda in the appurtenancy of Pargana Arsha in Zillah Hooghly, in all sixteen Mouzas the profits whereof she was to enjoy and spend in performing the Debe. sheba and doing other things specified in the deed of compromise. The remaining property was left in the possession of the plaintiff Rajah Kailasdeb. In the matter of the daily Deb-shebu and the performance and observance of the periodical religious rites and ceremonies the Rani was given full und absolute power, in which her son Rajah Kailasdeb was to have no share or concern The deeds of compromise were duly filed in Court and ·RANI SANKARI AND MER ON AND RANDSON. 61 the covas decided by Mr. Courteney Smith, the second Judge of the Sadar Court, in accordance with the terms of the Rasinama and Safinama, as those deeds were called in Court parlance, on the 21st of September, 1826, corresponding to the 6th Aswin, 1233 B. S. after a litigation of nearly seven long years. Rajah Kailasdeb died in the very prime of life. This melancholy event took place in Agrahayan, 1244 B. S. corresponding to Norember, 1838 * The Rani, notwithstanding that she was not on good terms with her son, received a severe shock by his untimely death, and, like Rachael weeping for her children, would not be comforted for sometime. But as years rolled by; she felt the softening influence of Time and gas herself again. Rani Sankari was very fond of her grandson, Rajab Debendradeb, the only son of Rajah Kailasdeh. But though Debendra was his bnly male issue, Rajuh Kailasdeb had three daughters of whom Karunamoyi was married to Srinarayan Sinha, popularly known as "Raja Babu” son of the illustrious "Lala Babu" of the Paikpara Raj family. Young Debendradeb had received a good education. Besides Sanscrit and Persian, he knew English well, as would appear quite clear from the fact that he was a Senior Scholar of the old type. He had great taste for music and other fine arts. For his admirable accomplishments he was much liked by the European officials of his day. Not to spe.ik of others, Mr. (afterwards Sir Frederick ) Halliday when Magistrate of Hooghly often paid friendly visits to Rajab Debendrideb at his residence. In the palmy days of the Hooghly College the Governor-General bimself graced it with his august presence on the occasion of the prize distribution. On one such occasion Lord Dalhousie held a Durbar at the grand College Hall to which the elite of the district were invited. Although there were some other grandees present, Rajsh Debendradeb was singled out and was given the first place on the right hand side of the great Satrap and he was also the only native gentleman with whom His Sir Charles Theophilus (afterwards Lord) Metuze, whose memory is so much revered in India, retired in 1838. This year is also memorable as being the one in which was issued the famous "Simla Manifesto," declaring war with Afghanistan which was attended with sucha serious less.

·62 THE BANSBERIA RAJ. pe It Wils Excellency held conversation for sometime. This was no small honour, seeing that it came from the then first and greatest man in India. But not only had Rajab Debendradeb parts and accomplish. ments of a high order, his personal graces were above the ordinary run. An old resident of Binsberia bas infornicd us that the Rajah was a very handsome-looking man and that whoever saw bim, would be charmed with his beautiful appearance and cherish a strong liking for bim. Maharshi Debendra Nath Tagore of Calcutta had once paid him a visit and he was so captivated with his personal grace and polite conversation that he expressed a strong desire to be made one of his friends and associates. Like that of his father, the tenure of Debendradel's life was also short, and he was cut off quite in the rosy bloom of humanity. This sad event took place in the month of Buisik, 1259 B. S. corresponding to April, 1852. The sudden death of her beloved grandchild told very heavily upon the old Rani's health and slie survived the terrible shock not more than six months. in October, on the night previous to the Kali Puja day that this Lady of revered memory closed her eyes for ever in the darkness of death in the eightieth year of her age. Thus passed away froin this earth a wonderful character who, although belonging to the we.ker sex, possessed qualities and virtues which are only rarely found combined in fallen humanity. Her house was "a temple and ber life a law." She was the delight of her own age and the wonder of the next. The Rani added much to the property which she had got under the deed of compromise effected in 1826. Though naturally simple and economical in her ways and habits, she was deemed one of the most charitable persons of her day. Rani Bhabani of Nattore was not more revered in East Beng.) than was Rani Sankari on this side of the Bhagirathi. Indeed, she was held in high esteem not only by the common people but also by big folks including Government officials of rank and respectability. The Rani's name is a household term in Lower Bengal; and the Calcutta Corporation too have commemorated her by naminig after her a street in Kalighat in which a house belonging to the Bansberia Raj is situated. A short time before her death, the Rani had executed a Will ·RANI SANKARI AND HER SON AND GRANDSON. 63 on the 23rd Aswin 1259 B. S. ( 1852 A. D. ), whereby she endowed all her estates to the Goddess Himsesvari, nominating her greatgrandsons, Rajah Purnendudeb Rai and his two brothers and their descendants as Shebaits. She appointed the widow of Debendradeb, Rani Kasiswari, as executrix to the estate of her minor sons ; and Rajahs Protap Chunder Sinha and Iswar Chunder Sinha * of the Paik para Raj family, kindly volunteered their services and managed the estate in conjunction with Rani Kasiswari, then a young widow. Both Protap Chunder and Iswar Chunder had been adopted in the Paikpara family, the latter having been takrn as son by Rani Karunamoyi, daughter of Rajab Kailasdeb, and the former by another wife of Srinarayan Sinha. They loved their wards with more than a brotherly love. They also looked after their estates with due care and attention. But when Iswar Chunder, and, after him Protap Chunder, died in rapid succession and their estates came under the management of Mr. Harvey, Rani Kasiswari was compelled through necessity to take sole charge of the estates of her minor sons, and, be it said to her credit, conducted the managenient with ability and prudence not quite common in her sex.

·CHAPTER X. Rajah Purnendudeb Rai Mahasai. When Rani Sankari departed this world, her eldest great grandson, Rajah Purnendudeb was only nine years of age. His relations the Rajas of Paikpara, took due care to give him proper education. This young scion of a noble House was adinitted in the Hooghly College, then a very fourishing institution, where he acquired a fair knowledge of English. He was also interested in Sanscrit Arabic and Persian and thus became a little bit of a linguist. But in after life when he was master of himself he paid particular attention to the study of English literature and Sanscrit learning, and turned out a good scholar in both, Rajah Purnendudeb was a Godfearing man and always proved true to his word. He would on no account give the go-by to his promise. This fine trait in his character had developed itself when he was in his teens. While under the guardianship of the Paikpara Raja Protap Chunder Sinba, young Purnendu had promised a donation of Rs. 1000, for some good purposes. This fact coming to the ears of the noble guardian, he took to task his little ward, saying that he had done wrong in making such a large promise, and then added that, as he was quite a boy, he might slip out of his promise and not pay the 'money. Upon this, Purnendu, boy as he was, was deeply affected and in half anger and half sorrow used these memorable words in reply:-Most respected cousin, I hope you would not in right earnest advise me in that way. If you don't pay the money out of my estate, I shall earn the amount by the sweat of my brow and fulfil my promise by paying it. When knowing full well that the object was good and noble for which the promise was made, I will never swerve from the right path but stick by my word. Do you wish me to become a shame and disgrace to the family I am descended from? Is money of greater importance than promise willingly and deliberately madep Noble-souled Protap Chunder being quite charmed with the high-mindedness of

·RUAN PURSESD(I'ER RAL JAMASAI.
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·RAJAH PURNENDUDLB RAI MARASAI. 63 the boy, readily taking him up in bis arms, exclaimed in the ecstacy of joy, "you are really a brilliant ornament to the family. I give you the money this very moment," and he kept his word to the very letter. Rajah Purnendudeb was early distinguished for his public-spirit and liberality. During the dark days of the Sepoy Mutiny when still a minor, he did yeoman's service to Government by supplying the local authorities with one thousand carts and coolies at a time when there was not a single cart or a cooly available in this part of the country. His services for the good of his own district are well worthy of notice. The opening of the Trishbigha Railway Station was mainly due to his exertions, and the cost of the metalling of the feeder-road were largely borne by him. The Rijah with the time-honored generosity of the Bansberia House also made a gift of a long strip of land for the construction of a road from the Hooghly Railway Station right down to the riverside for which he was thanked by the then Commissioner of the Burdwan Division, Mr. Charles Francis Montresor * That road is known as Cockerell Road, it having been constructed at a time when Mr. R. V. Cockerell was the Magistrate and Collector of Hooghly. The Rjuh also contributed half the costs of the metal. ling of the Strand Road from Tribeni to Keota, a distance of about four miles. But not only did he look to the material improvement of the town and its suburbs, the moral and intellectual amelioration of Vide his letter to the Rajah dated the 30th June 1865:- "I have received with much satisfaction your note of this day's date and anı much pleased to find that you have come to such a very favourable deterinination regarding the road. The name of the Goddess “ Hangseswari” tho' pleasing in application is difficult of pronuncia: tion among the lower classes and especially by those not thoroughly acquainted with Hindu mythology. Perhaps she may have another name (which I am not aware of) more euphonious. I shall not fail to apprise the Municipality of the intention expressive of the gift of the land for the purpose of the road which will be a great boon to the public, which I am sure will be a gratification to the donor." Mr. Montresor was a Hailybury man. He came out to India in the service of the East India Company and after serving in various capacities retired in 1870. See Memorials of old Hailybury College, ·66 THE BANSBERIA KAJ. the people also claimed due share of his attention. He was a warm patron of learning like many of his ancestors. The High English School at Bansberia was founded by him and it is still kept up by his worthy sons. After the abolition of Di. Duff's "Bansberia School' some such Institution was felt as a desideratuin, and the good Rajah, l'urnendudeb, gladly come forward to meet it. Accordingly, he opened an English School on the auspicious dıy the 14th January, 1880, and himself bore almost all the expenses for good many years. Afterwards, a terrible malarial fever came upon the place as a blight sweeping off most of its inhabitants, and the Rijah had to close the school for wint of .school-going lads. Again, on the first day or the year 1893, when affairs were found to have taken a somewhat better turn, le opened the present High English School to meet the cducational necds of the townspeople, and, thank God, it is still flourishing under the fostering care of his sons. But not only did he countenance English education with lis powerful support, he also gave encouragement to the study of the neglected Sanscrit lore by maintaining Tols and contributing annual stipends to Pundits. A Sunscrit work known as Kalyarchanbidhi, or the prescribed mode of worshipping the Goddess Kali, was printed and published at his expense. He also en couraged primary education † by awarding prizes and medals to -meritorious students. And as a necessary accompaniment to the betterment of the minds of the people, he contributed towards the recruiting of their health, He maintained a Charitable Dispensary for the poor of the locality. Indeed, the Rajah was a true and -warm friend of the poor. If he came to know that a wretched . . Dr. Duff's School-house was built with Major Dutrarn's Sind blood-money as it was called. See The Story of Bansberia in Dr. George Smith's Life of Dr. Duff. Vol. II. p 50. + Vide letter of Mr. H. Pellew, Magistrate of Hooghly, dated the 24th Jauuary, 1878:-"I have much pleasure in thanking you for the assistance and interest you have shewn in the late Fatshala Examinations. The presents you made to Guru, and pupils, your hospitality to them and the two silver medals you have given for encouragement of Education in the most backward centres of the district shew the warm interest you take in the welfare of those who are poor and helpless."

·RAJAH PURNENDUDEB RAI MAHASAI. 67 sout was ailing without medical aid, he would himself go to his humble abode and make proper arrangements for his treatment, and if the case was very serious, hc would not rest content with kecping it solely in the hands of the doctor atlached to his Dispensary, but would cill in the Civil Surgeon at the S..dar Station of Hooghly, or some other equally competent master of the heiling art, and pay him out of his own pocket. Such noble conduct on his part (-xcited wonder and admiration in most people, and if any one of a purely worldly turn of mind tried to dissuade him from making such sacrifices for incligent commoners, he would readily silence him by saying that in bis view there was no clifference between high and low, sufferings from diseases being painful as much to the peasant as to the prince. In short, he Wis the Ma-bup of the poor and the distressed. The common folks in the neighbourhund still shed tears at bearing his name mentioned, and say in so many words that he was their most intimate friend and greatest benefactor and that his like is not to be found again. Like his ancestors R:j1h Purnendudob W.is very kind and open-handed. Ic duly kept up the Atitshula ( alms-house) at the Rjbati, and, what is more worthy of praise, sulüplemented it by m king contributions to the helpless widows and orphans in the loc:lity whose status in life did not permit them to avail of public charity. Such help, r.-ndered as it was in secret, was much appreciated by the unfortunate recipients who blessed the Rijal with both hands and constantly prayed for his happiness and long life. In times of scarcity and famine, Rajih Purnendudeb provided ample relief for his suffering tenantry and the poor people at large and also subscribed handsome sums at the request of the Magistrate, Indeed, though generally economical like his great-grandmother, the auspicious Rani Sankuri, whose example be followed in miny respects, he was never found wanting in his duty to the general public in times of need. But whatever he did, he did with "heirt within and God overhead :" He had no ulterior object in view but did the thing for its own sake. His charity, unlike the so-called charity of the present day, had nothing of ostentation in it, it was not exercised to gain a name or to achieve fame. Indeed, he was quite Christian like in his beneficence and his left ·THE BANSBERIA RAJ. hand did not know what his right hand gave. Many of his private charities were not known to the public but there were not a few in and around Bansberia who daily blessed his sacred name for the good he did them by stealth. He also proved a real friend to some big folks, who had suffered from the frowns of fortune. We know of one or two instances of his having materially helped some very respectable gentlemen who for some cause or other had been reduced to great straits. To put the matter in a few words, the Rajah was a truly charitable man and not a base counterfeit. Rajah Purnendudeb took prominent part in every public movement that was set on foot in his time in the district. He was President of many public bodies notably the Branch British Indian Association at Hooghly, and the Hooghly District Association, He also served as Honorary Magistrate and Municipal Commissioner of the Bansberia Mulicipality. In fact, he was not sparing in his efforts to do good service to the Government under whose protecting eyes he lived. The Rajah was held in high esteem by the people of this part of the country. This honour was done him not because that he was the richest man, which he certainly was not, but because of his having added lustre to the much-renowned Raj family. Owing to various causes this family has become inferior in point of wealth to some parvenu families which in course of time have grown immensely rich ; but in wealth of honour, they all have to hide their “diminished heads" before it. Mere rank which is "but the guinea's stamp," or riches which are "but the baggage of virtue," have not much value or importance; but rank which is acquired by a long series of good deeds is of sterling merit and receives due consideration at the hands of the people: It is of a lasting and durable character and does not fade away with the falling off in the ever-changing favour of fortune: The time-honoured Bansberia House possesses some such rank, and however much it may have suffered in its material condition, it is not likely to lose the esteem which it has justly earned by its manifold acts of goodness and generosity and piety. The Rajah was much respected by the European officials at the Sadar Station and the occasions were not few in which he was consulted by them on some important matters which had

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·RAJAH PURNENDUDEX KAI MAHASAI. 69 was or was teference to the administration of the district. Even some of the draft Bills, while in course of progress through proper legislative chinnel, were sent up to him for opinion, and such was his independence of character that he would never express views which were not quite in accord with his fixed principles. He possessed to an eminent degree what is so felicitously called the courage of conviction, and never failed to give expression to it even at the risk of incurring the displeasure of "the powers that be." But he not stiff-necked obstinate: He was always open to conviction and if it could be shown that his opinion was wrong, he would most gladly change it and adopt the right view. But thoroughly independent as Rajab l'urnendudeb was, he never in the Black-book of of the District Magistrates. In connection with this matter we would cite an instance which plainly shows how very high was the regard which they used to show him. For one reason or another, Babu Kalipado Mukherjee, then Deputy Mingistrate of Hooghly, was somewhat vexed with Rajah Purnendudeb. When the Lieutenant-Governor came to visit Hooghly, some Zumindars of the district were invited to come and pay their respects to bis Honor; and as Babu Kalipado was entrusted with the duty of sending the invitation cards, he purposely and out of spite withheld it froin Rijuh Purnendudeb. On the list of the Zamindars invited being in due course presented before the Lieutenant-Governor, His Honor, not finding in it the name of the Bansberia Rijalı, asked the Magistrate why he had not been invited, at the same time adding that as he was the principal Zamindar in the District he would like to see him first. Upon this the Magistrate stared at Kili Babu with indignant look, who, though panting with fear, somehow managed to preserve his presence of mind, and taking a swift-running carriage, drove direct to the Bansberia Rajbati and taking the Rajah with him came back to Hooghly in no time, candidly confessing to the Rajah and his friends his own inability to deprive the Rajah of the honour which God had given him. Needless to say that the Lieutenant-Governor first saw Rajah Purnendudeb and then the other Zamindars present on the occasion. But though Rajah Purnendudeb was held in the highest honour, he knew not what pride was. He was as simple as a child and ·70 THE BANSBERIA RAJ. was had good looks for all irrespective of social difference. His affability could not fail to niove the hearts of those who came in contact with him ; and such his goodness that he would enquire into the communest minutiæ of one's domestic affirs and always bear them in mind. Indeed, he wis Nature's nobleman and both preached and prictised the doctrine of the Fatherhood of God and the Brotherhood of m:in. As for his tenants, he looked upon them as his children, and they in their turn paid him greater respect than they would to their atural fatlier. Peace and harmony reigned in his Zamindari and th: Gomast as found no difficulty in realising rents. Litigation bad almost bccome a thing of the past in his estates. Even in cases of disputes of a purely private nature, the tenants would not scek the assistance of the Court but refer them to their much respected landlord, Rijih Purnendudeb Rai possessed the instinct of a god jullve and such an adept he wis in detecting falsehood and discovering truth that both parties were equally pleased with his decisions. Thus, he was not only a model gentiuman, but was also a modi administrator of justice. To his sons he never missed an opportunity of giving good advice. Economical as lie himself was, lie strongly insisted upon their living within their means. No precept was more frequent in his mouth than the commun saying --'cut your cout according to your clotl:.' Surely, economy is no disgrire ; it is better living on a little than outliving a great deal. But though he alwys advised them never to squander money, he was most forwırd in enjoining them to help the needy and the sick. He also coun. selled them to be open-handed in the matter of the spreading of education and the advanceinent of Bengali literature. A thoroughly honest man as he was, he always stood in fear of gesting into debt and would eschew it as he would eschew the Devil. не thought with Yudisthir the Just that happy is the man who though living upon rice and herbs, is nobody's debtor, and can say- I live and thrive, Indebted to no prince or peer alive ; and it is gratifying to observe that his worthy sons have been acting up to it. The Rajah was himself a very rictive man, he could not sit idle but would be doing sone work or other; and he would never ·RAJAH PURNENDUDEB RAI MAHASAI. 7 get :nything done by others which he could do himself. He knew very well that idleness is one of the worst enemies of humanity, it is, as a very wise min has said, "the Devil's cushion;' and that the Almighty in his Supreme Wisdom helps only those who help themselves. The wise Rajab's advice like that of Lord Chesterfield to his son, was not limited in its character but had a very wide general scope. Of all English poets he had the highest regard for that prince among them, 'Sweetest Shakespezire, Fancy's child,' and would now and again ask his most beloved ones on eårih to bear in mind some of the “wise saws and modern instances." which are interspersed throughout his works like rubies and stones in a nice piece of inlaid work. Th.it well-known Inaxim which is the quintessence of the wisdom of a thousand years, naniely, 'Give every man thine ears but few tiy voice' *, he was fond of repeating over and over agiin. This is, no doubt, a very whole. some maxim and it behoves every reasonable man to follow i.s spirit. The great poct also warus people from entering into quarrel;' but as there may be circumstances under which it would be impossible to keep out of it, he proceeds to say that, being in, bear it that your opponent my beware of thice.' What he means to say is that when you are in the fray, try to put down and punish your adversary in the best way you can, so that in future he my not enter into quarrel with you again. In compliance with the golden words of that prince of poets, the Rajah would be advising his sons not to have anything to do with party faction. tizan can never be a general favourite, and while he sides with one party and takes part in its interests, he becomes an eyesore and enemy to the other. The Rajah would never himself cherish partizanship, and the result was that so far from losing the regard of any party he would not unoften be asked to arbitrate between the two. In this way he giried the esteem of the whole community and was loved by them all. The Rijah was an advocate of ancestor-worship, not certainly in its literal, but in its moral 'More majorum' is a wise old maxim, and be strictly A parsense. Similar sentiment is put by the poet in the mouth of old Polonius : Take each man's censure but reserve thy judgment ·THE BAXSBERIA RAJ, C observed it in his own life and was very assiduous in insisting it upon the attention and regard of his dear ones on earth. He was often heard to say “ Follow the wys of your ancestors and try to keep intact the good works which they have left as a legacy to you." A truly wise man as he was, the Rajah was always alive to the fact, forgotten though it often be, that union was strength, and he would never cease to advise his sons to live as a joint Hindu family. "Divide and conquer" is a very salutary pretept and it is true not only in the world of politics but almost everywhere. Of course there might be circumstances, under which it would not be advisable even if it were possible, to live jointly ; but such occasions were few and far between. The Rajah was a very kind-hearted man and he would not hurt the feelings of anybody for nothing. His very nature would not permit it, so good and saint-like he was. There are some people who feel a kind of pleasure in being the cause of pain to others. The Rajah bad deep hatred for such intrinsically bad characters and would never associate with them, far less encourage them in their dark doings. This very healthy trait in his character has, we are glad to say, been inherited by his sons who would be the last persons to give without any cause the slightest injury to any one's feelings. The Rajah was not only a strictly moral man and the most innocent of beings he also possessed accomplisimments of a high order. He had a fine ear for music and was also practically acquainted with that divine art which has such a wonderful effect both upon man and beasts. He could not, it is true, sing well, but he was a good hand at playing on the Setar and Esraj. He also knew a little of the sister art of painting, and, what is quite unconimon among people of rank and riches, could frame earthen models He was familiar too with engineering and the plan upon which the new Rajbati was built was devised by him without the aid of any engineer whatever. Like some sages and sovereigns of old, the Rajah was very fond of gardening. He always looked after his gardens and made suggestions for their improvement. In this respect it would not be too much to say that he was a model gardener. Sir William Temple was not a warmer lover of this innocent pastime than Rajah Purnendudeb was. One might think that the man who possessed such wealth of ·RAJAH PURNENDUDEB RAI MAHAJAI. 73 . mental and moral accomplishments was not equally fortunate in the possession of a strong bodily frame. But this was not so. The Rajah was very well-built in his person and his strength was such that he could lift up a heavy arm-chair and walk some distance with it by holding in his right hand only one of its legs. He was a very swiſt walker and was so quick of pace that very few could overtake him even by running. He was also a good rider and could manage the most unruly of horses, Not less familiar was he with boating and swimming. At sword play too he was an expert hand. Thus, he was an all-square man and excelled in many things. Fear he knew not what it was, and found great pleasure in hunting tigers and other wild beasts. He was also a good shot and like Arjuna of Mahabharat fame could shoot flying birds. His aim seldom missed its mark. Even in times when Hooghly and its neighbouring places rang with wails and sufferings occasioned by the ravages of the dacoits, he would keep open at night not only the main gate of the Palace but also the upper door of the staircases. Thus, he was a marvellously fearless man and made light of the same caused by the dark and dreaded doings of turbulent robbers and other bad characters. But though the Rajah, was a bit of a Sandow in bodily strength, there was nothing like the roughness of the athlete in him. He was a fine good-looking man and had all the marks of royalty in his person. On the 18th March, 1902 when the late lamented Lieutenant-Governor of Bengal, Sir John Woodburn, paid a visit to the Rajbati at Bansberia, the full-sized oil-painting of the Rajah which graces the hall of the palace attracted his sight and standing before it and looking at it minutely for no less than ten minutes gave out in the presence of all who were with him at the time that he did not remember having seen such fine frame and noble features in Lower Bengal. Thus, the Rajah was a prince of men in many respects and no wonder then that his memory is held in such high regard by people of all castes and colours. The Rajah had very great regard for his mother. In October 1895, he performed her Tula Purush Dan with a pomp and liberality not ill becoming his high position in Hindu society. Of course, it was not such a splendid affair as the one celebrated by Rani Sankari ; but although it somewhat suffers by comparison, still taken by itself it was a pretty grand affair and had very IO ·TRIU PUBLIC LIBRARY TAL PANSBLRIA RAJ. few parallels in this part of Bengal. The Statesman of the 23rd October, 1895, thus described the ceremony :-"The other day the Tula Purush Dan, or the weighing in a balance with counterpoise of precious jewels, gold and silver, of Rani Kasiswari, mother of Rajah Purnendudeb Rai Bahadur, was performed with considerable eclat, and over ten thousand rupees were distri. buted among the Brahmans assembled. Hundreds of eminent Sanscrit scholars and Professors from all the ceutres of Sanscrit learning, such as Nadia, Bhatpara, Vicrampore, Mulajore and Calcutta, were present, and lively discussions on many leading social questions took place. Thousands of poor and needy were clothed and fed. This was an unique spectacle never witnessed before in this part of the country.” The Rajah whose memory is cherished with such sincere regard, breathed his last on the 25th July, 1896, leaving four sons, viz, Satindradeb Rai Mahasai, Kshitindradeb Rai Mahasai, Munindradeb Rai Mahasai and Romendradeb Rai Mahasai, of whom the eldest Satindradeb Rai has assumed the hereditary title of “Rajah Mahasai" and is the recognised chief representative of the House, the others being known as Kumars. Rajah Purnendudeb Rai had two younger brothers, viz, Surendradeb Rai and Bhupendradeb Rai, of whom the latter, though the youngest, was the first in leaving this vale of tears.' This sad event took place on the 7th Agrahayan, 1297, when the deceased had barely completed his thirty-ninth year. The second Surendradeb Rai was born in 1256, and was, therefore, an infant of three years when the all-revered venerable Rani Sankari shuffled off her mortal coil." Surendradeb died on the 16th Chaitra, 1304. This was a very severe shock to his aged mother, Rani Kasiswari, who felt it so much that it erelong precipitated her own end. Surendradeb was an excellent type of a gentleman. He had deep regard for the Hindu religion. His mode of living was markedly simple. He knew not what pomp was, and walked about in the plainest attire. But in all this he merely took after his elder brother, Rajah Purnendudeb Rai who was a real prince among men and of whose like one may search the whole world and yet find a few, a very few only. Estd. 1902. HOWKAH.

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