A Bengal zamindar, Jaykrishna Mukherjee of Uttarpara, and his times, 1808-1888

Citation preview

A BENGAL BENGAL ZAMINDAR ZAMINDAR

BY THE TR SAME SAME AUTHOP. AUTHOR

The Ryotwari System SystemininMadras Madras (1792^1827) (1792-1827) The Port ooff Calcutta: A A Short ShortHisto1y History (Calcutta Port Port Commissioners) Commissioners) (Calcutta

I

Ja y k rish n a in in 1887 Jaykrishna [From anoil oil painting pain tin g by by Jam es Archer, A rcher,R.S.A.] r .s.a .] [From an James

Plate II Plate

A BENGAL JAYKRISHNA MUKHERJEE OF UTTARPARA AND HIS TIMES 18 0 8 -18 8 8 i8o8-i888

NILMANI N IL M A N I MUKHERJEE M U K H E R JE E R2ader in in History His1oy Reader University of of Calcutta

FIRMA K. K. L.L. MUKHOPADHYAY FIRMA MUKHOPADHYAY Calcutta

·

1975

First published 1975 1975 First published

© N ilmani M ukherjee1975 1975 © Nxui MUKRERJEE

Printed by P. K. Ghosh Ghosh at Eastend Eastcnd Printers, 3 Dr Suresh Suresh Sarkar Saxkar Road, Road, Calcutta Calcutta 700014 700014 and and published published by by Firma Firma K. K, L. L. Mukhopadhyay, Mukhopadhyay, 257-B, B. B. Ganguly 257-B, B. Ganguly Street, Street, Calcutta Calcutta700012 700012

To the the memory To memory o off my uncle my uncle

RAMDAS MUKHERJEE '

1898-1970

Contents Contents LIST PLATES AND AND MAPS MAPS L!ST OF PLATES - PREFACE in t r o d u c t io n INTRODUCTION

1. 1.

2. 2. 3. 3.

PARENTAGE, AND EARLY EARLY PARENTAGE, CHILDHOOD AND INFLUENCES (1808-1820) ■ INFLUENCES (1808-1820) i.x. Tradition and and Change Change in aa Family Family Early Education: Education: Father and Son E Son ii., Early

7.

XX1II xxiii

1 1 55 1 1

12 12

FALL OF BHARATPUR BHARATPUR(1825-1826) (1825-1826) End of Ochteriony Ochterlony ii. The Second Second Battle of Bharatpur Bharatpur

20 20 20 20 25 25

4. FO RTU NE’SWHEEL WHEEL(1826-1836) (1826-1836) FORTUNE'S i. Havelock’s Havelock's Pupil: Pupil: Marriage ii. Agency Houses Houses xx. Fall of the Agency From Sheristadar Sheristadar to to Zainindar Zamindar m. From

6. 6.

xv XV

FIVE YEARS IN MEERUT M EERUT(1821-1825) (1821-1825) i. x.

5. 5.

Xl XI

A YOUNG ZAMINDAR ZAMINDAR (1836-1846) (1836-1846) Zamindars' Politics i.x. Zamindars’ Politics . ii. n. Local Affairs in. xxx.Head Headof ofthe the Family iv. ttarpara xv. Reconstruction Reconstruction of ofUUttarpara v. The TheBali BaliKhal KhalBridge: Bridge: An An Engineering Engineering Feat Shift in in Local Local Leadership Leadership vi. Shift IN FULL CAREER: CAREER: ESTATE ESTATE MANAGEMENT MANAGEMENT (1846-1856) (1846-1856) i. Problems of an In-iproving Improving Landlord Landlord and Drainage in. i . Communication Communication and Zamindarversus versus Government Government m. Zamindar

36 36 36 36 41 41 46 46

54 54 54 54 62 62 73 73 75 75 84 84 88 88 91 91 91 91

109 109 113 113

IN PO LITICS AND AND SOCIAL SOCIAL IN FULL CAREER: POLITICS W ORK (1846-1856) (1846-1856) WORK x. i. The British Indian Indian Association Association

124 124 124 124

viii

8.

9. 9.

CONTENTS ix. a. The Widow-Remarriage Movement m. for the Spread of Education in. Work for iv. Vernacular Vernacular Literature Literature Society Society v. A Public Library for for Uttarpara Uttarpara vi. Matters of Public Health vu. vn. An Experiment in in Local Local Self-Government Self-Government vu'. vni. The School School of Industrial Art κix.. Two Great Exhibitions Exhibitions x. Family Affairs Affaire

140 140 145 145 169 169 172 172 175 175 178 178 182 182 184 184 186 186

1857 i.x. The Mutiny ii. Political Agitation iii. Educational Efforts in. "Brothers' War” War" iv. “Brothers’

190 190 190 190

'

197 197 204 204 206 206

UNDER A A CLOUD CLOUD(1858-1863) (1858-1863) i. The Famiiy Family Feud n. Estate Management and Agriculture ix. us. m. The Indigo Indigo Crisis Crisis and the the Indigo IndigoCommission Commission iv. Post-Mutiny Political and Financial Financial Issues Issues U ttarpara Public Public Library v. The Uttarpara vi. U ttarpara Municipal Municipal Problems Problems Uttarpara

209 209 209 209 226 226 233 233 238 238 245 245 251 251

10. REHABILITATION(1864-1870) (1864-1870) 10. REHABILITATION A Viceregal Visit i. at. Zamindari Problems Problems ii. us. in. Social Work. Dilemmas of an an Educator iv. Dilemmas v. Politics: Politics: The British Indian Indian Association Association vi. The Polygamy Polygamy Question vu. Uttarpara: vn. U ttarpara: The The Municipality Municipality vm. Loss of Sight vu'. LossofSight

255 255 255 255 258 258 277 277 288 288 301 301 308 308 312 312 314 314

11. 11. 'THE ‘TH E INDIAN INDIAN FAWCETr' FAWCETT’(1870-1875) (1870-1875)

318 318 318 318 323 323 327 327

Personal Affairs Farewell to to aa ‘Friend 'Friend of India’ India' n. A Farewell ix. m. The TheAnti-Land Anti-LandCess Cess Movement Movement iv. On rv. O nFinance Financeand andJudicial Judicial Reform Reform v. Famine Relief 'The Indian Fawcett' vs. vi. ‘The Fawcett’ i.

331 331 .

333 333 335 335

CONTENTS

vii. The vii. The Pabna Pabna Upheaval Upheaval vm. viii. A Zamindar's Zamindar’s Problems Problems Ix. Lift ix. Bengal Bengal Peasant Peasant Life Affairs x. Municipal Municipal Affairs

ΪΧ lx

338 338 342 342 350 350 357 357

12. PATRIARCH 12. PATRIARCH(1875-1880) (1875-1880) i. Pre-Congress Politics ii. Zamindars Zamundars under under Fire n, m. Public Instruction Public Instructionand andScientific Scientific Research Research iv. Jaykrishna's Jaykrishna’s Home Home Town ^ xv. v. The Daily Round: Family Family and Friends Friends

360 360 360 360 374 374 389 389 396 396 404 404

13. THE TH E FINAL FINALYEARS YEARS(1880-1888) (1880-1888) i.i. The Bengal Bengal Tenancy Tenancy Act Actof of1885 1885

416 416 416 416 430 430 443 454 457 457 466 466 473 473 479 479 486 486 495 495

ii. H. m. iv. v. vi. vii. vn. vm. ix. x.

Business As Usual Indian National NationalCongress Congress The Indian Social Problems The Last Educational Educational Achievements Achievements ttarpara Municipal Reform Reform and and U Uttarpara Another Viceregal Visit ‘The Age of An Eagle' Eagle’ 'The Old Age Personal Traits and Mental Personal M ental Attitudes Attitudes The End of of it All

APPENDIX a : GENEALOGY genealogy APPENDIX A:

497 497

APPENDIX APPENDIX B

498 498

ABBREVIATIONS IN NOTES REFERENCES ABBREVIATIONS USED TN NOTES AND REFERENCES

499 499

NOTES AND AND REFERENCES NOTES

501 501

BIBLIOGRAPHY

553 553

INDEX

573 573

List of of Plates Platesand andMaps Maps List PAGE

Plate II Jaykrishna Jaykrishnain in1887 1887 Plate

Frontispiece

[This is is from from an an oil oil painting painting by James Archer R.S.A. [This Archer r .s.a . (1823-1904). 1886-88. He (1823-1904).Archer Archerwas wasinin India India in in 1886-88. He was was most most successful successfulinincostume costumepictures picturesand and portraits portraits of children. His work was was of refined refined quality, quality and and akin to to that of of the pre-Raphaeites. pre-Raphaelites.His Hischief chiefportraits portraits inin­ Irving (1892). (1892). clude Sir George Trevelyan(1872) and Irving See David S. S. Meidrum's Meldrum’s article articleininThe TheDictionary Dictionary of of National Biography, 1901-Dec. 1911, National Biography,supplement supplementJan. Jan. 1901 -Dec. 1911, ed. by Sir Sir Sidney Sidney Lee, Vol. Vol. I1 (1966 (1966 reprint), reprint), pp. 4849. Archer finished finished Jaykrishna’s March, 49. Archer Jaykrishna's portrait portrait in in March, 1887. That That he made aa copy 1887. copy of ofthe theportrait portraitin in1888 1888 is is obvious obvious from from his his following followingletter letterto to Raja Raja Pearymohan Mukherjee: , RusseH St. 6 Russell 11th Dec. Dee. 88

My dear dear Rajah My II. beg the receipt beg to acknowledge acknowledge the receipt from from you you of of Ra. five five hundred hundred for for the duplicate Rs. duplicate of of your your father's father’s portrait. Sincerely yours, Archer.] J. Archer.]

II Bharatpur Bharatpur F6rt Fort

facing 86

III 'Opening O pening of of the the Tension Tension Bridge Bridge at at Bake Balee Khal on the the River River Hooghly, Hooghly, near Calcutta', Calcutta’, February 14, 14, 1846 1846 [From aa report reportininthe theBengal BengalHurkaru Hurkaru of Feb. 14, 14, 1846 1846 that the the bridge bridge was was opened on February February 13, 13, it appears that 1846. I1 have letter dated dated 1846. have followed followedthis thisdate. date.In In a letter May 13, 13, 1972 1972 Mrs. Mildred Archer, who was then in charge of the the prints and drawings section section of ofthe the India India Office Library, informed informed me me that the Office Library, the lithograph lithograph wellfrom the drawing was was made made by by T. C. Dibdin, aa wellknown English lithographer.]

IV Photostat portion of of the IV Photostat of of the the concluding concluding portion petition datedJuly dated July 19,1853 19,1853 sent Jaykrishna sent by byJaykrishna

87

xii

LIST AND MAPS LIST OF OF PLATES PLATES AN]) MAPS

and Rajkrishna to to the the Government Governmentof-Bengal of-Bengal for opening at U Uttarpara for opening a college college at ttarpara

fathzg 142

unsuccessful attempts him­ [After several unsuccessful attempts Jaykrishna Jaykrishna himstarted a college at U Uttarpara self started college at ttarpara in in 1887.] 1887.]

V Photostat V Photostat of of the the concluding concluding portion portion of the the petition forwarded Isvarchandra petition forwarded by by Pandit Isvarchandra Vidyasagar to to the Legislative Council of India Vidyasagar India October 4, 4, 1855 1855 on October

143

[Jaykrishna's [Jaykrishna’s name appears at at the the head head of ofthose those who who signed it.]

VII Jaykrishna's V Jaykrishna’s home. home. Built Built around around 1840, 1840, this this house lavish way house illustrates illustrates the the lavish way of life life of the the zamindar class in Bengal under British rule zamindar class in Bengal

406

[It also the mixed mixed architectural architectural styles prevailing also shows the in the period. In in In this this building, building, however, however, the over-all over-all presence of proportion, symmetry symmetry and balance is Is presence of proportion, and balance noticeable. The unicentred noticeable. The uniccntred arches, arches, the the floral floral motifs motifi and the theprojected projectedcornices cornicessuggest suggest Islamic Islamicinfluences. influences. The projected the Venetian The projected porch, porch, the Venetian screens screens and and shutters, the the pillars shutters, pillars and the the corner comer decorations decorations are clearly European architectural architectural tradition. The clearly in in the European pillars was was aa late feature of the zamindari pairing of pillars architecture of Bengal. Bengal. Probably Probably the the original lateral architecture lateral volutes volutes of the capitals of pillars were removed during later repairs. repairs. The top top railing, railing, the the sty'e style of ofroof roof concon­ struction and and the struction the barred barred windows windows are typically typically Indian. The picture picture of of the the house house was was taken taken sometime sometime bebe­ tween late Abaninath Mukheqee tween 1925 1925and and 1928 1928by bythe thelateAbaninathMukherjee who who was was an an amateur amateurphotographer photographer ofofdistinction. distinction. Horse-drawn carriages were used Horse-drawn used by byUttarpara Uttarpara zamindars even War II.] even after after World World War

V II Uttarpara U ttarparaPublic PublicLibrary. Library.View Viewfrom fromthe the east east VII This imposing imposing building, building, completed completed by by 1859, 1859, is a specimen degenerate form form of of Indo-European Indo-European specimen of of the degenerate architecture. The Theimpression impression is of aa Falladian architecture. Palladian building with its projected projected pillared portico and aa pedimental pedimental arch which which has lost lost its its character. character. The The fitited fluted pillars pillars are of mixed Indo-European style. The pillar capitals are Indianized and and rather rathernondescript. nondescript. The The Venetian Venetian blinds, the projected projected balconies, the the castle-like stairway

407

LIST OF OF PLATES PLATES AND AND MAPS MAPS LIST

v

xiii

and the the voluted volutcd ends ends of of its its balustraded railings suggest su re s t balustraded railings European European influence. On O n the the whole, whole, the the building building (espe(espe­ its facade, façade, not not shown shown in in the the picture) picture) reveals cially its reveals the want of organic organic unity and blending.] blending.]

North India ' Map 11 NortH India 1820-1826 1820-1826 22 Jaykrishrta's Jaykrishna’sBengal Bengal 1808-1888 1808-1888

14

590-91

Preface Preface JJAYKRISHNAMUKHERJEE a y k r is h n a M u k h e r j e e (1808-1888) of U (1808-1888) ofttarpara Uttarparawas wasone oneofofthe thegreat great

controversial figures figures of of nineteenth-century nineteenth-century Bengal. Bengal. An An archetypal controversial member of the the 'new ‘new zamindars' zamindars’ who who emerged Permanent member emergod after after the Permanent Settlement, he distinguished distinguished himself in many fields of activity. activity. Born Bom almost exactly half-way half-way between between the the battle battle of Plassey Plasseyand and the the Mutiny, Mutiny, Jaykrishna died died in the world Jaykrishna world of of Dadabhai Dadabhai Naoraji, Naoraji, Surendra Surendra Nath Nath Banerjee, Gladstone, Gladstone, Lord Lord Salisbury, Salisbury, Ripon Ripon and and Dufferin. His eighty eighty Banerjee, years virtually virtually Spanned spanned aa whole whole century century and influenced, years influenced, and was in turn influenced by, economic, political trends turn influenced by, many many economic, politicaland and cultural cultural trends resulting from from the Western impact on our society. Yet, shortly our society. shortly after after he became became historically historically extinct. extinct. His His writings writings and andspeeches speeches his death he were forgotten forgotten and nobody his ideas. ideas. The The country's were nobody discussed discussed his country’s devdev­ system, did not go his elopment, in spite of the lingering zamindari system, way. But But recent recent researches researchesininthe the history historyof ofnineteenth-century nineteenth-centuryIndia India way. have, to to some some extent, extent, exhumed exhumed Jaykrishna. Jaykrishna. Some Some important important books books published within the the last fifteen years refer refer to to one published within fifteen years one or other other of of his his manifold activities. activities.To To take take aa few manifold few random random examples: examples; M. Μ. N. N. Das, Das, Studies in the Economic Economic and and Social Social Development Developmentoof ModemIndia: India: 1848-56' iStudies f Modem 1848-56 (1959); BimanbehariMajuxndar, Majumdar, Indian Political Associationsand andReform Reform (1959); Bimanbehari Indian Political Associations of 1818-1917 (1965); (1965); Anil o f Legislature, Legislature, 1818-1917 Anil Seal, Seal,The TheEmergence Emergence of o fIndian Indian Nationalism artin, J Jr., r., New India, 1885 (1970); J'Iationali3ln(1968); (1968);Briton BritonMMartin, hew India, (1970); and Kalyan Gupta, Pabna Disturbances and Kalyan Kumar K um arSen Sen Gupta, Pabna Disturbances andthe thePolitics Politics of o fRent: Rent: 1873-1885 (1974). reasons as as well well as as because because the the India India in which Jaykrishna For these reasons has almost faded faded from from living living memory, memory, this this is is perhaps perhaps aa was formed has back upon Mm. him. As As the the years years will will go go by, by, the suitable moment to look back indirectness of knowledge knowledge would would increase increase and the indirectness of the source-materials source-materials would become more scarce. scarce. In fact, fact, the thesource-materials source-materials regarding regarding Jaykrishna were were plentiful plentiful at one one time. time. He He was wasknown known for forhis histhoroughness thoroughness in in keeping keeping and and maintaining his voluminous zarnindari zamindari records of of various kinds. UnU n­ mostly perished perished either either before before or or after after the abolition fortunately, these mostly of the zamindari system system in 1954 1954 and the the acquisition acquisition of ofthe the houses houses of of Government of of West West Bengal. Bengal. So So the the biobio­ of his descendants descendants by by the Government grapher of Jaykrishna Jaykrishna today has to depend mostly on public records, contemporary published material. material. ComeConse­ contemporary newspapers newspapersand and other other published

xXvi vi

PREFACE

quently able to reconstruct reconstruct his public figure figure more more quently he he is is able his life life as as a public effectively effectively than than his his career career as asaazamindar zamindar which which isisfar far more more interesting. interesting. books, for for instance, instance, would would have have disclosed disclosedthe the man man much much His account books, better better than than the the documents documents preserved preserved in in the the National National and and State State Archives. Jaykrishna’s correspondence and and conversation, conversation, Archives. Jaykrishna's private correspondence which would have have resulted resulted in in aa living and which are no longer available, available, would living and convincing portrait. insight into man’s convincing portrait. Such Such materials materials give give aa true insight into a man's character and often often serve serve as a supplement and corrective to what he wonders what exactly happened happened to might have have said said in in public. One wonders the voluminous voluminous papers papers of of aa man man so so methodical methodical and and meticulous. meticulous. The story story story of aa man’s man's papers can often be nearly as interesting as the story of the the man himself. himself. It It is by by no means means easy easy to to coax coaxJaykrishna’s Jaykrishna's per­ personal formal administrative administrative records records or sonal characteristics characteristicsout out of of the formal speechesreported reportedin in the the newspapers. newspapers.One Onehas has to to be be very very careful careful in in speeches handling the By the the thne the information information supplied supplied by newspapers. newspapers. By time JayJay­ krishna emerged as figure, newspapermen krishna had had emerged as aa public figure, newspapermenhad had already already become become the icon-makers icon-makers of politics. politics. Jaykrishna Jaykrishna himself himself was was very very closely connected with with the Hindoo Hindoo PaLriol closely connected Patriot which which naturally projected projected a favourable image of ofhim. him.On Onthe theother other hand, hand, some other newspapers, both both Anglo-Indian Anglo-Indian and and Indian, set set him up as as aa sort sort of of symbol symbol and and directed tirades against the zamindar zamindar class. class. O OfJaykrishna's f Jaykrishna’searly early life life there there are are few few records, records, and and we we know know very his inner inner development. In this little of his this respect even his autobiography is not not of much is much help. help. In itit one onedoes does not not find find the theunabashed unabashed selfself­ stripping, the uninhibited uninhibited revelation revelation of of inner frailties and soul-storms soul-storms that one one looks looks for today in in works works of this kind. Even so, so, itit is is hoped hoped that this his will will appeal appeal to the Even this biography biography of his the lovers lovers of ofnineteenth-century nineteenth-century by-ways. by-ways, I have have found found itit difficult difficult to to fill fill in some details eventful life. life. Nevertheless, Nevertheless, I some details of Jaykrishna’s Jaykrishna's long long and eventful feel that that the story are feel story should should be told, told, partly partly because because some some people people are curious about about the zamindars, curious zamindars, and an an incomplete incomplete version version is better better than none. that the biography none. Of O f course, course, it is is not not suggested suggested that biography of a particular zamindar, however however important, important, would would tell us much about other though their their way other zamindars zamindars though way of of life life was was fundamentally fundamentally the same. I have tried to showJaykrishna Jaykrishna for forwhat whathe hewas—active, was-active, masterful, pugnacious and a careerist; pugnacious and careerist; generous generous and cultured cultured but butsometimes sometimes inconsistent andunprincipled; unprincipled;and, and,until untilthe the very very end, end, aa man man of inconsistent and steady perseverance. Some steady aims aims and and great perseverance. Some of of these these are are perhaps perhaps the the inevitable traits of a life which which in in its totality covers almost aa century covers almost

PREFACE

xvii

of great great change. change. I have tried my best to avoid the .excess excess of ofpity pitytfeat that vindicates an ancestor against all the accusations ofhis adversaries and a n ancestor the accusations ofjais adversaries and critics. A t least, least, II have have shown shown that that he hehad hadhis hisshare shareofofadversaries adversaries uitics. At and critics. critics. A A besetting besetting weakness weakness of biographers biographers is to idealize Idealize their subjects, this subjects, sometimes sometimesbeyond beyondrecognition. recognition.I Ihave have tried tried to avoid this pitfall and pinpoint pinpoint the the oddities oddities of of behaviour, the.quirks the quirks of character and singularities of have been been able able io to discern. discern. and the singularities of attitude attitude that that I have However eulo­ However devoted devotedtoto aa great man the writer may be, a purely purdlyeulogistic man stiff stiff were he but but able to gistic biography biography would would bore bore the great man read it. Another difficulty difficulty in this involves involves in writing Jaykrishna’s Jaykrishna's life life is is that this the description of .the of many movements movements and and controversies controversies of of nearly nearly fifty fifty all by using primary sources years. It I t is is impossible to deal with them all sources and viewing viewing them to the the subject subject of of the the biography. biography. No them in relation to wonder that thatthis thisisis one .one of of the reasons why many professional historians decry .decry the value value of of biography biography as history. history. I have have also also experienced experienced the problems of adopting adopting aadifficult difficultliterary litrary form, form, the.elaborate the.elaborate biography, biograthy, prohlems th a t coversanage covers anageasaswell wellas as aa life. The naturallyon Jaykrishna, that The focus focusisisnaturall.y onJaykrishna, and to readers it may seem to some some readers seem that he he was was leading leading all the the movemove­ ments described described singlehanded. singlehanded. Certainly Certainly this is is not the impression ments impression II wish to to convey. convey. II would would like like to to draw draw the reader’s reader's attention to wish to many many other characters who move move through through these pages, and and who srther characters who these pages, who either either with or oragainstJaykrishna, worked with against Jaykrishna,shared sharedJiisideas his ideasor or opposed opposed them. Iitt is is also also worth worth remembering remembering that that many many of of.the the things things described described in (the same time, but they they have, have, for the sake sake of the book happened happened at the same clarity, At times times the the narrative clarity, been been described described successively. successively. At narrative has to comprehend happenings, dissociated dissociatedim butt interto comprehend simultaneous simultaneous happenings, inter­ acting. acting. My have been infinitely more difficult difficultififII had had to M y work work would would have infinitely more Fortunately, aa 176-page labour in .an an untried field. Fortunately, 176-page Bengali biography of Jaykrishna was 1901 by ;ofJaykrishna waswritten written in in 1901 byAmbika AmbikaGharan Cbaran Gupta, Gupta, and in 1912 Jaykrishna’s Jaykrishna's grandson, Sivanarayana, published anonymously a 1912 biographical sketch in in English. In aa sense, biographical sketch English. In sense, these these were were premature premature appraisals, rather hagiographic in tone. tone. This This isis understandable, understandable, for for appraisals, they tried tried to to deal deal with with the theevents events ofJaykrishna's of Jaykrishna’slife lifetoo toodirectly directly to to be be able to achieve for portraying portraying the past in its achieve that that distance distance necessary necessary for They mentioned mentioned certain certain incidents incidents in in Jay­ Jayproper moral perspective. perspective. They krishna’s at best best as as excrescences, excrescences, at at worst worst .as .as myths, krishna's life in footnotes at or simply simply omitted them. Yet Yet the the present present biographer biographer of of Jaykrishna must m ust be be thankful thankful for for these these early early biographies biographies of his for for the the many many B

xviii. xviii

PREFACE

insights insights and clues which which they offer. offer. Arnbika Ambika Charan Gupta's Gupta’s work work particular incorporates incorporates much documentary material which otherother­ in particular wise wise would would have havebeen beenirretrievably irretrievablylost. lost.I I have have tried tried to to repair repair the omissions ofhis his early early biographers biographers as as far far as as possible. possible. For For them it was omissions of difficult to perspective, the relation. The difficult to adjust adjust the the perspective, the scale scale and and the the relation. The intervening years abolition of of the the zarnindari zamindari system, system, with intervening years and and the abolition whichJaykrithna which Jaykrishnawas wasidentified, identified, have have lengthened lengthened the the perspective perspective and allowed many many things, things, then in a hot and fluid state, to cool and harden All this this has has suggested suggestedaa new new scale scale and and aa new into history. history. All new relation relation my purpose purpose to provide. which it has .been been my which II must must mention mention here here that the the depiction depiction of of the the family family feud feud is no no I t is is based based on on solid solid fact fact and and illustrative illustrative of of one one aspect aspect of of caricature. It life of the Bengali landed society showing showing how the life how litigation ate into the fortunes of the aristocracy. aristocracy. The expressions expressions used describe the used to to describe bitterness and intensity of fraternal ill-feeling El-feeling and bitterness and the resulting feud should not be taken as representing my own opinions and and judgements. judgements. am aware aware that thatthe theaccount accountofofthis thisunsavoury unsavouryepisode episode seems seems to be be I am one-sided. wish Jaykrishna’s Jaykrishna's brothers brothers had had been been as articulate as one-sided. II wish as he he and left the feud, their attitudes attitudes to their left their their versions versions of the feud, defining defining their their and presenting presenting their their case case against him. This would have eldest brother and enabled us to understand better the meaning of this quarrel. I must also also make it clear clear that thatmost mostof ofthe thesources sources consulted consulted by by me me are concerned directly with the zamindars and only incidentally with the raiyats. rayats. But I have never suggested that the history of nineteenth nineteenth suggested that century Bengal can be written written in terms of zamindars alone. alone. While While on should be be mentioned mentioned that that they are the subject subject of sources, sources, itit should are widely widely scattered scattered and and varied varied and and II may not have have been been able able to to consult consult all all of of spite of of my my best best efforts. efforts. So So some some of of my my opinions opinions must be be them in spite , regarded as tentative for want of adequate evidence. evidence. My M y conclusion conclusion about Jaykrishna’s in 1863 1863 is one of Jaykrishna's failure failure to to obtain obtain a full pardon in these problems. These can possibly these problems. These possibly be resolved resolved if further research research conclusive evidence. evidence. The source-materials source-materials used for for this this yields more conclusive book, speeches and writings, writings, are are mostly mostly book, including jaykrishna’s Jaykrishna's own speeches which made inc in English. English, This was one of the reasons reasons which me change my of writing writing Jaykrishna's Jaykrishna’s life life in in Bengali. Bengali. original plan of Some chapters chapters of of this this work work are are intolerably the Some intolerably long. long. Especially, Especially, the of the last chapter chapter violates violates all conventions. One reason reason for this length of is that that the the materials materials for for Jaykrishna's Jaykrishna’s last last years years are are more more readily readily and another anotherisis that thateven even in in the the closing closing part partof ofhis his life, when available, and when most men men do little else most else but talk, talk, Jaykrishna remained remained quite quite active. active.

PREFACE

xix

Jaykrishna's Jaykrishna’s early and and middle middle life life fall fall into into some some easily easily identifiable identifiable his later life, which makes the periods. This is not the case in respect of of Ms division of of the the last last few few chapters chapters rather artificial. division artificial. In collecting collecting materials for writing this biography, I have have received received help help from from many many public public bodies, bodies, institutions institutions and and individuals. individuals. IItt is my my pleasant duty to acknowledge acknowledge my my indebtedness indebtedness to to them. them. The The author­ authorfollowing institutions ities of the following institutions kindly kindly permitted permitted me to see their old records: the British Calcutta; the Indian records: British Indian Association, Association, Calcutta; Indian AssoAsso­ ciation for for the the Cultivation Cultivation of Science, Science,Jadavpur, Jadavpur, Calcutta; Calcutta; the Agriciation AgriHorticultural Society, Society, Alipore, Calcutta; and the Uttarpara-Kotrung Alipore, Calcutta; and the Uttarpara-Kotrung Municipality, Hooghly. The The Board Board of of Revenue Revenue of the Municipality,Uttaipara, Uttaara, Hooghly. Bengal complied complied with with my request to be Government of West Bengal be, allowed to consult consult their records and thbse those of the Hooghly Hooghly Collectorate. Collectorate. I am India and the thankful to the authorities of o f the National Archives of India Government of of West West Bengal Bengal historical division of the Archives of the Government for granting to peruse for granting me me permission permission to peruse their records records* I must must also also acknowledge from the the authorities and library stafl acknowledge the help received received from staffs following: the Calcutta University; University; the of the following: the Central Library of Calcutta West Bengal Bengal Secretariat Secretariat Library; Library; the Bangiya West Bangiya Sahitya Parisad; the the Bali Sadharan Granthagar; Granthagar; the theCarey CareyLibrary Libraryof ofSerampore Serampore College, College, Seraxnpore,and andthe the Vidyabhushan Granthagar of Changripota Serampore, Vidyabhushan Granthagar Changripota (Subhasgrarn). NaturallyI I was was able able to to find find aa lot (Subhasgram). Naturally lot of of materials materials in Jaykrishna's Uttarpara Jaykrishna’s own U ttarpara Public Public Library Library now now renamed after him. Sri itra, who who was Sri DevDevSri Tarun Taru.n Kumar Kumar M Mitra, was then then its librarian, and Sri n.arayan Chakravarti helped me in every narayan Chakravarti every way. way. becomes indebted indebted to many persons. In writing aa book book like this, one becomes It is impossible impossibleto topay pay due dueregard regard to to all all who, who, in in one one form form or or another, another, have contributed contributed to its making. have making. But I must must mention mention aa few few names. names. The late late Hemendraprasad Hemendraprasad Ghose Ghose recounted recounted many many incidents incidents of of JayJay­ krishna’s life and krishna's and gave gave aawritten written statement statement at my my request. request. I am grateful to Sri Phanindra Nath Chakravarti, Chakravarti, the the lawyer-antiquary lawyer-antiquary of of SerarnSeram­ pore, written by Jaykrishna pore, for for allowing allowingme me to to use use aa letter letter written Jaykrishna to to Sri Chakravarti's grandfather. grandfather. Professor Rabindra Kum Kumar Chakravarti’s Professor Rabindra ar Dasgupta of the University University of Delhi copy of of Jay­ Delhi was was kind kind enough enough to give me a copy Jaykrishna’s biography by Ambika Charan Gupta. Sri B. K. Chatterjee, krishna's biography by Ambika Charan Gupta. B. K. Chatteijee, Mohan Sri Lalit M ohan Mukherjee, Mukheqee, Sri Tarak Banerjee Banerjee and Sri Sri RathindraRathindranath Chatterjee Chatterjee of U ttarpara put me in their debt by making making availavail­ Uttarpara me, or or telling telling me meabout, about,some somepublished published materials materials which which able to me, otherwise II might well have ttarpara have missed. missed.The Theheadmaster headmaster of ofthe theUUttarpara

XX XX

PREFACE PREFACE

Government High High School School kindly kindly lent lent me me aa copy Government copy of the Foundation Foundation Number of the School School Magazine 1929. II Magazine which which appeared appeared in in May, May, 1929. pupil Sri Dilip Kumar Kum ar Pal Pal of of Belun (Hooghly) (Hooghly) am also also thankful thankful to to m)» m).pupil for making some some local local inquiries inquiries in Dwarvasini Dwarvasini which which formed formed an for making an important part part of ofJaykrishna's Jaykrisbna’s zamindari. zamindari. Uttarpara, some The members of the Mukherjee family of Uttarpara, some of of whom are no longer living, living, helped me in matters in which only they could could have was the the late late Abaninath Abaninatjh Mukherjee Mukherjee who who gave gave me have helped. helped. It was me MS. of ofJaykrishna's Jaykrishna’s unfinished unfinished autobiography autobiography and and some some other other the MS. materials. These These revealed revcaled to me the writing a life materials. the possibilities possibilities of writing life of Jaykrishna by relating him to his times. Rhupendratimes. The The late Kumar Rhupendragrandnath Muklaerjee Mukherjee fondly showed me some personal relics of his grand­ M y uncle, uncle, the the late late Rarndas Ramdas Mukherjee, Mukherjee, had had collected collected many many father. My anecdotes knew him him personally. personally. anecdotes about Jaykrishna from people who knew have used these these in few of them them I have in my my work, work, bearing bearing in in mind mind that a few may apocryphal. Sri Shyamaprasad Shyamaprasad Mukherjee may be apocryphal. Mukherjee and and Sri Amar certain dates and recalled Krishna Mukherjee kindly verified verified certain recalled some some Urdu whichJaykrishna Jaykrishna loved lovedtoto repeat. repeat. II owe U rdu and and Bengali Bengali couplets couplets which owe particular thanks thanks to to Sri Sri Ambika Ambika Charan Gharan Mukherjee, Mukherjee, who who lent me aa useful volume volume containing containing copies copiesof oflegal legalpapers papersof the family family with­ withvery usefid of the out which many many of of my my statements statements would have gone undocumented. Sri Amitabha Baneijee, Sri Asoke Arnitabha Banerjee, AsokeBanerjee Banerjeeand and Sri Sri Ramendra Ramendra Nath Mukherjee kindly allowed me to use the the few few remaining remaining letters letters written written to Jaykrishna by by some some eminent also thank Sri Prabhash toJaykrishna eminent men. men. I must also Prabhash Chandra C.handra Mukherjee Ivlukherjeeand andSri SriSaktinath Saktinath Mukherjee, Mukherjee, who who placed at my disposal Jaykrishna's wills. disposal the certified copies of Jaykrishna’s wills. Sri Girija Bhushan Mukherjee gave me some fresh fresh information information and graciously answered answered of my queries. queries. Sri Sri Bijali Bijali Bhushan Bhushan Mukherjee Mukherjee possesses possesses an old old many of photograph of Jaykrishna’s residence, which reproduced photograph Jaykrishna's residence, which has has been reproduced this work with his kind permission. permission, I was also able to collect collect some in this information from from Sri Sri Ramakrishna Ramakrishna Mukherjee Mukherjee and and Sri Tapas Kumar Mukherjee, descendants of offer my my Mukherjee, the the descendants of Jaykrishna’s Jaykrishna's brothers. brothers. II offer thanks to them all. of materials materials was was facilitated facilitated by by aa research The work of collection collection of research grant awarded awarded in 1969 1969 by Professor Professor Niharrranjan Niharrranjan Ray, who was then the Director of the the Institute of Advanced Advanced Study, Study, Simla. Simla. For For this this II am am grateful to him. received as much guidance and advice While writing writing this this book, book, I received from teacher, the late late Professor Professor Narendra from my my teacher, Narendra Krishna Krishna Sinha, Sinha, as as I had done from him in other other fields fields of study. He offered many many valuable

PREFACE

Xxi xxi

comments on on the the first first draft, draft, and as the honorary editor of the Bengal comments Bengal permission to to make make use use of of an an article of mine Past and Past andPresent, Present, gave me permission which appeared in the January-June, ■which January-June, 1972 1972 issue issue of the journal. This substantially forms the basis of Chapter Chapter Eight of this work. work. His His death in November, November, 1974 1974 deprived deprivedme me of of the pleasure of presenting of presenting this this book to my late teacher book teacher who who gave gave me so so much. Sri Sobhan Basu Basu of of the the West WestBengal Bengal State StateArchives, Archives, Professor Professor Sri Sobhan Hiren Ghakravarti, Hiren Chakravarti, Dr. Benay Benay Bhushan Bhushan Chaudhuri Chaudhuri and and l'rofessor Professor Barun De De have have given given me greatest help kindly reading reading the Barun me the the greatest help by kindly work in in typescript, typescript,either eitherininfull fullor or in in part, part, and their work their advice advice and suggestions savedme me from from many many errors suggestions saved errors and made made possible possible some some not, however, however, bear bear any any responsibility responsibility for the the improvements. They do not, ilnal form Hiren Chakravarti Chakravarti II owe final form of the the book. book. To To Professor Professor Hiren owe aa tremendous debt debt of gratitude gratitude for his personal interest in my work, tremendous personal interest work, and for the great trouble he took and took in reading reading the the proofs proofs and removing removing some some stylistic stylisticinaccuracies. inaccuracies.He He was wasalso alsokind kind enough enough to to obtain obtain for me during a recent visit to England a photo-copy of the print of the opening of of the the Bali Bali Khal Khal bridge bridge from from the the India Office Library. I opening Office Library. must also also thank Mrs. Mrs. Mildred Mildred Archer Archer for for sending sending me me some some inforinfor­ mation relating Janab Muhammad Abdur R Rauf relating to this this lithograph. lithograph. Janab Muhammad Abdur auf o f the the Department Department of of Modem Modern Indian Indian Languages Languages of the Calcutta Calcutta of University very very kindly kindly looked looked up up for for me in University in the the original original Gulistan Gulistan aa stanza quoted quoted by by Jaykrishna. Jaykrishna.II am am also indebted to to him him for for the the stanza also indebted explanation explanationof of the the meaning meaningofofsome somePersian Persianand andUUrdu rdu terms. terms. I learnt much about the architectural architectural features features ofJaykrishna's of Jaykrishna’sbuildings buildings from of from discussions discussionswith withDr. Dr.Dipak Dipak Ranjan Ranjan Das Das of the Department of Ancient Indian History and Culture and Dr. Dr. Anil Pal Pal of the DepartDepart­ ment of Archaeology of the University of Calcutta. To them I express express ment of Calcutta. 'ro my thanks. The maps maps were were prepared in in the theUniversity's University’s Geography Geography under the the kind kindsupervision supervision of of my my friend friend Dr. Dr.Bireswar Bireswar Department under Banerjee. II must thank my Banerjee. my old old friend friend and and class-mate, class-mate, Sri Sri Amaresh Amaresh Bagchi, now Commissioner, for arranging Bagchi, now an Assistant Income Tax Commissioner, a trip to to Bharatpur, Bharatpur, Rajasthan. Rajasthan. II am am grateful grateful to to Sri Sri V. V. S. S. Srivastava, Srivastava, Curator, Bharatpur Bharatpur Museum, Museum, for for supplying supplying me valuable information information about the fort. I deeply appreciate the encouragement encouragement I have received Tripathi, Asutosh Professor ofMedieval Medievaland andM Modem from Dr. Amales Tripathi, Professor of odem History, and other other members of the History Department of the UniverUniver­ Department of sity of Calcutta. Finally, Bhattacharyya and Sri Supriya Finally, II must thank Sri Sripada Bhattacharyya Chatterjee prepared Chatterjee for for help with the typing typing of of the MS. MS. The index index was prepared

Xxii XXli

PREFACE

by Sri Nandadulal Nandadulal Mukhcijee, Mukhcrjee, formerly formerly of Orient Longmans. Longmans. Sri by Sri P. K. K . Ghosh Ghosh of Eastend Printers paid personal attention to to the the work work while it was was iri in the press. shortcomingsII alone alone am am while press. For its remaining shortcomings responsible. cesponsible. N il m a n i M u k h e r je e NILMANI MUIUIERJEE

University College College of of Arts, Calcutta January, 1975 1975 January,

,

Introduction Introduction THE in the T h e ZAMINDABJ z a m i n d a r iSYSTEM, s y s t e m , SO so much a a part part of o f the the history history of of Bengal in

nineteenth century, was, was, in in itself, itself, aa vague vague and and ill-defined ill-defined institution. institution. has been been studied studied from from time time to time from from various various Although this system has angles, we know so so little little about about individual zamindars. What W hat were they like? Some thought that that they did like? Some thought did nothing nothing except except prey prey on their their tenants. Others have regarded them simply simply as playboys who lived off unearned income. unearned income. In In any anycase, case, the thefounders founders of ofzamindari zamindari houses homes were men ability like like pioneers new type type of men of ability pioneers of of any any other other venture. venture. A A new zamindars or or landowners landowners emerged emerged following following the the displacements displacements propro­ duced the Permanent Permanent Settlement. Settlement, A new new situation situation had been been duced by the created and enterprise created and new new opportunities opportunities awaited awaited those those with foresight, enterprise perhaps not not too too many many scruples. scruples. Some Some original original zamindars zamindars for and perhaps various reasons reasonsfound founditit convenient convenientand and safe safetoto pass pass the the buck buck of various management an opportunity to management to the intermediaries. intermediaries. This afforded afforded an the small group group of of entrcpreneurs entrepreneurs of o f establishing establishing themselves themselves in the small in the economic position landlords themselves, themselves, of dominating dominating economic position of of the great landlords and exploiting exploiting rural society society and of o f getting rich quicker. Jaykrishna Mukiierjec Mukherjee of Uttarpara U ttarpara was was one one of of the the leading leading men men who indirect management management system system introduced who took took advantage of the indirect by the the Burdwan Burdwan Raj Raj and and recognized recognized by by the the Government. Government. He He was was the prototype of of the the new-style new-style zamindars-thorough, zamindars—thorough,business-like, business-like, rigid, knowledgeable, articulate, holding holding land land in in a firmer grip. His knowledgeable, articulate, life too easy life illustrates illustrates the the positive positiverole roleof ofzamindars. zamindars.ItItisiseasy—only easy-only too nowadays-to see nowadays—to seethe thegrave gravedefects defects of ofthis this system. system. Many Many today today feel feel that if that if only there had been no zamindars, everything would have been perfect. But there were were zamindars zamindarsand and whether whether we we like like itit or or not, we, as students of history, history, have have to take notice of what they they said said or did. did. But we are faced with a great lack of knowledge knowledge about about their thoughts, feelings and Jaykrishna and Digamfeelings and activities. activities. The The new newzamindars zamindars like likeJaykrishna Diganibar Mitra, M itra, his hisyounger younger contemporary, contemporary, emerged emerged from from obscurity obscurity to riches. at which which they theygrew grew in inpower powerand andinfluence influence offered offered riches. The rate at an index index of of the the confusion confusion and disorder disorder that prevailed. prevailed. Unlike Unlike the the older zamindars they had little tradition tradition of of interest in land. Zamindars of o f JaykrishnaDigambar Jaykrishna-Digambar model model believed believed they they had attained attained their their wealth exercising the hard work, work, acquisitiveness acquisitiveness and wealth by exercising the virtues of hard and thrift and that that they theyhad hadgot gotwhere wherethey theywere werebecause because they they deserved deserved

xxiv Xxiv

INTRODUCTION

it. Not it. Not that that the the behaviour behaviour and and attitudes attitudes of of these these two two men men were were exactly exactly identical. identical. In fact, fact, aa comparison comparison with with Digambar, Digambar, of of whom whom there is is a full-length full-length biography, biography, places places Jaykrishna in in focus. focus. Jaykrishna was associated with with many many As a career zamindar, Jaykrishna was closely associated dimensions to zamindari system. system. All All movements which gave new dimensions to the zamindari his life life he hewas wascriticized criticizedfor forthe theresumption resumptionprocedure—an procedure-an important also economic event of the the period. His methods of estate management management alsc in the interest illustrate the steady steady erosion erosion of local privileges privileges in interest of of the the zarnindar. zamindar. In his his numerous numerous speeches speeches and writings writings he dwelt on the the difficulties of of achieving achieving some somerecognizable recognizableauthority authority for for the the zamindar zamindar land revenue which were compounded by the fact that the land revenue experiments experiments introduced by the British British had greatly greatly confused confused the situation. situation. As an improving landlord,Jaykrishna landlord, Jaykrishnawas wasresponsible responsible for for many many innovations innovations which were overlooked by his critics and which overlooked by and some some managerial managerial devices devices always rebuked. main for which he was always rebuked. He was convinced convinced that that the main problems of rural society problems society were were uneconomic uneconomic holdings holdings resulting resulting from endless fragmentation fragmentationand and subdivision subdivisionofofland. land. He He was was all all for the endless with the labour potential better adaptation of of the the acreage acreage worked worked with potential of the family group. After 1859 exposed the maladmini­ maladmini1859 he fearlessly exposed stration estates, pointing pointingout out that that the stration in the the Government's Government’s khas khas estates, the improvements carried zarnindars in own estates estates were improvements carried out out by by zamindars in their own never attempted attempted by the Government itself He never Government itself. He openly openly asserted asserted that Government showed showed sympathy for the the raiyats professed tG to the Government rayats and professed improve resources at zarnindars with ultimate improve their their resources at the cost of zamindars with the ultimate motive was legitimately legitimately motive of imposing imposing additional additional taxes taxes on on them. them. He was of the the conditions conditions and and problems problems of of proud of his unrivalled knowledge knowledge of the tenant class, class, at least least in in the the western western districts districts of of Bengal. Bengal, He was roundly condemned condemned as as aa hard hard landlord, landlord, but his critics did not stop roundly stop did not pay. to consider consider that for for the the zamindars zarnindars mere mere oppression oppression did pay. Zamindars like Jaykrishna Jaykrishna had had to take good care lest their estates Zarnindars estates be Their problem problem was was to to induce deprived of labour and become become useless. useless. Their the peasants peasants to stay stay on on their their lands, lands, to to reabsorb reabsorb the the rural proletariat proletariat and persuade from outside outside to to come come and and settle persuade cultivators cultivators from settle on their their estate, estates, especially especiallyininview viewofofthe the drop drop in in population population owing owing to to the malarial epidemic and other causes. with which Jaymalarial epidemic and causes. Landlordism Landlordism with which Jay­ krishna was identified identified had had many many defects, defects,but but itit was was the the times times and and aa krishna was system rather rather than a single individual which whichwere wereatatfault. fault.In In an an age age system single individual paternalism many Jaykrishna did seemed seemed to have have aa of paternalism many things things that Jaykrishna satisfactory explanation. All All his his life lifeJaykrishna Jaykrishnawas wasaa paladin paladin of the the satisfactory explanation. zamindari of the the zarnindari cause cause against against its its opponents. opponents.When, When, on on the the eve of

rNTRODUCTION in t r o d u c t io n

XXV

passing of the the Tenancy Tenancy Act of 1885, he realized realized that the passing of 1885, he the zamindari zamindari system had had no future, he frankly told the Govem.ment Government that the the zaminzamin­ dars would be be only too glad to part with with their theirestates estates and hand hand them them back to the the Government Government in lieu lieu ofofcash cashcompensation compensation or or governgovern­ back to guaranteeing their theircurrent ment loan securities securities guaranteeing current profits.As profits. As theGovernthe Govern­ ment the zammdars, zamindars, Jaykrishna Jaykrishna was again ment baited the was seen seen again again and and again fighting at an an age agewhen when most most other other men men would would fighting the the unpopular battle at hope. have long given up hope. A long and and difficult diffIcultperiod period of ofapprenticeship apprenticeship had enabled enabled Jaykrish.na Jaykrishna to acquire this this toughness, toughness, his wide to acquire his success successasasaa zamindar zainindar and and a wide experience of of public public affairs. affairs. Bom Bornin in aa Brahmin Brahmin family, family, he he grew grew up experience under undcr conditions of great political and social change. His grandfather father accepted accepted the the British British connection, connection, changing, to some some extent, and father the traditional way way of of life. life. At the the age age of oftwelve twelve jaykrishn.a Jaykrishna had to to undertake a long long journey across across north India India and andspend spendseveral several years years working in a British working in British cantonment. cantonment. He He was was an an eye-witness eye-witness of the the campaign and and the the fall fall of ofthe the famous famous fortress. fortress. He an Bharatpur campaign He had an seeingsome somefounders foundersofofthe theBritish Britishempire empireininIndia— Indiaopportunity of seeing Combermere, Metcalfe. Indians of ability and character Ochterlony, Combermere, had not emerged had emerged yet; at at least, least, young young Jaykrishna had not not come come in in contact. His character character was was formed in their contact. in a cantonment in Meerut later in in the themilitary militarydepot depotof ofChinsurah Chinsurah where where he he was was greatly gready and later influenced by Henry Henry Havelock, influenced by Havelock, aa brave brave soldier soldier and almost almost idioidio­ syncratic genius genius and aa sincere, sincere, testifying testifying Christian. Christian. syncratic of events events including including the fall fall of of the the Houses Houses of of Agency Agency in A chain of which the Mukherjees had deposited deposited their their capital, capital, proved proved to to be be a which Mukherjees had Jaykrishaa's life. turning-point in Jaykrishna’s life. The The Mukherjees Mukherjees represented represented those those financial operators operators who tried to to use use their their experience experience gained gained Indian financial from their British from British connection connection in in mercantile mercantile investments. investments. As As they they were not skilled skilled enough enough to to understand understand the market forces forces and and had no means controlling them, them, they, they, after the crash, means of controlling crash, retired retired into into aasafe safe and traditional traditionalsort sortof ofeconomic economic activity: land management. management. The Therise rise of some some Bengali Bengali landowners landowners was was partly partly the result result of of the the shock shock received from the unsuccessful unsuccessful attempt imitate British British mercantile mercantile capitalism capitalism attempt to imitate in India. in the the Hooghly Collectorate. India. Jaykrishna Jaykrishnabecame becameaasheristadar sheristadar in sheristadartotozamindar—this zamindar-this had already From sheristadar already become become a stereotype. stereotype. After a short After short and and chequered chequered career career ininthe theHooghly HooghlyCoilectorate, Collectorate, Jaykrishna became a landholder and virtually virtually the the founder of the last great house house of zamindars zamindars in in Bengal. Bengal. As zamindars’ economic economic base As the zamindars' base broadened, broadened, they they demanded demanded aa

xxvi

INTRODUCTION

share of political power sufficient to protect their economic sufficient to economic interests.

This explains explains the formation formation of the the Landholders' Landholders’ Society Society in in 1838. 1838. Jaykrishna's Jaykrishna’sinterests interests as a zamindar zamindar drew drew him him into into politics. politics. He joined and later became the Landholders' Landholders’ Society Society and became a founder founder of of the British British one of the early Indian Indian Association, Association, one Indian organizations organizations especially especially set up to to achieve achieve specific specific aims. aims. Jaykrishna Jaykrishna had as as his his early early political political associatesmen menlike likeRadhakanta RadhakaritaDeb, Deb,Prasanna PrasannaKum Kumar Tagore, Ram Ram associates ar Tagore, Ghose,Debendranath Debendranath Tagore, Tagore, Ramanath Ramanath Tagore, and DigamDigamGopal Ghose, bar Mitra. M itra. He He made made his his first first important important speech speech in in 1853 1853 before before the renewal ofthe Company’s Company's Charter Charterand andcriticized criticizedthe thesystem system of of criminal justice. This speech justice. speech brought him an an appreciative appreciative letter letter from from James Silk Silk Buckingham. Buckingham. So So long as Jaykrishna confined confined himself himself to social social work, work, his activities activities won won approving approving nods nods from from the British British rulers and and Anglo-indian press. But their tone changed when he began critithe Anglo-Indian press. But criti­ cizing the indigo system, system, the the policy of of racial racial discrimination discrimination injudicial in judicial matters matters and other other kinds kindsof ofadministrative administrative ineptitude ineptitude and and official official highhandedness. highhandedness. He particularly incurred incurred their theirdispleasure displeasure by by exposexpos­ ing the sham of the indigo-planters who claimed claimed that that they had conindigo-planters who con­ economic benefits ferred economic benefitson on Bengal. Bengal.Along Alongwith withRamratan Ramratan Ray Ray of labelled as as an an “anarch”. "anarch". He to the Narail, he was labelled He became became sensitized sensitized to conditions which besmirched besmirched the the zamindari zamindari system. system. The The zamindars conditions which lacked the the authority of English lacked English laMlords landlords who had been been set set before before them as their ideals. them ideals. Jaykrishna chafed under these these constraints, constraints, but could not not break out his could out of of them. them. He He realized realized the theineffectiveness ineffectiveness of his protests against some of the Government's Government’s policies which limited his success successasasaazamindar. zamindar. It It could not be otherwise because because the the zamin­ zamindars dars had to to play play aa subordinate subordinate role role determined determined by the the interests interests of the Company JayCompany and later later of ofthe theBritish British Government. Government. Since Since 1867 1867 Jay­ krishna started demanding demanding aa consultative consultative council council consisting consisting of of some Indian Indian members members to to discuss discuss financial financial questions. questions. He He gave gave evidence evidence before many many committees committees and and in in 1872 before 1872 there was a talk of of his going to England appear before before the the Parliamentary Parliamentary Finance Finance Committee. Committee. England to to appear From 1830’s, when very little criticism criticism was made of of British British rule rule From the 1830's, in Jaykrishna strongly strongly protested protested against against many many of of its its adminisadminis­ in India, Jaykrishna trative trative lapses lapseswhich which affected affectedthe thelanded landed class classinin particular particular and and the the people in in general. identify him him with with liberalism and people general. These These protests protests identify liberalism and the more the more radical radical intelligentsia. intelligentsia. The targets targets of of his his criticism criticism would would make long list—the Kukamassacre; massacre; the the absence absence of of the the principle principle make aa long list-the Kuka separation of powers of separation powers in administration; administration; diversion diversion of of the the Bengal Bengal revenue to other other provinces provinces as a result result of of the the shifting shifting of of the the GovernGovern­

v

INTRODUCTION in t r o d u c t io n

x x v ii XXVU

ment’s ment's developmental interest interest from from Bengal BengaltotoOudh Oudh and and the Punjab; inefficientcriminal criminaladministration administrationand and the the system system oft ofvillage watch; inefficient village watch; taxation taxation without without representation; representation; the the nomination nomination principle principle in in the the services; the the exclusion exclusion of of Indians Indians from from high high office; office; arrogation arrogation of too too services; the Finance Member; Member; cxcessive governmental expendi­ expendimuch power power by theFinance excessive governmental ture and Home Home charges; charges; inadequate inadequate discussion discussion of Indian questions questions and the annual annual Indian Indianbudget budgetininParliament; Parliament;the theofficial officialmonopoly monopoly reporting court decisions; the power the Secretary of State for of reporting decisions; the power of the India to veto an Indian Indian statute; statute; immoderate immoderatemilitary militarycharges charges and and the the control of the Indian Government Government over over the the public public bodies bodies and and organorgan­ bills pending pending izations in the matter of of forwarding their protests against bilk before the Supreme Council. Jaykrishna Jaykrishna exposed bureaucratic inconincon­ sistenciesrather rather gleefully. gleefully.For For him him the zamindars' sistencies zarnindars’ interests interests came came first. He He actively supported the the Raj Raj during first. actively supported during the rising rising of of 1857 1857 to check local interests of men check local disorder disorder which which seemed seemed to to threaten threaten the interests of property like him. him. Zamindars like Jaykrishna Jaykrishna felt felt that that they property like Zarnindars like they had an economic economic and social social advantage in in the the maintenance ofBritish rule. They felt frustrated when the Government Government switched switched over to supportsupport­ ing the landed interests Oudh interests of O udh by by withdrawing withdrawing its its favour from the Bengali landlords innocuous liberalism Bengali landlords with with their their innocuous liberalism and and their record oppca'ingthe the mechanism mechanism of maximizing maximizing profits profits from from cash-cropping. of opposing Although his over-all loyalty loyalty to to the the Raj Raj was was beyond beyond doubt, doubt, he reacted whenever the the Government adopted any anti-zamindar anti-zamindar policy sharply whenever policy or measures. measures. In 1873 1873 he talked in in terms terms of of aa general general rising rising of of zarninzamindars against the Government. Long before leaders leaders like like Surendra Surendra Nath Nath Banerjee Baneqee popularized political agitation, Jaykrishna Jaykrishna and and his his asscciates associates advocated and and adopted advocated adopted this technique technique as well well as that that of ofpolitical political who were were younger younger than than pamphleteering. Like many of the Derozians Derozians who him, he had come come under under the the spell spell of ofGeorge George Thompson. Leaders like like Jaykrishna Jaykrishna were were utilitarians utilitarians in in principle, Leaders principle, attaching importance to law law and and legislation. legislation. Their Their conviction conviction found found expression expression in a pathetic pathetic belief belief in the the efficiency efficiency of the law courts and the the police. police. W ith the end end of of the the Company's Company’s rule rule and and the theemergence emergence of of new new With leaders, Association in leaders, symbolized symbolizedby by the the foundation foundation of of the the Indian Association in 1876, leaders leaders like like Jaykrishna jaykrishna lost some 1876, some of their their influence. influence. But But we we cannot deny deny Jaykrishna’s leader even even in the the new new cannot Jaykrishna's importance importance as as aa leader era of political agitation. In In his hisperson person he hewas was aa synthesis synthesis of of many of of the trends of the century. century. Caught Caught between between the the currents currents of ofhis his time, time, he became actively actively associated associated with the the National NationalConference Conference of of1885 1885 and joined the the Congress Congress movement movement while retaining his his loyalties loyalties to,

xxxviii xvm

INTRODUCTION

and sympathy for, an old old order, order, i.e. i.e. paternalism. paternalism. The Thesources sources of of his and conl4iction weredifferent different from from those those of ofthe the new new leaders. leaders. He He belief and conwction were was made him him in in some some ways ways a was with with them them but not of them. All this made curiously solitary solitary political politicalfigure figureinin the the 1880's. The British British Indian curiously 188G’s. The Association had had always always been been content content to ask for modest modest reforms reforms in in the Association system of of administration. administration. If If the people people needed needed liberators, liberators, Jaykrishna Jaykrishna system were not not the the answer. answer. Revolutionary Revolutionary sentiment and the leaders like him were sentiment does does not not grow grow among among the the sedate sedate landed landed aristocracy, aristocracy, but among those had outlived outlived whose “rising "rising expectations” expectations" are disappointed. Jaykrishna Jaykrishna had his age: age: he had built his thought his thought into aa framework framework of law and custom and morals morals which which was on the the eve eve of ofbeing being radically radically transformed. transformed. him frankly frankly accepted accepted double double standards standards which existed existed in in the the Men like him Company's India. India. They They took took itit for for granted granted that there Company’s there was was one one law for ordinary ordinary men men and another high up up for another for for those those who were were socially socially high having access access to to exalted having exalted quarters. quarters. Even so, so, while while estimating estimating JayJay­ krishna krishna as as aa public public man, man, one onemust mustrecognize recognize his his singularities singularities of of attitude and and independence independence of of thinking. thinking. He He could could accept accept evidence evidence against against what he he believed believed or orassumed. assumed. Although Although Jaykrishna Jaykrishna was was generally loyal to the the British British Indian IndianAssociation, Association, he hewas wasnevertheless nevertheless sometimes at odds sometimes at odds with its policy policy and and fell fell out outwith withhis hiscolleagues. colleagues. Jaykrishna was was one of those who first Hot caught caught the the significance significance of Jaykrishna local self.governmentand and the the opportunities opportunities itit offered offered to to Indians Indians in local self-government British British India. He had had been been associated associated with with the the municipal municipal movement movement from 1840, 1840, and lived long from and lived long enough enough to welcome, welcome, rather rather warily, warily, Lord Lord Ripon's reforms. His His active association association with with the Ripon’s local local self-government reforms. District Ferry Fund Committees Committees after their their formation formation in in 1842 1842 made made him conversant conversantwith withthe the committee committeesystem—an system-an important feature of for the formation of a British public life. life. He was mainly responsible responsible for municipality municipality in in U Uttarpara, ttarpara, his his native native village, village, in in 1853. 1853. As As aa towntownplanner, Jaykrishna ranked high planner, Jaykrishna high among among his his contemporaries. contemporaries. The The functioning ttarpara municipality municipality with its its party party strifes strifes and and functioning of of the the U Uttarpara dissensions dissensionsaffords affordsususaa case-study case-study of of the the experiment in local local selfselfgovernment in India. resulted in a shift The rise of the Mukherjee family family resulted shift in leadership leadership in the Uttarpara U ttarpara society. society. Jaykrishna's Jaykrishna’s career, his his struggle struggle for for aa new way of life life and and values values and and his reconstruction reconstruction of the community over which he presided demonstrated the the role which presided demonstrated role the zamindars zamindars could play as community-builders. community-builders. In many many ways ways Jaykrishna Jaykrishna was was responsible responsible for and outlook outlook of ofhis his fellow fellow townsmen. townsmen. The for changing changing the attitudes and result was was not always the result always delightful, delightful, for many many observers observers disliked disliked the

INTRODUCTION

xxix xxx

intolerable drabness, narrowness and complacency complacency of of the the town, town, espc.espe­ cially after after Jaykrishna’s Jaykrishna's death, death. cially Jaykrishna's Jaykrishna’s interests interests as an improving improving landlord landlord compelled compelled him to to turn his attention attention to to the the larger largereconomic economic development development of of this this region. region. As early early as as 1838, he, along along with with Dwarkanath Dwarkanath Tagore, Tagore, advocated As 1838, he, advocated a scheme of bridging bridging the the Hooghly Hooghly between betweenCalcutta Calcutta and and Howrah. Howrah. He scheme of spent a large sum of overheads in in Ms his spent of money for building economic economic overheads estates. He was responsible for making making the Government estates. responsible for Government execute execute or or improve many many of the improve the drainage drainage schemes, schemes, embankments, embankments, means means of of communication and and reclamation reclamation of swamps swamps in in the the western districts communication western districts of Bengali. Society Bengal. An An enthusiastic enthusiastic member member of the the Agri-Horticultural Agri-Horticultural Society founded cultivation of founded by William William Carey, Carey, he introduced introduced large-scale large-scale cultivation new these districts. Himself Himself concon­ new crops crops like like potato potato and sugar-cane in these versant with the trends of the world market, he always taught his versant with the trends market, always Ms tradition-bound tenantry tradition-bound tenantry how how to to tackle tackle farm farm problems problems imaginatively. imaginatively. He was all for renewed renewed cultivation of cotton in Bengal as in the past. The economic caused by by the the malarial economic and demographic demograpMc recessions recessions caused epidemic greatly greatly disturbed disturbedhim, him, and and he he gave gave much much thought to this epidemic this problem. Together Together with with Digambar Digambar M Mitra, problem. itra, he advanced aa hypothesis hypothesis which with bad bad drainage and waterwMch at least least connected connected the disease disease with water­ logged tracts—the tracts-the breeding logged breedingground groundofofmosquitoes mosquitoes carrying the malaria parasite identified by Sir Ronald Ronald Ross Ross in in 1897. 1897. Jaykrishna was only interested interested in in the theimmediate immediate economic economic Jaykrishna was not only conditions could deal deal with with larger largereconomic economic conditions of of Ms his estates. estates. That That he could questions was was proved proved on on occasions occasionswhen, when,for for instance, instance, he he criticised cHticied questions James James Wilson's Wilson’s policy policy of of income income tax tax and examined examined Sir Sir Charles Charles Trevelyan's policy of taxation taxation and finance. He was sufficiently sufficientlyfamiliar familiar Trevelyan’s with the economists like likeAdam AdamSmith Smith and and John John Stuart the ideas ideas of liberal economists Stuart Mill to quote them in in support support of of his arguments. It must must be be remembered remembered that Jaykrishna Jaykrishna the zamindar zamindar was was only one of the facets his many-sided many-sided personality. personality. There There was was also alsoJayJayone facets of his krishna the the politician, jaykrishna the social krishna politician, Jaykrishna social reformer reformer and above above all educationist—arole roleheheplayed playedinina amost mosteffective effective way way Jaykrishna the educationist-a his own. own.Speaking Speakinggenerally, generally,the the zamindars zamindars did social work, because of Ms this kind of activity activity gave gave them them a valued status in tMs in society society in the the eyes eyes of other therefore in own eyes. eyes. The urge urge came came other people people and and therefore in their own from their social social and and psychological psychologicalneeds—to needs-to from their desire desire to satisfy satisfy their maintain certain certain obligations, to appear appear as as important people and to maintain obligations, to people and feel significant significant to to themselves. themselves.ItIt may may not not be be the whole whole explanation of Jaykrishna's activitiesasas aa reformer Jaykrishna’s activities reformer and philanthropist, philanthropist, but one one

xxx XXX

INTRODUCTION

would well to mind. Jaykrishna, in in the the better bettersense, sense, would do well to bear this in mind. took himself and seriously and to Live live up and everything very seriously and tried to up to to the standards of an improving improving landlord laid down down by by Lord Lord Cornwallis Cornwallis in his his famous famous minutes. also true he got got things things done done when minutes. ItIt is also true that he others only talked or failed, failed, or or did did not even even start. start. One Jaykrishna in the so-called Bengal Renais­ RenaisOne finds it difficult to fit Jaykrishna sance which contained many stages sance which contained many stages and was was not not aaself-contained self-contained movement, exactly definable. He himself himself never clearly stated or spelt beliefi. But But he he left his out his his intellectual intellectual assumptions assumptions or religious religious beliefs. impress on on the fabric of Bengali civilization and and culture of his day, impress Bengali civilization not so so much much by by putting putting forward forward original original ideas ideas as by by founding founding or or helping institutions, by grants, which which disseminated disseminated helping institutions, by means means of land grants, modern ideas. ideas. The The presence of white white men men as as rulers rulers of of India helped modem presence of cases to in many cases to mould mould new new attitudes attitudes that that conflicted conflictedwith with traditional traditional ones. Men like like Jaykrishna, Jaykrishna, who had had acquired, acquired, sometimes sometimes without without ones. many of of the qualities of white understanding, many white men, men, tried to cope cope with with this new environment caused by cultural disturbances. Older than this environment caused by disturbances. most intellectual progeny most of of the the intellectual progeny of of Derozio, Derozio,he he grew grew up up during a economic and and political politicaltransformation transformation which which period of incipient social, economic released new forces forcesand and resulted resulted in in the the growth growth of the the sub-culture sub-culture of released new Indo-Anglia. The The torpor of Indo-Anglia. of aa traditional traditional society society was was being being quickly quickly replaced by aa breathless breathless extension extension of of knowledge knowledge of the universe. universe. By By the novel novel situations unsettlements it produced, it situations itit created created and the unsettlements gave opening opening for many a new new combination of ideas. Jaykrishna iniini­ overtures in in society, society, necessitating reorganizations, espeespe­ tiated many overtures cially in the field of education. likeJaykrishna, Jaykrishna, the the early early nineteenth nineteenth century century was was an an era era of To men like hope and confidence. supported English English education education as as a hope confidence* He actively actively supported panacea-even of 1835. 1835. Founder panacea'even before Macaulay’s Macaulay's education education resolution of Founder of different categories, categories, he also strove strove to to advance of nearly nearly forty forty schools of different higher education. education.As Asearly early as as 1856, 1856, he he stressed stressed the the importance importance of of higher scientific education and sought the help of the Government in foundscientific education found­ ing a college college with an an observatory observatory and and "the “ therequisite requisiteastronomical astronomical and other instruments".. In otherscientific scientific instruments” In the the early early part partof ofhis his career career as an he had had men men like like J. E. D. D, Bethune and the Rev. James Long educator, he Long collaborators. He an unsuccessful unsuccessful attempt as his collaborators. He made made an attempt to found a girls' in 1845-four girls’ school school in 1845—fouryears yearsbefore before Bethune Bethune started started his his famous famous institution. champion of institution. Bethune Bethune praised praised him him pubEcly publicly as as an an early champion female oppressive landlord, female education. education. Usually Usually regarded regarded as as an oppressive landlord, he educated his in the remotest his tenants by by opening opening schools schools in remotest parts of his

INTRODUCTION Ir.rrRODUarION

xxxi OCXI

estates. estates. He He even brushed aside aside the the objection objection that this would make his their rights and, therefore, tenants conscious conscious of their therefore, less less docile. For reasons like like this this it is difficult difficult to to put Jaykrishna Jaykrishna into into aa neat category. category. The tendency to label label individuals individuals and and shove shove them them into intoconvenient convenientpigeonpigeon­ not always help. In the much of holes does not the process process we miss much of the richness of aa personality. , A conservative conservative leader in some some respects, respects, Jaykrishna was a lifelong lifelong advocate scientific education. advocate of scientific education. The The Government Government offered offered him him no no assistance in in this this respect. respect. In 1870 assistance 1870 he he enthusiastically enthusiastically welcomed welcomed Dr. Mahendralal Science Association Association Mahendrala.1Sarkar’s Sarkar's scheme scheme for for establishing establishing a Science forr advanced advanced experimental experimental research. research. As long as he lived, Jaykrishna remained remained a patron patron of of the the Indian Indian Association Association for the Cultivation of Science. Although believer in the the so-called so-called "filtration “ filtration Although Jaykrishna Jaykrishna was was a believer theory” of ofeducation, education, his hiseducational educationalideas. ideas underwent underwent significant significant theory" life. He was convinced at the English English lanlan­ changes through his long life. convinced th that was; a vehicle vehicle of "progress “progress in civilization civilization and enlightenment" enlightenment” guage was ensured constitutional constitutional and political political agitation agitation as as distinguished distinguished and ensured from violent and and illegal illegal methods methods adopted adoptedelsewhere. elsewhere. Nevertheless, Nevertheless, he saw the the inadequacy inadequacy of education education in liberal arts for the growing number tendency among among Bengalis Bengalis to of young job-seekers. job-seekers.He He deprecated deprecated the tendency remain satisfied with low-salaried clerical jobs, and thought remain satisfied with low-salaried clerical jobs, and thought that scientists technicians would economic development development of scientists and and technicians would help help the economic the country much more than ordinary arts arts or or law law graduates. graduates. Back Back in 1849, travelling fellowships fellowships to 1849, he he originated originated the idea of post-graduate travelling to tap the country's country’s natural natural resources, resources, and encouraged young men to be be this scheme enterprising and build build up independent independentcareers. careers. He He revived revived,this in 1859 1859 and again in 1879 1879 but without without success. success. In 1870 1870 he wrote a to Dr. Dr.Mahendralal MahendralalSarkar's Sarkar’sCalcutta Calcutta Journal Journal of o f Medicine, Medicine, out­ letter to outlining a scheme scheme for research in indigenous drugs. drugs. great supporter supporterof ofEnglish English education, he he gradually gradually disdis­ Originally a great many instances of the the lack of fit fitbetween betweenthis thiskind kindof ofeducation education covered many and the the requirements requirements of the rural economy. economy. He realized that the kind people were were receiving receiving tended to to promote promote disintedisinte­ of education the people gration and not integration. In In order order to to make make education education more more suited suited to needs of our agrarian economy, economy, he Government to to the needs he urged urged the Government to open an agricultural agricultural college college and promised promised a generous generous sum for this purpose. Neither the Government Government nor nor the thelocal locallearned learnedbodies bodiesacac­ purpose. difficult precisely precisely to account for the latter-day latter-day cepted the idea. ItI t isisdifficult official apathy apathy for Jaykrishna’s Jaykrishna's educational educational projects. official projects. Was it ascribable

xxx XXXll

INTRODUCTION

to contempt of the master master race race for 'native' ‘native’ initiative? initiative? Did itit to the contempt represent the the attempt to arrest represent attempt of an an imperialist imperialist government government to arrest the country’s march the wrong wrong direction? direction ? O country's march in in what what it thought to be the Orr official attempt was it simply an official attempt to keep keep aa baboo in his place? in the the filtration filtration theory, theory, Jaykrishna Jaykrishna did his best In spite of his belief in to encourage primary primary education. education. He anticipated anticipated Campbell's Campbell’s eduedu­ to encourage cational plan by improved the the standards standards of by about about twenty twenty years years ançl and improved vernacular education by by modernizing it. Thanks Thanks to to his vernacular education modernizing it. his efforts, efforts, a large knowledge of arith­ large number of people people acquired acquired literacy literacy and a knowledge arithso essential essential to to social social as as well well as as economic economic development. development. These These metic so accelerated their occupational occupational and and social social mobility. mobility. His His considered considered accelerated opinion was that English must remain opinion was English must remain the medium medium of of higher higher eduedu­ cation and the the masses masses should should be given given an an improved improved and reorientated education. vernacular education. /.· Criticized by many as an incurable conservative, Jaykrishna Jaykrishna helped the democratization by founding, with some democratization of knowledge knowledge by founding, with some other educationists, the also an educationists, the Vernacular Vernacular Literature Literature Society. Society. He He was was also early leader library movement one action action early leader of of the the library movementinin India. India. If any one symbolized educational endeavours, endeavours, it was the symbolized the the character character of his educational foundation of of the the U Uttarpara foundation ttarpara Public Library in 1859. 1859. Unlike Unlike many many English-educated was fully fully aware aware of our rich rich English-educatedmen men of of his his time, time, he he was cultural cultural heritage heritage and and supported supported Sanskrit Sanskrit education education by by offering offering scholarships and assisting oriental seminaries. scholarships seminaries. jaykrishna Charles Wood’s Wood's Educational Educational Despatch Despatch of of' Jaykrishna welcomed welcomed Sir Charles 1854as asaa“monument "monument of statesmanship” statesmanship" and and fully fully participated participated in the 1854 grants-in-aid criticizing the the Government grants-in-aid scheme. But he never tired of criticizing for its its inadequate inadequate educational expenditure. In 1868 for 1868 he openly pointed out that that only only one one per per cent cent of ofthe the Bengal Bengal revenue revenue was was spent for eduedu­ cational cational purposes. purposes. Like education, the the questions questions of of public public health health also alsoalways always engaged engaged jaykrishna's attention. traditional medicine Jaykrishna’s attention.Noticing Noticingthe the decline decline of of the traditional under British rule, Jaykrishna played aa key key role role in infamiliarizing familiarising his Ms Western hygiene hygiene and and medical medical practice. practice. He tenants with the sense sense of Western started work in this tMs field field in in the the 1840's 1840’s and and established established with with his Ms started work brother's brother’s co-operation co-operation aa hospital-cum-dispensary hospital-cum-dispensary in in his his native nativevillage village in 1851. 1851. He also also opened opened several several clinics dimes in in some some of of his Ms estates. In 1881 1881 he criticized the Government's Government’s policy of cutting down public health expenditure. This, he thought, was because the the expenditure. was highly MgMy objectionable because Government had been partly responsible responsible for depriving depriving the people people of their traditional medical facilities. For more more than twenty their facilities. For twenty years years he he

INTRODUCTION

XXXiU xxxiii

kept on urging the Government to combat the malarial malarial epidemic epidemic and personally did his best to alleviate the the suffering suffering of of his own tenants. his middle middle life life Jaykrishna are popularly popularly In his Jaykrishna was was drawn drawn into what arc known 1855 he known as as social social reform reform movements. movements.In In 1855 he was was the first to sign the petition sent by Isvar Chandra Vidyasagar Vidyasagar to the the Indian IndianLegisLegis­ lative Council for legalizing the remarriage Hindu lative Council for legalizing the remarriage of upper-class upper-class Hindu anti-polygamy movemove­ widows. He was also closely associated associated with with the anti-polygamy Brahrnins. Coming Coming of of aa polygamous 'polygamousfamily familyhimself, himself he he ment of kuhn kulin Brahmins. was familiar familiar with evils of of this this institution. institution. To To educate educate public public was with the evils opinion, he, in the publication of a play opinion, he, in 1858, 1858, sponsored sponsored the publication of play called called Safiatni Jiatak. way connected with the Bengali Bengali Sapatni Xatak. He He was was in no other way stage. A total total abstainer abstainer himself, he was was always always aa temperance temperance enthusiast. enthusiast. H e urged urged the the Government Government to to sacrifice sacrifice part part of ofits its excise excise revenue revenue by He discouraging drunkenness in the the same same spirit spirit as it had abolished abolished slavery slavery and modified modified the opium opium monopoly monopoly for for China's China’s benefit. benefit, Jaykrishna had had been been in in the thefull fullflow flow of ofhis his activity activity politically politically and and socially in the days of the East India Company. He and men of his socially in the days of the East Company. and men of his type exist exist in aa given givenframe frameofofsociological sociological reference reference and evoke evoke aa period of history. history. In these these years years he. he. threw himself with with great energy into every kind of enterprise, from the reform reform of of social customs customs to to the the revision of the the Charter, from revision of from the the problems problems of of aa colonial colonial government government vis-à-vis growing nationalism nationalism to to the physical vis-a-vis growing physical reconstruction reconstruction of of his his extensive estates. But this becomes socially intelligible intelligible if we we remember remember at that thattime timethe theCompany's Company’sinterests interestsdid didnot not·conflict conflictwith with social social that at improvement efficient land management. So the the British British improvement based based on on efficient land management. policy-makers diffusion of of Western Western enlightenenlighten­ policy-makers here here encouraged the diffusion ment of the British type in the the colonial colonial countryside. countryside. All All this this changed changed when indigo uprising rulers from from the when events events like like the the indigo uprising alienated alienated the the rulers enlightened enlightened zarnindars. zamindars. A A more more bureaucratic bureaucratic metropolitan metropolitan control control of of the Indian economy economy after the end end of of the the Company's Company’s rule rule restricted restricted landlord's opportunities opportunities of the Bengali landlord’s of estate exploitation. The The Bengali prevented from from exercising his former former social social authority authority zamindar was, was. prevented exercising his in the agrarian agrarian and andurban urbanscene. scene.All Allthis thismakes makesititdifficult difficult to to discover discover •the complex pattern the facts of Jaykrishha’s Jaykrishna's long long life life in in relation relation to the complex events with with which which he he strove strove to deal. deal. As he he reached reached extreme old age, of events he found that that few few of his friends friends and and associates associates were were left, left, and and aa different different generation had sprung up. Life on the old generation old terms had become become imposimpos­ sible. sible. Industrialization, urbanisation, urbanisation, the the increasing increasing fluidity of Indian society and development of new elites changed of society and the development new elites changed the old order of things. These These in some were disadvantageous disadvantageous to to landed landed ininthings. some respects respects were

XXXIV xxxiv

NTR0DUCTI0N INTRODUCTION

terests. His habits habits and and cast of mind were terests. His were quite quite different different from from those those his younger younger contemporaries those of of of his contemporariesasas they they had had been been from from those

any people circumpeople before his time. Like all men he was a prisoner of circum­ stances, and in in his to a stances, and his later years years tried his best to adjust adjust himself himself to spite of of personal personal experiences experiences which him changed milieu. In spite which brought him cynicism, he he persevered persevered in in his his old old course course of of action action and and to the verge of cynicism, went repolishing his distraught by new went on repolishing his old old ideas. ideas. He He was was distraught by the new governmental policies policiesand and popular popular attitudes attitudes to the landlords, and the the erosion of the the privileges privileges and and values which which they prized. He He was was fearful fearful the changes changes introduced would ultimately remove remove the zamindars that the from order. How could he see from the authority of of established established order. see without emotion the beginning of the end of a social order which he so emiemi­ emotion of a social nently represented? It Jaykrishna as aa typical typical zamindar, It would would not be correct to describe Jaykrishna but his life andweaknesses weaknesses lifeand andcharacter character mirror mirror some some of the strength and of the 'new ‘new zamindars' zamindars5of of the the last last century. century. His His life, life, which which was was as as was adventurous, isis of of considerable considerable interest interestfor for an underunder­ active as it was standing of of nineteenth-century nineteenth-century Bengal. Bengal. His His friendships friendships were were wide wide standing and and he was was in in contact contact with with very very many many of of his his great great contemcontem­ poraries, Indian Indian and British. One One must give give due due value value to to the the extent and andBritish. achievements. His zamindar has has obscured obscured variety of his achievements. His record record as a zarnindar his contributions to other fields. contributions to fields. His life and work work illustrate illustrate much much more more than the the life-style life-style and and the thepossessive possessive instincts instincts of a vanished vanished society. Allowingfor forthe thefact factthat that he he was was rather fond of acting consociety. Allowing con­ spicuously, an an urgent need of his nature was some great great cause to serve spicuously, —some injustice to to repair, repair, so so long long as as these these did not conifict conflict with -some injustice with the interests of the hat makes interests the landed class. class. W What makes his his career career interesting interesting isis the the fact that Jaykrishna lived with an with controversy controversyall allhis hislife,—he life,-he was a m man iiot everybody liked. liked. But But even to be able to excite whom not excite strong strong concon­ flicting someone very ificting emotions, emotions, one one must be someone very special. special. We We should should not not expect of anybody anybodyall all the the things things that that add add value value to to a human expect of human being being make him aa paragon. paragon. To Tohave havesome some of of them them isis as as much much as as should and make desired or remember that men men of the the be desired or demanded. demanded. We We ought ought to to remember their questions questions from some given past formulated their given points of view view deterdeter-s> mined by the the context context of of their their own own experience. experience. We W e have have developed developed new beliefs belief and acquired new prejudices out of our.own experiences and acquired new prejudices out of our .own experiences and, without realizing realizing this, we tend to demand demand that thatour ourpredecessors predecessors should have behaved in their epoch in the light of our thinking today. We hastily judgments about important We hastily form form value judgments important personalities personalities by picking on a few trivialities trivialities to to suit suit our subjective subjective attitudes attitudes and ignore

INTRODUCTION

XXXV

the an’s activities It is is hoped that that this this study study ofJay.. of Jay ­ the totality of the the m man's activities It krishna's life and work, not in bits and pieces but in their entirety krishna’s life and work, not in bits pieces their entirety as as possible, would would provide provide an an understanding of far as is possible, of his his personality personality and his his relationship relationship to to his his epoch. epoch.

I believe would do do more more good good for for India India than aa believe nothing nothing would truthfully written biography of of a Hindu gentleman. Yours Yours an unusually unusually eventful eventful life; life; great great sorrows, sorrows, perper­ has been an haps great wrongs, public career and wide wrongs, a conspicuous conspicuous public intercourse with your your countrymen would all conspire intercourse with; countrymen would conspire interesting, if done to render it both valuable and interesting, done in in that sad spirit spirit in which which we we all all naturally naturally honest and somewhat sad contemplate the past. W.Hunger's Hunter'sletter lettertotoJaykrzshna Jaykrishna Mukherjee Mukherjee W. W. dated 29th December, December 1868

,

C CHAPTER HAPTER O ONE NE

Parentage, Childhood and Parentage, and Early Early Influences Influences (1808-1820) (1808- 1820) I. I. TRADITION T r a d i t i o n AND a n d CHANGE C h a n g e IN in A a FAMILY F a m il y

The inaugural inaugural session session of the second Indian National National Congress Congress began at 33 P.M. on December December28, 28, 1886 1886ininthe the Town Town Hall Hall of p . m . on o f Calcutta. Calcutta. As As the meeting the meeting opened, opened, a blind blind old oldgentleman gentlemanofo fseventy-eight seventy-eight years years rose from his his chair chair on the rose from the dais dais and and proposed proposed in in aafew fewwell-chosen well-chosen words that Dadabhai words Dadabhai Naoroji Naoroji be be elected elected President President of ofthe theCongress. Congress. speaker was ofthe thefew few remaining remaining The speaker was Jaykrishna Jaykrishna Mukherjee—one Mukherjee-one of

links between betweenthe theold oldIndia India of of the the past past and and the new links new India of of the the Congress era. Jaykrishna 1808 in in the the village villageof ofUttarpara, Uttarpara, Jaykrishna was was born born on August 24, 24,1808 owing its present-day impor­ impornow a municipal town in West Bengal, Bengal, owing tance to to the the factory factory of of the the Hindustan tance Hindustan Motors Motors Limited. Limited. Had JayJay ­ krishna's arrival been delayed delayed by by a little over four months, months, he would would krishna’s have distinction of being same year as W. W. E. E. have had had the distinction being bom born in the same Abraham Lincoln and Charles Darwin. Two other other notable notable Gladstone, Abraham Bengalis, however, however, were wereborn bornin in 1808. 1808.One Oneof ofthem themwas wasHHara Chandra Bengalis, ara Chandra Ghosh, member of the group group known known as Young Young Bengal, Bengal, and Ghosh, aa member and the other Krishna Bahadur Bahadur of Sobhabazar, aa leader other was was Raja Raja Kali Krishna of Sobhabazar, leader of of the conservatives. conservatives. The world world today today bears bears little little resemblance resemblance to the the world world in in 1808. 1808. George III still still reigned reigned in in England. England. The Thefall fallofofNapoleon Napoleonwas was still still George years away. away. Thomas Jefferson Jefferson was was nearing nearing the end of some years of his second and final final term as as the the President President of ofthe the United United States States of of America. The Manchu M anchu dynasty dynasty was was ruling in China, China, as as yet yet unaffected unaffected generally generally by by the Western impact. impact. In InIndia Indiathe theBritish Britishshowed showedevery everysign signof ofemergemerg­ ing as the paramount paramount power. power. Nobody paid much attention to to Akbar II, the the phantom phantom ruler ruler of ofDelhi. Delhi. The The British British had had won won the the second second M aratha War War in in 1805. 1805. Although Although Wellesley Wellesley had Maratha had retired retired from from India, India, leaving his his work work unfinished, unfinished,no no one one had had any any doubt doubt as as to the shape leaving of things British rule for for things to to come. come. Bengal Bengal had had virtually virtually been been under British memory of of the battle battleof ofPlassey Plassey was still fresh in many fifty years. years. The memory minds. One of Lord Minto's minds. Minto’s aides-de-camp, aides-de-camp, who visited the battlebattle­

2

A BENGAL BENGALZAMINDAR ZANDAR

field field of of Plassey Plasseyinin 1808, 1808,was wasconducted conductedover overthe the ground ground by by an eyeeye­ witness of the the memorable memorable event.1 event.' 'The witness of The Permanent Settlement Settlement of of land land revenue operation for about about fifteen fifteen years and revenue in in Bengal Bengal had had been in operation the full effect effect of this experiment experiment still seen. Ramthe full still remained remained to to be seen. mohan Ray, who would in the years to come create such such aa great stir, figure. The College Fort William William had had had not yet become a public figure. College of Fort been in existence for about seven seven years. Although process of reconstruction dating Although aa process of reform reform and and reconstruction dating back back to to indicated the the approach approach of an an intellectual intellectual and and social social change change the 1770's 1770’s indicated Bengal, to all all outward outward seeming, showed as yet in Bengal, the people of Bengal, few signs cultural signs of ofcollective collectiveresponse responsetotothe theWestern Westernimpact impact and and its cultural influences. infiue'nces.Individually, Individually,however, however,more moreand and more people were com­ comfeel the changed temper of the times and they they were were trying trying pelled to feel different levels levels to at different to adjust themselves themselves to to the the transition from Muslim British rule that itit stood stood for. for. The The ancestors ancestors of of Jaykrishna to British rule and and all that illustrated this this tendency. His family emerged, like like so so many many other illustrated tendency. His family emerged, other Bengali families familiesofofthe the period, period, taking taking advantage of the Bengali advantage of the British British connection. were aa branch of the Kuhn Brahmins of of Phulia Phulia in in The Mukherjees were Kulin Brahmins the Nadia ancestors came came from from the the part of the Nadia district. district. Jaykrishna's Jaykrishna’s ancestors of Bengal and and from from the the kind kind of stock Bengal stock that had had produced produced Krittivasa Krittivasa Ojha Ojha and and Bharatchandra Bharatchandra Ray. Tradition Tradition has has itit that thatJaykrishna's Jaykrishna’s ancestors had had to leave the middle middle of the ancestors leave this this centre centre of ofKuhinism Kulinism inin the eighteenth incident. Maharaja M aharaja Krishna Krishna eighteenth century century owing owing to to a curious incident. Chandra Ray daughters in in marriage marriage Chandra Ray ofNadia of Nadiawanted wantedto togive give one one of of his daughters to ancestor of of Jaykrishna. those days days marriages marriages among among Kuhn Kulin to an ancestor Jaykrishna. In those Brahmins were were regulated by very fine intra-caste distinctions. distinctions. As the Nadia Raj Raj family family was was supposed to have have a slight slight blemish on on its its lineage, Nadia this Mukheqees. They were too too this proposal proposal was was not not acceptable acceptable to to the Mukherjees. proud of of their supposedly supposedly high birth to to compromise compromise their their social social posiposi­ tion by a matrimonial connection connection even with the house house of Nadja. Nadia. But at the same time they felt it would be unsafe unsafe for down for them them to to turn down the M aharaja’s proposal proposal openly continue to live in in his his the Maharaja's openlyand and yet yet continue to live domain.' So ancestor, together together with with his domain.2 So Gopiraman, Gopiraman, Jaykrishna's Jaykrishna’s ancestor, family and friends, quietly left their ancestral home, crossed crossed the the river river Hooghly in a fishing fishing craft craftand and arrived arrived at at the village of Kharnargachi, Khamargachi, in the the Hooghly Hooghly district. district. Here the the migrants migrants were were welcomed welcomed by the by the grants.3 Gopiraman Gopiraman and his community and given given considerable considerable land grants.® without difficulty, difficulty, becoming part part of ofthe the KharrtarKhamar­ friends settled down without gachi community.

AND EARLY EARLY INFLUENCES INFLUENCES PARENTAGE, CHILDHOOD CHILDHOOD AND

33

The in those those days days constituted aa highly The Kuhn Kulin Brahxnins Brahmins in highly polygamous polygamous society. Gopiraman’s Gopiraman's grandson, grandson, and Jaykrishna's society, Jaykrishna’s great-grandfather, great-grandfather, Harekrishna, had had many many wives. wives. While tracing tracing his his family family genealogy genealogy in his autobiography, autobiography, Jaykrishna Jaykrishna observed observedthat that he he was was unable unable to state his wives.4 His own grandfather, the number of of his his great-grandfather's great-grandfather’s wives.4 Nandagopal, eldest son of medium medium Nandagopal, was was the the eldest son of Harekrishna. Harekrishna. A A man of stature and and fair fair complexion, complexion, he he was was aa good good Bengali Bengali scholar scholar with with some some knowledge of ofPersian Persianand and English. English. With With these these attainments attainments he became knowledge a Munshi in the Collectorate Collectorate of Dacca. Dacca.. He is said to have have obtained obtained this position on the recommendation recommendation of ofhis his first wife's wife’s relative, Dewan Radha Charan Charan Mukherjee Mukherjee of of Sobhabazar. Sobhabazar. Like Like his his father, father, NandaNanda­ also practised practised polygamy: polygamy: he had gopal also had as as many manyas assixteen sixteen wives. wives. His second wife, wife,Sivani, Sivani,was wasthe the daughter daughter of of Ramnidhi Ramnidhi Chatterjee Chatterjee of second Uttarpara.5 Uttarpara.5 Ramnidhi himselfhad had settled settled in in Uttarpara Uttarpara through Ramnidhi Chatterjee Chatterjee himself through matrimonial connection. connection. He He had married the daughter matrimonial daughter of of Gangararn Gangaram Raychaudhuri, Raychaudhuri, aa member member of one branch branch of of the thefamous famous Savarna Savarna Chaudhuris. These Chaudhuris had come to which formed to Uttarpara, Uttarpara, which part part of of their their estates, from north of Barrackpore after the establishment cantonment in in that that place. place. From From his hisfather-in-law father-in-law Ramnidhi Ramnidhi of a cantonment received aa generous generous dowry dowryincluding includingsome somelanded landedproperty property at at U Uttarreceived ttar­ para. Later on, Ramnidhi started started dealing in bricks bricks and and mortar mortar and para. dealing in also married more than one attained aa measure measure of of affluence. affluence. He also one wife, Sivani's mother being his first,8 first.6 Sivani’s Nandagopal died of of consumption at at the the age ageof offorty-one. forty-one. This This was the of Sivani's Sivani’s conjugal by the end of conjugal life, life, qualified qualifiedthough thoughitit had had been by the presence presence of aa number of of co-wives. co-wives. H er only comfort was Her was in in her son, son, Jagamohan, Jagamohan, who who was was born born probably probably in in 1792. 1792. He He was was about two years years old when he lost father.7 Jaykrishna mentions two lost his his father,7 mentions some of his grandfather's younger step-brothers step-brotherswith with whom whom he he came his grandfather’s younger came in in frequent contact. contact. These These relatives relatives either either remained remained at Khamargachi frequent Khamargachi or, induced by their the their mothers' mothers’people, people, settled settled in in different different places places of tbe metropolitan metropolitan districts. districts. Some of them achieved distinction in the traditradi­ tional studies and and a few tional Sanskritic Sanskritic studies few of of their theirdescendants descendants obtained obtained clerical clerical service serviceeither either in in the Railways Railways or in in offices offices in the the district district headquarters.8 headquarters.8 As though As though Nandagopal's Nandagopal’s premature premature death death was was not notaffliction affliction enough for died very very shortly, shortly, leaving leaving enough for Sivani, Sivani, her her father father Ramnidhi died her to to fend fend for for herself herself and her her infant infant son. son. This This widow widow of of about about twenty-five was full full of of courage courage and and assurance. She displayed initiative initiative

4

A BENGAL ZAMINDAR

judgement in in circumstances circumstancesof ofexceptional exceptional difficulty. difficulty. Luckily Luckily she and judgement was material resources. resources. She She had hadinherited inheritedsome some money money was not without material Moreover, her father, father, in in consideration consideration of of the the fact fact from her parents. Moreover, mother had had brought brought him him luck, luck, had had that his his marriage marriage with Sivani's Sivani’s mother divided his property equally among Sivani and and her her five five step-brothers. As son got As aa result of this this arrangement arrangement Sivani Sivani and and her son got a portion of Ramnidhi's homestead and aa few biglza.s of rent-free Ramnidhi’s few bighas rent-free land. Exchanging her share of the homestead homestead for cash, she built aa two-room two-room house house on her newly newly acquired acquired property. property. About About this this time time Jagamohan's Jagamohan’s stepstep­ brother died died without withoutleaving leavingany any issue. Thus the young boy became brother became the the exclusive exclusive heir heir to to his his father’s father's property which which consisted consisted of a dwelling dwelling bighas of house nearly fifty fifty bighas land in or or around around Khamargachi. Khamargachi. house and and nearly of land "This “This was, was, at any rate, rate, an an addition addition to to the thefamily family property," property,” comcom­ Jaykrishna.9 mented Jaykrishna.9 The challenging circumstances in which Sivani was placed revealed an aspect of of her her character character which was was not apparent in in most most women women of her class. class. Besides Besides managing competence, she she managing her her property with competence, she could could to bring bring up up her her son son and and take take care care of of her her aging aging did all she parents. in-lawwho who had had broken broken down down under under the shock of their eldest parents-in-law son’s Khamargachi, The son's premature premature death. She often visited visited them them aatt Khamargachi. 1794.100 couple died old couple died about the year 1794.1 Jagamohan received Jagamohan received aa good good education education in Bengali Bengali in the the village village pathsalaof ofUttarpara. Uttarpara. But to Sivani's pathsala Sivani’s way of of thinking thinking this this was was not not enough. Her son must pick up some English, English, the language of the new new rulers rulers of the the country. country. She realized realized that that this would would help help him him to make make livelihood and prosper. prosper. As As there therewere wereno nofacilities facilitiesof ofEnglish English eduedu­ a livelihood cation cation aatt Uttarpara, U ttarpara, she she decided decided to send send her son son to the the house house of of Dewan Mukherjee of Dewan Radhacliaran Radhacharan Mukhexjee of Sobhabazar. Sobhabazar. She She did did not not mind mind the temporary separation from from her only child. the teñiporary child. Jagamohan Jagamohan acquired acquired some considered aa some knowledge knowledgeofofEnglish, English,“which "whichwas wasatat that that age considered ' education".11 respectable education”.11 polygamy, early Like polygamy, early marriage marriage was was the prevailing custom. While still Rajeswari, daughter of of TamTarastill in his teens, Jagamohan married Rajeswari, Tarkasiddhanta, a noted scholar and and aa member of the chand Tarkasiddhanta, noted Sanskrit scholar Ghosal family family of U Uttarpara.12 Ghosal ttarpara.12 Tarachand's Tarachand’s son, son, Jaysankar, was was also also aa brilliant exponent exponent of of the the Nyaya Nyaya philosophy philosophy and he he outshone outshone his his father. He was Jaykrishna’s nephew had somesome­ Jaykrishna's maternal uncle. The nephew thing of his uncle's In Jaykrishna we have thing uncle’s intellectual intellectual power. power. In Jaykrishna we have an example example of the the blending blending of hereditary hereditary qualities. qualities. Even Even as as his his mother’s mother's were noted noted for for their their intellect intellect and and culture, his paternal ancestors people were

PARENTAGE, CHILDHOOD AND EARLY INFLUENCES INFLUENCES AND EARLY

5

the qualities of courage, prudence and must have possessed possessed the and vigorous vigorous ability that that usually usually make make successful successful emigrants times. emigrants in troubled times. Shortly Shortly after afterJaykrishna’s Jaykrishna's birth, birth,Jagamohan Jagamohan obtained obtained aa job job in the Commissariat General’s General's Office in Calcutta. Calcutta. He owed the appointment appointment Office in ofRamhari Ramhari Raychaudhuri Raychaudhuri of Uttarpara who to the influence influence of who worked worked as treasurer. treasurer. Jagamohan, Jagamohan, then a young man of twenty, in that office office as did not like his job job and he did he joined His His Majesty's Majesty’s 14th 14th Regiment Regiment of infantry as as a mess on the arrival Infantry mess clerk, clerk, on arrival of of the the Regiment Regiment in in Fort Fort William from from England. England.He He had had to to move move from from one one place place to to another William intervals. with the Regiment, Regiment, and and could could join join his his family only after long intervals. He accompanied the Regiment to Berbampore and from from there there to He accompanied the Regiment to Berhampore and Dinapore. campaign led Dinapore. The The Regiment Regiment took took part part in in the Nepal campaign led by by General Ochterlony. Ochterlony. On the conclusion the Nepal war, in which General conclusion of the which the Regiment had fought fought in in 1816, 1816, Jagamohan followed followed it to CawnCawnpore. There he obtained a clerkship under the Regimental Pay Master Master in addition office.13 He must in addition to his his work work in the the mess mess office.13 must have have given given satisfaction satisfaction to to his his employers. After a brief brief stay stay at at Cawnpore Cawnpore the the Regiment Regiment received received orders orders to to After proceed to to Hathras where Dayaram, Dayarani, aa zamindar in the proceed Hathras where zamindar in the Aligarh Aligarh district, had in in 1817 1817 refused to dismantle his fortress. fortress. Lord Hastings Lord Hastings conducted the the campaign and by an incessant shower of bombs himself conducted from forty-two forty-two mortars, mortars, rendered rendered the the fort untenable. After the fall of Hathras, the Regiment Regiment of of the 14th 14th Foot joined the expedition against the Pindaris. Findaris. When the the Pindaris Pindaris were were disposed disposed of in 1818, 1818, the RegiRegi­ Cawnpore.'4 ment ment moved moved on on to Mecrut Meerut instead instead of returning returning to Cawnpore.14 Jagamohanthus thuswas wasan aneye-witness eye-witness of many of the Jagamohan the military military operations the establishment establishment of British British supremacy which led to the supremacy in in India India under the Marquess of of Hastings. II. E a r l y EDUCATION: E d u c a t i o n : FATHE1t F a t h e r AND a n d SON Son II. EARLY For the first first ten ten years years of of his his life life Jaykrishna did did not not see see much of his father, because Jagamohan during during this period father, because Jagamohan period followed followed the 14th 14th Regiment of Regiment of Foot Foot from from one onebattlefield battlefieldtotoanother. another.But But this this did did not education was was neglected, neglected, as as it well might have mean mean that the boy's boy’s education been. been. His grandmother, grandmother, Sivani, Sivani, far far from from pampering pampering him, him, made made the the most of the opportunities opportunities available available for for his his education. education. Jaykrishna's Jaykrishna’s most childhood was home surroundings, surroundings, these being of extreme childhood was spent spent in home simplicity judged class standards. grand­ simplicity judged by by present-day present-day middle class standards. His grandmother was his guardian and and the thechief chiefinfluence influence on on his his early early child-

6

A BENGAL ZAMINDAR

hood. mother, Rajeswari, Rajeswari, was too retiring retiring a disposition disposition to hood. His His mother, was of of too have any positive positive influence influence on on him. him. He Hewas wassent senttotothe thelocal localpathsa1a pathsala five, and and his record there was satisfactory.'5 aatt the age age of of five, satisfactory.18The example of his his scholarly scholarly maternal maternal uncle uncle may may have have exerted exerted aa healthy influence influence received a good good drilling in in aa system system of arithmetic known on him. He received Subhankari and that tender tender age age he he was taught how as Sub/ian/carl and in Bengali.1* Bengali.'8 At that to keep accounts. One opening in those days of limited limitedjob job opportun­ opportunities for the educated educated people people was was service service in zamindari zamindari offices. offices. As it was common practice for boys to receive some some training in zamindari zamindari accounts, jaykrishna also also learnt learnt about these accounts, Jaykrishna these at a t the thevillage village school. school. This proved proved to be of immense immense advantage advantage to to him him when when in later life life of the the biggest biggest zamindars zamindars of ofBengal. Bengal. As As printed printed books books he became one of were yet yet scarce, Jaykrishna transcribed transcribed one one thousand pages were scarce, Jaykrishna pages of the the Bengali Mahabharata MahabharatabybyKasiramdas. Kasirámdas.He Hegot got the the epic epic by by heart so Bengali so well well that even even in his his advanced advanced years he could repeat the the lines lines from from memory.17 memory.'7 As As long long as as he he lived livedhe he remembered rememberedMs histeachers—Madan teachers-Madan Mohan Ghosal, Balaram Sarkar and Thakurdas Ghosal, Balaram Thakurdas Ghosh. Ghosh. Thakurdas Thakurdas was a Kayastha from Burdwan Burdwan and and an expert Kayastha from expert in in Bengali Bengali arithmetic arithmetic zamindari accounts. accounts. Jaykrishna Jaykrishna always always gratefully gratefully acknowledged acknowledged and zamindari the benefit he had had derived derived from from his his effective effective methods of teaching.18 teaching.18 Up to the year 1818 1818 Jaykrishna Jaykrishna was was taught taught entirely entirely in in the medium Bengali, Ms was quite quite keen keen on on of Bengali, his mother mother tongue. tongue. As As aa student he was work. No teacher could wish for a more zealous zealous pupil. pupil. With his Ms sharp retentive memory memory he found it easy easy to to learn learn his Mslessons lessons and and and retentive he found complete the the modest Now he he must be complete modest course course of the village village school. school. Now be taught some some English. English. taught The utility utility of of English English education education was appreciated appreciated by Indians Indians as as early as 1774 when the Supreme Court 1774 when Court was was established established in Calcutta. Calcutta. But even in the opening opening years years of of the nineteenth Mneteenth century centuryfacilities facilities for for English education were very limited. Perceiving Perceiving the growing demand English, some some enterprising enterprising Eurasians Eurasians and Bengalis for English, Bengalis started giving lessons taught sons sons of well-to-do well-to-do lessonsin in English. English. Generally Generally they they privately taught persons in their homes homes and and aa few few opened opened schools schools in different localities old Calcutta. Krishna Mohan Mullick Calcutta, who who began began to of old Mullick of Calcutta, learn English in in 1811 and later later became became aa noted noted merchant merchant and writer 1811 and on economic questions,has has left left an an interesting interesting account account of of the the early on economic questions, institutions in in Calcutta for English education. In Bowbazar institutions Bowbazar a gentlegentle­ man ran the Calcutta man called called Cummings Cummings rah Calcutta Academy Academy where where Raja Radhakanta Radhakanta Deb learnt learnt his Ms English. English. Dwarkanath Dwarkanath Tagore Tagore went to to Sherbourne's School School in in Jorasanko. Jorasanko. There There were were two other Sherboume’s other similar similar

PARENTAGE, PARENTAGE, CHILDHOOD CHILDHOOD AND AND EARLY EARLYINFLUENCES INFLUENCES

7

institutions in in Ahiritola, institutions Ahiritola, one conducted conducted by by Martin M artin Bowl, Bowl, for for some some time a tutor tutor of of Motilal Motilal Si!, Sil, and and the the other other managed managed by by Arratoon Arratoon time Petruse, an an Armenian. Petruse, Armenian. An English English School School under under Indian Indian auspices auspices existed Colootola and adan Master's Master’s existed in in Colootola and was was popularly popularly known known as as M Madan The books books used usedininthese theseschools schoolsincluded includedSpelling SpellingBooks Books by by School. The Thomas Dyche or The The Tales Thomas Dycheand andEnfield, Enfield,School SchoolMaster, Master,Tooteenamah Tootemamah or Tales ooff a Panot, Mights, The Complete Parrot, Arabian .Nights, CompleteLetter LetterWriter Writerand andGreenwood's Greenwood's Royal EnglishGrammar. Grammar.Calligraphy Calligraphywas wasan an accomplishment which Royal English which most ardently ardently sought in those days, and book-keeping was most book-keeping in English was the highest was highest aim aim of ofEnglish English education. education. School School fees fees were were often often regulated regulated by by the status of the pupils' pupils’ parents; parents; four four rupees rupees was was the the highest schooling fee fee per per month.19, month.' highest schooling offered these facilities facilities for early Calcutta offered for English English education education in the early years of of the the century. century. There was a growing years growing demand for this kind of education even even in in the The Rev. education the mofussil. mofussil. The Rev. Robert Robert May May (d. (d. 1818) 1818) opened an an English opened English School School at Chinsurah Chinsurah for for which which he hereceived received Government aid.'° aid.20This This shows shdws that that English English education education was was becoming becoming increasingly those classes classes of people increasingly popular popular among those people who were clever enough to perceive which way the wind wind was was blowing. blowing. father, Jaykrishna Jaykrishna did not have Unlike his father, have to to stay stay away away from from home home to learn English. English. In the meantime meantime the the village village of Uttarpara U ttarpara itself itself to learn In the had to some some extent changed. changed. Some Some English-knowing English-knowing local gentlemen organized classes classesfor fortheir their own own children children and arid for for their relatives organized relatives and neighbours. In In 1818 Jaykrishna began began learning learning his his A.B.C. A.B.C. in in what neighbours. 1818 Jaykrishna he called the family school” Chatterjee. While While called “"the school" of Bhairav Bhairav Chandra Chatterjce. studying and a part studying there, he he finished finished the theSpelling Spelling Book Book and partofofFrench French Dialogue,a atranslation translation from from short short colloquial colloquial French sentences. Dialogue, sentences. He also work called calledSelf SelfGuide Guide containing containing short sentences sentences in also read read aa work English English and Bengali, Bengali, then just published published by by the theBaptist BaptistMissionary Missionary Press of of Serampore. Serampore.After Afterone one year year he he was was sent sent to another Press another family family school run lines by Bhavani Sankar school run along similar lines by Bhavani Sankar Raychaudhuri, aa relative. Here Here he hecontinued continuedhis hisstudy studyofofthe theFrench FrenchDialogue Dialogue and Self Self Guideand and began reading Looking back, Jaykrishna Guide readingTooteenamah. Tooteenamah. Looking Jaykrishnarere­ names of of the the boys boys who who during duringthese theseyears yearswere werehis hisclassclass­ called the names mates—Haris Chandra Chandra Banerjee, Bancrjee, Ratan Ratan Chandra Chandra Raychaudhuri, Raychaudhuri, mates-Haris Jagat Chandra Chandra Raychaudhuri, Raychaudhuri, Bholanath Bholanath Chatterjee and Shambhu Shambhu Chandra Mukherjee, Mukherjee, all all older older than than himself.2' himself.21 Even at at that tender in aa rather Even tender age age Jaykrishna acquired experience in prosaic matter which he found useful in later life. life. It was not unusual matrons in in those those days days to add add to tothe thefamily familyincome incomefrom from for prudent matrons

8

A BENGAL ZAMLNDAR ZAMINDAR.

the interest on money friends. Isvar Isvar Chandra Chandra money lent to a small small circle of friends. Vidyasagar's mother is known to have done so. Vidyasagar’s so.22Jaykrishna’s Jaykrishna's grand­ grandmother, Sivani, had some some money invested in this way. As soon soon as as her her grandson how to keep keep accounts, accounts, she she entrusted entrusted her her books books to to grandson learnt learnt how his care. care. Thus Thus Jaykrishna Jaykrishna in in his his early early teens teensbecame becamethe the accountant accountant of of his grandmother's grandmother’ssmall-scale small-scale loan-office.23 loan-office.23 This practical practical training training developed his business acumen. These chores and his his studies studies which which he he took took seriously seriously still left left him him a good deal of leisure. leisure. He was a strong boy and spent spent many many hours hours He was doors, mingling street out of doors, mingling with with other other boys boys of of his his own own age age in in the street and river-bed sports sports and excelling in several of them. In those excelling in several of them. those days recreations of boys boys were were not supervised, recreations supervised, and organized organized games games were were unknown. Jaykrishna Jaykrishna freely freelyindulged indulged in in typical typical boyish boyish pranks pranks and and unknown. escapades. He was the natural natural leader escapades. leader of of his playmates, giving evidence of his games, and his domineering domineeringspirit. spirit.He He hated hated being being defeated defeated in in games, always goes that always expected expected to to be be backed backed by divine power. power. The story goes once game, he he punished punished the idol idol of of Siva Siva in the the family family once beaten beaten at at a game, of the Chatterjees Ghatterjees for for withholding withholdinghis his favours, which which he always temple of took for for granted. granted. He was so so worked worked up up on this occasion that he did took occasion that not hesitate to strike strike at it. it. For For many many years years aa crack crack on on this thisidol idol was was pointed out as the punitive mark mark left by the angry angry young Jaykrishna.24 Jaykrishna.84 Besides recreation. Besides ordinary ordinary boyish boyish sports, sports,Jaykrishna Jaykrishna had another recreation.

This In his This was was his his hobby hobby of gardening. gardening. In his spare spare time time he he enjoyed enjoyed beds.25 This open-air activity, tending his flower flower beds.26 activity, besides besides giving him some exercise,developed developedhis hissense senseofofbeauty. beauty.Later Later in in life life he he had some exercise, ample opportunities to indulge this taste. satisfying to These recreations recreations could could not have been entirely satisfying to a boy of aa contemplative contemplative turn of mind like Jaykrishna. Jaykrishna. Fortunately in in those those days days men men were much left left alone alone with with nature nature and andwith withthemselves. themselves. The village Uttarpara days presented presented an village of U ttarpara in Jaykrishna's Jaykrishna’s boyhood days untidy look. IItt was full of ofjungles jungles and sad-looking sad-looking thatched thatched hutments hutinents with a few brick-built houses The ugliness ugliness houses thrown thrown in in here and there. The of the village, however, however, was was relieved relieved by by the river Hooghly on which it was was situated. The The idyllic idyllic beauty beauty of ofthe theriver-front, river-front, as as yet yet unspoilt unspoilt by smoking chimneys spell on on young young by smoking chimneysof offactories, factories,had hadlong long cast cast a spell river Jaykrishna. He spent spent long long hours hours watching watching the the quickly quickly flowing flowing river alive with boats. boats. The delightful delightful hours hours of of communication communication with with nature alive developedJaykrishna’s Jaykrishna'scharacter character and and his power. He developed his imaginative imaginative power. may have formed some some of the the plans for his future achievement while gazing at the river. river. One One of ofthese these schemes schemes was to transform his Ms native

PARENTAGE, CHILDHOOD AND AND EARLY EARLY INFLUENCES INFLUENCES PARENTAGE, CHILDHOOD

9

village into into aa beautiful beautiful place. place. For For him him this this dream dream came came true. true. It may village be said that the the river river in in those those days days nursed nursed his his genius genius and and the thesimple simple As long long as he lived recreation gave great refreshment refreshment to to his his spirit.26 spirit.2®As the river had aa special special place place in in his his life. life. , Jaykrishna's boyhood was was passed against this Jaykrishna’s boyhood passed against this background background of of domestic happiness and an domestic happiness an extremely extremely simple simple country country life. life. Although Although grandmother was his grandmother was not not disposed disposed to to spoil spoil him him by by excessive indulgence, Jaykrishna plenty of affection from her her and Jaykrishna received received plenty affection from and others. others. All All through life he never through never showed showed the the characteristics characteristics usually usually associated associated with an unhappy As aa boy, with unhappy or or neglected neglected childhood. childhood. As boy, he made the most of of the the opportunities opportunities he he had had been given. most given. In 1820 1820 the pattern of his his life lifewas wasabruptly abruptly changed changed when when his his father father came came home home on on aa long long leave. Jagainohan had got as aa clerk Jagamohan got on on in in life. life. Besides Besides working working as clerk in the the Regimental Pay Pay Master’s Master's Office, Office, he he also also acted acted as as a banian to the Regimental banian to Regiment. In those days, who were were not well paid, often Regiment. days, armymen, armymen, who borrowed money money anticipating anticipating their their later increments. increments. They constantly constantly borrowed the services services ooff banians banians who required the who advanced advanced them money charging an interest Banianshad had become become an an inseparable inseparable part interest of 20 or 25%. Banians of military establishments, for they catered catered to to the theneeds needsof ofthe the soldiers soldiers in those A banian had to to be full those days days of of slow slow communication. communication. A banian had full of of resource and always ready ready to give give satisfaction satisfaction to clients. The resource and always to his clients. office was one one of considerable considerable profit.87 profit.27Jagamohan Jagamohan must must have have made office was association with some money money in in this capacity. His long association with the Regiment of the 14th 14th Foot and and his his intimacy intimacy with withits itsofficers officers had to to some some extent changed changed his outlook and and attitudes. attitudes. He Hehad haddeveloped developedbusiness-like business-like habits and practical practical efficiency efficiency which one did not not normally normally associate associate with oriental character. He He had had wide wide business business contacts and dealt with Houses in in Calcutta. the Agency Houses Oit-eeming home in 1820, had to tosolve solve some some financial On-ooming 1820, Jagamohan had tangles. tangles. He had left left aa chest chest containing containing silver silver plate plate and andfamily familyjeweljewel­ lery in the custody custody of of Colvin Colvin & & Co., Co., aa well-known well-known Calcutta Calcutta Agency Agency House. the Company House. The employees employees of the Company had misappropriated misappropriated these these Jagamohan possessed articles. As Jagamohan possessed a regular regular receipt receiptof ofspecific specific deposits, the Company had to to reimburse him fully fully in in cash. cash. He He also the Company had reimburse him also made made arrangements collection of advanced to to different different arrangements for for collection of loans loans he he had advanced individuals.28 individuals.28 By all all accounts accounts Jagamohan Jagamohan was a prosperous man and aa successful By successful operator 1820. In that that year year he he for for the the first first operator when when he he came home in 1820. time celebrated celebrated Durga Durga Puja Pujain inhis hishouse.29 house.29 In the the social social life life of of Bengal Bengal

10

A BENGAL BENGAL ZAMINDAR ZAMINDAR

more than than aareligious religious significance. significance. It served served the this celebration had more purpose of a status symbol symbol indicating indicating that the person person concerned had attained aa measure measure of ofsuccess success and affluence. affluence. In spite spite of of his his changed changed outlook Jagamohan apparently apparently attached attached importance importance to to this this tradioutlook Jagamohan tradi­ success in in life. life.In In other other respects also he tional mode of proclaiming his success to fulfil fulfil the the traditional traditional social social obligations. obligations. He often often used used his his tried to reininfluence with army army officers officers to find suitable clerical clerical jobs for his rela­ tives in the the regimental regimentaloffice.3° office.30 Generally speaking, speaking, he conformed conformed to the accepted practices of his community some some of which were quesques­ 1820 he married for the third time, although although his his first two tionable. In 1820 His third wife, wives were still still living. living. His wife, Chandramallika, Chandramallika, was was the wives daughter daughter of of Fakir Chandra Chandra Bhattacharyya Bhattacharyyaof ofSeakhala Seakhala in in the the Hooghly Hooghly the Hooghly Hooghly district. His second wife wife came came from from Konnagar, also in the district. district. It should should be mentioned here that Jagarnohan Jagamohan restricted restricted the number of his his wives wivestoto three, three, while while his his father father and and grandfather grandfather had had number each taken more than ten each ten wives. wives. Jagamohan's family In 1820 1820 Jagamohan’s family consisted consisted of three wives, wives, two sons and one daughter. His Rajeswari, was was the the mother of the two His first first wife, wife, Rajeswari, two sons, Jaykrishna and and his his younger younger brother brother Rajkrishna Rajkrishna who who had had been sons, Jaykrishna 1813. Later on Jagamohanhad hadthree threeother othersons sonsby byhis his second second born in 1813. onjagamohan and third third wives, wives, the the youngest youngest being a posthumous posthumous child. Jagamohan had had a busy time at tJttarpara, in Jagamohan busy time Uttarpara, putting putting his his affairs affairs in meeting numerous numerous social social obligations. obligations. Naturally order and meeting Naturally he was concerned about the the future futureof ofhis his eldest eldest son, Jaykrishna, who already showed much have felt felt sorry sorry for having showed much promise. promise. As As aa father he must have failed failed to to give give personal personalattention attention to to his his son’s son's education. education. He He decided decided to to make giving Jaykrishna Jaykrishna aa better better English English education education than than he make it up by giving already received received and to to give give him him an anearly earlystart startininhis hiscareer. career. had already Partly with this this intention he he planned planned to to take take his his family family to Meerut.3' Meerut.81 Giving his mother mother and and wives an opportunity Giving his wives an opportunity to to visit visit the thefamous famous places places of Hindu pilgrimage pilgrimage in in north north India India may may have have been been another another consideration. Towards the end end of of the the year year1820, 1820, Jagamohan Jagamohan hired hired aa boat boat and and Towards left for for Meerut Meerut which is is 970 970miles milesfrom fromCalcutta. Calcutta.The The party party which which he he left led included his mother, Sivani, Sivani, his two two elder elder wives, wives, his his two twosons, sons, Rajkrishna, and his his little daughter, Durgamani, and Jaykrishna and Rajkrishna, a distant relation called called Rajiblochan Chakravarti. Chakravarti. His His newly newly married wife,Jaykrishna’s Jaykrishna's youngest youngeststepmother, stepmother, stayed stayed back back with with her people wife, people Seakhala.82 at Seakhala.32 Jaykrishna, must have been thrilled thrilled at at the Jaykrishna, then a boy boy of of twelve, twelve, must have been

PARENTAGE, CHILDHOOD CHILDHOOD AND AND EARLY EARLY INFLUENCES INFLUENCES

11

prospect prospect of this this long long journey. journey. This This was was going going to to be his first journey across across the the country. country. His His boyish boyish imagination imagination had had already already been been kindled kindled by the stories stories he heard from from his his father about about his his experiences experiences in he had heard upper India where upper where diamatic dramatic political political changes changes were were taking taking place. place. Young Jaykrishna Jaykrisbna looked forward to the day fixed for the commenceday fixed the commence­ their journey. journey. Little did he know that he would have to spend ment of their more than five years in in north north India and five years and that thathis hisactual actualexperiences experiences would exceed exceed all all his his wildest wildest fancies. fancies.

C H A P T E R TTWO WO CHAPTER

Five Years Five Years in in Meerut Meerut ((1821-1825) 1821 - 1825 ) gives aa brief In his his autobiography autobiography Jaykrishna Jaykrishna gives brief description description of his his journey to Meerut by boat boat with with his his family. family. Their first halt was was at journey where they they were were entertained for a few Halisahar in the 24-Parganas 24-Parganas where few days Nanda Kumar Mukherjce, Mukherjee, a stepbrother stepbrother of of Jaykrishna's Jaykrishna’s days by by Nanda grandfather. journey further upstream upstream was was leisurely leisurely and unun­ grandfather. The The journey hampered. It took hampered. took the the Mukherjees Mukherjees one month to reach Benares. Benares. On the way they touched touched at at Hooghly, Hooghly, Triveni, Triveni, Kalna, Kalna, Murshidabad, Murshidabad, the way Rajmahal, Gazipur. Jagamohan Jagamohan Rajmahal, Bhagalpur, Bhagalpur, Monghyr, Monghyr, Patna Patna and Gazipur. explained the the old and historical explained old associations associations and historical importance importance of these these places to Jaykrishna whose curiosity was insatiable. For the the first first time time Jaykrishna became conscious conscious of of his his country’s country's traditions traditions and and cultural heritage. trip, however, however, was not all all play play for for Jaykrishna. Jaykrishna. JagaJaga­ heritage. The trip, mohan utilized the long hours hours of of enforced enforced idleness idleness on mohan utilized the long on board board by reading with his son the Arabian Arabian Xights.' Mights.1 This exercise was intended This exercise Jaykrishna's English. to improve Jaykrishna’s English. Since Jaykrishna Jaykrishnajourneyed journeyed with with his his family, family, he he naturally naturally did not Since not feel as as homesick as he would feel homesick as would have have done done otherwise. otherwise. On On reaching reaching Benares, part company company with with his his family family tempotempo­ Benares,Jagamohan Jagamohan had had to part rarily, for he was anxious to get to to Meerut Meerutbefore before his his leave leave expired. expired. The journey by by boat boatwas was necessarily necessarily slow. slow. So, leaving his Ms family in Benares, he he hastened hastened to Mirzapur where Benares, where he he had had some some urgent urgent assignassign­ ment. From there he went to Meerut Meerut by by Government Government Dak which, wMch, as Jaykrishna found later, later, was Jaykrishna' found was a much much quicker quicker means means of of transport. transport. Jaykrishna and and his his people people had had aadelightful delightful time timeininBenares, Benares,visiting visiting temples and and shrines. shrines. They They took took about about another another month month to the famous famous temples reach Cawnpore, maldng brief brief halts halts at at Mirzapur, reach Cawnpore, making Mirzapur, Allahabad Allahabad and and Chandalgarh or or Chunar. Arriving Chandalgarh Arriving at Cawnpore, Cawnpore, the party changed changed over to land transport, transport, for for the the river riverwas wasdaily dailygrowing growing less less navigable owing to the dry, cold cold season. It would would have have been been very very slow slow and dull dull going for for the the party party if it went farther up by going by water. water. It I t had had to tochoose choose between two two kinds kinds of of land land transport—the transport-the rath between rath or aa four-wheeled four-wheeled carriage bullocks and generally generally used for family journeys, carriage drawn by bullocks

FIVE FiVE YEARS YEARS IN IN MEERUT MEERUT

13 13

the e/cka, ekka, aa small small one-horse one-horse vehicle. preferred the and the vehicle.The The party party preferred comparative comfort the bullock cart, onthe the unmetalled unrnetalled comparative comfort of ofthe cart, for for the the ekka ekka on roads was roads was a bone-shaker. bone-shaker. In this this way way Jagamohan's Jagamohan’s family family reached reached Meerut towards towards the the end end of ofJanuary, January,1821.2 1821.2 journey was was an unforgettable The two-month-long two-month-long journey unforgettable experience experience for youngJaykrishna. young Jaykrishna. A A new new world world opened opened before before the the boy boy of of twelve twelve who What had hitherto stirred stirred very little out out of of his his native native village. W hat experiexperi­ ences were interesting places places were packed packed in those two two months! months! How many interesting And they they were were much much more more than than the flitting and people he had seen! seen! And glimpses the the quick-travelling passenger, looking looking from from the windows glimpses quick-travelling passenger, windows of a railway carriage, carriage, is able to obtain obtain today. today. IfIftravel travelwas was slow slow in in those days, days, it was not without those without its its advantages. advantages. Arrived at Meerut, was put put to the intensive grind of Arrived Meerut, Jaykrishna Jaykrishna was intensive grind English lessons. lessons.His Hisfather father was wasvery very strict strict in in this respect. He believed that aa man man who who takes takes the the soft soft line line with with his his children children is is their their worst worst enemy. He was determined to bring up enemy. up his his sons sons according to his own ideas of his contemcontem­ ideas which which were were rather different from those of many of poraries. got some some of poraries. As As he himself was was too too busy busy to to teach his son, he got his friends friends to to help help Jaykrishna Jaykrishna in his his his studies. studies. They were were Bholanath Bholanath Ghose, Ghose, aa writer writer in in the the Meerut Meerut Commissariat Commissariat Office; Office;and andRaj Raj Chandra Chandra Neogi, aa clerk clerk in a local Neogi, local mercantile mercantile firm. firm. The The books books used used were were The The Universal Letter Writer and The Complete Letter Writer. Every aspirant Universal Letter Writer and The Complete Letter Writer. Every aspirant for for clerkship clerkship must must know know before before everything everything else else how how to to write write letters well. well. Jaykrishna Jaykrishna also also had had some some desultory desultory lessons lessons from from another another gentleman-presumably his father’s—whom father's-whom he gentleman—presumably a friend friend of his he does does not mention in his his autobiography. autobiography. These These preparatory preparatory exercises exercises mention by name in must speak English, English, for he must have have improved improved his his ability ability to to write and speak was soon soon admitted admitted to the regimental Jaywas regimental school school of the 14th 14th Foot.3 Foot.® Jay­ krishna was was doubtless krishna doubtless bullied bullied heavily heavily before before being being accepted accepted by his officers. He most classmates who were all sons of regimental regimental officers. He made made the most the opportunity of freely with with them them on a footing of equality, equality, of the of mixing freely exchanging ideas and occasional blows, and and on the exchanging ideas occasional blows, the whole, whole, enjoying enjoying their fellowship. fellowship. Thus Thus very very early early in life he was was able to overcome the diffidence that Indian generally generally felt felt in in dealing dealing with with members members of of diffidence that an Indian the ruling race. race. He could could not not but but be beimpressed impressed by by the the positive positive the ruling qualities of of the the British, British, but but he had no qualities no illusions illusions about their conduct conduct and abilities. abilities. His attitudes towards towards the new new masters masters of India India were were thus formed formed during was up up there there only only thus duringhis hisall all too too short short term—he term-he was the regimental "This was was the the extent of for six months months—at the regimental school. school. “This probablywith withsome someregret.4 regret.4 my scholastic scholastic education,” education," he wrote later, probably

r-..J'

o

0

60

r"-' '-

SCALE; too so

0

uu-s

1820-1826

-.-'..

B U R MA

ASSAM

NORTH INDIA 100

I

I

MILES

i

.1 Avö,Am.,rôpura bo

p

A

-p

32

_i R P

NJ AB

-.

Lake -4

7-

FDC

BA OF B1i

RAJPUTANA

k.

'i

çLak,,o

BIHAR Gar

Ga,ipur

Dipre

Monah

M At. WA

8UNDEL CHAND Hazaibd9h

C!

°

Murshd8b

BEN\GA

FIVE YEARS YEARS IN IN MEERUT MEERUT FIVE

15

never gave gave any any reasons reasons for for the thebriefness briefness of of his his formal formal Jaykrishna never schooling.IIt is probable probable that that his was cut cut short schooling. t is his student life life was short by his father’s give him an an early early start startininprofessional professional life. life. Be Be father's anxiety anxiety to to give that as it may, the removal from the regimental regimental school school was was in aa sense sense that the beginning beginningand and not not the the end endof ofhis his education. education.W What he learnt at hat he the school gave gave him him aa certain intellectual intellectual keenness keenness and opened before him new new fields fields of knowledge knowledge which never tired tired of of exploring exploring him which he he never throughout he became became one one of the throughout his long life. life. Consequently Consequently he the best best informed men of of his generation. school,Jagamohan Jagamohan placed placed him him as as aa probationer Taking him out of school, the Military Military Pay Pay Office Office under Captain Captain Watkins Watkins in 1822. 1822. Here in the Jaykrishna learned Jaykrishna learned the the different different methods methods of of keeping military accounts. After one one year, year, he began After began working working as aa clerk clerk in in the theregimental regimentalmess mess and also in the regimental Pay Master's Master’s Office. Office. In this way he became familiar with with several modes of of regimental regimental accounts. accounts. He He must must have have familiar several modes shaped well well as as aa probationer, for early in 1824 shaped 1824 at the the age age of ofsixteen sixteen he was was appointed appointed chief chief clerk clerk in the the station station office office under under Captain Captain Combe, officiating Brigade-Major. Brigade-Major. Captain Combe Combe and and his his successor successor Captain D. D. D. Anderson Anderson had a great great liking liking for their teen-age teen-age Indian assistant.5 for him to assistant.6 It was was certainly certainly remarkable remarkable for to have have adjusted adjusted himself so quickly quicklytoto aa quite unfamiliar environment and secuied himself so seemed aa position of responsibility responsibilityand and trust. trust. True, his father's position father’s influence influence had helped, helped, but much much more more important important were were his his personal personal qualities qualities of adaptability, intelligence intelligence and hard work. work. Life in Meerut to aa young Life in Meerut gave gave good good opportunities opportunities to young man man like like Jaykrishna physically active. spite Jaykriskna who who was was mentally mentally alert alert and physically active. In spite of his with the British, his close close association association with British, Jagamohan observed observed the the strict After he he had sent strict rules rules of his his caste caste regarding food. food. After sent back back his his the cooking cooking had to be done done by father mother and wives to to Uttarpara, Uttarpara, the son. Whenever Whenever Jagamohan busy spell or went went out of spell or and son. Jagamohan had had a busy Meerut, Jaykrishna would take full charge of the kitchen. Cheerfully Cheerfully Thus he learnt this as as well well as as other other odd oddhousehold household chores.6 chores.® Thus he did this early to manage his own affairs affairs independently independently without relying on the womenfolk.All Allthis thiswork, work,however, however,left lefthim himtime time to to pick pick up local womenfolk. languages. He languages. He acquired acquired fluent fluent Urdu Urdu and rudimentary Persian during his sojourn sojourn in in upper upper India. his had less for him The oriental oriental languages, languages, however, however, had less fascination fascination for than English, English, the the vehicle vehicle of of Western Western learning. learning. Fortunately Fortunately for for him, him, he had aa free free run run of ofthe the regimental regimental library library under the guidance guidance of of some scholarly scholarly army officers. They gladly explained things officers. They things which he he

116 6

A BENGAL BENGALZAMII.1DAR ZAMINDAR

found difficult. Jaykrishna loved loved to recall the names difficult. Later in life life Jaykrishna names of of these officers officersofofthe the regiment regiment and and their fatherly for him. these fatherly affection affection for him. Brigadier Brigadier McCombe, McCombe,Captain Captain Bowers, Bowers,Lieut. Lieut.James James Grant Grant and and Captain Kenneth Kenneth Mackenzie, Mackenzie, of of their their own own accord, accord, gave gave him him lessons lessons in history, history, poetry and English English social social and political institutions. From customs.7 He was them he learned much about English manners and and customs.7 English manners fond of of biographies. biographies. FIe Heavidly avidlyread readBoswell's Boswell’sLife LifeofoSamuel f SamuelJohnson Johnson biographies of He also also as well well as as the biographies of Napoleon Napoleonand and Peter Peter the Great. He read the histories the leading European countries, countries, and and to to cap it read histories of the leading European Bacon.8 In Milton and and Bacon,® all, he had his his introduction introduction to Shakespeare, Shakespeare, Milton of his educational deficiencies deficiencies were this way some, at least, of were repaired. FIe was was lucky lucky in in one one sense. sense. He FIe had had the the advantage He advantage of pursuing pursuing his his studies artificial and cramped cramped atmosphere atmosphere of of aa colonial colonial studies not not in in the the artificial class room. A A new new world world of ofideas class room. ideas opened opened before before young Jaykrishna in in an environment environment of informality and warmth. warmth. The Theregimental regimentalofficers officers who taught Jaykrishna Jaykrishna would would forget forget during during the the study who study hours hours that their pupil pupil was was also their employee. employee. There was as much understandunderstand­ ing ing arid and zeal zeal at the the giving giving end end as as at atthe thereceiving receiving end. end. Although Although Jaykrishna missed Jaykrishna missed the Hindu Hindu College College of of Derozio, he had his his exposure exposure to Western Western learning learning through through a different medium. The training to training was was not so systematic systematic but but conducted with faith, liveliness liveliness and and the the human touch. During these years Jaykrishna and as as he he was was quick quick Jaykrishna read hard, and in the the uptake, uptake, finished finished with withaaconsiderable considerablestock stockofofmiscellaneous miscellaneous knowledge. trend which which his his knowledge.That That in in itself itself mattered mattered little, little, but but the trend mind acquired mattered much. Jaykrishna's keen keen intelligence and ability ability to Jaykrishna’s intelligence and to grasp grasp difficult difficult probprob­ lems deeply the officers under whom lems deeply impressed impressed the officers tinder whom he worked. worked. The testimonials they they gave gave him him refer to his testimonials his capacity capacity for for executing executing comcom­ plicated official business, his his excellence excellence as asan anaccountant, accountant, his plicated Mscleverness and integrity of character, his his judgement, judgement, industry, industry, sense sense of of responrespon­ sibility, discretion discretion and forbearance.9 sibility, forbearance.® Making Making all allowance allowance for the the formal language formal language of the testimonials, testimonials, it is difficult to see that is not difficult to see Jaykrishna’s moral qualities qualities were were appreciated appreciated by his his Jaykrishna's mental mental and and moral employers. The impressionable years which which Jaykrishna Jaykrishna spent spent in in Meerut were impressionable years all to his life with with its its all his good. good. The The general general discipline discipline of cantonment cantonment life stress on devotion devotion to to duty, duty, punctuality punctuality and and the habit stress on habit of of endurance endurance became part part of of his his being. This experience experience helped the the formation formation of ofhis his character and proved proved to to be be aa lasting lasting influence influence on his his life. life. With W ith his his highly developed developed power power of of observation, observation, he he judged judged the strength and highly

FIVE FIVE YEARS YEARS IN IN MEERUT MEERUT

17

weakness of of British British character character so far as weakness as he could could see canton­ see itit in in the cantonment. ment. He made made friends friends with with many many British British soldiers. soldiers. Some Some of of them them achieved distinction and maintained maintained life-long life-long contact contact with with achieved distinction later later and Jaykrishna. Jaykrishna picked Jaykrishna. Inevitably Inevitably Jaykrishna picked up aa lot lot of of army army slang slang permanently became of his his vocabulary. vocabulary. Even in in later later which permanently became aa part of life, whenever army slang slang life, whenever he he would would lose lose his his temper, temper, he would use army freely. Nothing so so much reveals Nothing reveals an an aspect aspect of ofJaykrishna's Jaykrishna’s developing developing personality as an an incident happened at Meerut personality as incident which which happened Meerut and and which which his extreme old age. age. Jeffery Amherst, the son son of he recalled even in his the Governor-General, Governor-General, was regiment was for for some some time time attached attached to the regiment of the 14th I4th Foot Foot as as aa cavalry cavalry cornet cornet undergoing undergoing military training. training. Hee served in Major General Sir Jasper Nicholls' division Although H served in Nicholls’ division. he five years years older older than Jaykrishna, they became became good he was about five friends. As laugh and and joke and and friends. AsJaykrishna Jaykrishnaput putit,it, they they “used "used to laugh chit-chat" chit-chat” in in their their spare spare tune. time. One One day day as as they they were were thus thus engaged, engaged, a bearer brought a letter to to young young Amherst, who, who, on reading it, said to him baitho" (sit to him in Hindi, "Tom “ Tom baitho” bearer accordingly accordingly (sit down). down). The bearer sat cross-legged onthe the carpet. carpet. This This annoyed Jeffery Jeffery who who drew Jay­ Jaycross-legged on krishna’s attention, saying, “How very stupid your countryman krishna's saying, "How stupid your countryman is!” is!" Jaykrishna, instead of of supporting supporting him, him, explained explainedthat that itit was Jaykrishna, instead was his his mistake. mistake. His Hincli Hindi did not clearly clearly express express his intention. He He should should "Bahar have asked the bearer to to wait wait outside, outside, saying saying something something like like “Bahar (wait outside).10 outside).'° To To speak speakout out for for what what he he thought to me hazir raho” (wait hazir ra/jo" be right was of Jaykrishna’s character character which which developed developed was an an early early trait ofJaykrishna's further as as the the years years passed. passed. further Altogether AltogetherJaykrishna Jaykrishnaspent spentfive fiveyears yearsininMeerut. Meerut.He Hewas was in in aa world which was completely completely different different from of his his childhood. childhood. world from that of These were were years could say These years of of hard hard work work for for him. him. One One could say that many aspects of youth youth and adolescence which are part of the average child’s child's birth.right passed passed him him by. by. He might birth-right might even even have have complained complained that destiny had robbed him of of his youth. But his actual reaction was was to destiny the contrary. Looking Looking back, he considered considered his years years in in Meerut to be the happiest happiest time of his his life." life.11This This was was not not merely merely aaretrospective retrospective fancy man reviewing reviewing his his youth through the the golden golden haze haze fancy of of an an old man Actually many many aspects aspects of army army life life had had caught caught his hisboyish boyish of time. Actually imagination. He received from the officers imagination. received many kindnesses kindnesses from officers of the regiment. regiment. Life Life in the the cantonment cantonment was was not notshort shortofofexciting excitingevents. events. Jaykrishna Jaykrishna never never had had aa dull moment. moment. He He was was thrilled thrilled by by the the grand grand military reviews, parades manoeuvres of the the reconnoitring reconnoitring and military reviews, parades and manoeuvres 2

18 18

A BENGAL BENGAL ZAMINDAR ZAMINDAR

fbrlom-hope forlorn-hopeparties. parties. O Off course course as as aa serious seriousyoung youngman man he he was was not not interested colourful and spectacular. He picked picked up interested only only in in the colourful and the spectacular. some sittings some knowledge knowledgeof ofmilitary militaryjurisprudence jurisprudenceand and attended attended the sittings of courts-martial.18 courts-martial.12 On the whole, he was was so soattracted attracted by the glamour army life life that that he requested requested the Brigadier Brigadier to to procure procure and romance of army him a commission commission in in His His Majesty’s Majesty's service. service.But But the the Brigadier had to disappoint no such such provision provision for disappoint his his youthful youthful hopes, hopes, for for there was rio Indians. Recalling this Indians. Recalling this incident incident as as an old man, Jaykrishna regretted that such that such opportunities opportunities were still beyond the reach of of his countrymen. “Thus my military military aspiration Meerut,” he he "Thus my aspirationbegan beganand and ended ended atat Meerut," wrote in his his autobiography.12 autobiography.13 But it would would be be more more correct correct to to say say that this ambition lay dormant deep deep down down in in his his mind. mind. In 1857 1857 he he had an occasion occasion to fulfil fulfil his desire at least least partially.'4 partially.14 Meerut Jaykrishn.a Jaykrishna was circumstances In Meerut was growing growing to to manhood in circumstances were exhilarating, exhilarating, to to say say the the least. least. Steady application to which were to work work is the healthiest training for every individual. Although he failed to is every individual. he failed to secure aa commission, commission,hehehad hadthis thistraining trainingat at Meerut Meerui and this this became became aa built-in feature of his have been been so so his mental mental make-up. make-up. He would not have many other happy at Meerut Meerut unless unless he he enjoyed enjoyed his work. work. Of O f course course many things contributed to his happiness. things contributed happiness. The bracing climate of Meerut his already already strong strong constitution. constitution. He He enjoyed enjoyed long long walks walks in in toned up his town.'5 This the country country around around the the town.15 quiet contact contact with nature nature the This quiet refreshed his spirit even as the river Hooghly had had so so often done in in his his boyhood. ofJaykrishna's The happiness of Jaykrishna’s family had a background background of of financial security. besides working office, had security. Jagamohan, Jagamohan, besides working in in the Regimental office, become aa dealer dealer in in European European consumer consumer goods. goods. He opened become He had opened accounts agency houses houses in Calcutta like like Fairlie, Fairlie, accounts with with the principal agency in Calcutta Fergusson & Co., Co., MacKillop MacKillop & & Co., Dinsley && Co. Co. and and Fergusson & Co., Colvin Colvin Dinsley Co. O On used to to draw draw bills bills of exchange exchange either either at at Alexander & Co. n them he used sight or on different dates after the production production of of bills. bills. In In those those days days money unknown, and and the theshroffs shroffs of money orders were unknown, of upper upper India usually charged a large charged large percentage percentage of ofcommission commission on on hundi handi remittances. good part part of ofthis this business business by undercutting undercutting Jagamohan captured a good his competitors.'° competitors.18 These These projects projects of of Jagamohan Jagamohan were were prospering prospering his Jaykrishna was was at Meerut. while Jaykrishna Judging by the opportunities opportunities then open open before Indians, Jaykrishna Jaykrishna had good start in life. life. At early age he he enjoyed enjoyed an had got a fairly good At that early an independent income without commitments or obligations. obligations. His His independent income without any commitments resourceful father was was still still in in the prime of well able able to take care resourceful father of life, well

riva YE.ARS IN MEERUT MEERUT FIVE YEARS IN

19

of everything. everything. Personally PersonallyJaykrishna Jaykrishnahad hadnothing nothinginin the the world world to to worry his loving near him, him, enjoyed enjoyed worry about. about. He had his loving father father and brother near perfect received appreciation for work, work, had fellowship fellowship and, perfect health, health, received above all, he was still in his teens. Jaykrishna’s reminiscences Meerut indicate indicate that, that, Jaykrishna's reminiscencesofofhis his life life in in Meerut though young, he was was concerned concerned with larger larger issues. issues. He H e got got though very very young, acquainted with the circumstances leading leading to to the the trial of Sir Edward Colebrooke, the powerful powerful Resident Resident of of Delhi, Delhi, for for corruption corruption and other Colebrooke, the malpractices exposed exposed by by his his young young assistant assistant Charles Charles Trevelyan, who, as Jaykrishna Jaykrishna put put it, it, "attracted as “attracted the the attention attention of of Government, Government, and who in after life improve­ life took tooksuch suchdeep deepinterest interestin inthe the education education and improvement of the native community".17 community”.17 At Meerut he he had the opportunity of knowing knowing Begum BegumSamru Samruof ofSardhana, Sardhana,aavery veryinteresting interestingand and quaint quaint personality, then then living living in in the afterglow of her her career career as the wife of personality, afterglow of the notorious adventurer, adventurer, Walter Reinhardt. The The elderly elderly Begum Begum the notorious Walter Reinhardt. frequently guest of the the officers. officers. Jay­ frequently visited visited the the cantonment cantonment as as the guest Jay. krishna krishna heard heard much much about about Maharaja MaharajaRanjit RanjitSingh Singh(1780-1839) (1780-1839) whose fame fame then then was was at at its height. Jaykrishna's was that that whose Jaykrishna’s impression impression was the "Lion “Lion of of the the Punjab" Punjab” was was not not only only popular popular with with the thePunjabis Punjabis well.'8 He also noted how the cantonbut with the the Hindusthanis Hindusthanis as well.18 canton­ ment the news news of of Napoleon’s Napoleon's death death which ment received received the which occurred occurred on May 5, 1821. 1821. It I t gave gave the the British British armynien armymen aa sense sense of of relief relief and and May satisfaction.18 satisfaction. 19 spent five years Jaykrishna had spent years at at the Meerut cantonment without seeing any seeingan an actual actual military military engagement. engagement. Whether Whether or or not not he had any boyish yearning yearning to to watch watch such such action, an opportunity soon boyish soon came his way. 1825 he to leave leave Meerut. M eerut with his way. Towards Towards the the end end of 1825 he had had to with his Regiment famous JJat at Regiment which whichjoined joined the the expedition expeditiontoto capture capture the the famous fortress of of Bharatpur Bharatpur where fortress where an extraordinary extraordinary complication complication had arisen.

C HAPTER T HREE CHAPTER THREE

Fall Fall of of Bharatpur Bharatpur (1825-1826) (1825- 1826) I. EEn I. nd

o f OF

OOCHTERLONY chterlony

The famous Ghana bird sanctuary The famous Ghana sanctuary on on the the outskirts outskirts of ofBharatpur, Bharatpur, a city in Rajasthan, one hundred and ten ten miles miles to the south south of Delhi, Delhi, draws aa considerable number of of tourists tourists every every year. year. They They hardly draws considerable number realise quiet typical typical north-Indian north-Indiancity cityof oftoday todaywas was the capital capital realise that that the quiet of the former former princely princely state state of Bharatpur, Bharatpur, which which posed posed aa serious serious challenge chaUengetoto the the establishment establishmentof ofBritish Britishrule ruleinin this this country country in in the first quarter of the nineteenth century. century. Attempts have been made to to connect connect the theformer formerrulers rulersofofBharatBharat­ put with pur with the the mythical mythical Jadu dynasty.' dynasty.1 But actually actually the Jat J a t ruling ruling house prominence only eighteenth house of of Bharatpur Bharatpur came came into into prominence only in in the eighteenth history of this family family is century. The history is one one more more illustration illustration of the all too familiar familiar phenomenon—the phenomenon-the transformation too transformation of ofthe the tiller tillerof ofthe thesoil soil by successive stagesinto intothe the bandit, bandit, the leader successive stages leader of of mercenaries, mercenaries, the feudal chief, chief, and and the the independent ruler. The founder feudal independent ruler. founder of the house house a t robber robber who who with his sturdy band of Bharatpur was was Churaman, Churaman, a JJat harassed Aurangzib’s army to the the Deccan. Deccan. harassed the the rear rear of Aurangzib's army on on its way to Churaman later became became aa zamindar. zamindar.One Oneofofhis hissuccessors, successors, Surajmal, Churaman later establishedhis hiscapital capitalatat Bharatpur Bharatpurinin 1733 1733 and and built built the established the moat moat the mud mud fort. fort. As As the therulers rulersof ofBharatpur Bharatpurcontrolled controlledthe thegategate­ around the an area area of ofstrategic strategic importance, importance, they they were were always always way to Rajasthan, an a power to reckon reckon with. with. Ranjit Singh, Singh, who who ruled ruled this thisJJat a t principality from 1763 to 1805, made aa treaty with the British 1763 to 1805, made British in in 1803 1803 and joined Lord Lord Lake Lake aatt Agra Agra with with 5,000 5,(WO horse. horse. In return return he he received received new new territories. But the first success successof ofHolkar Holkarduring during the the second second M Maratha territories. aratha W ar encouraged Ranjit Singh to change sides and War and join join the Marathas. was one one of his strongholds. strongholds. General General Lake Lake reduced that Dig was that fortress, fortress, the garrison of which composed of Bharatpur troops and which was was partly composed partly of of Holkar's Holkar’s fugitives. fugitives. Flushed Flushed with with his victory, victory, Lake, turning down down all all words words of of caution caution and and ignoring ignoring his his lack lack of an adequate adequate siege train and and the the services services of skilled skilled engineers, siege engineers, determined determined to attack the Raja ofBharatpur of Bharatpurininhis his capital capitaldefended defendedby by the thefamous famous mud mud fort.

BHARATPIJR FALL OF BHARATPUR

21 21

Even tothy today the the most most casual casual visitor visitor to to Bharatpur cannot fail fail to be impressed by the sombre appearance of the ruined impressed by sombre appearance ruined fort fort dominating dominating the landscape landscape with with its its fifty-feet fifty-feet deep moat, its its two two massive massive gates and eight bastions. bastions. It took took twenty twenty years years (1730-50) (1730-50) to complete complete the the fort fort reinforced by by large largelogs logs of ofwood, wood, whose walls, walls, composed composed of mud mud and reinforced were of an amazing breadth.2 of the the fort fort were were then then hard breadth.2 The defences defences of to match in the world.3 to world.3 It could could withstand ordinary bombardment, and defended defended by aa powerful powerful garrison, garrison, it could could be be fairly fairly regarded regarded as as almost impregnable.

On January January 1, from Dig Dig and and on on the On 1, 1805 1805 Lake's Lake’s army army moved moved from following day day took took up up its position position before before the the walls walls of the the grim fortress. fortress. following Lake had clearly Lake clearly underrated the strength strength of of his his opponents. He flung himself upon the the citadel citadel with with a rashness himself upon rashness that could could only only result result in in failure. troops were were led led to to the the attack, and four failure. Four times the British troops times 3000 men in times they they were were repulsed. repulsed. The The British British lost lost more more than 3000 fruitless venture. this fruitless Although ruler of of Bharatpur Bharatpur chose chose to torenew renewhis his allegiance allegiance to Although the ruler British with promise to pay pay an an indemnity indemnity of of twenty twenty lakhs lakhs of of the British with a promise rupees, Jat fortress rupees, the British British failure before before this Jat fortress had had far-reaching far-reaching consequences. ItIt fired came to be be consequences. fired Indian Indian imagination, imagination, and and the fort came regarded as against all possible attacks. Fateh Burj Burj or or regarded as proof against all possible attacks. The The Fateh the victory of the the fort was said to to have victory tower tower of was said have been been built over over the the bones bones and skeletons skeletons of the the British British soldiers soldiers to to commemorate commemorate the the victory of l805. 1805.4 Ranjit Singh, Singh, however, however, died died in in the year year of of victory victory and and was was sucsuc­ ceeded by his eldest ceeded by eldest son, son, who who died without without issue. issue. His His second second son son then ascended the throne, throne, but but a claim ascended the claim was advanced advanced by the third third son, son, Durjan Durjan Sal, Sal, on on the the ground ground that that he hehad hadbeen beenadopted adopted by by his eldest the his eldest brother. brother.He, He,however, however,did didnot not press press his his claim claim at the time. After eight years the relations relations between Bharatpur and and the theBritish British deteriorated deteriorated again. again. Withdrawal Withdrawal of of the the British British representative representative from from advised prompt prompt action, action, he being the State State was was requested. requested. Metcalfe Metcalfe advised being in favour of carrying the fort fort by by escalade escalade instead instead of of the the slow slow process process of a siege. however, could siege. The The British British Government Government of of India, India, however, could not not act on on this advice, advice, for its resources resources had had been considerably considerably drained drained as as a result result of of the Java expedition.5 the attitude attitude of ofBharatpur Bharatpur expedition.5 Later on, the to the British grew grew much much less lesshostile, hostile,especially especiallyafter afterthe thethird third Maratha Maratha War and the the strong strong measures measures taken taken for for the the settlement settlement of of Central Central India. The British did not not have have to to pay pay much India. British did much attention attention to the Jat

22

A BENGAL BENGAL ZAMINDAR ZAM1NDAR

principality until until the internal in Bharatpur principality internal developments developments in Bharatpur needed needed their interference. interference. question of succession succession atat Bharatpur came up caused caused The question Bharatpur as as itit came some Baldeo Singh, was not not likely likely to to some concern. concern. Raja Raja Baldeo Singh, finding finding that he was live long, was was keen on on ensuring ensuring aa peaceful peaceful succession succession to his his son, son, live long, Balwant Singh. August, 1824 1824 he applied applied to to the the British British GovernGovern­ Baiwant Singh. In August, ment India for for according according formal formal recognition recognition to ment in India to his his son son in in the hope that this this would would prevent prevent intrigues intrigues on the part part of ofhis his relations. relations. hope Sir David Ochterlony, the British Representa­ British Resident Resident at at Delhi and Representative of the British British Government Government in Malwa and Rajputana, Rajputana, sympasympa­ tive in Malwa thetically recommended the case. case. After After thetically considered considered this this request request and and recommended some consideration and discussion, this was granted by the Supreme some consideration and discussion, this was granted Supreme Government. Accordingly, 1825 Ochterlony Ochterlony invested invested Balwant Balwant Government. Accordingly, in in 1825 with a khillat dress of acknowledged him Ichitlat or dress of honour honour and and acknowledged him as as the heirSoon after this Baldeo Baldeo Singh apparent. Soon Singh died died and and events events in in Bharatpur Bharatpur took aa new new and and dramatic turn. Dutjan nursing his his ambition, usurped usurped Durjan Sal, who had hitherto been nursing power of State, putting putting the young young Raja Raja and and his his mother mother into into power of the the State, revolution seems seems to skill and prison. The revolution to have been engineered with skill and but there there was was no no pOpular popular demonstration in promptitude, but demonstration of the Jats in favour of the usurper.® Ochterlony also also took took action action with his characcharac­ usurper.6 Ochterlony teristic spirit and energy. He issued aa proclamation urging urging the the people people desert their rightful rightful ruler ruler who who was was supported supported of Bharatpur Bharatpur not not to to desert Government and and backed backed by by a military force by the British Government force that was already being down Durjan hat it was was not not an an already being formed formedtoto put put down Durjan Sal. Sal. TThat empty was proved movement he empty threat was proved by by the troop movement he ordered ordered in the direction direction of Bharatpur. Bharatpur. All All available available military military forces forces from from Meerut Meerut including the 14th Regiment to join the including the Regiment of Foot Foot were were instructed instructed to the expedition. This expedition. This accounts accounts for for Jaykrishna’s Jaykrishna's lively lively interest interest inin the Bharatput drama. his autobiography autobiography Jaykrishna Jaykrishna gives gives aa short short but butextremely extremely In his intelligent account of events leading to Oehterlony’s preparations intelligent account events leading Ochterlony's preparations for a campaign campaign against against Bharatpur. He He observes observes that the the ostensible ostensible Balwant to purpose of the proposed expedition was to restore young Baiwant but the thereal realmotive motivewas wastotoavenge avengethe thedefeat defeatofof1 1805.’ his throne, but 805. was a very very shrewd shrewd comment, comment, for for ever ever since since 1805 1805 the maiden This was fortress of continuing challenge challenge to fortress of Bharatpur Bharatpur had had remained remained aa continuing to the establishment of M aratha and and establishment ofBritish Britishparamountcy paramountcyininIndia. India. The The Maratha Rajput chiefs chiefs who had acknowledged acknowledged British British authority were were often often heard to say to the British heard British Residents: Residents: “"It It is is all all very very easy easy for you to

FALL OF OF BHARATPUR BHARATPUR

223 3

keep keep us us under under control. control. Why Why don’t don't you you go go to to Bharatpur and see what what happens ?" The attempts to storm happens?”8 The memory memory of ofLake's Lake’sunsuccessful unsuccessful attempts storm the fortress twenty years years ago ago had an unsettling fortress twenty unsettling effect effect on the the expanexpan­ sion British rule, rule. Bharatpur was not ohly sion of British oitly a constant reminder reminder of great blow blow to to British British military military prestige potential threat to to a great prestige but but aa potential British rallying point antiBritish power power as as well. well.ItIt could could be be aa rallying point for for all the antiBritish forces forces still still lingering lingering in in upper upper India. The policy policy of the Supreme Supreme Government Government in Calcutta, Calcutta, however, however, upset Ochterlony's Ochterlony’s plans. to know know about about the the measures measures of of upset plans. ItIt came to the General long after after they had been been actually actually adopted, adopted, for for in in those those days, Jaykrishna tells tells us us in in his his memoirs, memoirs,aaletter letter from from upper upper India India days, as Jaykrishna carried by dak dak runners could could not reach Calcutta in in less less than eleven eleven days. Even days. Even when sent by by the the comparatively comparatively faster faster means means of of camel camel dak, dak, no no letter could be delivered delivered in in Calcutta before nine nine or or ten days.9 days.9 Lord Amherst was wit’s end end when when he he received received ne news of the the Lord Amherst was aatt his wit's proposed move was was unun­ proposed action action against against Bharatpur. Bharatpur. In In his view the move justified on four counts. First, the hot hot season season of of May-June May-June would be for British British soldiers. soldiers. Secondly, Secondly, the the lesson lesson of of 1805 1805 was was very unsuitable for that an an expedition expedition against against the the formidable formidable fortress fortress must be properly properly equipped to avoid avoid any any repetition repetition of ofthe the disaster. disaster. Thirdly, Thirdly, equipped in in order to Lord Amherst Amherst feared feared that that the the British in Bharatpur might have have to to Lord British in Bharatpur might face face aa confederacy confederacy of of the the disgruntled disgruntled princes princes including including Holkar. Holkar. Fourthly, the fIrst War (1824-25) (1824-25)also alsoacted acted as as a Fourthly, first Anglo-Burmese Anglo-Burmese War commitmentjust just at at that moment. deterrent on any further military commitment How great great was was the the panic panic in Calcutta as How as aa result result of of the the Burmese Burmese incursions British India is is vividly vividly dede­ incursionsinto into the the eastern eastern frontier frontier of British scribed the Burmese Burmese had been been checked checked in in scribed by Jaykrishna. Although the Maha Kachar, it was rumoured that the the Burmese Burmese General, M aha Bandula, the head head of of aa large large army army from from Ava Ava and and Arakan Arakan would would invade invade at the Bengal. Maha Bandula Bandula reportedly reportedly carried carried aa set setof ofgolden golden fetters fetters for for Bengal. the Governor-General.'0 Governor-General,10 Jaykrishna describes describes how how all Calcutta used to sleep 'at night night on on ships ships and and boats. boats. It was to sleep at was widely widely rumoured rumoured that the Burmese destroy Burmese would wouldmake makeaalanding landing in in Calcutta Calcutta and loot and destroy everything and everybody they would would find find there. there. In his everything and everybody they his view view this this altogether unfounded unfounded since since Bengal time was was panic was not altogether Bengal at at that time ill-prepared to to face face such such a large force.11 ill-prepared force.11 This danger danger was, was, however, however, averted by the occupation of of Rangoon in May, 1824 1824 by Sir Archibald Archibald Campbell on whose whose staff staff served servedHenry Henry Havelock, Havelock, aa future future benefactor benefactor Bandula was recalled recalled from the the Bengal Bengal frontier of Jaykrishna. Jaykrishna. Maha Bandula to his country. country. His to resist resistthe the invaders invadersinin the the heart heart of of his His death death by by aa

224 4

A BENGAL ZAMINDAR

rocket on on April April 1, 1825 broke Burmese Burmesemorale moraleand and resulted resulted in in their 1825 broke evacuation of Prome. Prome. The war, war, however, however, continued, continued, though though with with evacuation less less fierceness, fierceness,for foranother another ten months.12 months.'2 this predicament, predicament, the the position position of of the Government Government of India was was In this not helped helped in any any way way by by the thepersonality personality of of Lord Lord Amherst. Amherst. JayJay­ describes him most timid timid Governor-General Governor-General we ever ever krishna describes him as as “the "the most in with had”.13 This This opinion opinion chimes chimes in with the the considered considered verdict verdict of aa had".13 British historian like Vincent Smith who said that that Amherst Amherst staunch British was intellectually fit office and to have have was not intellectually fit for for his his high office and ought ought not to appointed.'4 The Governor-General-in-Council wrote a furious been appointed.14 Governor- General-in-Council wrote to Ochterlony, Ochterlony, strongly strongly condemning condemninghim himfor forhis hisrashness rashness which which letter to might cause the loss of the the British British empire empire in in the the East. He was ordered back immediately immediately and and talk no no more more of Bharatpur.15 Bharatpur.'5 to send the troops troopsback fact the the Supreme Supreme Government Government had long been wanting to get rid In fact was no no longer fit to to bear his of the aging aging general general who who was longer considered considered fit heavy his heavy responsibilities. responsibilities.AsAsititcould could not not openly openly relieve relieve him him of of his of being able to censure him for duties, it welcomed the opportunity of his action against the censure censure would do against Bharatpur. Bharatpur. It hoped that the do the the trick and induce old man to throw induce the the high-spirited high-spirited old throw up up his his post.16 post.'6 As expected, resigned. He He differed sharply with with the As expected, Ochterlony Ochterlony resigned. differed sharply Supreme Government, free hand, he he could could Supreme Government, believing believingthat that given given aa free successfully fortnight. successfullysettle settlethe thewhole wholematter matterof of Bharatpur Bharatpur in in a fortnight. Many experienced military officers agreed him. Jaykrishna Jaykrishna Many experienced military officers agreed with with him. observes that Durjan Sal, Sal, ill-prepared ill-prepared as as he he was was to to fight fight the British, observes that British, would Wouldhave havesurrendered surrendereda tatonce. once.Even Evenifif he he resisted, resisted, the the fort fort of Bharatpur Britisharmy before the the rulers rulers Bharatpur would would have fallen to the British army long before Gwalior, Indore Indore and andMysore Mysore stopped stopped vacillating vacillating and and of Jaipur, Gwalior, present aa united front, as would.'7 decided to present as itit was was feared they would.17 Although Ochterlony decision of of the the Supreme Supreme Although Ochterlony accepted accepted the the decision Council, he felt felt greatly humiliated. He He sent sent in his Council, he greatly humiliated. his resignation'8 resignation18 followed by spirited letter the Court Court ofofDirectors Directors explaining explaining followed by aa spirited letter to the his stand and his and justifying justifying his his action.19 Amherst accepted accepted his his Lord Amherst action.'9 Lord resignation, General for for his his past pastservices. services. This' This formal formal resignation, praising praising the the General General. official commendation was poor poor consolation consolation for the mortified General. Laying Laying down down his his several several offices, offices,he heleft leftDelhi, Delhi,and and went went to Meerut for change change of of air. air. Even Even before before he he had had left left Delhi Delhi he he had had been running a temperature temperature which took a turn for the worse on his his arrival arrival at which took a turn for the worse on Meerut., All Meerut.. All possible possiblemedical medicalaid aid was was given given without without producing producing any any effect. 15, 1825. 1825. effect. He died on July 15, Jaykrishna Jaykrishrzahad had the the opportunity opportunity of of watching watching the the close close of of the the old old

F FALL A LL O OF F BBHARATPUR H A R A TPU R

2 25 5

soldier's legendary legendary career career and and more than soldier’s than fifty fifty years later later he he vividly vividly recalled having having seea seen the funeral of Ochterlony recalled Ochterlony whom whom he he described described public".20 as “"aa general general favourite favourite with all all classes classes ooff the public” .® The Major Major General commanding commanding the the Division in Meerut General Division in Meerut made made all allpossible possible arrangements for paying paying respect respect to to the great man. arrangements for man. All All branches branches of of the Service including the artillery artillery and andcavalry cavalryas aswell well as ascivil civil officers officers accompaniedthe the cortige. cotêge. The minute-guns and there accompanied minute-guns fired salutes salutes and was a great stir in the cantonment. Jaykrishna felt that was great stir in the cantonment. Jaykrishna that from from the the brisk activity and galloping fromone one quarter quarter to another, galloping of officers officers from unacquainted with cause of o f it it all all might imagine imagine that the the one unacquainted with the cause station was was getting getting ready ready to meet meet an aninvading invading army. army. Jaykrishna Jaykrishna station remembered the the Brigade Brigade Major Major who who was was sweating sweating remembered the remark of the was galloping from from head to foot as he was from line line to line all through the day: "Man, “ Man, ififanother another such such an anoccurrence occurrence took took place, place, I would would be in my grave in no time."21 time.” 21 This was was the the end of Sir after an active This Sir David David Ochterlony Ochterlony after active and distinguished career oof nearly fifty fifty years yearsin in the the service of the the East distinguished career f nearly service of Company. The general feeling India Company. feelingwas wasthat that he he had had not not had had a fair deal in his last days. dap. His death death was was widely widely mourned mourned in inBritish British India. India. At a public At public meeting in Calcutta Calcutta itit was was resolved resolved that aa monument monument public subscription subscription to perpetuate perpetuate Ochterlony's Ochterlony’s should be erected by public memory. representing aa blend memory. The The beautiful beautiful column column in in the maidan representing architectural styles styles was the result. Even today today it it is is aa conspiconspi­ of three architectural cuous Calcutta landmark, built built originally originally for "commemorating “ commemorating the cuous jt.22 virtues ooff a hero and statesman", statesman” , as as Jaykrishna put put it.2 2

II. II. Tir T he

S e c o n d BBArmn a t t l e OF of B h aratpur SECOrD BHARATPUR

It was was aasupreme supreme irony irony that thatwithin withintwo twomonths monthsofofOchterlony's Ochterlony’s death the British in India had to British Government Government in to revise revise its its policy policy of of action which which had had brought brought non-interference and revert to the course of action such ignominy ignominy and disgrace on the old days. Sir disgrace on old General General in in his his last last days. the successor ooff Ochterlony, contributedeffectively effectively Charles Metcalfe, the Ochterlony, contributed to this change of policy, policy, writing writing an an elaborate elaborate minute minute on on the state of British British relations relations with Bharatpur. As As the the Burmese Burmese peril peril was was nearly nearly past, Lord Amherst also felt felt encouraged encouraged to to turn turn his attention to to the the Bharatpur question. question. The TheGovernor-General-in-Council Governor-General-in-Council after long long 1825 hesitation and and deliberations deliberations passed passed a resolution on September September 6, 6* 1825 hesitation in favour ooff military action against Bharatpur Bharatpurififneed needbe. be.Jaykrisb.na Jaykrishna was told that that Amherst had was had been been assured assured by by aadistinguished distinguished military military

26 26

A BENGAL ZAMINDAR ZAM INDAR

officer of the the North-West North-Westabout aboutthe the absence absenceofof any any risk risk in in the officer of proposed action against Bharatpur, Secret orders were issued issued to proposed action against Bharatpur. Secret provide commissariatand andmilitary militarystores storestoto enable enable the the troops provide commissariat troops to take the thefield field in inthe thebeginning beginningof o fthe thecold coldseason.ss season.® The troops began to to move move out out of o f their theirrespective respective stations stations towards towards the end end of of November, 1825, 1825, and once again aa British British expedition was on its way to Bharatpur. Bharatpur. The Theignominious ignominiousfailure failure of of 1805 still still rankled in British hearts. Another possible possible inducement was the legend about the the fabulous fabulous treasures treasuresofof the the ruler ruler of of Bharatpur. Bharatpur. Many Many neighneigh­ bouring deposited their jewels jewels and bouring princes princes were were believed believed to to have deposited treasure in in the the safe safe custody of o f the the owner owner of o f the thesupposedly supposedly invincible invincible fort. Stiff resistance resistancewas wasexpected, expected,but butthe theattempt attempt to to take the fort fort. fort must be made. The The stakes stakes were really high, because another failure failure before the disgruntled disgruntled chiefs, chiefs, before Bharatpur Bharatpur would give give the the signal signal to all the including field including those thoseof of Rohilkhand Rohilkhandand and Rajputana, Rajputana, to to take take the field against that event, event, the theBritish British would would have have looked looked in against the British. British. In In that ally.24 vain for one single ally.2 4 PersonallyJaykrishna Jaykrishnahad hadno nodoubt doubt about about the the result of such a Personally hypothetical combination. combination.He He reckoned reckoned that that the resources hypothetical resources and and numerical numerical strength strength of of the the British British army army in action against Bharatpur effective that “ even if the the whole whole of o f the the Rajwaras Rajwaras were so so large large and effective that "even had combined, combined, the British British would would have havebeen beenmore morethan than aa match for all".25 them all” .25 Jaykrishna clear-sighted an observer to Jaykrishna was was too clear-sighted an observer to have any illusions about about the power ooff the the Indian Indian princes. Having estimated Having estimated the strength and weaknesses weaknesses oof f the opponents, he the British British and and their opponents, had arrived arrived at at the thecorrect correct and andrealistic realistic conclusion conclusion that that the theBritish British the chiefs chiefs could military engine was was incomparably incomparably superior superior to to what the possibly get get together. together. At At any any rate, rate, Jaykrishna, Jaykrishna, as an an old man, man, thought not know know if if all all this this had hadbeen beenhis hisconsidered considered in these terms. We do not judgement in in 1825. 1825. expedition was led by Lord Lord Combermere Combermere who who had had become become The expedition the new on the recommendation of the Duke new Commander-in-Chief Commander-in-Chief on Duke of Wellington. Wellington. If Combermere did not Lake's genius, he had not possess possess Lake’s had was required understanding of what was required in in the given given circumstances—an circumstances-an understanding the problem, a tremendous tremendous fire-power fire-power of artillery artillery including including howithowit­ zers and mortars with unlimited unlimited ammunition, ammunition, the the expert expert assistance assistance zers ooff efficient engineers engineers and, above above all, all,British Britishthoroughness.2° thoroughness.28 Charles Charles as Political Political Agent. Agent. Metcalfe accompanied accompanied the army as Combermere arrived and on onassuming assumingcomcom­ Combermere arrived at Bharatpur by dak, dak, and mand, inspected inspected the troops troops already already assembled assembled there. The The brigades brigades

F A LL OF H A R A TPU R FALL OF BBHA1ATPUR

2 7 27

ooff infantry, cavalry and and horse-artillery horse-artillery composing composing the the fIrst first division division had come come from from Agra Agra and and been placed placed under Major General Jasper Nicholls. Major Major General General Thomas Thomas Reynell Nicholls, Reynell commanded commanded the second second division consisting consistingoof similarregiments regiments coming coming from from Mathura. division f similar Mathura. The Regiment Regiment of o f 14th 14th Foot Foot commanded commanded by by Brevet-Major Brevet-Major Everard Everard o f the the first first brigade brigade of o f the the first first division division infantry. Major formed part of Anderson of o f the 14th 14th Foot was was appointed appointed Assistant Assistant Adjutant D. D. Anderson General to the first As Jaykrishna Jaykrishna worked worked under under him, him, he General first division. division. As naturally had had to accompany him to Bharatpur, naturally accompany him Bharatpur, thus obtaining obtaining a unique opportunity of o f witnessing witnessing a first-rate first-rate military action. action. JagaJaga­ mohan also also accompanied accompanied the the 14th Foot as banian mohan banian and chief Indian functionary in charge charge ooff the Mess functionary in Mess and Pay Pay Master's Master’s department. department. The regiment was detained at Mathura Mathurafor for aafew few days, days, so that that other other troops might might catch catch up. In an troops In his hisautobiography autobiography Jaykrishna Jaykrishna gives gives an eye-witness accountoof the battle battle of of Bharatpur. eye-witness account f the Bharatpur. Although Although he rere­ counted the story at least least fifty years years after after the event, one cannot but be struck by his accuracy, grasp of o f military technicalities and underunder­ standing of general trends. how before before entering the Jaykrishna describes describes how the territory territoryof o fBharatBharat­ pur, aa strong strong detachment detachment from the Mathura Mathura troops, troops, together together with two companies companiesoof the 14th 14th Foot Foot and and a proportion two f the proportion of of Sappers Sappers and Miners, was sent to take possession of the water course to cut off Miners, was sent possession o f the water course to off the water supply supply to the ditches. ditches. Thus Thus the the channel channel was was rendered rendered useless by Raja, as asJaykrishna Jaykrishnaobserves, observes, could could useless by timely timely action. action. The Raja, prevented this by having having the the ditch ditch filled filled up upbeforehand. beforehand. As As have prevented no such attempt ditches remained no such attempt was was made, made, the ditches remained dry dry and and fit fit for Thus, at atthe thevery verybeginning beginningthe theassailants assailantsscored scored military operation. Thus, over the defenders ooff the the fort. fort. The The troops troops then then entered the Bharatpur Bharatpur territory proper and and occupied occupied aa large large number numberof o fvillages villages outside the citadel. citadel. The siege siege actually actually commenced commenced from from December December 10, 10, 1825, 1825, at bringing bringing the the usurper usurper to toreason reason having having proved proved unun­ all attempts at successful. Reconnoitring parties from several several points to to ascertain ascertain Reconnoitring parties were sent from the range of citadel guns. During the the early early part part of o fthe thesiege siege surprise surprise attacks were made on on foraging foraging parties parties and andskirmishes skirmishes took took place. place. These from the fort driven driven These attempts attempts were were checked checked and and the raiders from loss by o f the Light Light Irregular IrregularHorse Horsecomcom­ back with great loss by the action of manded by Col. Col. James Skinner, better known known as as Sikander Sikander Sahib, Sahib, aa soldier soldier of of fortune fortune who whohad had made made aa name for himself himself in in that that age of adventure, overcoming f his adventure, overcomingthe the disadvantage disadvantageoof his mixed mixed race. race. On

228 8

A BENGAL ZAMINDAR ZAM IN DAR

December 24, 24, 1825 the assailants issailants opened opened their batteries with such December 1825 the effect that that the the guns guns of the fort, which had had hitherto hitherto been been firing without without silenced. Yet Yet from from time time to time throughinterruption, were speedily silenced. through­ out the the siege siege bodies oofJat f Jathorse horse would would sally sally forth forth in in desperate desperatesorties, sorties, their attack attackwould would wither witherunder underaastorm stormofo fwell-directed well-directedfire. fire. but their Normally Normally a man in Jaykrishna’s Jaykrishna's subordinate capacity would have known little little about But by by a curious known about military military secrets. secrets. But curious chance chance he he readily got know about strategy and tactics tactics of the battle battle as as readily got to know about the strategy they were being planned. planned.He He happened happenedtoto be be in in the midst of were being o f the o f the first division. headquarters of division. General General Nicholls’ Nicholls' tent tent was was pitched pitched next to that that of o f Major Major D. D. D. D.Anderson, Anderson, Assistant Assistant Adjutant General, General, under whom Jaykrishna served. These tents were served. These were only only aa few few yards yards apart. The The Commander-in-Chief's Commander-in-Chief’s tent tent was was also also quite quite close. close. General Nicholls, assuming assumingthat that aa Bengali Bengali lad lad of of eighteen eighteen would would not not get the Nicholls, for Jaykrishna Jaykrishna to his hang of military terms, would frequently send for tent and and have havehis hisdenti-secret demi-secret instructions instructions to tothe thecommanding commandingofficer officer tent Jaykrishna by by that time had learnt transcribed by hina.27 him.® Jaykrishna learnt military military jargon jargon well well enough enough to to follow follow the messages, messages, and thus he he would be be in in the knowledge knowledge of things even before many army army officers. officers. He must must ignorance before before General GeneralNicholls. Nicholls.At Atany any rate, rate, he have simulated ignorance always remained discreet. As cannonading cannonading,from frombatteries batteries made made very very little impression impression on the As immensemud mudwalls wallsoof thefort, fort,itit was was decided decided to to mine the walls, at immense f the at what were were considered considered the most most vulnerable vulnerable points. points. So So the theengineers engineers and the the cavalry cavalry with with small small parties parties of o f infantry infantry made made demondemon­ got busy and strations to to divert divert the the attention of the garrison strations garrison from the real attack which was was being being planned.2 planned.ss On December which 8 On December 27, 1825 1825 the assailants assailants were surprised to to find find that the were surprised the guns guns of o f the the fort fort suddenly suddenly started started firing with an that sergeant an unusual unusual precision. precision. It It was was soon soon discovered that Herbert, an artillery Herbert, artillery man who had had deserted deserted the the previous previous day, was responsiblefor forthis. this. He He had had accurately ascertained responsible ascertained the spot where stationed and directed accordLord Combermere was usually stationed directed his his fire accord­ ingly.29 By December 31 a new ingly.29 By December 31 new battery battery had hadbeen been constructed constructed and connected line of of advance. advance. The The sap sap was was now now connectedby by aa trench with with a line commenced on the the counterscarp the ditch ditch of commenced on counterscarp oof f the o f the the north north face. face. Storming parties parties were were formed formedon onJanuary January 5, 5, 1826.3 1826.°0 Storming The fort guns, guns, however, however, continued their fire. The The tents tentsof o fBritish British officers, and safe distance out of of their their range. range. officers and men men were were pitched pitched at aa1safe Even so, so, accidents accidents did did happen. happen. Once a stray ball hit Subahdar, hit an an old old Subahdar, 8, 1826 1826 when when the the siege siege was killing him instantaneously. instantaneously. On January January 8,

FALL OF BBHARATPUR F A LL OF H A R A T PU R

29

fort, blew up in in full swing, swing,aa tumbril, tumbril, pierced pierced by by aa shot from the fort, the rear rear of o f the the mortar mortar battery, battery, destroying destroying 20,000 20,000 lb. of powder powder and killing eight sepoys sepoysand and some somelabourers. labourers. The The fire fire that that broke out was terrifIc.31 terrific.81 The shock shock caused caused by the the explosion explosion was was so so severe severe that that Jaykrishna “"felt felt as if the earth's earth’s floor floor with our tents tents were were lifted up to the air, air, though though we we were were living at at aa distance distance of o f many many yards".82 yards” .82 These mishaps preparations for for storming These mishaps notwithstanding, notwithstanding, preparations storming the the fort went on., After some some initial initial failures, failures, the the mines were were made ready on.» After this respect respect Col. Col. Skinner's Skinner’s advice proved to by January January 17, 17, 1826. 1826. In this be very useful. that SkinSkin­ useful. AA recent recent biographer ooff Skinner Skinner points points out that ner's suggestion, suggestion, which which Combermere Combermere did did not not hesitate hesitate to take, averted ner’s Bharatpur.83 yet another failure at Bharatpur. Four mines parts were were ready ready and one mines in different different parts one of of them them was was loaded with 10,000 10,000 lb. lb. ooff powder. powder. It It was understood understood that that its explosion explosion would be the signal signal 'for for assault. the morning morning of of January January would assault. Early Early in the 18, 1826, troops before 5 aA.M. .m . two main main 18, 1826, troops began began to to get get ready and before columns. led respectively respectivelyby by Major Major General General Reynell Reynell and Major columns 'led Major General Nicholls Nichollsand and consisting consistingoof Europeansand and Indians Indians and and General f Europeans assisted by two two other columns, moved down down towards towards the the fort. fort. In assisted by columns, moved spite ooff the secrecy secrecy maintained, maintained, the defenders ooff the the fort got wind of the assault and and gave gave the thealarm. alarm.About in the morning ofJanuary About 8.30 8.30 morning of January 18, 18, the mine exploded and the troops from the trenches rushed to the assault under under cover of a heavy fire from the batteries, batteries, hotly hotly answered answered by the town town and and the the fort. fort.As AsJaykrishna describesthe thescene: scene: Jaykrishna describes “ . "...the . . the mud walls oof f the citadel fell crash and and noise noise by by which which the mud walls the citadel fell with with a crash mother mother earth earth and and everybody everybody upon upon her trembled. trembled. And the the noise noise be produced producedby byaa100 100thunderbolts."M thunderbolts.” 84 was so tremendous as would be Western science overwhelmed overwhelmedIndian Indian militarism. militarism.In In the course Western science course of two hours, though vigorously and and bravely defended at at every gateway and bastion, the whole rampart surrounding the town, together with the command of o f the the gates gates of o f the the citadel, citadel,was was in inthe thepossession possession of the British.86 'The the long-necked long-necked bastion bastion was was entrusted entrusted to a British.8* The defence defence ooff the corps O f these these only only seventy seventy were alive at corps ooff eight eight hundred hundred Pathans. Of the close close of having been of the the day, day, three three hundred having been blown blown up up by by the mine, and the rest great mine, rest were were killed by bullets and bayonets in the fierce ensued.86 Jaykrishna Jaykrishna thought Raja’s men men fierce struggle struggle that ensued. thought the Raja's fired they suffered suffered much more than fired their guns with great skill but they their munitions were inferior inferior to to those of of the the their opponents because their British. Fighting continued for two hours more even when the British. Fighting continued for two hours more even when defence seemed seemedhopeless. hopeless.When Whenthe the Raja’s Raja's troops realised realised that that further further

3 300

ZAM INDAR A BENGAL ZAMINDAR

resistance o f them resistance would would be be futile, futile, they fled in all directions.8 directions.377 Most of jumped down down into into the the city. jumped city. Some Some of the European European and and Indian Indian soldiers chased chasedand and killed killed many many ooff them them as they were soldiers were fleeing. fleeing. This was the the end ooff the battle of Bharatpur. Bharatpur. Major Everard of of the 14th was 14th Foot hoisted the British flag on the bastion.38 the bastion,38 The citadel was reduced to aa flaming flaming and and smoking smoking ruin. Some of inhabitants were were maltreated maltreated and and their property looted. the innocent inhabitants Altogether Bharatpur Bharatpur lost lost eight eight thousand thousand men. men. Durjan Durjan Sal Sal and his Altogether family tried to escape to safety. But the family the fugitives fugitives were soon detected the party party on and given given a hot hot pursuit. pursuit. Finding Finding escape escape impossible, impossible, the its identity. identity. Durjan Sal and the run run offered offered to surrender, surrender, disclosing disclosing its and his family family together together with with much jewellery jewellery were were captured captured and and removed removed to the Commander-in-Chief's Commander-in-Chief’s headquarters. the evening evening headquarters. At At four in the on the fort indicated the white flag flag hoisted hoisted on indicated total total surrender. surrender, British British troops were were placed placed at all the troops the different different stations stations and gateways gateways ooff the town. Immediately after Durjan Immediately after Duqan Sal's Sal’s surrender, surrender, the politicals politicals under Metcalfe for Durjan Durjan Sal Sal Metcalfegot gotbusy busyand andhad had two two tents tents pitched—one pitched-one for Every attention was shown shown to to them them and and and the the other other for for his his family. family. Every their position. In their In the the meantime, meantime, Metcalfe Metcalfe received received an an urgent urgentmessage message from Balwant Balwant Singh and his mother, requesting requesting immediate immediate cessation cessation of fighting fighting and and inviting the British officers officersto to come come to to the the inner inner fort and place the lawful lawful ruler on on the the throne. throne.The Themessage message also also urged urged to stop the British British to stop the sack sack that had had already already begun. begun. Metcalfe Metcalfe at once applied once applied to Combermere Gombermere for for taking taking effective effective steps steps in this direction. direction. Some Some measures measureswere wereindeed indeedadopted adopted to to prohibit prohibit loot. But before any semblance of order order could But before any semblance of could be restored, restored, the Raja's Raja’s rather ruefully that while palace was was plundered. Metcalfe Metcalfe observed observed rather wa9 ostensibly ostensiblyacting actingasasthe theyoung youngRaja’s Raja's protector, protector, that that boy was he was despoiled even of despoiled o f his his brass brass pots.39 pots.8· The houses houses ooff wealthy wealthy men and influential influential officers officersoof f Bharatpur Bharatpur were were similarly similarlylooted. looted. In In fact, the the soldiers, who who had had heard so much about soldiers, about the thefabulous fabulous treasure treasure stored stored for plunder. plunder. The military autho­ authoin the Bharatpur fort, were itching for rities, rities, who who were were not not immune immune from from the the itch, itch, knew knew well wellthe the danger danger of coming coming between between aa victorious victorious army army and its its booty. booty. Obviously Obviously they they did not press the ban on loot, and the the inevitable inevitable happened. happened. On the the morning morning of ofJanuary January19, 19,1826 1826Lord LordComber-mere Gombermere entered the fort at the head of the regiment of the the 14th 14th Foot which had taken regimentof the leading leading part part in the siege. siege. He He sat down down to breakfast breakfast in in the the large hall hail of o f the palace, palace, aa regimental regimental band band playing playing the the British British national national

FALL OF BBHARATPUR FA LL OF H A R A T PU R

31

anthem.4 anthem.4° 0 The The same sameday day Combermere Combermeresent sentaa despatch despatch to to Lord Lord

Amherst giving an account of Bharatpur and o f the fall ooff Bharatpur and all all the the details details by individuals as well well as as by by ooff the siege siege and of o f the courage courage shown shown by individuals as

different units of of the the army. army. In In particular, he commended the part different units commended the played 14th Regiment Regiment of Foot commanded by Brevet Major played by by the 14th Major Everard, saying saying how how by by its steadiness and determination it had Everard, steadiness and determination it decided the events events of the the previous previous day.41 day.41 Jaykrishna seems to to have have been been proud proud of the performance of the Jaykrishna seems performance of Regiment which he served the way way served in in a non-military capacity. From the he used the first person plural in describing the exploits of the British person plural the army it seems seems that he he had hadidentified identified himself himself with the victors. victors. Did not the the fall fall of o fthis thisimportant importantstronghold stronghold of ofIndian Indianindependence independence twinge him him for for aa moment? At this distance of time there is no means ooff knowing it. fall of Bharatpur had important importantconsequences. consequences. Lady Amherst The fall Bharatpur had wrote the notion of the impregnability of Bharatpur wrote in in her her diary that the Bharatpur was so so widespread minds of Indians even in was widespreadand and so so rooted rooted in in the minds fall.42 Calcutta that for for aa time time many many did did not notbelieve believe the the news news of of its its fall.4 2 It was was believed believed that that the thesuccessful successful siege siege of maiden fortress fortress of of the maiden Bharatpur so long long defied defied British British supremacy supremacy in Bharatpur which which had so in India, helped in bringing the the negotiations negotiations with with the the Burmese Burmese to to aa satisfactory satisfactory conclusion. Sir occasion ooff a vote vote of of thanks thanks conclusion. Sir John John Malcolm, Malcolm, on on the occasion from Bharatpur from the the East East India India Company, said that another another failure at Bharatpur would the embarrassments embarrassments of would most most probably probably have have added added to the of the Burmese war.43 war.43 Be Be that as as it it may, may, the theGovernment Governmentof o fAva Ava accepted accepted on February February 24, 24, 1826 1826 the terms terms dictated dictated by the the British. British. By By the the of Yandabo Yandabo the the Burmese Burmese ceded ceded Assam, Assam, Arakan Arakan and the the Treaty of coast of Tenasserim Tenasserim to to the the British. British. Commenting Commentingon on this this treaty treaty and and the territorial territorial concessions, to the humiliation concessions, Jaykrishna Jaykrishna refers refers the humiliation ooff Ba-gyi-daw, Ba-gyi-daw, “"the the proud monarch monarch of o f Amarpura". Amarpura” . This This news news reached Bharatpur while while the the army army had not yet broken up. "There reached Bharatpur “ There was a great great rejoicing rejoicing in the the camp camp in inconsequence consequence of o f this this happy happy was result.” result."44 January 20, 1826 Baiwant Singh, Singh, at at aa darbar held in the When on January 1826 Balwant the fort, was installed as the Raja of fort, installed as of Bharatpur Bharatpur by by Lord Lord Combermere Combermere and Sir Sir Charles Charles Metcalfe, Metcalfe, the the ostensible ostensible object of the expedition was and achieved. achieved. But the question question of of prize money money remained remained to to be be decided. decided. The Commander-in-Chief Commander-in-Chief appointed Prize Prize Agents. Agents. Jaykrishna Jaykrishnasays says that the booty booty brought brought to the the Prize Prize Agents Agents amounted amounted to less less than eleven crores crores of of rupees rupees in gold, silver eleven silver and other other valuable valuable articles. articles.

32 32

A IN DAR A BENGAL ZAM ZAMINDAR

All All that was captured was not accounted for, a good portion having been "appropriated “ appropriated or or rather rathermisappropriated misappropriatedby byofficers, officers, men and and followers".. His His idea idea was was that that the value of the articles that camp followers” that were were kept back from the Prize Prize Agents Agents was double recorded double the amount recorded officially.4 6 In his his letter letter to to Lord Lord Amherst Amherst on on March March 30, 30, 1826 1826 Lord officially.46 Comberrnere, denyingthe the charges chargesof ofextortion, extortion,said saidthat that the enorGombermere, denying enor­ mous treasure and mous treasure of of the the State State reportedly reportedly lying lyingburied buriedin in the fort and the jewels jewels worth worth rupees rupees thirty lakhs, were never never found. lakhs, were found; The Prize Prize Agents Agents received received very very few few jewels jewels excepting excepting those those which were found on the person ooff Durjan Durjan Sal. Sal. The The treasure treasurecollected collected was was found found in the vaults with their entrances walled up. up. This was kept kept in new vaults with entrances walled This was new bags bags and had had lately lately been been placed placed there there as as expense expense stores." stores.4®Long Long after after Durjan Sal Sal had been been sent sent to to Allahabad Allahabad as as aa prisoner, prisoner, the the Prize Prize Durjan Agents were devising devising methods methods of of extorting more money Agents were money from him. him. Given opportunity, they have hesitated hesitated to apply apply Given the the opportunity, they would would not not have did not not behave behave in in an an exemplary exemplary manner manner force.4 7 Combermere Gombermere himself did force.47 as his his share share of of the Bharatpur in this respect, for he took took (J £ 60,000 60,000 as money. Less followed his his example example with with eager­ eagerprize money. Less exalted persons followed ness. Even Even British Britishhistorians historianslike likeV. V.A. A.Smith Smith and and John John Marshman ness. have censured rapacity for for prize prize money which Comhave censured the excessive excessive rapacity Combermere and ane^his his men men evinced. evinced.® It is is generally generally believed believed that some some share of the Bharatpur Bharatpur prize prize money which which Jagamohan Jagamohan and and Jaykrishna the money Jaykrishna received received formed formed the nucleus Mukherjees ooff Uttarpara. Uttaxpara. Although Although nucleus of of the the fortune fortune ooff the Mukherjees Jaykrishna makes grandson in his biographical biographical Jaykrishna makes no reference to this, his grandson sketch of Jaykrishna Jaykrishna says saysthat that both both father and sketch of and son son had hadreceived received money.49® Family their share of prize prize money.4 Family tradition tradition has has itit that each of them brought brought about Rs. 28,000 in cash cash and kind them 28,000 in' kind from from Bharatpur. Today what happened. happened. In In any Today it is is difficult difficult to determine determine exactly exactly what case, proportional distribution distribution of o f prize prize money money case, according according to to the proportional their share cannot their cannot have have been been substantial. substantial. Probably Probably they they gained gained much more much more by taking taking advantage advantage of of the the weakness weakness of the armyrnen armymen who come by by gold gold ornaments, ornaments, jewellery jewellery or other other valuable valuable who had come articles during during the loot. loot. The addiction of articles of the the average average soldier soldier to the well known. known. Without Without realizing the worth of bottle was well of their their acquisiacquisi­ tions, some ready ready cash. cash. Seizing Seizing tions, many soldiers eagerly eagerly sold sold them for some these opportunities, with his his usual usual shrewdness shrewdness may opportunities, Jagamohan Jagamohan with may have made some deals. It It is that in this some deals. is possible possible that this way way he he acquired acquired his his wealth. In any any case, case, Jagamohan Jagamohan and andJaykrishna Jaykrishna left left Bharatpur Bharatpur wealth. richer than than they they had had ever ever been. been.

FALL OF BBHARATPUR F A L L OF H A R A TPU R

333 3

Before Before Combermere Combermerecould couldleave leaveupper upperIndia, India, he he had had to undertake some minor o f Aiwar Alwar had had assumed assumed aa hostile hostile some minor operations. operations. The The Raja of attitude to to the theBritish British during during the the Bharatpur Bharatpurcampaign. campaign. So So the the army army attitude now was was ordered ordered to to march march to to Alwar, Aiwar, leaving leavingaadetachment detachment at at Bharat­ Bharatpur to The mere preto complete complete the the demolition demolition of of the the fortifications. fortifications. The pre­ sence ooff the British British army Alwar had aa sobering sobering effect effect on the the. sence army near Aiwar Raja who readily readily came to to an anagreement. agreement. After After this thisCombermere Combermere reviewed the reviewed the the different different Divisions Divisionsnear nearthe the fort fort ooff Dig, Dig, and and then the theregiments regiments proceeding proceeding to to their theirrespective respective cantoncanton­ army broke up, the ments.8 campaign had more than four had lasted lasted not not more ments.600 The Bharatpur campaign months. Jaykrishna Major D. D. D. Anderson Jaykrishna had accompanied accompanied Major Anderson to Aiwar Alwar where the the latter received where received orders orders to go to to Agra Agra as as Brigade Brigade Major. Major. to visit visit the the historic historic old Mughal This gave Jaykrishna Jaykrishna an opportunity to was lodged in the the fort fort itself itself during his month's month’s stay stay in in capital. He was O f the the Mughal Mughalmonuments monumentsand andrelics relicswhich whichhe hesaw, saw,he heseems seems Agra. Of to have been bythe the Taj Taj Mahal to been impressed impressed by Mahal and the black black marble marble throne in the these by by name.5' throne the Diwan-i-Khas, Diwan-i-Khas, as he mentions mentions these name.61 He noted that that the thefort fortwalls walls were made made of of red red granite. granite. With Withthe theBhaizatBharat­ pur experience fresh in in his his mind, mind, he he thought thought that from the military experience fresh point of view view the the fort walls were were very very poor poor defence. defence. They They could could be be battered battered down down by by 18-pounders 18-pounders very very easily.52 easily.58 Jaykrishna had had to cut Jaykrishna cut short short his his stay stay in in Agra Agra because because his his father father wanted Meerut and and prepare prepare for for going going home. wanted him him to return to Meerut home. He left by dak-a left Agra Agra in in March, March, 1826 1826 by dak—a mode mode of of transport transport then in use all all over the country. use country. With With the thehelp helpofoflocal localpost-masters post-masters one one could of eight eight bearers bearers and and a could get this kind kind of of transport transport consisting consisting of palki, two bargbardars and two mashaichis. The cost cost was was eight annas fialki, bargbardars and mashakhis. The annas mile. So So only only the thewell-to-do well-to-do and and those those in ingovernment government service service per mile. could afford this means means ooff transport. transport. Jaykrishna jaykrishna remained in Meerut for few months months more. more. Jagamohan needed this settle his his for a few Jagamohan needed this time to settle affairs and wind wind up up his business. It is interesting interesting to to note note that Jay­ Jayaffairs and business. It krishna Ms father father were were examples examples of o f those those Bcngalis Bengalis who who on on krishna and his various occasions occasions accompanied accompanied the the British regiments and various and the thepolitipoliti­ cals India. While While many manyof ofthese theseBengalis Bengalis settled settled down down in in cals to upper India. places or Lucknow, Lucknow, the the Mukherjecs, Mukherjees, father father places like like Lahore, Lahore, Jaipur or and son, came back with their fund of experience experience and and fortune fortune and applied them to land management Bengal. Early Early in applied management and politics politics in Bengal. August, home in in August, 1826 1826Jaykrishna Jaykrishnaset setout outfor forUttarpara Uttarpara and and reached home days, travelling travelling partly partly by dak and partly by boat. about twenty-five twenty-five days, dak and boat, 3

34

A BENGAL ZA ZAMINDAR M IN DA R

Leaving Leaving Meerut Meerut was was presumably presumably aa wrench wrench for for him. him. He loved loved this this Ms own admission, admission, he had spent spent the thehappiest happiestyears years place where, on his of o f his his life.53 life,63 The wide-eyed, callow village village lad lad of twelve who who had left home on

his first long journey journey in in 1820, now came came back back as aa smart his first long 1820, now smart young young man, full full of o f confidence in himself and good deal deal of of the the knowknow­ man, and with aa good

ledge the world. world. Into the six years he had spent ledge ooff the spent in upper upper India India experience of of aa lifetime. lifetime. It It was no surprise that Jay­ Jaywas packed the experience in his histeens, teens,had hadattained attained aa maturity maturity remarkable krishna, although still in for his age. age. He had To some had seen seen life. life. To some extent he had broken broken out of of the simple fashioned by by his his grandmother grandmother who who had had been the simple mould fashioned predominant influenceon on his his childhood. childhood. The The journey journey to Meerut predominant influence Meerut which took took him him across across the the whole whole of of north north India had which had helped helped his his development.These Thesetravels travelsand andthe the time time he spent development. spent in in places places like like Meerut, Bharatpur, Alwar, Aiwar, Mathura Mathura and and Agra Meerut, Bharatpur, Agra taught him much much than he more than he could could have have learned learned from from school school texts. They developed in him aa sense sense of the past which became part of his outlook. outlook. Owing part of to the slow slow mode of travel in those days, days, he was able to to see see these these places in a leisurely fashion. He came to know a great deal about places leisurely fashion. He came know great deal about the culture, culture, manners manners and and customs customs of of the the people people who who lived lived there. there. His knowledge of the the economic resOurcesoof thecountry country and and its art knowledge of economic resources f the craft which he then then acquired acquired proved proved to be be very very useful useful to him him and craft in his his later later life. life. To T o him him India India was was not, not, as as to tomost most Indians Indians of of his his in or his subdivision subdivisionor ordistrict. district. India, India, generation, the the village he lived in as represented by the the whole whole Gangetic Gangetic valley, valley, was was aa living living reality reality for for him and and always always remained remainedso. so. He Heknew knewhis hiscountry countrynot notonly onlyhistorihistori­ cally and politically politically but but even even geographically geographically as few few Indians Indians have have cally known known it. Although Although he had had lived lived mostly in aa cantonment, he was, fortunately, taught to to attach attach importance importance to to intellect intellect and and the thethings things of of the themind. mind. This helped his inner growth in union union with with the the outer outerworkings workings of of his world. The positive positive sides sides of his contact contact with with the world. of army life life left left an abiding impress impress on on his his character character and became abiding became part part of ofhis hispersonal personal discipline and and conduct. conduct. The The battle of discipline of Bharatpur Bharatpur in itself itself was was an experience for had seen seen history history being being made made unforgettable experience for him. him. He had before his his own eyes. before eyes, A war war always always distorts distorts personal personal values. values. After After he had had gone gone through through at atBharatpur, Bharatpur, Jaykrishna Jaykrishna could could not be what he the same again. again. He He had hadseen seenso so much muchof ofthe theseamy seamy side side of of life during and after the siege. Now he knew that life was too grim. after the siege. Now life grim. One had to fight it all all the thetime timeor orone onewould wouldbe bepushed pushedaside. aside. This This world world

FALL OF BBRARATPUR F A LL OF H A R A TPU R

335 5

was a war war for forsurvival. survival. Nevertheless Nevertheless his his optimism optimism was was too too deeply deeply be destroyed destroyed by by his hisrecent recentexperiences. experiences. rooted to be As Jaykrishna was gifted with a receptive mind and AsJaykrishna and aa very retentive memory, he turned turned the theexperiences experiencesof ofhis his most most impressionable impressionable years to good account. account. Some Some people people suppose suppose that Jaykrishna's Jaykrishna’s mind mind to good was formed Collectorate of that his his was formed in in the the Collectorate of Hooghly; Hooghly;the the truth truth is that was formed formed in the therealities realitiesof o f aa military military cantonment cantonment and a mind was field battle. Later in field ooff battle. in life life whenever whenever he would recall recall the incidents of youth, the past o f his youth, past would would come come back to to him him with withgreat greatvividness. vividness. How could he forget forget the the times times enlivened enlivened by by the the romance romance and and charm Colonel James Skinner and and Begain Bcgam of picturesque personalities like like Colonel Samru? One even understand admiration for older Sarnru? One can even understand his admiration for the older I' generation of o f British administrators, for there there were were giants giantsin inBritish British India when was young. young. The The India of was the when Jayk.rishna Jaykrishna was of 1820-1826 1820-1826 was o f Ochterlony, Ochterlony, Elphinstone, Elphinstone, Metcalfe, Metcalfe, Malcolm Malcolm and Munro. Munro. India of A few few ooff these thesestalwarts stalwartshe hesaw sawhimself; himself;about aboutthe therest resthe heheard heard and and A read. cannot be be blamed blamed if if he he admired admired these these founders founders of o f the the read. He cannot British empire in in India, for British empire for they they were were all all heroic heroic figures, figures, and the the natural tendency tendency of o f youth youth is is to to worship worship heroes. heroes. When Jaykrishna' Jaykrishna returned returned home he was and mentally When was physically physically and equipped to work field. But equipped work in in a wider field. But his his hour hour had not come yet. For another another ten years years or so so he was was destined destined to labour labour in in rather rather For spheres which which did did not afford full scope restricted spheres scope to his powers powers and abilities.

C H A P T E R FOUR FOUR CHAPTER

Fortune’s Fortune'sWheel Wheel

((1826-1836) 1826- 1836) I. I. HAVELOCK'S H a v e l o c k ’s PUPIL: P u p i l : MARRIAGE M a r r ia g e

The Bengal to which Jaykrishna returned returnedin in1826 1826was was in insome some ways ways different different from from the the Bengal Bengal he he had had left left six sixyears yearsago, ago.In In the the meantime meantime new intellectual intellectual and cultural trends trends produced produced by by the theWestern Western new and cultural impact had gathered gathered force. force. Although Although the the Hindu Hindu College College was was still still having having its its teething teething troubles, troubles, the the work work done done by by men men like like Rammohan Rammohan Ray and and David David Hare Hareand andby byorganisations organisationslike like the the Calcutta Calcutta School School Society and the Calcutta Calcutta School School Book Book Society Society Society had had already captured imagination of of aa section section of ofBengalis. Bengalis. How How young young Jaykrishna Jaykrishna the imagination responded to the stimuli stimuli offered by the changing intellectual climate of Bengal isis not not known. known.For For some someyears yearsatatleast leasthe heremained remainedout out of of o f Bengal direct touch with with these these interesting developments in Calcutta. Shortly Shortly after his return return home, the prosaic work in the-military the military accounts pay office officein in Chinsurah Chinsurah and and the District Collectorate called called him. him. Chinsurah settle­ Chinsurah was was made made over over to to the the British British with with other Dutch settleBengal by in 1824. 1824. Shortly Shortly after the the British British came came ments in Bengal by a treaty in into possession this town, town, the the work of building new barracks possession oof f this barracks by by pulling pulling down fort was was begun.' begun.1These These barracks barracks were were down the old Dutch fort accommodate the troops in India. Hitherto Hitherto there there meant to accommodate the King’s King's troops had been no central depot for the the troops troops which which were sent out from England as replacements for the units England replacements and enforcements enforcements for units already already serving which they they serving in in this this country. country. They They needed needed a central place to which could report and where where they they could could be be assembled assembled and and given given prelipreli­ could minary training training before before being units. The The minary being despatched despatched to to join join their units. depot at Chinsurah Chinsurah was intended to to meet meet this this long-felt long-felt necd.a need.2 The 1827 by South Barracks were were begun begun in inJanuary, January, 1827 by J. J. A. A. C. Crommelin, executive engineer, engineer, and and were executive were completed completed in December, December, 1829 1829 by Captain William William Bell, Bell, Artillery Artillery Executive Executive Officer.3 old Officer.3 Even as an old manJaykrishna vividly the two-hundredtwo-hundredmanJaykrishna vividly recollected the demolition of the year-old year-old Dutch Dutchfort fortand andthe the construction constructionofofthe thenew newbarracks—one barracks-one range officers' and Colonel Tidy was the range ooff it for officers and another for men. Colonel Magdemot as as the the first first first commandant of of the depot with Captain Magdernot

FORTUI'&S WUEEL

f o r t u n e ’s w h e e l

37 37

Adjutant.4 When Colonel Depot Adjutant.4 Colonel Cotton obtained obtained command command of of the the depot, requested Lord Lord Combermere, Combermere, the theCommander-in-Chief, Conunander-in-Chief, depot, he requested allow his his friend friend Henry Henry Havelock H4velock to to take take the place of Magdemot, Magdernot, to allow who had fallen ill. Havelock remained remained in Chinsurah Chinsurah for three years.8 years.5 The Regiment Regiment of of the the 14th 14thFoot, Foot, with, with which which Jaykrishna Jaykrishna and and his his father had been been associated, associated, came down to Chinsurah Chinsurah in in due due course course and was stationed there before before its embarkation embarkation for England. England. Both Jaykrishna and his father had aarenewed Jaykrishna renewed spell spell of of service service with the at Chinsurah. Chinsurah. Jaykrishna's Jaykrishna’sconnection connection with with regiment during its stay at the depot did not end end even even with the the departure departure of of the the regiment. regiment. He He was appointed head clerk in the Depot Paymaster's Paymaster’s Office.® his Office.6 With his previous experience experience in in this line of previous of work, he he was was highly highly suitable for the job. worked in the the Paymaster's Paymaster’s office office until removal of job. He worked until the removal of the depot to to Fort FortWilliam William in in1830. 1830. Jaykrishna had wonderful opportunity opportunity while the Jaykrishna had a wonderful while he he was was in the Chinsurah depot. was the the fellowship fellowship of Henry Havelock Havelock who Chinsurah depot. This was left a lasting influence influence on on his his mental mental development. Son ooff aa devout left development. Son Evangelical Evangelical churchwoman, churchwoman,Havelock Havelockhad had carried carried his his habit habit of of prayer prayer Bible-reading with where it it developed developed into and Bible-reading with him him into into the army where a taste taste for for preaching. Thus the the name name of o f "Havelock's “ Havelock’sSaints" Saints” became became familiar totothe joke, but later in in tones tones of farn.iliar theArmy ArmyininIndia—first India-first as a joke, grudging admiration.7 admiration.7 Havelock was also also noted for his wide reading and knowledge. His literary literary tastes tastes were were as strong as his knowledge. His his military military inclination. well read in in English English literature, literature, particularly particularly inclination. He He was was well history.8 history.8 He still retained his youthful liking liking for for poetry poetry and and drama. always aa strict, strict, and sometimes sometimes aa stem, stern, disciplinarian. Some Yet he was always thought that he made discipline.9 Such Such a man could made aa fetish fetish of o f discipline.8 could not fail to impress Jaykrishnawho who had had already learned to to prize fail impress Jaykrishna already learned prize the positive qualities qualities Havelock had in positive in full measure. The The liking, liking, however, was mutual; otherwise difficult to to account for was otherwise it is is difficult for the thecloseness closeness developed between serious-minded British which developed between the serious-minded British Adjutant Adjutant and the highly intelligent and ambitious Bengali youth who was was thirteen years younger than he. Havelock by Jaykrishna's Jaykrishna’s intellectual intellectual Havelock must must have have been been attracted by keenness. As Ashe he got got to know him better, keenness. better, he hebegan begantotogive givelessons lessons to to Jaykrishna in English English literature. literature. He He read readShakespeare Shakespeare with with him, him, Jaykrishna holding weekly tests for for his his pupil. This experiment weekly tests experiment having having proved proved successful, they went went on on to the successful, they the works works of of other otherwell-known well-known English English authors, one of of their theirfavourites favourites being being Byron's Byron’s Don Juan.10 During authors, Don Juan.'° these years years Jaykrishna widely and and promiscuously promiscuously in in poetry poetry these Jaykrishna read widely

3 388

A BENGAL ZAMINDAR. ZAMINDAR A

and history. history. These intellectual intellectual exercises, exercises, however, however, were were not not entirely one-way process. process. Jaykrishna some Persian during a one-way Jayhrishna had had picked up some his and gave gave Havelock Havelock lessons lessons in his five fiveyears’ years' stay stay in in upper upper India and in that that language." language.11 young Jaykrishna, Jaykrishna, Havelock in­ To young Havelock was was much much more more than than an instructor. Very soon he became his mentor, guide guide and and philosopher. philosopher. structor. Very soon An "earnest “ earnest man" man” himself, himself, Havelock Havelockpossessed, possessed, in aa singular singular degree, degree, earnestness to the power of communicating his earnestness to others. others. Although he was avid of glory, glory, his courage courage of conviction was was extraordinary and was senseof ofduty duty always alwaysguided guidedhis hisaction. action.This This trait trait of his his character character his sense marked him off off from from the rest marked him rest of of his his kind.1 2 In 1829 1829 he he married married kind.'2 Hannah Marshman, Marshman, daughter of Dr. Joshua Marshman, Marshman, the the wellwellknown Serampore Serampore missionary, missionary,and andthe the same same year year he accepted the known faith.'3 Although his his religion Baptist faith.1 3 Although religion moulded moulded his his character, character, he he Baptist never tried to superimpose superimpose his religious views views on tried to on non-Christians.1 non-Christians.'44 These aspects of Havelock’s Havelock's character character greatly attracted attractedJaykrish.na, Jaykrishna, who, in spite ooff his knowledge of the the world, world, was was still still aa young young man man who, knowledge of with a sense sense of o f idealism. idealism. He was particularly struck struck by by Havelock's Havelock’s philanthropy. connection an incident, not recorded recorded by philanthropy. In In this connection an incident, by any of biographers, may may be be mentioned. mentioned. As As the the Adjutant of o f Havelock's Havelock’s biographers, was drawing drawing aa monthly the Chinsurah Chinsurah depot Havelock Havelock was monthly salary of and was not not in easy circumstances. circumstances. Even so, so, he he set set apart apart Rs. 800 only and one-fourth of his income for Sunday he he would would one-fourth for private private charities. Every Sunday give alms alms to the needy, needy, assisted assisted by Jaykrishna. One One day day Jaykrishna Jaykrishna made a suggestion to Havelock. Why should he he spend spend all all his his savings savings way? Had Had he the time when in this way? he not not better bettermake makesome some provision for the he would no no longer longer be be able to work? work? Havelock Havelock replied replied that that the poor had every claim to all that thatremained remainedof ofhis hisincome income after after his his personal personal needshad been and not bother needs'had been met. met. Everyone Everyone must must do do his his bit of work and about the future. about future. Jaykrishna Jaykrishna felt felt small small as as he herealized realizedHavelock's Havelock’s magnanimity. He never forgot this piece of advice. His own philan­ philanmagnanimity. thropic endeavours seem have been been influenced influenced by by Havelock's Havelock’s thropic endeavours seem to to have example and precept.1 precept.155 in his. his autobiography, autobiography, written some some years years before before his his Jaykrishna, in death, refers death, refers to some some traits traits of of Havelock's Havelock’s personality personality which which impressed impressed him. The Adjutant was him. was a great great admirer admirer of of Napoleon. Napoleon. The depot depot commandant called him "Bonny “ Bonny Napoleon". Napoleon” . Havelock Havelock believed that that gave Napoleon Napoleon no no rest rest and and goaded goaded him him to war. war. He thought Europe gave that the the portrait portrait of of Napoleon Napoleon by Scott, Scott, his biographer, biographer, did did not not do do justice to the great great man.'8 man.1® A recent recent biographer biographer of of Havelock Havelock also also justice

f o r t u n e ’ s wWHEEL heel FORTUNE'S

3 39 9

refers Napoleon. His o f the the day, day, issued issued refers to to his admiration for Napoleon. His order of after the battle Empire.'77 The battle of of Cawnpore, had the the ring ring of the First Empire.1 orders of the the day day was was also also phrased phrased somewhat somewhat last of his magniloquent magniloquent orders style.18 the Napoleonic Napoleonic style.1 8 These calls in the These corroborate what Jaykrishna calls his "Napoleonic “ Napoleonic proclivities".19 proclivities” .19 He displayed displayed these even when he he was unknowntotofame. far. was unknown . ♦ Did Jaykrishna remain in touch with Havelock Havelock after the removal removal of o f the depot to Fort Fort William William in in1830? 1830? Lacking Lacking all all evidence, evidence, we we guess guess No correspondence correspondence between the two has has come come down down to to us. us. in vain. No officers of Among the testimonials Jaykrishna Jaykrishna received from the officers of the Chinsurah depot depot there there is nothing Chinsurah nothing from from Havelock, Havelock, which which is rather curious. Jaykrishna, however, however, never never ceased ceasedtotoadmire admire the the mentor mentor of of curious. Jaykrishna, youth. At one place in his memoirs he refers refers to to Havelock Havelock as as “"the his youth. the great, the honest and the the pious pious man—destined man-destined to great, the good, good, the honest and to be be so so famous the saviour saviour of o f the the Lucknow Lucknow garrison.” 20 famous in in after life life and be the garrison."20 soldier. These words suggest suggest the the depth depth of his feeling for for the the Christian Christian soldier. He must must have have followed followed with with interest interest the thecareer careerofo fHavelock Havelockwhose whose finest hour was was also also that that ooff his his death. death. More finest hour More than any any other other man, man, Havelock made an impact on Havelock made on Jaykrishna during the the years years he he spent spent in the the Chinsurah Chinsurah depot. depot. Another Another memorable memorable event of o f Jaykrishna's Jaykrishna’s life life occurred while while he was employed in the Chinsurah employed in Chinsurah military barracks. barracks. This was was his marriage. Although Although early early marriage marriage was was still still customary, customary, Jaykrishna, Jaykrishna, an eligible eligible young man in in quite quiteeasy easycircumstances, circumstances, had remained remained single till was twenty. 1828 he was married to Parvati Parvat i Devi, Devi, single till he was twenty. In 1828 daughter daughter of o f Ganga Charan Charan Ghatak Ghatak(Banerjee) (Banerjee) of of Vandipur, Vandipur, aa village village near Haripa! district. The 'l'he Ghataks Ghataks had had at one time Haripal in in the the Hoogh.ly Hooghly district. well-known landholders arranged been well-known landholders of of the the placed1 place.2' This This was was an arranged match, match, the bride bride and and the the groom groom not not having having met met until until they they were were formally united. Parvati, Parvati, who who had probably formally united, probably not not reached reached her her teens teens known for and charm. charm. She She was was Jaykrishna's Jaykrishna’s yet, was known for her beauty and only wife. wife.Jaykrishna jaykrishna was was the the first in the family to break the the custom custom of which his his ancestors o f polygamy polygamy which ancestors had observed. observed. Parvati was was not not probably unlettered equipped to share share the the ideas ideas probably unlettered but but she was not equipped and interests of of her her husband. husband. However, However,the themarriage marriage on on the the whole whole proved to be be aa happy happyone. one.They Theywere wereaadevoted devotedcouple, couple,notwithnotwith­ proved standing occasional occasional quarrels. became rather opinionated opinionated standing quarrels. Parvati Parvati became eccentric as as she she grew grew older, older, and andsometimes sometimes she sheexasperated exasperated and eccentric Jaykrishna by by her nervous This spirited lady with aa Jaykrishna nervous behaviour. behaviour. This spirited lady personality ooff her own would create create minor minor domestic domestic crises crises whenever

40 4 0

A BENGAL BENGAL ZAM ZAMNDAR INDAR

Jaykrishna prevented prevented her from having her own Jaykrishna own way. way. She She asserted asserted herself in in matters matters which which she she thought thought were were none none of of her husband's herself husband’s business. But But these these storms storms would would blow blow over over as quickly quickly as they would business. arise, So they went through through life life happily arise, leaving leaving no no trace trace behind. behind. So together, understanding never being being spoilt spoilt by their together, their love and understanding andThen. then. disagreements now and worked in the For about two two years years after his marriage Jaykrishna worked army depot at Chinsurah. In 1830 Lord Bentinck ordered at Chinsurah. In 1830 Lord Bentinck ordered the the closure closure of the barracks as part of his economy drive, and incurred the disof barracks economy drive, and dis­ pleasure and and reprobation of the army.2 army.222 He took pleasure took this this step according according retrenchment urged by the to the general policy of retrenchment the Court Courtof of Directors Directors which the expenditure expenditure of o f the the First First Burmese Burmese which had been appalled by the War. The The Earl Earl of o fDaihousie, Dalhousie, who had had succeeded succeeded Lord Combermere Gombermere as Commander-in-Chief, Jaykrishna describes Gommander-in-Chief, resented this measure. Jaykrishna describes in some some detail the unpleasant unpleasant conflict conflict between between Dalhousie and BenBentick, referring to to the ineffectual ineffectual appeal appeal made by the Commander-intick, Commander-InChief Horse Guards Guards and and the thefinal finalsuccess success of of the the GovernorGovernorChief to to the Horse General Authorities. This early General supported supported by by the the Home Authorities. This was was an early round of of the the conflict conflict between between Governor-General Governor-General and CommanderCommanderwhich kept kept cropping cropping up up almost almost periodically periodically throughout throughout the in-Chief which course of of the the history of British British India. India. Jaykrishna Jaykrishnanoted noted that that the course history of Marquess of Dalhousie, Daihousie, son son of of the the humiliated Commander-in-Chief Marquess Conamander-in-Chief Bentick, triumphed triumphed over over Sir Sir Charles Napier in aa similar of Bentiek, similar controcontro­ later.23 versy some years years later.2 3 Jaykrishna about military Jaykrishna concluded concluded his reminiscences reminiscences about military affairs affaire with a curious reference to the sepoy mutiny at at Barrackpore Barrackpore in in 1824 1824 which started over the hesitation which hesitation of of Indian Indiansoldiers soldiers to togo gooverseas overseas and serve in Burma during the the First First Burmese Burmese War and andthe theofficers' officers’ refusal to to consider Jaykrishna describes how Sir refusal consider their grievances. grievances. Jaykrishna describes how Edward Paget, orderedaa number Edward Paget, the the Commander-in-Chief, Gommander-in-Chief, ordered number of of sepoys to be be executed executed and and a still sepoys to still larger larger number number to to be bedisbanded. disbanded. The name of of the the mutinous mutinous 47th 47th Sepoy Sepoy Regiment Regiment of o f the the Bengal Bengal The name Native Infantry was erased from from the army list.24 When the the mutiny Native list.24 When occurred, Jaykrishna India. Why Why he he should should have have occurred, Jaykrishnawas wasinin north north India. referred to to the the incident more than fifty later, can referred incident more fifty years years later, can only only be be conjectured. After the closure closure of the Chinsurah Chinsurah barracks barracks in in 1830, 1830, Jaykrishna's Jaykrishna’s serviceswere wereno no longer longerrequired. required. He received good testimonials from services likeLt. Lt. Col. Col. J.J. S. Tidy, Captain the depot officers officers like Captain James Clarke, Clarke, Pay Master, Master, and Captain G. C. C. Squire. Squire. They They all all praised praised him him for for his his

FORTUNE'S W2SEEL f o rtu n e’s w heel

4 1 41

accuracy in keeping keeping accounts, accounts, efficient efficient handling and and disbursement disbursement of cash amounting to many lakhs amounting to lakhs of of rupees rupees and above above all all for for his his unimpeachable honesty.25 honesty.2* It is is evident evident that that Jaykrishna's Jaykrishna’s record record of service as as head head clerk and cashier service cashier at atChinsurah Chinsurahwas was extremely extremely satissatis­ factory. Lt. Lt. Col. factory. Col. Tidy Tidy described described him him as as "intelligent, “ intelligent, honest, honest, good good tempered, willing, willing, very very clever clever and and indefatigable” indefatigable".. It was was perhaps perhaps aa disappointment disappointment for for Jaykrishna Jaykrishna to have have been been thrown out of employment at the age of He began to employment at of twenty-two. twenty-two. He look the revenue revenue department. department. His Hisfather fatherseems seems look for for aa suitable job job in the finally retired. retired. But But young young Jaykrishna Jaykrishna must must find find aa new new berth berth to have finally

himself.An Anappointment appointment in the for himself. the revenue revenue department departmentwas wasespecially especially desirable because it would give him a good opportunity to acquire desirable because it would give him a, good opportunity knowledge technicalities of knowledgeof ofland land revenue revenue administration administration and and the technicalities of An unexpected change in the financial the zamindari 2»mindari system. system. An financial world ooff Bengal Bengal compelled compelledJaykrishna Jaykrishnaand and his hisfather fathertoto turn turn their thoughts in this direction. II. FFALL a l l oOF f tTHE h e AAOENGY gency H ouses II. HOUSES Since the o f the the eighteenth eighteenth century century the the agency agency houses houses had had Since the end of monopolized Bengal’s Bengal's trade trade and and commerce. monopolized commerce. They controlled country trade, financed indigo and sugar manufacture, held financed indigo held the the government government contracts, managed banks and contracts, and insurance insurance companies companies and and speculated speculated in public securities. securities. They They also also handled handled the the homeward homeward private trade of the East India of the commanders commandere and officers officers of India Company's Company’sships ships and negotiated negotiated bills bills on the the foreign foreign companies. They had had correspondcorrespond­ houses in in London London which which collected collected their their remittances remittances and provided ing ing houses could be traced them with funds. funds. The origin origin of o f these these houses houses could traced back back to the Nabobs. The rapid rapid fortunes fortunes made made by by them themsupplied suppliedthe thehouses houses with their initial capital. capital. In Inmany manycases cases the the houses houses were operated by the former servants of the Company who were naturally on former servants of Company who on good good terms their successors successors in office and savings for terms with their in office and invested their savings them.2 6 The these agency agency them.2° The Government Government had had frequently frequently to deal with these houses for for various various undertakings undertakings like like contracts contracts for for opium or salt, rice houses rice or military stores, f funds Presi­ stores, remittances remittancesoof finds to to Canton Canton or to other Presidencies, issue issue ooff treasury treasury orders orders or bonds for investment or war. dencies, war.27 Off the agency houses was that that of Palmer & Co. O houses the most famous famous was Co. which in Calcutta Calcuttasince since the theclosing closing years years of of the the which had been operating in eighteenth century. century. Four or five were also also in the first eighteenth five other houses houses were first flight. They They were were considered considered to to be be as stable stable as as the East India flight. India CornCom­

4 422

A BENGAL ZAMINDAR ZAM INDAR

in the confidence pany itself. itself.28 They had had established established themselves themselves in confidence of They acted the Indian Indianinvestors investors as as well. They acted as as trustees trustees for aa large number number of estates estates of of their their Indian Indian constituents.29 constituents.28 Biswanath Motilal, a leading Bengali businessman businessmanofofthe the time, time, used used to to keep much of Bengali of his his accuaccu­ with Mackintosh Mackintosh & & Go. Co. and and Cruttenden mulated wealth in deposit deposit with Mackillop & Co.3° Wary investors like Uday Narayan Mackillop Co.30 Wary investors like Narayan Basak Basak were were particular about particular aboutdepositing depositing their theirmoney moneyin infive fiveor orsix sixhouses houses without without risking single venture.3' venture.81 Jaykrishna’s had business business risking on on a single Jaykrishna's father, who had connections Meerut, had connectionswith withthe the houses houseseven evenwhile whilehe he was was in in Meerut, in the four houses ooff Fairlie, Fergusson cautiously invested his savings in Fergusson Mackillop & Co. Co. and and Colvin Colvin & Co., Alexander & & Co., Cruttenden Mackillop Co.82 The and Jaykrishna Jaykrishna & Co.32 Themajor majorportion portiono£the oithe wealth Jagamohan Jagamohan and had brought with them them from from Bharatpur Bharatpur was was presumably presumably invested invested in these these four four houses. houses.Jagamohan Jagamohanfelt feltsure surethat that he he had had acted prudently by not having having all his his eggs eggs in one basket. basket. The activities activities of of the the agency agency houses houses had hadgradually graduallyproliferated. proliferated. As Jaykrishna Jaykrishna puts it, it, these these were were no no longer longer confined confined to to agency agency alone. alone. only did the houses Not only houses advance to indigo and sugar-cane planters, but they also and other but also tried their hand hand at atcultivation cultivation of of coffee coffee and ventures. Their widespread activities activities impressed public very very ventures. Their widespread impressed the the public much. Many Many people envied the the merchant merchantprinces princesfor fortheir theirinfluence influence living. Quite Quite a few and lavish style of living. few top-ranking top-ranking civil civil and military servants, attracted attracted by these their jobs jobs and these opportunities, left their and joined these firms. firms. J, C, Sutherland Sutherland in in this this way way became became aa partner joined these J. C. of of Alexander Alexander & & Co. Co. and Col. Col. Young Young also also joined joined another another agency agency house.8 house. 8 In the the 'second second decade In decade of ofthe the century century the prosperity of the the merchant princes had, however, however, become become more more apparent apparent than than real. real. But But no no one one as yet yet suspected suspected that that the thesplendid splendidfaçade facadeofo fprosperity prosperityconcealed concealed serious serious internal internal disorder disorderwhich whichfor for aa time went went undetected. undetected.84 As Jaykrishna understood them, the wealth and position of the merchants Jaykrishna understood them, the wealth and position of gradually sapped sapped the foundations foundations of 5 The had gradually of their prosperity.8 prosperity.85 failure of the indigo indigo crop crop and and the fall in the failure of the indigo indigo prices prices together withdrawal of a large large portion of their capital capital to to England England with the withdrawal some of the partners partners of of the the houses houses created created aacrisis crisis towards towards the the by some Theindigo indigo crisis crisisof of 1830 1830threatened threatened to to ruin ruin not end of o f the 1820's.38 1820’s.88 The only only the large large amount amount of of private private British British capital capital employed employed in its its production production but also also the entire entire trade tradeand andindustry industryofofBengal Bengal which which now was closely closely bound bound up up with it. it.87 In this this crisis crisis the Palmers Palmers were the worst The firm firm had been worst sufferers. sufferers. The been making making heavy heavy weather weather for for

fFORTUNE'S o r t u n e ’s wWHEEL heel

443 3

some time. time. When in 1829 demanded immediate some 1829 its London creditors demanded immediate liquidation liquidationoof f half halfoof f the the debt debt and and a security security for for the the rest, rest, a run run began house. It had hadlittle littlefluid fluidcapital, capital, most most of of its itsfunds funds began on on the house. having been invested or bad loans having invested in indigo factories factories or loans advanced advanced to to junior civil civil and and military militaryservants. servants.38 The Palmers Palmers closed closed their their doors doors on 4, 1830. 1830. Curiously Curiously enough, enough, the the lesson lesson of o f the the Palmers Palmers on January 4, agency houses houses who to was lost lost on other agency who neither neither made made any attempt to change took their theirconstituents constituents into into change their methods of operation nor took confidence. confidence.Nothing Nothingwas wasdone donetoto counteract counteractthe the panic panic created created by the result result being all sorts ooff rumours rumours and the failure of the Pairners, Palmers, the wild speculations.8 9 speculations.89 The regarded as The fall of of the the famous house of Palmers, long regarded as financial wizards, had effect upon a large number of people wizards, had an unsettling effect people and and caused a steady steady erosion erosion of o f confidence confidence in the the line lineofofbusiness business for for caused which the the agency houses had stood. What was the alternative? alternative ?Some Some financial operators like like Jagamohan Jagamoh.anand andJaykrishna Jaykrishna began began to to think financial operators that that to to this thisquestion question land landwas was the theanswer. answer. As As compared compared with with deposits deposits in the and tottering the shaky and tottering agency agency houses houses investment in land appeared appeared to be an proposition. The The Permanent Settlement had an infinitely infinitely safer proposition. been in operation operation for more than than thirty-five thirty-five years. years. Up to to 1830 1830 the the Government’s policy more or less less proproGovernment's policyinin this this respect respect had had been been more zamindar. The Patta zamindar. Patta Regulation, intended to safeguard safeguard the rayat's raiyatfs interests, was II of of 1799, 1799, popularly popularly interests, was aa complete complete failure. failure. Regulation Regulation V VII known known as Hafitam, Haptam,had hadvested vestedthe the zamindar zamindar with with wide wide and and arbitrary powers powers including including those those ooff distraint distraint and and ooff seizing seizing aa tenant’s tenant's person, creating a total and absolute absolute property property in land which which had not thus creating existed before. before.This Thisaccelerated acceleratedthe thegrowth growthof ofaa land land market and existed very soon soon land was bought at at revenue revenue sales sales at about about fifteen fifteen years' years’ purchase.4°Although AlthoughRegulation RegulationVV of 1812, Panjam, purchase.40 1812, known known as as Panjam, mitigated somewhat the harshness of the existing laws, laws, itit allowed allowed the the zamindar the right to distrain a tenant’s property. Nor did the zamindar the right to distrain tenant's property. Nor did report of the Parliamentary of 1812 alter the report Parliamentary Select Select Committee Committee of 1812 alter landlord-tenant relationship in in favour favour of the rayat. raiyat. The The Patni Regula­ landlord-tenant relationship Regulapatni or the lease hold system, giving yet tion of 1819 1819 recognized the patni system, giving another incentive to investment investment in land and and creating creating aaconsiderable considerable class of of middlemen middlemen who who were were annuitants.41 annuitants.4' The regulation class regulation of of1822 1822 implied that that the residential implied residential ra'ats raiyatswhose whose tenancies tenancies originated after the Permanent Settlement were were aa distinct distinct class, class, liable to eviction, or if Permanent Settlement not evicted, evicted, liable liable to tobe be assessed assessed at the the discretion of the not the landlord. The report of the of 1830 did not rethe Parliamentary Parliamentary Select Select Committee Committee of 1830 did re­

4 44 4

A IN DAR A BENGAL ZAM ZAMINDAR

commend interference interferencebetween betweenzamindar zamindarand and raiyat rayat in order to fix commend fix fair rents, holding breach of of faith faith with with holding that this would amount to aa breach the zamindars. zamindars. Altogether Altogether the zarnindari zamindari system, system, as as itit operated in 1830, 1830, was sufficiently sufficiently attractive attractive to those those who wanted wantedaasecure secureinvestinvest­ good, if not not fantastic, fantastic, returns. ment of o f their their capital capital with with prospects prospects of o f good, The Government, Government, the resumption resumption measures measures notwithstanding, notwithstanding, had in many ways strengthened means at strengthened the hands of zamindars. zamindars. The The means the disposal disposal oof f the the zamindars zamindars to to enhance enhance the the rents rents of their tenants were infinite. These considerations weighedwith withJagamohan Jagamohan as as he was considerations weighed was doing doing some rethinking policy. Jaykrishna implicit some rethinking on on his investment policy. Jaykrishna had implicit faith in in his his father's father’s wisdom wisdom and and judgement. judgement. In Inthis thisrespect respectalso also he he accepted Jagamohan’s 1831 he started working under Jagamohan's advice and in 1831 C. Smyth, Smyth, Judge Judge and andMagistrate Magistrateof o fHooghly, Hooghly, as asSadar SadarBakshi Bakshi D. C. or Collector of Chaukidari taxes in the the towns towns of of Hooghly, Chinsurah Chinsurah Serampore. Next Next year yearhe hewas wasappointed appointedSizeristadar Shmstaiar or and Serampore. or Record Keeper of o f the Hooghly Collectorate Collectorate under W. H. Belli.42 Belli.42 Reviewing part of of his his life, life, Jaykrishna himself wrote in 1842: 1842: this part Jaykrishna himself My and myself myself having having lost large large sums sums of o f money money in in My father and 1831/32 by the the failure failure of of the 44 leading 1831/32 by leading houses houses of o f agency agency ,in in Calcutta, we determined to invest the remainder of o f our capital

chiefly in land tenures, but itit was that one chiefly in was thought thought necessary necessary that one of of service either Collector or Judge's Judge’s our family should should take service either in a Collector office laws and decisions decisions ooff office to to gain gain aa practical insight into the laws Courts to enable us to manage our estates properly. Accordingly

in 1831 of D. D. C. Smyth, Judge of 1831 I first first entered entered the service service of Smyth, Judge Hooghly, and afterwards at his recommendation recommendation as a record record Hooghly, and afterwards at his keeper of the Collectorate in August, 1832, having been pre­ keeper Collectorate August, 1832, having been previously employed several military officers officers upwards upwards of of viously employed under under several years. 3 10 years.4 this statement statement of o f Jaykrishna Jaykrishna is not not mere mere rationalization, rationalization, it If this

shows how his hisand and his hisfather’s father'sminds mindsworked workedatatthat that time. time. They had shows how the sea of o f estate management without having having no desire to plunge into the management without been first taught how to swim. To learn the zamindar's zamindar’sjob job seems seems to to

have been the have the prime prime motive motive behind behind Jaykrishna's Jaykrishna’s acceptance acceptance of sheristadar-ship, collector’soffice, office, sheristadar-ship,the thehighest highest ministerial ministerial post post in aacollector's

with a monthly monthly salary salary not not exceeding exceeding Rs. 100. 100. If itit had hadbeen beenJagamohan's Jagamohan’splan plan to totransfer transfer his his capital capital gradually gradually agency houses houses and from the agency and reinvest reinvest itit in landed property as Jay-

FOaTUNE'S WHEEL

fo r tu n e ’s w h e e l

45 4 5

krishna acquired acquired grasp of the krishna the methods methods of of zamindari zamindari management, management, he was was soon soon disappointed. disappointed. Misfortune overtook overtook the Mukherjees Mukherjees in in 1833, realizing their worst fears. 1833, realizing The failure failure of o f the Palmers Palmers produced produced a chain chain reaction reaction on other other agency houses. agency houses. After showing some signs signs of recovery, these houses houses again began began to totter. The sharp again sharp fall fall in in the theprice price of o findigo indigo contricontri­ buted them by by the buted to their their decline. decline. In spite spite of of the the support support given given them the Bank Bank of Bengal, Government and the Bengal, they they could could not not rally. Alexander Alexander & Co. failed A large number & failed on December December 12, 12, 1832. 1832.44 A number of of people, people, including the the most exalted, were were vitally vitally interested interested in in this this reputed including most exalted, deposited his his share share of of BharatBharat­ agency house. house. Lord Combermere had deposited pur prize prize money money with Alexander Alexander & Co., Co., which. which he he lost lost when when the Col. James Skinner house house failed.45 failed.45 Col. Skinner also shared this misfortune misfortune with Combermere.48 Colvin & Co. failed failed in in April, April, 1833. 1833. Towards Towards the the Combermere.48 Colvin & Co. of the the same same year year Fairlie, Fairlie, Fergusson Fergusson & & Co. Co, closed closed their their doors, doors, end of and the the failure failure of the Cruttenden Cruttenden Mackillop Mackillop & & Co. Co. in in January, January,1834 1834 wrote finis ageficy system in Bengal.47 Bengal.47 finisto to the the history history of of the the old agency As his fortune fortune deposited deposited with these these four agency agency As Jagamohan Jagamohan had his houses, his his savings savingswere werenearly nearlyall all gone. gone. Why Why did did Jagamohan, Jagamohan, who houses, had aa good head, wait wait until the failure good business business head, failure of the last last of of the the agency houses? not withdraw withdraw his his deposits deposits from from the the agency houses? Why Why did did he not three other houses when Alexander Alexander Sc & Co. Co. failed? failed? He could three houses when could still still have pulled something out of o f the fire. It It is is impossible to answer these was only only one one of hundreds questions except by saying that that Jagamohan Jagamohan was hundreds of thousands thousands of of people peoplewho who behaved behaved similarly similarlyduring duringthe the panic panic of of of 1830-34. Popular confidence confidence in in the agency 1830-34. Popular agency houses houses was badly shaken shaken not entirely entirely gone. It was rather pathetic that thatmany manypeople people were were but not rather pathetic prepared to to wait wait indefinitely indefinitely on the chance chance that thatthe thehouses houses would would somehow somehow muddle muddle through through the crisis and make a miraculous recovery. Everything must mustcome comeright rightinin the the end. end. The The result result was was that that many Everything clients of of the the agency agency houses houseswere werereduced reducedtoto poverty. poverty. Even Even aa man clients like Biswanath Biswanath Motilal Motilal lost lost aa heavy heavy amount in this way. like way. Moreover, Moreover, some of the dishonest,48 and they may have have the agency houses were very dishonest,48 intentionally cheated their patrons. In his his memoir memoir Jaykrishna refers in passing passing to the the human humaneffects effects of the catastrophic failure of of the agency houses. Its Its impact impact on the of catastrophic failure agency houses. British and Indian Indianinvestors investors was was stunning. stunning.Besides Besides adversely affecting the trade and Bengal,itit threw threw a large the and commerce commerce oof f Bengal, large number number of Europeans and Indians Indians out out of of employment, employment, and and caused caused degradation, degradation, misery and and suffering misery suffering among among the clientele clientele of of the thehouses, houses, which which inin-

446 6

A BENGAL ZAMINDAR ZAM INDAR A BENGAL

cluded many many widows and orphans. how his his and his eluded widows and orphans. Describing Describing how his father's plans were were set set at nought, Jaykrishna Jaykrishriaobserved: observed: "...alas, father’s plans . . alas, human sagacity and ingenuity come come to nothing when the gods rule otherwise.” 48 Perhaps for for the thefirst firsttime timeininhis hislife lifeJaykrishna Jaykrishnaexperiexperi­ otherwise."4' enced fear, despair despair and andhelplessness. helplessness. Even so, so, the the Multherjees Mukherjees fared fared better than than many many other other victims victims of of the the financial financial crisis. crisis. The The small small amount of money money that they had had laid laid out outininsome someother otherbusiness business amount helped helped them them to to get back on their feet,'° feet,50and and saved saved them them from complete had no no choice choice but but to to reconcile reconcile himself to ruin. Jagamohan had to the hard blow of fortune. This experience seemed seemed to point to to the the advisability advisability of investing investing in estates., Perhaps crisis shaped Jayin landed estates., Perhaps this this one crisis krishna’s krishna's destiny destiny more more than than any other. It may may be noted here that that aa second second and aa very very different different phase of Indo-British Inclo-Britishpartnership partnershipin in the the commercial commercial world world of of Calcutta Calcutta began shortly after the the collapse collapse of o f the the agency agency houses. houses. This This spell spell lasted lasted from from Indian entrepreneurs 1834 entrepreneurs like Dwarkanath Dwarkanath Tagore, Tagore, 1834 until 1847. 1847. Indian Rustomji Cowasji Gowasji and these years, years, Rustomji and Motilal Motilal Sil were active during these making making the most most of of the theopportunities opportunities available. available. Their Their business business undertakings represented by by Carr, Tagore & Turner undertakings represented & Co., Rustornji, Rustomji, Turner & Co., Oswald, Oswald, Seal Co., and the the Union Union Bank, Bank, marked marked aa high high & Co., Seal & & Co., businessventure.5 venture.5' Jagamohan and and Jaykrishna Jaykrishna point of Indo-British business 1Jagamohan to have fought fought shy shy of ofthese theseventures. ventures.Probably Probably they they had had learned seem to from the the crash of the agency system. They decided, their lesson from decided, from from now onwards, onwards, to to play play for for safety safety and and avoid all risks. risks. They They had grown glown now morbidly morbidly fearful fearful ooff getting getting entangled entangled in in another financial bungle. Fortunately, aa happy event event helped to relieve relieve the gloom gloom which which Fortunately, had been had been surrounding surrounding the Mukherjee Mukherjee family family after the the financial financial 1833.52 reverses. Jaykrishna'sfirst firstson, son, Haramohan, Haramohan, was was born born in reverses. Jaykrishna’s in 1833.6 2 Presumably occasion of rejoicing in the the family. family. Presumably this this was was an an occasion of great great rejoicing This This son son grew grew up to to be bethe theprincipal principalmanager managerofo fJaykrishna's Jaykrishna’s extensive landed estates estates in later extensive landed later years. years. III. FROM III. F r o mSHERISTADAR S h e r i s t a d a r TO t o ZAMiNDAR Z a m in d a r

Early in the had tried khas Early the nineteenth nineteenth century century the the Government Government had kho.s (direct management) system in certain areas of the Hooghly district. The experiment W. H. H. Belli, experiment was not successful. successful. W. Belli, the Collector, Collector, exex­ pressed himself strongly against khas khas management in 1827 1827 and the system was'finally was finally withdrawn.5® withdrawn.5' The The situation thus became system became favourfavour­ Visions of of becoming becomingaa landlord landlord danced able for aspiring zamindars. Visions

FORTUNE'S WHEEL

f o r t u n e ’s w h e e l

47

before the the eyes sheri.stadar of the Collcctorate. before eyes of the youthful youthful sheristadar Collectorate. But Jaykrishna did not know as yet how to accomplish did not know as yet how to accomplishhis hisobject. object. Since Since he did not possess enough capital to buy estates in the settled districts not enough capital ooff Bengal, might never never be be fulfilled. fulfilled. Bengal, he he began began to to fear fear that that his ambition ambition might had no no intention intentioneither eitherofofspending spending his his life life working working in But he had in the Collectorate. Instead Instead of taking care of zamindars’ zamindars' records, he must Collectorate. became became aa landowner himself. himself.When Whenhe he got got to to know know that that paddy land was being being let let out at he grew grew impatient impatient in Assam was at four four annas annas aabig/ia,. bigha, he luck there. there. But when when he discussed his his plan plan with with the Collector, to try his luck his the his boss, boss, he he received received no no encouragement. encouragement.On Onthe the other other hand, the Collector dissuaded dissuadedhim him from from taking taking this this step, step, promising him all Collector promising him possiblehelp help to to buy estates possible estates nearer home.54 home.54 He may may have have actually actually helped one-fourth share of helped Jaykrishna Jaykrishna in in buying buying at at a public sale the one-fourth the Collectorate zamindari ooff lot and fate jote Harananda lot Krishnarambati Krishnarambati and 1832. It is to note that this in November, November,'1832.85 is interesting interesting to this happened happened shortly the failure failure of Alexander Alexander & Co., Co., by by which which the the Mukherjees Mukherjces shortly before the lost substantial portion was lost a substantial portion of of their fortune. fortune. So So the new venture was made not a day day too too soon. soon. that Jaykrishna bought the the first zamindari Family tradition has it that property in name of of his his father father without without telling telling him about about it. it. property in the name Jagamohan had mind. He thought it was had not not yet yet finally made up his mind. too early for for them them to launch out as too as zamindars. So So many many things things stood in the into a settled the way way of of crystallizing crystallizing an incoherent incoherent aspiration aspiration into settled action. He He believed believed that that a large plan of decisive decisive action. large outlay outlay of of capital capital would be the the first first requisite. requisite. As As his his financial financial position position was was extremely extremely uncertain, he he could could not not spare the the money. money. He is is said to have reproved Jaykrishna for for his rashness when he he was was told told about what Jaykrishna rashness when what his his son son had done. done. which Jaykrishna Jaykrishna took took were were those thoseof of aa man man who who had The steps steps which measured carefully carefully his his opportunities. opportunities. He seems measured seems to have studied the the trends better than than his his father. He had had borrowed borrowed money at aa low low rate rate interest and and bought the properties. This was the beginning ooff interest beginning of o f the Uttarpara zamindari Uttarpara zamindariwhich whichvery verysoon soon became became one one of of the the best best known known The point that that needs isthat, that, contrary contrary to popular in Bengal. Bengal. The needs stressing stressing is notion, the original purchase was money brought was made made not not with with the money Jagamohan and Jaykrishna from by Jagamohan from Bharatpur but but with with borrowed borrowed capital. At the time capital. time of o f purchase the Bharatpur Bharatpur money money was tied up precariously with with the Agency Houses and and was was eventually eventually lost. lost. The The precariously Agency Houses failure of the Agency Houses, one after another, removed Jagafailure Agency Houses, after another, removed Jaga­ mohan's doubts about mohan’s about the the advisability advisability of o f buying buying zamindari zamindari propprop­

48

A BEN BENGAL A GAL ZAMINDAR ZAM INDAR

erties. He must must have have been been glad glad of of his his son's son’s venture, especially especially after erties. 1834 when when the the to lastt of the Agency Houses crashed. 1834 two years years in in the Hooghly Collectorate, Jaykrishna Jaykrishna During his first two few estates estate at public public sales. sales. In this this matter matterinitiative initiativeseems seems bought a few passed from from father father to to son. son.Jagamohan Jagamohan retired retired and and watched watched to have passed with approval his son's son’s activities. His second second son, son, Rajkrishna, Rajkrishna, who was five five years years younger younger than than Jaykrishna, Jaykrishna, had had found found an opening was opening in in of the the military military station station ooff Hazaribagh Hazaribagh in Bihar. the office office of Bihar. His poor did not permit him to continue there health, however, however, did there long long enough enough himself. Resigning Resigninghis hisjob jobhe he came came home home as as an an invalid, to establish establish himself. to be laid laid up up often oftenby bylong longspells spellsof o fillness. illness. How Jaykrishna, left left to himself; How long Jaykrishna, himself, would would have continued in in the Hooghly Hooghly Collectorate Collectorate can only only be be guessed, guessed, for for an anunforeseen unforeseen contingencyled led to to his his dismissal in 1836. 1836.As As itit marked marked a turning contingency dismissal in turning point in Jaykrishna’s Jaykrishna'slife, life,ititisisnecessary necessarytotogogointo into this thismatter matter in some detail'. detaif. The The change-over change-over from Dutch to to British British rule rule in in Chinsurah Chinsurahinvolved involved some rearrangement revenue administration. administration. In some rearrangementinin the the land revenue In the process there arose some complications, complications, one one ooff which which concerned the order of the Board of o f Revenue regarding the exchange exchange of o f Dutch Dutch for for English welcome this order, English pattas. pauas.The The raiyats rayats of of Chinsurah did not welcome for they feared feared that they for they would would lose lose by the the proposed proposed change. change. They resisted the new pattas and protested in every possible Jayresisted pattas protested every possible way. way. Jay­ krishna, as the was the person immediately krishna, the sheristadar, sheristadar, was immediately responsible responsible for effecting the change. effecting the change. He naturally naturally incurred incurred the thedispleasure displeasure of of scapegoat bearing bearing the the blame blame for for the the change the rayats raiyats and became a scapegoat ordered by authorities. Very soon soonhe to face a "conspiracy" “ conspiracy” by higher higherauthorities. he had hadto rayats.56 organized by the disgruntled Chinsurah raiyats.6* On the the face face of of ititsuch such aamove moveseems seems incredible. incredible. The The popular popular image of the typical typical raiyat rayat is that image that of of an an utterly utterlyresourceless resoureeless and unun­ lettered man man behind lettered behind the the plough. plough. How How could could such such men men combine combine the all-powerful all-powerful functionary functionary of the the Collector's against the the sheristadar, sheristadar, the Collector’s office ? But office? But those thosewho who know knowIndian Indian rural rural society society better better need not be that the the village village headman headman and andthe thevillage villagemoney-lender money-lender with with all all told that their tricks and and wiles wiles must must also also be be classed classed as as rayats. raiyats. Their Theirinfluence influence on the general body body of of villagers was immense the general immense and and it was their common practice form combinations combinations to to safeguard safeguard general general interests interests and, and, practice to form such aa combination combination more often, to protect their their own. The The possibility of such against Jaykrishna out. Jaykrishna cannot be ruled out. Evelyn Commissioner ooff the 14th 14th Division, Division, visited visited Evelyn Gordon, Gordon, the Commissiorer

FORTUNE'S WHEEL

f o r t u n e ’s w h e e l

4 49 9

1835 seventy-one Hooghly towards towards the the end endof o f 1835. 1835. On On November November27, 27,1835 persons, persons, including including some some Brahmins, Brahmins, lodged lodged their complaint against against Gordon called for for an explanaJaykrishna with the Commissioner.51 Commissioner.67 Gordon explana­ tion from W. Belli, the Collector, Collector, who W. H. Belli, who returned the papers with comment that the the charge charge had had been been fabricated fabricated by by some some inin­ the comment subordinate raiyats and no further further action action need need be be taken takenunless unless definite subordinate rayats available.588 Belli information was was available.5 that seven seven Belli further further pointed pointed out that petitioners denied their petitioners their signatures and and the the majority, majority, being being questioned, questioned, stated that they stated they signed signed the the petition petition against against Jaykrishna Jaykrishna under the the impression that its its purpose simply was was to to request request the Board impression that purpose simply Board of of Revenue to withdraw withdraw its itsorder orderfor forthe theexchange exchangeofofpauas. pattas. Obviously Obviously they did did not know how to to read and write. know how write. They They had had given given their their on a document what it was thumb impressions impressions on document without without knowing knowing what was about.58 According According to about.69 to Belli, Belli, the the charges against Jaykrishna Jaykrishna were too vague. vague. But Gordon Gordon did did not agree, and he was determined to pursue matter.60 the matter.6° Sadar Board Board of of Revenue ordered ordered the the Commissioner Commissioner to conduct The Sadar investigation personally. the investigation personally.The The inquiry inquiry began began early early in January, 1836 and 1836 and concluded concluded on on March March 5. 5. In In the meantime Gordon suspended 10,000 Jaykrishna, ordering ordering him Mm to togive giveaabail bailofoRs. f Rs. 10,000for forhis hisIzazir ham jamin or personal appearance. he increased increased the amount amount jamin or personal appearance. Later Later on, he to Rs. he came to know Rs. 20,000 20,000 because because he know that that Jaykrishna's Jaykiishna’s father, father, Jagamohan, Jagamohan, was was aa wealthy wealthyman manwho whowould wouldwillingly willinglysuffer suffer the theloss loss 10,000 rather thansee seehis hisson sonimprisoned. imprisoned. Gordon Gordon informed informed of Rs. 10,000 rather than Board of Revenue Revenue on 8, 1836 1836 that that the thecase caseagainst against the Board on January 8, Jaykrishna was daily becoming becoming serious. serious. He that Jaykrishna Jaykrishna He found that had twoannas annas share share of oflot lotHidayrampur Hidayrampur in had purchased purchasedbenami benami two in Hooghly. HoogWy. Gordon felt guilt of of the the accused accused in the the case case under under Gordon felt sure sure that that the guilt investigation would be proved.6 proved.6'1 Commissioner decided custody until until The Commissioner decided to commit Jaykrishna to custody he could could furnish furnish the required required amount of o f security. security. On January January, 7, 7, 1836 the Commissioner Commissioner informed Kasi Nath Nath 1836 informedthe the Collector Collector that that Kasi who was was willing to stand stand surety surety for for Jaykrishna, was was aa person person Nandi, who without substantial without substantial means. means. He He advised advised Belli Belli to procure better better security security for the the presence presence of o f Jaykrishna.62 Jaykrishna.®2 On 8, 1836 1836 the the Collector Collector On January January 8, informed the Commissioner Commissionerthat thatJaykrishna's Jagamohan, had Jaykrishna’s father, Jagamohan, seen him that that very verymorning morning and andhypothecated hypothecatedhis Mszamindaries zamindaries seen bearing aa radar sadar jama of Rs. Rs. 1780 1780 purchased purchased for for Rs. Rs.10,013.63 10,013.63 The value these properties value of these properties was was much much less less than than the amount fixed by Gordon whom the Board Gordon whom Board of of Revenue Revenue empowered empowered to use use his his full full 4

5 50 0

ZAM INDAR A BENGAL ZAMINDAR

discretion in the matter.8 matter.644 The Mukherjecs couldnot not or or did did not discretion in Mukherjees could not deposit the heavy deposit heavy amount amount of of Rs. Rs. 20,000 20,000 immediately, immediately, and conseconse­ quently Jaykrishna was detention for for some some days. days.65 For was kept under detention Jaykrishxxathis thiswas wasaa foretaste foretaste of of much much worse worse experience experience he he was was to Jaykrishna undergo in in his his middle middle life. life. The findings of Commissioner The CommissionerGordon Gordon went went against againstJaykrishna. Jaykrishna. Al­ Although Gordon thought thatJaykrishna that Jaykrishnadeserved deserved to to be committed for Judge, he finally decided decided to to punish punish him him by distrial before the the Sessions Sessions Judge, dis­ post and and by a subsequent governmental declarcharging him him from his post declar­ ation disqualifying him for ever from holding holding any any office office in the public service. service. It It is is interesting interesting to to note note that that during the the inquiry inquiry the the Brahmins, Brahmins, who were among among the the original original petitioners, petitioners, objected objected to to taking taking an an oath who and their simple declaration was accepted.66 So Jaykrishna together their simple declaration was accepted.66 Jaykrishna with the Nazir, Nazir, Safdar Safdar Au, Ali, was was summarily summarily dismissed. dismissed. The charge charge against against the Nazir was that that he he used used to tolevy levyfive five annas annas for forhimself himself whenever a peon was sent to summon a rayat whenever raiyat for the renewal of of his his patta.67 strictures were were passed passed on on the the Collector for an "overpatta .®5 Severe Severe strictures Collector for “ over­ sheristadar, his his laxity of supervision weening confidence" weening confidence” in his his sheristadar, supervision and control, and for control, for having having been been inaccessible inaccessible to the the people. people. Gordon Gordon reported to the Board reported to Board of of Revenue Revenue that Belli Belli had had neglected neglected the injunction to prevent prevent access access of o f the members members of his staff to the the taidads except in in his own own presence. presence. It It appeared that except thatthe thepeople peoplein inhis hisoffice office possessedall allday day the the key key to the boxes possessed boxes containing these these documents. documents.*8 Belli replied that that the injunction was absurd absurd and impracticable; Belli replied injunction was impracticable; it would have made for the the Collector would have made it impossible impossible for Collector to carry carry on on his his work.60® Belli Belli further further asserted asserted that the normal work.6 the Commissioner Commissioner had handled the the case case with with prejudice prejudice and and Jaykrishna's Jaykrishna’sdismissal dismissal had been been in aamost mosthigh-handed high-handedmanner.7° manner.70The Theexpressions expressions used used by by ordered in Belli, besides revealing revealingMs his anger anger and and a sense Belli, besides sense of of being being wronged, wronged, smack of old old ill-feeling ill-feelingbetween betweenhim himand and Gordon. Gordon. Be Be that that as it may, the Sadar Board Board of of Revenue Revenue supported supported Gordon's Gordon’s action. It It issued issued a circular against the the malcircular letter letter to toall allCornniissioners Commissioners for vigilance vigilance against mal­ practice practice of "the “ the Native Native Omlah".7' Omlah” .71Belli, Belli, however, however, continued continued to protest of the authorities. protest against against the decision decision of authorities. He He described described the the investigation conducted irregular and and extrajudicial" extrajudicial” investigation conducted by by Gordon Gordon as as “"irregular for an opportunity in nature, and and regretted regretted the the refusal refusal to his Ms request for constitutional and to explain his position positionbefore beforeaa“"constitutional and regular regular tribunal” tribunal".. Such a procedure, he claimed claimed, would would have have enabled enabled him him to to produce produce evidence sufficient the "imputations “ imputations of ofofficial official evidence sufficientto to protect protect him from the remissness; . .. . . the guilt remissness;. guilt or innocence innocence of of the the native nativeofficers officers themselves

FORTUNE'S WHEEL

fo r tu n e ’s w h e e l

5 51 1

would moreover moreover have been atisfactori1y satisfactorily established” .72 The Sadar Sadar established".72 Board Board ooff Revenue Revenue brought brought the charges against Belli Belli to to the notice of the Government: Government: he had given too much latitude latitude and and discretion discretion to to Jaykrishna and his Jaykrishna his other other Indian Indianassistants; assistants; he he had hadfailed failed to to detect detect their tricks to his complete reliance on on them; them; the their tricks owing owing to complete reliance the accused accused assistants had produced before him fictitious assistants had fictitious representatives representatives ooff the plaintiffs to deny deny for for the the benefit benefit of of defendants defenthnts the statements of the plaintiffs to real accusers.73 accusers,78 The Government Government accepted accepted this view of o f the the Board Beard real Belli for for having having turned turned a blind eye and supported it in in its its censure censure of Belli on the the activities activities of o f his Indian Indian assistants.74 assistants.74 Jaykrishna got the eight yeats Jaykrishna the sack sack when when he hewas wasbarely barelytwenty. twenty-eight years of age. This piece of misfortune misfortune affected affected him him in in more ways ways than than one. He was even debarred debarred from going to the the Collector's Collector’s office office to transact any kind kind of o f personal personal business. business. This was was extremely extremely inconvenient inconvenient for for But it appears him as an important important landholder landholder ooff the district. district. But appears that the case case of of the the Hooghly Hooghly Collectorate Collectoratewas wassoon soonreviewed reviewed for for official official reasons result helped helped Jaykrishna Jaykrishna to to some some extent. extent. ComCom­ reasons and and the result missioner Evelyn Gordon Gordon was was eventually missioner Evelyn eventually transferred transferred to another another Division; Division; the District Magistrate, Magistrate, Gilmore, Gilmore, was was also also removed removed from To clear his own character, Jaykrishna Jaykrishna applied, applied to the his charge.7 his charge.755 To next Cotnrnissioner, Commissioner, H. Walters, for aa certificate certificate declaring eligibility next declaring Ms hiseligibility for suitable appointment appointment under the the Government Government in future. Not Not for a suitable only order but but was was offered offered two only did he obtain such an order two posts posts in in the Board Revenue itself. not accept accept these these offers, offers, for, for, Board of Revenue itself. But But he he did not acting on his father’s father's advice, advice, he he had decided not to serve serve under the any more.7 Government any more.768 He did not change his mind even when he was offered offered the the post post of of treasurer treasurer of ofthe the General General Treasury Treasury of of Calcutta Calcutta handsome salary.7 enough of it. Moreover, Moreover, the salary.777 He He had had enough with aa handsome estates left left Mm him very very little time for any management ooff his growing growing estates work.788 other kind ooff work.7 1842 Jaykrishna an occasion occasion to comtnent comment on the the events events In 1842 Jaykrishna had an leading to his from government government service service in in 1836. He said leading his dismissal dismissal from 1836. He said that as as aarecord-keeper record-keeper he he had hadgiven given full full satisfaction satisfaction to Belli, Belli, the Collector. Owing to his energetic measures the collections of the the Gov­ Government fees had increased increased to to five five times times the the amount amount yielded yielded before in other hands. hands. Belli Belli had brought brought this fact to the the notice notice of of ComCom­ missionerGordon Gordon as as the the cause missioner cause ooff the conspiracy conspiracy of o f the Chinsurah Chinsurah raiyats. that he hesuffered suffered partly partlybecause because of ofconflicts conflicts raya1s. Jaykrishna Jaykrishna felt that among of animosity animosity and party party among higher higher officers. officers.He He said: said: “The "The state of feeling at the the time timeamong amongthe thecovenanted covenantedofficers officers of of Government Government feeling

52 52

A ZAM INDAR A BENGAL ZAMINDAR

from the zillah to the Sudder was such,that such,that all all those those who were at all conversant with these transactions pronounced them them as highly unjust and illegal." illegal.” Jaykrishna Jaykrishna had had a further grievance: grievance: he had repeatedly repeatedly

applied in writing for for judicial judicial trial but the applied the Board Board of of Revenue Revenue had had request.798 turned down down his his request.7 each time turned Jaykrishna defence. Was Jaykrishna said all this in his defence. Was this this the the whole whole truth truth ? involved in the paua patta exchange exchange racket? I f so, so, Was Jaykrishna Jaykrishna at all involved racket? If to what extent? extent? Of O f all all the thequestions questions in in his his career career these these are are the the most most difficult to answer. Evidently Jaykrishna had had become become indispensable indispensable difficult the Collector, Collector, W. H. H. Belli. Belli. But it it was was well known that that European European to the officers in similar similar circumstances circumstancestended tended to to rely rely on on the expert officers in expert knowknow­ ledge assistants. So Belli did was nothing unun­ ledge of of their their Indian assistants. So what Belli usual. Jaykrishna f rupees cashier in usual. Jaykrishna had had handled handled lakhs lakhs oof rupees as as aa cashier in the pay office office of ofthe the Chinsurah Chinsurah army army barracks. barracks. He had been praised by employers for honesty and efficiency. efficiency. Why he stoop stoop his employers for his honesty Why should hc to collect collect fees for himself as a sheristadar, sheristadar, especially especially when no when he had no intention of of spending his life life in the Hooghly intention spending his Hooghly Collectorate? Collectorate? True enough, enough, giving giving and and receiving receiving ooff perquisites perquisiteswere werean an old old practice practice of of Indian would aa man man ofjaykrishna’s ofJaykrishna's Indian land land revenue administration. But would shrewdness and and knowledge ooff the the world risk his his reputation reputation by practispractis­ ing extortion which could be detected easily ? The rapidrise rise of of young detected easily? The rapid Jaykrishna to to the had naturally Jaykrishna the key keyposition positionofofsheristadar-ship sheristadar-ship had naturally aroused wide-spread jealousy among among his his colleagues. aroused wide-spread jealousy colleagues. It isis possible possible that was Jaykrishna’s strictness, honesty and his his refusal to conform that itit was Jaykrishna's strictness, to the the unethical unethical practice practice of of receiving receiving bribes, rather rather than thanhis hisalleged alleged venality, venality, that had had made made him him intensely intensely unpopular. He knew he had created created enemies. enemies.Would Wouldhe he be be foolish foolishenough enoughtoto play play into into their hands by extorting extorting money from the rayats? raiyats? Whether Jaykrishna Jaykrishna was was guilty guilty of of peculation peculation or or not, not, no human Whether human now determine. determine. It is is no no longer longer possible possible to judgement can now to find out from the existing evidence evidence what what went on behind behind the thescenes, scenes, nor nor is is itit always possible possible for for the the historian to explore the the dark darkalleys alleys of of psychopsycho­ genesis. genesis. From From the the ethical ethical point point ooff view viewthe the atmosphere atmosphere in in aa Collector’s Collector's office was wasdoubtless doubtlessfar farfrom fromhealthy. healthy. Particularly Particularly in in 1834 1834 the Hooghly Collectorate was in great disorder owing to the Collectorate was the sensational sensational case case of of Burdwan pretender.8° pretender.80 While the the possibility possibility of of individual individual lapses lapses the Burdwan o f working conditions in this kind of conditions cannot cannot be be entirely entirely ruled ruled out, out, it is equally possible possiblethat thatJaykrishna, Jaykrishna,by by the the very very nature of equally of his his work, work, may have offended offended a number number of of people people inside inside his his office office as as well well as as outside it. His presence may have affected the interests and and chances chances

f o r t u n e ’ s wWHEEL heel FORTUNE'S

533 5

of these these people. people. They They might get rid of him only if they could discredit him openly. openly. In all all probability, probability, for for these these reasons reasons there developed developed aa against Jaykrishna not yet yet acquired acquired the theinfluence influence plot against Jaykrishna who who had not which would have enabled him him to to take takecontrol controlof o f the situation. Had shown greater greater tact, tact, he would have escaped unharmed. Personally he shown was convinced convinced that that false false and and malicious malicious charges charges were were brought brought he was against him by him.811 by persons persons who who were were ill ill disposed disposed towards towards him.8 As to have As time time passed, passed, official official opinion opinion of o f Jaykrishna Jaykrishna seems seems to have in 1842 1842 the the question question was was again raised raised whether JayJay­ changed. When in krishna should permitted to come come to to the theCollector's Collector’s office office to to krishna should be be permitted transact business personally, personally, J. Dunbar, the theDivisional Divisional ComCom­ transact his business J. Dunbar, missioner, made a fresh inquiry into the missioner, made the circumstances circumstances under under which which he been dismissed dismissed from office office in 1836. 1836, Having examined the he had been files, he had had no hesitation in giving the permission. permission. On that files, he that occasion occasion spoke highly highly of o f Jaykrishna's Jaykrishna’s ability and and character, character,suggesting suggesting he spoke that his his removal removal from from office in 1836 had luck.82 that in 1836 had been been due to sheer bad luck.82 More than than fifty fifty years years after afterJaykrishna's Jaykrishna’sdismissal dismissal from from office, office, G. G. Toynbee, Magistrate oof f Hooghly, go through the the old old Toynbee, the the Magistrate Hooghly,had had to to go records to prepare prepare his report on the records to the administration administration of of the the district district during the years He also also came came to to the conclusion during years 1795-1845. 1795-1845. He conclusion that Jaykrishna had had been been the the victim victim of o f aa conspiracy conspiracy and that that the thecharges charges against never been been substantiated.83 substantiated,83 Unless assumes against him him had never Unless one assumes that that Toynbee Toynbee in inhis his official publication publication had had aa motive for whitewashing Jaykrishna, one one must must give give importance importance to to his his opinion. opinion. came to an Although Jaykrishna’s Jaykrishna's career as a minor civil civil servant came abrupt and unhappy unhappy end, end, the the four four years years he he spent spent in in the the Hooghly Hooghly Collectorate role in in life. life. He Hehimself himselfhas has Collectorate prepared prepared him him for for his true role admitted that deal of ofinformation admitted that in in the the Collectorate Collectorate he gained a great deal information regarding zamindari zamindari affairs affairs which which proved proved very very useful useful to to him in his regarding his later career.84 career.81 In this this sense sense these these years years were period of of were for for him him a period apprenticeship.

CHAPTER C H A P T E R FIVE FIVE

A Young Zamindar Zamindar A Young

(

—

)

(183 18366-1846) 1846

I. ZZAMINDARS' I, a m in d a r s ’ POLITICS P o l it ic s

with Jaykrishna’s Jaykrishna's back­ backFor an ambitious young marl man ooff twenty-eight with there were were three three possible possible opportunities opportunities of o f an an independent independent ground, there career-law, trade career—law, tradeand andland. land.Jaykrishna Jaykrishna chose chose the third third alternative, alternative, for he had had had aa fair fair amount amount of of drilling drilling in in zamindari zamindari affairs affairs for four years. Moreover, Moreover, he he had had the speculator's years. speculator’s eye to to visualize visualize the future future prospects pro­ prospects of of the the zamindari zamindari system. system. The The market market value of landed property in Regulation III III perty in Bengal had greatly fallen after the passing of Regulation of 1828, 1828, and and this this tendency tendency continued continued well well into into the the thirties. This was was the cumulative result of the operation operation of of a number number of of factors factors includinclud­ ing shortage of bullion and trade tradedepression. depression. There Therewere wereSome some local causes as as well. well. The The districts districts of Hooghly Hooghly and and Burdwan, for instance, causes sufferedfrom fromfloods floodsand andinundations inundationsofofthe theDamodar Damodarand and the the Rupsuffered narayan narayanwhich which reduced reducedthe theincome income of of the the proprietors proprietors of of landed landed estates estates and consequently consequently their prices. Even large estates like the the Burdwan Burdwan raj were affected. The resumption resumption laws laws involving difficulties of identi­ identification and of procedures diminished diminished popular confidence fication confidence in landed property, not not excluding rent-free tenures. Furthermore, Furthermore,in inmany manycases cases were made made worse worseby by the the behaviour behaviour of the old school indulthings were school ooff indul­ gent zamindars with with their theireasy-going easy-going ways, ways, mismanagement mismanagement of of propro­ quarrels.1 Sometimes their perty, litgation and and family quarrels.1 softness almost their softness became ludicrous. ludicrous. About some Hooghly Hooghly zamindars zamindars of this type itit isis said that ifif they they passed passed through the the village village fields, fields, they veiled veiled their they should covet the the crops tenants.2 The faces lest lest they should covet crops of their their tenants.2 case of the zamindars of Singur in the the Hooghly Hooghly district district was was no no less less striking. lavish standard of of striking. These These zamindars zamindars were were known known for for their lavish living and and neglect of their properties. living neglect of properties. Srinath Ray of of Singur Singur was was particularly particularlynoted notedfor for his his habitsof habits ofconspicuous conspicuous consumption consumptionin inwhich which' with his close closefriend, friend, the the Raja Raja of of Burdwan. Burdwan. For For this he earned he vied with the nickname of Nawab Babu. In In course course of of time time his his estates were sold for arrears of revenue and the the family family became became impoverished. impoverished. Nawab Babu’s Vrindavan, living livingon on alms.3 alms.3 Babu's wife had to spend her last days in Vrindavan,

A YOU YOUNG AMflDAR A N G ZAM IN DAR

55 55

was perhaps perhaps a bad one The case of Singur was one without without being beingwholly wholly Many estates, particularly particularly patnis, untypical. Many patnis, came under the hammer and changed hands usually for mere trifles. trifles. At the auction sales sales of courts Jaykrishna Jaykrishna acquired acquiredmany the revenue and civil courts many large large estates estates which which were were potentially potentially profitable. profitable. Among Among these these there there were were quite aa few estates estates which which formerly had formed few formed part partof ofthe theSingur Singurzamnindari. zamindari. Jaykrishna's Jaykrishna’s discernment discernment and and his his intimate intimate knowledge knowledge of o f the CollecCollec­ torate records served him very the sales. sales. He very well well when when he he attended the went on buying properties systematically, systematically, and within aa space space of four

or five years he he emerged as one one of the biggest or five years emerged as biggest landholders landholders in the Hooghly district. district. It was not of course course as as easy easy as as itit sounds. sounds. But But that that Hooghly properties, however, however, were were mostly was how he he acquired acquired his estates. The properties, purchased the name name ofJagamohan of Jagamohanwho whowas was the the head headof ofthe thefamily. family. purchased in the Jaykrishna’sfilial filialdevotion devotiondid didnot notallow allowhim himtotofend fendonly onlyfor forhimself. himself. Jaykrishna's The rise rise of o f the the Mukherjees Mukherjees as as aa new new house house of o f zamindars zamindars in in Bengal Bengal the fourth fourth decade decade of of the last last century century was was part part of of aa much much wider wider in the trend. Generally Generally speaking, speaking, the the Permanent Permanent Settlement Settlement had failed to stabilize stabilize the position position of many old old zamindars, zamindars, some some of of whom whom were were obliged to dispose of of their their estates. estates. These These properties properties were mostly mostly bought bought with the the soil or with by speculators who had had no hereditary hereditary connection with actual cultivation. cultivation. By By and and large large the thenew new proprietors proprietors were were men men of of the the actual class which with its itscomplex complex administrative administrative machinery machinery class which British British rule with commercial organization being. Many of the and commercial organization had had brought into being. off Englishmen or zamindars had new zamnindars had made made their their fortunes as banians banians o subordinate revenue revenue farmers farmers or or clerks clerks in in the the Commercial Commercial Residencies Residencies subordinate or in in the the revenue revenue and and judicial judicial departments.4 departments.4 Their character character was was seldom intelligence and they were not above above rnanimani­ seldom equal equal to their intelligence pulating revenue sales in in their own pulating revenue sales own interest. interest. The The very very way way they they acquired their properties properties made made the the new new proprietors proprietors absentee absentee landland­ lords. Their bought bit bit by by bit, bit, were were necessarily scattered. Such Their estates, bought a zamiadari zamindariseldom seldom represented representedaasolid solidmass mass with with aa given given kernel. The The new landowners were guided mainly by profit motives in buying and selling their their selling their land. land. They They did did not care for the inferior rights that that their action might affect.6 might affect.6 These were the social social roots roots of o f the the new new zamindars zamindars of ofBengal Bengal like like Raja Rammohan Ray (not (not his his ancestors), ancestors), the Tagores Tagores of Pathuriaghata-Jorasanko,the theDebs Debsof ofShobhabazar, Shobhabazar,the theGhosals Ghosals ofBhukailas, ofBhukailas, ghata-Jorasanko, the Sinhas Sinhas of o f Paikpara, the theKhans Khansof of Midnapore, Midnapore, the theSinhas Sinhasof ofBirBirbhum, theRays Rays of of Kasimbazar, the Tewaris Tewaris ofBurdwan, ofBurdwan,the theMukherMukher­ bhum, the Kasimbazar, the ices jees of Ula and and the theSinghs Singhs of Murshidabad,® the zamindari zamindari system system Murshidabad.6 To the

5 6 56

A A BENGAL ZAM ZAMflDAR IN DAR

the new new proprietors proprietors brought brought their intimate intimate acquaintance acquaintance with the the language, and business business methods methods of of the the British British rulers rulerstoto­ language, character and gether with a degree of efficiency efficiencyhitherto hitherto unknown. unknown. They They were were deter­ determined mined to run their their zamindaris zamindaris as as they they would would have have run run aabusiness business concern. concern. The proposal proposal to establish establish an an association association of landholders in 1837 1837 was was aa clear clear indication indication of of the the outlook outlook and and methods methods of operation of the an the new new zamindars. zamindars. They felt that only by joint joint action through an organization could they they expect to safeguard their rights rights and and privileges privileges from the interference interference of of an an alien alien government. government. The new and and ambiguous stirrings towards towardspolitical politicalorganization organizationbrought broughtabout about the the foundation foundation ooff the Zamindari firstIndian Indianbody bodyof ofpersons persons organorgan­ Zamindari Association—the Association-the first ized distinctive political political outlook.7 outlook.7 In this this Raja Raja Radhakanta Radhakanta ized with aa distinctive of Rammohan Rammohan Ray, Deb co-operated with the the Tagores, the the followers followers of whose religious religious and and social social ideas ideas he he had had differed sharply. from whose A A preliminary preliminary meeting meeting of zamindars zamindars was held in the Hindu Hindu College College on February 25, 1838 with doyen of on February 25, 1838 with Raja Raja Radhakanta Radhakanta Deb, Deb, the the doyen of zamindars, in the chair. chair. The The proceedings proceedings of the the meeting meeting were concon­ ducted in Bengali. The formation of a society society to landed to protect the landed interestsfrom and injustice interests from oppression oppression and injustice was agreed agreed on. on. A resolution resolution was was passed for for calling calling aa public public meeting meeting shortly shortly at at the Town Hall.8 passed Hall.8 The projected organization was to be given the more general name of the Landholders5 the Zamindari ZamindariAssociation, Association, as as originally Landholders' Society and and not the its pro­ prointended. The forty-point prospectus of the Society described its gramine, which, among other things, gramme, things, included included promotion promotion of of cordial cordial and friendly relations and communicationamong amongall allclasses classes interested and and communication in land, without without distinction distinction of race, birth birth or or religion; religion; representations representations the Government Government against against the the promulgation promulgation of of regulations regulations harmful harmful to the for interests and in favour favour of of suitable suitable new new enactments; enactments; for the landed interests repeal of all existing laws laws adversely adversely affecting affecting the the landed landed classes; classes; and societies in establishment ooff branch societies in every every district district of British British India. India. To become a member of the Society one would have to pay an admission admission fee ooff Rs. annual subscription subscription of immediate lee Rs. 55 and an annual of Rs Rs 20.° 2O. The immediate concern of the Society seems to have been to oppose the resumption seems to have been to oppose measures progress, and try to to counter countersimilar similar encroachencroach­ measures then then in progress, and to try the principles principlesof ofthe thePermanent PermanentSettlement. Settlement. The The membership membership ments on the fees feeswere wererather rather too too high. high. One One could could imagine imagine that that the founders ooff the Society desired Society desired itit to be aa very exclusive exclusive body body without without aa real popular base. Nonetheless, as the Bengal base. Nonetheless, as observed, the Bengal Hurkaru Hurkaru observed, the idea idea of the Society per­ Society represented representedthe thefirst firstattempt attempt in in India India to bring together persons having the the same interests in one association.1 association.1°0 It It was was evident evident that that

A YOU YOUNG A N G ZAMINDAR ZAM IN DAR

557 7

members of of the the landed landed class class felt felt enough enough group group identity at least some members to work together. The The Town Hall Hall meeting meeting of March March 19, 19,1838 1838 was was important important not only because because itit brought brought the Landholders' Landholders’ Society into being, being, but also be­ because cause itit represented representedan an early earlyattempt attempt made madeby by Indians Indians to to try try the Western methods of public public agitation. agitation. About two hundred zamindars the meeting meeting along along with aa few few Europeans like David Hare, attended the George Princep Princep and and T. T. Dickens. Dickens.Raja Raja Radhakanta Radhakanta Deb took the chair, and the proceedings except the and most most of o f the the observations observations made made by by Dickens Dickens were in Bengali. Bengali. Some be­ were Some of of the the founders founders of of the the Society Society later later on on became finished been came finished speakers speakersininEnglish, English,but butas as yet yet they they had not been able to themselves in in that to overcome overcome diffidence diffidence in expressing themselves that foreign foreign Radhakanta said said that that the theresumption resumption operations operations had language. Raja Radhakanta created a feeling feeling of uncertainty and and nervousness nervousness among the the people people had hitherto been quite happy under British rule. Repeating the who had old old fable fable with with the the moral moral that union is strength, Radhakanta urged the importance of common common action the formation formation of of aa Society Society action and the which the measures measures and functions functions of o f the which would would keep keep aa watch over the Government The comcom­ Government and and make make representations representations to to it if need be. The mittee of management management which was was formed formedat at the the meeting meeting included included the Tagores, Debs of of Sobhabazar, Sobhabazar, Ramratan Ramratan Roy, Roy, Satyacharan Satyacharan Tagores, the the Debs Ghosal, Raja Raja Rajnarayan Roy, Asutosh Deb, Munshi Amir, George Ghosal, Princep and T. T. Dickens. Dickens. Some Some ordinary ordinary members members were immediately enrolled spot.11The The moving moving spirit spirit behind behind the the Society Society was enrolled on on the spot." Dwarkanath Tagore who led all progressive progressive movements movements in in Bengal Bengal at at that time and held held aa unique unique position position in Calcutta. Calcutta. It Itisisinteresting interesting to to note that on the Calcutta that the theLandholders' Landholders’ Society Society was was modelled modelled on Calcutta Chamber Commerce of important Chamber of of Commerce of which which Dwarkanath Dwarkanath was was an important new Society Society was intended to serve the landed landed interests interests member. The new even as the Calcutta Calcutta Chamber Chamber of o f Commerce Commerce had been been serving serving the commercial commercial interests of o f the the province.1 the work work of of the theSociety Society province.'22 In the Dwarkanath was ably assisted Dwarkanath assistedby byPrasanna Prasanna Kumar Kumar Tagore, aa brilliant lawyer lawyer and and a big landed proprietor. After its inauguration the the Landholders' Landholders’ Society Society started started functioning functioning in earnest. earnest. It opened opened an an office office in Clive Clive Ghat Street where where it held held regular On April April 9, 9, 1838 1838 several new names were proposed regular meetings. On for membership. membership. Prasanna Prasanna Kumar Kumar Tagore suggested the the name name of ofJayJay­ krishna Hooghly District. District. T. krishna describing describinghim him as as aa zamindar of the Hooghly seconded this . Jaykrishna Dickens seconded thisproposal proposal.13 was formally elected at Jaykrishna was the meeting of the Society held on April 16, 16, 1838.' 1838.14

58 58

A INDAR A BENGAL ZAM ZAMINDAR

his career, career, though Jaykrishna, thus, thus, entered entered public public life. life. Before Before this Ms remarkable remarkable within its own own limits, limits, had been a private one. one. Now Now his sphere of activity became wider than, and different from, all activity became wider than, from, all that that he had known known before. before. His election election to the the Landholders' Landholders5Society Society indiindi­ things. First, in in 1838 1838 Jaykrishna Jaykrishna already already counted cated two things. counted as a zamindar of some importance. Secondly, Secondly, the leaders leaders of the the Society Society appreciated his his abilities abilities and and thought thought that he appreciated he would would be be aa welcome welcome addition to their body. body. It seems seems that that either Dwarkanath or Prasanna Kumar had in the the Hooghly Hooghly Kumar haddiscovered discoveredhim himwhile wMlehe hewas wasthe thesheristadar sheristadar in Collectorate. As Dwarkanath had had extensive extensive properties in the the Hooghly Hooghly District,'5 District,15 he had to go to the ollectorate very very often. often. Naturally he came in he the Collectorate contact discerning judge character, contact with with Jaykrishna. Jaykrishna. A A discerning judge ooff human character, Dwarkanath must have been impressed by by the talented young young man. Dwarkanath and Prasanna Kumar Kumar had had already already formed formed an an informal informal which they were always always happy happy to welcome such but select circle into wMch welcome such promisingyoung youngmen. men. ItIt was promising was no surprise surprise that that Jaykrishna Jaykrishna would would gravitate towards this this group group of of which which the Prince gravitate towards Prince was was the centre. centre. Throughout Throughout his Ms lifeJaykrishna life Jaykrishna remained remainedon onthe thefriendliest friendliest terms terms with with and co-operated co-operated with with them themin inmany manyendeavours. endeavours. the Tagores and On October 1838 the October 31, 31,1838 the Landholders' Landholders’Society Societyheld heldaaspecial specialmeetmeet­ in the the Town Town Hall Hall to petition petition the ing in the Government against the resumpresump­ operations. This gathering of about four four thousand thousand men men was was tion operations. This gathering described as the largest public meeting ever held in Calcutta. described as Calcutta. After After Raja Radhakanta RadhakantaDeb, Deb, who who presided, presided, had had explained explained the the object object of the meeting, of the Society, Society, read out meeting, Ram Ram Chandra Chandra Sarma, Sarma, the Pandit of the Bengali Bengali translation petition, Dewan Dewan Ramkamal Ramkamal Sen, Sen, translation of the draft petition. introductory remarks, remarks, moved moved that that it would be expedient with some some introductory expedient for the Society to appeal to the the Privy PrivyCouncil Councilininrespect respectofofsome somecases cases appeal to involving peculiar peculiar hardship for the landholders. Jaykrishna Jaykrishna seconded involving seconded this resolution wMch which was was then then unanimously carried. It It was was DwarkaDwarka­ nath Tagore Tagore who who proposed proposed aa vote vote of of thanks thanksto tothe thechair. chair.The TheBengal Bengal nath Hurkaru the meeting Hur/carureported reportedthat thatmany manypeople peoplehad had come come to to attend attend the from distant parts o f the country, and and being being unused unused to to public public meetings parts of expressed themselves themselves rather rather noisily. Yet the harmony the greatest greatest possible harmony ,was .m .18 was preserved preserved until until the meeting dispersed at at 4 pi'.ri.' This was probably Jaykrishna’s Jaykrishna's first of aa big public TMs first experience experience of public which we wehave haveany any record. record. He He actively actively participated participated in its meeting ooff which deliberations speaker. Many times deliberations and and began his career as a public speaker. come back back to the in his long long life he would would come the Town Town Hall Hall to to address address

zum'm

A YOU YOUNG A N G ZAM IN DAR

59

meetings, meetings, big big and and small, small, and and build build up his reputation as one of the notable notable speakers speakers of of his day. It is is difficult to evaluate Jaykrishna's Jaykrishna’s contributions contributions to to the the growth growth of the Landholders' Landholders’ Society. Society. His His role perhaps perhaps was was that of an active probationer. The day-to-day probationer. day-to-day work was performed by the the Society's Society’s secretaries, secretaries,W. W. Cobb CobbHurry Hurryand and Prasanna Prasanna Kumar Kumar Tagore, Tagore, under under the guidance of of Dwarkanath. Dwarkanath. It It tried to expand expand its activities. activities. It had had an an agent in London and there was talk of forming forming aa permanent permanent London London Committee to Committee to take take care careof of its its work work there.'7 there.17Early in 1840 Dwarkanath Dwarkanath proposed an Society with Planters’ proposed an amalgamation of the the Society with the Indigo Planters' Association.188 Presumably Association.1 scheme fell the Presumably this this scheme fell through, through, although the Society always had had some some indigo indigo planters planters among among its its members. Society always members. The Society, however, was not successful successful in in achieving achievingits its immediate immediate object ooff persuading the local local government government to to stop stop all all inquiry inquiry into into the theinin­ persuading the validity of rent-free rent-free tenures. tenures. Even Even an an appeal made to the the Supreme Supreme Government did did not produce the desired Government desired result. The Government, Government, however, authorize all all possible possible relaxation of of however, conceded conceded that that it would authorize the law law regarding regarding resumption resumption and andassessment assessment as as individual individual cases cases warranted 1 9 warranted.1 Right from the the beginning, beginning, the the class class character of the Landholders' Landholders’ Society was was clearly clearly evident. evident. Its Its purpose was was to to represent the landed Society interest. than interest. By By this this it understood the interests of landlords landlords rather rather than of the tenants or actual actual cultivators. cultivators. As As aa closed closed body body it it came came in in for for the assumed name of Cassandra wrote some comment. comment. A A critic under the Hurlcaru,exposing exposing its its nar­ narmore than once to the editor of the Bengal l3engal Hurkaru, rowness. Describing the the Society Society as as an "oligarchical rowness. Describing “ oligarchical association" association” Cassandra expressed expressed fear that the Society Society might might gain gain from the Govern­ Cassandra that the the Governprivilegesand and rights rights at at the ment new concessions, concessions, privileges the cost cost of of small propro­ prietors, farmers and and cultivators cultivators who who were were excluded excluded from from it.2° it.20 Cassandra's justified, because there there is nothing to show Cassandra’s criticism criticism was justified, that that the the Society Society tried tried to to promote promote the theinterests interrats of o f the the rayats raiyats or of o f the the people general. Even so, so, its its formation formation and and activities activities at that people in general. that stage stage ooff India’s development certainly to India's development certainly marked marked aa step step forward. forward. It It tried to create something positive described as aa politica] political positive in in what could be described void. At At least least it served as a forum where where a section Indians and void. served as section ooff Indians Englishmen terms. As As members of the Society Society Englishmen could could meet meet on equal terms. a number of o f educated and and highly intelligent Indians for the first time had an opportunity opportunity to to discuss discuss politics, politics, clarify clarify their ideas ideas and catch catch visions of of aa widening widening horizon. horizon. On On November November30, 30, 1839 1839T,T. E. E. M. visions Turton, Registrar of the Supreme Supreme Court, Court, held out before before the Turton, the Registrar

60 60

A INDAR A BENGAL ZAM ZAMINDAR

members of the Society Society the the ultimate goal of equal equal partnership in the the British British Commonwealth.21 Commonwealth.21 During 1842, 1842, when Dwarkanath was in England, the Society had a period of lassitude. Towards the the end of that year the lassitude. Towards the Prince Prince came came back, back, bringing bringing along along with him George Thompson. Thompson. Thompson Thompson had had attracted agitation in attractedmuch much attention attentionby byhis his anti-slavery agitation in America and had been actively associated with had with the British India India Society established by William William Adam, Adam, aa friend friend of of Raja Rammohan Ray. His in 1839 in 1839 by was well known. His visit to this country created created sympathy for India India was a stir stir among among Indian Indianintellectuals. intellectuals. How How his hisspeeches speeches electrified electrified the Derozians has received receivedmuch much attention, attention, but his connection Derozians has connection with the Landholders’Society Landholders' Societyis is not not so well known. known. During During his stay in in Calcutta Calcutta Thompson was was in close close touch touch with with the Society and itit was was from him that that some of its members members learnt learnt their their grammar of politics. politics. Naturally Naturally they could not not have have responded responded to tosome some of ofThompson's Thompson’sradical radicalideas. ideas. These These were were enthusiastically enthusiastically received received by by the Derozians Derozians who formed themselvesinto into the the Bengal British India India Society 1843. themselves Bengal British Society in in April, April, 1843. Nevertheless, Nevertheless, some some of ofthe the members members of of the the older association certainly benefited techniques of of constitutional constitutional agitation agitation benefited by by picking picking up up the techniques from Thompson. Thompson. Men like Jaykrishna 'Jaykrishna must must have been inspired by from Thompson's magnetic personality oratory. Thomp­ ThompThompson’s personality and and his impressive oratory. son public speaking and son did did much much to to improve improve the the standard of Indian Indian public put a new dynamism into Indian Indianpolitical politicallife. life. His His inspiring inspiring speeches speeches and example example gave new dimension dimension to to political political organization organization in in gave a new India. , 12, The Landholders' Landholders’ Society Society held aa special meeting on December 12, 1843 to bid farewell to Thompson on the 1843 the eve eve of of his his departure departurefrom from Calcutta. In In his his reply reply Thompson Thompson spoke spoke highly highly of of the the achievements achievements of the the Society Society and and the the influence influence itit had had on the Government. DescribDescrib­ ing himself as asaa devout devout servant servant of ofthe the Society, Society,he he thanked thanked his his Indian Indian friends for the the wealth wealth of of information information about about Indian Indian affairs he had friends for affairs he obtained obtained from from them. them. He Hehoped hopedthat, that the thescope scope of of the theSociety's Society’sactiviactivi­ ties would would be be enlarged enlarged in in the the near near future. He urged the ties the landholders landholders to look look forward forward to to the the day day when when the Indian Government Government would be brought under direct control control of of the the British BritishParliament. Parliament. In In that that event event ready to give give enlightened enlightened opinion. opinion. He He believed believed that that their their they must be ready contribution contribution would would become become meaningful meaningful only only if if it it was based on expert knowledge. knowledge. He He emphasized emphasized the importance of of specialization. One of do well well to to make make revenue revenue matters mattershis hisspecial special field field while while them would do another another might might take up up the thestudy studyof ofcommercial commercial questions.22 questions.22 Jay-

A YOU Y0UG N G ZAMINDAR ZAM IN DAR

61

krishna for one took took this this advice advice seriously. seriously. Land Land revenue revenue questions questions became his lifelong lifelong pursuit. pursuit. In became In course course of of time time his his unrivalled unrivalled knowknow­ acknowledged even even by by the the Government. ledge in this field was acknowledged When it became known that that George George Thompson had agreed agreed to to be be the agent of o f the the Landholders' Landholders’ Society Society in in England, England, many many eyebrows eyebrows were How could the apostle were raised. raised. How apostle of of the the Anti-Corn Anti-Corn Law Law League League be at at the thesame same time timethe therepresentative representative of ofthe theBengal Bengal landholders? landholders? Apparently he was was in aa false Apparently he false position. position. In In January, January, 1844 1844William William Theobald, the Secretary Secretary of the Landholders’ Society, cleared Landholders' Society, cleared up up the mystery by saying that the the Bengal Bengal landholders neither neither possessed possessed nor asked for any advantages asked for advantages similar to those those enjoyed enjoyed by by the theEnglish English landlords; on the other hand, their landlords; on their interests interests and those those of o f the AntiCorn Law League happened to be identical. The Society Society hoped that that the relations between between the English landlords landlords and the League League would improve once the unjust unjust protections protections of o f Corn Com Laws Laws were were abolished.23 abolished.23 the Landholders’ Landholders' Society became became rather rather fitful after The activities of the Dwarkanath visit to to England. England. His His death death in that Dwarkanath had hadleft left on on his his second visit was aa blow blow to the Society country in 1846 1846 was Society from which it never rere­ covered fully. It seems covered fully. seems to have have limped limped along along under under obvious obvious strain strain until 1851. 1851. In In the themeantime meantimethe theusefulness usefulness of of the the Society Society was being In aa letter letterto William Theobald, the the Society's Society’s continually questioned. In Hurkaru of January Secretary, Secretary, and published in the Bengal Bengal Hurkaru January 6, 6, 1844, 1844, correspondentpointed pointedout out that that the landholders an anonymous anonymous correspondent landholders had recently been described described in in aa public publicjournal journal “"as as fattening on the corcor­ ruptions ruptions of o f the Police and the the ignorance ignorance of the people and as interested in perpetuating perpetuating both". both” .They Theywanted wantedtotomake makeuse useof ofEnglishmen Englishmen like like him, without without actually actually sharing sharingtheir theirviews views and andideology. ideology. Why Why should should the landholders landholders be given given any recognition recognition until until the honesty of their with their tenants ? 4 These critidealings with tenants was was proved proved beyond beyond dispute dispute?2 criti­ cisms Landholders’ Society Society was a milestone milestone in cisms notwithstanding, notwithstanding, the Landholders' India's India’spolitical political advancement. advancement. ItItwas was important importantnot notso somuch much for for what what but for for what what ititwas. was. it did but To have been associated with with this organization organization led by Dwarkanath Tagore was extremely lucky for for Jaykrishna. Jaykrishna. The Society Tagore extremely lucky Society gave him opportunities which which he would never opportunities never have have obtained obtained otherwise. otherwise. BeBe­ contact sides helping helping his hispolitical political ideas ideasto tomature, mature, it it brought brought him into contact public men, men, Indian and with quite a few few outstanding public and British. British. As a member of this this Society Societyhe he learnt learnt not not only only about about zamindari zamindari affairs affairs but but received received his his initiation initiation into into broader broader politics, politics, though though it it is is true true that the political activities activities ooff Indians Indians in those days were on a muted political muted scale. scale.

662 2

A BENGAL ZAMINDAR ZAM INDAR A BENGAL

Generally they took the form of laudatory laudatory addresses addresses presented to the the Company's government. government. For For instance, in February Company’s February 1840 1840 a meeting meeting was held held to present an address was address to to Lord Lord Auckland Auckland for the the British British successin in the the first firstAfghan AfghanWar War which which had had begun in 1839. Jaykrishna success 1839. Jaykrishna was was among among those those who who were were invited invited to to participate in in this this meetingY meeting.25 Despite such demonstrations ooff loyalty, protests against the the GovernGovern­ ment's ment’s policy had begun to be heard. Such protests, though sectional, were voiced voiced for for the the first first time time by by the Landholders’ Landholders' Society. II. II. LOCAL L o c a l AFFAIRS A f f a ir s

The work of the Landholders' cannot have made a great Landholders’ Society Society cannot great demand on Jaykrishna’s Jaykrishna's time. time. After After all, all, he was for for the most most part aa back-bencher at during these at its its meetings. His real real base of o f operations during these was Chinsurah, Chinsurah, the the district district headquarters headquarters of Jaykrishna years was o f Hooghly. Jaykrishna knew this district like the back of o f his hand. His His own own people people were at at Uttarpara and Uttarpara andthey theymaintained maintainedclose close touch touch with with the theancestral ancestral village village Jaykrishna had ooff Khamargachi. Thanks to his ancestors' ancestors’ polygamy, Jaykrishna a swarm of o f relatives As he he relatives who who were were scattered scattered all over the district. As and his father were always in communication with them, they knew and his father what what was happening happening in the theremotest remotest corner comer of o f the the district. district. This This intimate knowledge knowledge gave gaveJaykrishna Jaykrishna an an enormous enormous advantage advantage as as he went on buying his estates. estates. He He knew well well that that this was the source of his strength. strength. Throughout Throughout his his life he kept abreast abreast of o f the latest developdevelop­ ments in the district. Unlike Unlike many other other absentee absentee zamindars, zamindars, Jaykrishna Jaykrishna never never concon­ sidered the idea of leaving his village village home home and and settling in Calcutta. For many years he he had had to visit visit Calcutta Calcutta almost daily, spending many city. He He might might have have saved saved a lot lot of of trouble trouble involved involved in hours in-the in.the city. journeys had had he he resided resided in in the metropolis. metropolis. But But he he had had decided these journeys once and for all not once and not to to stay stay away away from from his his home home district district on on any any must always always be on the the scene scene and and keep keep his his grip account. He must grip on the affairs of his his district. district. Another consideration may have weighed with him in making this decision. decision. In the the City City of o f Palaces Palaces there there were were men men wealthier and better better known than than he. Try Try as as he might, he would never attain the the social social position position ooff the Tagores Tagores or the Deb Deb Bahadurs. Bahadurs. He knew he lived lived in in Calcutta Calcutta he hewould would look look pale pale beside beside the the knew that if he members of these counted these already already established houses houses and, and, at most, be counted another. But operat­ operatas a transplanted middling zamindar like many another. ing from Chinsurah, he would retain his identity and from Uttarpara Uttarpara and Chinsurah,

A YOUNG YOUNG ZAMINDAR A ZAM IN DAR

63 63

social base without without any risk of being being outshone outshone by by anybody. anybody. How right he was to to follow follow his instinct! Long before Land­ beforeJaykrishna Jaykrishna entered entered politics as a member of the Landholders' Society, he had had begun taking a leading part holders’ Society, he part in in the theaffairs affairs of of

the Hooghly Hooghly district. In In 1835, 1835, while while still still employed employed in in the theCollecCollec­ torate, he he joined Dwarkanath Dwarkanath Tagore Tagore and andsome someprominent prominentcitizens citizens of Hooghly, Hooghly, in in sending sending an an address address to to David David C. C. Smyth when he left Hooghly after after having-served having served the the district for thirteen years Hooghly years as as judge and magistrate. This popular officer officer had done much to improve the district by building bridges and roads and and digging digging tanks for drinking water. He had had started startedaanumber numberof o fEnglish Englishschools. schools. The local local people appreciated the services he had had rendered. Smyth received the deeply appreciated services he address through through Dwarkanath Tagore and address and sent sent aa suitable suitable reply.26 reply.26 D. C. C. Smyth Smyth had had encouraged encouraged the the zamindars zamindars of of Hooghly Hooghly to start English school town. Jaykrishna leading part in in an English school in in the the town. Jaykrishna took took aa leading this endeavour which which antedated the famous education resolution resolution of The school school building was erected in 1834. 1834. The institution, Macaulay. The known as Subscription School or the Zamindari School Zamindari School, School, was was opened in April, 1836 with Banerjee as its Headmaster. But April, 1836 with Ishan Chandra Banerjee the life. When When the Hooghly Mohsin College the school did not have a long life. College started functioning, functioning, the Zamindari Zamindari School School was was closed closed down. down. In his his letter 9, 1843, 1843, Jaykrishna letter of July 9, Jaykrishna informed informedthe the Principal Principal ooff the Collegethat that the the committee of the the Zamindari Zamindari School thought thought Hooghly College it was pointless pointless to paid school school when such such aa big, big, free free to maintain maintain a paid institution existed in the neighbourhood. neighbourhood. After After some delay a negotianegotia­ tion was to the tion was started started for for the transfer transfer of of the the school school building building to the College so sothat that aa branch school College school could be opened.27 opened.27 A A committee of Indians as president president was was formed formed for for assessing assessing the Indians with Jaykrishna as value of buildings. Eventually, Eventually, however, the College College obtained obtained General ofbuildings. Perron’s 20,000 from Perron's house for Rs. 20,000 from Jagamohan Jagamohan Sil.2 Sil.2 8Jaykrishna had some connections connectionswith with the the Hooghly Hooghly College, College, although although it was aa purely some government institution. institution. In InFebruary February1839 1839he he visited visited the the College College along with some some top-ranking top-rankinggovernment governmentofficials officials from from Calcutta. Calcutta.The Thevisivisi­ tors examined examined the the pupils grades and distributed cash tors pupils of different different grades cash prizes.29 prizes.28 Although Jaykrishna Jaykrishna was was not not a member of the Brahmo Although Brahmo Samaj he took active active interest interest in its educational programme. Dehendra Nath took programme. Debendra Tagore opened the Tattvavodhini in Bansberia near Hooghly Tat tvavodhini Pathsala Pathsala in June, 1840. in June, 1840. In the the following year the school had 127 127 students. The annual prize-giving prize-giving ceremony school for year 1844 1844 was was ceremony ooff the school for the year

6 4 64

A IN DAR A BENGAL BENGAL ZAM ZAMINDAR

the last last week week of of December. December. On this this occasion occasion there was an held in the assemblage of hundred gentlemen gentlemen including including Ramgopal Ramgopal assemblage of about about four hundred Ghose, Ramaprasad Girindra Nath Ghose, Ramaprasad Roy, Roy, Debendra Debendra Nath Nath Tagore, Tagore, Girindra Tagore, and Jaykrishna. The The visitors visitors examined the the boys. boys. Jaykrishna was so so impressed impressed by by the the proficiency proficiencyof oftwo twoboys boysin in Bengali Bengali that that he was awarded them an an additional additional prize prize of of Rs. Rs. 25. 25. Altogether Altogether thirty-nine thirty-nine prize-winners.300 These were boy? were Jaykrishna's Jaykrishna’s earliest earliest endeaendea­ boys were prize-winners.3

yours, of which which we wehave haveany anyrecord, record, to to spread spread education education in his district, district, vours, the beginning beginning of of his lifelong war on ignorance. As they they had been exposed quite early, early, the As exposed to Western influences influences quite people of of Hooghly-Chinsurah Hooghly-Chinsurah seemed seemed to to develop develop new new aspirations aspirations and and interests. Even in the the late late 1830's 1830’s they they demanded demandedsome some form form of of local local self-government. The conservancy, lighting and self-government. 'l'he local local committee for conservancy, urban requirements, requirements, established established in in 1823, 1823, had had been been dissolved dissolved in other urban 1829, its this 1829, its functions functionshaving havingbeen beentransferred transferred to to the the Magistrate. In this set-up the tax and and resented the local local people people chafed under under the thechaukidari chaukidari tax the way it was collected. collected. Led Led by by Durga Durga Charan Adhya, they they volunvolun­ teered into their own hands, get rid of teered to take the the collections collections into own hands, of the the Bakshi Jiakshiand andhis hisstaff staffcosting costingRs. Rs.70 70per permonth monthand and guarantee guarantee the full amount of any. The district amount of the the excess excess assessment if any. district officials officials welcomed this move as a healthy sign sign indicative of of public public spirit and and an awareaware­ ness self-government. With official encouragement ness ooff the benefits of self-government. With official the inhabitants inhabitants of of Hooghly and Chinsurah held aa public public meeting meeting on on June 5, 5, 1840. 1840. This led to the the election election of of the the first first municipal municipal council council consisting of of nine nine members. members.Jaykrishna Jaykrishna together together with with Ramaprasad consisting Roy took part in in this this meeting.3' meeting.31Having Having himself himself worked worked as the the Sadar Bakshi Bakshiof ofHooghly Hooghlyfor foraayear, year,Jaykrishna Jaykrishna was was familiar familiar with with the evils evils of the old system. system. More More than than other other people, he appreciated appreciated the the benefits of the the proposed proposed change. change. The The newly formed formed municipal municipal council wanted wanted to take take over over full control control of of conservancy conservancy and andchaukidari chaukidari establishments. establishments. long delay delay the theGovernment Governmentdefined definedits itsduties dutiesand andresponsiresponsi­ After aa long firstpurely purely municipal municipal law law in in bilities by by passing passing Act Act XX of of 1842—the 1842-the first Bengal. into fair fair working order until until four four Bengal. This, 'Ihis, however, did not get into years later.8 later.32 2Jaykrishna Jaykrishna served served long as a commissioner commissioner on on the board of municipality. He o f the Hooghly-Chinsurah municipality. He was was doubtless doubtless one of the first in India India to tohave haveexperience experienceof oflocal local self-government. self-government. This enen­ couraged him to introduce introduce municipal municipal administration administration into into his his home home town of Uttarpara Uttarpara in in1853. 1853. phase of of his life Jaykrishna another good good opporoppor­ During this phase Jaykrishna had another tunity of gaining experience experience of 1842 the tunity of of corporate corporate activity. activity. In April 1842

A YOU YOUNG A N G ZAMINDAR ZAM IN DAR

65 65

Deputy Governor nominated him him to serve Governor of Bengal Bengal nominated serve on the the Ferry Ferry Fund Committee Committeeof o fHooghly. Hooghly. In Inmany manydistricts districtsofo Bengal f Bengalsuch suchcomcom­ Fund

mittees were were set set up up with district collectors collectors as as their their chairmen chairmen and and a of non-official members for small number number of for the the management of surplus ferry collections.33 collections.33 The ferries had been brought under under government government ferry control around 1820 when it was agreed that the control 1820 when the surplus surplus should should be spent by spent for for improving improving the the means means of communication communication by by land land and by water. These surplus receipts, receipts, however, however, instead instead of o f being spent, spent, were were allowed to accumulate accumulate in in the general until, in 1842, allowed to general treasury treasury until, 1842, they amount to more than o f Ferry FundCom-. Com­ than Rs. 88J lakhs. The scheme of Ferry Fund 1840-41 and 1842. mittees had had been devised at last in 1840-41 and implemented implemented in 1842. Government handed handed over over the the management of To the committees the Government funds regarding regarding collection collection and and expenditure. expenditure. The inadequacy ooff the funds funds made available rathergrudgingly grudginglyfor for the theimprovement improvementof ofroads, roads, available rather bridges and of o f transport transport and andcommunication communication in inBengal Bengal canals and bridges came in for some criticism. According According to the Friend Friend of o f India India it was a shame that that nothing nothing out out of o fthe thesix sixmillion million sterling sterling yielded yielded annually by the the land, land, salt saltand andopium opiumrevenue revenueof ofBengal Bengal should should be be used used for for this purpose. The surplus ferry funds funds were were nothing nothing but but "the “ the candle candle ends and cheese parings” parings".. Even so, so, the experiment was a step in the right dfrection. direction.84 The Ferry Ferry Fund Fund Committees Committees were, were, in in aa sense, sense, the the forerunners forerunners of the Road Cess Committees Road Cess Committeeswhich whichwere wereset setup upmuch muchlater. later. In In the view of aa knowledgeable knowledgeable observer, observer, they were popular institutions. institutions. view Some of the most important importantinter-district inter-districtroads roadsofofBengal Bengalwere wereconcon­ structed and structed and provided provided with with substantial substantial bridges bridges and and culverts, culverts, wherever by the the Ferry Fund Fund Committees. necessary, by Committees. Although Although these these works were executed mostly under the the contract contract system system and and without without the theassistance assistance of a highly highly paid paid staff staffof ofgovernment government engineers engineers and and overseers, overseers, they they proved to be durable durable constructions. constructions. In In building building district district roads, roads, howhow­ ever, the funds funds at at the thedisposal disposal of of the thecommittees committees were were not not always always ever, sufficient. sufficient. They They had often to be supplemented by contributions from zamindars.3 zarnindars.358 As a member of the Hooghly Ferry Fund As Fund Committee, Committee, Jaykrishna the importance importance of of building building economic economic overheads overheads for became aware of the the development development of rural Bengal. Bengal. Village Village roads roads became became one one of his lifelong passions passions and and he never tired lifelong tired of o f urging urging government government officers officers to spend more on this account. On the Hooghly Committee more spend more on account. the Hooghly Committee he more than than pulled pulled his his weight weight and and contributed contributed liberally liberally to to the theconstruction construction of roads roads which which would would benefit benefit his his tenantry. tenantry. It It was in this this way, way, it it 5

66 6 6

ZAM INDAR A BENGAL ZAMINDAR

appears, appears, that the the road roadfrom fromChinsurah ChinsurahtotoDhaniakhali Dhaniakhali(25 (25miles), miles), the road road from from l-Jooghly Hooghly to Dwarvasini Dwarvasini (12 miles), miles), the road road from from - Pandua to Kalna Kalna (18 (18 miles), and the the road road from from Howrah to JagatvalJagatval.. labhpur labhpur (12 (12 miles) were constructed. The metalling of the road from Serampore Serampore to to Salkia Salkia (13 (13 miles) was also completed under under the theauspices auspices the Committee. Moreover, it built of the built two bridges on the Dhaniakhali Dhaniakhali was the the con­ conroad. Perhaps the most spectacular of its achievements achievements was struction of the tension Bali and Uttarpara.3° tension bridge between between Bali Uttarpara.36 The story ooff this this bridge bridge will willbe be told told later later in this chapter. Committees ooff the later of o f the the On the Committees the Hooghly Hooghly Ferry Ferry Fund Fund and later Howrah Ferry Fund Jaykrishna worked with with many many European mem­ members, both official and and non-official. non-official. This This afforded afforded him him an an early oppor­ opportunity about the tunity of o f learning about the committee committee system. system. In In this thisway way he he gained gained an insight into a basic feature of o f British administrative This administrative practice. This experience he he was was able able to to utilize utilize later in many other experience other fields. fields. Jaykrishna’s growing growing knowledge knowledge of conditions of o f rural rural Jaykrishna's of the the actual conditions Bengal convinced convincedhim himthat that the the traditional form of agriculture must Bengal be improved along scientific scientific lines. lines. In In this respect he was influenced by the work done by the Agricultural Agricultural Society Society established established in 1820 1820 by William Carey. The The Society Society was able to awaken the the interest interest of of many many many kinds of new crops and seeds. seeds. It people in its experiments with many also as a meeting-place of of Indians Indians and and Englishmen Englishmen at at the thesocial social alsoserved servedasameeting-place level. Men like like Raja Raja Radhakanta level. Men Radhakanta Deb, Deb, Dwarkanath Dwarkanath Tagore Tagore and Rarngopal associated with with this organization organization which Ramgopal Ghose Ghose were closely associated which also enjoyed enjoyed government governmentsupport. support. There There was was aa steady expansion of also expansion of the Agri-HorticulturalSociety's Society’sactivities activities in in the thirties. It It established established theAgri-Horticultural some branches in the districts of Birbhum, Burdwan and some branches and Hooghly.37 Hooghly.87 Dr. Thomas Wise, the the civil civil surgeon surgeon of of Hooghly, Hooghly, was responsible for the Hooghly Hooghly branch branch in 1836.38 the establishment of the 1836.38At a public meetmeet­ ing held in June, 1836 Europeans and and Indians was ing 1836 a committee committee of Europeans formed to carry out formed out the theproject. project. Jiban JibanKrishna KrishnaPal, Pal,whose whose garden garden afterwards became famous, famous,took tookaaleading leadingpart partin inthis thismovement. movement. An An made to introduce new and improved crops experimental garden was made distributing cuttings cuttings and andseeds seeds of ofsugar-cane, sugar-cane, coffee, coffee, arrowroot, arrowroot, by distributing tobacco and and cotton cotton to the people of the district. A A minimum contri­ contritobacco bution for and and the the monthly monthly subscription bution of of Rs. 55 was asked for subscription was Re. 1. 1. Dr. Wise, Wise, secretary secretary and and treasurer treasurer of this branch branch society, was authorized authorized to prepare pamphlet describing describing the the advantages advantages of of the the scheme. D. C. prepare a pamphlet Smyth, the the DistrictJudge, District Judge,gave gavehis hisgarden gardenfor forthe theuse useof of the the Society.39 Society,88 The organizers organizers of the Hooghly Hooghly Society Society seem seem to have have been been very very

A N G ZAMINDAR ZAM IN DAR A YOU YOUNG

6 7 67

optimistic about their their work. work. J. J, Esdaile, Esdaile, who who was was the theSociety's Society’s secresecre­ tary in in 1844, 1844, was in hopes hopes that very very shortly the country would would be "stocked “ stocked with the best best kind kind of of all all the thevegetable vegetable productions productions which which the comforts comforts and pleasure of mankind, thereby adding administer to the profit and luxury luxury of of the rich rich and and improving improving the health health and and to the profit condition ooff the poor."4° poor.” 40 With his active active concern concern for for agricultural condition improvement, Society. In 1844 1844 he improvement,Jaykrishna Jaykrishnafelt felt attracted attracted to this Society. and Dwarkanath Tagore each each contributed contributed Rs. Rs. 100 100 and were among the Society's Society’s noteworthy noteworthy subscribers subscribers and donors.41 donors.41 For Jaykrishna to be be in in the thegood good books books this was no mere mere passing fancy fancy or or an an attempt attempt to officials.He He watched watched the the Society’s Society's work workwith with interest interest and and tried ooff the officials. his best to the cultivation cultivation of ofnew newcrops crops to persuade persuade his his tenants tenants to to adopt the with regard regard to towhich whichthe theSociety's Society’sexperiments experimentsproved provedsuccessful. successful. In this this way wayhe hewas waslargely largelyresponsible responsiblefor foreffectively effectivelydiversifying diversifying Hooghly’s extensive cultivation Hooghly's one-crop one-crop economy economy by by extensive cultivation of sugar-cane sugar-cane and potato which made the district prosperous. This and potato This experiment, experiment, how­ however, reflected some new trends in in the the world world market marketfor for sugar. sugar. If the rural rural population population of of Bengal Bengal needed to be taught taught how how to to raise raise improved crops, better medical medical facilities facilities even more. In In crops, they needed better the forties ooff the thelast lastcentury century qualified qualifiedpractitioners practitioners trained trained in Western medical science were district headhead­ were available available only only in in Calcutta Calcutta and the the district quarters. People living tradi­ living in in the the interior had either to depend on traditional methods of medical at the themercy mercy of ofquacks. quacks. medical treatment treatment or be at The subdivision of Jahanabadin inwestern westernHooghly, Hooghly, where where Jaykrishna ofJahanabad Jaykrishna had acquired acquired extensive extensive properties, was a case case of ofthis this type. type. In In March, 1846 some some leading leading zamindars zamnindarso fofthis thisarea areamet met in in the office 1846 office of the Deputy Magistrate and and proposed proposed aa scheme scheme of opening opening a hospital by raising subscriptions from Tagore, from among among themselves. themselves.Debendra Debendra Nath Nath Tagore, Ramaprasad Ray Ray and Jaykrishna Jaykrishna were were entrusted entrustedwith with the the duty of Ramaprasad of receiving subscriptions Jaykrishna subscriptionsin inand andaround around Calcutta. Calcutta. Personally PersonallyJaykrishna promised aa monthly contribution of of Rs. Rs. 66 while promised monthly contribution while Debendra Debendra Nath 8.42 Tagore offered Rs. 8.4 2 This represented represented an early attempt of of JayJay­ 'ragore offered krishna medical facilities facilities and per­ krishna to give his tenants adequate medical and he persevered in this line as long as he lived. Up to this JayUp this point point we we have have described described only only those those activities activities of of Jay­ krishna which which the Government must have have regarded regarded with approval krishna Government must and encouraged encouraged if if possible. possible. These projects were quite quite safe safe things for a subject to undertake undertake ifif he he wanted wantedto togain gainofficial official recognition. recognition. But But Jaykrishna took aa stand standon onone oneissue issue which which caused caused considerable considerable fricfric­ Jaykrishna took tion between him and and the theGovernment. Government.He Hestiffly stiffly resisted resisted the the prevailprevail­

68 6 8

A IN DAR A BENGAL BENGAL ZAM ZAM1DAR

ing practice of of collecting rasad or or provisions provisionsfor fortroops troops on on the the march. march. There was was constant constant movement movement of o f troops up There up and down the old Benares, Guptipara and and the theGrand GrandTrunk Trunkroads. roads.The Thecommanding commandingofficers officers of Guptipara the troops on the march march compelled compelled the the district district collectors collectors to supply supply the troops with the troops with provisions, and sometimes this this created created great great bitterness. Zamindars were even more wanton manner. They Zamindars were harassed harassed in in an an even were forced to supply provisions provisions even even ififtheir their properties properties were situated situated far away from the the route route of o f the the troops. Labourers were seized seized and and not paid; supplies were taken by force force without without payment; payment; the zamindars supplies were did not even even get timely timely notice and the theindents indentswere were generally generally inin­ accurate. As As early as 1831, some zamindars zamindars headed headed by Jaykrishna accurate. 1831, some placed their grievances before plea before the the authorities concerned. Their plea was zamindars as owned land which the troops troops was that only such zamindars as owned land on which liable to to furnish furnish supplies. supplies. The indiscriindiscri­ actually camped should be liable minate exaction zamindars in general and the the consequent consequent exaction from from the zamindars harassment must stop. This representation, representation, however, however, was ineffectual was obtained. and no redress redress was obtained. But the local local zamindars zamindars persisted in too numerous for for the their complaints, which in course of time grew too Government to ignore. At last a committee committee was appointed appointed in in 1833 1833 to investigate mitigating some some investigate the the question, question, and rules were drawn up, mitigating system.43 This step taken by Jaykrishna the old system.43 Jaykrishna at of the severity ooff the risk of o f incurring the the displeasure displeasure of the Government Government revealed a the risk trait officials learnt trait of his character character which the the officials learnt to to respect. respect. No No zamindar zamindar was more jealous jealous ooff his his rights. rights. Any Any unlawful unlawful encroachment encroachment on on the was customary privileges privileges of ofhis hisclass class always always evoked his strong opposition behaviourof ofhis hisat at aa time when no one and protest. protest. This fearless fearless behaviour one dreamed of o f saying a word against the the Government Government established established him him as a leader leader of of his his fellowmen. fellowmen. The question question of o f supplying supplying provisions provisions the troops troops long long remained remainedaasubject subjectof ofdispute disputebetween betweenthe theGovernGovern­ to the ment and and the the Hooghly zamindars. Many a time in in future future Jaykrishna voice against against the the theory theory and and practice of the abhorred had to raise his voice system. illustrates Jaykrishna’s the Nothing illustrates Jaykrishna's innate innate pugnacity pugnacity more more than the police. fight he gave gave over over the the question question of of the the village village watch watch or or rural rural police. The origin of his his protracted controversy controversygoes goesback backtotothe the period period of of Jaykrishna's life an order was issued that that Jaykrishna’s life now under under review. review. Tn In 1840 an none ooff the chaukidars or village watchmen the chaukidars watchmen should work work for forthe the zamin­ zamindars that time. Some of the the petitioners, petitioners, headed dars as they had done up to that headed by of Police to withdraw by Jaykrishna, Jaykrishna, requested requested the Superintendent of this order which which threatened threatened to to deprive deprive them them of of one one of of their their traditradi­

A YOUNG YOUNG ZAMINDAR A ZAM IN DAR

69

tional privileges. There ensued ensued a debate in privileges. There in which which each each side side tried tried to to itsclaims. claims.Jaykrishna the zamindar's prove the legality of its Jaykrishna fought the zamindar’scause cause with his usual doggedness. doggedness. In 1841 1841 some some sort of of aa compromise compromise was attempted; attempted; zamindars zamindarswere were advised advised to to appoint appointaafresh freshset setof ofpaiks paiks for for the specific specific duty of rent rent collection. collection. These These paiks paiks would not display display police police badges badges and and would not be be subject subject to tothe thepolice policedarogas. darogas. This This arrangement did did not not satisfy satisfy the zamindars, zamindars, who, under under Jaykrishna's Jaykrishna’s leadership, continued to resist the official leadership, continued official order." order.44As As we we shall shall see see later, the matter later, matter was was ultimately ultimately taken taken to to the thePrivy Privy Council Council where where Jaykrishna Jaykrishna got got aa decision decision in in his his favour. This long-drawn-out controcontro­ versy versy exhibited Jaykrishna’s Jaykrishna's obstinacy obstinacy as much as his legal acumen, his patience and and his high moral courage. Once convinced convinced that thathe he was was right, he he never never spared spared his his opponents, however however exalted exalted they they might might be, be, and took no account account of of the the dangerous dangerous consequences consequences his action might produce. episode of 1842 throws trait of of Another episode of 1842 throws some somemore more light light on on this trait Jaykrishna’s Jaykrishna's character. character. While While touring touring in in aa village village near Chandrakona, Chandrakona, shocked to thevillage village headmen headmen and andthe thetahsildars tahsildars he was shocked to find that that the were habitually subjected subjected to great harassment harassment by the police. police. They were supposed supposed to to accompany accompany the the watchmen on their nightly rounds. Should he would would Should the the jamadar jamadarfail failtotofind findthem thematat aa particular particular spot, spot, he Magistrate and that that would would be be their their unun­ report against them to the Magistrate doing. They would would be be required required to topresent presentthemselves themselves before before the the doing. authorities to to answer answer charges against them. They would have district authorities to engage lawyers, paying them high to lawyers, paying high fees, fees, and and the theprocess process would would continual absence absence from drag for days. This would mean their continual from their villages and and the consequent consequent neglect neglect of cultivation cultivation by which they made their their living. living. Although Jaykrishna Jaykrishna did did not not like like the the village headmen as class, the way way they they suffered suffered under this this absurd absurd system system made him a class, furious. As theircause, cause, Jaykrishna Jaykrishna felt felt furious. As there was was no no one one to take up their system. He it was his duty to protest against this system. He took took the the matter matter up to the the Deputy DeputyGovernor Governorof ofBengal. Bengal. Fortunately Fortunatelyhis hismove movewas wassuccesssuccess­ ful, and and to to the thegreat greatrelief reliefof ofthe thevillage villagefolk, folk, the thevexatious vexatious system system was abolished.45 abolished.45 What was the estates and and how how did did Jaykrishna What the size size of ofthe the Uttarpara Uttarpara estates Jaykrishna manage them? It Itisispossible possible to to answer answer these these questions, questions, at at least least in in part, from the the existing existing official official records part, from records relating relating to a dispute Jaykrishna Jaykrishna had with the the Collector Collector of of Hooghly in 1842. 1842. It It may may be be convenient convenient to to deal with the the nature natureof ofthis thisdispute disputefirst firstand andsee see how how itit was was settled. In 1842 1842 E. Sterling, the the Collector Collector of of Hooghly, passed passed certain certain orders orders

70 70

A BENGAL ZAM ZAMINDAR A IN DAR

zarnindars. which sought to curtail curtail some some of the the privileges enjoyed by zamindars. Jaykrishna incurred Jaykrishna incurredhis his displeasure displeasure by protesting protesting against against these these orders orders and the lenient attitude adopted by Sterling towards the raiyats. attitude adopted by Sterling towards the rayats. They fell foul foulof ofeach eachother, other,and andthe thematter matterwas wasreferred referredtotoJ. Dunbar, the fell J. Dunbar, Commissioner, Commissioner, and and finally to the Board of Revenue. In his letter to to Commissioner Commissioner Dunbar 2 , 1842, 1842, Jay­ Dunbar dated August 2, Jaykrishna complained traduced the characters of the complained that that Sterling had had “"traduced raya1 objected to landholders tohis hiszaminzaminlandholders of Hooghly” Hooghly".. Whenever Whenever a raiyat rayat's favour. dar’s claim, claim, itit was was almost almost invariably invariably decided decided in the the raiyafs dar's “"As As soon as be generally generally as this this disposition disposition in in the the Judge Judge [the Collector] be known in in the mofussil," Jaykrishna wrote, wrote, "the known mofussil,” Jaykrishna “ the landholders landholders may may whistle for further tried to to refute refute the the charges charges of whistle for their their rents.” rents." He He further litigiousness litigiousnessbrought brought against against him him by by the the Collector. Collector. He He explained that that 500 quoted quoted as as the number of rent suits in which he was the figure figure 500 was involved was was misleading. misleading.Although Although technically technically the the suits suits were were filed involved in his name, actually actually they theyconcerned concernedfive five different different persons persons of of whose whose happened to estates he happened to be be the themanager.45 manager,4Saa Even before could give give any instructions, before the Commissioner Commissioner could instructions, the the Collector of Hooghly issued aa rubkari rubkari or order on September September 14, 14, 1842 1842 prohibiting Jaykrishna from entering the the Collectorate Collectorate record record office. office. On the the same same day day Sterling Sterling informed informed Commissioner Commissioner Dunbar Dunbar of this Jaykrishna still still exercised his baneful step taken by him. He said that thatJaykrishna his “"baneful office” much the detridetri­ influence in in the record office" much to his annoyance and the ment people of the district. district. But for the action action taken, taken, the the ment of the people Collector’s authority authorityin inthe thedistrict districtwould wouldbe beimpaired.45b impaired.451* Collector's were certainly certainly damaging damaging for Jay­ JayThe remarks remarks of Collector Sterling were krishna, krishna, and he wrote wrote aa long long letter lettertotoCommissioner Commissioner Dunbar on on September 17, 17,1842, strongly objecting to the Collector’s action which 1842, strongly objecting to the Collector's action which involved an an important question perinvolved question of of principle besides besides causing him per­ sonal Collector Sterling sonal inconvenience. inonvenience. He said: ", ". .. .. what what right Mr. Collector would have to to exclude exclude me me from from transacting transactingmy myown ownbusiness business with with government officers officersat at the the Collector’s Collector's office officeas asaa landholder landholder even if I were aa worse worsecharacter character than than he he chooses choosestotoaffirm affirmororinsinuate— insinuate -II may be a good thatisisnothing nothing to to the the purpose." purpose.” As As a goodman man or oraabad badman— man-that Collector's office was not only Collector’s office was only a public public office office but also also a court court of. of. in many many instances, instances, it it must must by by law law be be open open to toeveryone. everyone. This This justice in privilege should should not not be be denied denied to to the the meanest meanest individual, individual, let let alone alone a privilege like him him with with aa large stake stake in the district. The big landholder like The excluexclu­ him, because because he he always always sion order was all the more inconvenient for him, liked to transact transact his his business business personally personally without depending on lawlaw­

N G ZAMINDAR ZAM IN DAR A YOU YOUNG

71

yers and attorneys. attorneys. ItItwas wasregrettable regrettablethat thatthe theCollector Collectorshould shouldsussus­ pect him and debar debar him him from from access access to the records on the ground to records on ground that he he had hadbeen beendismissed dismissed from from government government service 1836. “"It It service in in 1836. seems to that I should should be seems to be be very very strange,” strange," Jaykrishna Jaykrishnawrote, wrote,“"that latter act act [consulting [consulting the the recordsj records] clandesclandes­ charged with doing the latter tinely . . , not only to inspect the public tinely when whenII have haveaaright rightby bylaw law.. but to to take take copies of such records but such of ofthem themon onplain plainpaper paper as asIIrequire.” require." added that thatthe theCollector Collector could could not not exclude exclude him him or or anyone anyone else else He added office without from a public office without violating law and justice. the Collector's Collector’s recent action against He was inclined inclined to think that that the vindictiveness, for expose Ster­ him was the result of vindictiveness, for he he had had tried to expose Sterling’s "official “ official incapacity” that in in the the ColCol­ ling's incapacity".. Jaykrishna Jaykrishna further stated that lector's lector’s opinion the institution institution and anddecision decision in inhis his favour favour of a number number suits indicated indicated that thathe hewas wasoppressing oppressing his his raiyats. of summary rent suits rayats. But it was worth pointing out that that of of nearly nearly a thousand such summary decisions passed less than decisions passedininhis hisfavour favourduring during the the last last ten years, less cases had been finally reversed civil courts. thirty cases reversed in in appeal appeal by the civil Heclaimed his suits and He claimed that thatthis thisfact factsufficientlyproved sufficiently proved the the justice justice of ofhis fairness of the original summary summary decisions. decisions. Before Before concluding his the fairness Jaykrishna asserted that letter Jaykrishna that the theexclusion exclusion order against against him him would would effects. It have far-reaching and extremely harmful effects, it would intimidate other landholders: landholders:"... .. who will then other thenpresume presumeto toexpose expose or or question question the acts acts of public officers, officers, however in themselves, with with the however unjust unjust or illegal in the terror of o f 'exclusion' ‘exclusion’ hanging 450 hanging over overtheir theirheads?” heads ?"' The exclusion exclusion order order of of Collector Collector Sterling Sterling was was certainly certainly unwelcome unwelcome Jaykrishna, but but the controversy over itit did did him good good in in the end. to Jaykrishna, controversy over SterlingandJaykrishna casetotoJ.Dunbar, Both Sterling and Jaykrishna referred the case J. Dunbar, theDivithe Divi­ Jaykrishna’s behaviour sional Commissioner, who whomade madean aninquiry inquiryinto intoJaykrishna's behaviour zamindar and and the thecircumstances circumstancesleading leadingto tohis hisdismissal dismissal from from as a zamindar government On September 30, 1842Dunbar Dunbar informed government service in 1836. 1836. On 30,1842 that after after the theinvestigation investigationhe hewas was convinced that that Jaykrishna Jaykrishna Sterling that had been by "misfortune". been removed removed from public service service by “ misfortune” . Since then he had given a good good account of of himself himself in many ways. ways. Referring to the exclusion Jaykrishna, unlike many exclusionorder, order,Dunbar Dunbarpointed pointedout outthat thatJaykrishna, many zamindars, transacted transactedhis hisown ownbusiness businesswith withgovernment governmentoffioffi­ other zamindars, cers personally and that, that, as as the theowner owner of of very valuable and and extensive extensive landed properties in the district, he had aa great great many many matters matters pendpend­ ing before the revenue revenue authorities. authorities. So So denying denying him access access to the the ing before Collector's office officeand and compelling compellinghim him to to depend depend on on others for for trans­ transCollector’s acting hisbusiness business "must “ mustbe bemanifestly manifestly unjust unjust and and illegal illegal as infringing actinghis

772 2

A BENGAL ZAMINDAR ZAM INDAR A BENGAL

a right right which belongs belongs to every individual in the the country country of of whatever rank rank or class." class.” With With these these observations the Commissioner Commissioner ordered ordered the the Collector to withdraw withdraw immediately immediately the the prohibition prohibitionorder orderof of September September 14, and give Jaykrishna Jaykrishna the 14, 1842 1842 and the same same freedom freedom of of access to his his office office others.45d as was accorded to to others.4 511 The Commissioner's the question, nor The Commissioner’s order, however, did not settle the did itit change change the the Collector's Collector’s opinion of Jaykrishna. Jaykrishna. On October 17, 17, 1842 he altogether 1842 he informed informed the the Commissioner Commissionerthat thatJaykrishna Jaykrishna was was “"altogether an improper improper person person to be admitted admitted into into my my record record office" office” for the safety safety and and integrity integrity of of the papers. papers. He further suspected suspected that one one of of the record keepers had a secret alliance with Jaykrishna. The CollecCollec­ Jaykrishna. The tor wished that thathis hisoffice office was purer.45e It appears that that the the matter matterwas was finally finally reported to the Sadar Board of Revenue. Revenue. On On November November30, 30,1842 1842the the Board, Board, on on aa review review of of the papers, confirmed confirmed the the order order which which Commissioner Commissioner Dunbar had issued Dunbar had issued to Collector Sterling on September 30, instructing him to rescind the rubkari against Jaykrishna. Jaykrishna. The Board further observed that that exclusion rubkari “ thewhole whole style and spirit” Collector’s handling of Jaykrishna’s "the spirit" of the Collector's ofJaykrishna's case were most unbecoming case were “"most unbecoming and and reprehensible” reprehensible".. It It regretted that the Collector's Collector’s statement statement "contains “ contains imputations imputations against against Joykissen Joykissen which which are not warranted warranted by by fact".45t fact” .451 The decision decision of the Board Board of JayRevenue thus not only removed a great great business business hindrance for Jay­ krishna but also the the stain stain on on his his good name. Jaykrishna's Jaykrishna’s correspondence correspondence relating to the the dispute dispute with with Collector Collector Sterling, an aspect aspect of ofhis hischaracter, character,gives givesususfirstfirst­ Sterling, besides revealing an hand information information about about the themethods methods of ofhis his acquisition acquisition and andmanagemanage­ hand of estates. estates. As As of the year 1842, 1842, the Mukherjees Mukherjees of Uttarpara Uttarpara ment of paid annually Rs. 100,000 as revenue revenue to to the Government. 100,000 as Government. Of O f this this amount.Jaykrishna amount-Jaykrishna and Rajkrishna Rajkrishna paid nearly nearly Rs. Rs. 50,000 50,000 and the the trustee of of the the estates estates of his three halfrest was paid by Jaykrishna as trustee brothers and manager manager of of charitable estates. estates. The major major part partof ofthese these revenue sales sales in 1839-42. 1839-42. Since Since he began as estates was was bought bought at revenue zamindar, that thatis, is, within withinthe thespace spaceof often years (1832-42), (1832-42), Jaykrishna zamindar, ten years Jaykrishna had had invested invested Rs. Rs. 200,000 200,000 for the purchase purchase of of landed landed estates. estates. Seldom Seldom revenue sale sale pass without his his buying some some property. Lately Lately he he did aa revenue had spent spent Rs. Rs. 35,000 35,000 for for purchasing purchasing such such properties properties at at public public and private sales. In 1842 1842 the approximate number number of of tenants tenants on his own and Jaykrishna differed from and his his brothers' brothers’ estates estateswas was 100,000. 100,000. Where Jaykrishna other zamindars zamindars was in the system of ofestate estatemanagement. management. While While other other landholders generally let most parts of their estates to under-tenurepurer.45e

A OU N G ZAMINDAR ZAM IN DAR A YYOUNG

73 73

Jaykrishna kept his estates under his own control and holders, Jaykrishna and supersuper­ vision. Moreover, he always liked to deal vision, Moreover, deal with withgovernment governmentofficials officials personally instead of relying relying on on agents agents or or attorneys. attorneys. He claimed that that he was the only only zamindar in in the the Hooghly Hooghly district district who who behaved behaved in in way.4s this way.15® Jaykrishna had had been been in in public public life life for little over a decade, but the the impression he to this this relatively relatively impression he had had made was out of all proportion to short period. His energy was indomitable; his interests were extremely short indomitable; his wide; but but his his ideas and imagination imagination were were always always held in place by his sense of the the practical. practical. His His achievements achievementsattracted attracted the attention they sense of district his leadership was undisputed. This was duly deserved. In his district noticed noticed by by the thelocal local officers officers who were in a position to know. Of O f course Jaykrishna remained on good whose ability ability and and Jaykrishna remainedon good terms termswith withthe theofficers officers whose efficiency impressed that age age were were doubtless doubtless efficiency impressedhim. him. Such Such contacts contacts ii* in that useful to man.46 In some cases the to a rising and ambitious man.46 the admiration was mutual. mutual. In was In 1842 1842 J. J. Dunbar, Dunbar,the theDivisional DivisionalCommissioner, Commissioner, rere­ marked that by his intelligence intelligence and and abilities abilities and and by by the interest he took in the public good, Jaykrishna Jaykrishna had won for himself aa reputation reputation which perhaps no other landholder landholder of of Hooghly with the exception of Dwarkanath could match.47 match.47 This was was high high praise praise indeed. indeed. Dwarkanath Tagore could in those those days days held aa unique unique position position in in society, society, but but he he Dwarkanath in had behind behind him him many many years years of of achievement achievement in in different different fields fields and an an aristocratic background. background.Jaykrishna, Jaykrishna,on on the the other hand, had aristocratic had begun begun only only ten years ago. ago. He He could well be described as a parvenu. Yet the way his his name name was wascoupled coupledwith withDwarkanath Dwarkanath indicated indicated that that he he had had way arrived.

III. HHEAD ead o f tTHE he F a m il y III. OF FAMILY In the the history history of of the the Mukherjee Mukherjeefamily family of of Uttarpara, Uttarpara,1840 1840isisaamemormemor­ year.Jagamohan and in in that that very very month month able year .Jagamohandied diedin in September, 1840, and Pearymohan, Pearymohan, the second son of Jaykrishna, Jaykrishna, was born, born. Pearymohan achieved distinction distinction as as aa public public man and was the only son of Jay­ Jayachieved krishna to to survive him. Before Jagamohan'sdeath death the family krishna survive him. Before Jagamohan’s family had lakhiraj estates. acquired large number number of paint, and lakhiraj acquired a large palni, collectorate and Like the prudent man of Like of property property he he was, Jagarnohan Jagamohan made a fresh will shortly shortly before before his his death,, death,. dividing dividing his his landed estates will estates among among his sons sons, Jaykrishna Jaykrishna sons and and daughters. daughters. By his first wife wife he he had had two sons, and Rajkrishna. His second secondwife wifehad had borne borne him him a son and Rajkrishna. His son named named wife, whom Bijaykrishna in 1834. Bijaykrishna whom he had had 1834. Jagamohan’s Jagamohan's third wife,

774 4

A INDAR A BENGAL BENGAL ZAM ZAMDDAR

had aa son son called calledNaba Naba Krishna Krishna who who was was born married in 1820, 1820, had bom in in 1831. Her Her second son, Nabin Nabin Krishna, 1831. second son, Krishna, was was aa posthumous posthumous child. child. Besides these stepbrothers, Jaykrishna few stepsisters, stepsisters, all all Besides these stepbrothers, Jaykrishna had had aa few o f whom whom were time of o f Jagamohan's Jagamohan’s death. of were minors minorsatat the the time death. In his will will Jagamohan Jagamohan assigned assigned different different properties properties separately separately to to his minor children, but Jaykrishna inherited jointly from Jaykrishna and Rajkrishna inherited their father. Moreover, Moreover, Jagamohan appointed appointed them them executors executors to the the properties of his minor will makes interesting minor children. Jagamohan’s Jagamohan's will reading for one reason. reason. He says says that that his his properties properties had had for more more than one accumulated as a result o f income derived from jobs held by himself accumulated as a result of income derived from sons under under Europeans Europeans in and outside Bengal, and his two elder sons Bengal, and from land land rents. While allotting family ornaments, he also from he refers to a gold necklace necklace “"purchased" purchased” in Bharatpur, aa pair pairof ofgold goldbangles bangles gold in Bharatpur, brought from the same place, and a gold chain obtained as a reward from the Regiment Regiment of of the the 14th Foot. From his from his will will it also also appears appears that in that in 1840 1840 the the Mukherjees Mukherjees had had some some cash, cash, government government securities, securities, and shares shares in in silk silk factories. They also also had had aamoney-lending money-lending business business and and had had monetary monetary dealings dealings with Europeans.4 Europeans.488 Jagamohan’s death was was aa great great loss to Jaykrishna who who had had always Jagamohan's death toJaykrishna adored to Jagamohan Jagamohan in Jay­ Jayadored his talented father. father. The references references to krishna's autobiography the deep understanding understanding bekrishna’s autobiography are are suggestive suggestive of the be­ tween father father and and son. In those days no no one onehad hadheard heard of of the the generation generation gap. The custom custom of o f early marriage marriage made made the the difference difference between the the age and outlook of father father and son much less lesspronounced pronounced than than what it would be today. In would In some some ways ways Jaykrishna took after his father. On he deferred deferred to his wishes without hesitation. Jaga­ Jagamany occasions occasions he wishes without mohan had the theusual usualmisfortune misfortuneof of fathers fathers of o f famous sons mohan had sonsand and has has not not appreciated. In remarkable man, man, been properly appreciated. In his his own right right he was aa remarkable and to and to him him Jaykrishna Jaykrishnapartly partlyowed owedhis hissuccess successin inlife. life. weight of o f responsibilities responsibilities which The weight which descended descended on on Jaykrishna Jaykrishna on his father’s father's death was quite heavy. his heavy. He became the head of o f aa large large family which which for for all all practical purposes was aa joint joint one, one, with all the family purposes was the problems inseparable inseparable from from such such heterogeneous heterogeneous households. households.True, True, the the family presence of of two two stepmothers stepmothers family was was financially financially well well off, off, but but the presence their children children under under the the same same roof roof created created aasituation situationwhich which with their needed greatest possible possibletact tact and and understanding. understanding. needed to be tackled with the greatest was called called upon upon to todo dothis thisbesides besidesmanaging managingextensive extensive Jaykrishna was the efforts efforts required to to rear rearhis his own own growing growing properties and making the family. For a man of all this would have been been a family. For of average average abilities abilities all would have wholetime job. job. Jaykrishna, however, cheerfully took upon his shoulshoul­

A YOU YOUNG ZAMNDAR A N G ZA M IN D A R

7 5 75

ders the burden as as aa matter matterof ofcourse. course. He He attended attendedto tohis hisdomestic domestic responsibilities properties and and also also responsibilities and and yet yet found found time to acquire acquire new properties carry carry on his public activities. He was, however, obliged to spend more time in Uttarpara withhis hisfamily, family, and andstay stayless less and and less less at Chinsurah Uttarpara with at Chirisurah hitherto been been his his second home. He had had to to divide divide his his time which had hitherto between these two places, places, living, living, as far as we we know, know, aa rather rather uneasy life, as he was kind of double life, was very very busy busy with with his his work work in in the district headquarters and and had had constantly constantly to to rush rush back back to to Uttarpara Uttarparafor forsome some headquarters Presently it it was was no longer possible for him to stay domestic problem. Presently Chinsurah at at all. all. For ForUttarpara Uttarparathis thiswas wasananunmixed. unmixed-blessing, at Chinsurah blessing, because Jaykrishna devote himself himself to the the all-round all-roundimim­ because Jaykrishna could now devote provement of his native village. village. From From 1845 1845 onwards onwards the prosperous little village in its beautiful situation on on the the Hooghly Hooghly river river made made the the immediate background to Jaykrishna’slife. life. toJaykrishna's IV. RRECONSTRUCTION e c o n s t r u c t io n IV.

of or

U ttarpara UTTARPARA

To understand the significance significance of Jaykrishna’s work ofjaykrishna's work for forUttarpara Uttarpara it necessary to to make make aa brief excursion into the is necessary the history history of of this this place. place. suggests, Uttarpara As the name suggests, Uttarpara was originally originally the the northern zone of of Bali, an old Bali, old village village mentioned mentioned in insome some eighteenth-century eighteenth-century Bengali Bengali poetical works. works. Bali Bali was was noted noted as as aa centre of Sanskrit culture and poetical also as a seat of the junior branch branch of o f the the Seoraphuli Seoraphuli Raj, Raj, an anaristoaristo­ cratic family family dating dating back back either either to the cratic the late lateseventeenth seventeenth or or early early eighteenth Bali eighteenth century. century. Durgaprasad Durgaprasad Ray Ray was was the founder of the Bali branch of family.49 branch of this family.4 8 The northern part part of of the the village, village, which later on became became Uttarpara, was a neglected neglected stretch ofjungle of jungle and and marsh. marsh. Uttarpara, was from Bali Bali proper. ItItwas wasvery verysparsely sparsely A khal khal or creek separated it from populated, its its population population being beingcomposed composed of of fishermen who lived on and the the Pods, Pods, Kaibartas, Kaibartas,Sadgopas Sadgopas and andsome some Muslims the river bank, and the interior. interior. Many Manyof ofthe theold oldresidents residentswere wereprofessional professional who lived in the robbers Ratna Pakhi Pakhi was was aa notorious notorious leader of banditti robbers and pirates. Ratna 0 Bali, infesting this place.8 place.5° Bali,iningeneral, general,had had become become aa favourite favourite haunt haunt thieves and and robbers robbers in the beginning ooff thieves beginning of the nineteenth nineteenth century. century. Their depredations continued until the middle of the the century.*1 century.5' Bali-Uttarpara seems seems to have have shared shared in in the thegrowing growing All the same, Bali-Uttarpara prosperity prosperity which which the the decline decline of of Satgaon Satgaon had had brought brought to the riparian villages farther down. down. Many Many artisans and craftsmen villages farther craftsmen left left the the dying dying port-city came downstream downstream to meet the trade trade of of Hooghly Hooghly and port-city and came Uttarpara.528 In later of Calcutta. Some oilmen and potters settled in Uttarpara.8

76 76

A A BENGAL ZAM ZAMINDAR IN DAR

course received some Brahmin fami­ course of of time time Uttarpara Uttarpara received Brahmin and and Kayastha families lies also. also.With With the the coming comingof ofthe theRaychaudhuris Raychaudhuristowards towardsthe the end end of of the eighteenth century, began began aa new new phase phase in in the thehistory history of of UttarUttar­ para. This Brahmin zamindar family family had left its ancestral home near Barrackpore in the the 24-Parganas, exchanged exchanged some properties with the the Raj and become become zamindars zamindars of ofUttarpara. Uttarpara. Ratnesvar RaySeoraphuli Raj family.53 founder of of the the Uttarpara Uttarpara branch chaudhuri was the founder branch of of this family.5 3 Nearly Nearly a hundred years after this, Ramhari (d. (d. 1812), 1812), the greatgreat-grandson ofRatnesvar, Ratnesvar,tried tried to to adapt his way of life great-grandson of life to the the modern age. Instead of of depending depending solely solely on his his landed landed properties, properties, modern age. he worked as a mutsuddi mercantile house house in in Calcutta. Calcutta. His mutsuddi ininaamercantile His knowknow­ ledge of of English Englishwas wasan anadvantage advantage for for him. him. Later on, he is known to ledge some importance importance in in the Government House. House. have occupied a post of some gave him an opportunity This gave opportunity to to come come into into fairly fairly close close contact with exalted British British officials. officials.Tradition Traditionhas hasitit that that on one exalted one occasion occasion Sir Arthur Wellesley Wellesley came Arthur came over overto to his hisUttarpara Uttarpara house and and accepted his hospitality in the the traditional traditional Indian style.54 style.54 According to village lore, local youth youth put put up a dramatic the local dramatic show show in honour honour of the guest, the future Duke of Wellington. Wellington. Sir Arthur, after after changing changing his his General's General’s uniform, was watching watching the performance uniform, was performance in aa relaxed relaxed manner manner along along armyrnen. The The play had a British general in its cast. The with other armymen. youngster youngster who who had had been given given that part did did not not particularly particularly fancy fancy the costume he had been given. given. He is said to have quietly removed the uniform Sir Arthur Arthur had laid aside, and made made his his appearance on the stage in the colourful tunic with with its its medals medals and and sash. sash. The The British British soldiers once sprang sprang up, stood stood at at soldierswho whowere werewatching watchingthe the play play at at once attention, and and saluted, saluted, before before they they realized realized their their mistake. mistake. This story, attention, true or or not, not, suggests suggests that that the thecleavage cleavage between between Englishmen Englishmen and and Indians Indians had not not yet yet become become deep deep enough enough to to make make informal informal social social relations impossible. Sir Arthur Wellesley’s visit was long relations Arthur Wellesley's long remembered remembered by the people of Uttarpara. Uttarpara. Although Ramhari was in close close touch touch with with the the British, British, he he did did not altogether forsake traditional values. He believed in plain plain living living and and serving his fellow fellow villagers villagersin in every every possible possible way. way. In In his day he he was was the patriarch patriarch of of Uttarpara Uttarparasociety. society. He treated treated the thevillagers villagers as though they all were members of his own family.5 5 family.55 How the Raychaudhuris brought the Chatterjees Chatterjees to to Uttarpara Uttarpara and how the Mukherjees followed followed in in the the wake of the the Chatterjees has been described in this way way the the Brabmins Brahmins became became a described in the first chapter. chapter. In this dominant element in the village community, community, and and attracted attention

A YOU YOUNG N G ZATUNDAR ZAM IN DAR

7 77 7

by the Sanskrit scholars. scholars. Particularly Particularly the intellectual intellectual activity activityof ofsome some of its Sanskrit Jaysankar Tarkalankar on the cultural the seminary of ofJaysankar Tarkalankar put put Uttarpara Uttarpara on map map of o f Bengal. Bengal. These cultural activities, weremore morein in the the nature of an These activities, however, however, were isolated o f Uttarpara Uttarparasociety society was was isolated phenomenon. phenomenon. The The general picture of extremely people, including including the the extremely depressing. depressing.The The majority majority of of the people, well-to-do, led led an an easy-going life.Their Their existence was marked marked by by a well-to-do, easy-going life. existence was certain aimlessness. aimlessness. Mentally Mentally they they lived lived in in aa kind ooff fatalistic fatalistic torpor torpor and they had had no no will will for for change. change. The The doctrine doctrine of o f Karma Karma with its absolute perfectly and never dreamed dreamed of absolute rules rules suited suited them them perfectly and they never questioning it. The The older olderpeople peoplethemselves themselves were were too too soft soft and and hedonhedon­ effective direction istic to give any effective direction to to the younger generation. They lived an idle and and monotonous monotonous life, their their only only recreation recreation being being music, music, dramatic dramatic performances performancesand and addiction addiction to to drugs drugs and and the bottle. For education they they could could not notcare careless. less. This This was was the the pattern patternof oflife lifeof of old old education and education had not and young young alike. alike. Facilities Facilities for English education not improved improved since Jaykrishna’s boyhood. The The people people were were as as impervious impervious to much since Jaykrishna's boyhood. asthey theywere wereforgetful,of forgetfulofIndia’s India's cultural heritage. Western influences influences as Apparently they were uninterested in the the local local Sanskrit Sanskrit seminaries seminaries and their theirteachers teachers engaged engaged in inthe thetormenting tormentingexercises exercises of of the the foundafounda­ and of logic where catch its itsown own tions of thought and of where the mind tries to catch by “"aa moral toil. On the the whole, it was a degenerate society affected by atrophy” .*® atrophy".56 Until he permanently settled father’s settled down down in in Uttarpara Uttarpara after his father's death, Jaykrishna had had been been too too busy busy to pay any any serious serious attention to its problems. problems. Now conditions in which the the Now he shuddered to see the conditions people lived. The thought thoughtthat thathis hisown ownsons sons and and minor minor stepbrothers stepbrothers would be exposed to the unhealthy influences and grow grow up up in the would exposed to influences and o f shiftless shiftless youngsters company of youngsterssent sentaa chill chill over over him. him. Had he been selfish he to remove remove his his own own children children from from selfish he would would have planned to Uttarpara and Uttarpara andsend sendthem themtotoschool schoolelsewhere. elsewhere. But But he he thought thought not not only of his own Sons sons and but also also of hundreds of other and stepbrothers but only boys He must must do do something something for boys who who represented representedUttarpara’s Uttarpara's future. He them all. Personally become convinced convinced that that education, education, them all. Personally he he had become especially English English education, education, was the sole especially sole valid passport passport to to success. success. By this young men menof of his village expect to raise this means means alone could the young their low living standards, stop stop vegetating vegetating and and adjust adjustthemselves themselves to to the changing changing political political and economic economic situation. situation. The way way of of life life to to which they they had hitherto which hitherto been been accustomed accustomed was was rapidly rapidly becoming becoming obsolete. would have made obsolete.Jaykrishna Jaykrishnafelt feltthat that aa new new start would have to be made

7 788

A IN DAR A BENGAL ZAM ZAMINDAR

and a new new accent placed on practical and cultural education education in an The attempt to to enable enable them them to to adapt adaptthemselves themselves to new conditions. conditions. The older people, imprisoned in their own indifference, indifference, were were already already past past redemption. freed from from the the redemption. But But those thosc who who were were young young must must be freed deadening influences influences which which kept kept them them insulated insulated from from the the mainstream mainstream cultural and social transformation. of cultural Jaykrishna studied studied the movements which were were changing changing the inmovements which in­ tellectual climate Bengal. Although he could not always accept accept the climate of o f Bengal. views ooff the the leaders leaders of ofthe thevarious variousgroups, groups, he he understood understood the questions views they faced, the conflicts they they endured, endured, the the causes they they sought to serve. immediately concerned concerned with with the the problem of his He was, however, however, immediately own own backward backward village. village. He He believed believed that that what what it urgently needed was English School. School.He He shared shared the the general general feeling feeling that that aa young young a good good English man, to get on in life, must acquire some knowledge knowledge of English. acquire some o f reasons. reasons. Macaulay's Macaulay’s This feeling was was encouraged encouraged by by a number of Education Resolution of 1835, 1835, putting the Orientalists to the worse, worse, putting the had definitely launched English education and and Western Western knowledge knowledge in India. The The same same year English became the language of law courts, press restrictions were removed future and press removed by Metcalfe. Metcalfe. Clearly the future belonged the English-knowing English-knowing elite. belonged to to the elite. Furthermore, Furthermore, Sir Sir Henry Hardinge’s Education Resolution Resolution of 1844 1844 laid down down the the principle principle Hardinge's men with with a that in the the field field of of public employment employment Indian young young men good record in the new educational institutions were to be preferred. De­ The Bengali intelligentsia intelligentsia welcomed welcomedHardinge’s Hardinge's policy, policy, and and in December, 1944 the the Calcutta Calcutta Babus held held an an appreciative appreciative domonstration. attendedthis thismeeting meetingresolved resolved Five hundred hundred Bengali gentlemen who attended to present an address address to to the the Governor-General Governor-General in in acknowledgement acknowledgement of o f the policy he had announced.57 announced.87 The Government’s policy premium on on English English The Government's policyhad had thus thus put put a premium for education. A A widespread widespreaddesire desiretotolearn learnEnglish Englishand and an an apathy for education were were the the symptoms symptoms of the times. times. James purely vernacular education in his his A A Review Reviewofo fPublic PublicInstruction Instruction (1852) described these thesetenten­ Kerr in (1852) described dencies. policy to to spread verna­ vernadencies. The popular response response to the official official policy was extremely extremely poor. in itself itself cular education was poor. Vernacular education in was no longer considered considered enough. enough. At At least it must must be combined with a modicum of o f English. The The proximity proximityof ofan anEnglish Englishschool school generally generally acted as an an extinguisher extinguisher to aa purely purely vernacular vernacular school. school. The local local officers officersreported reported that that the cry for English was was universal universal and and that boys in schools schools thrust and insisted insisted thrust English books books into into the the teachers’ teachers' hands and English and and nothing but English.58 on being taught English English.68 Even people who

A YOU YOUNG A N G ZAMINDAR ZAM IN DAR

7 79 9

had no appeared to to be crazy no English English themselves themselves appeared crazy about about English English education. The case of dramatic illustration illustration of of education. of Mathur Mathur Kundu is a dramatic tendency. This rich merchant of o f Kumarkhali in Pabna, Pabna, himself himself this tendency. unacquainted with English alphabet, had had opened opened an anEnglish English unacquainted with the English school in his village. village. He He obtained a government grant school in grant for for this this school school by successfully successfully waylaying waylayingSir SirHenry Henry Hardinge Hardinge as he was on oh his his way Bengal and to East Bengal and getting getting him him to visit the school.89 school.59 Such was was the general attitude to general to English English education education in inBengal Bengal when when Jaykrishna Jaykrishna establish an an English English school schoolatatUttarpara. Uttarpara. submitted his proposal to establish those days it was In those was customary customary for forwealthy wealthymen men to to maintain maintain chari­ chariMore often often than than not table guest-houses. guest-houses. More not these these became became the the favourite favourite idlers. After Jagamohan’s Jagamohan's death resorts of idlers. deathwhen whensomebody somebody suggested suggested Jaykrishna that that itit was to Jaykrishna was time time that thathe heestablished established such such aa guest-house, guest-house, guesthe replied that thathe healso alsohad hadaaplan planof ofhis his own. own. But it would be a guest­ house with with a difference. giving food food and shelter to aa few house difference. Instead of giving few people for for aa while, people while, it would would enable enable a large large number number of ofpersons persons to to provide for themselves all their descendants. descendants. for themselves all their their lives and also for their Jaykrishna the Uttarpara Uttarpara English Jaykrishna was was maturing maturing his his scheme of the English School School when he made this when this enigmatic enigmatic remark. remark. Although it was Jaykrishna Jaykrishna who originated the the idea idea of o f the the school, school, Rajkrishna's whole-hearted co-operation in this respect. he received Rajkrishna’s Rajkrishna at at this time had implicit Rajkrishna implicit faith in in his his brother's brother’s judgment and proposals. Until Until they agreed to have have their their proper­ properand endorsed endorsed all his proposals. ties partitioned, ties partitioned, the two two brothers brothers carried carried on on their theirphilanthropic philanthropic endeavours together. This This happy happy partnership came came to an end in the endeavours together. the 1850’s. 1850's. Towards the end of 1845 two brothers brothers sent sent an an application to Towards 1845 the two G. F. Cockburn, Gockburn, Magistrate Magistrate of of Howrah, Howrah, pointing pointingout outthe thenecessity necessity of of opening a good of Uttarpara, Uttarpara, good school school to serve the populous populous villages villages of Konnagar Konnagar and and Bali. Bali. Earlier Earlier that thatyear year the the Government Government had had established model schools in several several districts. districts.Jaykrishna Jaykrishna must must have have found found this schools in to be an encouraging encouraging sign. sign. In In their application he and his brother said that that the the people people of of Uttarpara Uttarpara and andits itsneighbourhood neighbourhood could could not not possibly take possibly take advantage of the nearest government school of Howrah Howrah which was at least six six miles milesaway. away.They They assured assured the the Government Government that the local people of of Uttarpara Uttarpara were were keen on on having having such a school and would doubtless give it all possible support. the Government Government support. Should the grant their prayer, the applicants were ready to make a permanent were permanent endowment of of aa landed property endowment property yielding yielding aa clear clear monthly monthly income income ooff Rs. 100. As stated Rs. 100. As aa proof proof of of popular popular support for the scheme, they stated

8 0 80

A A BENGAL ZAM ZAMINDAR IN DAR

that the the people people of Uttarpara and the theadjacent adjacentvillage village of of Bhadrakali Uttarpara and raised Rs. Rs. 2,000 2,000 and and Rs. Rs. 220 220 for for the purpose. had respectively respectively raised purpose. The to collect collect Rs. Rs. 5,000 5,000 for for villages ooff Bali Bali and and Konnagar were expected to the building building fund fund of the school. Finally, Finally, they made the suggestion that that in the the event event of of the the acceptance acceptance of of their their proposal, proposal, provision provision should be made free studentships studentships for made for for free for one-fourth one-fourthofofthe the total total strength strength of of would be needed for the boys coming from from students. This concession concession would old, respectable, respectable, but poor families. To begin begin with, with, the Government old, families. To should also also relax relax the the admission admission rule rule regarding regarding the the age of students students in in consideration of their their backwardness backwardness.60 .° Gockburn transmitted transmitted this letter letter to F. J. Halliday, Cockburn Halliday, Secretary, Secretary, JudiJudi­ cial Department, with a forwarding letter in which he strongly recom­ Department, with a forwarding letter in which he strongly recommended of the Mukherjees. He mentioned mended the proposal proposal of Mukheqees. He mentioned that the the population of the village village of of Iittarpara Uttarparawas wascomposed composed of ofBrahmins Brahmins extensively employed government and mercantile mercantile offices offices in extensively employed in in the government Calcutta. He mentioned that Calcutta. He also also mentioned thatthe thesubscribers subscribers would would prefer prefer to have they would would like to a European gentleman as as Headmaster Headmaster and and that they the school functioning from January 1, 1846. 1846. Cockburn thought have the January 1, that the for their their that the Mukherjees Mukherjees deserved the thanks ooff the Government for leadership Jaykrishna in particular, he leadership in this matter. Referring Referring to Jaykrishna he that he heknew knew him him very very well. well. As a landholder he gave him much said that gentleman he he was assistance in his magisterial magisterial duties duties and and as aa private gentleman a sincere sincere friend not not only only of of education educationbut butofofevery everymovement movementconcon­ ducive to the the advancement advancement of his hiscountrymen. countrymen.Jaykrishna, he thought, thought, Jaykrishna, he had "proved “ proved himself himself a bright bright example example to the the other otherlandholders landholders of of Bengal” .81 of Bengal".61 The Government welcomed this proposal, proposal, accepting accepting the terms and and conditions of the Governor of Bengal the endowment. endowment. The The Deputy Deputy Governor Bengal thought thought the gesture of the the Mukherjees Mukherjees very praiseworthy. praiseworthy. The Government agreed to sanction sanction aa monthly monthly grant grant from from the the education fund, which, which, together with with the the "munificent “ munificentgift" gift”ofo fthe theMukherjees Mukherjeesand andthe theschoolschool­ ing fees, institution.®2 fees,would wouldbe bequite quite adequate adequate for for the support of the institution.62 Thus the the Uttarpara UttarparaGovernment GovernmentSchool Schoolwas was established. established. The The annual annual Thus income of Rs. 1,200 from Rs. 1,200 fromjthe the Mukherjee Mukherjee endowment does not not appear today as very generous; generous; in the 1840's 1840’s it represented something something very much larger in in terms termsof of modern much larger modern money. Jaykrishna and his his brother brotherwere were naturally naturallydelighted delightedwith withthe thesancsanc­ Jaykrishna and tion given to their proposal. proposal. On February February 7, 7, 1846 1846 they they wrote wrote to to tion given G. F. Cdckburn Cockburn conveying conveyingtheir their thanks thanks and and giving giving particulars particulars of the landed property property they they intended intended to to hand handover over to to the the Government. Government. This This

A YOUNG YOUNG ZAMTNDAR ZA M IN D A R

81

their estate of ofBoinchi Boinchiininthe theHooghly Hooghlydistrict—a district-apatni was their patnitaluk taluk under under the Maharaja They proposed to transfer transfer this this to to the Maharaja of of Burdwan. Burdwan, They proposed to darpatni lease Government and take aa darpatni lease from fromititon on the the annual annual rental rental of of 7,812, ooff which which Rs. Rs. 6,612 6,612was wasto to he be paid to Burdwan as Rs. 7,812, as rent, rent, thus the school.°3 thus leaving leaving aa clear clear annual annualincome incomeof of Rs. Rs. 1,200 1,200 for the school.83Owing to some unavoidable delay in in the the completion completionof of legal legal formalities formalities they they could not execute execute the the deed deed of of transfer transfer before before November November 17, 17, 1846.° 1846.M From its its very inception inception Jaykrishna Jaykrishna was was closely closely associated with the school. The Uttarpara Uttarpara School was placed placed under under the management management of of school. The School was the local committee of public public instruction at Howrah. Cockburn, who was Committee, wanted was Secretary Secretary to to this Committee, wanted to have Jaykrishna as a member. He believed that the Committee Committee would would gain gain much much from from his his that the zeal and experience.65 experience.65 At his his instance instance Jaykrishna was was immediately immediately appointed appointed a member member of o f the Committee. Committee. For him him this this was was aa wellwelldeserved recognition. More More than than any other single man he had tried deserved recognition. single man thesite site to give an English school to to his his village. village. It It is worth worth adding adding that that the of the school was was well wellchosen. chosen. It It was was equally equally convenient convenient to the people of Uttarpara Uttarpara and and Bali. Bali. The school was opened on May 15, by Robert Hand, 15, 1846 1846 by Hand, its its first first Headmaster. first ringing ringing of of the the school school bell bell filled filled Headmaster. No No doubt doubt the first jaykrishna's Jaykrishna’s heart heart with with aaprofound profoundsense sense of ofexcited excitedfulfilment. fulfilment. By By July the the school school was well under way with about two hundred hundred pupils pupils July on its rolls. rolls. To begin begin with, Hand Hand had hadone oneassistant assistant master master named named C. Next year year Nabin Nabin Chandra Chandra Basu Basu and Kailas Kailas Chandra Chandra C. Grant. Next Mukherjee were were appointed second Mukherjee second and and third thirdmasters mastersrespectively. respectively. Hand’sreport reportto tothe thelocal local committee committeewe we know know about about his initial From Hand's difficulties and work done the first first few few months. months. Hand Hand difficulties and the the work done during the found that the to the found the number number of ofcandidates candidates eligible eligible for admission admission to higher classes was very very small. small. The The majority majority of of the aspirants either classes was did did not not know know English English or or had had aa very very poor poor knowledge knowledge of of it. Hand Handseems seems , to have been been much much less less strict strict about aboutadmission admission to to lower lower classes, classes, for he had totothink thinkofofincome incomefrom fromschooling schoolingfees feesas as well. well. He He comcom­ he had plained plained about aboutthe theabsence absenceof ofaaproper properschool-house. school-house. Classes Classes were held near Bali Bali Khal Khal in scattered hutments which had originally been put up for for accommodating the the men men employed employed in in the the construction construction of of the the newly opened tension bridge. bridge. This prevented the the Headmaster Headmasterfrom from supervising the classes, classes, especially especiallywhen when itit rained. rained. He was anxious on was essential essential for foran an infant infant this account because constant supervision was institution. management. institution. Its Its future futuregrowth growthwould would depend depend on on efficient efficient management. Whenever Whenever the Headmaster Headmaster went to to visit visit any any of of the theclasses, classes, he was was 6

82 8 2

A BENGAL ZAMXNDAR ZAM INDAR

obliged obliged to leave leave his his own own class classunattended, unattended, trusting trusting to the boys' boys’ own sense ooff discipline discipline to to maintain maintain order, order. This sense, sense sense, Hand remarked, As the the Government Government did did nothing nothing was not generally very nice in boys.66 boys.6®As immediately to to build aa school immediately school house, house, the the Headmaster's Headmaster’s problem problem remained unsolved for some remained unsolved some more more time. time. first general general annual examination examination of of the the school school was was held held in in The first 1846. It Roer September, 1846. It was was conducted conducted by by G. G. T. Cockburn and E. Roer ooff the the local local committee. committee. Considering Considering the the fact fact that that the school had had been functioning only months, the the progress made made by the functioning only for a few months, thedifferent different classeswas wasfound found to to be be satisfactory. satisfactory. Hand’s Hand's system of instruction instruction gave promise success. Two competed for for junior junior promise of future success. Two students even competed scholarships. themselves with they scholarships.They They acquitted acquitted themselves with credit, although they scholarships.677 were not lucky enough to win scholarships.8 Founding the boys' was, however, however, only only aa part part of Founding boys’ English English school school was, of Jaykrishna's Jaykrishna’s educational educational programme programme for for Uttarpara. Uttarpara,Simultaneously Simultaneously with their their proposal proposal for the the boys' boys’ school, school, Jaykrishna and and Rajkrishna Rajkrishna had submitted submitted another anothersimilar similarproposal proposal for for establishing establishing a girls' girls’ school at Uttarpara Uttarparafor for which which also also they they promised an endowment.68 endowment.68 In 1845 1845 it imagination to made such a concrete it needed needed great courage and imagination to have have made suggestion. There There was was considerable considerable social social resistance resistance to to female female educaeduca­ about the possibility tion. Even Even outstanding outstandingreformers reformers were were pessimistic about of lifting ban on the lifting the social social ban the education education of of girls. girls. Talking Talking to an an English lady on the subject, Dwarkanath Dwarkanath Tagore Tagore had had once once remarked remarked with regret: regret: “".. .. ..the the day is is far distant distant for for this this happiness happiness to be concon­ my countrywomen. I would give something to see that that man ferred on my among the Hindoos, who will have the courage courage to to bring bringforward forwardhis his wives and and daughters daughters to to be instructed upon European wives European principles principles of education".89 Dwarkanath was in England when Jaykrishna Jaykrishna not only education” .69Dwarkanath made the proposal to open a public school for girls girls but but intimated his readiness to 1845 the to send send his his two twodaughters daughters there there to to be be educated. educated. In 1845 step was nothing short ooff being being revolutionary. revolutionary. Today we take female ( education for granted, but Jaykrishna's Jaykrishna’s proposal must have scandascanda­ lized many of his time only only the the missionmission­ his contemporaries. contemporaries. Up Up to that that time aries active in this this field. field. True, True, some some leaders leaders like like Raja aries had been active Radhakanta Deb and and Raja Raja Vaidyanath VaidyanathRay Rayof ofJorasanko Jorasanko had had supsup­ female education, education,but but no no one one had had as as yet yet dared to think in ported female in Jaykrishna’ terms. His His was was probably probably the thefirst first effort effort ever made by an an Jaykrishna'ssterms. girls purely Indiantotoestablish establishaaschool school for for Indian Indian girls Indii purely under Indian auspices was remarkable remarkable that in in auspices and and without without missionary missionaryhelp. help. ItIt was formulating educational programme programme for Uttarpara Jaykrishna Jaykrishna formulating his his educational for Uttarpara

A YOUNG YOUNG ZAMINDAR

883 3

only of of the the boys boys of of his his village village but also also of of the the little little girls girls thought not only whose opportunities opportunities were even less. J. Money, behind the purdah purdah whose less. D. J. Money, who had been been Collector Collector of of Hooghly, Hooghly, caught caught the thefull fullsignificance significance of of Jaykrishna's Jaykrishna’s action action when when on on August August 4, 4, 1845 1845 he he recorded recorded his his impresimpres­ sions anner: "Here “Here isis proof, proof, ifif proof proof were wanting, wanting, of the sions in in this this m manner: Babujoykissen change that is taking place. Babu Joykissen Mukerji Mukerji has made a great Reformation amongst countrymen. He step towards aa Reformation amongst his countrymen. He is in advance them. He is standing out from amongst them. He of them. He is is shaking shaking off the and has has commenced commenced in in earnest earnest clogging dust dust of tradition tradition and custom, and the march of the true true Philanthropist. Philanthropist. May Mayhis hisenlightened enlightened views views be be attended with success."7° with complete complete success.”70 Jaykrishna expected expected that the Government Government would would support support his his Jaykrishna that the scheme. ithout government co-operation it would would be be impossible impossible to scheme. W Without make make the venture. The The school school would would function function on on the the same same footing footing as the boys' Jaykrishna's hope was not destined boys’ English English School. School. But Jaykrishna’s realized. The Council of Education Education considered the the proposal proposal but but to be realized. thought it advisable to put off the matter for the time being. Jaythought it advisable to put off the matter for being. Jay­ krishna and and his brother received krishna received a vaguely vaguely encouraging encouraging but nonnon­ committal reply this way way committal replyfrom fromthe theCouncil CouncilininJune, June,1845.71 l845.' In this Jaykrishna's Jaykrishna’s first effort effort to to promote promote female female education, education, which which antianti­ cipated Bethune's Bethune’s by at least least four four years, years, proved proved to to be beunsuccessful. unsuccessful. Even in 1849 when he he made a renewed attempt Even 1849 when attempt in in this this direction, direction, he he did not have better luck. luck. The education ofJaykrishna's education programme programmewas was merely the beginning of Jaykrishna’s planned reconstruction of the the Uttarpara planned reconstruction of Uttarpara society. society. The The immediate immediate response hostile. response to to his reformative endeavours, however, was rather hostile. The older older people people with with their theirestablished established ways ways of of life life and and thought thought did want to be be disturbed. disturbed. In In the theclosed closed world world of of the the village village did not not want were totally totally absorbed in their own parochial affairs, where the people were the energetic proselytizing proselytizing spirit spirit of ofJaykrishna Jaykrishna made madeno nosense. sense.ConCon­ sequently, his struggle for a new new way of sequently, Jaykrishna Jay krishna had had to to carry on his life His emphasis on the life and new new values values against against stiff stiff opposition. opposition. His emphasis on dignity of labour labour and moral strictness made him him unpopular. But in dignity strictness made difficult, demanding, these respects he was was uncompromising uncompromising—difficult, demanding, imim­ these respects patient. His grandson has compared him with the old-world Puritans and again with with Draco Draco for for the the severity severity of ofhis his measures in refashioning and drive drive enabled enabled him him in U ttarpara society.72 His thoroughness thoroughness and in Uttarpara society.72 His all resistance resistance and and opposition. He was trying to do the end to overcome all things things not not only only by by precept precept but but also also by by example, example, and and this this led led to to his his final success successininbreaking breakingthrough throughthe the hard hard crust crust of ofcustom, custom, inertia inertia and and

884 4

A BENGAL ZAMINDAR ZAMINDAR A BENGAL

indifference. ttarpara of grog indifference.He Hewas wasable abletotoclear clearUUttarpara grog shops shopsand and bro­ brothels, with the result that rowdyism, drunkenness and debauchery, thels, the result that rowdyism, drunkenness and debauchery, which so strongly strongly characterized characterized its its life life in in the thepast, past,largely largelydisdis­ which had so appeared. the first first time, time, as as the the reforms reforms were were introduced, introduced, the the appeared. For the people learned to think and act to some purpose. W ithin a remarkably remarkably Within short time, Jaykrishna Jaykrishna was able to infuse infuse aa new new dynamism dynamism into into the old society,and andhe he did did not not hesitate hesitate toto be be hard hard on those society, those who who tried to to baulk him. It was work as as aa social social reformer baulk was for for his his pioneering pioneering work reformer and community-builderthat that Jaykrishna Jaykrishna won won universal admiration. In community-builder universal admiration. this this respect respect his his early early choice choiceof of Uttarpara Uttarpara as his main field of work work proved proved to be very wise. wise. Nowhere Nowhere else else could could he he have have got got such a free hand as he did in in his native native village. village. The The degree degreeof ofsuccess success he achieved rebuilding Uttarpara U ttarpara illustrated illustrated the the scope scope of of social social leadership leadership a in rebuilding zaminthr zamindar had had within within the theframework framework of of the the Permanent Permanent Settlement. Settlement. Very soon ttarpara became became a town, prosperous and on the march. soon U Uttarpara V. THE T h e Bi.r B a lKHAL i K i i aBRIDGE: l B r i d g eAN : A ENGINEERING n E n g i n e e r i n g FEAT F eat

Education is aa powerful Education powerful tool tool to to break break the thevicious vicious circle circle of of poverty poverty and ignorance. ignorance. But a community community must must have have aa sound sound economic economic base base in order to to raise raise its its intellectual intellectual level. level. Although Although Jaykrishna saw saw no no reason to inhibit his joy and pride pride in in his his successful successful effort to to found the English ttarpara, he had given priority to the question of English School SchoolatatUUttarpara, the economic economic improvement district and and village. village. As As a member improvement of his district of the the Ferry Ferry Fund Committees he realized realized the importance of building building economic well-being of the people. The economic overheads overheadsfor for the the material well-being absence of of aa safe safe and and ready ready means means of of transit transit between between Calcutta and absence bank had long the opposite opposite bank long been a public public grievance. grievance. ItIt was was widely widely realized that a bridge across the Hooghly would be of great advantage. that bridge of great advantage. It would would bring incalculable incalculable benefit districts of Howrah and benefit to to the districts Hooghly by establishing establishing aa direct link between between the producers of this Hooghly region with with the the Calcutta market. Quite a few private speculators speculators and and region public-spirited men as well as the Government interested interested themselves themselves in 1838 a project for a floating floating bridge was started, in this question. question. In 1838 but it did not materialize. Shortlyafter afterthis thisaa suspension suspension bridge bridge scheme materialize. Shortly was considered. Among others, others, Dwarkanath Dwarkanath Tagore Tagdre and Jaykrishna considered. Among promised liberal contributions towards the project. This This scheme scheme also fell through for fell for want want of ofofficial official encouragement.73 Government encouragement.73 The Government failed to come to decision and Howrah bridge bridge was failed td come to a decision and the Howrah was not not built it is until 1874. 1874. It is interesting interesting to note that when when in in 1871 1871 the the Howrah Howrah

A YOUNG YOUNG ZAMINDAR

85 85

Bridge .-Governor’s Council, Bridge Bill Billwas wasbeing beingdiscussed discussedininthe theLt Lt.-Governor's Council,T. T. M. M. Robinson, member, recalled move taken by Jaykrishna Jaykrishna Robinson, an an old member, recalled the move and his friends in 1838.7Sa Thwarted in this this project, project, Jaykrishna Thwarted Jaykrishna turned turned his his attention attention to aa much more more modest modest scheme scheme nearer nearer home. home. The The village village similar though much U ttarpara was was separated separated from from Bali khal or creek creek of Uttarpara Bali proper proper by by aa khal extending from Dankuni marsh, marsh, west west of Serampore, Serampore, to to the the extending from the the Dankuni Hooghly. Hooghly. IItt was ten ten miles miles long, long, 30 30 feet feet broad broad and and 12 12 feet feet deep.74 deep.74 Originally it was was aa branch of the Saraswati Saraswati river and itit was was called called Originally Bali Khal, for it was joined joined to to the Hooghly river near near Bali. Bali. AAtt that Bali Khal, Hooghly river about four four miles north-west of Calcutta. As a member member of of point it was about Calcutta. As the Hooghly Ferry Fund Committee, Jaykrishna had proposed the Hooghly Ferry Committee, Jaykrishna proposed the construction an iron iron suspension suspension bridge bridge over over this this khal khal at Bali. Bali. He He construction of an sure that it would be beneficial beneficial to to the the public. public. The old Jharkandi Jharkandi felt sure road having to and road having gone gone out of use, use, all the the overland overland goods goods traffic traffic to from Calcutta had had to to pass pass along along the the Grand Grand Trunk TrunkRoad. Road.As Asthe thek/wi khal intercepted the the Grand intercepted Grand Trunk Trunk Road, Road, the theonly onlymodern modem highway, highway, innumerable cross itit every ferry innumerable travellers travellers had had to to cross every day. day. The annual ferry from collection at the khal had grown within the the space space of of a few few years from Rs. 500 500 to to Rs. Rs. Rs. 3,000-a 3,000—a clear clearindication indication of of the the growth growth of oftraffic traffic along the road and and an an increase increase in in the the number numberof ofits its users. users. The The absence absence the clumsy clumsy method method of of the the ferry ferry system system proved to be of a bridge and the a great great traffic traffic bottleneck. bottleneck. Jaykrishna Jaykrishna explained explained these these problems problems in in 19, 1842 1842 to J . Esdaile, Esdaile, Secretary to the Ferry Fund his letter of July July 19, toJ. Committee of Hooghly. Hooghly.He Hepointed pointedout out that that aa bridge Committee of bridge at this point, of the area, area, would would substansubstan­ besides helping the economic development development of contribute to to the theeconomic economic growth growth of of Bengal as a whole and of tially contribute in particular. particular. ItI twould wouldbe beof ofgreat great advantage advantage to to local local agriagri­ Calcutta in making itit possible possible for culture, making for the the cultivators cultivators to to market market their produce more efficiently. There were were a large number efficiently. There number of ofrayats raiyats who who covered covered great distances every day to carry the every day the produce produce of ofremote remote villages villages to These people people paid their their land land revenue revenue from from the the proceeds proceeds of of Calcutta. These these sales. sales. Moreover, Moreover, the proposed bridge would connect the region region to with the suburbs suburbs of of Calcutta Calcutta and andencourage encouragemany manypeople people to to move to these localities, thus relieving relieving in in some some measure measure these sparsely sparsely populated populated localities, the pressure on Calcutta. The The bridge bridge would would make make ititpossible possible for for the pressure on Calcutta. Europeans to and return return from from Serampore Serampore in in their theirevening evening Europeans to go go to and drives.76 drives.7 such a strong strong case case for Jaykrishna made out such for the Bali Khal bridge that his proposal could not be easily turned down. Instead Instead of of dwelling l838.73a

886 6

A BENGAL ZAMINDAR

merely on the possible advantages for his own village, he stressed the larger larger interests interests the the bridge bridge would would serve. serve.Very Veryadroitly adroitlyhe hetried tried to to make make attractive to to Europeans. Europeans. This This letter letter is an early the scheme scheme attractive early example example of Jaykrishna’s Jaykrishna's persuasive persuasive power, power, his his grip grip on on local local data, his underunder­ his knowledge knowledge of human standing of economic trends and, above all, his nature. Local authorities Local authorities supported supported Jaykrishna’s Jaykrishna's proposal proposal and and urged urged the Government to execute execute it. But Lord Auckland's Auckland’s vacillation delayed Government the scheme indefinitely. indefinitely. The The chance chance of the the bridge being constructed not ar, not only only receded receded further further after after the the outbreak of the first Afghan Afghan W War, but aa considerable portion of the subscription raised by by the local considerable portion subscription raised local was appropriated appropriated for other purposes. This caused great disgust people was among the subscribers. subscribers. The scheme, scheme, however, however, was revived in 1843. 1843. B. Bird, Bird, the Deputy Governor of Bengal, Bengal, was was determined determined to to put put W. B. it through through before before he left India.'6 India.76 By November, November, 1844 the bridge bridge construction was well under way. By 1844 the way. Jaykrishna 5,000 towards Jaykrishna had had donated Rs. 5,000 towards the the building building fund. fund. F. F. J. J. Cockburn, Magistrate Magistrate of of Hooghly, Hooghly, and and Annadaprasad Annadaprasad Ray Ray of Bali Cockburn, also took project.77Captain Captain Goodwyn Goodwyn was in also took great great interest interest in in the project." charge of the construction within less less than eight months work was construction and within nearly completed. But in June, 1845, the the iron iron suspension suspension bridge colcol­ June, 1845, was found found -lying lying in lapsed owing owing to to an an accident and itit was in aa heap heap in the The bridge scandal creek.78 scandal compelled compelled the Government Government to appoint appoint creek.'8 The an inquiry committee committee consisting Forbes and an inquiry consistingof of E. E. Garstin, Garstin, W, W. N. Forbes A. After an on-the-spot on-the-spot investigation, investigation, the Committee sub­ A. Irvine. After the Committee submitted September: Its finding finding was mitted aa report in September; wasthat that the the disruption disruption of of the structure was owing of the material material used, used, owing neither neither to to the quality of nor to faulty faultyworkmanship.'° workmanship.78Captain CaptainGoodwyn's Goodwyn’s own own view view was was nor to that the accident was solely attributable to the release of the that the accident was solely attributable to the release of the ends platform from from the the piers, piers, thus thuscausing causing the theimmense immense ends of of the platform tension the principle principle of of its its construction, construction, tension on on the platform, which, by the itit was bear.80 The bridge, however, however, was restored was never never intended to bear.8° lesson more or less on the principle principle of of its original design. After the unforeseen and inevitable delay it became ready to be opened opened early in 1846. 1846. Its 51,000 of which Rs, 24,000 24,000 was obtained by by cost totalled Rs. 51,000 which about Rs. local subscription.81 subscription.8' On February February 13, 13,1846 bridge was opened 1846 the bridge opened by Sir Sir Η. H. T. T. Maddock, the Depity DeputyGovernor Governor of ofBengal. Bengal. The formal formal opening opening ceremony ceremony and the public trial trial of of the bridge drew a large crowd, which gathered early on that day in spite of the the drizzle. drizzle.The The spectators spectatorshad hadtaken takenup up their their on

mzti

4.

46

__

-"

B h aratp u r F o rt: The T h e Eastern E astern Gate G ate Bharatpur Fort: Courtesy·. Public elations DDirectorate, irectorate, G overnm ent of a ja sth a n , Ja ip u r, R a ja sth a n Couriqy: Public RRelations Government ofRRajasthan, Jaipur, Rajasthan

Plate U Plate II

O pening of the tension tension bridge bridge aatt Bali Khal K h a l on on February F eb ru ary 14, 14, 1846. 1846. Opening [From a contemporary contem porary lithograph lithograph by by H. H .Goodwyn, G oodw yn, Bengal Bengal Engineers] Engineers] [From Courtesy: India In d ia Office Office L ib ra ry , London L ondon Library, Courtesy:

P late III FIte UI

YOUNG ZAMINDAR ZAMINDAR A YOUNG

87 87

both men men and andwomen women were were position on either side of the creek, and both scene from in the the creek. creek. watching the scene from country boats lying at anchor in excitement on The Deputy Deputy Governor Governor arrived arrived There was excitement on all hands. The under a salute of of 17 17 guns from a battery battery on on the theleft leftbank bankofofthe thekizal, khal, walked along along the the bridge bridge and and returned to the same this, a walked same side. After this, good good demonstration demonstration was was given given of of the the strength strength of the bridge. Eight crossed each other loaded bullock carts moved on from each side and crossed by two two gun gun carriages carriages loaded loaded with with on the bridge. They They were were followed by bricks bricks to to the the weight weight of of 3+tons tonsand anddrawn drawnalong alongby by 18 18 pairs pairs of large-sized bullocks. On the exhibition of this proof of the solidity large-sized bullocks. On of proof solidity of the bridge a long and animated animated cheer cheer went wentup up from from the the dense dense crowd. crowd. Friend of India wondered if he was was not not in in the the midst The reporter of of the Friend o f India Daniel O'Conncl's monster meetings meetings and and if the crowd of Daniel O ’Connel’s monster crowd was not echoing the note of execration on the Saxon.82 Saxon.82 The popular popular excitement excitement having having subsided, subsided, the therepresentatives representatives of the local gentry ttarpara and Konnagar, led led by by Jaykrishna, gentry of Bali, Bali,UUttarpara presented an address address to to the the Deputy Deputy Governor. Governor.ItIt pointed pointed out out that presented an from the the bridge bridge were were not not exclusively exclusively local, the benefits to be derived from for the travellers and merchants of Hindusthan would largely largely parti­ participate in it. it. ItI trequested requestedthe theGovernment Government to to undertake undertake metalling metalling of Without this this the the advantages advantages the road from Howrah to the Bali Khal. Without would not be complete. It concluded by thanking of the new bridge would G. F. F. Cockburn, Cockburn, Magistrate Magistrate of ofHowrah, Howrah,and andCaptain CaptainGoodwyn Goodwyn for for their work. work. The bridge was described described as undertaking, the as aa great undertaking, first of its excepting one one on on aa very very small small scale. its kind kind ever ever built built in India India excepting Finally sanction Finally a grateful reference was was made made to the governmental sanction given to the English English School. School .8S Governor then gave aa reply, addressing Jaykrishna by The Deputy Governor addressingJaykrishna name. Sir Sir H. name. Η. T. T. Maddock Maddock congratulated congratulated the the local local people people on their public spirit. In good sign signthat that they they had had thought of In his his view, it was aa good laying out out their money on public utilities instead of spending laying spending it on consumer goods. goods. He He promised government support support for for all such enpromised government en­ deavours to buildroadsand build roads and bridges.He bridges. He expectedzamindersand expected zaminders and other other liberal-minded individuals in in other parts of liberal-minded individuals of Bengal Bengal would would interest interest themselves in similar undertakings. Before concluding his reply, the themselves Before the Jaykrishnafor forhis his endowment of the ttar­ Deputy Governor thanked thankedJaykrishna the U Uttarpara School, hoping that the institution institution would would perpetuate perpetuatehis his name name in in the neighbourhood as aa public public benefactor. He also also referred referred to to the the the neighbourhood as benefactor. He progress Bengal Bengal had had made made in all branches of liberal educawonderful progress educa­ which, in in his his view, view, compared compared favourably favourablywith withthat that in in the most most tion, which,

88 88

' A BENGAL ZAMINDAR ZAMINDAR. A BENGAL

civilized countriesof ofEurope. Europe But nothing had as civilized countries as yet yet been been done done to to train young young Indians in the the art art of ofcivil civil engineering, engineering. lie He hoped hoped somesome­ thing would soon be be done done in in that that direction, so that the country country might might produce men men capable capable of of building building bridges bridges like the the one one just just in future produce opened. opened.84 Some of of the the guests guestsfrom fromCalcutta Calcutta arrived arrived too too late to see the main Some part of of the ceremony. part ceremony. For For their their benefit benefitthe the gun gun carriages carriages and 18 pairs of bullocks were again again marched marched along along the the bridge followed by an bullocks were followed by the people people assembled assembled on all hands were were allowed to elephant. Then the go on the bridge, until itit was completely covered. About six six hundred hundred people stood stood on on the the bridge bridge at at the same same time. time. The tarnasha tamasha came came to an Deputy Governor Governor and andthe thewife wifeofofthe theFrench FrenchAmbasAmbas­ end when the Deputy sador sador rode rode along along the the bridge bridge in in aa carriage carriage and and four, four, returned returned to to the same side underaasalute.85 salute.85 side and and then then embarked for Calcutta Calcutta under The opening probably the opening ceremony ceremony of of the the Bali Bali Khal Khal Bridge Bridge was probably first ttarpara in in the the last last century. century. The The local people first public public function function in in UUttarpara must have been impressed by the august impressed by august presence presence of the Deputy Deputy that the likeBali Baliand and Governor. It It was not every day that the people people of of villages like Uttarpara U ttarpara could could see see such such displays. displays. The The demonstration demonstration was was clearly clearly intended to restore popular popular confidence confidence which had been been badly badly shaken shaken by the bridge accident. The The desired desired effect effect was was achieved. The The people people were one were duly duly impressed impressed by by the the show show arranged arranged for for their benefit. In one respect, respect, however, however, the the Deputy Deputy Governor Governor had had disappointed disappointed them. them. He seems to their prayer prayer of of having having the the seems to have have been been unprepared unprepared to grant their road from Howrah to The people road to Bali Bali metalled metalled immediately.86 immediately.88 The people of Bali, in particular, grew more impatient for the road. Some them Bali, in Some of them were reported reported to to have have observed observedthat thatwithout withoutthe the road road the the bridge bridge in in were itself was wasuseless uselessand andhad hadbetter better be removed removed to some other place where it might be more useful.

VI. V I . SHIFr S h i f t IN i n LOCAL L o c a l LEADERSHIP L e a d e r s h ip The opening opening of the Bali Bali Khal Bridge Bridge and the the establishment establishment of the Uttarpara U ttarpara English English School School in 1846 1846 were were important important milestones milestones in Jaykrishna's life. Jaykrishna’s life. As As a promoter promoter of ofthese these successful ventures, he gained a new prominence, establishing establishing his to local local leaderleader­ his undoubted undoubted claim to officials immediately recognized, power in society. ship. The officials recognized him as a power So did the locaj local people people of ofUUttarpara ttarpara and its neighbourhood. Before concluding concluding the the record of Jaykrishna’s Jaykrishna's activities during Before during this this phase of of his hislife lifeititisisnecessary necessarytotorefer refertotothe theshift shiftininleadership—a leadership-a phase

A YOUNG YOUNG ZAMINDAR

889 9

symptom of of social social change—that change-that characterized symptom characterized the thesociety society of of BaliBaliUttarpara U ttarpara during during these these years. years. Hitherto Hitherto the the junior junior branch branch of of the Seoraphuli Bali had dominated this society. society. In Seoraphuli Raj Raj with with its its seat seat at Bali In the early nineteenth century century this this family family had hadbeen beenshowing showing all all signs signs of decadence. decadence. Annadaprasad Annadaprasad Ray, aa leading leading member member of ofthis this family, family, precariously maintained maintained the thevestiges vestiges of of an older dispensation. He was still called Raja and number of faithful faithful adherents. adherents. and loyally loyally served by aa number With family of of Uttarpara, Uttarpara, the W ith the rise rise of the Mukherjee family the leadership leadership of the Rays of Bali, Bali, hitherto hitherto implicitly accepted by the local local people, was seriously seriouslythreatened. threatened. Especially their loosening hold hold on onUttarpara, Uttarpara, which had once which had once formed formed part of of their their domain, domain, could could no no longer longer be be concealed. concealed. In 1843 1843 Howrah Howrah and and Hooghly Hooghly became became two two separate separate disdis­ tricts. Bali67 further affected the tricts. The separation separation of Uttarpara U ttarpara from from Bali87 position of the Rays whose sphere of influence now became restricted restricted Bali proper. people of Uttarpara U ttarpara now now more more than thanever everbefore before to Bali proper. The people looked up up to to the the Mukherjees Mukherjees for forleadership leadershipand andguidance. guidance.Jaykrishna looked Jaykrishna providcd these in full measure. provided were zamindars with a difference. difference. Unlike Unlike what what the the The Mukherjees were were educated, educated, very very articulate, articulate, wealthy, wealthy, Rays had then become, they were influential, intelligent intelligent and and perfectly perfectly familiar familiar with with the the ways influential, ways of the British rulers. In many British rulers. many subtle subtle ways ways this this zamindar zamindar family family of of nonnonaristocratic was bound to challenge the local local leadership aristocratic background was of the Seoraphuli of Seoraphuli Raj. Raj. This Thischallenge challenge sometimes sometimes found found vigorous vigorous expression in in the the self-assertive self-assertiveand and irrepressible irrepressibleenergy energy of ofJaykrishna, expression Jaykrishna, the very with his tanned complexion, hard yet the very type of novus novus homo, with complexion, hard lively features, features, and restless movements. lively finally tested tested the Rays and the The twin twin events events of of 1846 1846 finally the Mukherjees Mukherjees as claimants for local leadership. In In this thissense sense the the symbolism symbolism of of these these occasions of occasionswas wasunmistakable. unmistakable.As Aspointed pointedout outby by‘P’, 'P', an inhabitant of correspondence column Friend of India,, Annadaprasad Bali, in the correspondence columnof of the Friend ofIndia also supported Bali Khal bridge project.88 Ray had also supported the Bali project.88 To the fund for the establishment for establishment of the English English School School also he had had subscribed subscribed Rs. 1,000 1,000 with the promise of a land grant.89 grant.89 As As the condition of this was far far from from flourishing, flourishing, he he must must have have scraped scraped up up the money family was Jaykrishna got all all the credit for the pro­ prorequired with difficulty. difficulty. But Jaykrishna jects when the time came. came. We We have have seen seen how the Deputy Deputy Governor Governor singled him him out out as as the leader singled leader and and spokesman spokesman of the local local gentry. gentry. Jaykrishna and and his his brother brotherwere wereuniversally universally praised praised as asthe the founders founders of the school, school, although others had contributed contributed to to the theschool school although many many others fund. Nothing Nothing was was officially officially said about Annadaprasad. Annadaprasad. He had fund. said about He had

990 0

A BENGAL ZAMINDAR ZAMINDAR

evidently been been beaten in the race for leadership. leadership. He remained in the background; the limelight limelight was was turned turned elsewhere. elsewhere. Actually Actually Annadaprasad had long been outshone and outdistanced by by the Uttarpara U ttarpara parvenus. parvenus. Jaykrishna had had already already emerged emerged as as the new pace-setter pace-setter of U Uttarpara new ttarpara society. society. The The events events of of1846 1846 only only cerecere­ clearly monially registered the change in local leadership, which had clearly passed to to Jaykrishna. Jaykrishna. In In his his turn, Jaykrishna was eager to take this passed this lead never departed departedfrom fromthe thegrassroots grassroots out outof ofwhich which he he grew, grew, lead and he never although in the although he he found found himself himself increasingly involved in larger larger issues in that followed. followed. years that

C H A P T E R SIX SIX CHAPTER

In Full Career: Estate Estate Management Management ((1846-1856) 1846—1856) II.. PROBLEMS P r o b l e m s OF o f AN a n IMPROVING I m p r o v i n g LANDLORD L andlord

The The ten ten years years following following the the establishment establishment of of the the English English School School U ttarparawere were the themost mosteventful eventful in in Jaykrishna's Jaykrishna’s life. life. During this at Uttarpara decade his powers and and abilities were in full play, and he seemed to be at his his constructive constructive best. best. The The acquisition acquisition and and management management of landed estates formed part of of his activities. As a zamindar he was formed the central part up aa system system of his own. own. He this his his varied able to build up He brought to this experience, his his understanding understanding of human nature, experience, nature, aa taste tastefor foradminis.. adminis­ as well well as an intimate intimate knowledge knowledge of zamindari affairs affairs which which tration as he had acquired acquired during during his his spell spell in the Hooghly Hooghly Collectorate. By 1856 the ttarpara had had come come ininpossession possession of of By 1856 the Mukherjees Mukherjees of of U Uttarpara extensive adjacent districts districts of extensivelanded landed estates estatesinin Hooghly Hooghlyand and the the adjacent of Howrah, area of Howrah, Midnapore, Midnapore, Burdwan Burdwan and and Birbhum, Birbhum,with with aa total total area about 400,000 4(30,000 bighas 133,330 acres.1 acres.1 The Friend bighas or approximately 133,330 Friend of of India, writing on the Hooghly zamindars in 1856, raised an an interesting India, 1856, raised question—was the the theold oldlanded landedclass class being being replaced replaced by by the the new new question-was the rich? The Friend did not support rich? support the popular popular notion that the the new new rich were were buying buying out out the old proprietors proprietors of land. land. The The Mukherjees Mukherjees of of Uttarpara U ttarparastill stillfigured figuredprominently prominentlyininthe thelist listofzamnindars, of zamindars, showing showing land.2 that the the existing existing holders holders were still the greatest greatest names names of the land.2 In other other words, words, there there was was no no repetition repetition in in the the1850's 1850!s of of the the process process by which had originally originally acquired acquired their their by which the Mukherjees Mukherjees themselves themselves had properties in the 1830's. 1830!s. O Off course there were revenue sales sales and and men men like Jaykrishna took took advantage of them, but they they did not not amount amount to to a likeJaykrishna general tendency. IItt is is not not possible possible today today to give a detailed detailed account account of of the the growth growth ttarparazarnindari zamindariwhich whichinin1856 1856was was one one of the biggest in of the U Uttarpara in the the Burdwan division. Jaykrishna Jaykrishna was responsible responsible for for the the management management of these vast vast properties properties until 1853 when his brothers assumed these 1853 when assumed charge charge respective shares. shares. The detailed detailed records records of of how how Jaykrishna of their respective administered his his own and his brothers' brothers’affairs affairs are are no no longer available. administered Nevertheless, we form some some idea of of his his system system of of zamindari zamindari Nevertheless, we can can form

992 2

A BENGAL ZAMINDAR

from the brief note note in in his his autobiography, autobiography, supplemented supplemented management from by information from other sources. sources. The record record which which emerges emerges is is one one prudence, calculation and of prudence, and careful careful purchase; purchase; one oneof ofgrowing growing riches riches wisely invested invested in in yet yetmore moreland, his wealth. wealth. wisely land, the the solid solid basis of his salient feature feature of of his his system system was was personal personal supervision supervision and The salient control. Unlike other big zamindars he never left initiative or policy policy control. to his assistants. assistants. Before revenue sale, he Beforebidding biddingfor foran an estate estate aatt a revenue poten­ would collect all necessary necessary information information about its condition and potentialities. On On acquiring the property, tialities. property, he he would would visit visit itit personally personally at the earliest opportunity and and find find out out for for himself himself what scope it would society would give to his enterprise. Generally the village society would present present a very depressing depressing picture, picture, its its vitality vitality having having been been sapped sapped by all kinds and litigation. litigation. The Thevillagers villagerswere were extremely extremelyfond fond of ofgoing going of quarrels and to law, law, although the majority of them gained nothing by it. This litigious habit of the This litigious habit the villagers villagers was was as detrimental detrimental to the the zamindar’s interests interests as the the operation operation of ofmiddlemen middlemen who who generally generally zamindar's and the thebody bodyof ofrayats. raiyats. The Themandal, mandal, or stood between between the zamindar and grown in in power power and and influence influence owing owing to the the village headman, had grown frequent change change of landholders landholders after after the the Permanent Permanent Settlement. Settlement. His His familiarity with, and and possession possession of, of, the village records of survey survey and and settlement and local agent agent settlement and his his collusion collusion with with the the zamindar's zamindar’sgomasta gomasta or local gave him immense advantage advantage over over the zamindar. zamindar. The The office office of gave him an immense village caste, was was often village headman, headman, not not restricted restricted to to any particular caste, craftiness and and an an ability to hereditary and his his main qualification was craftiness impress the village folk folk by by playing playing on on their their feelings feelings and and superstitions. superstitions. impress His influence over the the general general body of villagers villagerswas wasimponderable imponderable but but could take take aa multitude of forms. could forms. It was the headman headman who set the pace of their thought pace thought and and action. action. He Hesystematically systematically exploited exploited the the raiyats, who who were the village village rayats, were wholly wholly in in his his power. power. The The best lands in the were the mandal mandal and associates, the were generally generally appropriated appropriated by by the and his associates, the ordinary raiyats rayats being being left left to cultivate ordinary cultivate lands lands of of inferior inferior quality. quality. A A normal practice practice of of the the mandal mandal and raiyats was to to convert convert and the the principal rayats rent-free tenures by by artifice. artifice. This This practice was was rent-paying lands into rent-free encouraged by by the Shastric encouraged Shastric prescription prescription that land land grants grantson oncerecere­ monial occasions occasions were werehighly highlymeritorious meritoriousacts. acts. The The influential raiyats, rayats, when required required to do so, so,would wouldnot notpart partwith with their their own own lands lands but but would would fraudulently pass on on rent-paying common lands lands of of the the village fraudulently pass rent-paying common village to priests priests and and Brahmins, Brahmins, making making them them rent-free rent-free in in the the process. process. In In this this way way they they alienated alienated aa considerable considerable proportion proportion of good goodand and arable arable land land village, much much to the inconvenience of the the zamindar and the in every village, the

IN TN FULL FULL CAREER: CAREER: ESTATE ESTATE MANAGEMENT MANAGEMENT

993 3

rayats concerned. The rayats difficult to to cultivate cultivate raiyats raiyats found it increasingly difficult

the inferior lands forced forced on on them them and could not help help throwing throwing them them up. This led to the the progressive deterioration deterioration of of the village economy. The exploitation of The exploitation of the the raiyats rayats was wascarried carriedaa step step further further by by the the mahajai, who who generally generally rose rose from from the the ranks ranks of the the raiyats rayats them­ themvillage mahajan, selves. selves. It It was was common common for the mahajan mahajan to tolend lendaa few fewrupees rupees to to aa culti­ cultivator usurious rate rate of ofinterest, interest, going going up to 36%, and then by vator at aa usurious devious meansinflate inflatethe the debt debt to to a formidable amount which which the devious means formidable amount cultivator could could never never pay pay off. off. Very often.this often, this debt debt passed passed from father cultivator to son, sale of a portion or the the whole whole of the son, ultimately ultimately leading to the sale debtor’s raiyat's name name was was enen­ debtor's holding holding to the money-lender.3 money-lender.3 Once a rayat's tered in the mahajan's books,he hewas wasdone donefor. for. Should Should the the rayat tered mahajan's books, raiyat be protest, the the mahajan mahajan would the civil civil spirited enough to protest, would sue sue him him in the court, obtain a decree, his debtor’s debtor's holding holding and and purchase purchase itit either either decree, sell his own name name or or in in that of a dependant. Frauds worse than this in his own worse than were were also also quite common. common. Coveted Coveted lands lands were were obtained by having having them deceitfully attached attachedin inexecution executionof ofdecrees decrees in favour favour of of fictitious creditors. creditors. In such cases cases the the raiyat rayat would would be be kept keptin in the thedark dark about about the the process until eviction from from his holding by process until the moment of his actual eviction the court peon. He could could expect no redress redress from from any any quarter. quarter. For For the side side of of the the village village leaders. leaders. obvious reasons the police was on the and the mahajan found aa willing accomplice in Usually the mandal mandal and mahajan found agent for rent collection. the zamindar's zamindar’sgomasta gomasta or local agent collection. Seldom Seldom drawdraw­ than three threerupees rupeesper permonth, month,the thegomasta gomasta supplesupple­ ing a salary of more than mented his his income incomeby byquestionable questionablemeans—defalcation, means-defalcation, unauthorized unauthorized cultivation andimposition impositionofofmat mathots cultivation and hots or or occasional levies which which seldom actually reached the zamindar. The The pundits pundits and and priests, priests, the the literati literati of the village, village, shut their eyes eyes to these these maipractices. malpractices. The village village clique ensured theirco-operation co-operationby bygiving givingthem themsops sopsininthe theform formofofbrahmottar brahmottar ensured their lands. Those who dared to oppose the dominant group group could could seldom seldom get away with it. it. What W hatdire direconsequences consequences could could result resultfrom from offence offence given to to the the zamindar’s zamindar's agent has been vividly described described by by Rabindra­ Rabindranath Tagore in his short short story story “Ulukharer "Ulukharer Vipad” Vipad".4 ,4 The collusion collusion between between the thegonuista gomasta and the mahajan mahajan completed the suffering of the the simple raiyats. rayats. As the mahajan had the the mortgage mortgage on the mahajan had of rajyats raiyats in lands of the majority of in aa village, village,he he cleared cleared the the zamindar’s zamindar's dues on behalf of his his debtors debtors without without permitting permitting them them to check dues on check the accounts. At harvest the crops raised by the rayats stored in in the raiyats were stored barn of of the the mahajan, mahajan, who his debtors debtors food-grain food-grain barely who doled doled out to his enough for for their theirsubsistence. subsistence.This Thisprocess processsimplified simplifiedthe thegomasta’s enough gomasta's work.

994 4

A BENGAL ZAMINDAR ZAMtNDAR

He gladly offered certain privileges to the mahajan mahajan and andother other principal principal rayats.5 On the whole, the trinity of the village, the inandal, the raiyats.6 the whole, the trinity of the village, the mandal, themahajan mahajan and the the goinasla, gomasta, could raiyats as it pleased. pleased. For For the therajyats raiyats could do do with with the rayats the zamindar was a personage too remote and too too hazy. hazy. The The village village leaders generally generallywere weremore morethan than aa m match leaders atch for for the the zarnindar zamindar whom whom they successfully successfully prevented his prevented from from establishing direct contacts with his tenants. Should the zamindar persist in his attempt attem pt to to have have personal personal round the the local local clique, clique, things things were were relations with his tenants, getting round made difficult difficult for him by by the thewily wilymandal mandal and and his his associates. associates. They They would organize a dharmaghat oraacombination combination of of raiyats rayats against against the dharmaghat or traditional rural rural practice practiceof ofcombined combined resistance with zamindar. This traditional with sanction was was aa formidable formidable weapon weapon in in their hands. Faced a religious religious sanction with a situation situation like like this, this, the the zamindar zamindar would would feel feel helpless helpless and give up the estate job.6 Thus, Thus, contrary contrary to to popular notion, the up estate as a bad bad job.® popular notion, zamindar sometimes sometimes got the worst of it in his contest with the village leaders. This of the the mid-nineteenth-century mid-nineteenth-century village village economy economy in This account of zamindar’s point Bengal is certainly one-sided, given strictly from the zaxnindar's of view. view. Jaykrishna, Jaykrishna, as a zarnindar, zamindar, looked looked at the the situation situation in in this this way zamindari administration accordingly. and formulated formulated his principles principles of ofzamindari administration accordingly. the influence influence of the He was convinced convinced that that anything done to reduce the the middlemen and and undermine underminetheir theirstrength strengthwould wouldgive giverelief reliefto to the the ordiordi­ nary rayats raiyats and advantage to the zamindar.7 zamindar.7 Jaykrishna was glad to ride roughshod roughshod over over the the selfish selfish interest interest of ofheadmen headmenand andmahajans mahajans as as he fought to transform the the submerged submerged mass mass of peasantry into into aa secure secure and prosperous tenant tenant class. class. After personal inspection would After aa personal inspection of aa newly newly purchased purchased estate estate he he would have it surveyed to find out the accurate proportion of rent-paying have surveyed to find out proportion of and rent-free lands. lands. He would would then then classify classify the the rent-paying rent-paying lands lands and rent-free according to their fertility. Inviting according Inviting all allthe thepeasants peasantstotohis hiskachari kachari or office,he hewould wouldallot allotlands landsto toeach each family familyininsuch suchaamanner manner that that local office, each single holding would would comprise compriseaa proportion proportion of good, good, bad bad and each single holding middling lands. Good lands must not be be monopolized monopolized by a minority. This was the usual preliminary preliminary step step of of his settlement8 this process process settlement8 and this led discovery of led to the discovery ofmuch muchhidden hiddenland landand and cut cut at at the root of the the power of the middlemen. raiyats habitually habitually depended dependedon onthe themandal mandal and and One reason why the rayats the mahajan rnahajanwas wasthat thatthey theyhad hadtotoseek seektheir theiraid aidin in many many forms. forms. Many Many of them could not not even even maintain maintainthemselves themselves unless unless they they were were given given monetary advances. advances. Even Even for for buying buying livestock, livestock, agricultural agriculturalirnpleimple­

IN rN PULL FULL CAREER: CAREER:ESTATE ESTATEMANAGEMENT MANAGEMENT

95

ments and seeds ments seeds they must obtain obtain loans. loans. To To win win over over the theraya1s, raiyats, Jaykrishna provide these these facilities facilities including including monetary monetary Jaykrishna arranged arranged to provide loans, very moderate rates. By By this means loans, either without interest or at very he sought ex­ sought to to establish establish aa direct direct relationship relationship with with the the raiyats rayats to the exclusion O f course course he he offered offered the the rayats raiyatseffective effective clusion of the middlemen. Of protection against any possible possible oppression oppression or revenge revenge from the disdis­ Solong longasasthe the mandal mandalwas wasnot notin in his his way, way, he he gave gruntled mandal.s. mandals. So him customary recognition by by inviting inviting his his co-operation co-operation and and assistance. assistance. customary recognition However, he much preferred to have direct negotiations with his However, his tenten­ ants, dispensing dispensing with with his his agency. agency.He Hemade made itit clear clear to to the the raiyats rayats that their interestswould interestswould be be served served better if they reposed their trust in him. successfulininthis thisrespect. respect.The Theraiyats raya&’ habit habit of Not that he he was always always successful allegiance was too too strong strong to to change change overnight overnight by by the allegiance to the mandal mandal was zamindar’s The mandal mandal also tried his his best best to to fight fight off off the the inin­ zamindar's order. The fluences ith his fluences of ofthe thezamindar, zamindar, whom whom he he regarded regarded as as an an intruder. intruder. W With resources however, was often able to to 'have have resources and and patience Jaykrishna, however, his way.9 oppose way.°He He brushed brushed aside aside from from his hispath path anyone anyone who who dared dared to oppose his policy. his In his his autobiography autobiography Jaykrishna makes makes several several references references to to the risks risks involved involvedin inthe thezamindar’s zarnindar's efforts effortsto toassert asserttheir theirauthority authority in their estates, experiences were estates, overriding overriding the middlemen. His own experiences were typical typical of those those of ofmany many others. others. After Afterpurchasing purchasingaapatni estate in in the the Katwa patni estate subdivision of the local local people people subdivision of the the Burdwan Burdwan district, district, he he found found that the wanted to deprive deprive him property. They fabricated fabricated a deed of wanted him of the the property. zjaraor or lease leaseinin the the name name of the local Mohunt’s Mohunt's servant, drove away ijara away Jaykrishna’s gomasta and in­ jaykrishna's gomasta and collecting collecting peons, peons,and and charged charged him him with intended loot loot and and arson. to conduct tended arson. They paid half half aa dozen dozen lawyers lawyers to conduct these suits of these suits against against him. him. Fortunately Fortunately for for him, him, the criminal court of Katwa at that that time time had a discerningjudge. discerning judge. After After a prolonged inquiry extending over six months he was able to see through the game of of the anti-zamindar finally awarded the decree decree in Jaykrishna's Jaykrishna’s anti-zarnindar party and finally favour.10 But But there were occasions occasions when when his problem was not so easily solved. Often he he had had to assert himself himself at at the the risk risk of his his life. life. In fact, solved. Often he he was was living living dangerously dangerously during during these these years. years. The The false false report report that spread in April, 1856 1856 of his hostile group group in in one oneof ofhis his his murder by a hostile estates11 was indicative indicativeof ofthe therisks risks to to which whichhe he exposed exposed himself. himself. estat&1 was Jaykrishna’s unpopularity zamindar was was partly due to to his his Jaykrishna's unpopularity as as aa zamindar systematic detect fraudulent fraudulent alienations alienations of of rent-paying rent-paying systematic attempts attempts to detect on various various pretexts. pretexts. The The tissue tissue of of legal rights and lands carried out on vested interest in rent-free tenures tenureswas wasaaquite quiteunderstandable understandable growth growth

96 96

ZAM1NDAR A BENGAL ZAMINDAR

of many many years years of ofdevelopment. development.Personally PersonallyJaykrishna held that the old Jaykrishna held zamindars of Bengal o f rent-free rent-free tenures to Bengal had had employed employed the the grant of induce people to cultivate and and inhabit Inhabitwaste waste lands. lands. By By and large, large, this this was origin of the the majority majority of of aimas aimas or was the origin or rent-free rent-free grants grants in in this region.12 Such region.'2 Such tenures were were exceptionally exceptionally numerous numerous in in the the district district of Hooghly, interested. Of O f these Hooghly, in which Jaykrishna Jaykrishna was was particularly particularly interested. tenures, variety represented represented rent-free rent-free land granted as a tenures, the lakhiraj lakhiraj variety reward for services performed, or for some reward services performed, some other other special special purpose; purpose; debottar deboUarlands landswere weregranted grantedfor forthe theworship worshipof ofvarious variousHindu Hindu gods gods and and vested in in trustees vested trustees who who had no no right right to to alienate alienate such such lands; lands; lands lands granted for the support support of of learned learned and and pious pious Brahmins Brahmins were were known known brahinottarand andliable liabletotobe bealienated.18 alienated.' as brahmottar existence of these presented the makers makers of the the The existence these tenures tenures had presented Permanent Settlement Settlement with a tricky tricky problem and they they dealt dealt with with itit in in a cavalier cavalier fashion. fashion. The Regulations Regulations of of 1793 1793 distinguished distinguished broadly between badshahi and non-badshahi non-badshahi grants.They Theylaid laiddown down that that all between badshahi and grants. all grants of ornot, not, made made by by whatever whatever authority previous of land, badshahi badshahi or previous to August 12, 12, 1765, 1765, were exempt from revenue. revenue. These were were to be be regarded as as valid valid tenures tenures provided provided the the grantee grantee and and his regarded his heirs heirs had had possessionprevious previoustotothat thatdate dateand and that that the grants obtained bonafide bom fide possession had been made made in in perpetuity. perpetuity.As Asfor fornon-badshahi non-badshahi grants, grants, the the Regu­ Regulations declared that lations that all all revenue-free revenue-free grants made since since 1765 1765 and not confinned confirmed by the the Government, Government, were were invalid; invalid; lands lands exceeding exceeding 100 100 bighasgranted granted previous previous to to December 1, 1790 were subject subject to toresumpbighas 1790 were resump­ tion and assessment assessmentby bythe theGovernment, Government,but but those thosegranted grantedafter after that that tion date might might be be resumed resumed and and assessed assessed by the proprietors proprietors of of estates.' estates.1* It is worthy of note that that grants grantsofofland landmade madesince since1790 1790 were were really really were resumable resumable rent-free and not not revenue-free. Therefore such tenures were by a purchaser on an estate free free of of encumbrances, encumbrances, the the relation on sale of an between grantor and grantee being that that of of landlord and tenant. tenant. Such Such lands should not lands not be be confused confused with with really reallynishkar, nishkar, or or revenue-free, revenue-free, holdings.15 holdings.'5 Jaykrishna was acting within his his rights when he decided to resume all unauthorized tenures tenures in his his estates. To begin with, he would ask holders of such such tenures tenures to to surrender their lands. Should the so-called holders Should go to the district collectorate they fail to do so, so, he would personally personally go collectorate and inspect the records records to find the exact exact amount of of valid rent-free rent-free lands in a given lands given estate. estate. Often Often he he would would write write down down the the necessary necessary details with his own own hands without without depending depending on onlawyers lawyers or or his his own Own clerks, who who were capable of him.'6 Whenever clerks, of misleading misleading him.1® Whenever he bought

IN FuLl.CAREER: CAREER:ESTATE ESTATEMANAGEMENT MANAGEMENT IN FULL

97

an estate, he would carefully examine the the title title deeds deeds of of rent-free lands and recognize recognize those those holders holders of of lakhiraj lakhiraj tenures tenures who who could prove their claims. He did not claims. not hesitate hesitatetotoseize seizethose thoseholdings holdingswhose whose titles titles were were invalid or questionable. The The holders holders of of such properties had no chance when he started ferreting out their their secrets. secrets. In doubtful doubtfulcases cases he would tenure-holders to to retain their properties on payment either allow allow the tenure-holders quit-rent or would buy buy their lands at at the market rate. Especially, of aa quit-rent those persons persons who who derived derived their sole income he considered the cases of those from such such lands. lands. He He would from would redistribute redistribute the resumed resumed lands lands among among them provided them provided they they agreed agreed to to pay pay aa nominal nominal rent. rent. He He acted acted on on the reducing the the proprietary proprietary rights rights in in his his estates estates to to the m miniprinciple of reducing ini­ him.'7 Unhampered by rights, the better for mum; the the fewer fewer such such rights, for him.17 by such vexatious vexatious rights, rights, he he would would have have a greater such greater chance chance of of asserting asserting himself and the affairs affairs of of his estates according to his own and conducting the plans. It is is no surprise that that Jaykrishna, Jaykrishna, as as he he hacked hacked his his way through through the the tangled bugbear of tangled network network of of rent-free rent-free holdings, holdings, became became a bugbear of the holders of invalid rent-free tenures. After some years he did not even have to make an effort to discover discoversuch suchunauthorized unauthorized holdings. holdings. His His reputation reputation ornotorietywoulddo or notoriety would dothe thetrick. trick.Sometimes Sometimeshe hewould wouldhave haveto tooffer offer other inducements. In his autobiography he relates inducements. relates the the different different methods he adopted to suit particular cases. On O n purchasing purchasing an an estate estate composed composed particular cases. of fertile fertile lands lands on on the the river river Ajay Ajay in in 1849 1849he hefound foundthat thatthe the zamindar’s zamindar's margin of profit was suspiciously suspiciously low. the low. His His information information was was that the local people quantity of of rent-paying rent-paying land. land. Since Since people had had alienated a large quantity prove this, this, he he exhorted exhorted the the people people to to tell tell the the truth truth and he could not prove as an incentive promised to restore to them half half of the lands in quesques­ tion. This This worked. worked. Five Five hundred hundredbighas bighas of of good land land were were recovered. recovered. But promise and only 250 250 But Jaykrishna Jaykrishna had had to keep his promise and could retain only bighas for hat he bighas forhimself. himself.TThat he gave gave back back the the rest rest of of the the lands lands to the parties concerned with great great reluctance is clear concerned with reluctance is clear from from his his remark: "These “These scoundrels have been been hanged hanged instead instead of of being being so so richly richly scoundrels ought ought to to have rewarded observed further rewarded for for their villainy.” villainy." He observed further that that he would would not have succeeded in obtaining obtaining the thedesired desiredconfession confession had the Rent Rent Act, Act, “ a dishonestly dishonestly conceived conceived law” passed. Anyway, Anyway, Jay­ "a law",, been been already passed. Jaykrishna, in in this was able krishna, this particular particular case, case, was able to to increase increase his his rent-roll rent-roll by Rs. Rs.500.18 500.« to alienate alienate good good lands lands by fraudufraudu­ Sometimes interested parties tried to lent and and secret secret understanding understanding between between fictitious fictitious opponents opponents in lawlaw­ suits. A patnidar secured the th e , palnidarof ofaa collectorate collectorate estate estate in in Chandrakona secured 7

998 8

A BENGAL ZAMINDAR

cream Soon after buying this estate estate cream of the the property in this manner. Soon Jaykrishnagot got to to know know about about this and and summoned summoned the the previouspatnidar previous patnidar Jaykrishna for explanation. explanation. After After some somehesitation, hesitation,the theman manblurted blurtedout outthe the truth, truth, surrendering the sale-certificate he secure.18 he had contrived to secure.'9 Jaykrishna had had to to deal dealwith withscores scores of of such such cases cases in all his estates. patni estates estates in in Burdwan Burdwan he he found found that an Aguri In one of his many fiatni Aguri decree-holder had attached attachedaalarge largetank tankasasthe thedebottar debottar property of of his debtor. Actually the debtor debtor had had no connection connection with with the the tank tank and and it Actually the was this case case a stern stern warning warning from from Jaykrishna was aa palpable palpable fraud. fraud. In this brought the the decree-holder decree-holder to reason. Realizing that that his his game game was was up, he integral part part of ofthe the rent-paying rent-paying he gave gave in in and and the tank became an integral lands.2° lands.20 By with extraordinary JayBy these these methods, methods, followed followed with extraordinary steadiness, steadiness, Jay­ krishna was was able able to to recover recover much much unauthorized unauthorized rent-free rent-free lands lands and and krishna considerably increase his hisown ownrent-roll rent-rolland and that that of his his brothers. brothers. But considerably increase him great great personal personal unpopularity. unpopularity. Hitherto Hitherto accustomed deal it cost him accustomed to deal with lazy and indulgent indulgent zaminders, zaminders, who either either overlooked overlooked frauds or failed to to detect them, Jaykrishna’s Jaykrishna's tenants failed tenants resented resented his his strictness. strictness. EsEs­ pecially the Brahmins who were were deprived of their favourable tenures pecially slandered him, spreading malicious malicious reports about his his alleged mercimerci­ lessness.On On this this score, score,Jaykrishna Jaykrishna excited excited much much hostility hostility and and more lessness. adverse criticism all through his life. life. Sometimes Sometimes the the so-called so-calledaggrieved aggrieved parties would go to unexpected quarters for for redress. A Brahmin, who his invalid invalid tenure tenure to toJaykrishna, exploithad lost his Jaykrishna, overreached him by exploit­ ing his filial devotion. Jaykrishna's mother, mother, Rajeswari, ing devotion. Jaykrishna’s Rajeswari, was a softsoft­ hearted and deeply religious widow innocent of the intricacies hearted deeply religious widow innocent of intricacies of zamindari management. She She used to have her daily dip in the Ganges at aa fixed fixed hour. One One day day the theclever cleverBrahmin Brahmin saw saw the the old old lady lady as she she cafne caine to to have have her her bath. bath. Putting his case very very artfully, artfully, he he pleaded pleaded with Rajeswari to intercede with her her son son and restore restore his his lands to him. trick worked and the Brahmin Brahmin got back his property The trick property to which he had no legal legal claim.21 claim.2' ItIt is is not not hard hard to to imagine imagine that that after after this this incident incident effective steps steps were were taken taken to to prevent prevent such suitors from from preying on an old lady's lady’s sentiment. sentiment. case in which also also Jaykrishna yield to to ingenuity ingenuity Another case in which Jaykrishna had had to yield A Brahmin of Bandmura, must be related. A Bandmura, aa village village near near Katwa Katwa in Burdwan, to regain regain his his five five biglias bighas of Burdwan, wanted to of land land which which Jaykrishna jaykrishna of the the had resumed. resumed. Dasarathi Ray, the the popular popular Bengali Bengali composer composer of from the same village. day, came from the same village. On On hearing hearing that that Dasarathi Dasarathi had had Jaykrishna’shouse house at Uttarpara Uttarparato to give give a performance, been invited to toJaykrishna's

IN FULL IN FULL CAREER: CAREER: ESTATE ESTATE MANAGEMENT MANAGEMENT

99 99

the Brabmin Brahmin asked him if he could persuade Jaykrishna to restore restore his land. Dasarathi promised promised to to do do his his best. best. The popular composers composers of Bengal Bengal were were known known for for their their sallies sallies of quick-firing, impromptu quick-firing, impromptu wit and improvisations. improvisations. They were not past blackmailing their blackmailing their patrons. patrons. The The refrain refrain of of Dasarathi’s Dasarathi's song song at the the Uttarpara U ttarpara performance performance was: was : ! c'i

5wr '« m

i

I

(Krishna! (Krishna! Everything Everything would would have have been been all all right with with you you if you had not not achieved achieved your triumphs.) triumphs.) The Bengali for for triumph triumph is isjay. ja y. By Byusing usingthis thispun punthe theprince princeofofpopular popular composersmade madeaa subtle subtle attack attack on Jaykrishna composers Jaykrishna and concluded concluded his wascustomary, customary,Jaykrishna recital amidst great applause. As was Jaykrishna presented him with a costly shawl showing showing his hisappreciation. appreciation. He He also also sent sent word word that he would like like to see see the the composer composer privately. privately. He had not not missed missed the clever hint Dasarathi Dasarathi had had given. given. When When the thecomposer composer interviewed interviewed Jaykrishna asked: "What censure?" him, Jaykrishna “W hat have have II done done to to deserve deserve your censure ?” Dasarathi took the opportunity to plead for the Brahmin. Impressed Impressed by by his Ms clever clever advocacy, advocacy, Jaykrishna Jaykrishna agreed agreed to to restore restore the Brahmin's Brahmin’s case.22 lands as a special special case.22 As a rule, the the holders holdersof ofinvalid invalidtenures tenuresasaswell wellasasthe theselfish selfishmiddlemiddle­ men deceive Jaykrishna men could could not not deceive Jaykrishnawith with impunity. impunity. He He came came to to be regarded as as aa strong strong man and the to be held with with regarded the only only safe safe course course to him was him was compliance compliance and and co-operation. co-operation. Jaykrishna Jaykrishnadeeply deeplyappreappre­ ciated honesty, straightforwardnessand and candour candour in in his his tenants. He ciated honesty, straightforwardness had not not become become incredulous incredulous of human goodness, goodness, although he often often had to to deal deal with with all allsorts sortsof ofshady shadypersons, persons, even even downright downright crooks. crooks. remembered the co-operation He always always remembered co-operation and help he he had had received received from poor but but honest In praise of such such men men he he wrote wrote aa from poor honest persons. persons. In praise of significantline lineinin his his autobiography: autobiography: “"If significant If Bengal Bengal contains contains aa large large also contains contains aa proportion of honest honest number of fraudulent persons, persons, it also who seldom seldomfail failtotoacquaint acquaint you you with with real facts."23 men who facts.”23 It says says much for his his character that for thatdespite despitehis hislifelong lifelongexperiences experiences of of dishonesty dishonesty and knavery and knavery he, as as an anold oldman, man,was wasstill still able able to to take take aa balanced balanced view of human view human nature. subject ofJaykrishna's of Jaykrishna’shighly highly controversial controversial policy of While on the subject resuming invalid tenures, it must be pointed out that that he he did not resuming invalid tenures, it must be pointed out not steam-roller all existing rights and privileges. On the other steam-roller all existing rights and privileges. On the other hand, he judged judged each each case case on on its merits and showed wherhe showed consideration consideration wher­

100

A BENGAL ZAMINDAR ZAMINDAR

ever necessary. hat he . . after ever necessary.WWhat he wrote wrote in in 1856 1856isisilluminating: illuminating: "...after resuming all recent alienations alienations there whole resuming all recent there is still about J of the whole that of ofmy my brothers brothers or or about about100,000 100,000 bighas, bighas, area of my estate and that thousands of people held by thousands people in in small small rent-free rent-free grant, grant, of which, which, at at .”M least, one one half is is fairly Ihirlyresumable, resumable,but butthey theyare aretolerated.. tolerated.. . ." Another freely levelled levelled against zamindar Another charge freely against Jaykrishna Jaykrishna as as a zamindar was that that he rack-rented his tenants. tenants. In In this this respect respect he he had had aa clear was rack-rented his clear policy general land policy which which should shouldbe be viewed viewedinin the the context context of the general revenue administration administration in in Bengal. prohirevenue Bengal. The Regulations Regulations of 1793 1793 prohi­ bited abwabs butdid did not not deprive deprive the the landlords of their their power to bited abwabs but landlords of power to enhance rent. One half waste in 1793 enhance half of of Bengal Bengal was waste 1793 and the waste waste lands could could be let by zarninders on their own terms. Regulation IV lands zaminders on the zamindars zamindars to to recover recover rent rent aatt the of that year empowered empowered the the rates rates offered in in the the lease, lease, whether whether the the raiyats rayats agreed agreed or or not. This made it offered possiblefor forthe thezamindars zamindars to toclaim claimany any rates rates they they pleased, pleased, to to distrain distrain possible for those rates and to to put put on on the therayats raiyatsthe the onus onus of ofproving proving for rent at those that the the rates rates so so claimed claimed were not established established rates. O f course course the rates. Of the Company's Government Government in in India India gave the zamindars zamindars this this latitude latitude in Company’s gave the its own own interest. interest. The The result was was that from 1793 to 1858 the landlords landlords its 1793 to 1858 the were able to multiply multiply their rent-roll four times. times. They They claimed claimed that that were able rent-roll four this done unfairly. unfairly.The The peace peace in in the country this was was not necessarily necessarily done country the level of general again led led to the the large-scale raised the general prosperity which again waste lands. The growth of cultivation of waste of population also also generated a competition for lands among the rayats. raiyats. Until U ntil the the Rent RentAct Actof of1859 1859 seems to effective legal zamindars’ there seems to have have been no effective legal check check on on the the zamindars' rent.28 They never had itit so so good. good. power to enhance rent.ss Jaykrishna's outlook and attitudes Jaykrishna’s attitudes as as aa zaxnindar zamindar were were conditioned by this state of affairs. affairs. He had acquired acquired most most of ofhis his estates estates by by 1859. 1859. O an area areaofof23,724 23,724 acres acres was was Off these, these, the estate of Sanchitara with an located Serampore subdivision subdivision and 1847. Its located in in the Serampore and was was bought bought in in 1847. rent-roll was Rs. 59,074 59,074and and its itsland land revenue revenue demand demand was was Rs. Rs. 47,534. 47,534. estate of of Dwarvasini Dwarvasini in Hooghly Hooghly was 1853 aatt aa The estate was purchased purchased in in 1853 cost of three lakhs of rupees. rupees. This one time time had had formed formed cost three lakhs This estate at one zamindari. IItt was only natural natural that part of Dwarkanath Dwarkanath Tâgore's Tagore’s zamindari. was only with his business-like business-likeways wayshehewould wouldtrytrytotoobtain obtain optimum optimum returns from his his investments investments in in landed landed property. property. He He rented his tenants high, he was was always always prepared to to justify justify his his rates. rates. Never Never did did he he forget forget but he that the. the rayats raiyats were the source source of his prosperity. He He liked liked to to believe believe that that the interests interests of zamindar and rayat, raiyat, at at least least up up to to aa degree, degree, were were identical. He was not foolish foolish enough enough to try to kill the goose that laid

IN IN FULL FULL CAREER: CAREER: ESTATE ESTATEMANAGEMENT MANAGEMENT

1101 01

the golden eggs. eggs. Basically seldom Basicallyhe he was was an an improving landlord who seldom thought of enhancing his rent-roll rent-roll without without first first bettering bettering the the condition condition of his enough, he was strict about collecting collecting his his tenants. tenants. True enough, his rents rents punctually in in normal punctually normal years. years. His His logic logic was was that this this apparently apparently hard procedure helped,the theraiyats rayatsinin the the long long run. run. It saved hard procedure helped saved them them liability to pay from becoming defaulters and consequently from the liability' interest. frugal. In interest. Moreover, Moreover, itit encouraged encouraged them them to to be be thrifty and frugal. In distress, however, however,Jaykrishna Jaykrishnawould wouldbe be the the first first to to remit remit the times of distress, of his rayats raiyats and and offer offer other otherforms forms of ofrelief. relief. > rents of understand Jaykrishna's Jaykrishna’s role role as as an an improving improving landlord landlord it is is To understand necessary to describe describe his his methods methods in in some detail. On purchasing necessary to some detail. purchasing estates he would would often often find find in in them vast stretches of waste waste land land and jungles Onn every jungles and sparsely sparsely populated villages. villages. O every side there would would be signs stagnation and decay resulting from the unwise signs of stagnation unwise managemanage­ of former former zamindars. zamindars. Making Making such such estates estates remunerative remunerative was was ment of uphill work. work. To start with, with, he he would would invite invite settlers settlers from from outside outside to take lands on very easy terms. He would give them loans for for building cottages and buying buying agricultural agricultural implements. implements. Land Land would be discottages and would be dis­ tributed among among different different families families according according to to manpower manpower and skill. skill. tributed Jaykrishna himself would waste lands lands Jaykrishna himself would engage engage labourers labourers to to bring bring waste under plough and and would would initially initially bear bear all all expenses expenses for their their under the plough encourage other people people to start culticulti­ cultivation. This would often encourage vation on their own own account. account. Since Since the theyield yield from from the the virgin virginsoil soil for for the first three or four years would would be be very good, good, those those who whovolunteered volunteered which to to complain. complain. Usually to take land would have nothing about which within space of of four years years Jaykrishna would recover his initial within the space expenditure and his tenants would be in a position position to pay him rents on attractive terms.2® on case of of Dwarvasini Dwarvasini well well illustrates illustrates JayJay­ terms.26 The case krishna's methods. methods. Ekkari Ekkari Adak Adak served served Jaykrishna Jaykrishna as as his his agent in krishna’s this estate estate for for many many years. years. Assisted Assisted by Bhutnath Bhutnath Mukherjee Mukheijee and and this Sadhucharan Sarkar, Sarkar, Jaykrishna Jaykrishna refashioned refashioned the management of Sadhucharan the management of Dwarvasini after 1853. To he collected collected Dwarvasini after its its purchase purchase in in 1853. To begin begin with, with, he only nominal rents from from his his tenants. tenants. As As they they prospered, prospered, he he gradually gradually office was was large. large. There enhanced the rent-roll. The The staff staff of of his local office was in the the kachari. kachari. Whenever was aa drum in Whenever he he had something to announce or say he would wouldsummon summonthem them by by the or say to his tenants collectively, collectively, he beat of of the the drum. drum. As As aa zamindar, zamindar, he he was was popular popular in inDwarvasini, Dwarvasini, and was was regarded as a true true friend friend of of his his tenants, tenants, whom whom he he helped helped even in in their personal problems.2®8· even To use every Jaykrishna’s every inch inch of of land land in in all all his his estates estates was wasone oneof ofjaykrishna's problems.26a

102

A A BENGAL BENGALZAMINDAR ZANDAR

guiding principles. principles. He He took took all all possible steps in in this this direction. guiding possible steps direction. In estates subject subject to periodical inundation he estates he would would raise raise embankments embankments make round-the-year round-the-year cultivation cultivation possible. possible. Whenever Whenever this this would would to make rayats to raise spring crops. He be uneconomic, he would advise advise his raiyats had the the soils soils scientifically scientifically tested analysed and would would always always tested and and analysed encourage his his tenants tenants to to try try those those crops crops best best suited suited to to aa particular encourage stretch of land. Even sandy sandy loams would not allow allow to stretch land. Even barns he would to be kept fallow. He He would concerned to to raise fallow. would persuade persuade the the raya1s raiyats concerned raise suitable suitable crops on them. them. He never them to try crops on never ceased ceased exhorting exhorting them try new new crops crops which traditional ones ones like like paddy.27 paddy.27 which might might be be more more paying paying than than the traditional In this responsible for for the the large-scale large-scale cultivation cultivation of potato potato this way he was responsible and sugar-cane in sizable parts parts of the the Hooghly Hooghlydistrict. district. This This amounted amounted to what today today would would be called called a green green revolution. revolution. Jaykrishna had see what the foresight to see what a difference difference potato-growing potato-growing would would make make to to the economy economy of the region region and to to thousands thousands of of families families steeped steeped in poverty. In popularizing the cultivation of potatoes he did pioneering work. Exceptionally good results results were were obtained obtained very shortly. work. Exceptionally good shortly. The seed planted in in the middle the century bore fruit, fruit, both literally seed planted middle of the century bore literally and figuratively speaking. The comparative prosperity prosperity which potatoes brought to to the people of this this area area attracted attracted the attention of many brought people of many intelligent observers. observers. In In 1933 Sir Praphulla Praphulla Chandra Ray, referring intelligent 1933 Sir referring to Jaykrishna’s successful experiments Jaykrishna's successful experiments with with potatoes, potatoes, remarked remarked that the farmers of Kalna Kalna area even the farmers of even then then blessed blessed him for for this.28 Jay­ this.2 Jaykrishna spared no no pains pains to to obtain obtainfor forhis histenants tenantsseeds seedsof ofnew new kinds kinds of locally. In his his estates estates there there were were crops which which might might not be available locally. which were were unsuitable unsuitable for for agricultural agricultural crops but could be used lands which for raising raising timber. He encouraged the tenants tenants who who happened happened to to pospos­ sess such lands, lands, to grow trees sess such trees like like teak, teak, mahogany, mahogany, sal sal and andsissoo. sissoo. Those profit.29 In this Those who who took his advice advice made good good profit.8® this way way JayJay­ krishna made the the maximum maximum use use of ofhis his extensive extensive lands. lands. As an an active member As member of the Hooghly Hooghly branch of of the the Agri-HortiAgri-Hortiwhich he he had helped to found in cultural Society, Society, which in the the early early 1840's, 1840’s, tried his his best best to popularize popularize new new ideas. In 1847 1847 he was Jaykrishna tried was the the of this this branch branch of the the Society with Dr. Dr. C. Palmer Deputy Secretary Secretary of Society with as its Secretary. Secretary. The Committee Committee tried to to encourage encourage all those those who who ventured to make seeds and and crops. crops. It It awarded make experiments with new seeds silver medals medals for for the the best best sample sample of ofcotton cotton and and tobacco from American seeds, and and prizes prizeswere weredeclared declaredfor forOtaheite Otaheitesugar-cane. sugar-cane.Isan IsanChandra Chandra seeds, Banerjee was selections from was commissioned commissioned to to make selections from some some of the the best practical w.orks works on on agriculture agriculture and and horticulture. practical horticulture. At the the Society's Society’s

IN IN FULL FULL CAREER: CAREER: ESTATE ESTATE MANAGEMENT MANAGEMENT

1103 03

expense these these were were printed printed in expense in Bengali Bengali for for general general circu1ation.° circulation.80 Shortly after Jaykrishna Jaykrishna settled settled in Uttarpara Shortly after U ttarpara permanently, permanently, the the exist.3' Hooghly Society ceased to exist.31 Jaykrishna’s interest interest in in farming, farming, however, however, did not not diminish diminish with with Jaykrishna's time. In 1852 time. 1852 he joined joined the parent parent body body of of the the Agri-Horticultural Agri-Horticultural Society India which was based based on Calcutta.82 Society of India Calcutta.32 Thus he obtained a greater greater opportunity opportunity of of promoting promoting agricultural agricultural improvement improvement by by exchange of ideas ideas with with other other experts. experts. The Agri-Horticultural Agri-Horticultural Society exchange Society also served served as as aa meeting-ground meeting-ground of of Europeans Europeans and and Indians Indians in an also atmosphere of informality. of his his great knowledge agriatmosphere informality. Because Because of knowledge of agri­ culture in in Bengal Bengal and his his long record of of promoting the the objects objects of of the Society, Jaykrishna was one of its its valued valued members. He tried Society, Jaykrishna tried his his best best the latest farming problem. Towards to keep the Society informed of the the end of of 1856, 1856, he wrote to to the the Society Society on on the themysterious mysterious disease disease which had destroyed the greater greater part of the sugar-cane crop that which had destroyed the sugar-cane crop year. As the disease attacked only only the the Bombay Bombay cane, cane, sparing disease attacked sparing local local varieties like like keg It and was inclined inclined to ascribe ascribe the the varieties kajli and pun, pun, Jaykrishna Jaykrishna was plant.33 disease to to the greater disease greater porousness porousness of the Bombay Bombay plant.33 Jaykrishna avidly avidly read all all available available literature literature on on scientific scientific farming and the the information information he thus thus picked picked up he he shared shared with with his his tenantry. tenantry. He was was familiar familiar with with the the latest latesttheories theoriesofofirrigation, irrigation,ploughing, ploughing, fertilizers, seed culture culture and and soil soilanalysis. analysis.At AtUUttarpara he maintained maintained fertilizers, seed ttarpara he an experimental farm. As experimental and and demonstration demonstration farm. As soon soon as he he would would achieve success achieve successwith withany any new new seeds, seeds, he he would would send send them them to to his gomastas among his raya1s. raiyats. Detailed gomastosininthe themofussil mofussiltotopopularize popularize them among instructions instructions accompanied accompanied his his orders. orders. He often often invited invited enthusiastic enthusiastic farmers farm. Whenever Whenever he he went went to the farmers to his own own demonstration demonstration farm. the mofussil, he lectured lectured to his mofussil, he his tenants tenants on on the theadvantages advantagesofofscientific scientific farming farming and and with with his his own own hands hands he he showed showedthem them how howtoto use use new new types types of agricultural implements. implements.84 It would would be be unfair unfair to say say that Jaykrishna's estates Jaykrishna’s estates were merely his happy hunting-grounds. hunting-grounds. Jaykrishna wanted his his tenants to to be be enterprising enterprising and and resourceful. resourceful. He disliked disliked their habit of of ascribing ascribing failures failures to to an an unkind unkind fate. fate. On Jaykrishna got in touch touch with with aa raya1 raiyat who had one of his his mofussil mofussiltours toursJaykrishna defaulter blamed blamed his his troubles troubles fallen badly behind with his rents. The defaulter on his bad lands. lands. This This greatly greatly annoyed annoyed Jaykrishna. He bluntly bluntly told told the rayat raiyat that that there there was was nothing nothing wrong wrong with the land; land; the the fault fault was was his his and his his alone. Had H ad he he been been aa little littleresourceful, resourceful, he he would would have have derived a good income from the land besides besides clearing his dues. Why had he he not not sown sown his his lands lands with with some some acacia acacia seeds seeds which would have have

1104 04

A BF.NGAL ZAMINDAR BENGAL ZAMINDAR

cost him him nothing? The acacia acacia wood wood was was largely largely used used for for making making cost agricultural appliances. Jaykrishna Jaykrishna figured figured out how the rayat miyat could could have made a profit of Rs, Rs. 25 25 per per big bigha ha without without having having to to expend expend any embarrassed, could could not not capital and labour on it. The The raya1, raiyat, who felt embarrassed, answer him. him. Seeing Seeing that that the man was Jaykrishna had answer was really helpless, helpless, Jaykrishna his dues dues written written off. off. He was allowed As a his allowed to make a fresh fresh start. start.86 As rule, Jaykrishna Jaykrishna did did not not like like to evict defaulting defaulting tenants tenants or or to take take severe severe legal legal steps steps against against them. them. Either procedure led to to desertion, desertion, knew better better than Jaykrishna how was in in those those and no one knew how difficult it was least itit was was in in his his own own days to find really hard-working farmers. farmers. At least interest that Jaykrishna Jaykrishna showed showed consideration consideration to to those those of of his his tenants who were were in in trouble or who had any who any genuine genuine grievances. grievances.8® As As aa zamindar, Jaykrishna liked to communicate with his tenants directly. On no directly. On no account account would would he hemiss miss his hisannual annualcold-weather cold-weather tours of his his estates. estates. He He could could achieve achieve more more through through getting in direct than by by any any other othermeans. means. Of O fcourse course his his own own touch with his tenants than reputation efficiency and thoroughness greatly reputation for efficiency and thoroughness greatly helped helped him. him. A couple some couple of anecdotes anecdotes which which are arc typical typical of many many others throw some light on this this aspect aspect of of his his zamindari zamindari system. system. On buying a new estate estate Jaykrishna Jaykrishna found found that that the the attitude of the local people people was was definitely definitely hostile. hostile. Instead Jnstead of co-operating co-operating with his local made the place too too hot for for him. him. For two two years years things things did agent they made not improve. improve. At At last last Jaykrishna Jaykrishna took took himself himselftoto the the estate estate to to study study the situation situation which which had been causing causing him him anxiety. anxiety. One day day he he the had been walked into the village unannounced and without the usual retinue walked into the village unannounced and without the usual retinue zamindar. He wanted wanted to to see see his his tenants tenants in in an an atmosphere atmosphere of of of a zamindar. informality. informality. As As he he expected, expected, the village village leaders leaders responded responded to his his gesture favourably. Giving him a befitting befitting welcome, welcome, they they offered offered him good hospitality hospitality and and said said not not aa word word that that could could annoy him. Seeing good Seeing the reception they accorded Jaykrishna, no no one one could could have suspected that they they disagreed disagreed with him him about about anything. anything. Appreciating Appreciating their their response, response,Jaykrishna Jaykrishna met met the the villagers, villagers, high high and and low, to explain the object of his his visit visit and and his his own own plans plans about about the estate. estate. The The effect effect of of his his lecture was was almost almost magical; magical; without the village village headman headman lecture without demur the agreed to clear the arrears of the past agreed past two two years. years. Within Within one one week week Jaykrishna was able to raise the rent-roll of the estate by Rs. 700 with with Jaykrishna his tenants tenants and their Jaythe consent consent of his their representatives. representatives. Of O f course course Jay­ krishna promise of improving village by establishing establishing aa krishna kept his promise improving the village school, tanks.37 On the whole, school, building roads and digging tanks.37 whole, it was not a bad bargain bargain for for the the villagers. villagers. Jaykrishna had a similar similar experience experience

IN PULL CAREER; CAREER: ESTATE ESTATE MANAGEMENT MANAGEMENT IN FULL

1105 05

when J ira t Mundarnala M undamala near Chandrakona. Chandrakona. when he he bought bought the the estates estates of ofJirat Having had the lands surveyed, he personally went there surveyed, personally went there to make a new settlement. For this purpose he invited the people to meet him in his local office. office.But Butthe the tenants tenants were were scared scared of of the the new new zamindar, zamindar, the stories of whose whosesternness sternnesshad hadgone gonethe the rounds. rounds. Four Four days passed and yet no one showed up. At At last Jaykrishna Jaykrishna started started a walking showed up. walking tour of the villages villages and and he chose chose to to be alone. His idea was to encourage the local people to come to him local people him personally personally and and discuss discuss their their problems problems informally. This had had the desired informally. This desired result. What W hat Jaykrishna Jaykrishna saw saw and and The villages villages had had an an inordinate proporheard was really distressing. distressing. The propor­ tion waste lands. raiyats had given given up cultivation cultivation lest lest they they tion of waste lands. The The rayats should be be called called upon upon to pay up should up their their accumulated accumulated arrears. arrears. AgriAgri­ culture had had become become uneconomic uneconomic for them. them. Many Many rajyats raiyats who had once been industrious farmers had been reduced reduced to to the the status statusof ofdaydaylabourers. Jaykrishna, zamindar, certainly certainly could could do do somesome­ labourers. Jaykrishna, as as their zamindar, thing for them. Having completed his study study of of the the villages, villages, he he left completed his the estate instructing instructing his his local local agents to have enough ready cash and for buying buying agricultural agricultural implemake advances to all deserving persons for imple­ ments, livestock, seeds ments, livestock, seedsand and foodgrain foodgrain to to keep keep them them going going until the next harvest. This generated aa new new enthusiasm enthusiasm among among the therayaLs, raiyats, to who had had never never put put their hands to the such an extent that even even those who plough as farmers. farmers. The plough ventured venturedtoto take takesome somelands landsand and set set up up as good yield yield from from the the land land that year good year enabled enabled the the villagers villagers to pay off their outstanding outstanding rents well as loans. Next rents as well as to clear half of their loans. year they were out of debt. Very soon soon they, of their their own own accord, accord, paid Jaykrishna some given them, and agreed Jaykrishna some interest on the loans he had given to the the enhancement enhancement of of rent proposed proposed by him.38 him.88 Jaykrishria's Jaykrishna’s active interest in agricultural agricultural improvementcommunicated improvement communicateditself itselfto to all all those those and had had the knack of of transmitting transmitting near him. He was energetic himself and some some of his his energy energy and and enthusiasm enthusiasm to others. By finding imaginative but practical practical solutions solutions to to farm farm problems, problems, he hesignificantly significantly advanced advanced agricultural prosperity prosperity in in some some important importantWest West Bengal Bengal districts. districts. different As Jaykrishna Jaykrishna acquired his estates mostly mostly by purchase at different times, they they did not form a solid times, solid mass. mass. In fact, they they were were scattered scattered over a wide area covering six districts. they had had grown grown districts. Over the years they too large large in number for too for him him to to manage manage personally. personally. Of O f course course his his eldest son, Haramohan, Haramohan, was was old old enough enough to to give eldest son, give him him aa helping helping hand, hut for the day-to-day hand, but still still he he required required a clerical clerical staff for day-to-day adad­ ministration as well well as for for special special duties. Jaykrishna Jaykrishna was was convinced convinced that'many that manyof ofthe theevils evils of of the zamindari zamindari system system resulted from the poor

106 106

A BENGAL ZAMINDAR ZAMJNDAR

pay localagents. agents.An An ill-paid ill-paid and and unscrupul­ unscrupulpay scales scales for the the gomo.4as gomastas ororlocal ous gomasta wasaasource sourceof ofinfinite infinitemischief mischieftotothe the zamindar. zamindar. On the gomasta was the was aa great asset. So contrary, an efficient efficient and trustworthy trustworthy gomasta gomasta was Jaykrishna, to to begin begin with, with, was was very very circumspect circumspect about about selecting selecting his his gomastas gomastasasaswell wellasashigher higher officers. officers.He He closely closely supervised supervised their their work, with with the the result result that thatthey theyhad hadfew fewopportunities opportunities to toline line their theirown own pockets pockets aatt his cost. cost. He paid his his men men higher higher salaries salaries to to keep keep them them He never never allowed allowed his his local local agents agents to to live live off off the the rayats, raiyats, above want. He which which was was the general general practice. practice. To To ensure ensure their theirindependence independence as as the zamindar's representatives, representatives, they strict instructions instructions not the zainindar's they had strict not to to gifts on on pain pain of punishment. Moreover, he totally accept even small gifts abolished the mathots. the hateful hatefulcustom customofofexacting exacting mathots.All Allabwabs, abwabs,traclitradi­ tionally payable to the zamindar, zamindar, were were also relinquished. The rayats, raiyats, of course, course, were were allowed allowed to raise raise collections collections for celebrating celebrating village village festivals. The The money money obtained obtained in in this manner was spent in the village festivals. itself.39 Jaykrishna's critics, when they condemned him for extortions, extortions, itself.®9Jaykrishna’s forgot to these healthy healthy innovations innovations as well as the forgot to take into account these agricultural prosperity enjoyed by his tenants. His methods degree of agricultural doubtless But alongside alongside the the instances of his doubtless were very business-like. business-like. But strictness policies and constructive efforts efforts which strictness were were the the policies which saved saved the ordinary rayats from many many annoyances annoyances and and enabled enabled them them to lead a raiyats from better better life. life. zamindarJaykrishna's As aa zamindar Jaykrishna’sone oneidea ideawas wasto to keep keep control control of of adminisadminis­ tration in in his his own own hands. hands. His His managers managers and and assistants assistants must must not not be be allowed allowed to to play play any any tricks tricks on on him. They must never forget forget that that he was the boss. Although he he was was able able to to delegate delegate authority authority and allow was boss. Although allow action by deputies, he always reserved the the last word word and demanded always reserved constant reference reference to to himself. himself. Acts Acts of ofindiscipline, indiscipline, however however trifling, trifling, never escaped his notice. For this escaped his this constant constant vigilance vigilance was was required. required. Jaykrishna, as as a rule, rule, transferred transferred his his agents agents at at frequent frequentintervals intervals lest lest they should form local ties ties detrimental to his form local his interests. interests. This was was an innovation so so far far as the innovation the old old zamindari zamindari system system was was concerned.40 concerned.40 Secondly,Jaykrishna Jaykrishna compelled compelled his his assistants assistants and and agents Secondly, agents to to keep keep their papers in perfect perfect order. The The zarnindari zamindari system, system, like the East East India Company's governmentinin India, India, was was aa "government" India Company’s government “government” by by writing, and yet yet in in many many cases cases zamindari papers were maintained maintained in in an extremely extremely haphazard haphazardand andunsystematic unsystematicmanner. manner.Generally Generallyzaminzamin­ dars’clerks clerks intentionally kept their accounts accounts in in this this way so that their their dars' masters could not get the hang of them. Jaykrishna would have none tricks. The papers papers of of his his estates estates were known known for of these old tricks. for their

IN IN FULL PULL CAREER; CAREER: ESTATE FSTATE MANAGEMENT MANAGEMENT

1107 07

clarity and and accuracy. accuracy.None Noneofofhis hisofficers officers was allowed to resign withwith­ surrendering the the papers papers in in his hiscustody custodyand andoffering offeringsatisfactory satisfactory out surrendering explanations questions.41 explanations to all questions.4' system efficient efficient Jaykrishna To make his zamindari system Jaykrishna adopted adopted many managerial devices, which was was the the method method of annual annual estimates managerial devices, one of which collection. Early to submit submit of collection. Early every every harvest harvest year year his his agents agents had had to atsaitas, reports on estimated estimated collection. collection. These These reports, reports, known known as as atsattas, reports in the the presence presence of ofsuperior superior officers officers who checked the were prepared in local men's statements statements by by comparison with actual conditions. Jay-­ local men’s comparison with conditions. Jay krishna made his to these krishna made his annual annual budgets budgets according according to these reports. reports. A gomasta had to give satisfactory explanations in case he failed failed to remit the stipulated rent by the stipulated amount amount of rent the end end of of the the year. year. Jaykrishna Jaykrishna greater control control of ofhis his mofussil staff by gained a greater by this means. means. Here was a novelty novelty in degree degree if if not not in in essence. essence. Seeing Seeing its its advantage, advantage, many many other zamindars copied copied Jaykrishna's Jaykrishna’s methods. methods.42 One wishes wishes Jay other zamindars Jay-­ krishna had had found krishna found time time to to write write and and publish publish his his rules rules of of estate estate management um ar Tagore Tagore did did four four times times between between management as as Prasanna Prasanna K Kumar 1851 and 1868 and M Maharaja 1851 and 1868 and aharaja Suryakanta Acharya did in in 1887. 1887. Were Jaykrishna’s Jaykrishna's estates, estates, then, then, always always managed managed like like clockwork? clockwork? Was raiyat? Did his tenants Was there no friction friction between between zamindar and rayat? adore him him?? These always adore These questions questions must be answered in the negative. negative. would be be aa mistake mistake to to suppose suppose that that perfect perfect agrarian agrarian harmony harmony It would characterized characterized his his estates. estates. Notwithstanding Notwithstanding his his personal personal control control and and his success in removing the laxity and corruption which were his success in removing the laxity and which were inin­ herent in the zamindari system, he could not altogether prevent zamindari system, prevent some some of his their devices devices of dodging his in­ his personnel personnel misbehaving. misbehaving. They They had their inconsequence that the the rayats raiyats somesome­ structions and directives, with the consequence times suffered. suffered.Moreover, Moreover,Jaykrishna’s Jaykrishna's strictness strictness about about rent-collection caused caused widespread widespread dissatisfaction. dissatisfaction.There There was wasno no dearth dearth of interested fan the flame flame of this this discontent. discontent. In In his his time time Jaykrishna Jaykrishna had parties to fan to face many combinations combinations of raya1s raiyats and no-rent no-rent campaigns, campaigns, some some of which involved great personal personal risks risks for for him.43 him.43 When When called upon to deal with refractory tenants, tenants, he he first first tried tried to to explain explain how how misguided they were in going against against him him and how foolish foolish itit would would be for them to go to the law law court. court. If If they they still still remained remained hostile, hostile, he took took them them through the lowest through lowest to the highest courts until they they were were played played out out and their their itch itch for for law-suits law-suits gone. He trounced trounced those those who who went went aa step step further in their their intransigence. intransigence. This This kind kind of of treatment, treatment,however, however, was was Jaykrishna generally used to deal with with the middlemen whose influence influenceJaykrishna always detested detested and and often destroyed. To the actual always destroyed. To actual tillers tillers of of the the soil soil

1108 08

A BENGAL ZAMINDAR

he was although sometimes sometimes innocent innocent persons persons was generally generally considerate,4* considerate," although for the the provocation provocation given given him him by by the ring-leaders. must have suffered for His His attitude was was clearly clearly paternalistic. paternalistic. Even Even when wheii the most most hostile hostile tenant, after long long opposition, opposition, submitted unconditionally, he submitted to him unconditionally, was at at once restored to his favour. favour. O Off course course he got was got aa good good scolding scolding from cases Jaykrishna, Jaykrishna, from Jaykrishna Jaykrishna before before he he was was forgiven. forgiven,In in such cases even at some their feet. some personal personal sacrifice, sacrifice,set sethis hisrepentant repentant tenants on their Hee would would give give them them all all possible possiblehelp help until until they they could could carry carry on on for for H themselves. of his successfully themselves. There There are many instances of successfullyrehabilitating rehabilitating were down down and and out.a6 was prepared to do former opponents who were out.46 He was eveything for for his histenantry tenantry but but he demanded one inexorable condition in obedience and and trust. trust. in return—their return-their obedience There is no denying that Jaykrishna’s methods of of zamindari zamindari There is no denying that Jaykrishna's methods were harsh harsh and arbitrary, management were arbitrary, especially especially before before 1859. 1859. The way he tried to way to enhance enhance his his rents rents was was often often criticized criticized very very sharply. sharply. Some even suggested suggestedthat that his hiswell-advertised well-advertised philanthropy philanthropy was a means of throwing throwing people people off off the the scent scent of oppression. oppression.In In this this respect respect what W. Superintendent of of Police Police of of the the Lower Lower Provinces, Provinces, W. Dampier, the Superintendent reported to to the the Government Government on on June June 12, 12,1847 1847was was very very damaging. damaging. Referring to to the transfer for the Referring transfer of the landed property property of of Boinchi Boinchi for maintenance of the newly ttarpara English School, Dampier maintenance newlyfoundedU foundedUttarpara Dampier complained that that Jaykrishna Jaykrishna had enhanced the rental by complained rental of of Boinchi Boinchi by more than Rs. 1,000. had resisted his his attempts attempts to collect more 1,000. The The rajyats raiyats had rent at the new rate. By the the timely timely action action of S. S.Wauchope, Wauchope, the the District District Magistrate, an affray between Jaykrishna's retainers Magistrate, between the rayats raiyats and Jaykrishna’s had just been been avoided. avoided. Jaykrishna's Jaykrishna’s summary summary suits suits for for the the increased increased been rejected rejected by the Collector and yet he had reportedly rental had been collected about Rs. Rs. 700 of the enhanced rentah collected about rental·. This This case, case, said the the Police Superintendent,illustrated illustratedtwo twothings: things:the theevil evil of of the subletting subletting PoliceSuperintendent, system and the the deceptive deceptive liberality liberalityofoflalukdars tahtkdars who tended to to compel compel raiyats to pay for their philanthropy.44 Government ordered their rayats philanthropy.46 The Government and Rajkrishna in aa letter to an inquiry into the rnatter.47Jaykrishna m atter.45Jaykrishna and the Collector of brought against them. of Hooghly answered the charges brought Describing to face face in in Boinchi Boinchi since since its its Describing the the problems problems they they had had had to Jagamohan, they purchase in 1834 1834 by Jagamohan, they ably ably defended defended their theiraction.47a action.47a J . J. J . Harvey, Harvey,the theCommissioner Commissioner in in charge charge of of Hooghly, Hooghly, found after the J. inquiry that that the the measures adopted by Jaykrishna were not encouraged byJaykrishna Dampier.47b The Board by the tenurial rearrangement, rearrangement, as as alleged alleged by Dampier.47b ofReveriue agreed, and and informed the Government Government that of Revenue also agreed, that the the specific specific valid.4?0 The question charges brought against Jaykrishna charges Jaykrishna were were not valid.470

IN FULL IN FULL CAREER: GARBER:ESTATE ESTATEMANAGEMENT MANAGEMENT

1109 09

raised by Dampier Dampier was was certainly certainly serious, serious, but but there thereisis no no need need to to isolate isolate policy of rent enhancement which has it from.Jaykrishna's from. Jaykrishna’s general general policy already been been discussed. discussed. The criticism against Jaykrishna Jaykrishna as as aa zamindar zamindar went on on mounting mounting as time passed. passed. In InSeptember, September,1850, 1850,the theBengal BengalRecorder, Recorder, described as as an Anglo-Hindu paper, published aa report report about about Jaykrishna’s Jaykrishna's tyranny tyranny Hurkarudiscounted discounted the the allegations allegations and and oppression. oppression. The Bengal Bengal Hurkaru ascribed them to personal jealousy; few who who knew knewor or had had heard heard anyany­ down as a cruel cruel tyrant tyrant and andopop­ thing of Jaykrishna Jaykrishna would would put put him down strength of yet the the Anglo-Indian Anglo-Indian pressor on the strength of stray information.48 information.48As yet press had nothing but praise praise for Jaykrishna, Jaykrishna, but its tone tone became became press had nothing vindictive and carping carpingas as soon soon as he began his attack vindictive and attack on the colonialist indigo system in Bengal. Seen Seen in the round, round, Jaykrishna's Jaykrishna’sdealings dealings with with his his tenantry reprerepre­ sented a curious mixture of of firmness and kindness. kindness. One sure proof of his deep concern conceris for his his raiyatsvfm rayats was his hisaccessibility accessibilitytotothem. them. In In this re­ respect his behaviour behaviour was refreshingly different different from from that that of the the average average zamindar, tenants, thinking zamindar, who who avoided avoidedseeing seeing his tenants, thinking itit an an irksome irksome busibusi­ him ness best best left left to to his his officers, officers,and andlittle little realized realized that that this alienated him from his tenants who always played into the hands hands of of his unscrupulous officers. OOn n the ttarpara officers. the other other hand, hand, Jaykrishna, Jaykrishna, whether whether aatt his his U Uttarpara headquarters headquartersor orin inthe themofussil, mofussil, was never too busy to grant interviews to to the humblest of his his tenants. He never kept them waiting. Usually they came a great distance to see him him:: the longer longer they stayed stayed away from work the the greater their loss.48 from work loss.® Their genuine genuine grievances grievances were were promptly redressed. No officer officerdared dared to to intercept intercept them on their way to the zamindar. to zamindar. This This facility of direct approach, which Jaykrishna's Jaykrishna’s tenants enjoyed, enjoyed, substantially substantially mitigated mitigatedthe theseverity severityof ofhis his system. system. At any rate itit did did not not work work as as an an impersonal impersonal machine. II. COMMUNICATION II. C o m m u n ic a t io n AND a n d DRAINAGE D r a in a g e

Jaykrishna perceived, Jaykrishna perceived, as as many many zamindars zamindarsdid didnot, not, the the nature nature and and seriousness ofthe the problem problem of of inundation inundation as as it affected seriousness of affected the riparian districts Bengal. In In fact fact large large tracts of land in Hooghly, districts of Bengal. Hooghly, Howrah

and Midnapore Midnapore had had been beenaffected affected by by annual annualfloods floods of of rivers like the

Damodar, Damodar, the Silai Silai and and the the Darakeswar. Darakeswar. Jaykrishna Jaykrishna realized realized that unless his tenantry could be unless his be protected protected from from the thevisitations visitations of of nature, welfare would be in in vain. Many whatever else he might do for their welfare years’ river in in aa single single day. years' hard work might be spoilt by an angry river

1110 10

BENGAL ZAMINDAR A BENGAL

Unfortunately, the Government Unfortunately, Government was was careless careless about maintaining maintaining embankments and improving drainage. In the embankments and improving drainage. the Hooghly Hooghly district district exex­ the responsibility responsibility of the GovernGovern­ treme confusion had prevailed as to the ment and the zamindars zamindars in maintaining maintaining embankinents. embankments. The situation situation in 1845 1845 when about about ninety ninety masonry masonry sluices sluices had been became clearer in rayaL. Next constructed in formerly made constructed in place place of the cuts formerly made by by the raiyats. year the Government appointed appointed aa committee committee which which recommended recommended the the removal removal of of all all existing existing embankments embankments and and their replacement replacement by by a system of ofdrainage drainage channels.50 channels.5°But Butactually actuallythe theGovernment Governmentattempted attempted littleand achieved meantime the theDamodar Damodar littleand achievedstill still less. less. In the meantime the floods of the continued to continued to play play havoc with its banks, which between 1847 1847 and 1854 were numerous places places nearly every every year.5' year.51 This caused caused were breached in numerous whom were wereJay­ Jaygreat suffering to a large number of of people, many of whom krishna's tenants. In April, krishna’s April, 1859 1859 he wrote to E. Jenkins, Secretary to the Howrah Ferry Fund Fund Committee, Committee, urging urging the the necessity necessity of joining joining Bali and and Baidyabati Baidyabati for for draining draining out out the waters of the the khals khals of Bali the flooded raiyats of Hooghly, Serampore flooded Damodar Damodar which exposed the rayats Baidyabati to great suffering, causing much much damage to crops. crops. The The and Baidyabati Governmentwas wasnot not ready ready to to take any immediate Government immediate steps. steps. Captain Captain Fraser made a counter counter suggestion suggestion requiring requiring the the excavation excavationof ofthe the Bali Bali Khal. Jaykrishna thought and he began thought this this would would be be less less feasible feasible and writing to newspapers in support support of of his own proposal. Probably it was writing to who wrote wrote the the letter letter which which appeared appeared in the Englishman he who Englishman of Novem­ Novem6, 1851 1851 and was was signed signed "A “A Zamindar".52 Zamindar” .52 Jaykrishna this ber 6, Jaykrishna kept this matter m atter constantly constantly before before the Government Government until itit took took some some definite action. No one knew better than than Jaykrishna Jaykrishna how how coldly coldly the the GovernGovern­ ment received suggestions orginating with non-officials in general ment received general and Indians in particular. particular. So So he he never never tired tired of ofprodding prodding Government Government Indians officers, high 'highand and low, low, to to get get things things done. done. As As an an incentive incentive to Governofficers, Govern­ ment action he invariably, invariably, while while submitting submitting aa scheme, scheme, specified specified the amount of was ready ready to to contribute contribute personally. amount of money he was of the the Government Government never damped Jaykrishna. On The callousness callousness of On February 5, 5, 1850 1850 he wrote to the executive engineer in charge of of the Kalmijole drawing his his attention attention to to the the Kalmijole embankment embankment in Midnapore, drawing the Silai river river to the regions south and damage caused caused by the the floods floods of the west of of M Mathurapur. west athurapur. Waiting Waiting in in vain vain for for aa reply reply for for one one whole whole year, Jaykrishna brought the matter m atter to to the thenotice noticeof ofCaptain Captain Spence, Spence, the the District Civil Engineer. Once Once again again he hewas was unsuccessful unsuccessful in eliciting eliciting aa reply. A reference reference made made to Lt. Col. reply. Col. Goodwyn Goodwyn in in 1853 1853 also produced satisfactory result. result. So So without without waiting any further for no satisfactory for government

IN FULL FULL CAEEER: CAREER:ESTATE ESTATEMANAGEMENT MANAGEMENT

111 111

action, Jaykrishna took took the initiative initiative and andraised raisedaafew fewembankments, embankments, bringing great relief to the local people. He, however, simultaneously simultaneously Government to to take take necessary necessary steps. steps.53 went on urging the Government How to tame the the Damodar, Damodar, the theriver riverof ofBengal's Bengal’s sorrow, sorrow, remained remained vexed question question and and the opening of of the the East East Indian Indian Railway in 1854 a vexed 1854

complicated itit further. further. Protection complicated Protection of the railway railway became the chief chief the Government. Government. As the the railway tracks were often often damaged damaged concern of the by the floods, floods,the thegovernment government decided decided to to complete completeand andstrengthen strengthen the the left embankment embankment and and to remove the right embankments left embankments for twenty retaining only such embankments as were were situated situated at angles angles and miles, retaining curves curves of of the the river river where where the current bore bore directly directly upon upon the theland.54 land.54 This exposed exposed aa large large number number of people people to to the the periodical devastation devastation caused by inundations. inundations. The The breach breach of the Krishnapur embankment caused by in in 1855 1855 demonstrated demonstrated the the danger danger inherent inherent in the new new policy. policy. The authorities, however, did nothing to repair the breaches. On July 17, 17, 1855 Jaykrishna, as as the the spokesman people, sent sent a 1855 Jaykrishna, spokesman of the suffering suffering people, memorial memorial to to the Lt. Governor, Governor, referring to the the agreement agreement of of 1847 1847 between the Government and the the Maharaja M aharajaof ofBurdwan Burdwan by by which the the Government and and not not the the zamindars zamindars was was obliged to repair repair the the breaches construct new ones when necessary. n­ of the old embankments and construct necessary. U Unfortunately the Government appeared to to be uncompliant. In In spite spite of of Jaykrishna's lifelong direction nothing nothing tangible Jaykrishna’s lifelong efforts in this direction tangible was done. The Damodar, Damodar, unrestrained unrestrained by by embankments embankments along along its its western bank, continued to flood large large areas areas in in Arambagh Arambagh and Khanakul, causing causing immense damage to to the thewinter wintercrops.55 crops.65 Quite often often the the Government's Government’s irrigation irrigation and anddrainage drainageschemes schemes provided cures which were worse than the the disease. disease. The The disconnection disconnection of the the Damodar from from the the Kana Kana Damodar, the the original original channel of the river, was was aa good goodinstance instanceof ofthis. this.The TheKana Kana Damodar, Damodar, when a flowing rivulet, drained out out and and fertilized fertilized aa forty-mile forty-mile tract of of Howrah and Hooghly and supplied drinking water. water. After After supplied the the local people with good drinking disconnection, the rivulet became a stagnant the disconnection, stagnant sheet sheet of water unfit for covered with of aquatic aquatic weeds. weeds. Jay for drinking drinking and and covered with aa thick mat of Jay-­ protesting letter to Captain 1853, krishna sent aa protesting Captain Goodwyn Goodwyn onJune on June10, 10,1853, pointing out the evils evils resulting resulting from from preventing preventing the waters waters of the pointing Damodar Damodar flowing flowing into the the Kana Kana Damodar. He prayed prayed for the removal of the artificial barrier. The The authorities authorities made made no no immediate immediate response response hisprayer. prayer. But ButJaykrishna matter to his Jaykrishna took the m atter up to the Revenue Board and then to to the the Lt. Lt. Governor. Governor. Many M any years years went went by. by. At At long long last the Government, Government, stung stung by by reproaches, reproaches,decided decidedtoto take take action. action. The The concon­

112

A BENGAL BENGAL ZAMINDAR

struction struct ion of the the Eden Eden Canal Canal solved solvedthe thelong-standing long-standingproblem. problem. Happily Happily Jaykrishna lived to see see the fruition of of proceedings proceedings which which he hc had put many years years ago.56 ago.8® in motion many One major major cause cause of of economic stagnation in rural ruralBengal Bengalininthe thepreprestagnation in railway days was the absence of good roads. This was felt all the more in the the western western districts districts which which did did not not have havefacilities facilities of of river river comcom­ munication like Eastern Bengal. Farmers could not market their propro­ duce with advantage owing Jaykrishna’s deep deep owing to to bad bad communication. communication.Jaykrishna's concern the concern for for this this problem problemhad had led led him him to to take an active part in the Bali Khal project project in in 1846. During the next ten years he initiated or 1846. During supported many schemes for districts of supported many schemes for road road construction construction in in the districts Hooghly, Howrah Bali Khal bridge bridge was was of little Hooghly, Howrah and Burdwan. The Bali benefit to those who lived metalled road lived to to the the north northof ofitit for want of a metalled cost of the like the one connecting the bridge with Howrah. The cost the road, road, as estimated by the the executive executive engineer, engineer, would be be about about Rs. Rs. 19,000. 19,000. Government was ready to meet half half this this cost cost if the local people people The Government would contribute contribute the the other otherhalf. half. The Thescheme schemewas was held up owing to the failure of the local failure local zamindars zamindars to pay up their their subscriptions. subscriptions. At last last Jaykrishna came came forward forward and and undertook to meet the deficit. in 1849 1849 Jaykrishna deficit. Governmentto to sanction sanction the the scheme scheme His generous proposal induced the Government immediately. A immediately. A committee committee composed composed of ofsome some of of the local local subscribers subscribers was set up up and the work entrusted to an Indian was set Indian contractor contractor of of long long experience 17,000.57 In 1853 1853 Jaykrishna and and RamRamexperience for for aa sum sum of Rs. l7,000. narayan Mukherji Mukheqi ofJanai, ofjanai,aavillage village in in the interior interior of Hooghly, narayan Hooghly, under­ undertook the construction of aa nine-mile Janai. For For this this nine-mile road road from from Bali Balito toJanai. Jaykrishna gave Rs. 1,000 and Ramnarayan donated 500, the Jaykrishna gave Rs. 1,000 and Ramnarayan donated Rs. Rs. 500, the Government defraying the rest of the expenditure.®8 expenditure.58 In this this way Jay­ Jayclosely associated associatedwith with the the construction construction of of aa number of krishna was closely district and and inter-district and district inter-district roads roads like those those between between Serampore Serampore and between Norai and and Nityanandapur; Nityanandapur; between between Hooghly Hooghly Chanditala; between Dwarvasini.59 and Dwarvasini .° In addition addition to tothe theconstruction constructionofofthese thesenew new roads roads Jaykrishna Jaykrishna was was also responsible responsible for for the renovation of some some of the the old Badshahi roads which hadfallen had fallen into intodisrepair disrepair by bythe themiddle middle of ofthe thenineteenth nineteenth century. century. The most most important important of ofthese these were were the theBurdwan-Midnapore Burdwan-Midnapore road, road, which originally had run from Midnapore to Rajmahal Rajmahal via via Burdwan, and the the Burdwan-Katwa Burdwan-Katwaroad.6° road.60The TheGovernment Governmenthad hadalso also neglected Benares road, the old Benares road, known known popularly popularly as as Ahalya Abalya Bai Bairoad, road, after after the the 1780.61 illustrious who had constructed it around illustrious Rani of Gwalior, Gwalior, who around 1780.®1 this important important arterial arterial road at at the instance instance of ofJaykrishna The repair of this Jaykrishna

FULL CAREER: CAREER:ESTATE ESTATEMANAGEMENT MANAGEMENT IN FULL

1113 13

was blessing to many villages villages in of the Howrah Howrah was aa great blessing in the interior of district.62Altogether Altogetherititwas wasremarkable remarkablethat that the the improvement improvement in the district.62 means of ofcommunication communication in the four important important districts districts of of the Burdwan much to one man. man. Division should owe so much lost in in importance as a result of the opening of of The roads, however, lost the East Indian Indian Railway. Railway. This Thisrevolutionized revolutionized the the transport transport system system of a vast region in whose development Jaykrishna Jaykrishna was keenly interested. He must have have welcomed welcomed the the railway railway age age with with its its immense immense possibilities. The East Indian Indian Railway Railway line line from from Howrah to to Burdwan skirted skirted many his estates estates and and passed passed along along the western border of of his of his home town town of of U ttarpara. The The people people of of Bali-U Bali-Uttarpara come to Cal­ Uttarpara. ttarpara who who used to come to Calcutta daily by boat gradually gradually changed changed over over to to the the speedier speedier means of Personally Jaykrishna Jaykrishna showed showed aapreference preferencefor forthe theslower slower transport. Personally but more comfortable comfortable means of of conveyance and he paid his his frequent visits to to Calcutta Calcutta in his private boat. visits The improved means of transport and communication improved means communication in themthem­ selves would not not mean mean much much to the selves would the villagers villagers unless unless they had had wellwellregulated markets near their homes. regulated markets situated situated conveniently conveniently near homes. Often Often they had had to cover they cover great distances distances daily, daily, carrying carrying their produce to faraway hats and and bazaars. bazaars. This This involved involved much much loss loss of of time time and unfaraway hats un­ necessaryphysical physicalhardship. hardship.To To save save his his tenants tenants this this trouble, Jay­ Jaynecessary krishna set set up up bazaars marts aatt many krishna bazaars and and weekly weekly or or bi-weekly bi-weekly marts many places to the the shopkeepers shopkeepers to places in in his his zamindari. zamindari. He He advanced capital to make a start, and and built built sheds sheds and and rooms rooms for for them. them. In In many many cases cases he suffered pecuniary loss loss initially to suffered initially when when he he made such ventures, but to these were wereaa great great blessing. blessing.In In the the long long run, run, Jaykrishna Jaykrishna the villagers villagers these course profited profited by the outlay of course outlay on onthese theseprojects.63 projects.®3 III. ZAMINDAR III. Z a m in d a rVERSUS v e r s u s GOVERNMENT G overnm ent

The Government often blamed the zamindars for their unsympathetic attitude to to their their tenants, tenants, but butitself itselfdid did very very little little to to improve improve the lot of the the peasantry. peasantry. Nothing Nothing revealed revealed its its callousness callousness in this this respect respect better than than the the indigo indigo system. system. The authorities authorities winked winked at the the oppresoppres­ sions of of the the European European indigo indigo planters planters who who were were on on the the rampage rampage in in sions many Bengal Bengal districts. Govern­ districts. Far Far from from trying trying to restrain them, the Government often granted them favours, the latest being ment often granted favours, the being the plan to to arm arm indigo planters planters with with the thepower powerofofassistant assistantmagistrates magistrates from from the indigo However, before before implementing implementing the scheme, the GovAugust 1, 1, 1857. 1857, However, Gov­ ernment wanted wanted to to have havethe theviews viewsofofsome someknowledgeable knowledgeable persons, persons, 8

114

A BENGAL ZAMINDAR

andBritish. British, In InApril, April,1856 1856H. Η .V. V.Bayley, Bayley,the theSessions Sessions Judge Indian and of Hooghly, Hooghly, invited invited Jaykrishna’s Jaykrishna's opinions. opinions. Jaykrishna’s Jaykrishna's reply reply dated April 1856 makes makes interesting interesting reading, reading, since since it it expresses expresses the April 21, 1856 attitude of of aa leading leading zamindar zamindar to toan anextremely extremelycontroversial controversial issue. issue. began by by saying that the the indigo indigo planters planters of of Bengal had Jaykrishna began no permanent permanent interest interest in in this this country. country. Some Some of ofthem themheld heldtaluks taluks local influence influenceand and power power to to have have their indigo mainly for the sake of local contracts fulfilled by the rayats. raiyats. This was was an excuse excuse for avoiding avoiding the the and cumbersome process process of ofcivil so, they theypreferred preferred tedious and civil courts. Even so, onlease, lease,a avoidingpatni The small small number number to take these talztks taluks on v o i d i n g t e ntenures. u r e s . The of planters tended to rack-rent their tenants planters who who held held patni patni taluks taluks tended tenants and exact quantity of indigo, indigo, silk silk or or sugar, sugar, and exact the the largest largest possible possible quantity then return return home home with their their fortunes. fortunes. An indigo planter's planter’s connection connection with with the soil soil and the tenantry tenantry was was purely purely temporary. temporary. A person person of of this type should should not not have have an an honorary honorary appointment appointment thrust thrust upon him, him, be called called upon upon to to administer administer aa law to which he himself nor should he be was not not subject. There was was no was subject. There no point in in complicating complicating further the the judicial administration and the the system system of ofmofussil mofussil police police whose whose judicial administration notorious dilatoriness and inefficiency inefficiency accounted accounted for for the thelawlessness lawlessness districts. The The duties duties of of the the police, police, either either executive executive or or judicial, judicial, in the districts. wholetime jobs jobs not likely likely to be performed conscientiously were wholetime conscientiously by a busy his own own work would suffer or he would have have to to busy planter. Either his entrust his honorary duties to to his his chief chiefIndian Indian assistant. assistant. In In that that event what the the assistant assistant would gain, gain, the the people people would would lose. lose. Furthermore, Furthermore, the planters as a class class had neither a liberal liberal education education nor nor financial financial todischarge theduties theywere beingcalled upon to perform. stability todischargetheduties they werebeingcalledupon The proprietors proprietors of of large large factories were possible possible exceptions, exceptions, but but they leaving their their indigo indigo concerns concerns in the the charge generally lived in Calcutta Calcutta leaving of their paid paid European European assistants, assistants, who were only keen on exacting exacting "the “the greatest greatestpossible possible quantity quantityof ofindigo indigo without withoutpaying payingaaremuneraremunera­ for the same.” same." Worse still, they were not familiar with the tive price for manners, customs, customs, laws, laws, languages languages and and ideas ideas of the local manners, local people. people. Their own own imperfect imperfect education made them them unfit unfit for for administering administering a law about about which which they they knew knew little little and andunderstood understoodless. less. Why Why should should they sit sit in in judgement judgement over over aa people people with with whom whom they they had had nothing nothing in ?64 common common and whom they they despised despised as an inferior inferior race race?64 On these these grounds grounds Jaykrishna objected to to the the scheme scheme of of investing investing indigo indigo planters with with magisterial magisterial powers. powers. Perhaps Perhaps some some good good might might appointment of of Europeans Europeans as as stipendiary stipendiary magistrates magistrates come from from the appointment in places from their their own but not places far removed removed from own stations stations but not from from the the

m LL cCAREER: a r e e r : eESTATE s t a t e m MANAGEMENT anagem ent IN FU FULL

1115 15

proposal as Government envisaged proposal as the Government envisaged it. it. It It was was aa human problem. No man, however qualified, qualified, should be allowed allowed to be his own judge. judge. The indigo planter, as honorary magistrate, would be called called upon upon to to try cases to which which possibly possiblyhe he would wouldbe be aa party. party. It was try cases to was advisable advisable that “ . .. .. too much temptation temptation should should not not be be thrown thrown in in his his way way by by that". which he may aggrandize with impunity.” impunity." The aggrandize himself with The slackness slackness of administrative control control in the mofussil tended to make the administrative mofussil tended the problem problem the serious. A strong and the separation all more A strong and powerful police and separation all of the executive from the judiciary judiciary were the possible possible remedies. These alone might might raise raise popular morale to alone to counter counter official official iniquities iniquities and encroachments. In the encroachments. the existing existing circumstances circumstances it would would be be extremely extremely unwise persons, European such unwise to to invest invest unpaid unpaid persons, European or or Indian, Indian, with such extensive extensive authority authority in in the mofussil.®6 mofussil.65 Jaykrishna thus disturthus laid laid his his finger finger on the the causes causes of the indigo distur­ bances. This exposure exposure of of the evils of the system was was for for him him aa prepara­ preparatory performance of the the part part he was was to to play play during during the great agitation over indigo question. opinions of Jaykrishna over the indigo question. The opinions Jaykrishna and and of many many like him him did not deter the Government others like Government from going ahead with experiment.66 This had disastrous results results and and hastened hastened the magisterial experiment.68 the outbreak of of "the “ the blue blue mutiny" mutiny”ofof1859-60. 1859-60. Long before question of of investing indigo before Jaykrishna Jaykrishna dealt with the question planters with planters with magisterial magisterial powers, powers, he had had vehemently vehemently protested protested against the Government's Government’s policy policy of of supplying provisions provisions to to troops troops on on attempts to check the evils of the march. Following Following up his previous previous attempts system,Jaykrishna Jaykrishna presented presented to to the the revenue revenue authorities authorities this vexatious system, in M arch, 1847 1847 a memorandum on on the the subject, subject, pointing pointing out out the theloss loss March, suffered by by the the common common people. people. Referring Referring to to the and inconvenience suffered provisions 1806 which provisions of ofRegulation Regulation X XII of 1806 which required required the landholders to keep supplies supplies at the halting places, places, Jaykrishna described described how on the arrival of of the troops troops there there would would be be aa scramble scrambleamong amongthe thesepoys sepoys and the camp-followers camp-followers for provisions. They would carry carry away away and the for provisions. They would whatever they could get without paying anything. Neither whatever they could get without paying anything. Neither the the nor the collector could fix the levy bazaar kotwal kotwal nor levy of of provisions. provisions. The commanding was most most commanding officers officersusually usuallyconfirmed confirmedthe thelevy levy that that was favourable to to his his men, men, paying paying no no heed heed to the favourable the complaints complaints of the zarnindar's agent zamindar’s agent or or the thelocal local shopkeepers. shopkeepers. The The military militaryofficers, officers, who generally did did not lnow generally know Bengali, Bengali, had had no no patience patience for for investigating investigating disputes between between the the villagers villagers and and the sepoys about prices disputes sepoys about prices and weights. Admittedly, Admittedly, the the suppliers’ suppliers' loss loss was was less lesswhen whenthey they had had to to weights. deal with a European corps, corps, but but the the exactions exactions of of the the soldiers' soldiers’ cooks, cooks,

1116 16

BENGAL ZAMINDAR ZAMINDAR A BENGAL

often enormous. enormous. the officers’ officers' servants servants and and the the commissariat commissariat sarkar were often could demand five thousand eggs, fifty The commissariat sarkar demand five thousand eggs, fiftyfowls fowls and a dozen dozen fat fat sheep sheep for the specific specific use of the commanding commanding officer! hours' The demand was was often accompanied by a few few blows or a few hours’ confinement. hat the comrnissariat commissariat sarkar wanted was some some ready confinement. W What cash; as soon as the villagers villagers greased his palm, peace peace ensued. ensued. Was Was Jaykrishna speaking from Jaykrishna speaking from his his own own experience experience when when he he said said that that aa reckoned Rs. 10,000 as legitimate due due for for Rs. 10,000 as his legitimate commissariat sarkar reckoned accompanying aa European eerut? A accompanying European regiment regiment from from Calcutta Calcutta to to M Meerut? bazaar kotwal of an Indian regiment regiment expected expected between between Rs. Rs. 4000 4000 and Rs. 5000 for covering similar distances. extortions and abuses made to supply supply These extortions and abuses made the people reluctant to provisionsfor for the the troops. troops. By By removing removing these these evils evils the the army army could provisions could expect articles in in aa competitive competitive market. market. Jaykrishna Jaykrishna expect to to buy buy better articles suggested this place of of Boinchi this not only only as as the the zamindar zamindar of the halting halting place on the Burdwan road but but also also as as one one who had accompanied accompanied several several regiments on the march. He had had formed formed his his ideas after long observaobserva­ tion and reported reported the theproblem problem totohigh highgovernment governmentofficers. officers. They They that itit was agreed that was a sordid affair but but appeared appearedto tobe be helpless helpless for want of proper means evil.®7 means to remedy the evil.6 some practical practical means means to remove Jaykrishna, however, however, suggested suggested some remove the worst features features of the existing existing system. system. His plan envisaged envisaged the the worst posting of of two two European European constables constables in in every every district district to to superintend superintend posting supply operations, of price price lists lists of articles supply operations, the monthly publication of by collectors and strict strict adherence adherence to to them them by the by collectors and the arrnymen, armymen, the the publication supply rules rules in the publication of supply the Calcutta Gazette Gazette every every year, year, and more vigilance vigilance on on the part more part of ofcollectors collectors in in ordering ordering supplies supplies from from the zamindars with any given the zamindars actually actually concerned concerned with given halting halting place. place. by describing describing how how sepoys sepoys and Jaykrishna concluded his long note by and European soldiers molested the village folk just for fun as well as European soldiers the village folk for fun as well as for for inability to supply luxuries. They their inability They were not past insulting women and looting villagers’ villagers' property. property. The order of the Government prohi­ prohiJaykrishna biting forced labour was "mere “mere moonshine". moonshine” . Personally Personally Jaykrishna had seen seen on several occasions occasions how how dozens dozens of of porters, porters, carpenters carpenters and hackney-men with their stage to stage stage and and their bullocks bullocks were taken from stage then sent back without any remuneration. The The local local police appeared to be to be helpless helpless and and discreetly discreetly avoided avoided getting getting, entangled entangled in these these matters.®8 matters 68 Jaykrishna's memorandum, which which cast cast aa lurid light on Jaykrishna’s memorandum, on the the evils evils of a corrupt and to have have drawn drawn attention. attention. In and harsh harsh system, system, seems seems to

IN IN PO FULL LL

cCAREER: a r e e r ; eESTATE s t a t e m MANAGEMENT anagem ent

1117 17

April, 1848 1848 the Government of the North-Western North-Western Provinces Provinces issued down elaborate elaborate rules rules for the guidance a notification notification laying laying down guidance of of the the district authorities authorities in dealing with the district the requisitions requisitions of o f commanding commanding officersof oftroops troopson onthe themarch. march. The The detailed detailed rules were promulgated officers to the army in August, 1848 1848by byaacircular circularfrom fromthe theAdjutant Adjutant General’s General's office. Although Although meant meant primarily primarily for the North-Westrrn office. North-Wesiem Provinces, Provinces* they were were also also for for general general application.89 application.8®The problem, problem, however, however, they was far was far from from solved. solved. On June 21, 21, 1855 1855 the Hindoo Patriot wrote Hindoo Patriot wrote a long editorial condemning the system system and republished republished Jaykrishna's Jaykrishna’s memorandum of March, 1847 how the evil still continued memorandum 1847 to show how continued unabated. It was unabated. was extremely extremely regrettable regrettable that troops troops on the the march march should behave more like an invading army than like regular troops should behave more like an invading army of aa civilized State inin the the heart heart of of their their own country in in aa time of civilized State own country peace. victims of their outrages outrages could expect no redress redress from from peace. The victims any quarters. quarters. To add point to any to its its contention, contention, the the paper paper cited cited aa case case was personally personally involved. involved. in which Jaykrishna was An Indian regiment An regiment halted at at his his estate estate of of Boinchi Boinchi and called for supplies. was during during the rains supplies. IItt was rains and the the fuel fuel supplied supplied was was rather rather moist. hearing this this complaint complaint from from the the sepoys, sepoys, the the Adjutant Adjutant moist. On On hearing ordered them them to to remove the thatch thatch of the village huts and use ordered remove the village huts use itit fuel. The The sepoys sepoyshad hadtaken taken down down the the thatch thatch of two or or three three cottages cottages as fuel. when know of it and and intervened. intervened. Immediately Immediately when Jaykrishna Jaykrishna came came to know he saw and lodged his complaint. The he saw the the commanding commanding officer officer and lodged his complaint. The Adjutant flatly Adjutant flatly denied denied the thecharge chargewhen whenhe he was was asked for explanation. Jaykrishna, however, demanded aa court of inquiry and his Jaykrishna, however, demanded his request request was was granted granted after after some some hesitation. hesitation. His His tenants tenants had already pointed the advance-guard advance-guard in plain clothes as the out to him him two two sepoys sepoys of the offenders.But Butwhen whenthe the court court sat, sat, the wily Adjutant insisted upon offenders. insisted upon the entire guard being being put in in uniform uniform and and ranged ranged before before the comcom­ plainants un­ plainants for for identification identificationofofculprits. culprits.He He was was sure sure that that the unaccustomed accustomed eyes eyes of of the the villagers villagerswould wouldfail failtoto tell tell them them apart from the rest of the guard. guard. Notwithstanding Notwithstanding Jaykrishna's Jaykrishna’sstrong strongobjections objections this course wasadopted, adopted, and and as as he feared, the villagers were unable course was villagers were to recognize This farce farce of of an an inquiry scalded recognize the offenders.7° offenders.70 This scalded JayJay­ krishna, but but there was nothing that that he could do about it. krishna, was nothing it. A A mean mean trick was used to to discomfit discomfit him. This experience of Jaykrishna, Jaykrishna, aa man man of great abilities experience of abilities and rere­ sources, suggests suggests how how thousands thousands of helpless people suffered suffered under under sources, helpless people Hindoo Patriot the obnoxious system. T The h e Hindoo Patriot criticized criticized official official callousness callousness in this and their in this respect respect and and described described how how zamindars zamindars and their tenants tenants

118 118

A BENGAL ZAMINDAR

suffered. make good good their their tenants' tenants’ suffered.The The zamindars zamindarshad had often often to to make Patriot's demand losses. losses. The Patriot’s demand for checking checking the evils evils produced produced no no effect; effect; the rural rural folk folk of the western districts of Bengal Bengal long long remained remained under the curse curse of of this iniquitous iniquitous system. system. Jaykrishna, however, however, never never ceased to to draw draw the attention of ceased of the the authorities authorities to to this this continuing continuing problem and demand demand redress. redress. was aa strong strong testimony testimony to to Jaykrishna’s Jaykrishna's courage that This was that he he should should have ventured to attack an extremely sensitive aspect of an imperialist attack an extremely sensitive an imperialist government. For us today it is government. is hard hard to to realize realize the thesignificance significance of of the service he by his strongly worded protests. he rendered rendered to the community community by 1847 there was was scarcely In 1847 scarcely anything anything like like an an Indian public opinion. Nationalist newspapers Political newspapers to to all all intents intents had had not appeared yet. Political associations,such such as as they they were, were, did did not function effectively. In the associations, effectively. In absence of these absence these normal channels channels for for voicing voicing popular popular grievances, grievances, Jaykrishna’s bold remonstrances remonstrances were were of of considerable considerable importance. importance. Jaykrishna's bold He was aware that that as a zamindar was aware zamindar he was was running running grave grave risks risks by persistently criticizing criticizing the the military military authorities. authorities. A A man of persistently of weaker weaker fibre would have have hesitated hesitated to to press in such matters. But fibre would But itit was was not not Jaykrishna’s to flinch flinch once he had espoused espoused aa cause, atter Jaykrishna's habit to cause, no no m matter what might be be against him. In In attacking of what the odds odds might against him. attacking the system system of supplies supplies for for troops, troops, Jaykrishna Jaykrishna was was not not only only trying to safeguard the interests landholders but but was was voicing voicing the the general general sentiment sentiment of a interests of landholders number of ofpeople people whose whose lot lot itit was to suffer all kinds of injustice large number injustice like dumb animals. animals. The question provisionstoto the the troops was one one in The question of supplying supplying provisions troops was which many besides zamindars were interested. There were were certain certain other subjects of dispute with the Government Government which were primarily the landholders' Jaykrishna fought the landholders’ concern. concern. Jaykrishna fought out some some such such issues issues with great tact and was the law law relating to and adroitness. adroitness. One of them was the Zamindari which made made the zamindars to maintain maintain aa Zamindari DaIc Dak which zamindars liable to post at their their own own expense expense for the the conveyance conveyance of public despatches, but the levy, levy, management management and application application of the landholders' landholders’ aid aid towards that that purpose most arbitrary. arbitrary. The Friend towards purpose was was most Friend of o f India India of August 12, 1852 reported that Jaykrishna had been 1852 reported been fined fined Rs. 100 100 by station in the Magistrate of Howrah Howrah for neglecting to keep a dak in the Magistrate for neglecting to keep dak some village in his zamindari. The dak some village in his zamindari. dak station station was required required to to convey convey letters neighbouring police the Magistrate's Magistrate’s letters from from the the neighbouring police station station to to the that in this Court. Jaykrishna considered considered that this case case the the Government Government dak was sufficiently sufficientlynear nearatathand hand and and the zamindar’s zamindar's assistance was was quite quite was unnecessary. OOn being fined, fined,Jaykrishna Jaykrishna appealed appealed against against the order unnecessary. n being

IN FULL FULLCAREER: CAREER:ESTATE ESTATE MANAGEMENT MANAGEMENT

119 119

to the Sessions Sessions Judge, Judge. As his method of of fighting out out such such issues issues with -with known, the Friend commented commented that that the authorities had become become well known, he would would doubtless to the the Sadar Court, if he doubtless carry carry up his objection objection to not not to England. England. Jaykrishna Jaykrishna did did not bother bother about about the the fine, fine, which which was negligible, but he protested negligible, but protested on on principle principle inasmuch inasmuch as as the the case case involved of the the Government Government to to compel compel involved the the question question of of the the right of zamindars to to maintain maintain the district dak.71 dak.7' zamindars InJune, In June,1853 1853 Jaykrishna Jaykrishna drew drew up up aa long long and interesting interesting memorial for the Sadar Court. Tracing Tracing the the history history of of the the Zamindari Zamindari Dak, he that Section Section 157 157 of of Regulation Regulation XXII X X IIofof1793 1793was was the thefirst first remarked that law on the subject, and was was re-enacted re-enacted in Section Section 10 10 of Regulation X X of of 1817. 1817. Neither of these to make make XX these laws laws required required the zamindar to cash payments to Magistrates for maintaining these daks but simply these daks simply required him him to to forward forward police police despatches despatches under under certain certainconditions conditions his own own peons. peons.In In usual usual practice, practice, however, however, Magistrates Magistrates appointed by his these peons peons and paid them them by by arbitrary arbitrarylevy levyofofcontributions contributionsfrom from zamindars. If If they they complained complained against against the the rates ratesfixed fixed by by Magistrates, punished by fine, fine, summons summons and and other other annoyances, annoyances, although they were punished illegal. these were illegal. What Zamindari Dak repulsive was the absence W hat made made the the system system of Zamindari of any fixed rules for for the the levy. levy. No No two two magistrates magistrates collected the the postal postal charges from zamindars in same manner. manner. The modes modes of of charges from the the zamindars in the same paying the dak dak runners and and postal postal clerks clerks were were still still more diverse and haphazard. depended on on the the whim haphazard. Everything Everything depended whim of of the the individual individual Magistrate who was often often guided expediency than by by any any guided more by expediency other consideration. The zamindars the most other consideration. The zamindars received received the most arbitrary arbitrary treatment treatment from from the Magistrate. Jaykrishna, for one, one, had to pay about Rs. Rs. 300 300 per per annum annum in the shape of chakran lands and ready money as his share of Zamindari Dak expenses, expenses,although although he he paid paid the annual revenue of one and a half half lakhs lakhs of of rupees. rupees. Having in detail Having described described in detail the the operational operational anomalies anomalies of the the Zarnindari Zamindari Dak law, Jaykrishna gave his his own own suggestions suggestions to rectify defects. The system, system, as worked, was was annoying annoying to all parties parties its defects. as it worked, concerned—theMagistrates, Magistrates,the thezamindars zamindars and and even even the the dak dak runners concerned-the who were very irregularly paid. All All these these anomalies anomalies and and annoyances annoyances would go if the dak stations were were removed from the control of Magis­ Magistrates and and placed trates placed under under the the Post Post Master Master General. General. The The proposed proposed welcomed by by all all parties parties except except perhaps perhaps subordinate subordinate change would be welcomed police officers. officers.The The zamindars zamindars should should be be asked asked to to pay what they had been paying paying and and be be relieved relieved of ofthe theactual actual duty. duty. In In that event, been event, they

120 L20

A BENGAL ZAMINDAR

would have have no no other other grounds grounds of of complaint complaint except exceptthat that the the tax tax had had would originally manner.72 originally been been imposed imposedinin an an arbitrary arbitrary manner.72 The Ilindoo Patriotmade made editorial editorial comments comments on on the the Zamindari Hindoo Patriot Zamindari Dak law law on on July July 26, 1855, Jaykrishna's proposals Dak 1855, and fully endorsed Jaykrishna’s made two years years ago. ago. Under Under the the new new general general postal postal arrangement arrangement the district district police police was was bound bound to to convey convey private letters from from the public public to the chaukidarsof theareas areaswhere where the the addressees resided. post offices offices to chaukidars o i the not absurd absurd that that the police should carry carry private private correspondence Was itit not while its its own own despatches despatchesshould shouldbebecarried carriedfor forititby by the the peons while peons of of private individuals? The Patriot urged the feudal feudal private individuals? The Patriot urged the the abolition abolition of “"the incidents.. .. .. that now press press upon upon the the landholders landholders and and through them incidents population at at large, large, without without producing producing any any corresponding corresponding upon the population advantages advantages to to the public service." service.” The various various departments departments of of the the Government and not not the the zamindars zamindars should should bear bearthese these responsibilities. responsibilities. The entire entire landed landed system system now stood on a footing footing entirely different different from from that on which which it had rested rested at the time time when these these dues dues had originally been imposed imposed on landholders.73 landholders.73 The British British Indian IndianAssoAsso­ landholders and the Zamindari ciation also took up the case of landholders Zamindari Dak Dak Act of 1862 1862 mostly mostly incorporated incorporated the the suggestions suggestions Jaykrishna Jaykrishna had had Act of made in in 1853. 1853.74 Like Like the Zamindari ZamindariDak Dakquestion, question,the theissue issue of of chaukidari chaukidarichakran chakran lands Government and lands was was another another subject subject of dispute dispute between between the Government zamindars. Regulation Regulation X XX zamindars. X of of 1817, 1817, which which repealed repealed all all previous previous police regulations, regulations, tightened Government’s control control over over the the police tightened the Government's chaukidars, making authority of ofthe th edarogas. darogas. As chau/ddars, makingthem themsubject subjectto to the the authority years years passed, passed,the theGovernment Governmentsought soughttotocurtail curtailfurther further the the zamindars’ zamindars' still remained. remained. Did rights in this this respect. respect. Some Some questions, questions, however, however, still inclusion of of the thechaukidari chaukidari chakran the inclusion chakranlands landswithin within the the zamindar’s zamindar's estate make the the zamindar’s zamindar's servant servant removable the chaukidar chaukidar the removable at his his pleasure, or 'or should should the chaukidar beunder underthe the direct direct control of the pleasure, chaukidar be Government, i.e. i.e. the the superior superiorpolice police officers? officers ? Owing to the prevailing Government, confusion, the the distinction lands held held by confusion, distinction between between chakran chakran lands by public public functionaries and those held by by public public servants servants in in lieu lieu of ofwages, wages, was was easily lost sight of.75 easily of.75 The zamindars were accept The zaminclars were not not prepared prepared to to accept claim that it was entitled to have superintendence the Government's Government’s claim over village village chaukidars chaukidars because becauseitithad had assumed assumed the the responsibility responsibility of of the police police administration country. It has has been been shown shown in the administration in in the the country. foregoing chapter chapter how how Jaykrishna Jaykrishna challenged the official directive of foregoing official directive 1840 which which forbade forbade chaukidars chaukidarstotowork workfor forzamindars. zamindars.This Thisled led to to an 1840 unsatisfactorycompromise compromiseinin1841,—the 1841,-the first unsatisfactory first round of of his his dispute dispute

1 121 21

IN N FULL FULL CAREER: CAREER: ESTATE ESTATE MANAGEMENT MANAGEMENT

with the authorities over this question. He waited for an opportunity ( to thrash the matter m atter out out fully. fully. In the the meantime meantime he he kept kept on on drawing drawing the attention of the Government Government to to the feeling feeling of insecurity insecurity in in the rural areas areas as aa result result of ofthe the inefficient inefficient village village watch watch system.78* He wrote numerous letters criticizing criticizing the the Government's Government’spolicy policyand anddisdis­ cussing the the defects defects of of the the institution cussing institution as itit affected affected the the zamindars zamindars particular.751' in particular.786 an order In 1855 1855 Elliot, Elliot, the the Commissioner Commissioner of Burdwan, Burdwan, issued issued an order to to the the Magistrate Magistrate of of Burdwan, Burdwan, prohibiting prohibiting the the employment employment of of chaukidarsbybythe thezamindars zamindars in in their private ckaukidars private aflàirs.lsc affairs,7®0 Jaykrishna Jaykrishna immediately raised raised with with reference referencetoto aa piece immediately piece of land in in the the patni patni taluk of taluk ofGovindapur Govindapurin in the the district of East Burdwan Burdwan the question of the relative rights of of the State State and andthe thezarnindar zamindarrespecting respectingchaukidari chaukidari lands. He He resisted fine inflicted inflicted on on him him by the Magistrate for lands. resisted aa fine for not not appointing chaukidars. Heappealed appealedtotothe theSadar SadarCourt, Court,which whichdecided decided appointing chaukidars. He the Government, Goverrnnent. One of the Judges, however, in favour of the however, so worded his decision as to to make his decision as make it appear appear that thatJaykrishna Jaykrishna was was probably probably right. This ambiguity ambiguity puzzled puzzled the Magistrates, right. Magistrates, but the the view view of the Government of Bengal Bengal was wasthat that the law was was supported supported by the virtual ruling of the Sadar Court and that that therefore therefore the the Magistrates Magistrates should in enforcing enforcing it. it,76 As have no hesitation hesitation in As there there was difference of opinion opinion on the the interpretation, interpretation, Jaykrishna Jaykrishna appealed appealed to higher higher courts, courts, his his Contention being that that the for the percontention being the land land was washeld heldby bychaukidars chaukidars for per­ services personal personal to the zamindar formance of services zamindarand andthat thatthe thechau/cidar chaukidar pleasure.77 He felt sure that his was removable removable at his was his pleasure.77 his position position was was legally unassailable unassailableand andthat that he he had the game legally game in in his his hands. hands. As As we shall see later, later, he was shall see was not not unduly unduly optimistic, optimistic, for for ultimately ultimately the the decision of Committee of Privy Council Council went in in decision of the the Judicial Judicial Committee of the Privy his favour. These controversies controversiestoday today seem seemtoto belong belong to to aa quite different These different era and the fuss fuss made made appears appears to be be out out of ofproportion proportion to to the the issues issues involved. involved* ItIt is also also true that that Jaykrishna Jaykrishna was was acting acting primarily primarily to safeguard the interests of the landed landed classes. classes. But even in this he was was setting an example of standing standing up up to the ruling power and fighting it with its own weapons-the laws with own weapons—the laws made made for for its its benefit benefit and and enforced enforced in its its own own law law courts. courts. Jaykrishna's Jaykrishna’s protests, protests, which which received received good good publicity in the publicity the new newnationalist nationalistnewspapers, newspapers, created created considerable considerable impressionand and brought brought him him very very much much into into the public impression public eye. eye. These remonstrances, remonstrances, though though made made on on narrow narrow and technical grounds, grounds, had had much greater significance significance for a people slowly slowly groping to discover discover its system.7&a

122

BENGAL ZAMINDAR A BENGAL

nationhood. W hat Jaykrishnawas was doing doing in the 1850's 1850’s for Whatjaykrishna for aa particular particular class would would one one day day inspire inspire others others to to do do the same class same for the the whole whole country. Jaykrishna fought these these expensive expensive and legal battles battles Jaykrishna fought and protracted legal with a purpose. was equally equally vigilant vigilant about about the shortcomings with purpose. He was shortcomings of government day-to-day administration. administration. He government officers officerswho whoran ran the the day-to-day never failed failed to to report their misconduct never misconduct to higher higher authorities. The Indian Deputy who often behaved like like little little tyrants, Indian Deputy Magistrates, Magistrates, who often behaved sometimes came To such such officers officers Jaykrishna was was aa sometimes came in for criticism. To terror. One single case will will illustrate illustrate this. this. In October, terror. single case October, 1849 1849 TaraTarachand Chakravarti, Jaykrishna and Rajkrishna, chand Chakravarti, the agent of Jaykrishna Rajkrishna, sent a petition petition to to F. T. Courtnay, Courtnay, Private Private Secretary Secretary to to Lord Lord Daihousie, Dalhousie, to some charges against Isvar Chandra Chandra Ghosal Ghosal, drawing his attention to Deputy Deputy Magistrate Magistrate of Jahanabad, originally originally instituted instituted before before the Magistrate of Jahanabad Jahanabad and subsequently sent to to the Magistrate of subsequently sent the Nizamat Nizamat Court. The charges Court. charges were were numerous. numerous. The The Governor-General Governor-General was was requested to order an inquiry requested to inquiry along along the the lines lines of of the the investigation investigation into the people into the affairs affairs of the Calcutta Calcutta Police Police and relieve relieve the people of Jahanabad. Although informed that that the the matter Although the petitioner petitioner was was informed m atter did not interference,78 Jaykrishna's not call call for for the theGovernor-General's Governor-GeneraPs interference,78 Jaykrishna’s effort was alertness and influence influence had salutary effort was not not in in vain. vain. His alertness had a salutary effect on district or or sub-divisional sub-divisional administration. administration. The The officials officials effect on the district him carefully. carefully. He He had had an an unrivalled unrivalledknowledge knowledge learned to deal with him of land tenures tenures and and land landrevenue revenuelegislation, legislation, in in itself itselfaa formidable formidable effective by weapon, rendered more effective by his his tenacity, tenacity, courage and power of expression. expression. Once Once he took up a case, he would fight fight to to the the very very end. end, As aa zamindar, zamiridar, his his co-operation co-operation with with the Government did not mean unquestioning acceptance of all and policies. On unquestioning acceptance all its its actions actions and policies. O n the the he was was sure to protest against against the the measures measures encroaching other hand, he on his he was was aa on his rights rights and those those of other other zamindars. zamindars. Altogether Altogether he difficult man to deal with. difficult man Jaykrishna's single-handed Jaykrishna’s single-handed efforts efforts to protest against administrative ineptitude, however, could never never go go very very far. far. His His zeal zeal as as aa critic critic of ineptitude, however, could the Government's Government’s conduct sometimes landed him in serious serious trouble. It was plain for everyone everyone to see that concerted concerted action action was was necessary necessary influence on on government government policy. policy. Unfortunately, Unfortunately, to have any effective influence the Landholders' Landholders’ Society, which had been founded for this purpose, had gone to sleep. Jaykrishna, Jaykrishna, and and aa few few others others like like him, him, felt the want want of a more more representative representative and and powerful powerful organization organization which which would would to safeguard safeguard larger larger political interests as well well as as the direct its efforts efforts to interests as

123

IN FULL FULL CAREER: CAREER:ESTATE ESTATEMANAOEMENT MANAGEMENT

interests of the the landed landed classes. classes.The The establishment establishment of ofthe theBritish BritishIndian Indian Association in in 1851 1851fulfilled fulfilledthis thisneed. need.Jaykrishna’s Jaykrishna's active concern in Association in agrarian problems problemsbrought broughthim him to to a larger agrarian larger political political arena. arena. His His politics, politics, however, however, always always remained remained strongly land-oriented. :

•

‘. q m z s tfi α':·}Άΐ 7 :.Λ ΐ

■;

’r

v -i

rrsj.hrii

V..·.

. j ·.; y m d i.) iEqos,irta.e i Ap! ' ·~.ψ’ ·

' 1;>',-i · -

’■ir-ir-;, r . ; ; "·;ί'Τ 1 ·■'. ,··:■···., Λ

M,luny\:jrhry ;n;,:!'·:" ' :■11:? -i

' ■! : ,!" .■?■(' S' '

. :·/·.·' ί

ί , ι ί ' ϊ Γ . . 10.' ■·!' ' .

r'.-

‘

• :Λ..'.ί

t

!!' - "

·: .

ν...'·4 '. : .· . ·. “,, '.■/.·

! /■· ν : ·1 ί Μ

.

μ

·!.!'!.■

ι Α:(. Ά :

/ i i / i i i . ' i - ’i g S ' r r ; > r‘ j

ί_

·. Hall.29 Raja Radhakanta Radhakanta Deb, Deb, the the President President of ofthe theBritish British Indian IndianAssoAsso­ the chair. chair. Speaking Speaking in in Bengali, Bengali, he he prefaced prefaced his his ciation, was voted to the remarks by quoting a famous Sanskrit couplet to the effect effect that itit isis our duty to to expend expend our our best best endeavour endeavour on a good good cause cause even though we might fail we fail to to attain attain success. success. The The imperial imperial Parliament Parliament was was rere­ sponsible for for India’s India's happiness and misery. misery. Indians could go nowhere else submit their grievances grievances or to seek seek redress. redress. Quoting Shekh Shekh else to to submit Sadi, whose whose works cultured Hindus, Hindus, Sadi, works were were still still popular popular with with the cultured Radhakanta “ To whom whom shall I carry carry aa complaint complaint from from your your Radhakanta said: said: "To of yourself, yourself, II require justice from your hands.5 ’30 hands? Even of hands."3° that while while Moving the first resolution, resolution, Raja Raja Kalikrishna Kalikrishna Deb said that the subjects of ofBritish British India Indiashould shouldalways always remain remain loyal loyal to to the the GovernGovern­ ment, they they should should avail avail themselves themselves of of every every legislative and constituconstitu­ tional means for the redress redress of their grievances.3' grievances.31 The second second resoluresolu­ tion, moved by Raja Satya Charan Charan Ghosal, Ghosal, described described the ministerial scheme, as proposed proposed by by Sir Sir Charles Charles Wood, Wood, the the President of the scheme, as President of the Board of House of Commons Commons on 3, 1853, 1853, as as Board of Control, Control, in in the House on June 3, most disappointing.32 Ramgopal Ghose Ghose most unsatisfactory unsatisfactory and and extremely disappointing.32 his powerful powerful eloquence eloquence seconded the with his seconded the the motion, motion, saying saying that the constitution proposed Legislative Legislative Council allow constitution of of the proposed Council would would not allow views, feelings Indian views, feelings and and talents talents to be represented in it.33 it.3 by Jaykrishna Jaykrishna who who also spoke spoke in in support Ramgopal was followed followed by of the resolution.34He delivered delivered his his speech in English, dwelling the second resolution.34 οη the defects and anomalies of the mainly on the administration administration of criminal the eastern eastern part part of of British India. He He began began by by saying saying that justice in the the powers enjoyed enjoyed by by magistrates magistrates were wereout out of ofall allproportion proportion to to their experience. This power was checked neither by by an an effective effective age and experience. jury system system nor by public opinion. opinion. Worse Worse still, the same same officer acted acted as jury and as judge, judge, jury and prosecutor-a prosecutor—acombination combination of offunctions functions unun­ imaginable in in England. England. Such Such officers officers often had preconceived preconceived notions notions These ideas they obtained rea8y-made ready-made from of Indian character. These from the the senior members service. Having Having no experience experience either senior members of of the the service. either of Indian society, society, they they tended to to act on on first first impressions. impressions. European or Indian O f course course there were some some good system under Of good exceptions, exceptions, but but the system which they worked worked discouraged discouraged individual individual initiative. actual which initiative. The actual

IN FULL HJLL CAREER: CAREER:POLITICS POLITICS ANt) AND socz, SOCIAL woix WORK

133

working of criminal administration administration contradicted contradicted Sir Charles Charles working of the criminal Wood's statement statement about about the efficiency of the the magistracy magistracy in in India. India. Wood’s efficiency of "I “ I would would like like to to see," see,” said said Jaykrishna, Jaykrishna, "Sir “Sir Charles Charles placed placed under tinder one one of these these youthful youthful Magistrates Magistrates with large large zamindaries, zamindaries, indigo indigo factories, factories, &c, &c, for for aa couple couple of of years yearsand and then then hear his opinion on the administration of of police police and and criminal justice in Bengal.”35 Bengal."35 The administration criminal justice ineffectiveness ofofthe augmented by ineffectiveness the criminal criminal administration administration was was augmented frequent transfers ofmagistrates, of magistrates, their unmanageable unmanageable jurisdictions, jurisdictions, frequent transfers police force force under under them them and the bad means of the inadequacy of the police communication districts. communication in the districts. short digression digression on the condition At this point Jaykrishna made a short roads in in rural rural Bengal. Bengal. He He was was almost almost aa fanatic fanatic on on the the subject of roads subject of village the Government Government had village roads. roads.He He tried tried to to point point out out that what the had done way of improving for the the people people done by by way improving roads roads had had been done not for for its its own own use. It had had neglected neglected water water communication, communication, having having but for allowed many navigable rivers to be choked or silted up.36 up.36 of his main argument, Jaykrishna described described Resuming the thread of the problems of the the police police system systemininthe the districts—the districts-the inadequate the problems of inadequate salary and heavy the combination combination of police police and heavy duties duties of of the daroga, daroga, the functions in the the same same officer, officer, the the despotic despotic powers powers given to judicial functions Magistrate.37 The improvements in the police service claimed by by the Magistrate.37 Government were marginal. Evidence this was was to be be the Government were only only marginal. Evidence of of this found in the increasing increasing number number of of burglaries, burglaries, thefts thefts and and affrays. affrays.38 Having described the defects defects of of the the police police system, system, Jaykrishna Jaykrishna Having described offered some suggestions suggestionsfor fortheir their remedies—the remedies-the appointment offered some appointment of of more experienced magistrates, judicial more experienced magistrates, separation separationof of police police and and judicial functions, adequate pay for for police police officers, officers, the functions, the strengthening strengthening of the subordinate police subordinate police service, service, aa suitable suitable municipal municipal act for placing the village watch watch under under the the control control of of the the village community and and the the village village community improved communication. The Government should not not improved means means of of communication. The Government grudge extra expenditure expenditure of few lakhs lakhs of rupees rupees for for these these grudge the the extra of a few improvements million sterling of revenue improvements out out of the thirty million revenue it derived derived from India. "No “No patchwork patchwork or or despotic despotic legislation legislation will will do. do. A bold from step or ornone.”38® none."a step remarks made Jaykrishna next contradicted the remarks made by by F. F. J. J. Halliday and C. Marshman Marshman in in their theirevidence evidence before before the the Parliamentary Parliamentary and J. C. Committee rate of of crime crime and and oppression oppression in the Lower Lower Committeethat that the the rate in the Provinces the North-Western North-Western Provinces. Provinces. Provinces was wasmuch much greater greater than than in the The statistics given in the annual annualpolice police reports reportsfor for1847-48, 1847-48, however, however, showed showed that that Bihar fared worse in this respect.39 respect.39 This brought him to

134 134

A BENGAL ZAMJNDAR ZAMINDAR

the subject of the village watch, on which he he had had sharp sharpdifferences differences with the Government. Government. Tracing Tracing the the history history of ofthis this system, system, he showed showed deteriorated since since 1793. 1793. Placed Placed under under the thepolice police daro darogas, how it had deteriorated gas, service, a remnant remnant of of the the ancient ancientvillage village municipal municipal institutions, institutions, the service, had lost its service must be restored its traditional character. The service restored to its original basis. Unfortunately, the Government seemed seemed to to be be bent on basis. Unfortunately, doing just the reverse. Was it fair for for the the Government Government to collect nearly thirty lakhs of rupees rupees from from the the people for for the the support support of ofthe the police policeand and actually spend spend only only seven lakhs for actually for the existing police police establishment? establishment? This needed stressing because because both both sides sides of ofthe the question question had had not been clearly discussed in the evidence evidence before before the the Commons Commons Gommittee.4° Committee,*0 The disproportionately disproportionately small small public public expenditure expenditure for for the the police police establishment could could be be compared compared with with the Governmental establishment Governmental expendiexpendi­ ture for for public public works. works. Jaykrishna begged begged leave leave of his audience to turn aside aside from from his his main main theme theme and and make makesome some observations observations on on public works in general. general. In this works in this respect respect the statement statementof ofSir Sir Charles Charles that during during the thelast lastfive five years years the the Government Government of of Bengal Bengal had Wood that 400,000 on public works was extremely misleading. was works was misleading. So was spent £ 400,000 on the claim that it had spent spent J£80,800 80,800ininBengal Bengal alone alone on on public public works works in 1851-52. 1851-52. Actually this sum had largely been used for repairing the the great military road and maintainingc public build­ buildmaintaininge mbankmcnts mbankments and public ings offices. Only ings like like court court houses and post offices. Only about about £5000 5000 had had actually been spent for the the benefit benefit of of the the people. people. Giving Giving these these figures figures JayJay ­ krishna observed: "Government “Government laying laying out £ 5000 a year for the sole sole benefit who contribute aa gross benefit of the people people of Bengal, Bengal, who gross revenue revenue of of £ 10,000,000 per annum! annum! Listen Listen gentlemen, gentlemen, and and tremble.” tremble." 10,000,000 per The abkari abkari system system also came in him. It in for forsevere severecriticism criticismfrom from him. was regrettable that the was the Government Government had had made made the the weakness weakness of the people aa good good source source of of revenue. revenue. The The forced forced establishment establishment of retail retail people liquor shops under the the authority of the Government shops under Government could could not be too severely condemned.4' condemned.41 Jaykrishna refuting the the assertion assertion of Jaykrishna concluded concluded his his speech speech by by refuting Halliday and Marshman in in their their evidence evidence before the Parliamentary Committee that all the British Committee that all the British Indian Indian subjects subjects enjoyed enjoyed legal legal equality. idea of of legal legal equality equality be be reconciled reconciled with with equality. How could the idea the accepted the accepted practice practice of the transfer transfer of of cases cases relating relating to to public public revenue and resumption resumption of of rent-free rent-free tenures tenures from the the regular regular civil civil revenue courts to that that of of special courts under the Board of the Revenue where the officers acted prosecutors? “"Call Call you this, this, the officers acted both both as as judges judges and and prosecutors? Mr. law?" he queried.42 M r. Marshman, Mkrshman, equality in the the eye eye of law?” queried.*3 Another

IN FULL FULL CAREER: CAREER: POLITICS POLITICS AND AND SOCIAL SOCIAL WORX WORK

1135 35

drawback drawback of the existing existing system system was was the higher higher scale scale of of salaries salaries enjoyed enjoyed by by revenue revenue officers officers as as compared comparedwith with the the members of the judicial judicial service. service. As a result many many able able judges judges were were siphoned siphoned off from from the judicial on on to to the the executive executive branch.43 branch.18 Besides delivering speech, Jaykrishna seconded seconded aa rere­ Besides delivering this this long speech, solution moved by by Debendranath Debendranath Tagore Tagore for for sending sending the the petition petition solution moved to Parliament. the chairman to Parliament. By By general general consent consent the chairman of the meeting meeting signed the signed the petition, petition, for for there there was was no no time time to to circulate it among the community at large. community at large. The petition petition supported supported the the idea idea of ofenlarging enlarging the Legislative Council but was against restricting it to Legislative Council to the theofficial official class and excluding Indians also stressed stressed the need need for for class and excluding Indians from from it. it. It also salaries to Indians.4' Indians.44 paying higher salaries The public in Calcutta The public meeting meeting in Calcutta on on July 29, 29, 1853 was a good good 1853 was example of popular demonstration demonstration against the the Company's Company’s rule. rule. example of aa popular Besidesexpressing expressingthe thefeelings feelingsofofthe thelanded landed class, class,itit gave gavevent vent to to the Besides discontent of of the the educated which had had emerged and discontent educated middle middle class class which emerged and become since the passing passing of the the Charter Charter Act Act of of 1833. become articulate articulate since 1833. This class already already felt felt alienated alienated and and had had a feeling left out and class feeling of being being left yet it was was eager offices to eager to to obtain offices towhich, which,itit felt, felt, its its education education and and in the Town Hall on attainments entitled it. it. The The speeches speeches delivered delivered in July 29, 29, 1853 1853 reflected these sentiments. Jaykrishna's speech speech was was his his first first important important public public utterance and Jaykrishna’s was was typical typical of ofmany manymore morehe hewas wastotomake make inin the the Town Town Hall and elsewhere. concrete problems problems rather than than elsewhere.He He loved loved toto deal deal with concrete abstract principles, appealing appealing always always to to the the intelligence intelligence of of his hearers and not to their emotions or prejudice. His statements were supported supported by statistical details which by which were his his forte. forte. He He avoided avoided emotionally emotionally toned language—the language-the snare toned snareofofmost mostpublic publicspeakers. speakers. His His assumptions assumptions those of his his class class and and age. and arguments were of course those age. His ideas, ideas, however, weighty. Unfortunately, however, were were as as clear-cut clear-cut as as they were weighty. Unfortunately, a vocal defect deprived his public public utterances utterancesofoftheir theirfull fulleffect.45 effect.45Even Even so, so, he he was was effective effective enough enough as as a speaker; otherwise the organizers of the meeting meeting would would not have have teamed teamed him him with with Ramgopal Ramgopal Ghose, Ghose, the most outstanding Bengali Bengali orator of the day. Jaykrishna’s of some some Jaykrishna's speech speech seems seemstoto have have drawn drawn the the attention of sympathetic observers who took an interest in the agitation over the observers who took an interest in the India Bill. Bill. Fortunately one letter letter of of appreciation from from such a person survives. Buckingham, who, as the the editor editorofofthe theCalcutta Calcutta survives. James James Silk Buckingham, Journal, had 1823 by Adam for for his his advocacy advocacy Journal, had been deported in 1823 by John Adam of a free press, press, wrote most encouraging encouraging letter: wrote to Jaykrishna Jaykrishna a most

136

A BENGAL ZAMINDAR

St. John’s John's Wood, Wood, London, October 29th, 1853 1853 Dear Sir, II have have read read with with great great delight delight your your able able and and eloquent eloquent speech speech at at the public meeting meeting in in Calcutta to to protest protest against against Bill, the the injustice injustice of of which which you you have have powerfully powerfully the India Bill, exposed. Having published published a pamphlet on the exposed. Having the same same subject, subject, I send you a copy copy by by this this mail mail of of which which II beg your acceptaccept­ ance shall be glad to hear ance and and when when you youhave haveread readit,it, II shall from from you you as as to your opinion of its contents. best wishes wishesfor for the the freedom freedom and happiness With best happiness of your injured country. I am, am, Dear Sir, your faithful faithful friend, friend, J. S. S. Buckingham.46 Buckingham.46

The new new Charter Act Act was was passed on August 20, 1853. com­ 1853. The committee of the British Association drew seme British Indian Association some comfort comfort from from the the fact the new new Act Act embodied embodied some some of of its its minor minor suggestions suggestions at fact that the least.47 The Association least.47 Association hoped in future. future. The Thecomcom­ hoped for for better luck in mittee invited the renewed support and and co-operation co-operation of of the the members members Association. The of concessions concessions granted Parlia­ of the Association. The modicum of granted by Parliament raised its hopes hopes for for the the future. future. It felt convinced convinced that its further representations, ifif characterized characterized by by moderation, representations, moderation, truthfulness truthfulness and reason, would ultimately meet meet with with complete complete success.48 success.48 Curious reason, would ultimately suggestions coming filled the the AssoAsso­ suggestions comingfrom fromsome some quarters quarters must must have filled ciation with optimism. optimism. In July, 1853 1853 T. T. Dickens Dickens came came out out with with the proposal proposal that that the the House House of of Commons Commons should should admit Indian Indian M.P.s. M.P.s. the idea. idea. Some ambitious members members must must have been highly tickled at the Probably they they already already started started dreaming Probably dreaming of perorating perorating before before the august assembly assembly at at Westminster. Westminster. The absurdity absurdity of of this this suggestion suggestion was the English English Parliament Parliament could could never extend such was apparent; apparent; the never extend such a privilege to the crown crown colonies.49 colonies.49 privilege to India India without without granting granting it to all the During the the first first five five years of its existence the British Indian Indian AssoAsso­ ciation was vigorously vigorously at at work. work. It It held its monthly general meetings took his full share in the Association's Association’s activities regularly. Jaykrishna took and played a big role report role in in building building itit up. up. He suggested suggested that that the the report of the the public public meeting meeting of July 29, of the proceedings proceedings of 29, 1853 together 1853 be translated into with the notes notes on on the the evidence evidence on Indian affairs affairs be

IN FULL FULL CAREER: c a r e e r : POLITICS POLITICS AND AND SOCIAL SOCIAL WORK WORK

1137 37

Bengali and and published. He always wanted his countrymen to Bengali to be be well well informed, and invited their their support support for for the thework workof ofthe theAssociation. Association. informed, held on He chaired the monthly monthly general general meeting meeting of of the Association Association held July 14, July 14,1854.60 1854.«* The leaders leaders of the Association adopted the British British Indian Indian Association adopted the the current British British methods methods of of political political agitation agitation including pamphleteering. pamphieteering. The names of Digambar Digambar M Mitra names itra and and Jaykrishna Jaykrishna deserve deserve special special mention mention the pamphleteers pamphleteers of of the the Association. Association. Jaykrishna began began this this line line as the activity when when he published of activity published his pamphlet entitled entitled The Tue Affray Affray Bill Bill Criminal Administration ooff Bengal Bengalinin 1854. 1854.The Thework workdid did not not bear hear and the Criminal Jaykrishna’s recognizable in every line. The Jaykrishna's own own name; name; yet yet it isis recognizable in every line. The of the the Affray Affray Bill for changing the system system of police introduction of police and justice in Bengal Bengal provided the the immediate immediate occasion occasion for for Jaykrishna's Jaykrishna’s effort. The problems of criminal criminal justice police in in Bengal Bengal always always The problems justice and police aroused Jaykrishna's keenest keenest interest interest and and drew many protests aroused Jaykrishna’s protests from from him. In his him. his pamphlet pamphlet he he enlarged enlarged upon the the issues issues he had raised raised in in his Town Town HaU Hall speech speech ofjuly ofJuly 29,1853. 29, 1853. The The points points needed needed reiteration, reiteration, because the the law law and and order order situation situation in Bengal at that time because Bengal at time caused caused serious George Campbell Campbell in in his hisModern Modern India India (1852) (1852) serious concern. concern. Sir George described the the police police in in Bengal Bengal as as effeminate effeminate as as the the people people and and more more described harmful than beneficial.61 beneficial.51 Sir in 1853 1853 SirJohn John Strachey Strachey observed observed that in the police in Bengal Bengal was was worthless robberies and violent violent the police worthless and and that robberies crimes were were common common.52 Shortlyafter afterBengal Bengalhad hadbeen beenplaced placed under under crimes 52 Shortly Lt.-Governor, the law law and and order orderquestion questionbegan begantotoreceive receivesome some a Lt.-Governor, attention. New New legislation legislation for improving the police administration attention. forimproving administration was proposed. Taking advantage advantage of the current proposed. Taking current official official interest interest in the the question, offered his own own opinion opinion which which was was based based on on question, Jaykrishna Jaykrishna offered long experience experience and and mature thinking. thinking. Before criticizing criticizing the the new new bill bill clause clause by by clause, clause, Jaykrishna, Jaykrishna, in his Before introductory remarks, remarks, described described the thelawlessness lawlessness and and the theinefficiency inefficiency of the police police system system which vicious circle rural which worked worked like like aa vicious circle in in rural Bengal.58 existing problems problems arose arose out out Bengal. According According to his analysis the existing of several the Magistrate Magistrate with with dual dual responsibilities; responsibilities; several causes—saddling causes-saddling the incompetenceand and inadequacy inadequacyofof the the agency in the incompetence agency employed employed in the administration insufficiency and shortcomings shortcomings administration of criminal justice; insufficiency the subordinate police force; the want of aa uniform uniform criminal code, of the police force; the absence absence of system of of aa regular system of village villagewatch watch and and the the want of a jury system.64 Jaykrishnatried triedtotopoint point out out that that the Indian system.54 Jaykrishna Indian people people had a tradition tradition of trial by by jury. They They only only needed needed to to get get used used to to

1138 38

A BENGAL BENOAL ZAMINDAR

its form. The old old panchayat panchayat or system of long its new form. or the the jury jury system of India India long England.55 antedated the beginnings beginnings of the jury system system in England.55 The suggestions that Jaykrishna Jaykrishna made made for for the solution The suggestions that solution of these these problems were much the same as he had offered in his Town Hall problems were much the same as he offered in speech,5® Clearly the proposed reforms would involve additional ex­ the proposed reforms exspeech, penditure, but the the Government Government must this. To illustrate penditure, must not grudge this. his argument argumentJaykrishna Jaykrishnasubmitted submittedaadetailed detailedestimate estimateof ofthe thepossible possible increase in the police establishment of a district like increase in like Hooghly Hooghly which knew best best.5’ Jaykrishna hoped his his plan plan was was feasible feasible because because his he knew conclusions were based based on on thirty-five years’ years' experience of conclusions were of managing managing extensive close contact with extensive estates estates in in two two metropolitan metropolitan districts and close all sorts of of landholders, landholders, indigo indigo planters, planters, rayats raiyats and and government government all sorts officers. officers.He He feared feared his his opinions opinions might might offend offend some. some. But But he he ventured ventured to express them because because they they were were honestly honestlyheld heldand and had had aa direct express them interest.58 bearing on a question question of of general general interest.58 Jaykrishna's Jaykrishna’s pamphlet pamphlet on on the theAffray Affray Bill Bill was was typical typical in in the thesense sense that all his later works were werewritten written in in the the same vein. The immediate occasion of of each each was was the the introduction introduction of a Bill Bill or or Act Act which which he he found occasion objectionable. He would would begin begin objectionable. The The pattern of his writing was set. He by making some general general observations observationson on the the broad broad features features of of the by making some problem. problem. This This would would be be followed followed by by an an analysis analysis and and detailed detailed criti­ criticism. by offering offering his his own suggestions. suggestions. Although cism. He He would end up by Although he preferred aa matter-of-fact matter-of-fact treatment, his writings were were not devoid of preferred wit and and sarcasm sarcasm which which he he used used with with considerable considerable effect effect to drive drive home his point. The Affray of the the administration The Affray Bill B ill was perhaps the best analysis analysis of of police in Bengal, written strictly from from the of criminal criminal justice justice and and police in Bengal, written strictly Indian point of view in the pre-Mutiny days. Clearly, the pamphlet of view days. seemed to, justify, even system, yet his statestate­ seemed to.justify, even uphold, uphold, the zamindari system, ments were means unfounded. unfounded. As work of one of of the the ments were by by no means As the the work century's century’s leading leading zamindars, zamindars, itit will will always always have have some some interest. Several passages Several passages of of The TheAffray Affray Bill B ill are more revealing revealing than its its author author perhaps perhaps intended. intended.In Inone one place placehe he asserts asserts that that unless unless the the rayats raiyats they would would were convinced convinced of of the the “omnipotence” "omnipotence" of their zamindar, they and scare scare his his agents away.59 away.® Presumably flout him, stop paying rents and Jaykrishna estates on this assumption. assumption. This This partly partly Jaykrishna managed managed his his estates on this accounts for even tyrannical tyrannical landlord. accounts for his his notoriety notoriety as as aa hard and even He maintained his tenants should get out of maintained aa show show of of sternness sternness lest his of not mean that that he he was was inhuman inhuman or or unduly undulyoppressive oppressive control. This did not dealings. His worse than his in his dealings. His bark bark probably was much worse his bite.

IN FULL WORK IN FULL CAREER: POLITICS Poi.rrics AND t SOCIAL soc woix

139 139

The pamphlet also also indicates indicates the difficulties difficulties zamindars zamindars and other men of property men property had to to face face ininthose thosedays. days. The The impression impression that they were were always always able to have have things things their own own way is from they is far from correct. to be be on on the alert and correct. On the other hand, they had always always to prepared to fend fend off off attacks from many sides. sides. There were so so many snares for them.8° them.80 The cases in which Jay­ traps and snares The two criminal cases Jaykrishna was was involved involved in 1858-62 illustrates this this very very clearly. krishna 1858-62 illustrates clearly. These will will be discussed discussed in in a subsequent chapter. Perhaps the most effective effective portion portion of of the the entire work is the study Perhaps of the the failure of criminal criminal administration, administration, as as aa result result of ofwhich which lawlesslawless­ ness had had become become commonplace commonplace and and criminal outrages a way ness way of of life life in the mofussil.8' mofussil.81 The is, finally, finally, remarkable remarkable for for its its clear clear The pamphlet is, statement of Jaykrishna’s Jaykrishna's own own political views. Like many many others others of statement views. Like generation he seems seems to tohave have been beenaabeliever believerin inthe the night-watchman night-watchman his generation theory of the the functions functions of of the state to be restricted the state. state. He wanted wanted the police and and criminal justice.®2 justice.82 Probably Probably he to police he was was conscious of his own love love of of power power too too well well to to entrust entrust anyone anyone with with unchecked unchecked power. power. It It is also also possible possiblethat that he he did did not want to is to share share power power with with others. others. Many did not not find favour Many of Jaykrishna's Jaykrishna’s suggestions suggestions did favour with the the authorities. Lord Lord Dalhousie Dalhousie had had been been against against separating separatingthe theoffices offices of Magistrate and Collector. Collector. Lord Lord Canning, Canning, who whosucceeded succeeded him, him, also also view. Sir Frederick Halliday, Halliday, the Lt.-Governor, however, shared this view. admitted the the inefficiency inefficiency of of the the police police and andfinalized finalizedhis hissuggestions suggestions for its improvement in 1855. 1855. Canning also agreed to reorganize the police of Bengal Bengalwithout withoutwaiting waitingfor foraa plan plan for for the the whole whole of of India police of to sanction sanction the the additional additional expenditure expenditure asked asked for by Halliday. Halliday. and to scheme had had to be revised revised in view view of of the the Santhal Santhal insurrection But this scheme insurrection the rising rising of of l857.° 1857,®* and the Judging by the the reports reports of of the theBritish British Indian IndianAssociation, Association, its its Judging activities not unimpressive. unimpressive. Among Among other activities during during these years were not things, itit prayed prayedfor for lowering lowering postage postage rates rates for for newspapers, newspapers, simplifying simplifying procedures and reducing reducing the the rigours rigours procedures of of appeals appealsinin the the Sadar Court and had the satisfaction of of the salt law. By 1855 1855 itit had of seeing the modificamodifica­ tion of the salt law, admission of Indians to the the Legislative Legislative Council Council the extension extension of of certain certain privileges privileges to the the members members of ofthe theunun­ and the covenanted tokens, the Association Association had achieved achieved covenanted service. service. By By these these tokens, some measure measure of success. success.In In 1856 1856 itit prayed prayed for for reconstitution of the some Legislative Council Council on on a more liberal basis and for holding the civil Legislative civil service still continued continued the the practice practice of of circir­ service examination examinationinin India. India. It still culating Bengali translations of new Bills Bills in in the the districts, inviting the

1«) 140

A BENGAL ZAMINDAR ZAMINDAR A BENGAL

1855 Jaykrishna jaykrishna and opinion of the country gentry. gentry.64 In November, November, 1855 some some other members members of the Association Association took the lead lead in in presenting presenting farewell address address to Lawrence Peel, ChiefJustice Justice a farewell to Sir Lawrence Peel, the the popular Chief of the Supreme Court, on on his his retirement retirement from from India.65 India.85 The British Indian became the poorer when, early in Indian Association Association became 1854, 1854, Debendranath Debendranath Tagore Tagore resigned resigned his Secretaryship. Secretaryship. Was there there misunderstanding between other leaders leaders of of the the any misunderstanding betweenhim him and and the the other Association? The records of the Association Association do not give give us any clue. clue. was succeeded succeededby byIsvar Isvar Chandra Chandra Sinha of Debendranath was of Paikpara Paikpara who held the the office office until until 1861. 1861. many talented persons not primarily representDuring these years many persons not represent­ joined the British Indian ing the landed landed classes classes joined Indian Association. Association. Among were Peary Peary Chand Chand Mitra, Mitra, Sambhu Nath Pandit, Siva Chandra them were Deb, Haris Hans Chandra Rajendra Lai Lal Deb, Chandra Mukherjee, Mukherjee, Kasi Prasad Prasad Ghose, Ghose, Rajendra Mitra and and Kisori Kisori Chand Chand Mitra. Mitra.Clearly Clearlythe thecomposition compositionof ofmembers members Mitra cut across Some of them reacross political political and and ideological ideological differences. differences. Some re­ presented the Young Young Bengal. Bengal. By now they were middle-aged men, rather settled settled and and sedate. sedate. As As there was no other rather other political organization, these men, many many of of whom were merchants, merchants, professional professional men and and all these government servants, came came together together within within the fold of the government servants, the British British Indian Indian Association. Association. Indian Association from the the Although the British Indian Association drew its members from professions, service, it would be wrong to to say say professions,trade trade and and government service, that all these these men had had completely completely lost their roots in the land. Be that as it may, the image of of the Association as a body of of zamindars seems seems in the the public public mind. mind. In In 1855 its old to have have been been fixed fixed in 1855 its old critic, critic, the Friend of commenting on on aa remark remark made made by by a member Friend o f India, India, commenting member of the "as a mere continuation continuation of Legislative Council, described it “as ofthe the LandLand­ holders’Society—theold moonina ”ee This criticism was holders' Spciety-the old moon ma new quarter. quarter."66 not entirely off the mark. The The Association's Association’s membership indeed had a hard core of zamindars which controlled the organization. organization. As As years passed, its its class class character became increasingly passed, increasingly recognizable. recognizable. All the same, same, the British British Indian Indian Association Association remained remained a political political force force in in Bengal for the next twenty twenty years. years. II. THE II. T h eWIDOW-REMARRIAGE W id o w - R e m a r r i a g e MOVEMENT M ovem ent

Politics was not of the leaders in Bengal during not the only public activity of during the decade under review; review; social reform reform also also claimed claimed aa great great deal deal of their attention. In In fact, fact, the thequestion questionof of the the remarriage remarriage of of upper-caste

IN FULL FULL CAREER; CAREER: POLITICS AND SOCIAL SOCIALWORK WORK IN POLITICS AND

141

Hindu widows issuesof of the the day. day. For widows was one of the hotly discussed discussed issues custom had had not allowed such widows many centuries social custom widows to marry again. The The evils evils produced by this taboo were compounded by the fact that early early marriage marriage and andpolygamy polygamy were were normal normal practices practices in insociety. society. that the traditional traditional values and customs came under the As the the scrutiny scrutiny of of men like Raja Rainmohan like Rammohan Ray, opinion opinion in favour of the remarriage of widowsbegan began to to gain gain new new support. support. This This was was aa question widows question that the the Atm iya Sabha Sabha had discussed Atmiya discussed as as early earlyas as181967 1819®7 and the the Derozians Derozians Council.888 At the debated at the the meetings meetings of of the the Academic Academic Council.8 the official official level, Law Commission Commission under the presidentship presidentship of T. B. B. level, the India Law Macaulay made Macaulay madein in 1837 1837 the the first first tentative tentativemove movein in favour favour of of legalizing the remarriage of Hindu widows.8 widows.°98 Although the the Government refrained from from passing passingaa law law at at that Although Government refrained time, controversy did In 1841 1841 certain certain members members of of time, the controversy did not not die out. In the Society Society for the the Acquisition Acquisition of of General General Knowledge Knowledge resolved resolved to petition petition the the Government Governmentto tolegalize legalize the the remarriage remarriageof ofIlindu Hinduwidows.7° widows.70 Four years years later later there there was was some some talk of of a movement for removing the traditional ban. The TheBengal Bengal British British India India Society Society was reported to have traditional ban. reported to approached the Dharma Sabha, the the hard hard core core of of Hindu Hindu orthodoxy, orthodoxy, for adopting adopting aa less less severe severe policy policy regarding regarding the the widow widow remarriage remarriage question.71 The The Sabha’s Sabha's response was not favourable. Some notable individuals also had espoused espoused the cause cause of of reform. reform. About 184-4 or 1845 1845 Motilal Motilal Sil Sil offered offered aa reward of 1844 or of Rs. Rs. 10,000 10,000 to to anyone who would would be be bold bold enough enough to to defy defy the the social social ban ban and and marry a widow. In In 1846he 1846 herequested requestedthe theDharma Dharma Sabha Sabha to move the Govern­ Governwidows.The The Sabha Sabha turned ment to permit the remarriage of Hindu widows. Some of its members down this proposal with contempt. Some members boasted boasted that that they would instead instead sign signaa petition petition “for "for leave leave to to burn burn up a thousand thousand widows 72 The widows aa year.” year."72 The question question of widow widow remmariage remmariage thus became a highly emotional issue even even for for those those who who normally normally did did not not bother about such problems. problems. was changing changing in in favour The climate of of opinion, opinion, however, however, was favour of the India, who reform. In 1849 the Friend ooff India, proposed reform. 1849 a correspondent of the called himself ‘"A ‘A Bengali that he he revered revered the the shastras shastras BengaliBrahman’ Brahman", wrote that but that that he hewould would gladly gladly see see them them all all abolished abolished for one prohibition they contained-the they contained—theprohibition prohibitionon onthe theremarriage remarriageofofwidows. widows. He He urged J. J. E. D. Bethune, Member, to take this this matter urged Bethune, the new new Law Member, in hand.73 As younger generation generation ofofBengalis Bengalis gave gave As time passed, the younger more attention question,71 Some touching incidents brought out attention to the question.74 the human aspect of the problem. In 1853 1853 an inhabitant inhabitant of of Calcutta

142

A BENGAL ZAMINDAR

made frantic but but unsuccessful unsuccessful attempts for the marriage marriage of ofhis his young young widowed daughter.75 pathetic and andisolated isolatedefforts efforts of of desperate desperate daughter.75 These pathetic parents were indicative indicative of of a new outlook. probability the the question question would have continued to be debated In all probability indefinitely indefinitely had had not Pandit Isvar Isvar Chandra Chandra Vidyasagar Vidyasagar adopted adopted the the cause of reform cause reform with with his his characteristic characteristic zeal. zeal. It It was he who gave gave the amorphous sentiment sentiment the the character of aa movement. amorphous movement. His His pamphlets pamphlets advocating tely excited advocatingthe thereform reformimmedia immediately excited the thehostility hostilityof ofsome some people and adverse criticism of many many more. more. The reactionaries whipped up what may be described described as an anti-reform anti-reform hysteria. The local local Indian newspapers gave good coverage coverage to to the the controversy over which which a great been generated. generated. Many Manybits bitsof ofverse verse were were composed deal of heat had been and these these were on the lips lips of of the the people, people, showing showing how the topic topic of of widow remarriage remarriage had had caught popular imagination. widow imagination. The Hooghly Hooghly correspondent Hurkaru reported correspondent of the Bengal Hurkaru 1855 that reported in March, 1855 widow widow remarriage remarriagewas wasthe the only onlytopic topicof ofthe the day day among among the the Indian Indian community.7® community.76 Vidyasagar knew that his advocacy of the reform would not carry conviction the remarriage remarriageof ofwidows widows had conviction unless unless he he could could prove prove that the ample scriptures. He had to to expend expend ample support support in in the ancient Hindu scriptures. much effort on this project. Next he thought thought of of aa proper proper legislation legislation sanctioning the the reform. reform. Adopting Adopting the the tactics of the the day, he started a sanctioning campaign. On October 4, signature campaign. 4, 1855 1855 he forwarded to the LegisLegis­ lative Council lative Council a petition petition signed signed by by 987 987 persons, persons, praying for the the widowremarriage remarriage and and recognition of the the legitimacy of legalization of widow such marriages. marriages. In In the original petition, which children of such which is is now in Jaykrishna's signature the National Archives of India, we we find find Jaykrishna’s signature right right at the the head headof ofthose those who who signed signed it.77 with this movement? He How did Jaykrishna become associated associated with himself has has nowhere nowhere spelt speltout out the the reasons. reasons.But But the the fact fact that that he was the first to sign sign the petition petition is is quite quite significant. significant. Did Vidyasagar have to persuade him him to join the movement, persuade movement, or did did Jaykrishna Jaykrishna of of his his own own Vidyasagar's appeal appeal??We accord respond to Vidyasagar’s We do not not know. The friendfriend­ between Jaykrishna Jaykrishna and Vidyasagar, however, ship between however, was founded on mutual admiration admiration and and understanding. understanding. The The two two men men had had many many comcom­ both friends of ofeducation; education; they were working working mon interests. They were both together Society, of which together in in the Vernacular Literature Society, which more more in a following section. section. Vidyasagar, Vidyasagar, moreover, was aa member of the British He was was in in a position Indian Association. Association. He position to induce induce Jaykrishna Jaykrishna to to movement. On the other other hand, hand, Jaykrishna's Jaykrishna’s name support the new movement.

/.'I'

,

,/

44._ '

(

-' ø

'--

.

V

/

/1

I /' /

4A'9 / /

-

/-,-.

Photostat P hotostat of o f the concluding concluding pportion o rtio n of aa petition petition sent by Jay Jaykrishna k rish n a aand n d Rajkrishna R ajkrishna for opening opening aa College College aat t U tta rp a ra . Uttarpara. Courtesy: The T h e State S tate Archives Archives of ofWest W est Bengal Bengal

Plate IV Plate IV

p-y

0 I&

-

-

* s £ f*-/ii·&*>·' a-'-*’·&/■«mX"/-'

·. //6 " '«■/:c'tC/i/ ''.

/r

i""-

7,:44

r,

/ Finally, used strong language language in purpose: his his intention intention was was to to strong in his pamphlet on purpose: advocate forcefully as advocate as forcefully as possible possible the the cause cause of of zamindars zamindars who who had the hands hands of of the the legislators and the the judges.3° judges.80 suffered great injustice at the So it is no surprise that that his his reflections on the problems of of rural rural society society and his his suggestions for their solution would seem and seem to to the the modem modern reader to be one-sided. one-sided. Even Jaykrishna was conscious conscious of jaykrishna was of his his partisan partisan ap­ approach to these these questions. questions. On notice of of thethe Permanent Settlement On January January8,81866 , 1866a afavourable favourable notice Permanent Settlement Imperilled appeared Imperilled appeared in in the Hindoo HindooPatriot Patriotwhich whichatatthat that time time was edited Das Pal. Pal. Commending Commending Jaykrishna Jaykrishna for for covering covering the the whole whole by Krishna Das and vividness, vividness, the Patriot pointed subject of rent law with lucidity and pointed out flawsininhis hisapproach—his approach-his failure some flaws failure to to recognize the importance of the prescriptive right, right, his his excessive excessive emphasis emphasis on zamindars5 the prescriptive on the zamindars' contribution to Bengal’s prosperity and a certain vagueness abouthis his contribution to Bengal's prosperity and a certain vagueness about the definition of pargana pargana nirikh. nirikh.Altogether, Altogether, the the Patriot Patriot thought thought that the publication was a fitting reply to publication to the the remark remark made by aa North-Western North-Western that ifif the the landholders landholders of of Bengal could not hold their their own own newspaper that the bar bar of of public opinion, they they did did not not deserve deserve the rights they they were at the enjoying.31 enjoying.31 Like Permanent Like all allhis hisprevious previouspublications, publications, PermanentSettlement SettlementImperilled Imperilled also did not bear bear Jaykrishna's Jaykrishna’s name. name. Why he adopted adopted this this practice practice can can only be conjectured. conjectured. It is is well well known known both both in journalism journalism and in in only psychology that assumed names psychology that some some people people can can write write better under assumed than under under their their own. own. A personality inhibited by the uneasy publicity

2262 62

A A BENGAL ZAMINDAR

attaching confessed authorship released by the.comfortable comfortable attaching to confessed authorship isis released by the this was important important because because he he security of anonymity. To Jaykrishna this attacked attacked government government policies policiesin in strong strong terms. terms. At At the present present day, day, when popular popular journalism keeps itself at at screaming screaming point, point, the writings rather tame if seem rather if not spiritless, spiritless, but in the the imperial imperial of Jaykrishna Jaykrishna seem heyday they were new new and and bold things of oftheir theirkind. kind. They They were were tracts tracts for those those times times and and have lost lostmuch much of of their their point point in these days. days. If, If, on the whole, Jaykrishna'swritings writingsare arenot not so so familiar familiareven even to to. the the the whole, Jaykrishna’s students Bengal, they they reflect reflect not only students of nineteenth-century nineteenth-century Bengal, only the the obscurity themes and and the fact that that his works were were pseudonymous, obscurity of of his themes also the truth truth that thatmere meredefence defence of of an an existing existing order or or system, system, but also however rigorous, is usually less lesssuccessful successfulthan thanan anattack attack upon upon it. Although Jaykrishna’s Jaykrishna's failing eyesight, which shortly made him eyesight, which him totally ended his his career career as a pamphleteer, pamphleteer, he continued continued to to totally blind, blind, ended express his hisviews viewson onmany manysubjects subjectson onthe thepublic publicplatform platform and and through, through. his 1868 he C. Dickens, Dickens, the the his correspondence. correspondence.On On May May 66,, 1868 he wrote wrote to C. General, pointing pointing out out how how ill-judged ill-judged actions actions of of some some subRegistrar General, registrars registrars thwarted one of the most beneficial provisions provisions of of the the Rent Rent Act, viz., the the exchange exchange of ofpattas and kabuliats kabuliats between zamindar and raiyat.a%More important were were his his opinions opinions on the the questions questions of of eduedu­ rayat.32 cation and and road roadcess cess which which exercised exercised many minds minds in in the the sixties. sixties. As 1859 the reviewing the As early early as as 1859 the Secretary Secretary of of State State for for India, reviewing results 1854, drew results of of the the Education Despatch Despatch of 1854, drewthe the attention attention of the Government of vernacular education of India India to the continued continued neglect neglect of ofvernacular for tjie masses, masses, and cesses on for village village for the and directed levy of cesses on the the land for provinces. schools, as asJames JamesThomason Thomason had done in the North-Western North-Western provinces. Following with the Government Following aa correspondence correspondence with Government of of Bengal, Bengal, the the Government of the State State had hadnever neverassumed assumed Government of India India laid down that the responsibility for in Bengal, Bengal, which which lagged lagged responsibility for mass mass education education and and that in respect, the the main main burden burden of ofvernacular behind in this respect, vernacular education should imperial revenues, fall not on the Imperial revenues, but butas aselsewhere, elsewhere, on the proprietors proprietors ofBengal Bengal in FFebruary, ebruary, ofland.33 of land.33Accordingly the Lieutenant-Governor Lieutenant-Governor of 1868 1868 requested requested all Divisional Commissioners Commissioners to to give give their their opinions on the expediency and feasibility of raising an educational cess in Bengal educational cess by the the Government of Jndia. along the lines suggested suggested by India .84 Replying to this communication, the Commissioner Commissioner of Burdwan Burdwan described described the this communication, proposal as neither expedient expedient nor norfeasible. feasible. His His conclusion conclusion was based on reports of of the the District District Magistrates Magistrates some some of whom, on the reports whom, in their turn, had had sounded sounded knowledgeable knowledgeable persons persons in in their their jurisdictions. jurisdictions. In In particular, Jaykrishna’s Cockerell, the Magistrate and Jaykrishna's letter to R. V. Cockerell,

REHABILITATION RE H A BILITA TIO N

263 263

Commissioner.86 Collector of Hooghly, seems to have influenced the Commissioner.35 This letter letter ofJaykrishna, ofJaykrishna,among amongother otherthings, things,gives givesaagood gooddescripdescrip­ tion system in last tion of the educational system in Bengal Bengal in in the middle of the last century .88 In this section, however, we shall only examine his observa­ century.3° this section, however, we shall only examine his observations on on the proposed cess cessas asititaffected affected the the zamindars. zamindars. Jaykrishna wrote in Jaykrishna in strong strong disagreement with the the proposal, proposal, raising his objections on six six counts: counts: the voluntary support already objections on already given given to to education in Bengal by the wealthier classes; their their reluctance to bind themselves to aa permanent permanent charge charge on on their estates estates with with an an additional additional themselves to tax of two per cent on on their their revenues; revenues;the theincidence incidence of of the proposed proposed cess onaa particular particular sector, although it was intended to benefit society cess on as a whole; the chance chance of of withdrawal of private enterprise enterprise from from the the field violation of the terms of the Permanent field of of education; education; a direct violation Settlement; and and the the technical technical difficulty difficulty of determining the margins of profit of the landholders, the collector collector being landholders, the revenue payable to the this. He concluded aside the the no criterion criterion of this. concluded by saying saying that leaving leaving aside of principle, principle, an an equitable imposition of of the the tax tax either on the question of landholder or on the general community would only involve an would not only interference but but would would also also create a feeling of amount of vexatious vexatious interference discontent and anddisaffection disaffection uncalled uncalledfor forin in the theexisting existing circumstances. circumstances. discontent Jaykrishna, had another anotheropportunity opportunityof ofexpressing expressing his views views on Jaykrishna had on the road cess cess question question when he participated in a demondemon­ education and road stration stration organized organized by by the the British British Indian Indian Association Association in protest against the persistence persistence of its policy policy of raising of the the Government Government of of India in its funds for popular popular education education and and roads roadsby bylevying levyingcesses cesses on landed funth for proprietors. A large number of landholders and others interested in proprietors. of landholders others interested land attended attended this this meeting meeting held on on September September 2, 1868 1868 un4er under the the chairmanship of Ramanath Tagore. Tagore. Some Some Europeans Europeans like like Stuart Stuart chairmanship Long and Dr. Dr, Robson, Robson, the author Hogg, Major Graham, the Rev. J. j. Long Hinduismand andChristianity, Christianity, also were present. of Hinduism Having moved the the second second resolution that that the theproposed proposedcess cess would would be direct infringement infringement of of aa solemn solemn covenant covenant of of the the Government Government be a direct confirmed by by the British confirmed British Parliament, Parliament, Jaykrishna Jaykrishna apologized apologized for for his his inability speak at length owing owing to ill health and sought sought the the perper­ inability to to speak mission of the the meeting meeting to to allow allow his his son, son,Pearymohan, Pearymohan, to to read out the mission of the notes he had dictated on on the the subject. subject. So So Pearymohan, then aa young young man of twenty-eight, twenty-eight, presented presented his his father’s father's paper. In his his statement, statement, which which was quite long, long, Jaykrishna advanced advanced his his against the theproposed proposedcesses cesses with a renewed renewed emphasis emphasis old arguments against and aa wealth wealth of of details. details. Having watched watched the the progress progress of of education in in

264 264

A A BENGAL BENGAL ZAMINDAR

Bengal since the the days days of David David Hare, Hare, Alexander Duff and Charles Bengal since Charles convinced that the masses masses could Trevelyan, he was convinced could not not be be educated unless unless the the upper and and middle middle classes classes received received proper proper education. education. The people who educational system did not not people who already already had had an an educational systemof of aa sort sort did the time. time. The The official official view that the the State State demand anything more at the providedvfunds funds for for popular popular education was not acceptable, had never provided for it had no no historical historical foundation. Moreover, the expenses expenses incurred State by the Government on this count were by no means lost to the State was shown shownby by the the Roorkee Roorkee Engineering Engineering College Collegeestablished establishedto to turn turn as was Canal Scheme .87 out qualified men for implementing the Ganges Canal Scheme.37 dwelt on on the the question question of ofthe thediversion diversion of ofBengal Bengal Jaykrishna next dwelt revenue to tobe bespent spentininother otherparts partsofofBritish BritishIndia—a India-a question revenue question that has always always characterized characterized Centre-State Centre-State relations relations so far as as Bengal Bengal is concerned. While travelling travelling in in the theNorth-Western North-WesternProvinces Provincesinin186(5, 1866, improvements that that had taken place there he had been been struck by the improvements in the roads, canals, canals, and and public buildings the shape shape of good roads, buildings in the the last last thirty years. Provinces and and the Panjab, where years. To these thee Provinces where the improveimprove­ ments were reportedly even Bengal, “the "the earliest ments even more more impressive, impressive, Bengal, earliest and richest richest patrimony patrimony of of the the present present generation generation of of Englishmen", Englishmen” , presented official indifference presented a sad contrast owing primarily to official indifference and and neglect. clear from from his own neglect.How How strongly stronglyJaykrishna Jaykrishnafelt felt about about it is clear words: . ,1must mustbe beaahypocrite hypocrite ififIIdo donot notgive giveexpression expression to to the the words: "...1 feeling Beharite cannot feeling of of indignation indignation which which every every Bengalee Bengalce and and Beharite those improvements were achieved help feeling that those achieved to to a large extent by the taxes the lower taxes which the people of the lower provinces provinces contribute by by sweat of their brow, and that thatthey theythemselves themselves arc are denied denied the the the sweat same consideration for reasons Government.” 38 reasons best known to Government."38 on the the Bengal landholders, said Jaykrishna, Jaykrishna, The proposed proposed cesses cesses on Bengal landholders, would be unjust because the land revenue in Bengal Bengal much exceeded exceeded the aggregate proportion of of revenue and tax paid paid by the the people people of of the Upper these areas, areas, who who actually actually Upper Provinces. Provinces. To say that the people of these enjoyed aa higher separate tax tax for for eduedu­ higher proportion proportion of land land rent, paid a separate cation and roads issue.39 By imposing imposing the new cation roads was was to to confuse confuse the issue .89 By cesses, Settle­ cesses,the the Government Governmentwas wastrying tryingto to subvert subvert the the Permanent Settlement which had served the Government so well “forty well and in which "forty millions of people’ people"’ had vested interest. The The short short history history of the zamindari system that Jaykrishna gave to prove his point is extremely dan system Jaykrishna gave extremely inter­ interesting. esting. He He sharply sharply disagreed disagreedwith withthe the Viceroy’s Viceroy's statement statement that that the proposed cesses cesseswould wouldnot notbe beaa breach breach of of contract. contract. The The Permanent proposed Settlement essentially essentiallywas wasa acontract—“a contract-"a charter Settlement charter of ofrights rights perhaps perhaps

REHABILITATION REH A BILITA TIO N

2265 65

not so full fulland and complete completeas asthe theMagna Magna Charta. Charta. . . but still to all intents . a constitution constitution equally equally valuable valuable to the and purposes. purposes... .a the landholders landholders of Bengal, solemnly guaranteed British Bengal, and and as solemnly guaranteed on on the the faith of the British Government.” 40 Government."40 to Worse still, still, the imposition of the proposed levy would would amount to taxing improvements, for the original­ the existing zamindars zamindars represented originalwho had invested invested in landed property and ly "a “a body body of speculators" speculators” who and improved improved itit by by spending spending vast vast sums sums for for monetary monetary returns. returns. Quoting Quoting from John Stuart StuartMill, Mill, who who was still alive, Jaykrishna said that taxing fromJohn alive,Jaykrishna zamindars would would be to to impose a penalty on people for having worked harder and harder and saved saved more than their their neighbours.4' neighbours.41 Such a tax would be a violation of one of the fundamental principles of taxation recognized recognized universally since Adam Smith. Referring to Mill again, again, he he since the the days daysof ofAdain that the the proposed proposed cess, cess, ostensibly ostensibly intended permanent said that intended to to be a permanent charge charge on on land, land,would wouldaffect affect exclusively those who who currently currently composed the body body of landholders and not future buyers of land .42 land.42 esses would would Summing up his arguments, arguments, Jaykrishna jaykrishna said that the cesses constitute contract,the thesacrifice sacrifice of of a recognized principle, constitute a violation of ofcontract, principle, a depreciation of the value of landed landed property and a future source of disaffection, disaffection, discontent discontentand anddisorder—in disorder-in short, a heavy price price to to pay pay on aa class class of people who were for itit in in for forcing education education on were not not ready for the least.43 least.43 What What made made the the cess cess proposal rather ridiculous was was that it pay for for education education for for which they had had sought to make the zamindars pay been, on their their own, own, spending spending considerable considerable sums. sums. After referring to the educational endowments of of the the Ghosals Ghosals of Bhukailas and of Prasanna educational endowments Kumar Tagore, Tagore, Jaykrishna Jaykrishna said that that personally personally he would be a gainer if, instead instead of his his annual annual expenditure expenditure on education, if, education, he paid nothing nothing else except a two per cent cent tax tax on on his his income income for the the purpose. purpose. He Heconcon­ cluded his note by saying saying that in in opposing opposing the education and road road cesses he he was was not not being being swayed by by any motive of personal gain or cesses or loss loss but by by the the consideration consideration that thatthe themeasure measureininquestion questionwould would"mate“mate­ but rially jeopardize the political political rights rights and and privileges privileges which which have have been been guaranteed to guaranteed to us us on on the the faith faith of of the the British British nation .” 44 nation."44 After Ghose, an eminent After the the note was was read out, Krishna Kishore Ghose, lawyer, seconded secondedJaykrishna's Jaykrishna’sresolution, resolution,saying sayingthat thatfor forhim him there therewas was very to it. it. Different Different opinions opinions on the the question question were exex­ very little little to add to pressed the Rev. Rev. pressed by by other other speakers. speakers.The The Rev. Rev. Murray Murray Mitchell and the J,J.. Long advocated mass education. Ghose, aa spirited education. Girish Chandra Chandra Ghose, journalist known known for his journalist his pro-raiyat pro-rayat views, views,admitted admittedthat that “many "many zamin­ zamindars like Baboo Baboo Joykissen Joykissen Mookcijec, Mookerjee, have have endowed endowed educational educational in­ in-

2266 66

A A BENGAL BENGAL ZAMINDAR ZAM11DAR

at aa great greatcost. cost. ItItwould wouldbe beaa crying crying injustice injustice to subject them stitutions at again to an education education cess."Finally, cess.” Finally,aaresoltition resolutionwas was passed, passed, requestrequest­ ing the committee of the British British Indian Indian Association to send a memorial to the Governor-General and road road cess cess Governor-General for reconsidering the education and proposal .48 proposal.45 It was was natural natural that thatmen menwhose whose wealth wealth was was in land land would would want aa low land tax and resist any new imposts imposts on on them. them. But ButJaykrishna, Jaykrishna, as a of the landed interests, overstated overstated his case. The sup­ zealous champion of support given given to primary and vernacular education by the wealthy was was less than he he claimed. claimed. Certainly Certainly there there were weresome some zamindars zamindars; much less but they they were were exceptions. exceptions. who were zealous zealous promoters of education, but they spent spent for for maintaining maintainingeducational educationalinstitutions institutions represented represented What they a very small small part part of their income. Even Jaykrishna, Jaykrishna, recognized widely for his his educational educational charities, spent, on his own admission, admission, about about 4%. 4% Government of his his net net annual annual income for for this this purpose. purpose. He He blamed blamed the Government for its inadequate inadequate educational educational expenditure, expenditure,but buthe he did did not stop to to think direct responsibility responsibility think that education was was not yet regarded as aa direct des­ of the Government even in England. Moreover, Jaykrishna, in describing the backward conditions conditions of Bengal, cribing Bengal, failed failedtoto see seethat that these were in were partly partly due due to to unwillingness unwillingnessofofzamindars zamindarstotodo do their their part in building economic overheads overheadslike likeroads roads and and bridges. bridges. In In this building economic this resres­ pect his charges against the Government Government were were rather rather vague; he charges against he did did produce any any clear clear evidence evidence in in support supportof ofhis hisviews. views. Again, Again, his his not produce the majority majority of ofthe the people people in in the theBengal Bengal Presidency Presidency assumption that the had a vested interest in the Permanent Settlement was was unwarranted, unwarranted, misleading. The interests of the landowners landowners and those those of the if not misleading. tenants could never be identical. His belief beliefin inthe the“filtration "filtration theory” theory" of contemporary education found no support either in history or in the contemporary situation. It is is rather rather strange strange that that aakeen keenobserver observer and and analyst analyst like like situation. Jaykrishna should have argued in the manner he did. He was was by by no no means unaware of of the the majority majority of of zamindars, zamindars, but of the the selfishness selfishness of he would not admit admit this this openly. openly. His His class class feeling feeling far exceeded exceeded his his interest in the the spread spread of of education education and and prompted prompted him to to deny deny the interest proposed legislation. rightness of of the proposed The comments of the Anglo-Indian press on the proceedings proceedings of of the Anglo-Indian press unfavourable. The Hindoo meeting were unfavourable. Patriot, describing describing Digambar Digambar Hindoo Patriot, Mitra's speech as the best of the evening, evening, regretted regretted that that Jaykrishna’s Jaykrishna's Mitra’s state of health should should have have prevented prevented his his speaking speaking extempore. extempore. His His written statement, however, however, was was aa powerful powerful document.48 document.48 against the theproposed proposedcesses cesses were freely'expressed Opinions for and against

REHABILITATION REH A BILITA TIO N

267

in the press. press. The TheFriend Friend of o f India exceptthe theHindoo Hindoo Patriot India claimed claimed that that except condemned the resolutions of the the meeting meeting of of most other newspapers newspapers condemned resolutions of September 2, Gazettethought thoughtthat that there there was was the 2, 1868. 1868. The The Education Education Gazette danger of the zamindars making loss by making up for their loss by extorting extorting their their tenants, and annually given tenants, and itit questioned questioned the the figures annually given out out in in the the GovernGovern­ ment reports as zamindars’ gills for purposes.47 As a solusolu­ zamindars' giits for educational educational purposes.47 tion to the the problem, problem,the theSomprakas Somprakas in 1868 advocated the the in October, 1868 urgent necessity of a permanent settlement of the raiyats with urgent necessity of a permanent settlement of the rayats with the government, the zamindars functioning as middlemen .48 middlemen.48 The British however, continued continued to to oppose oppose the the British Indian Indian Association, Association, however, proposals and and informed informed the the Government that its new tax proposals its committee fully endorsed the resolutions passed at the public public meeting meeting of of SeptemSeptem­ ber 2,11868.49 ber 2, 868. Sir William William Grey, Grey, the the Lieutenant-Governor, Lieutenant-Governor, also shared the views the Association, to persuade persuadethe theGovernGovern­ viewsof ofthe Association, but he was unable unable to Finally, the Secretary of State’s, State's ment of India to to change change its policy.50 policy.60 Finally, educational despatch of May 12, 12, 1870, 1870, upholding upholding the the policy policy of of the the Government matter. After After Sir William Grey had Government of India, clinched the matter. had 1871, a bill was introduced into Council Council for for legalizing legalizing the· retired in 1871, the road and road andeducation educationcesses.51 cesses.51 The way way the the cess cess question question was was decided decided somewhat somewhatdimmed dimmedthe thesuesuc­ cess Jaykrishna had had achieved achieved in in his his dispute dispute with the Government Government over cessjaykrishna chakranor orservice servicetenures. tenures.The Thereader reader will willrecall recall that that the resumption resumption of of chakran in 1860 1860 he he had had been given leave leave to to send send aa special specialappeal appeal to to the Privy hiswas wasaatypical valued at at Council because his typical case, although the suit was valued less than than Rs. 10,000.52 Thejudgment judgment of of the the Privy Council delivered less 10,000.52 The Kingsdown on May 5, 5, 1864, 1864, went went in in Jaykrishna's Jaykrishna’s favour. favour. by Lord Kingsdown The Judges of the Privy the traditional traditional right right of of Privy Council Council recognized recognized the the zamindar to appoint appointorordismiss dismisschaukidarc, chaukidars, admitting zamindar to admitting that that there was the right right of ofdemanding demandingthe the traditional traditional nothing which deprived him of the services from services from the the chaukidar. chaukidar.They, They,however, however,denied deniedthe thezamindar zamindar any any right righttotoassess assesscha/cran chakran lands.50 lands.63 Altogether, Privy Council Council supported supported Jay­ Altogether, the the judgment judgment of the Privy Jaykrishna's claims krishna’s claims against the administration. administration. Analysing Analysing the the possible possible effects of Council decision, decision, the Hindoo Hindoo Patriot effects of this this Privy Council Patriotthought thought itit would Magistrates from rights of would restrain restrain the the Magistrates from tampering tampering with with the the rights zamindars. Jaykrishna Jaykrishna was instrumental in zamindars. in obtaining obtaining for forhis hisfellow fellow zamindars favourable ruling ruling resolving resolving a question question which had had hithertohithertozamindars a favourable been "the “the shuttlecock shuttlecock of of official official caprice The Patriot, Patriot, caprice and controversy” controversy".. The however, however, criticized criticizedthe thePrivy PrivyCouncil Councilfor forhaving havingnegatived negativedthe the right right of the zamindar zamindartotoassess assesschakran chakran lands.M lands.54 I

2268 68

A A BENGAL ZAMINDAR

The natural natural outcome outcome of of the Privy Council judgment was that the the Commissioner of Burdwan Burdwan had had to comply complywith withJaykrishna’s Jaykrishna's request request to withdraw the orders orders of 1855, 1855, which which had had deprived deprived the zamindars of the power of controlling controllingthe therural rural police. police. Once Once more more the the zamindars zamindars of of Burdwan and Hooghly Hooghly regained regained their their authority authorityover overall allclasses classes of rural Burdwan and rural police.54a PersonallyJaykrishna, police.*43·Personally Jaykrishna,however, however,was was in no mood to crow over Government’sbehaviour behaviourlong long enough enough his triumph. He had studied the Government's that itit would would not notreconcile reconcile itself itself to its defeat defeat in the the legal legal to realize that battle, which its thirty years’ years' effort to put the which meant the failure failure of its effort to “village watch” "village watch" on a new footing under under its its direct direct control. control. Certainly Certainly it -would steps to would take other steps to have have its its own own way way in in this this respect respect and and cut cut short his triumph. 1869 to triumph. As expected, a committee was appointed in 1869 frame a bill to reform the village police. police. In In due course course the the Chaukidari Chaukidari Act (VI (VIB.C.) B.C.)ofof1870 1870 was was passed vesting the management managementof ofaa village village Act •oraa group groupof ofvillages villages in in apanchqyat a panchayat or or or committee committee to be selected by the Magistrate. These These committees, among other things, had the the power power of of appointing watchmen. provided that the lands lands appointing watchmen.The The law law further further provided that the chaukidars hitherto appropriated appropriated to the the maintenance maintenance of of the the village village chaukidars hitherto should be made over to the landholders landholders in in perpetuity on payment of half the annual annual value. value.88 In a sense the long and expensive expensive legal legal battle battle in which Jaykrishna Jaykrishna -was engagedseems seemstotohave have been been pointless. pointless.He He was was aware aware he had was engaged lost cause. cause. But But for for him him ititwas. was· a question question of principle dede­ adopted a lost manding full recognition as such. such. True, True, he and other zamindars were finally deprived of their privileges privileges but but not before he had given a very tough tough fight. fight. He He rather rejoiced in a fight. As a devoted champion of the rights and and privileges privileges of zamindars, in another controversy in 1868 and was Jaykrishna was involved involved in controversy in 1868 and called defend his his methods methods of zamindari management. management. An called upon to defend apparently heartless heardess remark remark made made by by Digambar Digambar Mitra Mitra at a meeting of the zamindars and and missionaries missionaries of the flood-affected flood-affected areas of the 24-Parganas and Midnapore Midnapore sparked sparked off off this controversy; controversy. Admitting Admitting of a good the existence existence of good deal of of distress distress in this this region, region, Digambar Digambar reportedly observed that that no norelief reliefwork work was was necessary, necessary, for the people people would manage to live through it all.56 all.58 Ignoring escape from Ignoring Digambar’s Digambar's later later attempts attempts to escape from the the charge charge of callousness, the Friend of India ■callousness, issue and castigated the India took took up up the issue and castigated zamindars in general general for for their theirselfishness selfishness and and irresponsibility. irresponsibility. It zamindars observed Jaykrishna -observedfurther further that that Digambar’s Digambar's case was wassimilar similarto tothat that of ofJaykrishna whose tenants tenants of Mahanad Mahanad were "whose were victims of oppression .87 Thus the first oppression.57 the

%

R REHABXUTATI0N E H A BILITA TIO N

2269 69

shots interesting issues issues shots were were fired fired in in a controversy which raised many interesting regarding the operation operation of of the zamindari zamindari system. The Friend's Friend*s attack attack on onJaykrishna Jaykrishna was more than than his patience patience would stand and and he he was soon involved in aa vigorous vigorous warfare warfare of the the pen pen in in the correspondence correspondencecolumns columnsof ofthe theSerampore Seramporeweekly. weekly.InInaa letter letter dated September 5, 5, 1868, Jaykrishnasaid said that that the the allegations about his hir September 1868, Jaykrishna allegations about agents’ agents' oppression in in his his estate estateof ofMahanad-Dwarvasini Mahanad-Dwarvasini were as unjust unjust as as they were were inaccurate. inaccurate. He described described how how he he or or his his son son Rajmohan Rajmohan had personally looked raiyats by for looked after the razyats by staying staying in in their their midst for a few weeks free access access weeksevery everyyear year and and how his his raiyats rayats invariably had free to him Uttarpara from from morning morning till till nine nine in in the the evening, evening, enjoying enjoying him at Uttarpara done his his best best to to his free free hospitality hospitality during during their their stay stay there. there. He had done estate by building building economic economic and and social social overheads, overheads, and and improve the estate far from enhancing rents, he had granted granted considerable considerable remissions remissions to to razyatsofofDwarvasini Dwarvasiniand and Meghsar.who Meghsar .whohad hadsuffered sufferedduring during the the raiyats cyclone of of 1864. 1864.88 of the Friend f India, A correspondent correspondent of Friendoof India,writing writingfrom fromMahanad Mahanadunder under pseudonym of of “Lover "Loverof Truth", replied the pseudonym of Truth”, repliedto to Jaykrishna Jaykrishna on on SeptemSeptem­ ber 14, 14,1868, the controversy controversy rumbled rumbledon onweek weekafter afterweek weekfor for over over 1868, and the At aa later laterstage stage the the Mahanad Mahanadcorrespondent, correspondent,whose whose name name a month. At Jaykrishna seems to have have identified identified him was not disclosed, disclosed, although Jaykrishna seems to ,89 was Christian,59 was supported supported by another critic who called as an Indian Christian himself Ryot” ,®0 The charges charges they brought brought against against Jaykrishna Jaykrishna himself “A "A Ryot".8° were these: his rents were pitched too high; he forced forced his tenants to to cultivate more could manage manage and did not not accept accept cultivate more lands lands than than they could relinquishment of leases; his remission relinquishment of remission of ofrents rentsamounted amounted to making a charitable institutions virtue of of necessity; his charitable institutions were were mere mere gimmicks, gimmicks, for for he compelled his tenants many of ofhis his tenants to pay for their maintenance; many tenants had deserted his estate to avoid oppression .81 The oppression.8' The older older set of of zamindars than the the new new who who were were more more zamindars had had been been much much better better than efficient efficient and and so so more more dangerous. dangerous. Did Did Jaykrishna Jaykrishna really really believe believe that his tenants were satisfied with He could could well well prove prove with him him as as aazamindar zamindar??He in a court court of of law that that he he was was the the best best of of landlords by the the evidence evidence of who had had suffered at his hands, but ut these the very persons who these tricks would not work in his hisdealings dealingswith withthe thepublic, public,who whohad had far fargreater greater discretion discretion than any any court court of of equity equity and and who who were were both both judges judges of of facts facts and and witnesses of them them.62 witnesses .62 JJaykrishna’s aykrishna's answers to these allegations, which were by no means novel, constituted constituted aa spirited and well-argued The malarial novel, well-argued defence. defence. The epidemic which had been raging raging in in Hooghly Hooghly for some years accounted

2270 70

A BENGAL ZAMINDAR V

desolation of .Meghsar for the desolation Meghsar and and its its neighbourhood. neighbourhood.ItIt would would be be Jaykrishnato tolink linkhis his methods methods of of estate management doing injustice to toJaykrishna management -with the existing existing conditions of these areas suffering with the suffering from from the the effect effect of natural calamities. calamities. He He had haddone donehis his best best to to give give relief relief to the people of natural services of Meghsar by obtaining the services of an an Indian doctor. Similarly, it would be a perverted pervertedview viewof of his zamindari system to charge charge him him with with would be zamindari system rack-renting and subjecting subjecting his his rayats raiyats to to forced forced cultivation cultivation of of lands. lands. In elucidation hesaid saidthat that the the general elucidation of his policies,, policies,, he general rule in in his his zamindaris was to take as much of the stipulated rents from the poorer zamindaris was the stipulated the rayats as as could could be be obtained obtained from from their their crops crops at at harvest after making raiyats provision for maintenance. This This prevented prevented them from from due provision for their maintenance. incurring falling into the the clutches clutches of of money-lenders. money-lenders. The incurring debts and falling The rents was was remitted remitted the same same year year or in the next if an balance of the rents Ltapi%a adverse season justified the the measure. measure.As Astotothe thequestion questionofof istapha or relinquishment relinquishment of of leases, leases,he henever neverhesitated hesitated to to consent consent to to take take them them “back if entire holdings holdings were could not not accept accept indisindis­ were given given up. up. He could criminate relinquishment many mischievous mischievous raiyats rayats tended tended criminate relinquishmentof ofleases, leases, for many to keep get rid of inferior inferior ones. keep the best lands and .get ones. Even Even so, so, he he had relaxed his rules in of village in Meghsar with the result that large tracts of lands were either lying lying fallow fallowor orbeing beingcultivated cultivatedby bythe thezamindar. zamindar. It It was area: were was worth worth mention mention that that the majority of his his raiyats rayats in in the area tenants and not not tenants-at-will, tenants-at-will, as as alleged alleged by by his his critic. critic. occupancy tenants He could not evict them at pleasure, nor could they legally surrender without special special consent. consent. Coming Corningtoto the the question question of of their holdings holdings without desertion, he he denied denied that that a jingle desertion, single family family had left left the the village village for for illtreatment oppression. The departure of ofseveral several families families was was illtreatrnent or or oppression. The departure owing to the the deaths of their able-bodied men in in the epidemic owing to deaths of able-bodied men .®3 epidemic.83 The charge that the raya1s had to to contribute contribute to the maintenance raiyats had maintenance of of the Dwarvasini Dwarvasini school school and dispensary dispensary was was easily answered. As these institutions established under the grant-in-aid scheme, scheme, the institutions had been established necessity to pay a small local people had of ofnecessity small percentage percentage of their their running running expenses. The correspondent, who charge, expenses. The Mahanad correspondent, who brought this charge, Jaykrishna was was not not mistaken, had had should have known belter, better, for he, he, if ifjaykrishna the prize-giving ceremony of the the Dwarvasini Dwarvasini school. school. once presided over the The contrast that "A “A Ryot" Ryot” had had found found between between the The contrast the old old and new zamindars was was perhaps perhaps suggested suggested by the number number of of law suits brought zamindars by the landholders of the the day day against their tenants. tenants. It It should by landholders of against their should be remembered, however, they had been been compelled compelled to to file file these these remembered, however, that that they suits for Act Act X X of 1859 1859required required them them to to assert assert and and prove their rights given time. time. For this the the authors authors of of the the Rent Rent Act Act were were to to within a given

2271 71

REH A BILITA TIO N REMAILITATI0N

blame, not not the the zamindars zamindars." Jayblame, .®4 In his his letter letter of of October October 5, 5, 1868, 1868, Jay­ krishna said he had no intention of continuing the debate any further continuing the with his his critics who knew little of the land-system of Bengal. with Bengal. He He had said “but when when ignorance ignorance is is contending contending with prejudice prejudice as as to to said enough, "but can raisethe thelouder loudercry cry against against that thatsystem, system, we we can well afford which canraise to pass notice."65 .” 66 pass itit without without notice With short reply reply dated dated October October 66,, 1868 1868 from Lover of With a short from the the “"Lover Truth” themonth-old month-old controversy controversy came to an end .68 This apparently Truth" the end.66 verbal batde, battle, however, yields some somescrappy scrappybut butauthentic authentic inconclusive verbal information about aboutJaykrishna's management. He held Jaykrishna’ssystem system of of estate management. his own very very ably ably in in this debate debate of which which aa full full record record fortunately fortunately still must admire admire his his frankness frankness in describing describing his principles and and exists. One must practice which strict landlord. which had built up his reputation as a rather rather strict He was generally regarded as the very image of aa zamindar of the new zarnindar of school, school, the most able defender of a system that was was under under fire fire from from many directions. directions.An An attempt attempt may may be be made made here here to illustrate many illustrate his his zamindari system with some Jaykrishna’s character zamindari system someanecdotes anecdotesininwhich whichJaykrishna's character acquires a certain depth and reality. managedhis hisown own affairs, Although as a career zamindar, zamindar, Jaykrishna jaykrishna managed he could also dis­ also make make proper proper use use of of others. others. He He had had a trained and disLiplined personnel of of higher higher and lower-grade officers. officers. For For a Bengali ciplined personnel Bengali zamindari clerk in those days days there there could could be be no no better training than in Jaykrishna’s office. This body of officers trained Jaykrishna's office. of officers trained by him enhanced the efficiency efficiency of his methods methods of ofbookbook­ of his his zamindari system as did his keeping accounts. In fact, fact, Jaykrishna's Jaykrishna’s system system of of accounts, into keeping and and accounts. which he put his own experiences she ristadar, experiences as asaamilitary militaryaccountant, accountant, sheristadar, working zamindar, now and again received the compliment and a working compliment of imitation by byother literarywag wagpraised other zamindars. Once aa literary praised JJaykrishna's aykrishna’s system of accounts accountswith with aarare rare discernment. discernment. He describes how aa ne’erne'erdo-well day-dreams day-dreams about playing the Babu in Calcutta in a big way. do-well He anticipates anticipates the pleasure pleasure of of getting getting the the leading leading members members of the the ■city’s to'work for for him and and assigning assigning to each the task which city's aristocracy towork was strong point. this world world of of fantasy fantasy Maharaja Maharaja Kamal Kamal was his his strong point. In this Krishna of Sobhabazar holds his traditional timbrella umbrella over this upup­ start's head start’s head and and Jaykrishna Jaykrishna acts acts as as his his accountant. :5rTIsT

TT v

?t

1's

fy. , ____

_

F4

ir

< ■ ,:JtVrnsO.«ί ίΓΐ ,ίι'} ; :

•

\

.

:»ί Ιν ϊ

.

:

u'Kih

Λ; ! 1 ' :‘h ' ι :,\;·· j · ί'Λ.·.,.:

;

>■.· ■!
··■' s: / ' ‘

v :)lil >Ί

ι·.·

,.)·!).'

.

- V v i . .-!;γ;·γ[-,ίίίϊ .; /J ί»ϊ,;κι ■' - 'r.n‘ :·■:;■■■'>' ·■idU'-jnymV S) '·..!■ : ,

.

··.

·

.

!;

;■■·!(

,

^

•■

:■

.·■

π:ί ■ ;

;'

. .

■· > ?. · . Χ ! Λ ‘ ^ Ι Α ι y , ' . :■

r < i > · · · ,·.

ι - ■ί ·-

J· , · . ; ; . . - i bi

1

v k

:. -irTl"' , ΐ ί Μ ; / ·. \Λ \

,;;ίί';·.ι1 ;; · ί'.-: · u.’r

;

:

+

j j i l i :Τ-:-1. !\ ;: ' - ' ’! v it ' - ■;4isSU’ai.'i iV;

:

.· ·.■

i*ii.

,',λ η ίί

;■■ ■■

' ' Γ.:. ! :: i.V /· :> )

:■ ■·. .

■"

·}·'ϋ Jo

:i

Si '·

; , ' ',-

: . - ■.

i b i i l v / Η·ι"»Γ::ύ.···.

C HAPTER T HIRTEEN CHAPTER THIRTEEN

The Final Final Years The Years

(1880—1888)

(i 8 8o- 1888.)

I. I. TTHE he B BENGAL en g al T TENANCY e n a n c y ACT A c t OF o f 1885 1885

Jaykrishna’s many of of his his old problems problems were Jaykrishna's last years, during which many resolved, piede resolved, would wouldhave have been been among among his his happiest happiest but but for for a new piece of legislation. legislation.Although Althoughhe he was was fairly fairly hardened hardened to to crises, crises, the the events events which led led to the passing Tenancy Act Act of 1885 which passing of the Bengal Bengal Tenancy 1885 caused him much concern. The Government's Government’s policy policy in this this respect respect evoked his astonishment and often his indignation. He led, led, though thoughunsuccessunsuccess­ fully, the movement against the proposed legislation legislation and and did his best fully, to stop it. It is not easy to disentangle the the events events of of those murky years, to this but an an attempt attempt must must be be made made to to understand understand his Ms reactions reactions to question, which which was was central central to his before turning turning to his question, his existence, existence, before his other activities activities during this tMs period. governmental decisions decisionsfollowed followedinintrain train which which ended A series series of governmental reconstructing the the whole whole rent rent law by carrying the Government into into reconstructing Bengal. Its declared policy policy was protect tenants tenants against against rent of Bengal. Its declared was to to protect enhancement and to torecognize recognize the the rights rights of of occupancy raiyats. raiyats. Defend­ enhancement and Defending the draft draft bill bill prepared preparedby bythe theRent RentLaw Law Commission, Commission, the GovernGovern­ ment asserted asserted that it was was neither neither revolutionary revolutionary nor nor confiscatory confiscatory in. in character.' however,did did not not dispel dispel the the fear fear and and character.1 These These assurances, assurances, however, suspicion of 1880, started agitation suspicion of zamindars zamindarswho, who, as as early early as as 1880, started an agitation against the proposed measure. In October, October, 1880 1880 Asutosh Asutosh Mukherjee, Mukheijee, a lawyer arid and zamindars' namesake, zamindars’spokesman, spokesman, older than his Ms famous namesake, wrote an criticizing the the Rent Rent Law Com­ Coman article articleininthe theCalcutta Calcutta Review, Review, criticizing mission’s Report TMs article, which wMch was later published published as as mission's Report in detail. This pamphletentitled entitledThe The ProposedJ'Iew Mew Rent Rent Law Law fo Bengal and Bihar, a pamphlet Proposed forr Bengal suggestion of described how the suggestion ofaa slight slight amendment amendment of of the the rent rent law, originally zamindars themselves, themselves, had an originally coming coming from from the the zamindars had taken am unexpected and highly objectionable objectionable form, form, cutting cutting at at the root of the the Permanent Settlement Permanent SettlementwMch whichwas was“as "asmuch much aa contract contract as as the the Pro­ Promissory Note Secretary of State for for India ” .2 The CommisCommis­ missory Note of of the the Secretary India".2 sioners had tried .tried to to elaborate new theory theory of rent sioners had elaborate for themselves themselves aa new specifically for Bengal and Bihar3 Bihar8 and sought to introduce important

T H E FINAL FIN A L YEARS THE

417

structural changes changes in in the thezamindari zamindarisystem systemwhich whichseemed seemedunwarunwar­ ranted. The new did not ranted. new theory theory put put forward forward by by the theCommission Commission did accord with the concepts accord concepts of property and privilege privilege with which which the familiar.4 people were familiar .4 raiyats, or or rather ratherthose those who who championed championed their their cause, cause, however, however, The rayats, welcomed the the Rent Bill. There isis aa report of an open-air meeting welcomed Bill. There meeting of raiyats Wellington Square 26, 1881 1881 under under the rayats held held in Wellington Square on on March March 26, chairmanship of Surendra chairmanship of Surendra Nath Banerjee Banerjee where the the speeches speeches in favour of the the new Rent Bill favour Bill were received with loud applause, clapdap­ ping of hands and cries ping and cries of of Han Hari Bol.5 Bol.5 The landholders, landholders, who were were conspicuously absent absent at this meeting,® meeting,° were were ready ready to to launch launch aa peaceful conspicuously public agitation against against the the Government's Government’spolicy. policy. Even Even the the Friend Friend ooff India, which which described described this this movement movement as selfish seffishrather ratherthan than patriotic, India, adoption of ofthe the English English methods methods of of was impressed impressed by by the zamindars zamindars'5adoption constitutional agitation for defending their interests constitutional interests and rights .7 rights.7 which had been The British British Indian Indian Association, Association, which been watching watching every every move of the Government Government in respect respect of of the the Rent RentBill, Bill, was was highly highly move pleased when itit became became known known that that the draft bill prepared by the pleased when the Rent Commission had not not met with the Commission had the Government's Government’s approval in The leaders leaders of of the the Association Association were in hopes hopes that the the all its details. The Government would listen listen to to them them and and would would not not go go ahead ahead with with the Government would drastic measure. measure. Addressing Addressing the the Association's Association’s twenty-ninth annual general meeting, held held on on April April 29, 29, 1881, 1881, Jaykrishna Jaykrishna defined defined the general meeting, zamindars' attitude to zamindars’ to this this question. question. He was glad that there there was no longer any possibility of the the Bill, Bill, as as drafted drafted by the Rent Law possibility of Law ComCom­ mission, Council. The Government, Government, in in framing framing mission, being being introduced introduced in in Council. any rent rent law law should should be be careftul careful about preserving preserving the sympathy and good good feeling feeling existing existingbetween betweenraiyat rayat and and zamindar. Jaykrishna held that the parties had kept in check the mischief that only only the the self-interest self-interest of the that had had already already been been done. done. He had had no no doubt doubt that that the therayats raiyats still still preferred having having their their disputes disputes settled settledon on the the spot spot by the zamindar preferred journeys to to distant towns in order or his agent to to making making expensive expensive journeys to have cases tried by law courts where where the the procedure procedure baffled baffled them cases tried and the the expenses expenses often often beggared even when were not beggared them, them, even when they were wholly beyond beyond their their reach. reach. If the wholly the Government Government really wanted to do do good to the rayats, raiyats, itit should should minimize minimize the the costs costs of of suits suits instead of of making large large profits profits by by the administration justice. Contrary to making administration of justice. to the Government Government believed, believed, the the real real obstacles obstacles to the the prosperity prosperity what the of the peasants were subdivision subdivision and and fragmentation fragmentationof ofrayati rayati holdings and the the system system ofjoint of jointtenancies. tenancies. A A law law prescribing prescribing aa floor floor or lower lower 27 27

418 418

BENGAL ZAAINDAR ZAMINDAR A aENGAL

limit of holdings at fifteen bighas —an area areagiving giving just just enough enough employemploy­ ofholdings bigha.s-an ment to a plough and aa pair pair of of bullocks-would bullocks—wouldmaterially materiallyimprove improve the condition condition of the Bengal Bengal peasant. As As aa possible possible solution solution of the difficulty suggestion difficulty resulting resultingfrom fromsuch such aa law, law, Jaykrishna Jaykrishna made aa suggestion which certain eccentricity eccentricity of detail. of aa division division which had had a certain detail. At the time of of aa raiyats holding among among his his sons sons which rayat'. holding which would would tend tend to to reduce the the eldest eldest son son should have share of each to to less less than than fifteen fifteen biglzas, bighas, the the pre-emption to the shares shares of his brothers. brothers. Such law, the pre-emption to buy buy up the Such a law, Jaykrishna asserted, asserted, would benefit the the rayats raiyats infinitely infinitely more than a dozen dozen rent rent laws .8 laws.8 The zamindars' zamindars’ hope that that the the Government Government would make no further attempt to to change change the the existing existing rent law law flickered flickered and faded when H. J. Reynolds, Revenue Secretary Secretary to the Government Government of of Bengal, prepre­ pared the assumption assumption that the the rayaLs raiyats had pared a fresh rent bill on the had rights founded records and usage usage and the the Government Government could could founded on on ancient records regulate relations with this process process did regulate their relations with zamindars zamindars as as long as this not confiscate the provided that not confiscate the landlords’ landlords' income. income.His His draft draft bill bill provided every bona fide occupancy bonafide occupancytenant tenantwould wouldacquire acquire aa right of occupancy in all lands lands held held or or cultivated cultivated by him, him, no no private private contracts contracts being being allowed on accepting accepting the surrender surrender of an allowed to to defeat defeat it; it; a zamindar, on occupancy might disdis­ occupancy holding holdingfrom fromaa tenant tenant or or on buying him out, might pose of ofthe the land land as as he he pleased, pleased, but but could not prevent the acquisition pose of occupancy whom he occupancyright rightby by the the next next resident resident tenant tenant to to whom he might let it; the the rent rent of ofoccupancy occupancy rayaLs raiyats could could not not be be forced forced up up to competi­ competition rate. The tion The British British Indian IndianAssociation Association communicated to the GovGov­ opinions of the Rent Rent Bill Bill Conference Conference which which during its its ernment the opinions session 1881 had considered the different different propro­ session in in February-March, 1881 had considered visions of of Reynold’s Reynold's new Jaykrishnaand andPearymohan Pearymohan had had taken visions new bill. bill. Jaykrishna active pare part in the the deliberations deliberations of of this this conference.9 conference.® Sir Ashley Ashley Eden’s considered the problem, problem, Eden's Government, having considered proposals to to the the Government Government of ofIndia India on onjuly submitted its proposals July 21, 21, 1881. 1881. The Government of India, in its turn, forwarded forwarded the relevant relevant papers papers together with aa review review of of the the whole whole question question and andits itsown ownsuggestions suggestions to the Secretary Secretary of State 1882. It proposed proposed to State for for India India in March, 1882. extend the scope scope of the right of of occupancy occupancy by making making itit possible possible for for all raiyats to to acquire acquire this thisright rightsimply simply by by "holding “holding or or cultivating cultivating all rayatj raiyati twelve-year rule, rayati land”. land". The old twelve-year rule, dating back to to the the Rent Act, was abolished.10 Referring submission of Referring to the submission was to be abolished.'0 of the the new new draft Bill th e 'Secretary Secretary of thirtieth annual annual Bill to to the of State, State, Jaykrishna Jaykrishna at at the thirtieth general meeting of the British Indian Association, Association, held on April 10, 10,

THE T H E FINAL FIN A L YEARS

4419 19

1882, regretted regretted that that the parties vitally 1882, vitally interested in the the proposed proposed law law should be be kept in the dark about by the should about the theamendments amendments suggested suggested by Government of India. The bill bill had had been been materially materially altered altered since since the the zamindars zamindars had last last submitted submitted their their representations representations to the GovernGovern­ ment. Jaykrishna Jaykrishnawas was of ofopinion opinion that thatsome some sections sections of the bill revealed its authors' authors’ ignorance ignorance about about the the conditions conditions of the people as much as spirit and and sentimentalism. sentimentalism. Referring Irish their own partisan spirit Referring to to the Irish said that itit showed showed how how much much harm law made made in Land Act, he said harm a law this spirit could do. The The deciding deciding authority authority must mustknow knowboth bothsides sides of of the question. question. Comparing situation with Comparing the the Indian Indian situation with the the Irish, Jay­ Jaykrishna observed observedthat that in in the permanently settled settled areas areas it could not krishna even plead agrarian prosperous conditions agrarian discontent. discontent. The The,prosperous conditions of of tenants tenants in this region in comparison comparison with with those those of Madras Madras and the the Deccan Deccan clearly made Jaykrishna made the the proposed proposed legislation legislation unnecessary. Finally, Jaykrishna insisted that the bill, bill, as as modified, modified, should should be published published for for general general insisted information and that the information and the Secretary Secretary of of State State ought ought totopostpone postpone his his period of ofsix six months ,11 decision for aa period months.11 sceptical criticism criticism of of the the draft draft bill attempted . The most most bitter and sceptical like Jaykrishna had had little little effect effect on on the theGovernment, Government, which which by men like failed to see agrarian problem problem to to the thesimplification simplification see that that to reduce the agrarian zatnindars' wickedness was to to misconceive misconceiveits itscharacter. character. It It did not of zamindars’ wickedness was recognize the the absurdity which was that recognize that the theofficials officials really believed believed their own reports. reports. It was was as as important important not not totobecome become sentimental sentimental the actual about the Permanent Permanent Settlement Settlement as it was not to to overlook overlook the situation Bengal. But those who revision of situation in Bengal. who were were in in charge charge of the revision of the rent law law seem seem to to have havestarted startedwith withsome somepreconceived preconceived notions. notions. and steadfast steadfast purpose. purpose. Behind the process was a central and Opinion The zamindars Opinion was was sharply sharply divided dividedover over the the rent rentlaw lawissue. issue. The the system system they they represented represented were were attacked degree of of and the attacked with with a degree vehemence. The zamindars' zamindars’claim claim to to be be the thenatural naturalleaders leadersofofsociety society was challenged.12 challenged,12 Their critics critics held that that they theyrepresented represented nobody nobody If aa governmental order could could make make the zamindars zainindars but themselves. themselves. If governmental order proprietors of land without compensating compensating the rayats, raiyats, another anothergoverngovern­ mental mental order could could as as easily easily unmake unmake them them without without compensating compensating the zamindars.1211 A letter to the the Englishman “Ryots of Englishman signed signed by by "Ryots A letter India" and India” and dated datedNovember November18, 18,1882, 1882, hopefully hopefully regarded the Rent Rent system.'3 Bill as as the the prelude prelude to the abolition Bill abolition of the zamindari system .13 The zamindars powerful champion champion of their cause in Sir Sir Richard Richard zamindars had had a powerful Garth, Garth, the theChiefJusticc ChiefJusticeofofBengal Bengaland andaaformer formerConservative Conservative Member Member of Parliament, of September 6, 6, 1882 1882 observed Parliament, who in his minute of observed that zamindars.l2a

4420 20

A A BENGAL BENGAL ZAMINDAR

the Bill was calculated to to sacrifice sacrifice wantonly and and unnecessarily unnecessarily the the rights of one one section of the the community community for for the supposed benefit of of rights section of supposed benefit 14 another another..14 The British Association realized British Indian Association realizedthat that there there would would be be aa long long contest contest over over the the Rent Rent Bill. Bill. For For this this aa good good deal deal of preparation preparation and planning was necessary. necessary. In December, December, 1882 1882 the the Association Association set set up landholders to watch the a central committee committee of landholders the progress progress of the Bill and take take necessary necessary steps. committee was composed composed of steps. The The central committee of three separate committees of Bengal, Bihar and l3engal,Bihar and European landholders. Jaykrishna and Pearymohan Pearymohan served served on the Bengal committee .18 committee.'5 Speaking'at the the general general meeting meeting of ofthe the British British Indian IndianAssociation Association on December 22, 1882, 1882, Jaykrishna repeatedhis repeated hiscriticism criticismof ofthe the GovGov­ ernment’s ernment's secretive secretive handling handling of an important important measure measure like the Rent Bill Bill which which aimed aimed at at a fundamental recasting of landlord-tenant landlord-tenant re­ relations. Why Why was was the application lations. application of of the the British British Indian IndianAssociation Association for for a copy of the Bill Bill together together with the the Government's Government’s observations observations refused? The Secretary of State had as yet no opportunity of of hearing Indian public "And yet," public opinion on the Bill. Bill. “And yet,” lamented lamented Jaykrishna, "the come out out to to India cut and “the Bill Bill will come and dry dry [sic] [w] with its broad lines fully determined.” determined." At At this this juncture juncture all that the fully the British British Indian Indian AssoAsso­ ciation appoint aarepresentative representativecentral centralCommittee committee ciation could do was to appoint to comment on the Bill Bill after its publication and watch watch its its progress progress through Council.16 Council.18 In the the meantime meantime the the Bill Bill was was rçvised revised further at the the suggestion suggestion of the Secretary of State who thought thought that thatthe therecognitic*s recognitiofa of of the occuoccu­ pancy right on on the the basis basis of ofthe theclassification classification of lands instead of of the the tenant's status status would would be be too too radical radical aa change. tenant’s change. On March March 2, 2, 1883 1883 Sir C. C. P. Ilbert, Sir Ilbert, the the Law Law Member, Member, moved moved the the Council Council for leave to introduce the modified modified Bill.16' Bill.iea ItIt retained the the twelve-year twelve-year condition condition regarding the right of occupancy, occupancy, but tenant would would but provided provided that a tenant gain occupancy status by holding land in in the the same same village village or or estate. estate. The tenants tenants were given a right right to to the the free free sale sale of their holdings with­ withtheir landlords. landlords. It It laid laid down a maximum limit of out the consent consent of their rayats and gave those evicted evicted for for nonrent for for the the non-occupancy non-occupancy raiyats non­ payment of rent a right right to to claim claim compensation. compensation. At the the suggestion suggestion of of Sir Steuart Bayley, who had been placed in charge charge of of the the Bill, Bill, it was referred to a select committee originally consisting of eleven eleven members members of whom whom two two were were Indians-Maharaja Indians—Maharaja Lakbsmiswar Lakhsmiswar Singh Singh of Darbhanga and Krishnadas Krishnadas Pal, the the Secretary Secretary of the British British Indian Association.'7 Association .15 ' , '

T H E FINAL FIN A L YEARS ThE

421 421

At the the thirty-first thirty-first annual annual general general meeting meeting of of the the British British Indian Indian Association held 1883, Jaykrishna Rent Association heldon on April April 5, 5, 1883, Jaykrishna dwelt dwelt on on the Rent Bill at some length. Before Before criticizing the Bill, he sang sang his usual song about the about the sacredness sacredness of the Permanent Permanent Settlement. Settlement. "No “No Bengal Bengal Rent Bill," Bill,” said he, "could “could have have been been drafted drafted in in such such gross gross ignorance ignorance of the history, condition, condition, and circumstances circumstances of people, in such such the history, of the the people, vested rights rights and in such utter wanton violence violence of vested utter want wantof offoresight foresight of the practical results results of its its operation operation as as the the Bill Bill in in question.” question." In In introducing the measure, the real real motive motive of of the Government, Government, which by the Permanent Permanent Settlement Settlement had had cut cutitself itselfoff off from from exercising exercising any any power to increase increase its its revenue, revenue, was was to to snatch snatch from from the the zamindars zarnindars the the power of Rs. Rs. 10 10 million million which the road road cess cess papers had revealed revealed amount of their profits. profits. This This figure, figure, however, however, was was extremely extremely misleading, misleading, since since as their very little of of itit was was left left after after the the deduction deductionof ofthe thecosts costs ofofcollection collection and the profits profits of a large number and the number of tenuretenure- and under-tenure-holders. clearly aimed aimed at a thorough Let the Government, Government, which clearly thorough redistriburedistribu­ tion of landed property, adopt adopt aa more more straightforward straightforward course. course. The hand landholders would be too glad to to part part with with their their properties properties and hand them over to the the Government Government in in lieu lieu of ofGovernment Government loan loan securities securities their present present profits. profits. “If no such such arrangement arrangement is is come guaranteeing their "If no to,” said Jaykrishna, "I “Iwould wouldexhort exhortmy mycountrymen countrymen of ofevery every class class to," said to combine against the the present atand profession profession to combine constitutionally constitutionally against at­ tempt to deprive deprive the national property." property.” He ended ended by the nation of a national suggesting opinion of landholders landholders on Bill should should be be suggestingthat that the the opinion on the Bill immediately invited.18 The Govern­ immediately invited.l& Theway wayJaykrishna Jaykrishna threatened threatened the Government with a massive massive agitation led by by zamindars zamindars is is curious. curious. Was he simply simply bragging braggingwhen whenhe hesaid saidall allthis? this? He He certainly certainly knew knewthat that in in 1883 zamindars call for agitation 1883 zamindars had had little little popular support and any call given them would would evoke evoke very very poor poor response. response. Even allowing allowing for given by them his exaggerated notion and other other zamindars' zamindars’influence influence his exaggerated notion of his own and and power, power, what what he hesaid said was was very very unrealistic. unrealistic, Jaykrishna’s suggestion, however, Jaykrishna's final final suggestion, however,was wasmade madenot not aa day too soon, for mofussil zamindars gravity of of soon, for the mofussil zamindars had had not yet realized the gravity situation. Many Many of of them them were were incapable incapable of of determining determining their their the situation. self-interest. The Burdwan Division, Division, for in­ true self-interest. The zamindars zamindars of the Burdwan for instance, stance, were were complacent complacent that influential influential committees committees here here and and in in able to to exercise exercise pressure pressure on the authorities, authorities, and England would be able Bill, when enacted, enacted, would not really really affect affect them.'° them .19 Jaykrishna the Bill, his best to arouse public interest in the Rent Bill and stir up the did his zamindars personally led campaign in the the zamindars from from apathy. apathy. He personally led this this campaign

4422 22

ZAMINDAR A BENGAL ZAMINDAk

districts of Hooghly Hooghly and and Burdwan. Burdwan. Presiding over a big public meeting of the leading zamindars zamindars of Hooghly hall of of the the Scrampore Serampore Hooghly in in the hail College College on on September September 1, 1, 1883, 1883, he explained the salient salient features features of the Rent Rent Bill. Bill. Several Several speakers speakers followed followed him and and resolutions resolutions were were unanimously send a memorial memorial to to unanimously passed. passed.The The meeting meeting decided decided to to send the Viceroy and for this purpose it elected a sub-committee including Jaykrishna and and some some leading leading zamindars zamindars of of Serampore Serampore and TeleniTelenipara .2 0 Just a month later Jaykrishna addressed another protest meet­ para.2OJust a month laterJaykrishna meeting held at Burdwan with with Maharaja Aftab Chand Chand in the chair, and seconded the resolution proposed seconded the resolution proposed by by the the Dewan Dewan Banbehari Kapur who explained how the Government had been systematically systematically cutting in on zamindars' zamindars’rights rightssince since 1859. 1859. A large large sum sum of ofmoney money was was volunvolun­ tarily subscribed subscribed on on the spot in aid of the the fund raised by the Calcutta central committee .21 committee.2' This campaign served to wake up some some of of the the mofussil mofussil zamindars to the die danger that that was was threatening threatening them. them. Their Their written written opinions opinions on on the Rent Rent Bill Bill were compiled compiled and published in book book form by PearyPeary1883. Kisori Kisori Lai Goswami of mohan in 1883. Lal Goswami of Serampore Seramporethought thought that that the proposed rent law, a partisan partisan measure, measure, would would benefit benefit neither neither zaminzamin­ ,22 Prasanna Nath Nath Ray RayofofDighaDighamiddlemen.22 dars nor raiyats rayats but the middlemen patia was was convinced convinced that the the Government Government disliked disliked the landholders landholders .23 Some mofussil landholders as a clasj clas.23 Some European European mofussil landholders like like C. C. Tweedie of the annihilation annihilation of oflandland­ Jessore also also criticized criticized the Bill Bill as as aiming aiming at the lords.24 lords.24 In the meantime meantime the the central centralcommittee committee of ofthe the zarnindars zamindars of of Bengal Bihar petitioned petitioned both both the theHouses Houses of ofParliament Parliamentfor forconsidering considering and Bihar their case.26 case.26 The Government Government of India, however, however, went ahead ahead with with the formalities to pass the Bill. The meetings of of the Select Committee, Committee, to which the Bill Bill had been referred, began in in November, November, 1883 1883 and 1884.28 lasted until March, 1884.2® The British Indian Indian Association Association carried on its anti-Rent Bill propapropa­ anti-Rent Bill ganda as best as it could. At the meeting of the central committee of landholders held held on November landholders November 17, 17, 1883 1883 a number number of of speakers speakers like Dr. Rajendralal Mitra, Maharaja Jatindra Mohan Maharaja Narendra Narendra Krishna, Jatindra and Jaykrishna Jaykrishna criticized criticized the the Bill Bill from from different different angles. angles. Jay­ Tagore and Jaykrishna observed that that no no amount amountof ofsophistry sophistry could could disguise the inner It would would first first squeeze squeeze one interest, then then motives of the Government. It and the thestrain strainwould wouldbecome becomeuniversal. univerbal. He He laid laid stress stress on the another, and contradiction.between the Government's Government’s sanctimonious sanctimonious precepts to contradiction between the k/zasmahals. mahals. “I "1 humbly submit,” submit," zamindars and and its its practice practice in in its its own own khas

THE T H E FINAL FIN A L YEARS

423 423

said he, "that “thatififfacts factsand andfigures figuresrelating relatingtotokhas khasmahals mahals and private estates estates were were carefully carefully arranged arranged side side by by side side and and compared with one for ‘good 'good administration, administration, peace and and prosperity', another the the necessity necessity for prosperity’, as His Honor [Sir as [Sir A. A. Rivers Rivers Thompson] Thompson] puts puts it, would would be found found !"27 near home home !” 27 Before Before concluding, concluding,Jaykrishna Jaykrishnaagain againsaid said that that the proposed proposed law law would would encourage encourage litigation litigation and and the raiyats’ rayats' money, hitherto expended cultivation of lands and and the the mainmain­ hitherto expendedon on the the cultivation of lands tenance their families, families, would would enrich enrich pettifoggers pettifoggers and court tenance of their and court underlings.28 underlings.28 was also also present at the the impressive impressive landholders’ demon­ Jaykrishna was landholders' demonstration held the Calcutta Calcutta Town Town Hall Hall on onDecember December 29, 29, 1883 1883 stration held in the under chairmanship of the Bihar under the chairmanship the Maharaja of Darbhanga. The Bihar zamindars zamindars took took an active active part part in in this this meeting, meeting, many many of of them speaking in Urdu or Jaykrishna did did not speak speak on on that that day, day, but or Hindusthani. Hindusthani. Jaykrishna he seconded Maharaja Jatindra Jatindra Mohan seconded Maharaja Mohan Tagore's Tagore’s proposal proposal for a vote chair.29 of thanks .29 thanks to the chair Even the zamindars zamindars expressed expressed their strong strong disapproval disapproval of the Even as the Rent Bill in public meetings, meetings, their able able spokesman, spokesman, Krishnadas Pal, championed their their cause cause in the the legislature. On On one one occasion he roundly condemned the the Bill Bill as "an “anungodly ungodlymeasure measureofofwholesale wholesalerobbery".3o robbery” .80 As the editor also he he fought fought the zamindars' As editor of of the theHindoo Hindoo Patriot Patriot also zamindars’ battle on another another front. front. Throughout the year year 1884 1884 the the Rent Rent Bill Bill controversy controversy went went on in full swing. swing. The The British British Indian Indian Association Association tried its best to prevent the the proposed proposed measure. measure. One interesting feature of its effort effort was was the the inter­ interlocking and European European landed landedinterests, interests, which enraged locking of of the the Indian and the editor editor of of the the Bengalee Bengalee who whootherwise otherwisesympathized sympathizedwith with the the zamin­ zamindars.31 The The Englishman, Englishman, however, dars.3' however,commended commendedthe the link link between between the Bengal zamindars Anglo-Indian residents residents in London London for for Bengal zamindars and and the Anglo-Indian presenting a united front in the the war war between between property propertyand andsocialism socialism barbarism.32 which .32 which it equated with barbarism ofactive activepropaganda propagandaand and counter-propaganda counter-propaganda During these months of which even even the theredoubtable redoubtable Miss Miss Florence Nightingale in which Nightingale entered entered the the zamindars,88Jaykrishnapowerfully powerfullydefended defendedhis hisclass. class. lists against the zamindars,33Jaykrishna Probably itit was he who wrote wrotethe theanonymous anonymousletter lettertotothe theEnglishman Englishman Probably refuting the charges made against against zamindars zamindars and andstressing stressing the absence ofrents rents or oroppressive oppressive of proof of excessive excessiveor or large-scale large-scale enhancement enhancement of years.34 evictions within last twenty twenty or ortwenty-five twenty-five years .84 He was also evictions within the last present at aa meeting meeting of of the the central central committee committee of of the the landholders landholders of Bengal and Bihar on February February10, 10, 1884 1884 for for petitioning petitioning the the Viceregal Viceregal

4424 24

ZAMINDAR A BENGAL ZAMINDAR

Council Council for the the publication publication of ofthe theproceedings proceedings of of the the Select Select ComCom­ mittee.36 mittee.35 As the revised revised Bill, Bill,together togetherwith withaa preliminary preliminary report report and minutes dissent recorded recorded by by four four members, members, was was published published in in March, 1884, of dissent 1884, the zamindars took aa long hard look the zamindars took long hard look at it. it. At Atthe thethirty-second thirty-second annual general meeting held on annual meeting of the British British Indian Indian Association Association held May 7, 7, 1884, 1884, Jaykrishna observed observed that the the Select Select Committee Committee had treated the the Bill in in an an offhand offhand manner, manner, with the result that that the modified version Council, version was was much much worse worsethan than what what had been introduced introduced in Council, Besidesapplying applyingthe theprinciple principleof ofthe the fixity fixity of of tenure tenure to to in­ inin 1883. 1883. Besides holdings which whichhad had not not existed existed at at the the time of the the Perma­ Permanumerable holdings nent Settlement, Settlement, it had extended extended it to to cases cases in which produce rent had been been or or should should be be commuted commuted into into money money rent. rent. Secondly, Secondly, the the provisionsof ofthe the amended amended Bill Bill regarding regarding the the sale sale and and subletting provisions subletting of rayats alike, occupancy rights would adversely adversely affect zamindars and raiyats persons with with no rights whatsoever. whatsoever. Thirdly, Thirdly, it and would only benefit persons would destroy destroy the the landholders’ landholders'right right to to enhance enhance rent rent which which they they at at would theoretically enjoyed. least theoretically enjoyed. Fourthly, Fourthly, the the virtual virtual abolition abolition of the the pro­ process of of distraint distraint which the Bill envisaged would leave landholders landholders with no means to recover even admitted rents. Altogether, recover even rente. Altogether, the amended Bill was was calculated to sow between landlord Bill sow the seeds seeds of of dissension dissension between and tenant tenant even even more more effectively effectively than the original original bill. bill. Jaykrishna was by praising praising Krishnadas Krishnadas Pal Pal was loudly loudly applauded applauded when when he ended by to carry for his able note note of ofdissent dissent and and exhorting exhorting the the committees committees to on the agitation on the Rent Bill.36 Bill.36 The central Bengal met met again The central committee committee of the landholders landholders of Bengal again on June 27, 27, 1884 1884 under the the chairmanship chairmanship of Maharaja Narendra Narendra Krishna. Among Among others, others,Jaykrishna Jaykrishnaand and Jatindra jatindra Mohan Krishna. Mohan Tagore Tagore addressed the meeting, meeting, strongly condemning the the confiscatory confiscatory proviprovi­ sions of of the-amended the amended Tenancy Bill sions Bill and and suggesting suggesting the the necessity necessity of memorializing Government for of the the measure. measure. memorializing the the Government for the withdrawal of The committee committee thanked the Liberty Liberty and and Property Property Defence Defence League, which had been been formed in England England to to resist resist over-legislation, maintain freedom advocate individualism, individualism, for freedom of contract contract and advocate for its interest in the Bill's oppressive oppressivecharacter character the Tenancy TenancyBill Bill and and its its effort effort to expose the Bill’s pblic.37 to the British British public .37 The meeting meeting also also appointed appointed jaykrishna's Jaykrishna’sson son Pearymohan Pearymohanjoint joint secretary secretary of of the the central central committee committee as as well well as as of of the subcommittee.M sub-committee.38 After the death of of Krishnadas Krishnadas Pal Pal on on July July 24, 24, 1884 1884 Pearymohan, Pearymohan, then then forty-four forty-four years years old, old, was was elected elected honorary honorary secretary secretary of the the

THE YEARS T H E FINAL F IN A L YEA RS

425 '4 25

British Indian .Association Association39 39 and, as a matter matterof ofcourse, was appointed and, as an additional additional member member of of the the Indian IndianLegislative Legislative Council Council and and aa memmem­ ber of of the the Select Select Committee Committee on on the theBengal BengalTenancyBilL4° Tenancy Bill.40Jaykrishna ber Jaykrishna naturally glad glad that thathis hisson sonwas wasgiven given recognition recognition which which he he himhim­ was naturally self had had eminently eminently deserved deservedbut but failed failed to to obtain. obtain. He also felt felt that that he -would be able able totoinfluence influencethe thecourse courseofofevents eventsmore moreeffectively effectively would through his son who now held the key key position position in the landholders' landholders’ organization. the meantime meantime the therevised revised Bill Bill was was being being subjected subjected to careful careful In the Official opinion scrutiny by the Government. Official opinion was wasinvited invited on on it, it, but comments were encouraging to the the sponsors sponsors of of the the Bill. Bill. these comments were not encouraging O ut of of aa total totalnumber numberoften of tenDivisional DivisionalCommissioners, Commissioners, the the majority majority Out opposed it. They They were were of of the the view view that that the theproposed proposed measure measure would embitter landlord-tenant landlord-tenant relations relations and and lead leadto to large-scale large-scale litigation, litigation, extremely harmful •extremely harmful for for raiyats.*1 raz:yatr.4' When opinions had been considered, considered, the Government Government of When these opinions had been Bengal on SeptemSeptem­ Bengal submitted submitted its views views to to the the Government of India on ber! 5, 1884 1884 together detailed note note by by Sir Sir A. Rivers Thompson. Thompson. ber 15, together with aa detailed The SelectCommittee Committeeresumed resumedits itssittings sittingsininNovember, November,1884.42 1884.42These The Select These moves leading zamindars zamindars moves increased increased the the anxiety anxiety and concern of the leading which, however, however, were not shared by the the majority majority of ofmofussil mofussil land­ landholders.43 They were were unable to holders .43 They to conceive conceive the thepossibility possibilityof ofmisfortune misfortune or adversity adversity falling falling upon them, and and expected expected things things to to work work out out in in the end. end. their favour in the O n December December 19, 19, 1884 1884 Jaykrishna meeting of On Jaykrishna attended attended another meeting the leading zamindars of Bengal Bengal and and Bihar Bihar held held in in the Town Hall Hall..44 During all these months the the friends and representatives of the zamin­ zamindars such as C, dars C. T. Buckland, W. S. Seton-Karr Seton-Karr and Roper Lethbridge Lethbridge were help of of the the were propagating propagating their their cause causeinin England England with with the help andProperty PropertyDefence Defence League and the Indian Indian Constitutional Constitutional Liberty and Association.48 Association.45 As 1884 drew to aa close, some aspects As the the year year 1884 aspects of of the the rent rent question, even long debate debate and and still stilllonger longerreport-writing, report-writing, remained remained even after long undetermined, although undetermined, althoughthe theGovernment's Government’sintention intentionwas waswell wellknown. known. Lord Ripon. Ripon. Much would depend on Lord Dufferin Dufferin who succeeded Lord The The zamindars had had never never admired admired Ripon Ripon and andeven evenin in its its belated belated and and perfunctory retiring Viceroy, Viceroy, the the British British perfunctory farewell farewell address address to to the retiring Indian Association referred to the Indian Association referred the injuries which the the zamindars zamindars would suffer by the proposed What would would be be the attitude of suffer by proposed rent law.46 law.48 What of Lord Dufferin, Dufferin, who, Irish landlord, landlord, had had fought fought against against the who, as as an Irish

4 26 426

A ENGAL Z A M IN D A R A BBENGAL ZAMINDAR

Irish Irish Land Act and and whose, whose early earlycareer careerhad had been been marked marked by by an an attempt attempt to to adjust adjustconflicting conflicting loyalties loyalties?47 To a man man of ofhis background and experience experience of the land problems of of Ireland, Ireland, Egypt and Canada the rent rent question question of ofBengal Bengal presented presented features features of of curious curious analogy analogy and familiar characteristics.'8 characteristics.® When on February February 27, 27, 1885 1885 the Rent Rent Bill Bill was brought forward in Council, more favourable favourable to Council, itit appeared appeared to be more to zamindars zamindars than than its earlier versions. versions. AA raiyat rayat was was to to gain gain occupancy status status if he he held held land twelve years years in in the the same same village villageand and not not in in the same estate. The for twelve right of allowed to tenants in earlier of free free sale of holdings holdings allowed earlier bills bills was was withheld. The provision provision of the the pargwza pargana rate Unlike withheld. rate was retained. Unlike the earlier bills, bills, it contained contained no no provision provision for protection protection and relief Steuart Bailey Bailey spoke spoke highly of of PearyPearyfor non-occupancy raiyats. rayats. Sir Steuart mohan mohan for for having having fought fought every every inch inch of of ground ground with with tenacity tenacity and and knowledge of detail.49 detail.49 Lord Dufferin is said to have observed that he would have considered considered himself as good good would himself fortunate fortunate ifif he could have as advocate for for his cause cause as the the Bengal Bengal zamindars zamindars had in in PearyPeary­ an advocate mohan.° undoubted talents, talents, it mohan. ^ Without Without minimizing minimizing Pearymohan's Pearymohan’s undoubted the impression impression he must be said that the he made made in in the the Council Council as asaa critic critic of RentBill Bill was largely owing to the expert the Rent expert briefing he had received from his father .81Jaykrishna’s father.5' Jaykrishna's grandson has has described described how how “".. .. .. old Joykissen the sinews sinews Joykissenused usedtotosupply supplyhis hisson, son,from fromday dayto to day, day, with with the of war from an armoury, armoury, the the result result of ofhalf halfaacentury centuryofofassiduous assiduous study practical experience. experience. .... reminding study and practical reminding students students of history of old, infirm Greek parents, no no longer longer fit fit for for the thefray fraythemselves, themselves, presenting shield, with presenting (heir their heroic heroic sons sonswith with the the spear spear and and the shield, with the noble injunction it’.” 88 But even the joint injunction ‘Either 'Either with it or upon it'."52 joint effort of father and son could not do do much much against against the the inevitability inevitability with which the the drama dramaunfolded. unfolded. Pearymohan, moving Pearymohan, who who opposed opposed the the Bill Bill with with great vigour by moving rio less lessthan than forty-seven forty-sevenamendments, amendments, had had a feeling that that he no he was was fightfight­ ing aa losing losing battle. battle. Despairing Despairingof ofsuccess, success, he once described his posiposi­ tion as "an “anexistence existence on on sufferance sufferance in aa Council Council commanding commanding an overwhelmingmajority majorityagainst againstme, me, and and counting overwhelming counting amongst amongst their number the the ablest ablest and and most mostdistinguished distinguished members of of Her Majesty's Majesty’s Indian Civil Civil Service."53 Service.” 83 Often he found himself himself in a minority minority of ofone one and deserted deserted by by all all from from whom whom he he might might have haveexpected expected assistance. assistance. W ith some concluding concluding remarks Dufferin the Bill Bill was With remarks from from Lord Lord Dufferin passed on on Match March 11, 1885. On passed 1885. O n that day Sir Steuart Steuart Bailey Bailey congratucongratu­ Pearymohan, his his defeated defeated adversary, adversary, for for his able championship lated Pearymohan,

THE F IN A L Y EA RS TItE FINAL YRS

427

heavy odds odds.' of the zamindars' zamindars’ cause against against heavy .54This, This, however, however, was was poor consolation consolation for for Pearymohan Pearymohan and his father. On O n March March 14, 14,1885 1885the theBill Billreceived receivedthe theGovernor-General's Govemor-General’s III of that assent and and became law law as asAct ActVVIII that year. In In its final £nal shape, the raiyat, who had had been beenin in possession possession of any Act provided provided that that a razyat, any land land in inheritance, a given village for twelve years, years, either himself or or through inheritance, rayat of the village, with occupancy rights in would become a settled settled raiyat land he healready alreadypossessed, possessed, and and would would immediately immediately acquire acquire those those the land rights in any new land which take into cultivation. cultivation. Secondly, Secondly, which he would take the right of of a raz:yat raiyat was made a protected protected interest interest in in the theevent eventof ofhis his superior landlord being sold up: up;he he was was given the the right right of ofmortgaging landlord being his holding holding and and of subletting subletting itit for for a period of not more than nine his nine years. also laid down that raiyats ejected for years. It It was also laid down rayats should should not be ejected arrears of rent, but that that their theirbelongings belongings must be sold up in the civil civil court.55 The local local government government was empowered to order survey survey and and court.55 prepare record of rights even in zamindari prepare zamindari estates. estates. The The provisions provisions relating to rent rent enhancement, enhancement, distraint and and realization realization of of rent rent were were somewhat modified modffied in in favour favour of of tenants. tenants. The new somewhat new Act Act made made ititimim­ possible raiyat to contract himself out of of his occupancy rights rights possible for for the raya1 contract himself under pressure pressure of zamindars. The Government assumed assumed the the responsiresponsi­ under The Government bility the price-lists price-lists required required for for determining determining suits suits for for bility of preparing the rent enhancement enhancement on on the the plea plea of ofincreased increased value of the produce. The Act did not not legalize legalize the the free free sale sale of of peasants’ but where wheresuch such Act peasants' holdings, but sales The Bengal Bengal sales were were customary, customary, the the courts courts would would not not stop them. The Tenancy Tenancy Act, however, however, contained contained no no provision provision for for lowering lowering the the amount zamindars, and the relief relief amount of of rents rents paid paid by raiyats rayats to their zamindars, given to tenants was meant meant for occupancy raiyats ray aim only. Non-occupancy rayats rayats were left left out out in in the raiyats and the under-tenants of of occupany oecupany raiyats cold. Altogether Altogether the the zamindars zamindars had less cause for for complaint complaint when when the Rent Bill From their point of Bill was passed. passed. From of view view the the Bill, Bill, in in its its final final shape, was than its itsearlier earlierversions. versions. Lord Lord Dufferin Dufferin openly openly shape, was better than affirmed that that the affirmed the amendments amendments favourable favourable to zarnindars zamindars were adopted “at the the instance instance of of the thezamindar zamindar party".ssa party” .688 Lord Lord Ripon Ripon thought thought "at that his successor had concessions to that his had made more concessions to the the zamindars zarnindars than than he himself done.8®6 As himself would have done.Sbb Aslater laterevents eventsshowed, showed,the the zamindars zarnindars were able to to take take advantage advantage of ofcertain certain provisions provisions of of the the Bengal Bengal were Tenancy Act. For instance, they availed themselves of the recognition Tenancy For instance, they availed pargana rate or of the pargana or the the value value of of the the produce produce to to enhance enhance rents. The of price-lists issued by by the the Government Government itseLf enabled them them to do itself enabled do so so with with

428 4 28

A B E N G A L ZAMUJDAR ZA M IN D A R BENGAL

A few much greater greater facility.55c facility.550 A few intelligent zamindars like Jaykrishna have perceived perceived these these possible possible advantages even even in in 1885. 1885. may have Perhaps this is Perhaps is the the place placetotoanswer answerthe thequestion questionwhy whythe thezaminzamin­ dars were were so alarmed by the theRent RentBills Bills leading leading to to the the Bengal Bengal Tenancy Tenancy dars alarmed by Act. had aa feeling feeling that that the theGovernment Government had had wronged wronged them. them. Act. They had It was was the the zamindars zamindars who who had had originally originally requested requested the the Government Government to amend amend the theexisting existing rent rentlaw law for for their theirconvenience. convenience. But Butthe theGovernGovern­ ment, instead instead of gone off at aa tangent tangent and and concon­ ment, of doing doing that, that, had had gone templated legislation, curtailing rights and and privileges privileges they they templated a legislation, curtailing the rights already enjoyed. Clearly, the zamindars had not enjoyed. Clearly, not bargained bargained for for this. this. They consistently consistently maintained maintained that that the Government had had been unduly Jaykrishna, magnifying the problem problem of rent. rent. Especially, Especially,zamindars zamindars like likeJaykrishna, who under the the Permanent PermanentSettlement Settlement were were who claimed claimed that their rights under the Rent Rent Bills Bills on principle. inviolable, naturally objected to the principle. They had their estates estates in in the thedays daysof ofthe theHafiam Haftam and andthe thePanjam. Panjam. Any Any acquired their attempt of the Government to offer relief to to raiyats rayats at at the cost attempt Government to offer relief cost of of zamindars was was unwelcome unwelcometo to them. them. They were used to zamindars to minimum minimum official enough, the the official action action to to regulate regulate landlord-tenant landlord-tenant relations. True True enough, Bengal besides creating some new opportunities opportunities for for Bengal Tenancy Tenancy Act, besides them, still left them with plenty plenty of of resource. Yet the Act represented represented governmental was a governmentalinterference interferenceinintheir their affairs. affairs.At At any any rate, it was measure bringing bringing change change which which the landed class measure class feared most. most. The zamindars the Act Act would would zamindars perceived perceived that that the change introduced by the time. So, for them, the lead to further farther changes changes in course of time. the Act Act was was more ominous ominous than it it seemed. seemed. Moreover, Moreover, the the successive successive Rent Bills Bills regarding landlord-tenant landlord-tenant relations relations in in and caused a lot of of discussion discussion regarding outside the the legislature. legislature.This This gave gave the the lie lie to to many many of of the the claims of outside claims of zamindars zamindars and and spotlighted spotlightedthe themisery miseryof ofrayats raiyats which they they had hadalways always played down. real condition condition of of peasants under the down. They wanted the real zamindari system system to to remain remain unrevealed. unrevealed. So So the the debate debate over over the the rent extremely awkward awkward for for them. them. It It is not surprising, there­ therequestion was extremely that the whenever aa fore, that the zamindañ zamindarsfelt feltstabs stabsof ofaa sickening sickening insecurity whenever Rent Bill Bill was introduced. Only those who recall the morbid fear and and anxiety anxiety experienced experienced by the zamindars at the recommendations of the Land Revenue at the recommendations Land Revenue ComCom­ mission favour mission of of 1938, 1938,popularly popularly known known as as the the Floud Commission, in favour will be able to imagine the of the abolition of the zamindari system, will fear and concern fear concern of their their (these (these zamindars') zamiiidars’) grandfathers grandfathers over the the Tenancy of despair despair was voiced by the central central TenancyAct Act of of1885. 1885. This feeling of committee of landholders, landholders, which met shortly committee shordy after the the passing passing of the

T H E FINAL F IN A L Y EA R S THE YEARS

429 429

Act. The zamindars perceived perceived that it spelt spelt their their doom. doom. What had Act. [he zamindars belonged belonged to to them them and their ancestors for for years years or or had had been been acquired acquired by the savings of aa lifetime lifetimewere were about about to pass away away from from their their hands through fault of theirs theirs but by by "an “anoutrageous outrageous act actofofofficial official through no no fault high-handedness". But they were still in hopes that that the high-handedness”. the"sense “senseof of fair fair play of the great English nation" might restore to them their play English nation” their rights rights and privileges. privileges.5® April 20, 20, 1885 1885 the the British British Indian IndianAssociation Association held held aameeting meeting On April for sending aa memorial praying for for memorial to the Secretary of State for India India praying disallowanceofofthe the Bengal Bengal Tenancy Tenancy Act. Act. Jaykrishna, Jaykrishna, then then in his disallowance his seventy-seventh year, attended the seventy-seventh year, the meeting meeting assisted assisted by his his grandson, Sivanarayan, and naturally on the recently passed Act Sivanarayan, and naturally recently passed Act he he had had the hardest things things to to say. say. Before Before moving the the first first resolution, resolution, which which desdes­ cribed the Act Act as asconfiscatory confiscatoiy and and perfidious, perfidious, Jaykrishna critically critically reviewed of the the reviewed its its history history which which gave gave “the "the people a very poor idea of fidelity .” 67 fidelity of of the the British Britishnation nation to to their their plighted plighted faith faith and honour honour."57 Jaykrishna Commenting on his his speech, Speech,the theHindoo Hindoo Patriot Patriot described Jaykrishna as the Nestor of the Association, Association, who who retained retained his intellectual power in spite spite of of the theinfirmities infirmities of ofage. age. Even Eventhe theEnglishman Englishman thought his his "weighty and incisive incisive".58 arguments to be “weighty ” .68 appeal which which the the zamindars, zamindars, clinging clinging to aa mere mere pospos­ Neither the appeal sibility, had the Home Home Authorities, Authorities, nor the propaganda of sibility, had made to the the landlord party party in in England, England,which which stressed stressed the the influence influence of of the the Irish Land Act Act on on the the Bengal Bengal legislation,55 legislation,59 produced any result. The The futility seemed daily Kimberley, the the futility of more protests seemed daily clearer. clearer. Lord Kimberley, Secretary of the decision decision of of the the GovernorGovernorSecretary of State State for for India, India, upheld the General's Council and dismissed that the GeneraPs Legislative Legislative Council dismissed the objection objection that the Ac had Act hadbeen beenpassed passedwith withundue unduehaste.6° haste.60This Thisconclusively conclusively settled settled Bengal Tenancy Act came into into force force on onNovemNovem­ the question. The Bengal ber 1, 1, 1885 1885 which was declared by the the Hindoo Hindoo Patriot of Patriottoto be be aa day of in the Presidency of of Bengal Bengal.61 mourning for the landed class class in .61 Immediately promulgation of the Act Act there there were were some some Immediately after after the promulgation signs of discontent with its working. In some parts of Burdwan, signs discontent with working. In some parts of Burdwan, Midnapore and and Hooghly Hooghly the the rayats raiyatswithheld withheld payment paymentof ofrents rents owing owing uncertainties.62 to certain uncertainties .®2 In course course of time things settled down and the landholders landholders had to toreconcile reconcile themselves themselves to to the thechanged changedcircir­ cumstances. Perhaps few fewof of them them felt felt the the change change as much as Jaycumstances. Perhaps Jay­ his estates, estates, the the landlord’s landlord's krishna. When When he he had hadcome comeinto intopossession possession ofhis fact, ititwas wasthe thegolden golden age ageof ofzamindars. zamindars. rights were legally intact. In fact, The The revolutionary revolutionary period period in in the the history history of of land land tenure tenurein in Bengal Bengal was was

430 430

A EN G A L ZA M IN D A R A BBENGAL ZAMIDAR

still way off. 1859 and had off. Jaykrishna Jaykrishna saw saw its its beginning beginning in in 1859 and now he had lived nearly to the the end end of of it. if, II. II. BBUSINESS u s in e s s

U sual As Usu

Jaykrishna's preoccupation preoccupation with with the land Jaykrishna’s land rent rentquestion, question, however, however, did not mean that thathe heneglected neglected his his usual usual work work as as aa landlord landlord which which included negotiations negotiations with with government government officials officialsand and attendance attendance at included numerous meetings held held in in Calcutta, Calcutta, Chinsurah and and Serampore. Even late seventies seventieshe hetried tried to to preserve preserveand and utilize utilize what what still still remained remained in his late of the zamindar's zamindar’s influence influence and and power, power, and and made madehimself himselfavailable available for every worthwhile worthwhile public cause. cause. Some Some of of the thecivil civilServants servants who who came in his his contact contact in in this this last lastphase phaseof ofhis hislife life have have testified testified to to his his public spirit and ability. public ability. Brajendranath De, De, who who was was the the Joint joint Magistrate in Brajendranath Magistrate of of Hooghly Hooghly in 1883-89 used 1883-89and and the the ex-officio ex-officioVice-Chairman Vice-Chairman of the the District Board, used to meet Jaykrishna at the the conferences conferences of the Board. Board. In spite spite of of his his jaykrishna at great blindness, he regular in in his his attendance, attendance, great age age and blindness, he was very regular and Brajendranath Brajendranath found he gave gave his his opinion opinion on on all allsubjects subjects found that he with great great vigour and precision.63 under discussion discussion with precision.®8 Similar impresimpres­ sions were were recorded recordedby by RR.. Carstairs sions Carstairs of the the Indian Indian Civil Civil Service. Service. jaykrishna Jaykrishna was was always always present at at the the road roadfund fundmeetings meetings which were held at Hooghly. The District Collector Collector who presided was a somewhat The District somewhat anxious man man and in the habit of closely scanning the faces of and in the habit of closely scanning the faces ofmembers members judge their reactions. Carstairs was amused to to find find that practically to judge the only face the meeUng meeting was of Jay­ face he watched watched all through the was that of Jaykrishna, the blind man. This "a small sign sign of of krishna, This Carstairs interpreted as “a this great great man's man’spersonal personal force force of character.. character. , ” e4 In 1881 1881 C. C. E. E.Buckland, Buckland, the theenergetic energetic District District Magistrate Magistrate of of Howrah, whièh which for for the the administration administrationof ofrevenue revenueand andcivil civiljustice justicewas was Howrah, included in the jurisdiction of madeaaproposal proposalunder under still included the jurisdiction ofHooghly,64& Hooghly,Ma made of the the Cess CessAct Act for for the the separation separation of Howrah Howrah in road the provisions provisions of the Divisional Divisional Commissioner Commissioner cess affairs affairs from from Hooghly. Hooghly. But neither the the Collector Collector of Hooghly favoured nor the favoured the the proposed innovation. A Att a meeting held held on January january 3,3,1881 meeting 1881 Buckland Buckland presented presented his his case case with ability. As Jaykrishna immediately immediately saw saw the the wisdom wisdom of of ability. As a zamindar, jaykrishna the proposed proposed change change and warmly warmly supported supported Buckland. Buckland. But the But the proposal fell fellthrough through owing owing to to the the opposition opposition of of Cornish, Cornish, the the District District proposal Collector of Hooghly,65 Hooghly,85 with the the result resultthat thatthe theroad roadcess cess accounts of Howrah remained included included in in those those of ofHooghly Hooghly for for many many years years Howrah remained

TEE T H E FINAL F IN A L Y YEARS EA R S

43 4311

more,*® Jaykrishna’s supporting or opposing opposing adad­ more.6° Jaykrishna's only only criterion criterion in supporting ministrative measures class, in particular, measures was was the the benefit benefit the landed class, particular, the public, public, in general, would would derive from them. In In 1885 1885 he he sent sent and the a memorial memorial to to the theLieutenant-Governor Lieutenant-Governor protesting protesting against against the the propro­ posed Divisional Commissioner's Commissioner’s headquarters posed removal of the Divisional headquarters from Chinsurah to Burdwan to the great inconvenience people.67 Chinsurah Burdwan to the great inconvenience of the people.67 case John Beames, the the Commissioner, Commissioner, had had his his way .68 But in this case John Eeames, way.°8 zamindars, however, however, were much more more affected affected by the the effects effects The zamindars, of natural calamities calamities than by by such such administrative administrative changes. changes. In 1885 1885 district of of Hooghly suffered suffered by the district by floods floodsinin the the Hooghly, Hooghly, the the Rupnarayan and andthe theDarakeswar Darakeswarrivers riversas asaaresult resultofofexcessive excessive rainfall in narayan Augist-September,°9 August-September ,69 which inundated extensive extensive tracts in south-west south-west and central The damage done central Bengal.7° Bengal.70 The done to to crops crops was was most most serious. serious. Att the held on A the half-yearly half-yearly meeting of the British Indian Association Association held October 6, October 6 , 1885, 1885, Jaykrishna urged urged the thecommittee committeeof ofthe theAssociation Association the Government Government for an adequate grant grant from from the the Famine Famine to write to the been created created or or reinstituted reinstituted in in 1881 1881 on on Insurance Fund which had been the recommendation recommendation of ofthe theFamine FamineCommission. Commission. His His suggestion suggestion was not immediately immediately accepted, Rajendralal Mitra being being against against accepted, Dr. Dr. Rajendralal quarrelling with the Government over the Fund .71 Later on, a central Fund.71 Relief Committee was formed to collect collect subscriptions formed in in Calcutta Calcutta to subscriptions and and organize relief distress which which were were beyond beyond the reach organize relief for those forms of distress reach of Government agency. At At a meeting of the Committee held in the Government agency. rooms of Commerce Commerce on November November 3, 3, 1885 1885 rooms of the Bengal Chamber of contributions to to the thefund fundwere werereceived. received.Jaykrishna Jaykrishnagave gaveRs. Rs.1,000. 1,000. Among other notable donors were were Maharaja Maharaja Jatindra Jatindra Mohan Mohan Tagore Tagore and the theMaharaja Maharajaof ofDarbhanga, Darbhanga,each eachofofwhom whomcontributed contributedRs. Rs.2,500.72 2,500.72 and Altogether the the Committee Committee received receivedover overRs. Rs.65,000 65,000 in insubscriptions subscriptions and spent Rs. 37,000 in the relief of distress, the balance being invested and spent Rs. 37,000 in the relief of the balance being invested as the fund to be used in future the nucleus nucleus of of a distress distress fund future emergencies emergencies of famine or famine orflood floodin inBengal.73 Bengal.73 Closely of drainage. Closely connected connectedwith with inundation inundation was was the the problem of The districts of of Hooghly, Howrah and and Burdwan, Burdwan, in which Jaykrishna The districts Jaykrishna swamps, and and he had had again and again was vitally interested, had large swamps, again stressed the relation between between epidemic epidemic fever bad drainage. drainage. stressed the relation fever and bad Thanks to his the Government had taken steps to Thanks his tireless tireless efforts, efforts, the Government had improve of these these districts districts during the the years years 1870-81. 1870-81. In improve the drainage of 1873 1873 Colonel ColonelHaig, Haig, Chief Chief Engineer Engineer of of Bengal, Bengal, suggested suggestedthat that the Dankuni Scheme, sanctioned inin 1870, 1870, should should be extended Dankuni Scheme, sanctioned extended to the the tracts of of the theIiowrah Howrah district. district. Of O fthe thethree threeschemesschemes—those tidal tracts those

432 432

A BBENGAL ZAiINDAR A EN G A L ZA M IN D A R

of Arnta, Amta, Rajapur Rajapur and .Howrah-suggested Howrah—suggested by by him, him, the the Howrak Howrah, scheme for the the drainage drainage of of the the tract tract lying lying between between Bali BaliKhal Khal on on the the scheme for north, the Hooghly Hooghly on the east and south and the the Saraswati Saraswati on the was taken taken up in 1884 west was 1884 and completed completed in in 1885 1885 and and was was followed followed Rajapur scheme.74 scheme.74 by the larger Rajapur These schemes, undertaken provisions of the Bengal Bengal These schemes, undertaken under under the provisions Drainage Act of 1880, greatly improved the drainage of the Hooghly 1880, gready improved the of and Burdwan Burdwan districts. districts. In December, December, 1881 1881 Sir Sir Ashley Ashley Eden opened opened the canal, named from the the Damodar Damodar above named after after him, him, which which took took off from the Burdwan town and and fell fellinto intothe theKana KanaNadi Nadi and and the the Kana Kana Damo­ Damodar at at Jamalpur. Jamalpur.Sluices Sluices were were constructed constructed at at Jujuti, Jujuti, some some six six miles miles west of ofthe theBurdwan Burdwan town. town. From From this this canal canal the the water water of of the the Damodar Damodar by means means of dams dams and sluices into into several silted-up chan­ chanwas passed by nels like like the the Kantul, Kantul, Ghia, Ghia, Kana Kana or Kunti nels Kunti and and Kana Kana Damodar. Damodar. Orginally designed designedas as aa sanitary sanitary measure, measure, the the Eden Eden Canal proved Orginally to be aa great greatsource source of of irrigation irrigation in Hooghly Hooghly and Burdwan.75 Burdwan.75 Jay­ Jay-. this canaL canal krishna contributed Rs. 10,000 10,000 towards the construction of this which improved and irrigated irrigated large large tracts tracts comprising comprising many of of his his which improved own estates. The canal canal solved solved many of the problems of this region towhich for very very many years been drawing the Government's Government’s which he had for attention. see the the happy happy results results of of his hisattention. He was fortunate enough to see prolonged endeavours. As the the Eden As Eden Canal came to to be be used used as asan anirrigation irrigation channel channel,, certain complications complications arose. Irrigation was was effected effected from from the the system system of natural channels and and rivulets rivulets as well as from itself. Since from the the canal itself. rights in in the beds the Government's Government’s rights beds of of these these channels channels were were not. not established, there ensued a lengthy established, lengthy debate debateregarding regardingthe thereimbursereimburse­ ment ofexpenses. The zamindars zamindars did did not like like the the Drainage Drainage Act Act ooff of expenses. The 1880. drainage: 1880.Jaykrishna Jaykrishna criticized criticized this this Act Act while while speaking speaking on on the drainage problem Bengal at the the half-yearly half-yearly general general meeting of of the the British British problem in Bengal Indian Association held on on September September 14, 14, 1887, less than than a year' Indian Association held 1887, less yearbefore his He demanded demanded amendment amendmentofofsome someunworkable unworkable: before his death. He provisions of provisions of the the Act. Act. These These tended tended to make procedures for executing drainage schemes elaborate, elaborate, expensive, burdensome and drainage and even even ruinous; zamindars who from their their rayats.7' raiyats.1'*■ for zamindars who found found it it difficult difficult to recover recover costs from try to safeguard landholders’ However might Jaykrishna Jaykrishna try landholders' class inter­ interests, the general ests, general importance importance of of his his lifelong lifelong efforts efforts to improve improve the' the* drainage and irrigation irrigation of of south-western south-western Bengal drainage Bengal could could hardly hardly be overestimated. By stirring stirring up up the the Government Government into doing things which.· which' it would not have have done done of of its its own own accord, accord, Jaykrishna Jaykrishna was was largely largely*

THE T H E FINAL F IN A L YEARS

433 433

responsible for transforming transforming sizable sizable tracts tracts of of depopulated depopulated marsh marsh or responsible for waste once more into waste into smiling smiling fields fields yielding yielding rich crops. crops. Little did did the people, people, who who permanently permanently benefited benefited by bythese theseimprovements, improvements, that they theysaw sawbetter betterdays daysowing owingto tothe theceaseless ceaseless work of aa man realize that dismissed as asaa hard hard landlord. Jaykrishna, Jaykrishna, how­ howwhom they generally dismissed satisfied with done by by way way ever, was not satisfied with what what the Government had done of improving improving drainage drainage and and irrigation. irrigation. He wanted it to do much more. But alas! his his requests requests often often fell fell qn qn deaf deafofficial official ears. ears. Tn In 1880 1880 he wrote wrote to the the Collector Collector of of Midnapore drawing his attention attention to to the theproblems problems of the peasants peasants of of Jahanabad Jahanabad as a result result of of the the silting silting up of of two two rivers-the Amodar rivers—the Amodarand andthe theTarajuli. Tarajuli.He Heasked askedfor for the the dredging and excavation excavation of of these theserivers, rivers,but but his his request request did did not not meet with with any response.77 favourable response .77 question of village village roads irrigation The question roads like like that that of drainage and irrigation Jaykrishna even in his last years. The greatly interested Jaykrishna The Road Road Cess Cess contained provisions provisions for offunds funds for forvillage village roads. roads. Act contained for allotment allament of of the the Hooghly Hooghly road road fund committee, often Jaykrishna, as as a member of exasperated officials by his his insistent officials by insistent demand for village roads and and more village roads. roads. He He would would not not hear of their their plea that it was more advisable to available funds on aa few few important important roads, roads, advisable to spend the available useful for the the whole district, rather rather than on useful for whole district, on aanetwork network of ofvillage village lanes. Jaykrishna would would not accept lanes. Jaykrishna accept this this alternative alternative and and censured censured committee for its neglect neglect of of its duty. But But the committee of this this important important part of he always always supporied supported official official plans if he was was convinced convinced of of their their effieffi­ Carstairs, the theSub-Divisional Sub-Divisional Officer Officer of of Serampore, Serampore, once once cacy. R. Carstairs, proposed that traffic using using a road should should pay for its upkeep by proposed that the traffic means of a toll. Jaykrishna seconded seconded this proposal over which there was a good was good deal deal of ofdiscussion. discussion. Although Although the motion motion was was carried carried unanimously, itit got no further. unanimously, further. The TheGovernment Government vetoed vetoed ititas asunun­ orthodox.78 orthodox .78 Jaykrishna was interested interested in in village village roads roads because because he he fully fully knew knew the problems problems of agriculture in Bengal. Bengal. As aa member member of ofthe theAgriAgri­ cultural and Horticultural Horticultural Society Society of of Calcutta, he he was was always always ready to share his incomparable knowledge knowledge with others. When in 1881 1881 he he was elected elected aa member of the council of this Society which he he had was Society which joined 1852, he felt obligation to joined in in 1852, felt he was was under under an obligation to render render to to it greater services servicesthan thanhe he had had done done in in the past. past. He began taking taking an active part in the active the management management of of the the Society Society and attended most of Besides serving serving as as one one of the meetings including monthly ones.79 its meetings ones.79 Besides he was was aa member member of its several subVice-Presidents of the Society,8° Society,80 he 28 28

434 434

A ENGAL Z A M IN D A R A BBENGAL ZAMINDAR

committees. He always always offered offered much much valuable valuable advice advice in in matters committees. He matters agricultural interests interests of of the country ,81 connected with the agricultural country.8' The littlebook bookcalled calledAgriculture Agriculture in Jaykrishna The little in Bengal, Bengal, which which Jaykrishna pub­ published in 1881 joindy Mitra, was was aa good good evidence evidence in 1881 jointly with with Peary Pcary Chand Mitra, of his improvement. Peary his zeal for agricultural improvement. Peary Chand, who wrote the greater greater portion portion of of the the book book presumably presumably at at Jaykrishna's Jaykrishna’s instance, instance, stated that as as one one of ofthe theVice-Presidents Vice-Presidents of the the Agri-Horticultural Agri-Horticultural Society he he wanted wanted the the Bengal Bengal zamindars zamindars to to know know what what the Society Society Society had Jaykrishna's had done done and and encourage encouragethem themto tooffer offertheir theirsuggestions. suggestions. Jaykrishna’s own view, views, appended appended in a separate note supplementing Peary Peary Chand's Chand’s the subject, subject, make make extremely extremely interesting interesting reading, not treatment of the only as the last known endeavour of Jaykrishna, Jaykrishna, the pamphleteer. pamphleteer, Jaykrishna thought thought that thatPeary PearyChand, Chand,while whilediscussing discussingthe theclassiclassi­ fication fication of of lands lands in in Akbar’s Akbar's time, should have mentioned the name of Todar Mai, "the “the great greatstatesman statesman who settled the land tenures tenures of Todar Mal, Bengal on on aa clear and reasonable basis". Bengal basis” . The rent rent fixed fixed at at his his settlesettle­ ment, known known as as osal asal tumarjama tumor jama influenced settle­ influenced later later land tenure settleRaja of ofBurdwan Burdwan in in 1791. 1791. Adverting Adverting ments including including that that with the Raja to the cultivation of of tobacco, tobacco, Jaykrishna stressed stressed that that with with sufficient sufficient encouragement the Bengal had great great encouragement the cultivation cultivationofofthis this plant plant in in Bengal

possibilities, sincetobacco tobaccoof ofthe the finest finest quality quality was already grown possibilities, since grown in different parts of-the province. the peasantry peasantry province. ItIt was was important important that that the should methods of curing tobacco should know know the the European methods curing and treating tobacco leaves. The The Government of Bengal Bengal had had obtained the leaves, the services services of two for this this purpose purpose but but another another half a dozen or three American experts for such experts were required for good results. results. Jaykrishna Jaykrishna next pointed out that that little little had had been been done done to to naturalize naturalize nutmegs, nutmegs, cloves and other spices in should spices in Bengal. Bengal. He He also also did did not see why oil plants of China should not be be localized localized here. Although Although this this country country produced timber like sal, mahogany mahoginy and teak, other sal, other valuable valuable and ornamental ornamental trees trees from from Moulmein, Burma and and Singapore Singapore could could be besuccessfully successfully grown here. Jaykrishna regretted regretted that that the thecultivation cultivation of of cotton had been reduced by ten ten or or twelve twelve per cent during the last thirty years. The producers did proper method method of cleaning cleaning and packing it. The did not know the proper and packing services of services ofan an expert expert should should be be obtained obtained with with the Government’s Government's help for teaching these methods to them. In pointing pointing out out the the drawbacks drawbacks of of agriculture agriculture in Bengal, Bengal, Jaykrishna, Jaykrishna, fully aware of the importance of fully of mechanized mechanized and and scientific scientific farming, the Agri-Horticultural Agri-HorticulturalSociety Society had had done done very very unhesitatingly said that that the little for teaching little teaching the people people the use use of ofmechanical mechanical threshers threshers and

TRP YEARS T H E FINAL F IN A L Y EARS

435 435

reapers and of mechanical irrigators. irrigators. He He suggested suggestedthat that the reapers of simple simple mechanical Society in every everyrevenue revenuesub-division sub-division for disdis­ Society should should open open a branch in seminating Collector, and seminating new new knowledge knowledgeasasD, D. E. E. Money, Money, the the Collector, and he himselfhad had done done in in Hooghly Hooghlymore more than than forty forty years years ago. ago. ItIt was a himself pity that not received received the support it deserved .88 that agriculture had not deserved.82 report of ofthe the proceedings proceedings of the ordinary ordinary general general meeting of The report the Agri-Horticultural Agri-Horticultural Society Society held on on May May 28, 28, 1884 1884furnishes furnishes interinter­ esting proof of of Jaykrishna’s Jaykrishna's activities activitiesas as aa herbalist. herbalist. Referring esting Referring to aa discussion tree, discussionabout about the the medical medical properties properties of madar madaror or the the coral tree, supposedly an antidote antidote to cobra poison, Jaykrishna sent a detailed supposedly an poison, Jaykrishna detailed account of of the the plant. plant. In his remarks,he he said said that that the account his prefatory prefatory remarks, various various plants prescribed prescribed for orthodox Hindu medicines medicines were were still still largely used by by the people as domestic domestic drugs. drugs. Next Next he described how flowers(red (redand and white), white), the the bark bark and and juice juice of of the the root root and and the the flowers the madar madar plant plant were weresuccessfully successfully used used as asspecific specific remedies remedies leaves of the for different kinds of minor and and serious serious ailments. For For fuller fuller references references Jaykrishna mentioned Indigenous Drugs of Jaykrishna mentioned Dr. Dr. Kanailal KanailalDe's De’sThe The Indigenous Drugs of (1867), Dr. Dr.Waring's Waring’s Remarkson onthe theUses Usesof ofSome Some of of the the Bazar Bazar India (1867), Remarks Medicines(1874) (1874)and andDr. Dr.Uday Uday Chand Datta's Medicines Datta’sThe TheMateria Materia Medica of (1877).83 the Hindoos Hindoos {1877).88 It is remarkable remarkable that thatJaykrishna Jaykrishnacould couldcultivate cultivatehis hisdiverse diverse interests while the management management of his while devoting devotingaa good good deal deal of of his his time time to to the estates. Although Although his income was much less than than those of estates. of the Bengal Bengal zamindars who who had obtained most of the juicier juicier plums plums in in the early days of of the British land revenue revenue settlement, settlement, his his properties properties were were quite quite large extent. Allan Allan Octavian Octavian Hume Hume described described Jaykrishna large in extent. Jaykrishna as as a landholder beside beside whose whosebroad broad acres acres many many aa ducal heritage landholder heritage would sink into pettiness.84 pettiness.84 Since the purchase purchase of of his first zamindari in 1832, 1832, zamindari in his estates estates had had never stopped growing. his growing. True enough, the the formation formation of great zamindaris zamindaris was was no no longer longer possible, possible, but but Jaykrishna with his his shrewd sense of landed properties, properties, of profitable profitable or or potentially profitable landed continually been adding to his his estates, estates, mostly mostly by had continually by purchase. purchase. O Off course the Rent Rent Act Actof of1859, 1859, followed by a worse rebuff in 1885, had robbed the the acquisitive acquisitive process process of its earlier momentum. Zamindars, less cautious cautious than than Jaykrishna, Jaykrishna, however, went on acquiring less however, went acquiring estates estates the settled settled districts. districts. Even after 1859 1859 there was a good good demand demand in the zamindari estates. Jaykrishna turned his attention attention to for zamindari estates. But Jaykrishna to properties where his position the position as as zamindar zamindar would be much less hampered hampered by the tenancy right question. question. On O n August August 9, 9, 1880 1880 he he bought bought an anextensive extensive property consisting consisting of of four four revenue-free revenue-freeestates estatesinin the the Sagar island

436 4 36

A EN G A L ZAMINDAR ZA M IN D A R A BBENGAL

from A. McIntosh for nearly four lakhs lakhs of rupees. rupees. Later from A. R. McIntosh Later on, he to Jaygovinda Jaygovinda Law Law for two lakhs of rupees mortgaged this property to which he required for some other other purpose. purpose. The The purchase purchase of of the the Sagar Sagar island deal island properties propertieswas wasaa good goodbargain. bargain. Here Here he he did did not have to deal against rent rent increases. increases. OOn the other hand, he with tenants protected against n the he had good inviting tenants on his own terms for the good scope of inviting the developdevelop­ ment of of this this unsettled unsettled area. area.Realizing Realizing its itspossibilities, possibilities, Jaykrishna Jaykrishna brushed off his son’s son's objection objectionto tothis thisinvestment investmentat at aa time time when when there there signs that that the position of the the zamindars, which earlier was one were signs Bengal, was in danger. As As expected, expected, this last last of the most secure in Bengal, major land speculation speculation of of Jaykrishna proved to be be extremely extremely lucky, lucky, live to enjoy its real advantages. although he did not live advantages. For For more more than than half a century century the the Sagar Sagar island island properties properties remained remained a source source of of growing income to his descendants who inherited them, them, while while zaminzamin­ dars in general general lived lived on on fixed fixed rents rents of of declining value. The purchase purchase of of the Sagar Sagar island island properties, properties, the last last noteworthy noteworthy addition to his his estates, estates, brought brought Jaykrishna's Jaykrishna’s gross gross income income to about about Rs. 7,50,000 7,50,000 or JJ50,000 £50,000 aa year. But But his his actual actualincome income was was much much less. less. one half half of ofhis hisincome incomewas wasswallowed swallowedup upby by the the payment payment It looks as if one revenue to to the Government and the dues of revenue Government and dues of of his his superior superior landland­ holders. holders.He Hehad had to to pay pay Rs. Rs. 1,57,500 1,57,500totothe the Maharaja Maharaja of Burdwan Burdwan of held many many tenures, tenures, covering covering two-fifths two-fifths of his estate, whom he held estates, and an equal amount amount as as revenue revenue to the the Government Government for lands which which he held directly from it. ■held it. Generally Generally the thepatnidars' patnidars’ profit margins margins were were very narrow. Considerable reductions reductions had had also also to to be bemade made on on account cost of of collection collection and debts. Giving Giving these these figures, figures, W of the cost and bad debts. W.. S. Blunt, who came Blunt, who came into contact with the the Uttarpara UttarparaMukherjees Mukheijees in in 1883-84,concluded concludedthat that even even after after these heavy deductions, 1883-84, deductions, what Jaykrishna was was able able to retain actually left him him a very Jaykrishna actually for for himself, himself, left standards.85 rich least by by Indian Indian standards .85 A statement made by Jay­ rich man man at a least Jaykrishna in in 1877 givesus usaa clue clue to to the proportion of rent krishna 1877 gives rent collected collected by him. Like Like most most landholders landholders of Hooghly Hooghly and Burdwan, Burdwan, he he prob­ probably received half the value of ably of the thegross gross produce as his rent. When was paid in in kind kind the thelandholder's landholder’sshare shareof ofthe thegross grossproduce produce rent was varied between 7/16 7/16 and and 9/16, 9/16, although althoughthe thecosts costsof ofcultivation cultivation were were entirely paid by the The high off the produce entirely paid the raz)'ats. raiyats. The high proportion proportion o produce appropriated by the the zamindar zamindar as as rent rentwas was explained explained by the the amount amount of revenue payable by him to to the theGovernment. Government.This Thiswas wasseldom seldomless less than twenty-five per cent of the value of the gross produce.85a twenty-five per cent of the value of the gross produce.85® Jaykrishna's Jaykrishna’s estates, estates, large though they they were, were, were were scattered, scattered, most most

TIlE T H E FFINAL IN A L YYEARS EA R S

4437 37

them' having having been over the the years years at atrevenue revenue of them been bought, bought, bit by it, over sales.W With all the the instincts instincts of ofaa great great landed landed proprietor, proprietor, he he tried tried to sales. ith all round round them off as best best as as he he could. could. As As he he put put it, his aim aim was was to to be

able to go go anywhere anywhere in in his his estates estates without withouthaving havingto. to,cross cross the propro­ zamindars.88 of other other zamindars .86 This, however, however, remained an an ideal ideal only only perties of partially realized. realized. Since Since his his estates estates were were spread spread over oversix six districts, districts, he he was not completely completely successful, successful, despite despitethe the efforts effortsof of aa long long life, life, in welding them into into aasolid solid mass. mass. Jaykrishna Jaykrishna never never had had any any heavy heavy amount amount of of liquid liquid assets. assets. He He

always invested his his savings savingsininland land and and went on buying always invested buying his his estates estates with borrowed borrowed capital. capital. Evidently Evidently the returns he he obtained obtained from from his his investments were pay to his his investments werehigher higherthan thanthe the interests interestshe hehad had to to pay

money-lenders. Jaykrishna in his time changed money-lenders. Jaykrishna changed his money-lenders money-lenders as as convenient. At loans from the he found convenient. At one time time he used to obtain loans Goswamis Dprga Charan CharanLaw Law and andhis his sons sons (3oswamisof ofSerampore. Serampore. Later Later on, Dprga became his money-lenders. money-lenders. When When the Laws Laws wound up their their moneymoney-

lending lending concern, concern, transferring transferringtheir their capital capital entirely entirely to to trade, JayJay­ krishna opened opened his. his account with the Rays krishna Rays (Kundus) (Kundus) of ofBhagyakul. Bhagyakul. These merchants and money-lenders money-lenders of already These merchants of east east Bengal Bengal had had already started operations operations in dealings with in Calcutta. Jaykrishna Jaykrishna had dealings with JanaJanakinath Ray and Srinath Srinath Ray. Ray. Janakinath Janakinath regarded regarded Jaykrislma Jaykrishna as an ideal debtor. Even after Jaykrishna’s death, Janakinath often referred referred Jaykrishna's death, Janakinath often and his his brother brother to his methods of of operation operation with with great great approval. He and advanced heavy amounts of money money to Jaykrishna whenever he sent them requesting requesting a loan. loan. A A note note of ofhand handby byJaykrishna Jaykrishna was was word to them sufficientsecurity securityfor forthem. them. They They always always found foundJaykrishna Jaykrishna to to be a sufficient man of his his word. word. His His practice practice was was to to pay pay the the interest interest and and part part of the principal given principal every every three three months. months. Each Each loan was cleared by the given time. Jaykrishna Jaykrishna never defaulted. defaulted. Janakinath, Janakinath, himself aa very frugal time. man, referred referred to to Jaykrishna as a very very careful careful spender.$6a spender.8*® This was remarkable class, were remarkable because because the the zamindars, zamindars, as a class, were noted for their extravagance. Although Although some someof ofthem them were were very very rich, rich, the majority extravagance. zamindars were were not wealthy of zamindars wealthy men. men. According According to toan anofficial official estimate, estimate, them were in embarrassed circumstances circumstances.and too many of them and the bulk of 86b them were in debt. debt.8 6bJaykrishna's Jaykrishna’sdebts, debts, unlike unlike those those of of many other other zamindars, were productive in the the sense sense that the the money money he borrowed always led led to the always the extension extension and and improvement improvementof ofhis hisestates. estates. try to to exploit exploit Like most most of the big zamindars, Jaykrishna Jaykrishna did did not try his lands directly by farming for the the market. market. His Hispolicy policy was was to toscrew screw tenants. maximum shape of of rents rents out out of ofprospering prospering tenants. maximum returns returns in in the shape

438 438

A ENGAL Z A M IN D A R A BBENGAL ZAMINDAR

These methods, by now now so so well known, were generally regarded as as efficient Jaykrishna’s death his his system system efficientand and thorough. thorough. Even Even after Jaykrishna's worked years and withstood withstood many staixis strains including including the worked for for many many years negligenceand and incapacity incapacity of some of his the carelessness, carelessness, negligence his descendescen­ dants. Quite Quite aa few few British civil civil servants, servants, who who knew knewJaykrishna Jaykrishna during during the last last years years of of his life, their impressions impressions of this man, the life, have recorded their important he was was but but what whathe hesymbolized. symbolized. R. R. important not only for what he Carstairs looked looked upon upon Jaykrishna Jaykrishna as as a typical representative Carstairs representative of the school of loose, though new school of landholders, landholders, who, who,abandoning abandoning the the loose, though not always easy-going, easy-going,methods methodsofofthe the older older zamindars, zamindars, pushed pushed their always legal rights utmost limit. Act X of of 1859, 1859, rights against against their their tenants to the utmost by defining things, Carstairs things, had had made it easier for them to go to law. Carstairs that Jayirishna Jaykrishnawas, was,above aboveevexAything, everything, thorough— keen thought that thorough-aa keen man and very very suspicious. suspicious. He He trusted trusted nobody nobody and and though though blind, did everything himself. himself His His agents, agents.and and bailiffs, hailiH, who who were subject subject to freeverything fre­ quent transfers, merely carried out his orders. A considerate landlord quent the peasants-the peasants—theactual actualcultivators, cultivators, Jaykrishna Jaykrishna was a terror terror to to to the all middlemen middlemen and privileged privileged tenants with imperfect imperfect titles,87 titles,87 even when landlords landlords could could harass harass their their tenants tenants though the the day day was was passing when and get away away with it. As a rule, the the holders of these favourable and get favourable tenures tenures who for for long long years years had received were Brahxnins Brahmins who received special special treatment from from zamindars. zamindars. Everybody, Everybody,high high or or low, low, dreaded dreaded incurring incurring their their displeasure, let alone their curses. But being a high-grade Brahmin displeasure, let alone curses. a high-grade Brahmin himself,Jaykrishna Jaykrishna did did not not care in the least for their curses and dealt •himself, with them them on on the thesame same footing footing as as other other peasants. peasants.8^ He used used every every device of litigation squeeze them device litigation to to break break them them down down and squeeze them out and did not not mind whether he won or lost in the end. end. In In special special cases cases he never acknowledge defeat until he he had had exhausted exhaustedevery everyprocess proces would never of all courts, courts, including including the the Privy Privy Council, Council, that that were were open open to him. The persons' persons'with The with whom whom he he fought fought were were not not as resourceful resourceful as as he he and seldom outlast outlast the the contest. contest. Apparently Apparently the heavy legal ex­ exthey could seldom pensesJaykrishna Jaykrishna incurred penses incurred on onthis thisaccount accountdid didnot notmake makesense, sense,since since the distinguishing feature feature of of his hiszamindari zamindarisystem systemwas wasthe thepresence presence of of “rationality” . He Healways always used usedhis hisresources resources in in the themost mosteconomical economical "rationality". way possible possible and pursued pursued his his goals goals with with maximum maximum efficiency efficiency and minimum cost. So this method could be characterized characterized as as the the converse converse of rational action. But Jaykrishna knew better and and his his methods methods did pay. came to to be begenerally generally understood understood that man whom whom JayJay­ pay. It came that the man krishna attacked, bound to to get get the the worst worst of it one way attacked, was bound way or or another. another. The adversary, giving up adversary, therefore, therefore, usually took the prudent step of giving

THE YEARS H I E FINAL F IN A L Y EA R S

4 39 439

a decree, even if he got it, for for the the best bestof of terms terms he he could could get get from from his his landlord. get landlord. So Jaykrishna’s Jaykrishna's formidable formidable reputation reputation helped helped him him to get middlemen at a moderate cost rid of of his middlemen cost.89 .89 C. G. E. E. Buckland Buckland also also desdes­ Jaykrishna as a great litigant, saying that unlike many zamin­ zamincribed Jaykrishna dars, he never took the law law into into his his own own hands hands but but always always endeaendea­ voured to enforce enforce his rights through the civil and criminal courts .®0 his rights criminal courts.9° 0. G. Toynbee, Toynbee, aaDistrict DistrictMagistrate MagistrateofofHooghly, Hooghly, characterized characterized JayJay­ krishna’s though generally generally strictly strictly krishna's dealings dealings with with his his tenants tenants as hard, though legal.9' It seems seems that that Jaykrishna Jaykrishna came came to depend depend upon upon the law courts legal .81 It pressing his tenants after the the passing passing of of the the for pressing his claims claims against against his his tenants Rent Act Act of of 1859. 1859. Formerly he had had been been known known as as being being overfond overfond Rent of of redressing his wrongs by force.92 force.92 Garstairs, Carstairs, however, believed believed that that Jaykrishna restraint. He Jaykrishna exercised exercisedhis hispower powerand and authority authority with with restraint. considerately with spent large large sums sums on on dealt considerately with his his peasantry peasantry and and spent improvements.93 improvements.88 Toynbee observed that that Jaykrishna Jaykrishna was was undoubtedly undoubtedly benefactor to the public and took a leading part in all all the the public public a benefactor affairs of his his district district until the year death.94 affairs year before before his his death .94 Even the old old bias bias that thatpre-condemned pre-condemned Jaykrishna Jaykrishna as an Even so, so, the as an oppressive landlord, lin­ oppressive landlord, who who refused refused to to spare even Brahmins, still lingered. still criticized criticized for reabsorb the un­ gered. He He was still for his his attempt attempt to to reabsorb the unre-establish the the zamindar’s zamindar's control over the authorized charity lands, re-establish gifts of of pretentious pretentious donors donors and and to rectify the prodigality of his pregifts pre­ decessors towards towards religious religiousinstitutions. institutions.We We find find evidence evidence of this in decessors contemporary Bengali Durga Charan CharanRay's Ray’s Devaganer contemporary Bengali literature. literature. Durga Devaganer was serialized serialized from from Martye Agaman Agmnan(The (Thegods godsvisit visitthe the earth), earth), which was 1880 in the Kalpadruma edited by Dwarkanath Vidyabhusan, may be in Kalpadrwna edited by Dwarkanath Vidyabhusan, may be cited here. Planned cited Planned as as aa divine divine travelogue travelogue describing describing the visit of some some gods gods of of the the Hindu Hindu pantheon pantheon like like Brahma, Brahma, Vishnu, Vishnu, Indra Indra and Varan to British British India, India, the thework workserves serves the the purpose purpose of of a gazetteer Varun to gazetteer and Who’s Who. Before the Who's Who. Before entering enteringCalcutta Calcuttaafter aftertheir their long long tour tour of the valley, the the gods gods get get down downat at Uttarpara. Uttarpara. Varun, who acts as Gangetic valley, the guide guide of of the the party, party,describes describes Jaykrishna, Jaykrishna, in his his running running comcom­ mentary, man with withunique uniquebusiness business acumen acumen and and phenomenal phenomenal mentary, as aa man memory, consulting records the exact exact figure memory, who could tell without consulting of the previous previous year's year’s collection colection from of his his estates. estates. As As from each one of ofJaykrishna's Varun next nextwhispers whispers into Brahma's Brahma’sears ears the the usual story Varun story ofjaykrishna’s confiscation confiscation of of the the Brahmins’ Brahm ins' privileged privileged tenures, tenures, Brahma, Brahma, getting the q in mortification. mortification. (*i£oa *ιΙ^«> shock of his his life, life,hits hits his his head head in 1tI IITI i'tcN wpjct !tT “f "1ç! ^ ! mrT!i w rr!!"r hwrK 1tT 1 4K1 lSB) i) Φ ϋ Τ faw O W WIlI's ho ?r T 'tV81

440 440

A B EN G A L ZAMINDAR Z A M IN D A R BENGAL

had suffered sufferedat atJaykrishna's Those who had Jaykrishna’shands hands never never ceased ceased to speak ill of of him him as aa hard hard landlord. Popular Popular sympathy, which did not stop to find was on the side side of the "victims" “victims” rather than on on find out the truth, was that that of of the powerful and rich zamindar. zamindar. Sometimes Sometimes even the members of his his of Jaykrishna’s Jaykrishna's own own family family felt felt uneasy uneasy on on this this account, account, One of younger grandsons was was troubled troubled by this whispering whispering campaign. campaign. Did or actually grab grab the the Brahmins' Brahmins’ lands? One day did not the old man actually when he was was alone alone with with his hisgrandfather, grandfather, he he made made bold bold to to ask ask him him ifif the rumours were true. Without being either embarrassed or annoyed, Jaykrishna replied: “Look zamin­ "Look here! here! Take Take itit from fromme methat that all all the zamindars of Bengal live off brahmottar dars of brahmottarand anddebottar debotlarlands landsbut butnot notyour your grand­ grandfather .” ®8 Elucidating this apparently startling startling revelation, revelation, Jaykrishna father."96 Jaykrisbna policy of resuming unauthorized tenures. He described his policy He stressed stressed that the the majority majority of ofzamindars zamindars shared sharedfavourably favourably·assessed assessed lands having compromised compromisedwith with the the holders holders or or trustees of such such tenures tenures or other such interests interests in community, while while he acted acted within within his his in the community, titles. rights by evicting persons who who lived idly on lands without without valid titles. strange irony, Yet, by a strange irony, itit was washe he who whogot gotall all the the blame blame as as aa landand those those who had had made made aacompromise compromise with the the Brahmins, Brahmins, grabber, and this subject subject Jaykrishna's Jaykrishna’sconscience conscience escaped unscathed. Anyway, on this was clear and he he was was always ready to defend defend his policy policy and action. asserted that thatin in this this respect respect he he was was not not so black as he was He asserted was painted. painted. The Government Government of ofBengal, Bengal, which which tended tended to toprofess profess sympathy sympathy for for The the rayats raiyats during these these years, found in Jaykrishna an easy easy target targef; for for attack He attack. He was was the thetypical typical bad bad zamindar zamindar for for pro-tenant pro-tenant writers writers in in 1880’s. In 1883 1883 his the 1880's. his name name appeared in the list of those those zamindars zamndars in the the Presidency Presidency Division Division who were were described described as as oppressive.97 oppressive.97 The of the the Burdwan Division Division for for the the annual reports reports of of the the Commissioner Commissioner of years 1882-84 seem seem to to have have made made some veiled veiled references references to to Jaykrishna Jaykrishna as a hard landlord.98 landlord.98 Sometimes contradictedthemthem­ Somethnes official official reports contradicted selves. selves.The The Commissioner Commissionerof ofthe the Presidency Presidency Division, Division,inin his his report for 1886-87, 1886-87, made ofJaykrishnaas ashaving having shown shown made favourable mention ofJaykrisbna a spirit of fair dealing dealing and consideration consideration to his tenants and sincere sincere desire to to advance their interests.99 desire their interests .99 Jaykrishna’s methods of estate estate jaykrishna's methods management being what they were, it was easy to misjudge him. management being what was easy to misjudge him. Those who who got got to know him better realized Those know him realized that his his instincts instincts as an improving landlord atoned for for the the general general strictness strictness of his zamindari zarnmdari system. system. Even Even some some of of his his critics critics conceded concededthat that Jaykrishna Jaykrishna was was an an improving improving landlord, landlord, but but they were not ready to accept the claims he often made on on behalf behalfof of zamindars zamindars as as aa class. class. According According to him, the the

THE YEARS T H E FINAL F IN A L YEA RS

441 441

economic prosperity of Bengal Bengal after the the Permanent PermanentSettlement Settlement was was due to to the theexertions exertions of ofzamindars zamindars who who invested invested a huge huge capital capital for for agricultural improvement. But But the the zamindars' agricultural improvement. zamindars’ critics critics pointed pointed out stretching aa point too far. The Jaythat this this was stretching The economic economic growth growth Jay­

krishna talked of of was was the the result krishna talked result of natural causes-a causes—apopulation population increase and the thecultivation cultivationofofwaste wastelands landsof ofwhich whichthe thezan7lindars zamindars had had increase and .a monopoly under the Permanent Settlement. The zamindar's capital a monopoly under the Permanent zamindar’s capital inputs were negligible.10° negligible.100 Their tricky inputs were Theirassertion assertioninin his his respect was was as tricky as as that that regarding regarding their their philanthropy. philanthropy. ·' This brings us to to the the question question of of the the real realnature natureofofJaykrishna's Jaykrishna’s large charities. large charities. Up Up to to1881 1881 he he is is known known to to have have spent spent over over Rs. 5,50,000 5,50,000 in public benefactions.101 public benefactions .101 Was Was his philanthropy philanthropy genuine? genuine? Was it a mere mere pose? pose? Or Or was was ititone oneofofhis hisposes poses in in which which he heultimately ultimately Many suspected, as did did the editors of the came to believe believe himself? himself? Many suspected, as Somprakash and new school school of ofzamindars zamindars Somprakash andthe the Sadharani, Sadharani,that that the the new further their their own own interests interests under the the convenient convenient cloak cloak tended to further of philanthropy, up to to aapoint pointthe thesuspicion suspicion was was correct. correct. They They philanthropy, and up established schools schools and and dispensaries dispensaries but but heavy impositions impositions on on tenants footed bill. Jaykrishna Jaykrishna also also may have had had mixed mixed motives motives in footed the bill. organizing his charities. But if one holds holds that that his philanthropy philanthropy origina­ originated only only in in cold cold calculation calculation and and was was aawholly wholly counterfeit counterfeit sentiment, sdntiment, one will be doing him less than is not not possible possible for a man to than justice. It is maintain an an artificial artificial attitude attitude for for effect effect for over fifty fifty years. years. Had Had he worn mask, he would would certainly certainly have off after his bitter worn a mask, have cast cast it off experiences of 1858-63 which destroyed destroyed all all chances chances of his his obtaining experiences 1858-63 which any recognition from the Government Government in in the theform formof ofhonorific honorific titles. titles. remained unaltered even after this ordeal. His spirit of of benevolence benevolence remained He did not not change change his his stance, stance, although although his his son tried to to persuade persuade him to spend spend less less on this account. Had he really cared for money, he he on account. he really cared for money, 6,00,000 when when he he died. died. This This amount amount would not have left a debt debt of of Rs. 6,00,000 is almost almost equivalent equivalent to what he he spent spent in in public public benefactions. benefactions. He saved this amount had he cut out out his charities. charities. That could well have saved That would be expected expected of of aa thrifty and would and frugal frugal person person like like him. But But he he believed that that privilege entails responsibility. He was intensely sincerely believed about it and admonished serious about admonished other other zamindars zamindars who who were differently conditioned. He, however, preferred helping helping institutions institutions rather rather than spending his money money in sloppy, sloppy, sentimental manner manner by by giving giving doles doles to individuals. individuals. Jaykrishna's pre-eminence as aa zamindar zamindar was due due neither neither However, Jaykrishna’s to his charities. His strength lay in aa rare rarecombinacombinato his wealth nor to

442 4 42

A A BBENGAL EN GA L Z ZA1INDAR A M IN D A R

thorough and andunsurpassed unsurpassed knowledge knowledge alike details tion of a thorough alike of the details of the zamindari zamindari system, system, the land land laws laws and and of ofpublic public administraadministra­ tion ,102 acquired by study and and practice practice through throughaalong longlife. life. Referring Referring tion,102 to once to his his unique unique attainments, attainments, Maharaja Maharaja Jatindra Jatindra Mohan Tagore once remarked that"as “aslong longas asoldJoykissen old Joykissen lived, lived, no one else was remarked that wasrequired required Bengal."°3 to study much the land tenures of Bengal .” 103 It was not not for for nothing and that he he was was known known as the "model “model zamindar" zamindar” to his his admirers admirers and critics critics alike. alike. In In his lifetime, lifetime, he he provided provided Bengal Bengal with with its its example example of of efficiency and of the theleading leadingzaminzamin­ zamindari efficiency and organization. Many of of Bengal Bengal always always brought problems to dars of brought their their problems to Jaykrishna Jaykrishna and 1888 an intrigue in the Burdwan sought his advice advice and and guidance. guidance. In In 1888 Raj family seemed to to threaten threaten the position of Bijay BijayChand Chand Mahatab Mahatab who had succeeded succeeded to the the gaddi gaddi the previous previous year. The The dowager dowager who adopted him, was on the the point point of ofrevising revising her Maharani, who had adopted decision. danger­ decision. A A ruinous law law suit suit seemed imminent. imminent. Placed in this dangerous situation, situation,Bijay BijayChand’s Chand'sfather, father,Banbehari BanbehariKapur, Kapur, sent an appeal Uttarpara Mukherjees. Mukheijees, In his letter letter to to Pearymohan Pearymohan dated to the Uttarpara In his Jaykrishna's death) death) he wrote: July 17, 17, 1888 1888 (two days before before Jaykrishna’s II am really really sorry sorry that that notwithstanding notwithstanding all my my solicitations solicitations and and prayers on on bended bended knees knees to to ΗH.. H. the prayers the Dowager Dowager and Lala Lala Bungs Bungs Gopul Gopul to restore restore peace peace to to the the house house of of Burdwan Burdwan II have have not not been successful in to Court. court. You must must believe believe successful in dissuading dissuading her from going to ■ me when II say that have done done everything everything to gain her lost favour that I have favour but in vain. . . . II hope hope you will give give us us your your support support in in every every way way in in main­ maintaining of God taining the position of Bejoy Bejoy Chand Chand whom whom with with the grace of you have been able to place upon the Burdwan guddi. Kindly please tell him him Kindly convey convey my my pronam pronam to to your father and please also look up to to him him for for sympathy sympathy and support support and also that that I1 look and want in the matter.1 matter. 103a his co-operation in 0Sa Another received by Pearymohan three months months after his his Another letter letter received by Pearymohan father’s death illustrates illustrates Jaykrisbna's Jaykrishna’s relation with other other zamindars zamindars father's death as their 24 Aswin, Aswin, 1295 1295 from Chhakkan Chhakkan their mentor. mentor. This This letter letter dated 24 Lal Ray of Lai of Chakdighi Chakdighi began: began: ''IhT W 1'T r

t3tr

't

TT1T ^ΓΡΠΙ W1'TrV W ® ! SPJT lip wa 'Q '1T i.c'i n1r I ό Κ κι S r l w ro iIl tr* 1'r'n ç 'piigi

EOT 't'rI

>03»

THE T H E FflJAL F IN A L YYEARS EA R S

443 443

In his his last last years years Jaykrishna Jaykrishna was was often often called called the theNestor Nestorof ofBengal Bengal zamindars—an zamindars-an epithet epithetSir SirSurendra SurendraNath NathBanerjee Banerjeeused usedin in describing his part in his in the thesecond second session session of the Indian Indian National National Congress .104 Congress.104 Allan called him the the Nestor Nestor of ofthe theBengal Bengal Allan Octavian Octavian Hume Hume also called report of conservatives in the official report of this this Congress Congress session.105 session.10®In 1886 1886 if anyone in Bengal deserved this appellation, it it was was Jaykrishna.

III. Ttm T h e Ir.r,r I n d ia n

N a t i o n a l CONGRESS C ongress NATIONAL

In the the final final years years of of his life Jaykrishna Jaykrishna played played his his part part in politics politics as a leader of the conservatives. conservatives. He been in in public publiclife lifefor for-more He had been - more years anyone could could possibly possibly remember. remember. The British British Indian years than anyone Association, of ofwhich which he he was was aa founder, completed thirty Association, thirty years years of of its existence in 1881. Although titled personages appeared as its top existence in 1881. Although titled personages appeared top office-bearers, he had been one of its main supporters and office-bearers, he had its main supporters and directors .108 directors.106 Very appropriately Peary Chand Chand Mitra Mitra recalled recalled Jaykrishna's Jaykrishna’sservices services Indian at the the twenty-ninth twenty-ninth annual annual general general meeting meeting of the British British Indian Association held held on April 29, 1881. 1881, Referring to the the growth growth of ofpolitipoliti­ cal consciousness consciousness ininBengal Bengalininthe the 1830’s 1830'sand and the the 1840’s, 1840's, he he said said that that Dwarkanath Tagore and Prasanna Kumar Tagore had played a key role in this this respect. rcspect. He He described described how how the theLandholders' Landholders’Association, Association, formed during the the agitation agitationover overthe theresumption resumptionof oflakhiraj lakhiraj lands by by ' the Government, was succeeded succeeded by the the British British Indian IndianAssociation, Association, which, many apprehended, apprehended, would would not notlast lastlong. long. All All the the distinguished distinguished had been been connected connected with with the thesociety society at at its its inception inception gentlemen, who had "except opposite"107 “except the the venerable venerable founder founder opposite ” 107 (Jaykrishna), had had passed passed away. He had had always always found that that two two of ofits members, Jaykrishna Jaykrishna and Kumar Tagore, Tagore, had had always always brought brought aa great greatdeal dealof ofuseful useful Prasanna Kumar and information to bear bear on on the thesubjects subjects discussed discussed by the and varied information Association. It was by had estabAssociation. by their theirexertions exertionsthat thatthe theAssociation Association had estab­ lished itself .108 Another distinguished person Chand itself.'°8 Another distinguished person whom whom Peary Chand «should have mentioned mentioned was Debendranath Tagore. was still still should have was Debendranath Tagore. He was alive. He had had been beenthe thefirst firstsecretary secretaryof ofthe theBritish BritishIndian IndianAssociaAssocia­ with it, it. tion, although he had had no no longer longer any any active active connection with Jaykrishna was naturally naturally pleased pleased with with these these appreciative appreciative remarks remarks old associate. associate. But of an old But he he was was modest modest enough enough to to pay pay tribute tribute to some of his his old old colleagues colleagues whose whose memories some memories he he cherished: cherished: “I "I am very thankful to Babu Peary Chand Mitra for the very handsome very thankful Peary Chand Mitra for the very handsome terms in which he has referred to me. Neither I nor nor the the late late Prosonno Prosonno Coomar Tagore Tagore were were the thesole solepromoters promotersof ofthis thisAssociation. Association. Among

Λ.Α.Λ.

444

T it

B E N G A L ZAMINDAR Z A M IN D A R A BENGAL

the chief chief promoters of the the Association Associationwere wereSir SirRaja Raja Radhakant Radhakant Deb, Ramgopal Ghose Ghose and and Raja Raja Pratap Chunder Babu Ramgopal Chunder Singh Singh of of Paikpara, to whom whom a great deal of the credit bestowed bestowed on on us was was due due and and the services services rendered rendered by by them them still still remain remain on record.. record... ,” 109 Jaykrishna, however, however, did not allow allow his his great great loyalty loyalty to tohis hisAssoAsso­ ciation to distort distort his his vision vision or to to make make exaggerated exaggerated claims claims on its its ciation of the the Association’s Association's achievements achievements was was as as real­ realbehalf. His assessment assessment of istic as it was Speaking at at its thirtieth annual istic was significant. significant. Speaking annual general general meeting held on April 10, 10, 1882, 1882, Jaykrishna, Jaykrishna, who who had been re-elected “. .... If I f I recollect recollect right, this is the 30th year its Vice-President, Vice-President,said: said:". of existence of this this Association. Association.During During this this long long interval we have existence of have achieved, itit is is true, true, any great feats feats of of valour, valour, but but II am proud to not achieved, say we have cheerfully cheerfully devoted devoted our our time and money to promote promote the the institution."0 of this institution .” 110 The point point of of interest here is that that while objects of Jaykrishna always made extravagant estimates Jaykrishna always made estimates of the the zamindars' zamindars’ contribution to the Bengal, he he used used restraint in the economic economic growth of Bengal, assessing assessingtheir their political achievement. The British British Indian Indian Association, Association, however, however, appeared appeared increasingly increasingly out of of harmony with the the new new political political movement movement led by men men like like Surendra Nath Baneijee. The standing standing of of zamindars zamindars in in politics politics Surendra Nath Banerjee. seemed declining rapidly. Conscious Conscious of its unpopularity, unpopularity, the seemed to be declining Association Association found found some somesolace solaceininrecapitulating recapitulating its past achievements. This was the theme theme of ofthe theeditorial editorialofofthe theHindoo Hindoo Patriot of May 4, 1885. short history history of of the the political political awakening awakening in in Bengal Bengal 1885. Giving Giving aa short and and describing describing the the role role of ofthe the pioneers, pioneers,itithoped hopedthat that “the "the last last of the glorious glorious band", band”, Jaykrishna, Jaykrishna, would would live live long, long, continuing continuing his his follow philanthropic endeavours endeavours and and teaching teachinghis his young young colleagues colleagues to follow steps.'1' in his steps .111 was hard hard to understand in This kind of complacency complacency was in view view of of the the mounting criticism criticism of of the the British British Indian Association Association in in the the popular press Bangabasi suspected against press and elsewhere. The Bangabasi suspected that that it worked against the larger Analysing its larger interests interests of of the the people.'12 people.112 Analysing its role rolemore morefully, fully,thern the, Reis Reis and andRayyet Rajyetdescribed describedititas asthe the Landholders’ Landholders' Society Society over again, controlled by aa hard core of ". controlled by “ . .. .. half a dozen, dozen, if so many, Nestors Nestors in town.. town.... ". Even progressive members landed class class Even the progressive members of of the landed with the the minority leadership were dissatisfied dissatisfied with leadership of this this closed closed body body which seemed to be a spent spent force, unresponsive unresponsive' to the the growing politipoliti­ cal aspirations aspirations resulting resulting from of education, education, the the activities activities from the spread of of a free press press and and improved communications communications during during the last last twentytwentyfive five years. years. Signs Signs of ofchange changewere werealready already discernible. discernible. “The "The Jacobites Jacobites

T THE H E FINAL FIN A L Y YEARS EA R S

,,

4 445 45

seemed to to be deserting the Stuarts."3 seemed Stuarts.” 118 This of criticism, criticism, unun­ This kind of heard-of three decades decades back, was indicative of of the process process set in by by unifying forces forcesand and of ofan an increased increased tempo tempo of individual mobility some unifying mobility as a result of of educational and economic economic opportunities, urbanization, cultural change change and and the theemergence emergence of of aa new new elite. elite. Nothing revealed revealed the the class class character character of of the the British British Indian IndianAssociaAssocia­ much as the agitation agitation over tion so much over the the Tenancy TenancyBill. Bill. On On this this issue issue this body and the the Indian IndianAssociation, Association, which claimed to support the the cause cause of the the peasantry, peasantry, were clearly at cross purposes. purposes. Being Beingannoyed annoyed by by the the interference of the Indian Indian Association Association in in agrarian agrarianquestions, questions, which which interference the zamindars' zamindars’ body body regarded regarded as asits itsclose close preserve, it refused to join the Ilbert Ilbert Bill Bill agitation agitation of 1883. 1883. It plainly failed failed to respond respond to the Patriot exhorted exhorted its readers readers not new mood of of the the people. people. The TheHindoo Hindoo Patriot to contribute to the the Indian Indian Association's Association’s National to National Fund Fund and not to 14This only support the National Conference Conferenceof of1883.1 I 883.' only left the British Indian Association min greater Peary Indian Association greater isolation, isolation,and and the the death death of Peary Chand Mitra Mitra and andKrishnadas KrishnadasPal, Pal, who who had had tried tried to toreconcile reconcile popular interests interests to those those of of the thezamindars, zamindars,revealed revealeditsitsexclusiveness exclusiveness still still further. The The practical practicalissues issues of of politics had moved moved aa long long way way from from the questions questions on on which which men men like like Jaykrishna Jaykrishna had had been been brought brought up and which had turned turned them them into into public public men. men. With W ith new newproblems problems arrived new leaders and new new methods. methods. Realizing at last last how fast they were losing their hold on the the politipoliti­ situation, the the leaders leaders of ofthe theBritish British Indian IndianAssociation Association changed changed cal situation, tactics and and decided decided to toco-operate co-operate with with the theIndian IndianAssociation Association their tactics organizing the the second second National National Conference Conference in in 1885. 1885, Convened Convened in organizing jointly by the jointly theBritish British Indian IndianAssociation, Association, the the Indian IndianAssociation Association and the the Central CentralMahomedan MahomedanAssociation, Association, itit met met on on December December 25, 25, 26 26 in the rooms rooms of the British and 27, 1885 1885 in British Indian Indian Association. Association. Three British Indian Association, Durga Charan prominent members of the British Association, Durga Law, Narendra Krishna Krishna presided presided over over the the Law, Jaykrishna Jaykrishna and and Raja Narendra sessionsofofthe the Conference Conferencewhich whichwas was attended attended by three successive successive sessions several representatives from from Meerut, Meerut, Benares, Allahabad and even several representatives Benares, Allahabad even Bombay in addition Bombay in addition to the the full full quota quota of ofdelegates delegates from from the BenBen­ gal districts .115 The Conference, Conference, which districts."5 which has has been been described described as as “the "the first stage to aa National many important first National Parliament",hlsa Parliament”,1158, discussed discussed many questions like the reconstitution reconstitution of of the the Legislative Legislative Councils, Councils, the the Arms Arms Act, retrenchment of public public expenditure, expenditure, the Civil Civil Service, Service, the Act, retrenchment separation from executive executive authority criminal separation of of the judicial judicial from authority in in the criminal administration in the the mofussil mofussil and reconstitution of of the police."8 police.118 and the reconstitution

446 446

A B E N G A L ZA141DAR Z A M IN D A R BENGAL

As the ofthe thesecond second session session of the conference on DecemDecem­ the chairman chairman of Jaykrishna opened the discussion on the the retrenchment ber 26, 1885, 1885, Jaykrishna discussion on of expenditure with aa typical typical speech speech full of of factual details and and statisstatis­ tics .117Ambika Gharan Majumdar, aa president president of the Indian tics."7 Charan Majumdar, Indian National Congress, wrote wrote about Jndian aboutthis thisConference Conferenceininhis his IndianNational NationalEvolution Evolution edn,,Madras, Madras,1917). 1917).He Hedescribed describedhow howthe thesecond secondsession session of the (2nd edn., Conference was statis­ Conference waschaired chaired by byJaykrishna, Jaykrishna, “that "that half-blind astute statistician.. . .. who who was not inaptly the Indian Fawcett.. tician inaptly called called the Fawcett.. . .”117a Jaykrishna pointed pointed out out that the expenditure per armyman in India Jaykrishna India France for for the same was double double the the amount amount spent spent by by Germany Germany and France purpose. Speaking on on the the drain drain of of money money to England, said that purpose. Speaking England, he said India suffered suffered all more because because she had had to to make make her payments payments all the more in gold, gold, although although she she herself herself had had aasilver silvercurrency. currency.The Thescales scales of Europeans were excessively excessivelyhigh. high.The The employment employment of of Euro­ Europay of Europeans peans for jobs to jobs which which could could very well be done by Indians tended to increase In support support of ofhis his contention contention he he gave gave increase public public expenditure. expenditure. in details of of the the ratio ratio of posts posts held held by by Europeans and Indians Indians in details Europeans and Bengal .118 Bengal."8 Jaykrishna next spoke at some length on the the evil evil effects effects of the rere­ arms by the strictions imposed on the use of of arms the Arms Arms Act, Act, which, besides besides having rendered the the people people defenceless, defenceless, was was extremely extremely unpopular unpopular as being a slur slur on on Indian Indianloyalty loyaltyand andsuggestive suggestiveof ofinvidious invidious racial racial disdis­ crimination, Nath Banerjce Baneijce proposed proposed that that aayearly yearlybluebluecrimination. Surendra Nath book be prepared to to record record the thecases casesof ofthe the ioss loss of of life and property property from the operation of the Act from the from of the Act. Jaykrishna criticized the the landholders’ point use of of firefire­ landholders' point of view, view, saying sayinghow howthe the ban ban on on the use arms by Indians Indians had hadexposed exposed hundreds hundreds of of acres acres of of cultivable cultivable land to the the depredations depredations of of wild wild boars. boars. Hundreds Hundreds of ofhis hisown ownvillages villages, suffered in Moreover, the Act tended to to emasculate emasculate and and suffered in this way. Moreover, dispirit the new generation. To illustrate his point he cited cited the the case case of a latter-day latter-day Bengal Bengal Deputy Magistrate. When requested requested by by some some Katwa peasants peasants to to destroy destroy the thepests, pests, he heflatly flatlyrefused refusedto torisk riskhis hislife life Katwa for their sake. Jaykrishna Jaykrishna contrasted him with Peary Mohan Banerjee, Bancrjee, “fighting munsiff", munsiff”, who had had faced faced an an angry angryband bandofofinsurgents insurgents the "fighting near Allahabadinin1,857 1,857 in which year hehimself himself had raised a battalion nearAllahabad whichyearhe battalion possible attack attack by bydisbanded disbandedsepoys. sepoys. He He of local men to withstand aa possible condemned the the Arms Arms Act Act as "a condemned “amost mostinjudicious injudicious and andindiscreet indiscreet measure of Government” .118 The feeling feeling of of insecurity insecurity measure on on the the part of resulting from the Arms Act, which which Jaykrishna Jaykrishna described described so so vividly, vividly, was quite quite widespread widespreadinin Bengal Bengalinin the the l880's. was 1880’s. The popular popular press press

vxis

THE T H E FINAL F IN A L Y EA R S

4 47 447

also discussed discussed this thisproblem problem at at some some length length.'2° In an an editorial on this .180 In Benga lee of of December 3,1887 subject, the Bengalee Jaykrishna’s observaobserva­ 3, 1887 quoted quotedJaykrishna's tions tions at the theNational NationalConference, Conference,; saying saying how how this this problem problem was was worrying presumed not to be infected infected with the worrying one one “who "who might be presumed ideas of New other respects". respects” ,121 New India India in this and other As the the second second National National Conference Conferencewas wasbeing beingheld heldininCalcutta, Calcutta, the the first Indian Indian National National Congress Congress was was being being organized organized in in Bombay. Bombay. the Congress Congress largely adopted many items items of of the the Conference's Conference’s Since the programme, the Conference programme, Conference ceased ceased to have have aaseparate separateexistence. existence. The in 1885, however, had had not revealed The first first meeting meeting of of the Congress in 1885, however, its representative representative character. second session character. Its second sessionheld heldinin Calcutta Calcutta the following following year year seemed seemedto totransform transformititinto intoaa pan-Indian pan-Indian organization. Jaykrishna this movement, movement, and long last, the the Jaykrishna was was drawn drawn into into this and at long story of his life life seems seemsto tohave havewidened widened into into one one of the the bigger chapters chapters of the history of India. Preparations for the the Congress Congress session session in were finalized in in Calcutta were September, 1886. 1886. A of delegates from of the the A large number of from all parts of Jaykrishna was was a member of country were expected. expected. Jaykrishna of the the reception reception committee which included included W. W. C. C. Bonnerjee, Bonnerjce, Dr. Dr. Gurudas Gurudas Banerjee, Banerjee, Durga Charan Charan Law, Law, Surtrndra Surendra Nath Nath Banerjee, Banerjee, Rajendralal Rajendralal Mitra Mitra and Jatindra Jatindra Mohan Mohan Tagore.22 Tagore.123But But the the popular popular enthusiasm enthusiasm for the CongressininBengal Bengaldid didnot not satisfy satisj the Congress the local local leaders. leaders. Even Even in the the Sanjivani exhorted Bengalis first half the Sanjivani half of of December, 1886 1886 ,the Bengalis to send Congress".'23 more delegates delegates to to The 'the “National ” .128 more "National Congress The inaugural inaugural session session of the Congress Congress was held on December 27, 27, 1886. reportin inthe theAmrita Amrita Bazar Bazar Patrika, Patrika, the the meeting meeting 1886. According to aa report opened exactly at opened at three threein in the theafternoon. afternoon.ItItwas wasan animpressive impressivegathergather­ ing of ing of 3,000 3,000 men. On O n the thedais daissat satthe thedistinguished distinguished members members of of among whom whom one one could the Congress, Congress, among could see Dadabhai Naoroji, Naoroji, the President-elect, A.A.O0. . Hume, S. Cotton, Cotton, Jatindra Jatindra Mohan Mohan President-elect, Flume,JJ.. H. S. Tagore, Robert Robert Knight Knight and andJaykrishna, Jaykrishna,described described by bythe thePatrilra Patrika as as “'the the Indian Fawcett". Fawcett” , The proceedings proceedings began with an an opening opening song, song, ii 1irr1 T»i(.«lis> ^n® 'n F Tagore,'24 and sung sung by by Rabindranath Rabindranath Tagore I f f , composed composed and ,124 then a young man of of twenty-five. Jay­ twenty-five. One One wishes wishes one one could could know know what Jaykrishna thought of this performance of his friend’s son who was his old friend's to figure figure as the the greatest greatestliterary literary genius genius of of modern India. As the chairman chairman of ofthe thereception receptioncommittee, committee, As Rajendralal Rajendralal Mitra, the concluded his speech, welcoming the delegates, Jaykrishna, described Jaykrishna, described by the the Amrita Amrita Bazar Patrika Patrika as as "the “theindefatigable indefatigableveteran",124a veteran”,124a got got

4448 48

BENGAL A B EN G A L ZAMINDAR ZA M IN D A R

to his his feet feet and and proposed proposed that that Dadabhai Dadabhai Naoroji Naoroji be be the the President President of of Congress.'25 the second second Indian National National Congress .126 A A point of interest of the speech was personality of the speaker speaker who was almost almost eighty eighty speech was the personality but whose whose mental vigour was was out of all all proportion proportion to to his hisphysical physical strength. strength. Jaykrishna Jaykrishna was was aa man of medium medium height, barely standing feet six six inches, inches,yet yethe hehad had an an imposing imposing and and commanding about five five feet presence. Although Although he was was completely completely blind, blind, his his dignity dignity was was enhanced enhanced of energy, energy, will will and by his handsome, handsome, clean-cut features suggestive suggestive of personal force. The The following is the the full text of his his speech, speech, as as recorded recorded in the official official report of the the Congress. Congress. report of honour to to move that I have the honour that Mr. Naoroji be elected President of this Congress. Congress.II do do not think that that because because our our Bombay Bombay friends did us the the high high honour honourof ofelecting electing our our distinguished distinguished countryman, Mr. W. W. C. C. Bonnerjee, Bonnerjee, as as President President of the Congress Congress held held last last year year at Bombay, we are therefore therefore bound bound to to return the compliment Bombay, we compliment by electing aa Bombay the present present Congress. Congress. Bombay gentleman gentleman to to the the Chair at the But happily we have in Mr. Naoroji Naoroji a gentleman gentleman who would do honour to any assembly overwhich whichhe hemight might be be called called upon upon to honour assembly over preside (cheers). Warm preside (cheers). Warmdevotedness devotednesstotohis hiscountry, country, aa life life spent in active participation participationof of[sic] [sic]every everypublic public movement movementfor for her her welfare, welfare, distinguished abilities, distinguished abilities, and and singular singular moderation moderation both both in aspirations and expressions, expressions, —- what what more more could could be be desired desired in one one whom we

wish to the Congress vociferous to guide guidethe thedeliberations deliberationsofof the Congress (vociferouscheering.) cheering.)

The task task before before him him is is far far from from aadifficult difficult or ordisagreeable disagreeable one. one. assembly over to preside preside The assembly over which which we we are are about to request him to of village villageParnells, Parnells,met met together togetherfor forthe the pur­ puris not one composed composed of pose of giving vent to disloyal feelings, or expressing their dispose giving to disloyal feelings, expressing dis­ the Government Governmentof ofthe thecountry country(loud (loudcheers), cheers), but to* content with the but to to their their take advantage of the Jubilee year for for giving giving expression expression to feelings of loyalty loyalty to the feelings of the Throne Throne(loud (loudcheers), cheers), to offer offer thanksthanks­ giving giving and prayer prayer for for the theincalculable incalculable benefits benefits which which have have been been them by byHer HerGracious GraciousMajesty's Majesty’sGovernment Government(cheers) (cheers) conferred on them and to lay lay at atthe thefoot footof ofthe the Throne Thronetheir theirhumble humblesuggestions suggestions for such improvements in the administration improvements in administration of the country country as they they humbly humbly think are required if that that administration administration is to keep pace with and with with the the with the spread spread of of education education and enlightenment, enlightenment, and of the thecountry country(loud (loudand andcontinuous continuous cheers). progress of cheers).ItItisisno no wonder wonder

that objects objects such as as these these should should have have been been [sic] \sic\drawn together together distinguished gentlemenfrom fromall all parts parts of of the the country, distinguished gentlemen country, when you

T H E FINAL F IN A L YEARS THE

4 49 449

find a blind old of age age bending bending under find old man man like like myself myself of 79 years of the infirmities infirmities of age, partin inthe thedeliberations deliberations(loud (loud and md age, taking a part enthusiastic cheers). enthusiastic cheers). Much more interesting was was what what Jaykrishna, Jaykrishna, rather rather carried away by enthusiasm, said after Dadabhai by enthusiasm, said Dadabhai Naoroji Naoroji had had concluded concluded his his presidential address. schedule of proceedings proceedings he he -presidential address. Interrupting Interrupting the schedule again said: again got got up up and said: It is is I am am sure sure with with great great pleasure pleasure that that we we have have all all listened listened to the impressive I f our our proceedings proceedings impressiveinaugural inaugural address address of of our our President. President. If are conducted with have no doubt doubt with that moderation and dignity, I have that we shall shall disarm disarm all all adverse adversecriticism. criticism. Some Someof ofthe theschemes schemes for for that we administrative administrative reform reform sketched sketchedout outby by the the Honorable Honorable Mr. Mr. Dada­ Dadabhai {sic] [.sic] might but we we must bear bear in in might appear appear almost almost too too ambitious ambitious but mind that that to toaasubject subjectpeople, people,.on on whom whom has has been been conferred conferred the the inestimable Press, there privileges that inestimable boon boon of of aa Free Free Press, there are few privileges that a governing nation can grant which can governing nation can be be fairly fairly characterized characterized as as too ambitious for us to crave. crave.

Recalling the days days of the East India Company's Recalling Company’s rule, rule, which which had faded from public public memory, memory, Jaykrishna said: said: The India India of oftoday today isisvery very different different from from the India India of of1835. 1835. And yet the the boon boon of of aa Free Free Press was conceded more concededin inthat that distant distant past more than half half aa century centuryago, ago,when whenour ourrulers rulerswere werecomparatively comparatively new new to the the country, country, when when the thevery veryloyalty loyalty of ofthe thepeople peoplewas wasprobprob­ lematical, but just just recovered recovered from the the lematical, when when the Government had but effects of of the' the Mahratta War, effects War, when whenhostilities hostilities with with the the Afghans Afghans seemed several of the the Native Native Chiefs Chiefs were were seemed inevitable, inevitable, and and when several anything but but friendly friendly to to the the British British Crown. Crown. The The Court Courtof ofDirectors Directors expressed aa strong apprehension that that the expressed theconcession concession of of this priviprivi­ lege existence of Government, but lege would would imperil imperil the very existence of their Government, Sir Charles was firm, firm, and the Sir Charles Matcalfe Matcalfe was the wisdom wisdom of of the the English English people render his hisshort shortterm termoffice officeas asGovernorGovernorpeople allowed allowed him him to render General memorable memorable in in the annals of Indian Administration by the emancipation of of the the Press. Press. From From aapeople peoplewho whoshowed showedsuch suchliberliber­ ality magnanimity at time of of danger danger and and unrest, unrest, we we can can ality and magnanimity at a time hardly ask too much in in the theway way of ofadministrative administrative reforms reforms in these these days becoming more days of profound profound peace, peace, when when India India is daily becoming more and and 29 29

4 50 450

A B E N G A L ZAMINDAR Z A M IN D A R BxNGAL

more an integral part part of of Great Great Britain, Britain, and her her people people more and more devoted to the the principles principles (though they they may may object to to some some of the methods) of of British rule. Jaykrishna’s touching as they they were were Jaykrishna's concluding concluding words wordswere were as as touching

apposite: Standing as I do, do, one one of of the the few few remaining remaining links links between the old old India of of the past and the New India of today, I can can scarcely hope to India of see or congress and or enjoy enjoy the the fruit of these these labours labours on on which which this this congress and the nation it represents represents is to have have lived to is entering, entering, but but II am glad to see this this new new departure, departure, and and if an Old Man's M an’ssympathy sympathy and and good good wishescan can aid aid or or encourage you you in in the noble work you are underwishes under­ can say say from the bottom of my that that thatsympathy sympathy taking, I can my heart heart that and those good wishes wishes are are already already yours. yours. Be Bewise, wise,be bemoderate moderate and and above all be persevering, and and the success success that that you will then then deserve deserve will assuredly be yours.1 2® yours)-6

With W ith these these words words he he sat satdown down amidst amidstloud loudand andprolonged prolonged cheercheer­ Jaykrishna's speeches at the were his his last ing .127 Jaykrishna’s speeches at the Congress Congress session session were ing.'27 important political utterance. the press press comments comments and important political utterance. Judging Judging by the he created created a great great impression. records left by eye-witnesses, he impression. The TheIndian Indian M inor described Mirror describedhim him as as perhaps perhaps the most striking figure among the speakers'28-a Jaladhar speakers12®—a view view corroborated corroborated by bysome some other other observers. observers. Jaladhar Sen, the young delegate delegate from from Goalando, Goalando, who who later later became became a noted author, wrote wrote that that one one of of the the two two things things he he rememremem­ journalist and author, was the scene of Jaykrishna’s Jaykrishna's arrival arrival on bered about the the Congress Congress was by two two men, men, the assembly rising to to its feet feet to greet the dais assisted assisted by assembly rising 129 him.1 2® Robert Knight Knight of ofthe theStatesman Statesman was also greatly was also greatly struck' struck by Jaykrishna's performance performanceatat this this meeting. meeting.He He said said that that such men Jaykrishna’s such men could never never be be produced producedby byan anexhausted exhaustedculture culture)° could .130 The little little speeches speeches that that Jaykrishna, Jaykrishna,whom whomthe theBengalee Bengalee described as the "old “old man man eloquent",Oa eloquent”,130* made made on on the theoccasion occasion were were of of the the best ever delivered. delivered. Especially Especially the best he had ever the words words he he spoke spoke on on the the spur of the moment after Dadabhai Naoraji had concluded concluded his his ad­ address were were noble nobleoratory. oratory.ItIt was was remarkable remarkable that that Jaykrishna Jaykrishna should dress should have counted as a public public speaker speaker in the the age age of of Ramgopal Raragopal Ghose Ghose as well Surendra Nath Banerjee Baneijee and Lai Mohan Mohan Ghose. Ghose. The The well as as of Surendra and Lal inclusion along with those those of of Ramgopal Ramgopal Ghose Ghose and inclusion ooff his his name name along Krishnadas Palinina avolume volumeentitled entitled The Treasury IndianEloquence Eloquence Krishnadas Pal The Treasury ofof Indian

rxrmi. v.xs

THE T H E F IN A L YEA R S

451 4 51

announced in in the theBengalee Bengalee of which was announced ofJune June 14, 1884 was of much' much significance.'3' significance .131 His utterances utterances at atthe theCongress Congresssession, session, even allowing allowing the editor editor of of the the official official for some detectable detectable brush-strokes supplied by by the report, would have done credit to to any any orator oratorof ofthe the first first rank. rank. The nationalist nationalistnewspapers, newspapers, like likethe theBengalee, Bengalee, the the Amrita Amnia Bazar Bazar

Paprikaand and the Indian Mirror, ascribed great importance Patrika Indian M inor, ascribed importance to to JayJay­ krishna's support of the krishna’s the Congress Congress movement, movement, which was often dede­ nounced as a game game of of "professional “professional agitators”, agitators", and interpreted it as as sure sign that that the the older older generation generation was in entire sympathy with the a sure all its its highest highest political political aspirations for the introduction of of the the new in all representative elementinto intothe thegovernment governmentofofIndia India." Allan O. 0. representative element .182 Allan Hume, in in his his introduction introduction to to the theofficial official report report of of the second second Indian National Congress, Congress, and Sir Sir Surendra SurendraNath NathBaneijee Baneqeeininhis hisAAJ'Iation Nation in Making Bengal Making emphasized emphasized how how the the presence presence of of “the "the Nestor of the Bengal zamindars" zamindars ” 13showed 3 showedthe thefalsity falsityof ofthe thepropaganda propaganda of ofthe theAngloAngloIndian press Indian press that thatthe theCongress Congress represented represented aagroup groupof ofradical radicalschool school boys and boys and needy needy political political adventurers.'34 adventurers.184 The Congress Congress leaders, leaders, diffident of their ability ability to to control control the thestill stillinfluential influentiallanded landedclass, class, welcomed the mythical figure into into their welcomed the mythical figure their midst. midst. The The impression impression is is unavoidable that Jaykrishna’s Jaykrishna's appearance unavoidable appearance on on the theCongress Congress platform was, to some some extent, extent, stage-managed. stage-managed. The The Congress Congress leaders leaders counted upon using using Jaykrishna to to inspire inspire confidence, confidence, to strengthen strengthen the the ConCon­ gress’s foundation in public opinion and to prove the emptiness gress's foundation in public opinion and prove the emptiness of the general general criticism criticism of their their organization.'35 organization.185 It would be a mistake mistake to think think that thataaleader leaderlike like Jaykrishna Jaykrishna could could really give in 1886. 1886. All through his life he give direction direction to India in he had had been interested administrative niceties niceties rather in broader broaderissues. issues. interested in in administrative rather than in His political political principles principles were four-square on profit and and loss loss were based four-square on profit Unconsciouslyhe he had had come come in in the the end end to accept affecting zamindars. Unconsciously a notion notion of of aristocracy aristocracy which practice took little litde notice notice of the the which in in practice common people’s people's political political grievances grievancesor or aspirations. aspirations.India India in in the common later later 1880's 1880’s was in no mood to to listen listen to to aaconservative conservative reformer reformer like like Jaykrishna. His His critics critics could could accuse accuse him of having having aa narrow narrow mind mind and pettifogging pettifogging dullness. dullness. Moreover, his usual habit habit of ofspeaking speaking out out his mind his mind with with alarming alarmingfrankness, frankness, whenever whenever his his convictions convictions so so impelled him, would have prevented impelled prevented his his achieving achieving full full success success as a politician in the new era. It was was no no surprise, surprise, therefore, therefore, that that the thehoneymoon honeymoon of of the theBritish British Indian Association Association with with Congress Congressdid did not not last last long. long. Realizing Realizing that that itit would outperformed by political organization, organization, the would be outperformed by the the popular political

4 52 452

A BENGAL B EN G A L ZAMLNDAR Z A M IN D A R

British Indian Indian Association shortly tried tried to to restrict restrict the activities of the the British Association shortly activities of Congress conference. Very organ­ Congressto to aa mere annual conference. Very soon soon the the two organizations parted parted company. izations company. The The zamindars' zamindars’ class class,feeling feeling was was always always stronger their national national feeling. feeling. The The British British Indian Indian Association Association stronger than their could not avail itseLf itself of ofthe thelast lastopportunity opportunityitithad had to to transform itself into a popular body. body. Perhaps it could could not not do dootherwise. otherwise. As the contemporary Indian newspapers, newspapers, including including those those published published contemporary Indian the mofussil, mofussil, indicate, the the expression expression of Indian Indian grievances grievances against against in the the policies stronger,'36 policies of the the imperial imperial government government grew grew stronger ,136 widening the between the thinking of old leaders leaders and of the the the gap between the thinking of the the old and that of radicals. Leaders like Jaykrishna were clearly more interested in Jaykrishna clearly more in the problems which primarily concerned the landed problems which landed class. class. At At the thethirthir­ annual general general meeting meeting of of the the British British Indian IndianAssociation Association on on tieth annual April 10, 10, 1882 1882 Jaykrishna police adminiadmini­ Jaykrishna spoke spoke on on the the judicial judicial and police stration, criticizing criticizing inexperienced munsiffs, munss, suggesting suggesting abolition abolition of of the posts posts of civil court court, amins, amins, and recommending recommending higher scales scales of pay police sub-inspectors sub-inspectors who for police who were were responsible responsiblefor for the the security security of a large number-of people.187Another administrative change which Jay­ numberof people.'37 Jaykrishna had always krishna always desired was the separation of the the executive executive and judicials of the the government government officials. officials. On April 20, 20, 1887 1887 Jay­ judicials duties of Jaykrishna addressed addressed the the thirty-fifth annual general meeting of the krishna thirty-fifth annual general meeting the British Indian Indian Association, which which again elected him its Vice-President. Vice-President. There he he once oncemore more urged urgedthe thenecessity necessity of ofthis this reform, reform, especially especially in There view of the the introduction of local self-government self-governmentinin India India which which had had lately enlarged power.'38 enlarged the thescope scope of of the the district districtofficer's officer’s power .138 Jaykrishna, as as aa young young zamindar, zamindar, had The reader reader will will recall how Jaykrishna, protested against, against, and andsucceeded succeededin in modifying, modifying, the theoppressive oppressive methods protested collecting provisions of collecting provisionsfor fortroops troopson onthe themarch. march. As As an an old old man of seventy-three, deal with with this this problem. problem. On O n DecemDecem­ seventy-three, he he had had again to deal ber 22, 1881 1881 he attended aa big big meeting meeting of ofthe theHooghly Hooghly zamindars, zamindars, including Gopikrishna Goswami, Baneijee and Lalit Lalit including Gopikrishna Goswami, Satya Satya Dayal Dayal Banerjee Mohan Sinha, Sinha,who whodiscussed discussed the thequestion questionof ofsupplying supplying provisions provisions to to detachments of troops passing through their estates on their way to troops passing through way to upper India India or or down down to to Calcutta. Calcutta. They They much much resented resented the the requisition on Hindu landholders landholders to supply supply beef and the the refusal refusal of the district district officer to to listen listento to their their pleas pleas of ofinability inabilityto tokeep keep ready ready at at the halting place a large number of chaukidars, place chaukidars, porters, hackneyporters, cartmen cartmen and hackneycarriage drivers at short notice. Jaykrishna jaykrisbna became a member of the petition the theLieutenant-Governor Lieutenant-Governoron onthis thissubsub­ committee formed to petition ject. The Hindoo HindooPatriot, Patriot, reporting proceedings of of this this meeting, meeting, reporting the proceedings

T H E FFINAL IN A L YYEARS EA R S TIlE

4 53 453

commented that it was commented that was not not one one of of local local interest interest only only but of of much much wider significance.139 significance.13® A reference to some other minor activities activities of Jaykrishna A reference Jaykrishna during during these years years will complete the the story storyof ofhis his long long public public life. life. On OjnSeptem Septem­ ber 26, 26, 1883 1883 he attended the the reception reception given given by the the British British Indian Association Ex­ Associationto toJules JulesJoubert, Joubert, the the promoter promoter of of the the International ExCalcuttain inthe thecold coldseason seasonof of11883-84.1 40Jaykrishna hibition held in Calcutta 883-84.'° Jaykrishna always been enthusiastic about exhibitions, as he had always he had had been about civic 1883 he subscribed subscribed Rs. 500 for C. E. E. BuckBuckcivic improvement. improvement. In 1883 land’s scheme for the Howrah Howrah Town Town Hall.'4' H all.141 As As a zamindar, zamindar, he land's scheme for the also had to totake takepart partininthe thecelebrations celebrations of ofthe thegolden golden jubilee jubilee of of also Queen Victoria in in 1887. 1887. He became became aa member member of of the general general comcom­ Qieen Victoria mittee at a meeting mittee meeting held in the the Town Town Hall Hall on on January January 19, 19, 1887 1887 presided the Ueutenant-Governor.' Lieutenant-Governor.148 But the celebrations celebrations presided over over by the But the programme the Uttarpara UttarparaPeople's People’sAssociation Association had had rere­ programme adopted by the markably original markably original features. It It envisaged envisaged publication publicationof ofan aninexpensive inexpensive series qualified series of of science scienceprimers primersinin Bengali, Bengali, the the appointment appointment of a qualified midwife for the Uttarpara hospital and the erection of a building midwife for the U ttarpara hospital and building for school.'43 the female female school.143 But factious village village politics politics of But the factious of Uttarpara Uttarpara seems stood in way of of the the implementation implementation of this pro­ seems to to have have stood in the way this programme. Union which which controlled grarnme. The municipality and the Uttarpara Uttarpara Union interested in in illuminating the town than in enlightening it were more interested enlightening its inhabitants. W hat Jaykrishna Jaykrishna personally personally felt about about this celebration What guessed. On On the jubilee jubilee night the public can only only be guessed. public buildings buildings of of the town, the Bali Bali Khal Khal bridge bridge as aswell well as asthe theresidences residences of ofJaykrishna, his grandsons, brothers and nephew nephew were were illuminated.1 1* his son and grandsons, illuminated.144 O n the the night night of ofDecember December 5, 5, 1883 1883 Jaykrishna annual On Jaykrishna attended the annual levee although he he was was not not among among those those who who were were levee of Lord Lord Ripon, although presented to the the Viceroy .145 He was a member of the deputation of Viceroy.'45 which presented presented Lord Lord Ripon Ripon with an the British Indian Associaton Associaton which address on December December 22, 1884. 1884. On this this occasion occasion he he was accompanied by his his son son Pearymohan Pearymohan and his his grandson, grandson, Rashbehari .146 Early in Rashbehari'46 1882, the Northbrook Northbrook Society Society and and 1882, Jaykrishna Jaykrishna contributed Rs. 250 to the Club in England England where where Indians Indians could could mix mix with Europeans Europeans interested India. In In 1881 1881 he hegave gave Rs. Rs, 50 50 to to the the Patriotic Patriotic Fund Fundorganized organized on on in India. district basis following year basis and and in in the following year he he sent a token contribution the Bengal Committee of the National Anthem Translation TranslationSociety Society to the started England by the the Reverend Reverend Frederick Frederick K. Minor started in in England K. Harford, Minor Canon of Westminster, Westminster, for for rendering rendering the British British national national anthem anthem into the Eastern Eastern,melodies. melodies. Raja Saurindra SaurindraMohan MohanTagore, Tagore,who whocomposed composed the

4 454 54

A A BENGAL B E N G A L ZAMI!WAR Z A M IN D A R

Sanskrit and pro­ and Bengali Bengali versions versionsofofthe theanthem, anthem, was was an an important important promoter of ofthis this project projectwhich whichtoday todayisismerely merelyofofhistorical historicalinterest.147 interest.147 moter In the theeighth eighthdecade decadeof ofhis hislife lifeJaykrishna jaykrishna occupied occupied an an increasingly increasingly emptying emptying stage. stage. His His great days were long over. His old friends and associates had almost aln'iostall all gone. gone. On On November November 24, 24, 1883 died Peary associates had 1883 died Chand Mitra. At held by the British Ghand At his his memorial memorial meeting held British Indian Association 1884, Jaykrishna Association on onJanuary January 28, 1884, Jaykrishna moved a resolution that that public subscription be invited invited for foraa portrait portrait or bust of Peary Chand subscription be to be be placed placed in in some some public public institution. institution. He He himself himself served served on the the committee purpose,148 and committee formed formed for this purpose,148 andsubscribed subscribedRs. Rs.25 25to to the the Peary Chand Thedeath death of of Krishnadas Krishnadas Pal Pal on Peary Ghand memorial memorial fund.149 fund.119 The July July 24, 24, 1884 1884 removed removed another another outstanding outstanding figure figure from from the the political political scene in Bengal. Bengal. Jaykrishna present at at the themeri-iorial memorial meeting in Jaykrishna was present

the Town the Town Hall held on on January 10, 10, 1 1885.1 60 The British British Indian Indian 885.'° Association, signal service, service, held Association,to to which which Krishnadas Krishnadas had had rendered signal with Sir Sir Richard Richard Garth as a separate meeting on February 21, 1885 1885 with as chairman. Jaykrishna was elected member of of the the sub-committee sub-committee for carrying out out the theresolutions resolutions and andraising raisingsubscriptions. subscriptions.161 Personally he gave Rs. 100 100 to the the memorial memorial fund.152 fund .152 WWith ith the the death death of of the Reverend Krishna Mohan Banerjee on on May May 11 11 and and Maharaja Maharaja Kamal Kamal Krishna in November, 1885 1885 Jaykrishna Jaykrishna lost two two other valued friends. Two Englishmen, Englishmen, whom whom he he greatly greatly admired, admired, and and one of whom whom he knew intimately, also also died died in in the the1880's. 1880’s. They Theywere were Professor Professor Henry Fawcett and the the Reverend Reverend James Long. Long. For For aa man man in inhis hislate latesevenseven­ ties it caimot ties cannot have been been pleasant pleasant to to contemplate contemplate the theloss loss of offriends friends many of whom is whom were were younger younger than than he. But this tragic last chapter is inevitable long life. life. inevitable in aa long IV. IV .SOCrAL S o c i a lPROBLEMS P roblem s

spite of of his preoccupations In spite preoccupations with with the Tenancy Act and new politics in his last years, years, Jaykrishna gave considerable time to purely purely social social questions. undimi­ questions. Particularly Particularly his his interrat interest in in rural rural health remained undimirushed. Referring Referring to to the Government's policy retrenchment, he, nished. policy of retrenchment, at the the meeting meeting of of the the British British Indian Indian Association Association on July 29, 29, 1881, 1881, pleaded that that certain certain departments departments should should be exempt from “this shear­ "this shearing operation”, operation", at least ing least for for the the next nexttwenty-five twenty-five years. years. The recent recent government reduction of ofexpenditure expenditure for forrnofussil mofussil government resolution resolution on on the reduction dispensaries dispensarieswas was unfortunate, unfortunate, since since these these institutions institutions had had brought the blessings blessings of ofhealth, health, happiness happinessand andcomfort comforttotoaalarge largenumber number of of

THE T H E FINAL F IN A L YEAES YEA RS

4 55 455

ruralareas. areas. Lord LordDalhousie's Dalhousie’srefusal refusal to to recognize recognize the people in the rural Government's responsibilityto to provide provide medical medical aid to Government's responsibility to its itssubjects subjects was "a “a principle principle opposed opposed to the writings writings of all all modern modem writers writers on on the subject of Government” , In this respect the moral responsibility the subject of Government". In this respect the moral responsibility of the Government of India was all the greater, because by encourag­ of encouraging the widespread use of of European European drugs, drugs, itit had practically ing widespread use practically desdes­ troyed indigenous system system of medicine medicine which much less less troyed the indigenous which "was much expensive and much much more morecongenial congenialtotothe thehabits habitsand and feelings feelings of of the expensive and people”. was debatable whether the change had done done them them' much people". It was good. So the Government Government should should not withdraw withdraw support from from the good. mofussil dispensaries, dispensaries,placing placingthe therural ruralpopulation populationat at the mercy of mofussil ignorant compounders and quacks quacks who who seemed seemed to to do do more harm ignorant compounders and

than malaria. must not not discontinue aid to to the than malaria. The Government Government must discontinue aid charitable dispensaries dispensaries nor reject all future future applications applications for for starting starting ones. On the other hand, hand, the the Government Government should should increase their new ones. and improve improve their theirsupervision. supervision. The The working working of of charitable charitable number and dispensaries waslikely likelytoto improve improveas as aa result of the new duties dispensaries was duties asas­ Sanitary Commissioner, Commissioner, the Inspector of of Jails the signed to the Sanitary Jails and the officersof ofthe theGovernment. Government. Should Should this supervision supervision prove prove inade­ inadecivil officers civil quate, an an Indian Indian or orEuropean Europeanassistant assistantsurgeon surgeon might be be appointed appointed in every every district district for for inspecting inspecting the the dispensaries dispensaries periodically periodically and rere­ additional expenditure expenditure this this would would involve involve would moving abuses. The The additional be justified in consideration of “the "the stake stake Government Government has has in in having having population in TheCovernrnent Government and the the a healthy population in the the country.. country....." The richer section of the people should co-operate to improve public richer section people should co-operate improve public health which Jykrishna finally which had had seriously seriously deteriorated. deteriorated. Jaykrishna finally moved moved representation to to the theGovernment Governmentalong alongthese theselines.lss lines.163 a representation Jaykrishna, supporter of of the the temperance temperance movement movement Jaykrishna, always always aa supporter

in Bengal, was worried worried by by the spreading habit of drunkenness drunkenness which which indirectly Govern­ indirectly affected affectedpublic publichealth. health. He He had a feeling that the Government what it ought to have done ment was not doing what done to tocheck check this this growing growing Mohan BanerBaner­ evil. A deputation deputation composed of the the Reverend Krishna Mohan Krishnadas Pal, Durga Durga Charan Charan Law, Law, Jaykrishna Jaykrishna and and some some other jee, Krishnadas European and and Indian Indiangentlemen gentlemensaw sawSir Sir Ashley Eden 17, European Eden on February February 17, 1882 and pass an order order requiring requiring the the closure closure of of liquor 1882 and urged him to pass shops on Sundays. Since the experiment experiment had had been beensuccessful successful in ScotScot­ and Ireland Ireland and andwas was about about to tobe betried triedin inWales, Wales, there there was was no nq land and reason why why ititwould wouldnot notbe beso soininCalcutta. Calcutta. The The Lieutenant-Governor the difficulty difficulty of of immediately regulating regulating the theexisting existing liquor liquor explained the shops which act which had had been licensed for for three years but he promised to act

4456 56

A BENGAL B EN G A L ZAMINDAR ZA M IN D A R

on their their suggestion suggestion when their licences licences would next become due for for renewal..164 renewal About Jaykrishna dealt dealt with with the About two months months later Jaykrishna the problem problem of of drunkenness more fully annual general general meeting of of the the fully at the thirtieth annual British Association on 10, 1882. 1882. He by saying saying British Indian Indian Association on April April 10, He began by that he he proposed proposed to bring bring up this subject subject at the request request of a large large his countrymen countrymen who who like like himself himself were total total abstainers. abstainers. number of his The rate rate at atwhich which drunkenness, drunkenness, hitherto hitherto confined confined to the the so-called so-called lower classes classeslike likedoms domsand andbauris, bauris,had hadspread spreadduring duringthe the last last twenty years even among among the upper upper classes was wasreally reallyalarming. alarming. The The negative factor of the loosening loosening hold hold of ofreligion religionon onthe thepopular popular mind mind and the positive factor factor of of the the establishment of liquor liquor shops shops in in towns positive establishment of towns and villages in in every everypart part of ofthe thecountry country accounted accounted for for this. this. ItIt was was urgently urgently villages necessary necessary to to take take some some drastic drastic measure measure like like the the closure of all liquor shops and and opium dens shops dens except except one in in every every district district or orsub-divisional sub-divisional headquarters, meant strictly incurable addicts. addicts. An An enlightened headquarters, strictly for incurable enlightened Government should not mind the theloss loss of of revenue revenue this this scheme scheme would involve. By By removing removingthe the centres centres of of temptation temptation from from men’s men's reach, involve. Government would make them them abstainers abstainers almost almost by by compulsion. compulsion. the Government In this the the Government Government would “puritan In this would have have the the support support of of the the "puritan class" who would would gain their end class” end even even as the Puritans of England and and America had achieved achieved the the emancipation emancipation from from slavery. slavery. PerPer­ North America sonally he he believed believed that that the nation which had abolished sonally abolished slavery at a .great was trying to to stop stop the the opium opium monopoly monopoly for China's China’s great cost and was benefit would would not grudge sacrificing sacrificing aa fraction of the Indian Indian excise excise revenue Jaykrishna ended by revenue for eradicating eradicating this degrading degrading vice. vice. Jaykrishna by moving a resolution resolution to to the Government for taking prompt action in matter.'55 this matter .185 Jaykrishna Jaykrishna always always came forward to to support support any any scheme scheme which which was was conducive to· to'the the improvement improvement of ofpublic public health. health. In 1883 conducive 1883 there was aa move to raise raise subscriptions for aa water works for for Hooghly-Chinsurah. Hooghly-Chinsurah. On was held held for for this this purpose purpose at at the O n September September 24, 24, 1883 1883 a meeting was Collector's officeatatwhich whichJ.J.P. P. Grant, Grant, the District Judge, F. Wyer, Collector’s office Wyer, Magistrate as as well as a the Magistrate, Brajendranath De, the Joint Magistrate number of the district gentry gentry including Jaykrishna were present. On On Jaykrishna's Judge took the chair and explained Jaykrishna’s proposal the District Judge explained how the supply supply of good drinking water would improve the health health and comfort comfort of the local people. people. The Magistrate next next described described the water works works scheme, spheme, referring appreciatively appreciatively to the the munificent munificent dodo­ nation of Rs. 10,000 10,000 by Law for for the thepurpose. purpose. Before Before by Durga Durga Charan Law

THE T HE FINAL F IN A L YEARS YEARS

457 457

the subscription subscription book book could could be circulated circulated among among the the gentlemen gentlemen present, some present, some of them them opposed opposed the the scheme scheme which which would would involve involve further taxation taxation in in the theform form of ofwater waterrates. rates. This, This,however, however, was was the minority opinion. opinion. As As Brajendranath Brajendranath De, Dc, the Joint Magistrate, Magistrate, took took the subscription subscription book book around, around, Jaykrishna Jaykrishna refused refused to subscribe subscribe until the local gentlemen had done so. The local men having put in their their subscriptions, he promised Rs. 500. The The subscriptions subscriptions, subscriptions totalled more than Rs. 13,000, 13,000,including includingthe thegenerous generousgift gift of of Durga Durga Charan fih aran Law.'56 Law.1®* than Rs. Many years passed before before the water works Many works could could be be constructed, constructed, but the thecompletion completion of of the thescheme schemewas was followed followed by an an appreciable appreciable improvement improvement in in the the general general health health of of the the town townofofHooghlyHooghlyChinsurah .187 Chinsurah.'5'7 The ability ability of of the the people people in the the countryside countryside to to improve improve their theirliving living Jaykrishna under­ understandards depended depended on on their theireconomic economic conditions. Jaykrishna stood stood this this just as he he understood understood that all all his his endeavours endeavours for rural uplift interacted on each each other. other. The Theeconomic economic development development of the Hooghly district presupposed better communications communications in the the interior. interior. In 1886 constructing a twenty-mile 1886 there there was was a project project of of constructing twenty-mile light light railway railway from Howrah to to Seakhala Seakhala via via Janai Janai on onthe theold oldBenares Benares Road Road whose whose estimated cost was Rs. Rs. 3,00,000. 3,00,000. Walsh, Walsh,Lovett Lovett & & Company Company of of CalCal­ cutta had had undertaken undertaken to to construct construct and operate operate the the line line at at their their own own as aa lakh of risk and expense as soon as of rupees had been been raised raised by by subsub­ scription, being a hundred rupees scription, the value of its shares being rupees each. The The prospectus prospectus of of the the Company Company promised promised aa sure dividend of 10 per cent Jaykrishna, who had always been enthusiastic on the capital capital outlay.'58 outlay.188Jaykrishna, about village roads, naturally welcomed this railway railway project. project. He He and Pearymohan promoters of of the the scheme scheme along along with with Pearymohan were were among the promoters some other leading leading men men of ofthe thedistrict.'59 district.169 Jaykrishna, however, however, did not live to see see the completion completion of of the the project, for for the the line line was was opened opened 1897, nine years years after after his his death.'6° death.160 in 1897, V.THE T h eLAST L ast E d u c a t i o n a lACHIEVEMENTS A c h ie v e m e n t s V. EDUCATIONAL Although Jaykrishna’s contributions to social welfare welfare took many many Although Jaykrishna's contributions to social

forms, he had placed placed education education first first on on his his list list of of priorities. What What he he achieved in in this thisrespect respecteven evenin inhis hislast lastyears yearswas wasof ofmuch much significance. significance. achieved Jaykrishna had had been been steadily steadily active active in the the field field of of education for half a century. century. Some Some shifts shifts of of emphasis emphasis had doubtless doubtless occurred occurred in his his educational thinking, had remained remained steadfast steadfast to his his main main educational thinking, but but he had one of of which was the promotion promotion of of higher education. In In 1883 1883 ideals, one

458 458

A BENGAL B EN G A L ZAMINDAR Z A M IN D A R

resubmitted his he resubmitted his proposal proposal to to found found aa college collegeat at Uttarpara. Uttarpara. There were two two important important reasons reasons why why at at that that moment he felt encouraged to revive revive the the scheme scheme which which had been been four four times times rejected rejected by by the Government. considerably advanced Government. First, First, higher higher education education had considerably advanced in in Bengal move in this this respect. respect. Bengal since since 1864 1864when whenhe he had bad made his last move Secondly, the Commission, in of September 14, 14, Secondly, the Education Commission, in its report of 1883, had 1883, had favoured favoured private private enterprise enterpriseinin education education by by the grant-inaid rules and recommended recommended the the desirability desirability of offering offering more more liberal rates of aid to private private colleges. colleges. For Jaykrishna seemed to Jaykrishna the the time seemed to have come to put put aa long long cherished cherished intention intentioninto intoeffect. effect. Within week of of the the submission submission of of the the Education Education Commission's Commission’s Within a week Jaykrishna wrote report, Jaykrishna wrote to the theofficiating officiating Director Director of of Public Public InIn ­ struction, English struction, renewing renewing his his old old proposal proposal to to raise raise the the Uttarpara Uttarpara English School to to collegiate collegiatestatus. status.This This time time he he lowered lowered his his target target to a secondgrade collage. collage. Jaykrishna’s 1883 outlined Jaykrishna's letter letter of September September 19, 19, 1883 outlined in in detail the the proposed proposed scheme scheme which included a hostel and a physics which included a hostel a physics laboratory offered temporary temporary accommodation accommodation in laboratory for for which which he offered in his his library. petition, made made presumpresum­ library. His His application application was was preceded preceded by a petition, ably at his Uttarpara and some ably his instance, from the people of Uttarpara some neighneigh­ bouring villages .1®1 villages for for the the same objective objective.18' This was Jaykrishna’s to secure secure the the Government's Government’s Jaykrishna's fifth fifth attempt to sanction once more more hope hope sanction for for opening openingaa college collegeatat Uttarpara, Uttarpara, and once Notwithstanding the the recommendation recommendation of of the Director of Public faded. Notwithstanding Public Instruction, the the Government Government turned turneddown downJaykrishna's Jaykrishna’sproposal, proposal,rere­ it.102 peating the old old arguments arguments against against it ,182 Jaykrishna hope. About four years Jaykrishna was was never never the the one to give up hope. later he made aa fresh fresh attempt attempt to to win win the theGovernment's Government’ssanction sanction for for his n April 18, 1887 1887 he his project. project. OOn April 18, he wrote wrote to to the Director of Public Instruction, presentinghis his proposal proposal in aa form which he thought would Instruction, presenting thought would harmonize with the Government's Government’s policy policy and the therecommendations recommendations of the Education Education Commission. Commission. When 1853 Jaykrishna first When in 1853 Jaykrishna had first taken college in taken the initiative initiative to to start start a college in his'home hishome town, town, he he had had been been forty-five old man man of ofseventy-nine, seventy-nine, he he was was forty-fiveyears yearsold. old. Now, Now, as as an an old pleading for for the same same cause. cause. In In his his letter he wrote: "As pleading “As a native native of of ready to to render rendersubstantial substantialpecuniary pecuniary help help towards towards the the foundafounda­ India ready tion and maintenance of an aided second-grade second-grade college collegeatatUttarpara, Uttarpara, which is so near the Metropolis that it may be reckoned which is so near Metropolis that be reckoned almost almost aa may therefore therefore well well claim claim at at the the hands of Government suburb of of it, I1 may encouragement and and help of the most generous kind." By By the help of encouragement generous kind.” the Government Government he pecuniary contribution contribution but the he meant meant not any pecuniary

THE T H E FINAL F IN A L YEARS YEA R S

4 59 459

location location of the proposed college college in in the the school school building building and and aa partial exchange of He himself of service between the school and college college staffs. staffs. He was ready ready to meet the expenditure for a college college building, building, aa laboralabora­ tory and other other contingencies, contingencies, and envisaged envisaged an arrangement arrangement which which would would secure secure a harmonious harmonious working working of of the the aided college college and the the Government Government school.'63 school.1?8 The authorities authorities considered considered this this proposal proposal of ofJaykrishna Jaykrishna together together with a similar similar proposal sent by the Bali convert Bali Sadharani Sabha to convert the Bali Rivers Thompson School into aa college. college. In view of of the shortshort­ the age of educational funds for Indian schools schools (the Government had no control over grants to European European schools), schools), G. C. HH.. Tawney, Tawney, the Director of Public Instruction, was was obliged obliged to choose choose between between the two propro­ posals, and recommended recommended Jaykrishna's Jaykrishna’s scheme scheme for acceptance, acceptance, propro­ posals, vided he agreed agreed to to certain certain modifications. modifications. As divided management of likely to to create create “intolerable "intolerable friction and the proposed institutions was likely endless placed under endless confusion”, confusion",Tawney Tawneyproposed proposedthat thatthey they be be placed management of Jaykrishna similar to that of of the private management Jaykrishna on on a basis similar the Midnapore the Midnapore School School and College. College. Tawney, Tawney, however, however, regretted regretted "the tendency to the “the the degradation degradation of of the the standard standard of ofhigh high education" education” by the the multiplication multiplication of "cheap “cheap institutions"-a institutions”— aproblem problem already already past remedy. He was was however however confident confident that aa college college with which which Jaykrishna was connected would be well founded and administered. The Uttarparascheme schemewas wasespecially especiallywelcome, welcome, since it did not require require The Uttarpara the Government to give any grant-in-aid.1 grant-in-aid.184 consideration weighed Government in in accepting accepting This consideration weighed with with the Government College on condition that the the managers the scheme for the the Uttarpara Uttarpara College of the the proposed proposed institution institution accepted accepted the terms terms suggested suggested by the the Director of of Public Public Instruction.65 Instruction.185 On O n June 18, 18, Jaykrishna Jaykrishna wrote wrote to to the Government of of Bengal, Bengal, assuming assuming responsibility responsibility for manage­ for the management of of the the School School and andCollege Collegeand andoffering offeringsome somesuggestions suggestions of of his ment own.'66 was opened in June, 1887, own.1®* The College College was opened in 1887, even even before before the transfer of the joint institution institution to to the the managemanage­ arrangements for the transfer ment of of aa local local committee committee could could be be finalized.'67 finalized.1®5 He was happy to be ment round off off his his long long career as as an an educator educatorby byestablishing establishing an an able to round institution for higher education. He He naturally naturallywanted wantedhis hisold oldfriends friends to be be present present at atthe theopening openingceremony. ceremony. He He personally personally signed signed an invitation letter letter to Srinath invitation Srinath Chakravarti, Chakravarti, the the"veteran “veteran pedagogue" pedagogue” who had had been his trusted of Serampore, Serampore, who trusted adviser adviser and and associate. associate. The letter is being quoted here in full: short letter

460 460

A BENGAL ZAINDAR A BENGAL Z A M IN D A R

To Baboo Srinath Chakraburty Baboo Serampore - Sir, opened on on Monday Monday the the The Uttarpara UttarparaCollege College will be formally opened the 20th 20th inst inst at at 11 11 aA.M. .m . Your presence presence is is respectfully respectfully solicited. solicited.

Uttarpara, June 17, 1887 1887 June 17,

Yours very truly, MooaxaJEAlG7a JoYKlSSEN M 0 0 K E R JE A 167a JoyxissEN

This This was wasJaykrishna’s Jaykrishna'slast lastgift gifttotohis his townsmen, townsmen,and and aa high high point of his the news his own own educational educational endeavours. endeavours. Welcoming Welcoming the news of the the establishment establishment of of the the college, the the Hindoo Hindoo Patriot commented commented on June June 20, 1887 that that the realization of 1887 of this cherished hope of of Jaykrishna Jaykrishna would would greatly benefit aa large large section section of of the the comn1unity.' community.168 Paying Paying aa tribute to Jaykrishna College; Sir Jaykrishna as as the the liberal liberal founder founder of of the the Uttarpara Uttarpara College, Steuart Bayley, Bayley, the new new Lieutenant-Governor, Lieutenant-Governor, at the theprize-giving prize-giving ceremony School,said said that that the new ceremony of the Bali Bali. Rivers Thompson Thompson School, new college collegewould wouldmeet meet all all the the requirements for higher higher education of Bali its neighbourhood .1®9 and its neighbourhood.'69 The transfer of the Collegiate School to to private private management could The transfer'of not be Jaykrishna could be effected effected as as smoothly smoothly as Jaykrishna could have wished. wished. His nephew, Manohar, raised raised certain certain objections objections against the removal removal of of nephew, governmentalcontrol controlfrom fromthe the School Schooland and placing placing itit under the governmental the management described as the management of Jaykrishna, Jaykrishna, whom whom he he described the leader of aa faction in Uttarpara.170 A petition petition dated dated December December 14, 14, 1887 1887 from from faction in Uttarpara.'7° fIfty-twoinhabitants inhabitantsof ofUttarpara, by UmesChandra Chandra ChatterChatterfifty-two Uttarpara, headed by'Umes to the jee, to the Government Government also also repeated repeated Manohar's Manohar’s opinions opinions and arguments.'.171 arguments These objections, proposed scheme scheme objections, however, however, had had no effect. As the proposed fitted fitted in in with with the theGovernment's Government’s recent recent policy, policy, the the LieutenantLieutenantGovernor declined to revise his his decision. decision.He He sanctioned sanctioned the the formation formation of a committee along the lines already suggested. suggested. Jaykrishna, Peary­ jaykrishna, Pearymohan, Harihar, were were appointed appointed members members mohan, Manohar, or his brother Harihar, of this conmuittee committee of which Collector of of Hooghly Hooghly was was the theex-officio ex-officio of which the Collector president .172 Some be worked worked president.172 Some time passed before these details could be did not notlive live to tosee seethe theactual actualexecution executionof ofthe thetranstrans­ out. Jaykrishna did fer.173 On March March 31, 31, 1888 1888 the the number number of ofpupils pupils studying studying in the the fer.'73 College was fees being Rs. 4 per College was twenty-nine, twenty-nine, their their monthly monthly tuition fees

THE YEARS T H E FINAL F IN A L Y EARS

4611 46

head. Jaykrishna Jaykrishna already already had had a building constructed at at the cost of head. building constructed Rs. accommodation of of the the College College classes classes and hostel .171 Rs. 8,000 for the accommodation hostel.17 Situated near part of nearthe theold old school school building, building, the the new new college college formed part of institutions of the the complex of the educational institutions the town. Jaykrishna, jaykrishna, however, design the College College building proper however, was was unable unable to to design building on on a proper scale, with with the result that scale, that itit remained remainedobscured obscured by by the thelarge largeSchool School campus. The The experiment of the Collegiate building with its spacious spacious campus. Collegiate School legal opinion, opinion, the School continued continueduntil until 1897 1897 when, when, acting acting on on legal Government resumed charge charge of of the the School,175 School,175 the College College remaining as a separate entity under under Raja Raja Pearymohan Pearymohan Mukherjee Mukherjee after whom it was was renamed renamed in in 1953. 1953. However, However, the the name name Raja Raja Pearymohan Pearymohan College is is rather rather misleading. misleading. It It gives gives the the impression impressionthat that Pearymohan Pearymohan was the founder founder of of this institution, institution, which which is is wrong. The Uttarpara School it had had The record record of of the Uttarpara School during during these these years, when it Shyamacharan headmaster, was quite quite impressive. impressive. In Shyamacharan Ganguli Ganguli as headmaster, 1880-81itit maintained maintained its its place place at at the head 1880-81 head of ofthe thefirst firstclass class zillah zillah schools for the the third third year running. In 1881-82 schools for 1,881-82 it came third, moving back to the the first first position position in the the following following year. The The Birbhum Birbhum School School to the thesecond second position position in in 1883-84, 1883-84, and in in 1885-86 1885-86 it moved pushed itit to down to the eighth eighth place place among amongthe thezillah zillahschools. schools. By making a quick recovery, it again again rose rose to to the the second second place place in the the following following year. It It lost lost two steps and the list list in 1887-88, 1887-88, in and was placed fourth in the in which which year year itit was transferred to the the aided aided list list as asaaCollegiate Collegiate School School managed by a local committee. The The financial financial position position of of the the School School was very sound. In 1884-85 1884-85 its income income from all all sources, sources, including including the the Mukherjee Mukheqee endowment, while its its expenditure expenditure amounted amounted to endowment, totalled Rs. 15,160, 15,160, while Rs. 12,095.'° 12,095.170 Some Some of the pupils pupils of of the the School School during during this this period period won first-grade scholarships. Mullick bebe­ scholarships.OOff them, them, Devendra Nath Muilick came a Wrangler, aa Doctor Doctor of of Science Science of Dublin Dublin and a Fellow of the the Royal Society of Edinburgh. He was was aa Professor Professor of Mathematics at at 177 Presidency College from 1908 1908 to to 1921 1921.1 77 Although Jaykrishna Jaykrishna was was primarily primarily interested Although interested in the the educational educational his home home town town and and of his estates, estates, he he was was ready ready to help institutions of his institutions as 1882 he and and Maharani Maharani Swarnamayi Swamamayi other institutions as well. well. In In 1882 each subscribed Rs. 25 in aid of the the building fund of the the Manirampur Manirampur school.178 school.178 1883 Jaykrishna became aa member memberof of the the Society Society for the Promo­ In 1883 Jaykrishna became Promotion of Higher Education which was founded founded that that year in England England mainly initiative of of Roper Roper Lethbridge, Lethbridge, who had retired retired from from mainly at the initiative asthe thePress PressCommissioner Commissioner of the Indian Indian Government. Government. SupSup­ India as

462 462

A BENGAL B E N G A L ZAMINDAR Z A M IN D A R

ported mainly by voluntary contributions, this non-political non-political organizaorganiza­ tion aimed aimed at atcollecting collectingand andprocessing processing all all the the evidence evidence regarding regarding the the requirements requirements of of higher higher education education and and the advantages to be derived derived from its spread. It It sought sought to to improve improve and and extend extendthe theexisting existing system system the co-operation co-operation of the Government Government and and of higher education with the aided colleges.119 colleges.1™ Even Even in extreme extreme old old age age Jaykrishna Jaykrishna maintained maintained his interest interest in in scientific scientific education education and and research. research. In In his hisnewly newly founded founded College College he made a special special provision provision for aa professor professor of physics. physics. As he As long as he lived, lived, he he continued continued his active active interest interest in in Dr. Mahendralal Sarkar's Sarkar’s Indian Association for the the Cultivation Cultivation of of Science. Science. OOn March 13, Indian Association for n March 13, 1882 new buildings buildings of 1882Lord Lord Ripon Ripon laid laid the foundation stone of the new the Association. Association. On On this occasion, occasion, Dr. Dr. Sarkar, recounting the the history history of the Association, paidaatribute tributetotoJaykrishna: Jaykrishna: “On "On the the issue of a Association, paid issue of Prospectus Prospectus setting settingforth forth in in brief brief the objects objects and and requirements of the proposed Association, Babu proposed Association, Babu Joykissen Joykissen Mookerjea Mookerjeawas was the the first first to come forward, forward, unasked, unasked, with with the munificent come munificent sum of of Rupees Rupees one one thousand in project.” 180 He He also also said said how Jaykrishna had in aid of the project."8° by a monthly been helping helping the Association Association by monthly subscription subscription of of Rs. Rs. 25 25 Jaykrishna served and an an annual annualgrant grantof ofRs. Rs. 200 200 for for prizes.'8' prizes.181Jaykrishna served on the the Association’s committee of management until the theyear yearof ofhis his death ,182 Association's management until death,182 and had had the thesatisfaction satisfaction to to see seethe theAssociation Association through through the thedifficult difficult period of of its infancy. After Jaykrishna's death, death, Dr. Mahendralal After Jaykrishna’s Mahendralal Sarkar Sarkar referred referred with with great feeling feeling to to his services servicesto to the the Association. Association.At At the the twelfth twelfth annual annual Association, held held on April 30, 1889, Jaymeeting of the Association, 1889, he described Jay­ krishna zealous supporters “And krishna as one of the most zealous supporters of of the the venture. venture. "And his noble noble example,” example," said saidDr. Dr. Sarkar, Sarkar, “the "the project had it not been for his in all human probability probability would never have been carried into execuexecu­ tion.”"8 188Some years years later, later, he he proposed to found prizes and scholarships Jaykrishna's name in Jaykrishna’s .184 From 1904 1904 onwards, the the Association Association began name.184 to award Jaykrishna Mukherjee Mukheijee Gold Medal Medal to to scientists scientists of of interinter­ national repute. Among Among the the distinguished distinguished recipients recipients of this honour honour SirJames was Sir James H. H . Jeans, Jeans, the thewell-known well-known mathematical mathematicalphysicist, physicist, who in 1937 came to India to in 1937 came to receive receive the award.185 award.188 Two Nobel NobelPrizePrizewinning scientists, scientists,Professor ProfessorF.F.W. W. Aston, Aston, an an English English chemist winning chemist and Robert Millikan, an an American American physicist, physicist, received received the the medal medal Robert A. Millikan, respectively in 1938 1938 and and 1939. 1939. jaykrisbna, Jaykrishna, while while supporting supporting the thestudy studyof ofWestern Westernscience, science, found found time to attend attendacademic academic disputatious disputations of oforiental oriental scholars. scholars. These These time to

THE T H E FINAL F IN A L YEARS YEA R S

463

interests, for for him, him, were were never interests, never mutually mutually exclusive. exclusive. Even in his his last last years he encouraged encouraged Sanskrit had always always done. done. years Sanskrit education education as as he had When in in 1884 1884 the the Sanskrit Sanskrit College College introduced introduced a new new title tide (tirt/ja) (tirtha) Jaykrishna was one of those who who gave large donations donations examination, Jaykrishna the improvement improvement of of the the examination examination system system and for the the award award for the of scholarships scholarships to deserving deserving candidates.'8sa candidates.185a O On n January 22, 22, 1882 1882 he was present present at at a meeting held in the Senate House to examine examine the the views Arya views of of Swami Swami Dayananda Dayananda Saraswati, Saraswati, who who had founded the Arya Samaj in 1875 on the the principle principleof 'Back to theVedas’ theVedas' and 1875 on o f‘Back and the therejection rejection o idolatry, polytheism polytheism and distinctions. The off idolatry, and caste distinctions. The Swami Swami tried tried to faith capable capable of render Hinduism Hinduism into aa positive positive and and proselytizing proselytizing faith preventing conversion of Hindus.'88 Hindus.Me The The measure measureof ofsuccess success achieved by Dayananda Dayananda in in his his mission mission greatiy greatly shocked shockedand and alarmed alarmed the the ortho­ orthoanathemdox Hindus, who tried to to organize organize aa counter-movement counter-movement to anathem­ atize Dayananda and his followers. followers.Seth SethNarayan NarayanDas, Das, the the agent of well known known Seth Seth Lakshmandas Lakshmandasof ofMathura, Mathura, and and Pandit Mahes the well Chandra Nyayaratna Nyayaratna were wererespectively respectively the promoter promoter and and convener convener of the above-mentioned meeting which aimed at obtaining obtaining an an authoautho­ ritative opinion ritative opinion of the learned learned pandits pandits of of Bengal Bengal on the the correct correct interpretation of the Vedas on interpretation on certain certain points. points. About About five five hundred hundred persons, of of whom whom three three hundred hundred were pandits, attended the persons, the meeting. meeting. Among distinguished Observers observers were Among the distinguished wereJatindra Jatindra Mohan Mohan Tagore, Kamal Krishna Krishna Deb Deb and and Jaykrishna. Jaykrishna. The TheSanskrit Sanskrit scholars scholars present at the themeeting meeting included included Bhuvanmohan Bhuvanmohan Vidyaratna Vidyaratna of ofNavadvipa, Navadvipa, Subramanya Sastri of Benares, Benares,Rammohan RamrnohanTarkapanchanan Tarkapanchanan and and Sri Ram Siromani ofJessore, ofJessore, Rakhaldas Nyayaratna Nyayaratna of Bhatpara, Bhatpara, TaraTaranath Tarkaratna Tarkaratna of of Burdwan, Burdwan, Gangadhar Vidyaratna of Guptipara, Taranath Tarkavachaspati Tarkavachaspati of of Calcutta Calcutta and Umakanta Umakanta Nyayaratna Nyayaratna Taranath of Janai. Indisposition Indisposition prevented prevented Isvar Chandra Chandra Vidyasagar Vidyasagar and and Rajendralal Mitra from Rajendralal from attending the the meeting, meeting, but but they they supported supported the anti-Dayananda anti-Dayananda movement. movement. The learned learned disputation disputation that thatensued ensuedwas wasextremely extremely stimulating. stimulating. Ramsubramanya Sastri of Madras framed the the questions questions to Pandit Ramsubramanya of be discussed by the learned assemblage. He said, said that the discussed by assemblage. He the sastris sastris of other parts parts of of the country had been much vexed by the Madras and other doctrinal wrong-headedness wrong-headedness of The assembly assembly doctrinal of Swami Swami Dayananda. The then examined the main theses theses of the reformer and agreed that his his interpretation interpretation of the Vedas Vedas was was extremely extremely perverted perverted and and likely likely to to have pernicious The answers pernicious consequences. consequences. The answers to the the questions questions were were present.'87 Jaykrishna's personal pandits present .187 Jaykrishna’s personal recorded and signed by the pandits

464 4 64

A BENGAL B EN G A L ZAMINDAR Z A M IN D A R

reactions reactions to to the scholarly scholarly disputation disputation are are nowhere nowhere recorded. recorded. He He must must have enjoyed this debate as as he heenjoyed enjoyed the theperiodical periodicalconferences conferences have enjoyed of Sanskrit scholars scholars held held in his own home. But these these meetings meetings of pandits in Jaykrishna's Jaykrishna’s house house were not so so Sir generally known as the visits of European scholars to his library. Sir William William Wilson WilsonHunter, Hunter, aa top-ranking member member of of the the Indian Indian Civil Service admirer of of Jaykrishna, Jaykrishna, in the the final final Serviceand and an an old friend and admirer phase career made library his home home for many phase of of his his Indian Indian career made the library months. As the Director General of Statistics, he hewas was then then working working on on. * General of the revised Gazetteerof ofIndia. India.OOn December 29r 29, the revisededition editionof ofhis hisThe TheImperial ImperialGazetteer n December 1885he he wrote wrote to to Mrs. Mrs. Hunter, Hunter, referring referring to to the library: 1885

structure, with with its its pillared and .. . that fairy-like fairy-like structure, pillared verandahs verandahs and marble floors. floors. The library is quite unique for books on Indian The books on history Simla. I have have set set history and it takes the place of mine mine own own at at Simla. apart suiteof ofrooms rooms overlooking the broad Hugli for my work apart aasuite on the Gazetteer.198 Gazetteer.188 About three months later Hunter Hunter wrote to his daughter, Mabel: . . . II have have come out out to this this river river retreat lent by a great native landowner, landowner, to to consult consult some somerare rare books booksinin his his library. library. II have the marble floors floors and vast pillared pillared verandah verandah overhanging overhanging the the Hugli .189 Hugh all to myself myself.'89

How useful Jaykrishna’s Jaykrishna's library was to Hunter Hunter in in his his researches researches is is. clearly indicated indicated in in his his preface prefacedated dated“Uttarpara "Uttarpara in Bengal, February February 1886” to the thesecond secondedition editionofofThe TheImperial ImperialGazetteer Gazetteer of 1886" to ofIndia, India,published published acknowledgements,"hehewrites, writes,“are "are due due to Babu in 1886. 1886. “"Some Some acknowledgements,” Babu Jaikissen Mukherjee Mukherjee for for the the use use of of his his large large and and excellent excellent library library at at Jaikissen by this Uttarpara in in Hugh Hugli District. District. The The facilities facilities afforded afforded by this unique storehouseof oflocal localliterature, literature, alike alikeinin the the English and vernacular storehouse English and tongues, tongues, have have materially materially aided aided in in the verification of statements, statements, the errors and and the addition of new facts. facts. They They have tended avoidance of errors to lessen lessen the inevitable inevitable disadvantages disadvantages under which which literary literary work work has to be done in India, India, separated separated by by half halfthe theglobe globe from those great libraries of reference, reference, which which more more fortunate fortunate writers writers in in England England have libraries disposal."9° at their disposal .” 190 was the the meetingmeetingThe library, while Hunter Hunter was was in residence there, was place of his friends. friends. On February February 22, 22, 1886 1886 George George Augustus Augustus Sala, the popular English English journalist, journalist, attended attended Hunter’s Hunter's dinner dinner party party at

T H E FiNAL F IN A L Y EARS THE YEARS

465

Uttarpara.191 Sir Edwin Arnold, the famous author of The The Light Light of Uttarpara.'91 of Asia, cold season season of 1886. 1886. In sense, Asia, also also visited visited the the library library in in the cold In a seise, much much more more noteworthy noteworthy was was the the visit visit paid paid by by Sir Henry Henry Stewart Stewart Cunninghum. A A Judge Judge of the Calcutta High Court, he enriched enriched the Anglo-Indian graphic description description of Anglo-Indian literature literature of of the the day. day. He left a graphic Jaykrishna and his his library in his his novel novel The Coeruleans (1887), The Coeruteans (1887), which is worth quoting: ‘You 'You are fond of books’, books', he he [Montem, [Montem, presumably presumably Hunter Hunter in disguise] said said to to her her one day. 'If disguise] ‘I f you you would would like like to visit a curious curious library—the mostinteresting, interesting, II suspect, suspect, that that you you have have ever ever been library-the most in-come with in—come withme metomorrow, tomorrow,and andsee seewhat whataanative nativegentleman gentleman can be and do. He is a great friend of mine. . is great mine. ..' Camilla was delighted. . . »Next accordingly they where, by bythe theshores shores Next day accordingly they went. went.... . totowhere, of the historic river, a grand old historic river, old devotee devotee of of learning has accumuaccumu­ the precious precious outcome outcome of of aa lifetime lifetime of ofskilful, skilful, diligent diligent and lated the generous generous research. research.Their Theirvenerable venerablehast—standing host-standing like a patriarch with sons and grandsons around him—blind him-blind with with sons and grandsons around with age, age, and and his his the door door and and welcomed welcomed steps guided guided by by aa filial filial hand, hand, met them at the them with aa courtesy all that Camilla them courtesy which which realised realised all Camilla had ever ever .fancied responded promptly to to Carnilla's Camilla’s enen­ fancied of oriental oriental grace. He responded thusiasm-told how, thusiasm—told how, year by by year, year, and and decade decade by by decade, decade, the the work of accretion accretion had had gone steadily on; and summoned work summoned from the strongholds where where they they lay immured, many aa curious strongholds curious volume volume and and precious collector, had precious Buddhist Buddhist manuscript, manuscript, which which his his zeal, zeal, as a collector, gathered from of Benares Benaresor or Cashmir, Cashmir, or or the gathered from the treasure-rooms treasure-rooms of monasteries old bibliophile bibliophile knew knew all their their hishis­ monasteries of of far far Thibet. Thibet. The old tories, and and laid laid aa loving lovinghand— hand-Camilla tories, Camilla fancied-on fancied—on each, each, as as he he described duty of of guiding his described it. it. Presently Presently he he deputed to a son the duty visitors long galleries, galleries, where where thousands thousands of ofvolumes, volumes, visitors through through the long on whose pages-so the contrariety on whose pages—so contrariety of Fate had willed-his willed—his eye eye might never rest, stood his gift, gift, aa noble noble stood ready ready for for the the first first comer,— comer,-his 'I like one surely, surely, to his his country. country... .. .. ‘I like this this scene scene arid and this place', place’, Carnilla said said with with vehemence, vehemence, ‘better 'better than anything I have Camilla have seen seen in India .. . For my part, I could die happy, if I had created such could die happy, if had created such in India. . . a little oasis oasis as this, for the the benefit benefit of of weary pilgrims pilgrims in times to come .’192 come.'192

More than anything anything else else he had had done, done, Jaykrishna's Jaykrishna’s library library had man of of culture culture and and patron patron of oflearning. learning. There spread his name as a man 30 30

466 4 66

A BBENGAL ZAMINDAR A ENGAL Z A M IN D A R

is a reference to this library in Suraloke Banger Parichay, Paric/lay, Part IIII (circa Suraloke Banger (circa 11878)— 878)-a a caricature caricature of of the the literary literary world world ofofBengal Bengal and andthe thebebe­ belonged to to it. Presenting their report haviour of the people who belonged report on on literary scene scene of Bengal and the social and literary Bengal to to Dwarkanath Dwarkanath Tagore and his in heaven, heaven, Ananda Ananda Chandra Chandra Vedantavagis Vedantavagis and Isvar his durbar in and Isvar Chandra Nandi Nandi said library at Uttarpara Chandra said that Jaykrishna's Jaykrishna’s library Uttarpara was was books.192a Till unmatched in Bengal Bengal for its its collection collection of books.»» Till the end of his life Jaykrishna remained remained passionately passionatelyattached attached to to the library. his life Jaykrishna library. Although he had full Although lull proprietary rights to this institution, institution, he called called * ran ititas asaapublic publiclibrary, library,maintaining maintaining its itsmaximum maximum benefit benefit to to and ran its users. the efficiency efficiency of library service and the the users. He He was strict about about the books.Even Even the the members members of of his hisfamily family had had to be punctual punctual lending of books. about returning the the books books they they borrowed. borrowed. Once Once aa grandson-in-law grandson-in-law had kept kept aa few few books books with him him for for aasuspiciously suspiciously long time. time. As As soon soon asJaykrishna he threw threw a quiet but unmistakable as Jaykrishnacame cameto to know know of of this, he inconvenience other other readers hint, saying that no one had any right to inconvenience ot impede of impede the working working of the library. The The books books were were immediately immediately returned by the the young young man. The Uttarpara The UttarparaPublic PublicLibrary, Library,besides besidesbeing beingaastorehouse storehouseof ofbooks, also served servedas asaa cultural cultural centre. centre. In In 1887 an artist called Caddy gave also 1887 an here lectures lectures on on the the art art of oil oil painting paintingwith with practical practical demonstrations. demonstratiois. here He gave his his second second talk in August, August, 1887, 1887, illustrating his lecture by painting a very portrait of of an an old man present painting very successful successful portrait present within within scarcely an an hour. Caddy's scarcely Caddy’s lectures lectures and demonstration demonstration generated a desire among the the local people to to form form aa class class for the systematic study mentioned here here that that one of ofJaykrishna's of .1®8 It should be mentioned Jaykrishna’s painting.'93 of oil oil painting grandsons, Sivanarayana, Sivanarayana, achieved some some competence competenceas asaapainter painter in grandsons, the medium medium of of oils. oils. ^ UTrARPARA V I. M u n i c i p a l REVoSW. R eform ·ann d U ttarpara VI. MUNICIPAL

Jaykrishna's Jaykrishna’s contributions contributions to to the thedevelopment developmentof oflocal localself-governself-govern­ ment in Bengal are not not half half so so well known as his educational work, although his earliest were nearly although earliest activities in these these two different different fields were of the same date. He had had been been associated associated with the the movement movement which in 1840 led to establishment of the the Hooghly-Chinsurah Hooghly-Chinsurah municipality, of which he was was aa commissioner commissioner even as as late late as as1873.193a 1873.18Sa Later Later on he was responsible for raising the village of Uttarpara to municipal responsible for raising the village of Uttarpara status, thirty years status, years before before the reforms reforms of of Lord Lord Ripon Ripon generated generated enthusiasm for for local local self-government. self-government.

TE T H E FINAL F IN A L YEARS Y EA R S

467 467

Lord Ripon's Ripon’sresolution resolution of May, 1882, 1882, which sought to introduce in municipal municipal administration administration as as in in the principles principles of self-government self-government in nationalists.1M by the nationalists rural boards, boards, was welcomed welcomed by .194 Meetings were were held at at many many pla'ces places praying for reorganization of of the the municipalities municipalities upon a popular popular and and elective elective basis.'95 basis.198 In the the last last week ofJuly July and and the first week of August, were held held at August, 1882 1882 such meetings meetings were at Hooghly, Hooghly, Santipur and Ranaghat. over the meeting Saiitipur Ranaghat. Jaykrishna Jaykrishna presided presided over meeting at Hooghly on July 30, 1882.198 1882.1ββ July 30, The The meeting meeting passed passed several several resolutions resolutions in favour favour of ofmodification modification of the property property qualification qualification clause, so that it it would would enfranchise enfranchise all persons with with an annual persons annual income income of of Rs. Rs. 200; 200; restriction restriction of of official official control, control, making making it possible possible for for the local boards to to function function freely; freely; non-impositionofoflocal localrates ratesor or any any fresh fresh tax in non-imposition in connection connection with local self-government.'97 self-government.197 From the the incomplete incomplete report report of of the the meeting meeting it is impossible impossible to to make make out out what Jaykrishna said in his presidential There is no means of really address. There of knowing if the proposed reforms reaEy appealed to Jaykrishna appealed Jaykrishna and ifif he hesupported supportedthem themspontaneously. spontaneously. Even if he did, he had, had, as as we we shall shall see see later, second second thoughts on the subject. Bengalee, however, participation of of however, observed observedthat that the participation subject. The Bengalee, the most influential influential zamindar of the district district in in the themovement movement was was indicative of how the local self-government self-government question questionappealed appealed to all sections of of the the community, community, zamindars as well as raiyats rayats.'°8 sections ,198 But there were people who looked the proposed proposed reform rather rather looked at the sceptically. Pearymohan, Pearymohan, for instance, was not not enamoured of the gift sceptically. of Lord Ripon. Taking Taking part partininaadiscussion discussionon onthis thisissue issue in in the theoffice office of the subdivisional officer 16, 1882, 1882, he officer of of Serampore Serampore on on September 16, possible harmful harmful consequences consequences of of the the intro­ introfrankly pointed out out some possible duction of of the the local local self-government self-government principle. Besides Besides disturbing disturbing the relations of life, life, itit was likely likely to to create great bitterness relations bitterness and recrimirecrimi­ remarks were were encouraged by his nation .199 Pearymohan's Pearymohan’s pessimistic pessimistic remarks nation.'99 experience of working of the faction-ridden munici­ experience of the working faction-ridden Uttarpara Uttarpara municipality, place where where the the battles battles of ofthe theMukherjec Mukherjeefamily family were were pality, the place lately being fought out. As soon as the intentions of of the Government on the the question question of ofmunicipal municipal reforms reforms became became known, known, each of of the the two major major parties for power power in in this this town town got busy to two parties contending contending for consolidate its position positionand and reap reap the best consolidate its best advantages advantages out of of the the changes. coming changes. appointment of ofBijaykrishna Bijaykrishna in June, June, 1882 1882 as asthe thefirst first nonThe appointment official chairman of wasaagreat great triumph triumph for him official chairman of the municipality20° municipality200 was and and his his party. party.For ForBijaykrishna Bijaykrishna this this was was aawell well deserved deserved recognition. recognition.

468 4 68

A ENGAL Z A M IN D A R A BBENGAL ZAMINDAR

In the theopinion opinionof ofJohn, John.Beames, Beames, the theDivisional Divisional Commissioner, Commissioner, he he was was a zealous zealous and dutiful dutiful municipal municipal administrator. administrator. Uttarpara owed owed its its civic amenities amenities to to his efficient supervision and and control. But excellent civic efficient supervision obviously this not good goodenough enoughfor forhis hisopponents.200a opponents.200a Shortly Shortly obviously this was not appointment as chairman, chairman, aa petition petition signed signed by by one-third one-third after his appointment of the ratepayers ratepayers belonging belonging to the opposite opposite faction was sent to the the authorities, praying for for the introduction authorities, praying introduction of of the thepromised promised elective elective system in the constitution of the municipality,--a system in constitution of municipality,—a move move which the Bengalee long experience experience of the people people Bengalee thought was justified justified by the long in municipal municipal affairs. affaire. It was was an an encouraging encouraging sign sign that of Uttarpara in recent reconciliation reconciliation between a recent betweenthe the two two great great zamindars zamindars had had put to their their notorious notorious rivalry .2®1 rivalry.20' an end to optimism was soon belied recrudescence of party strife strife This optimism belied by a recrudescence over the election election question municipality. How strong was the question in in the municipality. factious spirit the local local factious spirit is is clear clear from from a number of letters written by the people for for and and against and published published in in the people against the elective elective system system and contemporary newspapers. contemporary newspapers.The TheNovember Novemberissues issuesofofthe theHirsdoo Hindoo Patriot Patriot of 1882 ofaa clear alignment 1882 contained contained letters suggestive suggestive of alignment over the elective close the corresponcorrespon­ elective principle. principle. The The editor editor ultimately ultimately had to close dence on the subject ,2 0 2 dence on the subject.202 Even officials like Even the local officials likeR. R. Carstairs Carstairs doubted doubted whether Uttar­ Uttarpara with with its its factions factions would be able able to to make make aameaningful meaningful experiexperi­ ment with the theelective electivesystem.203 system.208 Probably dis­ ment with Probably Carstair’s Carstair's motive in discouraging elections electionswas wastoto prevent prevent aa fresh fresh outbreak outbreak of of party party and couraging family by his his memoirs, memoirs, he knew knew the the family conflicts conflictsat at Uttarpara, Uttarpara. Judging by pattern of the Uttarpara Uttarpara society society very well. found that the the chief chief well. He He found problem keen rivalry between the branches of problem of Uttarpara Uttarpara was the keen the Mukherjee Mukheijee family, incident into art an family, which which turned turned every trivial trivial incident occasion for he first first went went there, there, he hefound foundin in full full swing swing for quarrel. quarrel. When he an encroachment case—the Vice-Chairmanand andleader leaderof ofone onefaction faction casc-tbe Vice-Chairman trying to remove remove as encroachment a large brick erection as an encroachment erection put put up by his rival.20. rival.20* 1 This This case case was was typical typical of of many many others. others. Bijaykrishna Bijaykrishna his party party had hadcontrolled controlled the themunicipality municipality for for the the last lasttwelve twelve and his years. It is is understandable understandable why why he he led led the themovement movementagainst againstelection election municipal commissioners commissioners by led of municipal byratepayers, ratepayers,and andwhy why the the party led by Jaykrishna Jaykrishna supported supported it so It could by so enthusiastically. enthusiastically. It could be be easily easily foreseen that in the theevent eventof ofan anelection, election,Jaykrishna, Jaykrishna,being beingpossessed possessed of great wealth and influence, would fill fill the municipal influence, would municipal board with his supporters which would would mean mean the end end of of Bijaykrishna's Bijaykrishna’s authority in the the civic civic body.

THE YEARS T H E FINAL F IN A L YEA RS

469 469

In its its editorial editorialcomments, comments, the theFriend Friend of of India regretted the existence existence regretted the strife at but held held all all the thesame same that thatthe theelective elective of party strife at Uttarpara, but

system was wasworth worth aa trial. Whether it would succeed or not remained seen.204 to be seen .204 Umes Chatteijee of Uttarpara, evidently evidently of Umes Chandra Chandra Chatterjee Bijaykrishna’s out how Bijaykrishna's party, party, wrote, pointing Out how the the introduction of the

elective systemwould wouldwork worktoto the the advantage elective system advantage of of Jaykrishna, Jaykrishna, the man of the the town. He He would manipulate wealthiest and most powerful man the election and have most most of of the the elected elected commissioners commissioners in his pocket. and have “Such an an elective elective system system would system of of nomination nomination in in "Such would be but aa system disguise.” like disguise." The The experiment experimentwould wouldmake makeno no sense senseinin aa place like Uttarpara where Uttarpara where the thelocal localpeople people had hadno nofreedom freedom of ofchoice choice in in such such a trifling trifling matter as attending dinner parties parties when forbidden forbidden by one or another another of of the the faction leaders.205 leaders.205 This alone was was sufficient to vitiate This alone vitiate atmosphere to aa point point where wherefree freeelections elections would would become become the atmosphere impossible. The otherparty partyalso alsoWas was not not silent. silent. The TheEnglishman Englishman of The other ofNovember November 28, 1882 1882published publishedaa letter letter from fromaa ratepayer ratepayer of ofUttarpara Uttarpara who challenged Umes Chandra’s Chandra's views Umes views by pointing pointing out that that the theexisting existing system system alal­ ready suffered suffered from evils apprehended apprehended from from the theproposed proposed rere­ from the evils forms. that not notaasingle singlecommissioner commissioner had been been forms. He FIe stated stated bluntly bluntly that appointed Uttarpara within within the thelast lasttwelve twelve years years who was not a appointed at Uttarpara nominee of the town.20° town.206 nominee of either either of the two leading men of On unedifying O n the the whole, whole, the the activities activities of of the rival rival factions factions were as unedifying as they were typical of a community community which the which had had been built by the personal efforts efforts and and influence influence of of an an individual individual and was now personal now being being ruled by two zarnindars. zamindars. All the the local local institutions in this town owed their existence not popular or or even even middle-class middle-class leadership but to to not to popular the initiative of a single single man who was now opposed not by by anyone anyone else but community was subjected to the contrary but by by his brother. brother. The The community pulls of the two pulls two magnets. magnets. In In other otherwords, words, all allsocial socialrelationships relationships took place the controls and constraints place within within aa set-up maintained maintained by the ofJaykrishna Jaykrishnaand and his hisbrother. brother.The The improvement improvementthat thatUttarpara Uttarpara had achieved in in many directions under aristocratic leadership has to be achieved be balanced popular enterprise balanced against against aa retardation retardation of popular enterprise and and lack of social moving frontiers frontiers of of social cohesion, cohesion, forcing forcingthe the people people from from the moving human endeavour. W ith its total area of about one square mile, human endeavour. With total area of about one square mile, Uttarparain in1881 1881 had had aapopulation populationof of5,307. 5,307. Internal Internal conflicts conflicts under Uttarpara under certain circumstances circumstances are small community community prepre­ are much much greater in aa small cisely closer to each each other. other. So So division, division, cisely because because the the members members are are closer conflict and competition characterized community as as conflict and competition characterized the the Uttarpara Uttarpara community

470 470

A BBENGAL ZAMINDAR A EN G A L Z A M IN D A R

much as civic amenities, amenities, social of prosperity. prosperity. social services servicesand and aa degree of In this this respect respect Uttarpara Uttarparapresented presented aasharp sharpcontrast contrasttotothe theneighneigh­ Bali whose whose local local institutions institutionshad had aa popular base. bouring village village of Bali The decision decision of the Government to grant grant self-government self-government to Bali by constituting constituting itself itself into into an independent independent municipality municipality caused caused great popular rejoicing rejoicing in .207 in that town town.207 Ignoring example of Bali, Bali, the faction faction leaders Ignoring the example leaders of Uttarpara, instead their differences, differences, were instead of making making up up their were getting getting ready ready for for aa showdown. 1883 an organization organization called called the thePeople's People’sAssoAsso­ showdown. Early Early in 1883 ciation was wasformed formedininUttarpara. Uttarpara. It was inaugurated at at aa meeting meeting on January28, 28,1883 1883 and andSurendra SurendraNath NathBanerjee Baneijeewas wasamong amongthosc thosewho who January it. Although the Association's programme envisaged envisaged many many addressed it. Association’s programme objectives,208 democratic objectives ,208 the real, real motive of of its its organizers organizers laudable democratic was to consolidate their position against against the other other faction. Uttarpara, however, Uttarpara, however, only only partly benefited benefited by the the Municipal Municipal Act Act 1884 which of 1876. 1876. The first first of of of 1884 which replaced replaced the old Municipal Act of changesintroduced introducedby by the the new new Act Act was was the the most noteworthy noteworthy changes bestowal ratepayers of the privilege privilege of electing electing their their represenrepresen­ bestowal on on ratepayers tatives in in the of the the number tatives the municipal municipal boards. boards. Two-thirds Two-thirds of number of commissioners of each each municipality be elected by the commissioners of municipality were were to be elected by the rateprayers, the remaining one-third being being nominated by the rateprayers, the remaining one-third nominated by the Government. The second was the abolition Government. The second change change was abolition of all all distincdistinc­ of municipalities municipalitieswhich which had had been aa feature tions in the the classification classification of feature of the Municipal Municipal Act 1876. But the the Government, Government, while while grangran­ Act of 1876. ting the right right of ofelecting electing the thechairmen chairmen totomany manymunicipalities, municipalities, ting the withheld the same in the the cases cases of those which it considered considered unfit unfit for for the experiment. experiment. Such Such municipalities municipalities were the second second were placed placed in in the schedule of ofAct Act IIII schedule I I (B.C.) (B.C.) of of 1884. 1884. Thirdly, Thirdly, the approval approval of the the Government was no longer longer necessary necessary for the the election election of ofvice-chairvice-chair­ men.209 men .209 Uttarpara was was included included in in the the second second schedule, schedule, the "black “black list", of the Municipal list”, Municipal Act owing owing presumably presumably to the party party conflicts conflicts which at any any time time might might cause cause aa scandal. scandal. ItItwas wasregretted regrettedby bysome some that one that one of of the the oldest oldest municipalities of British India should be be denied denied the right of of electing electing its chairman chairman while while many many younger younger civic civic bodies bodies , were given this privilege.210 privilege.210 had to to wait waituntil until1888 1888for for gaining gaining The municipality of Uttarpara Uttarpara had in 1884. 1884. The The total numthis right, although although itit elected elected commissioners commissioners in num­ ber of ofits its commissioners commissioners was fixed at twelve, of of whom eight eight were were to to be be ber elected. The election was held towards the end end of of1884. 1884. Jaykrishna elected. himuselfceased beaacommissioner commissionerafter after1880, 1880,but hisson sonPearymohan Pearymohan himself ceased totobe but his

THE YEARS T H E FINAL F IN A L YEA RS

471 4 71

and grandsons had looked looked after his interests on the municipal board. board. His supporters, however, however, were were in in a minority as long as the the commiscommis­ sioners were were appointed appointed purely purely by by nomination. nomination. At At a meeting held on sioners 10, 1884 1884 aa motion motion suggested suggested by Pearymohan Pearymohan was not even even May 10, seconded.211 Things changed changed after after the election and many seconded ,211 Things election of 1884, 1884, and issues t aa meeting 12, 1886 1886 issueswere were severely severelycontested. contested.AAt meeting held held on June 12, Nabakrishna Mukheijee, Mukherjee, one one of Jaykrishna’s Jaykrishna's supporters, said that Nabakrishna supporters, said the rates of revised taxation were were intended intended to to injure injure aa property of revised taxation Uttarpara.812Another issue over which Jaykrishna, viz. viz, the bazaar of Uttarpara.212 Another issue there were withholding the grant there were sharp sharp differences differences was the question of withholding grant licence to to the the Ganges GangesValley ValleyBone BoneMMill, newlystarted startedininUttarpara Uttarpara of licence ill, newly by Graham and and Company. Company. The The proceedings proceedings of the meeting meeting which which discussed this this matter bear discussed beartestimony testimonytotothe theclass classconsciousness consciousnessprepre­ the Uttarpara Uttarparasociety. society. Nabakrishna Nabakrishna is on record as having valent in the said that that he had supreme said supreme contempt contempt for the opinion of "the “the plebeian plebeian commissioners”, commissioners", i.e. i.e. the the commissioners commissionersnot notbelonging belongingto tothe theMukheijee Mukherjee family. Another Another problem problem which which caused concern concern was the the policy policy of the the Government regarding regarding the the Uttarpara Government Uttarpara hospital. hospital. The The Government Government in 1880 1880 discontinued discontinued the the free supply supply of medicines medicines to to this this institution institution and years later later wanted to hand over two years over its its management to to the the municimunici­ pality without making making adequate adequate financial financial provisions provisions for its maintemainte­ nance. Final Final orders orderswere werepassed passedin in 1884. 1884.As As one one of of the the founders founders of of the the dispensary, no dispensary,Jaykrishna Jaykrishnaprotested protestedagainst againstthis thisorder orderbut but with with no immediate effect,213An immediate effect.213 Anoutbreak outbreak of ofcholera cholera in in the the town in November, November, 1886214 18862 14 gave a new new urgency urgency to to the theefficient efficient running of of the the hospital. hospital. Jaykrishna once more more protested protested against against the thewithdrawal withdrawalofofgoverngovern­ mental control from the hospital. But the Government Government did not not change change its tried to to satisfy satisfy Jaykrishna by by advising advising the the municipal municipal its policy policy and tried commissioners commissionerstotoallow allowhim him some some voice voiceinin the the management of the Thisarrangement arrangement seems seems to tohave havecontinued continueduntil untilJaykrisbna's hospital. This Jaykrishna’s death.2 1® death.215 Bijaykrishna, now opposed by a majority majority of ofelected elected members, members, was clearly the municipality. municipality. Many Many resolutions resolutions were clearly losing losing his his hold hold on the adopted which he he-and -and his his followers followersdid didnot not support. support.The The Uttarpara Uttarpara Union, a new organization formed by Jaykrishna’s Jaykrishna's faction faction to to counter counter the activities of of the the People's People’sAssociation, Association, controlled by Bijaykrishna, municipality's policies as as “outrageous "outrageous and and aggressive aggressive".216 described the municipality’s ” .218 Within W ithin the the municipality municipalitythe thecommissioners commissioners held stormy meetings and behaved manner which which made made the the Englishman behaved in in a manner Englishman agree agree with with the

472 472

A A BBENGAL E N G A L ZZAMINDAR A M IN D A R

view .217 view that that local self-government self-governmentwas wasan an utter utter failure failure at at Uttarpara Uttarpara.217 The affairs affairs of the municipality had certainly certainly reached reached aa deadlock, deadlock. Bijaykrishna, as hostile majority majority on on Bijaykrishna, as chairman, chairman, could could not manage aa hostile the board board of of commissioners. commissioners. He his position position He tried tried his best to maintain maintain his by official official support. support. His His endowment endowment in in 1886 of of aa sum sum of Rs. Rs. 1,250 for, for the award of of an an annual annual prize prize of ofRs. Rs. 50 50 called called the the Rivers Rivers Thompson Thompson Prize to the most successful candidateof ofthe theUttarpara Uttarpara school at the successful candidate school at perhaps intended intended to win the the LieutenantLieutenantEntrance Examination 218was perhaps Examination218 Governor's favour. his hope, disappointed. Governor’s favour. If If this had had been beenhis hope, he was soon disappointed. Early 1886 _a representation was made, presumably presumably by JayJay­ Early in 1886 a representation krishna’s Municipality of krishna's followers, followers,totoSir Sir Steuart Steuart Bayley Bayley that that the Municipality Uttarpara might Uttarpara mightbe beallowed allowed to to elect elect its its chairman. chairman. This Thiswas was of ofmore more than local local interest, interest, for for upon upon this this representation representation the theGovernment Governmentrere­ considered the whole whole question question of of the the election of chairmen chairmen by by the considered the election of scheduled municipalities. n February February23, 23, 1888 1888 an an official official order order was was municipalities. O On that a chairman passed that chairman nominated nominated by by any any municipality municipaEty in in the the second second schedule of Municipal Act the GovernGovern­ schedule of the the Municipal Act would would be appointed by the The Lt.-Governor Lt.-Governor was satisfied satisfied that so long long the the nominomi­ ment. The that that so of a required required number numberof ofcommissioners commissioners remained nation of remained in the hands of the Government, Government, the the privilege privilege of choosing choosing their their chairmen might tentatively given given to these these municipalities. The Government, Government, howhow­ be tentatively ever, did not statutory right not confer any statutory right on municipalities to elect their chairmen.219 Even so, this decision was chairmen.219 was welcomed welcomed by by the the nationalist press.220 press.° This order of the the Government Government was was followed followed by order of by dramatic changes in the the Uttarpara Uttarparamunicipality. municipality. After After the thesecond second municipal municipal election election held 1888, the commissioners commissioners met held in in 1888, mettoto nominate nominateaa chairman chairman on March 14, 14, 1888. 1888. Two names names were proposed-those proposed—thoseof ofBijaykrishna Bijaykrishna and of of Sivanarayan, Sivanarayan, aa grandson grandson of ofJaykrishna. Jaykrishna. All All the thetwelve twelve comcom­ missioners side of missionerscast casttheir their votes. votes.Eight Eight candidates candidateswere wereon on the the side Sivanarayan as against against four four who who supported supported Bijaykrishna. Bijaykrishna. As As SivaSiva­ narayan was backed by by two-thirds two-thirds of ofthe thecommissioners, commissioners, his name was recommended to the Government Government for chairmanship.22' chairmanship.221 In due was recommended In due course he appointed chairman. course he was was appointed chairman. He He was was then then a young young man man of twenty-nine. twenty-nine. Bijaykrishna's fall fall from from power power was was doubly doubly welcome welcometo toJaykrishna. jaykrishna. Bijaykrishna’s The removal his old old rival rival and traducer had been removal of his been brought brought about about by his son son and and grandsons. grandsons. He He lived lived to tosee seehis hisfavourite favourite grandson grandson installed as as chairman chairman of the municipality which he had founded installed municipality which founded as as back as 1853. 1853. This far back This meant meant that that once again he could control, control, though

T H E FINAL F IN A L YEARS YEARS THE

473 473

indirectly, the he had had controlled it during during the early Indirectly, the civic body as He early days. days, He had had faced facedaalong longstruggle struggletotore-establish re-establishhis hisascendancy ascendancy in in full. full. In fact, itit had hadtaken takenhim himmore morethan thanfifteen fifteenyears years to to eliminate eliminate all In fact, opposition opposition to his dominance and and remove remove the the Frankenstein's Frankenstein’smonster monster from power. first important act of of the the new new chairman chairman was the the preparation preparation The first of an «of an address address of of welcome to be be presented presented to to Lord Lord Dufferin Dufferin who who was was due to visit visit Uttarpara Uttarpara very very shortly. shortly. This was approved at aa special special of the the commissioners commissioners held 22, 1888 1888 where where itit was was meeting of held on March 22, announced that that the thepresentation presentation ceremony ceremony would would cost the municimunici­ nothing, since since "a “a certain certain benevolent benevolent gentleman" gentleman” had had offered offered pality nothing, expenses.222 to meet the the necessary necessary expenses .222 It is is not not difficult difficult to to guess guess who this this gentleman gentleman was. wa. However, itit was was not not the the first fIrsttime timethat that the the Uttarpara Uttarpara municipality However, was getting ready to to welcome welcome a Viceroy. Viceroy, Sir John Lawrence Lawrence had had received 1865. So received the the municipal municipaladdress addressatat Uttarpara Uttarpara in in 1865. So did aa number of who visited visitedUttarpara Uttarpara in the number of high high officials officials who the 1880's 1880’s as as JayJay­ krishna’s guests. It It isisnecessary necessary to to refer referto tothis thisseries series of of visits, although krishna's guests. although they are are today today interesting interesting only only historically. historically. They are best dealt dealt with togetherinstead instead of ofinterspersing interspersing the the narrative narrativewith withthese theseaccounts. accounts. together V II.ANOTHER A n o t h e r VICEREGAL V i c e r e g a l VISIT V is it VII. As aa rule, rule, Jaykrishna, Jaykrishna, unlike unlike many other other men men of of his his rank, rank, avoided avoided spending his money on parties parties and and receptions receptions in in honour honourof ofofficial official there were were certain certain special special occasions occasions when dignitaries. But there when he he had had to play the the host host to tothe therepresentatives representatives of of the the Raj. Raj. On O nApril April15, 15,1882 1882 he gave a garden party at at the thepublic public library library to to Sir Sir Ashley Ashley Eden on the eve of of his retirement from India. He had had aaliking liking for for Sir Sir Ashley, Ashley, the landed landed class. class. The The library library building building and and who was popular with the the grounds were attractively decorated for the the occasion. occasion. The The LieuLieu­ tenant-Governor arrived at at about about six six in in the the evening evening in the the Viceregal Viceregal was received by Jaykrishna, launch Lytton and was Jaykrishna, Pearymohan Pearymohan and and the launch Lytton slight break in in the the schedule, schedule, bebe­ municipal authorities. There was a slight cause the l3uckland, which the Port the ferry ferry steamer steamer Buckland, Port Commissioners Commissioners had at Jaykrishna's Jaykrishna’sdisposal disposal for for bringing bringing his his guests from Calcutta, placed at arrived late, just missing missing the presentation presentation of the municipal municipal address address Sir Ashley Ashley Eden. The The chairman chairman of ofthe the municipality, municipality, referring referring to to Sir the visits of the the the Duke Duke of of Wellington Wellingtonand and Sir SirJohn John Lawrence Lawrence to to Uttar­ Uttarpara, thanked thanked the theLieutenant-Governor Lieutenant-Governor for for the the new newworks works which which

4 74 474

A E N G A L ZZAMiDAR A M IN D A R A BBENGAL

the town—the town-the girder benefited the girderbridge bridgewhich whichreplaced replacedthe theold old suspen. suspen­ sion bridge over Bali Khal and the improved drainage system sion bridge over Bali Khal and system of of the the Hooghly Hooghly district. After an hour hour passed passed in inordinary ordinarysociety societyconversation, conversation,enlivened enlivened by the military hall of the military band, band, the the party party adjourned adjourned to to the the upper hail library for refreshment served served by by the the Great Great Eastern Hotel Company. who were were present present at the party The list of of the persons who party gives gives some idea ofJaykrishna’s Court Judges Jaykrishna's large circle of friends. friends. There There were were High Court Judges and top-ranking civil servants servants and and their their wives: wives: HH.. L. L. Dampier, Dampier, C. D. Field, C. Levinge, Levinge, Η. Princep, H. S. Cotton, Cotton, Field,J.J. P. P. Grant, H. C. H. T. Princcp, H. J. S. W and Mrs. Mrs. Griinley, Grimley, C. C. S. S. Bayley and Mrs. Bayley, W.. D. Blyth, W W.. H H.. and Thomas Jones, Dr. Dr. Lethbridge Lethbridge and and R R.. Carstairs. Parsi and Thomas Jones, Carstairs. Some Some Parsi ofJaykrishna Muslim friends of Jaykrishna were were also present. There There were were Manockji Rustomji, M . Rustomji, Rustomji, C. C, M. M . Rustomji, Rustomji, Nawab Nawab AbdU1 Abdul Latif Rustomji, Η. H. M. Latif Khan, Mahomed MahomedYusuf Yusufand and Syed Syed Amir Hussain. The The Bengali Hindu Khan, community was represented by such men men as as Raja Raja Satyananda Satyananda Ghosal, Bhudev Mukheijee, Jadulal Mullick, Dr. Mahendralal Sarkar, Pandit Pandit Multherjee,Jadulal Mahendralal Sarkar, Mahes Chandra Nyayaratna Nyayaratna and and Kunja KunjaLal LaiBanerjee. Banerjee. touching scene scene before before the the Lieutanant-Governor Lieutanant-Govemor left There was a touching for Ashley knew feeling between for Calcutta. Sir Ashley knew all all about about the ill ill feeling between Jay­ Jaykrishna Bijaykrishna. As krishna and Bijaykrishna. As both both of them them were present before before him, he took the opportunity opportunity of of effecting effecting a reconciliation. reconciliation. He spoke to He spoke both of of them them very very feelingly feelingly and the brothers promised to Uve in in and the brothers promised live greater harmony in future. Sir Sir Ashley's Ashley’s parting with Jaykrishna was parting with Jaykrishna a sad his departing guest, who was younger than him sad one. one. Blessing Blessing his him twenty-three years, last by twenty-three years,Jaykrishna Jaykrishnasaid saidthat that itit would would be be their last meeting on earth.223 earth.228 The Lieutenant-Governor Lieutenant-Governor left left for for Belvedere Belvedere at about quarter past past seven .224 However, However, as a member member of of the the British British seven.224 Association delegation, Indian Association delegation,Jaykrishna jaykrishna again again met met Eden on April held in in 22, 1882. 1882. He also also participated in in the thefarewell farewell ceremonies ceremonies held Calcutta in Eden’s honour honour and contributed contributed Rs. Calcutta in Eden's Rs. 200 200 to to the Eden Memorial Fund .226 Memorial Fund.5 Sir Augustus Rivers Rivers Thompson, Thompson, who succeeded Eden LieuSir Augustus who succeeded Eden as Lieutenant-Govemor, public. But But tenant-Governor,was wasnot not so sopopular popular with with the the Indian public. he was an efficient efficient administrator. August, 1883 planned aa administrator. In In August, l883 he planned tour of the riverside riverside towns of western western Bengal. Bengal. When When he he told Jay­ Jaykrishna of his his intention intention to come come up the river river and and see see some some parts of of the the Hooghly Hooghly district, district,Jaykrishna, Jaykrishna,taking takingthe the hint, hint, invited invited him him to a luncheon party at at Uttarpara on luncheon party on August August 6, 6, 1883. 1883. Once again the town wore aa festive arrived festivelook. look.The TheLieutenant-Governor Lieutenant-Governor and and party party arrived

T}rE T H E FFINAL IN A L YYEARS EA RS

4 75 475

the Rijotas Rhotas at noon-an noon—anhour hourbehind behindschedule. schedule.For ForAugust, August, the the in the day was moderately held off. off. Immediately Immediately on his moderately hot hot and and the rain held arrival arrival at the the library library ghat, where where a temporary temporary jetty jetty had been put up, the Lieutenant-Governor was recci'i.red by the the Lieutenant-Governor was received by the district authorities, authorities, Jaykrishna and the themunicipal municipalcommissioners commissioners led led by byBijaykrishna. Bijaykrishna. Two addresses were presented to Sir Augustus Rivers Thompson, one and the the other other by the inhabitants by the the municipal municipal commissioners commissioners and inhabitants of the town town and and its itsneighbourhood neighbourhood who who presumably presumably belonged belonged to Jaykrishna’s his reply, the Lieutenant-Governor noted that Jaykrishria's party. In his that the presentation of two addresses addresses in in aa small small town town like likeUttarpara Uttarpara was rather curious. curious. He advised advised the local local people people to to compose compose their dif. dif­ ferences truly say," say,” he he ferences and and unite unite for for the the sake sake of of the the town. town. “One "One can truly observed, “that "that itit isis rich observed, rich in in public public institutions institutions of of various kinds and these degree to liberality of these institutions institutionsare aredue due to to aa greater degree to the liberality of Baboo English school, Baboo Joykissen JoykissenMookerjea Mookerjeaand and his his family. family. The The English school, the the Dispensary, the girls' girls’ school school and library, will will all all be bemonuments monuments Dispensary, and the library, of the 2® the liberality liberalitywhich whichhe hehas hasextended extendedtotothis thistown.”2 town."° When Sir Augustus Augustus Rivers Rivers Thompson Thompson went to see see the theEnglish English When Sir went to school, Jaykrishna, jaykrishna, in to apply shortly in his hisaddress, address,expressed expressed his wish to for expanding the the institution institution into into aacollege. college.Before Before coming coming back back to to the library, library, the theLieutenant-Governor Lieutenant-Governorvisited visitedthe thelocal localhospital-dishospital-disgirls’ school. upper room of the library Jaykrishna pensary and girls' school. In In an upper jaykrishna as “ample "ample and treated the European guests to a luncheon described described as excellent”. Sitting near near the the Lieutenant-Governor, Lieutenant-Governor, Jaykrisbna Jaykrishna talked talked excellent". with his guests guests till few words words till luncheon luncheon was was about about over. over. Then Then in aa few he proposed proposed Sir Augustus's Augustus’s health and happiness, happiness, referring to his his interest in the welfare of the the district. district. The toast was drunk with great great enthusiasm by present. The The luncheon luncheon over, over, the theLieutenantLieutenantenthusiasm by all all present. Governor and party left for Serampore .2 2 7 Governor and left for Serampore.7 The visits visits of Eden and and Rivers Rivers Thompson, Thompson, one onefollowing following close close on other, were were formal formal occasions occasions with schedules. Uttarpara the other, with tight schedules. witnessed and much much less less formal formal function function on on the theoccasion occasion witnessed aa pleasant and twentieth annual meeting meeting of the Hitakari Sabha Sabha of the twentieth the Uttarpara Hitakari held in March, March, 1884 1884 with 1)r. Dr. William Wilson Hunter Hunter as its president. Ever member of of the the Indian Indian Civil Civil Ever since since his his arrival arrival in in India as aa member Service, familiar figure Service,Hunter Hunter had had been been a familiar figureat at Uttarpara Uttarpara and had his work work as the deep regard for for Jaykrishna. He was was well known for his Director General of Statistics Statistics and Education and President of the the Indian Education Commission. better Commission.The The Hitakari Hitakari Sabha could hardly have found a better chairman for its annual meeting. meeting.

4 76 476

A ENGAL Z A M IN D A R A BBENGAL ZAMINDAR

Jaykrishna had nothing to do with the Hitakari Sabha Sabha which was the control control of of his brother, Bijaykrishna. Bijaykrishna, He under the He never attended its annual annual meetings which were held on a lavish scale scale either either in in the house of Rajkrishna Bijaykrishna. So presence of Jaykrishna Rajkrishna or of Bijaykrishna. So the the presence Jaykrishna at the twentieth anniversary meeting meeting of ofthe the Sabha Sabha held held in in the house of of Bijaykrishna Bijaykrishnacaused causednot not aa little little surprise. surprise. This This was was probably the first and the last last time time that that Jaykrishna Jaykrishna attended attended aa meeting meeting of of the Sabha. Sabha. What made him cross cross the threshold of his are his mortal mortal enemy? enemy? There are two possible possibleexplanations. explanations.Hunter, Hunter, the president-elect of the meeting, persuaded him attend the the function. function. Secondly, Secondly, it may may may have persuaded him to attend the effect effect of the reconciliation brought about by by Sir Sir Ashley have been the brought about Eden. As R. Carstairs by a general Garstairs has has observed, observed, this this was was followed followed by general withdrawal of law suits, an exchange exchange of of visits and aa temporary temporarysussus­ pension of hostility. hostility. The The halcyon period was still on on when when this this meeting who knew knew about about their old of the Hitakari Sabha was held. Those Those who personal animosity animosity could could scarcely scarcely believe believe their their eyes when when they saw personal saw Huntersitting sittingin in between between the thetwo twobrothers. brothers. Dr. Hunter Conscious Consciousof ofthe thedramatic dramatic element elementinin the the situation, situation, Hunter Hunter him­ himself began began his his presidential presidentialaddress addressby byreferring referringtotohis his “ancient "ancient and self honoured friends friends on on either either side”. side". Speaking Speaking in in aa reminiscent reminiscent vein, vein, he his long longassociation associationwith withthe theUttarpara UttarparaLibrary, Library, where where he he had had recalled his had the the Reverend Reverend James James Long Long as as his fellow fellow worker. worker. That That was twenty years have long long talks talks with with Jaykrishna Jaykrishna about years ago ago when when he used to have "the place". Its “the intellectual intellectual awakening awakening which was then taking place”. Its results, results, be seen seen on on every every side, side, exceeded exceeded their highest hopes hopes in now to be in the 1860’s. 1860's. “One "One of the old friends," friends,” said Hunter, "no “no longer longer sees sees that that stately growth growth with with the the outward outward eye. eye. But But he beholds it with the stately beholds it the inward vision vision of of the the spirit which blindness blindnesscannot cannot dim, dim, nor nor any inward spirit which infirmity of of the the body body impair.” impair." Hunter Hunter touched on the work of the infirmity touched oft Education Commission, Commission, the pro­ the role roleof ofthe theHitakari Hitakari Sabha Sabha and the progress gress of offemale femaleeducation educationbefore befbrehe hetook tookup upthe thetheme themeof ofthe the Uttar­ Uttarpara Public Public Library. Library. He He described described how how its its collection collection of of books, books, the result accumulation, had been used used by by almost almost result of slow slow and and patient accumulation, every noted store noted author author who had had tried to study Bengal. Bengal. It It had a rich store of old old literature literature together with with the current current newspapers and magazines of the next referred referred to to other other institutions institutions of of the town and, and, the day. day. Hunter Hunter next in particular, to the forty-year old English school which was likely in to the forty-year old English school which likely to develop develop into college in near future. future. Before Before concluding and into a college in the near bidding the Uttarpara Uttarparacomcom­ bidding farewell farewelltoto the the meeting, meeting, he he said said that the amply demonstrated demonstrated what what part part could munity and its leading families families amply

4 77 477

T H E FINAL F IN A L Y EA R S THE YEARS

be played by an old centre of of Brahmanism Brahmanism in in the modem modern education of India.228 India .228 of Jaykrishna had aa special special liking liking for Hunter, who who was of of the same same age as his second son. This feeling was was fully fully reciprocated. reciprocated. After After Jay­ Jaykrishna’s death to Pearymohan Pearymohan to to say say how how through through krishna's death Hunter wrote to twenty-six years honoured his fither father for for his his twenty-six yearshe he had had admired admired and honoured remembered Jaykrishna’s Jaykrishna's kindness, courmany qualities. He always remembered kindness, cour­ tesy and marvellous marvellous store storeof ofexperience experience and andknowledge. knowledge. As As he he himself himself put it, it, Jaykrishna's Jaykrishna’s friendship friendship was was one one of the most permanent and most formed in India ,229 most highly highly prized prized attachments attachments he had formed India.229 Four years years after after Hunter Hunter bad Four had presided presided over over the Hitakári Hitakari Sabha Sabha meeting and and four four months months before beforeJaykrishna’s jaykrishna'sdeath, death,Uttarpara Uttarpara had meeting another Viceregal visit. On March March 24, 24, 1888 1888 Lord and and Lady LadyDufferin Dufferin another came to the Pearymohan who was then the library library as the guests guests of ofPearymohan.who then a mem­ memof the the Indian IndianLegislative LegislativeCouncil. Council. Many Manydistinguished distinguished people, people, ber of Indian Indian and and European, European,were wereinvited invited to to this this garden-party. garden-party.The Thefollowfollow­ letter229» from the Sanitary Sanitary Commissioner Commissioner of of ing letter2z9a fromDr. Dr.J.J. M. M. Coates, the Bengal, them­ Bengal, illustrates illustrates the the readiness readiness of of some some Europeans Europeans to to avail themselves of to climb climb socially: socially: selves of such such opportunities opportunities to Medical College College 211— -iii-88 2 iii—88

Dear Ja Jaii Kissen, Kissen, You have been so good good doing doing me me the the honor honor to invite me to your on Saturday. Garden Party on Are ladies ladies going Countess Dufferin so may may Ir going to meet the Countess Dufferin & & if so wife and and daughtersbring my wife daughter*—O of taking Off course if ladies ladies are are not invited Ir would not dream of them, but but if if they they are are II should should like like them to to go. go. With W ith kind regards regards to to you you all, all, Yours sincerely, sincerely, J. M. M. J.

C oates COATES

Viceregal party came in the the Gemini Gemini and The Viceregal and aa large number of other guests guests arrived arrived in in the thesteamers steamersBuckland Buckland and other and Prafulla. Frafulla. On On their

arrival, Lord and arrival, and Lady LadyDufferin Dufferin were were received received by by Pearymohan, Pearymohan, J. G. G. Ritchie, Ritchie, the the Magistrate Magistrateof ofHowrah, Howrah, the the chairman chairman of of the the MuniciMunici­ pality and other otherlocaL local elite. Lady Dufferin, Dufferin, who has has recorded recorded this this in her herOur OurViceregal Viceregal Life these visit in Life in in India, India, described described the scene in these words: landing place place was crowded. crowded . . .. and a salute salute was fired, fired, words: “The "The landing

478 4 78

A E N G A L Z AZAMIAR M IN D A R A BBENGAL

we were received received at aa large large house house which belongs belongs to our host's host’s and we father, a blind man man who received us at the door.” father, door." Even in his eightieth year Jaykrishna played the host with the graces of a society that had had Jaykrisbna host the graces of but vanished. all but vanished. was then presented The Viceroy Viceroy was presented with the the municipal municipal address address by municipal chairman, chairman, who who was was none none other other than thanJaykrishna's Jaykrishna’s the municipal grandson, Sivanarayan. address, among other things, things, praised praised grandson, Sivanarayan. The address, Dufferin for his handling of of foreign affairs, the problems problems of of internal internal administration and his his sympathy for the political administration and sympathy for political aspirations aspirations of Indians. It welcomed the appointment of the Finance and the the Public Public Service Commissions. Commissions.The The Viceroy Viceroy replied replied by by commending commending the people of Uttarpara for for their their local local patriotism and saying saying how he had often admired the town's as he admired town’s marks marks of prosperity prosperity and improvement improvement as passed up up and down the Hooghly on his way to and and from Barrackpore. The ceremony ceremony over, the Viceroy The Viceroy and and Lady Dufferin Dufferin went went through the library and up up the thestairs, stairs, looking looking at at the thepictures pictures on on the thewalls. walls. Lady Dufferin Dufferin noticed noticed the oleograph oleograph portraits of of Gladstone, Gladstone, Lord Salisbury, an portrait of ofherself herself Salisbury, an oil oil painting painting of Madame Madame Grand, a portrait ofJaykrishna recently painted and one of the Viceroy Viceroy and and aa portrait ofJaykrishna James Archer. Lady Dufferin Dufferin and and her daughters were introduced by James to the Jaykrishna's family, family, and one of the ladies ladies of of Jaykrishna’s of his grand-daughters Countess, referring referringparticularly particularly to to the the National National read an address to the Countess, Association Associationfor forSupplying SupplyingFemale FemaleMedical MedicalAid Aidtoto the the Women Women of which she had started started in in .1885. 1885. In her herreply, reply, Lady LadyDufferin Dufferin India which explained the objects of the Association, Association, saying Indian explained the objects sayingthat that the the Indian women who, braving many prejudices and old customs, had adopted prejudices and customs, had adopted medicine as aa career deserved every kind kind of of support. support. She She feared feared that that room understood understood what no one in the room what she she said, said, but but hoped hoped that the purdah ladies ladies enjoyed enjoyed the entertainment and the the spectacular spectacular side side of the garden-party. The guests guests reassembled reassembledininthe thegarden, garden,and and had had ice ice and and tea, and music. The Band Band of of the the Seventh Seventh Bengal Bengal Infantry Infantry was was in in talk and music. attendance acrobats were were performing performing in the the lawn.23° lawn.*80 After attendance and acrobats After aa stay of about an hour hour the theViceregal Viceregal party party left left for for Bar'rackpore, Barrackpore, and other guests about eight eight in the the evening. evening. The guests returned returned to to Calcutta Calcutta at about Countess saying: /"We ‘We Countess of of Dufferin Duffcrin concludes concludesher herday’s day'sjournal journal by by saying: enjoyed .” 231 enjoyedthe theafternoon afternoonvery verymuch much."' Jaykrishna, was naturally naturally Jaykrishna, who who had had barely barely four four more more months to live, was a little in the background at at the the Dufferin Dufferin party. His His son, son, as the host, of pride and and was more prominent. prominent. To Jaykrishna Jaykrishna this this was was aa matter of

T H E FINAL F IN A L YEARS THE

4 79 479

pleasure. On this pleasure. this occasion occasion he must have have recalled recalled how twenty-three years ago he had received Lord Lawrence in the the same same library library of of his. Now Now he had lived lived to to see see aa visit visit of ofcompliment compliment paid to to his his son son by by another representative representative of of the Queen. This This at atleast leastcreated createdan anillusion illusion another of permanence. permanence. The tradition was being continued. continued. For For him him it was moment of of triumph triumph before before the the curtain curtainfmally finally fell fell on on his his life. life. a moment V III. ‘T he O l d AGE A g e OF o f AN a n EAGLE' E a g le 5 VIII. "rHE OLD Jaykrishna’sclosing closingyears, years,like likethose thoseof of most most men menenjoying enjoying longevity, Jaykrishna's had their share of light ld age had come; come; round him light and shade. O Old familiar faces faces were were disappearing. disappearing. Year Year by by year year his his own own health was declining, though mercifully slowly. slowly.But But he he remained remained mentally alert as ever and kept kept his his grip grip on on life. life. He He was was still the the centre centre of of his large family. of the the world world as as itit was was possible possible for family. He He got got as much out of for a sightless n the the whole, whole, he he enjoyed enjoyed a full, happy happy old old age. age. sightlessman man to to do. O On By 1880Jaykrishna ridden out out the thedomestic domestic storms. storms. Although Jaykrishna had ridden his authority his authority in Uttarpara Uttarpara was was not notundisputed, undisputed, he hehad haddefinitely definitely got the better better of ofhis hisrival. rival.The Thereconciliation reconciliation with with Bijaykrishna Bijaykrishna at instance of ofSir SirAshley Ashley Eden, Eden,however, however, was wasessentially essentially fragile. fragile. the instance Passionate hatreds and and sibling jealousy could could not be Passionate hatreds sibling jealousy be summarily summarily exorcised linger­ exorcised by by aa gubernatorial gubernatorial fiat. fiat.Their Their feud feud had had left behind lingering bitterness, and and the the slightest slightest of pretexts would would open open up up old old wounds. ofpretexts In the the tense tense atmosphere atmosphere one one had had aafeeling feeling that thatsomething something might might snap at ait any any moment, moment, leading leading to to renewal renewal of of hostilities. hostilities. R. R. Carstairs, who, sub-divisional officer who, as the sub-divisional officerof ofSerampore, Scrampore,had had the the opportunity opportunity watching the behaviour behaviour of of the theMukherjees Mukherjees rather ratherclosely, closely, has has of watching described effect on its its described the the tension tension prevailing prevailinginin the the town town and and its effect inhabitants. W ith long long years years spent spent in in this this kind kind of of atmosphere, atmosphere, Jay­ inhabitants. With Jaykrishna had become become more more meticulous meticulous and distrustful. distrustful. His managing clerk, who who lived lived in in Serampore Serampore and and commuted commuted to to and from Uttarclerk, Uttar­ para, told told Carstairs Carstairs that that aacertain certaintime timewas wasallowed allowed him to to get get from from the station to his house, and and if he was a minute late, he his employer's employer’s house, he to give give aa satisfactory satisfactory explanation. This was a precaution against had to Jaykrishna's employees gossipingwith with others othersand and playing playing into into the Jaykrishna’s employees gossiping opponents. Not Not that that his enemies could could do do him him real real harm harm hands of his opponents. W ith his son and grandsons grandsons ready to uphold his honour any more. With and daily daily consolidating consolidating their their position, position, Jaykrishna against all attacks and Jaykrishna felt strong strong as as he he had had not notdone donefor for many many years. years. For For aa man man who who loved loved power this was extremely extremely pleasing. pleasing.

480 4 80

A E N G A L ZZAMNDAR A M IN D A R A BBENGAL

His only surviving surviving son son Pearymohan, Pearymohan, who who since since 1884 1884 had had been a member member of of the Indian Indian Legislative Legislative Council, Council, had had considerable considerableinfluence influence as aa public public figure. figure. Fate Fate had had heaped heapedblessing blessing upon upon blessing blessing on hi his head. A pcwerfUlly powerfully built built man, man, he was was strikingly strikingly handsome handsome with with a fair complexion and regular regular features. features.He He was was aa good good shot shot and aa fair complexion and horseman. He lived in one fine horseman. one of of the the most most graceful graceful houses houses built by by Jaykrishna and andwould wouldinherit inheritthe thelargest largestportion portionof ofhis hisestates. estate. HoldHold­ jaykrishna ing the the highest highest degrees degrees of of the the University, University, he he was was an an effective effective speaker speaker reveals. The The presence by his and writer, as as his his Writings Writings & Speeches Speeches reveals. side of such aa son, side son, whose whose filial filial attachment attachment was was well well known, known, was was certainly certainly a great solace solace for for Jaykrishna. jaykrishna. In 1887, 1887, on the the occasion occasion of created Raja the Queen's Queen’s jubilee, Pearyrnohan Pearymohan was was simultaneously simultaneously created and Companion Companion of partly as as aa concon­ of the the Order Order of the Star of India, partly solation prize for his able but unsuccessful unsuccessful opposition opposition to to the Tenancy Tenancy Bill2 ®2 and partly in in recognition recognition of his father’s public Bill232 his own own and his father's services.2 33 A touching story is told told of of Jaykrishna's Jaykrishna’s reaction reaction when when services.233 A touching these these awards awards were were announced. announced.The The old old man man broke broke into into tears tears and exclaimed: “Only "Only if my other two sons sons had had been alive! alive! II would have have been father of three Rajas Rajas by now! now! Oh! O h! II am amso. so.unlucky!" unlucky!” been the the father Considering distress was Consideringhis his great great influence, influence,what what he he said said in distress was not unreasonable. In his last last years years jaykrishna Jaykrishna rejoiced rejoiced in knowledge that In his in the knowledge that he had discharged discharged his his social responsibilities responsibilities in in full. full. All All his his grandchildren grandchildren including Rajmohan were including the the sons sons of of Haramohan Haramohan and and Rajmohan were now now old enough to manage the estates he had enough had allotted to to them. In his his last will and testament testament he he had hadmade madeample ampleprovision provision for for them all. all. Although Although he could not equally equally satisfy satisfy every every one of of his descendants, and comcom­ plaints reached his ears, he fair to to everybody. everybody. he thought thought he had been fair O Off his elder grandsons, grandsons, Sivanarayan Sivanarayan was was very very devoted devoted to to him. him. The The brief that he he published published in in 1912 191? brief biographical sketch of his his grandfather grandfather that very perceptive perceptive study. eldest grandson, Rashbehari, found is a very study. The eldest found more satisfaction satisfactionin in scholarly scholarlypursuits. pursuits.In In 1884 1884 he he published published aa very successfulEnglish English translation translation of Ernest Renan's successful of Ernest Renan’s(1823-1892) (1823-1892)Dialoguec Dialogueset (1871)— popular exposition the Hegelian elFragments FragmentsPhilosophique Philosophique (1871 a)--a popular expositionofofhe Hegelian. philosophy. philosophy. OOff the the sons sons of ofRajmohan Rajmohan for for whom whomJaykrishna Jaykrishna had had built a new new house, house, a ponderous ponderous and gloomy gloomy pile, pile, Sures Surra Chandra Chandra had become a municipal commissioner. By 1887 all his grand-children become commissioner. By 1887 all grand-children were married. Even his extreme extreme old age age Jaykrishna was keen on performing performing· Even in his his patriarchal patriarchal duties. duties. When When aa grandson’s grandson's wedding wedding took took place, place, he he his

f THE T H E FINAL F IN A L YEARS

48 4811

the bride's bride’splace. place. Although would insist on leading the bridegroom to the he was now a premier zainindar zamindar of ofBengal, Bengal, he was never in pursuit of heiresses heiresses for for his his grandsons grandsons to to enlarge his estates. estates. He preferred preferred all the the matches them to to marry marryinto intorespectable respectablemiddle-class middle-classfamiliesg families, all being of course course arranged. arranged. Once Once he he had made aa final he being final selection, selection, he would on no would on no account account change change his mind. mind. In In one one case, case, the thebride's bride’s father died died unexpectedly unexpectedly immediately immediately after the marriage marriage had had been been settled. According According to to the the traditional traditional Hindu practice, the settled. the bride bride could could not marry before before one year of of mourning expired. The bride's bride’s people people extremely anxious. anxious. Would WouldJaykrishna jaykrishna wait that that long became extremely long for for his his grandson them grandson to to marry? marry? When When they came to sound him, him, he told them clearly that he clearly he must must keep keep his his promise. promise. He would wait for one one year year and would not not consider consider any any fresh proposal, however attractive. attractive. What What been merely merely an an agreement agreement had now become had previously previously been become aa duty orphan. So So the episode episode for him, since the girl now happened to be an orphan. ended happily. happily. The wedding took place after the the year-long year-long period of mourning, of mourning. Jaykrishna, Jaykrishna, as usual, conducted the groom to the bride’s bride's place in Calcutta where quite aa crowd crowd collected collected not not so so much to to see see the groom but to have a look at the the old grandfather grandfather who who had had become become a legend legend in inhis hislifetime.2ss lifetime,®31 There was, however, one exception exception to to the rule. Bhupendra Nath, the second son son of of Pearymohan, Pearyrnohan,married married the the daughter daughter of Raja Raja Ram Ranjan Chakravarti Chakravarti of of Hetampur Hetampur in in Birbhum. Birbhum. The Thewedding wedding took took place at Hetampur Jaykrishna place Hetampur on on May May 12, 12, 1887. 1887. On May May 14, 14, 1887 1887 Jaykrishna evening party to to celebrate celebrate the the event. event. A A large number number of of the gave an evening nobility and gentry gentry of of Calcutta Calcutta were were present present on on the the occasion. occasion,236 Jaykrishna never neverasked askedfor forexcessive excessive dowries dowries from his his grandsons' grandsons’ Jaykrishna in-laws, in-laws, but but they were expected to give what they promised. Two of his grandsons grandsons married married into a rising family family of of suburban suburban Calcutta. On the first occasion orna­ occasion itit was was found found after after the the wedding wedding that that the gold ornaments given bride were were much much below below the thepromised promised weight. weight. So So given to the bride on the the next nextoccasion occasion Jaykrishna Jaykrishna gave gave instructions instructions that thathis hiscashier cashier and aa goldsmith goldsmith must must have have the the ornaments ornaments weighed weighed before the marrimarri­ age lest the bride's bride’s people should should repeat their old old trick. trick. Jaykrishna cheated.23® was generous generous but but not prepared to be cheated.236 The arrival arrival of ofaa succession succession of young bright­ young granddaughters-in-law granddaughters-in-law brightJaykrishna's closing years. He tried to ened Jaykrishna’s closing years. to make make these these young young girls girls in their early early teens teens comfortable comfortable in their new new home. home. By By turns turns he he in their in their drive with him in in his his open carriage. He would ask them to go for a drive liked them made of a superfine material then them to towear wearhawai hawai saris made then very very 31 3 1

482 4 82

A ENGAL Z A M IN D A R A BBENGAL ZAMINDAR

much fashion. Should Should any of of the the young young ladies ladies feel feel nervous, nervous, he much in fashion. “Look here, here, my child! child! You are are corning coming would reassure her by saying: "Look out out with Jaykrishna Jaykrishna Mukherjee. Mukheqee, You You need need not not fear fear any any comments."ss? comments.” 237 There was was something supremely touching in of this austere, There in the sight of in his hislate lateseventies, seventies, demanding, imperious and short-tempered man in giving so much much of his sympathetic sympathetic attention attention to these giving these young ladies ladies in an attempt attempt to to put putthem thematattheir theirease easeininunfamiliar unfamiliarsurroundings surroundings where been suddenly suddenly transplanted. transplanted. The Thegirls girlsresponded responded where they had been these kindly kindly gestures and long long cherished cherished these these to these gestures of of the the old old man and memories. Jaykrishna every Jaykrishn.awas was extremely extremelyconcerned concernedabout aboutthe the health health of every member of of his large family. Daily he he obtained obtained reports reportsof ofhow howeveryevery­ member body was getting on, and body and felt felt upset upset whenever whenever anyone anyone fell fell sick. sick' He He would not rest rest until until the theperson person fully fully recovered. recovered. Although he he was was so so frugal in other frugal other respects, respects, he always always spent spent more more than thanwas wasnecessary necessary for 88 His of foi. keeping keepinghis hisfamily familyiningood goodhealth.2 health.ns His family familyas as aa matter of discipline discipline must must have have aa change change of ofair air at at least least once once aa year. year. Every year his family family to to a after the Durga Puja, Puja, he he would would send the members members, of his health resort in north India. Having Having spent spent his his youth in the the salubrious salubrious climate of Meerut Meerut and other places he knew how this could could tone up one's one’s health and and spirits.239 spirits.2® In addition addition to to his his immediate immediate family, family, Jaykrishna always kept in in Jaykrishna always touch with his relatives relatives of ofKhamargachi Khamargachi and and other places. places. The The Uttar­ Uttarpara and and maintained para and Khamargachi KhamargachiMukherjees Mukheijees exchanged exchanged visits and contacts, especially contacts, especially on on such such occasions occasionsas asthe the Durga Durga Puja, weddings and other othersimilar similar social social functions. Jaykrishna always a soft corner Jaykrishna had had always for the people of Khamargachi, his ancestral place. He would would always always Khamargachi, ancestral He inquire about about their needs and try to inquire needs and to help help them them in inevery everypossible possible Way.MO way 240

As Jaykrishna Jaykrishna was was in full possession of his his mental mental faculties, As possession of faculties, the was still still rigorously rigorouslylaid laid out out for for work work even in in his structure of his life was final still retained retained the capacity capacity for study and and sustained sustained final years. years. He He still labour and held the threads labour threads of of the the administration administration of his large and rambling devoted a good good rambling estates estatesinin his his own own hands. hands. Every Every day day he devoted his time time to business. business.In In this this respect respect he hewas wasan an incredible incredible man. man. deal of Ms This aspect aspect of ofhis his life life surprised surprised his his visitors. visitors. six months before before Jaykrishna’s middle-aged man man About six Jaykrishna's death, aa middle-aged came to to see him. The from Nadia Nadia came The visitor expected to find a doddering old in aastate stateofofsenility. senility. But But he he could could hardly hardly believe believe his his old man in eyes eyes when when he he found foundJaykrishna Jaykrishna seated seatedon on aa chair, chair, listening listening to plaints

THE YEARS T H E FINAL F IN A L YEA RS

483 483

and statements accounts of of and statements to to be be filed filed in law courts as well as to long accounts innumerable items for a mental The mentalcheck-up check-up of of errors errors or or omissions. omissions. The Nadia man could not help blurting out: "Pray, “Pray, Sir, Sir, is is there there no no such such thing as dotage dotage in in your part of thing of the world? II find find you you working working with than any any young young man manof oftwenty-five." twenty-five.” Those Those who who were greater zeal than present greatly enjoyed this interview. interview.241 Jaykrishna’s range of ofinterests, interests, notwithstanding notwithstanding the theinevitable inevitabledede­ Jaykrishna's range powers, seemed seemed to to widen widen rather rather than terioration of of his physical powers, thanconcon­ into gloom as old old men men tend tend to do, tract with time. He never never sank into gloom as especially when Still actively actively occupied especially when alone. alone. He He was still occupied most most of of the day. In In his hisleisure leisure hours horns he he had hadthe thelocal localnewspapers newspapers as as well well as the the newspapersread read out out to him. He followed leading articles of the British newspapers closely the most most important important parliamentary parliamentary debates debates.242 closely the .242 To the beholder there man, there was was sOmething something enormously reassuring in this spectacle spectacle of of a man, so old and so so wise, wise, who still desired to learn. learn. He He regularly regularlylistened listened to the the reading reading from from the authors authors who had had taken taken his his fancy: fancy; Thackeray, Thackeray, Dickens and Ms creative and of course course Bankim Bankim Chandra Chandra who was was then then at his Iest. Occasionally best. Occasionally he diverted himself himself by hearing stories stories from the Guptakatfiabooks booksofofwhich whichthere therewas wasaaspate spateinin the the 1870’s. l870's. Guptakatka It was was rather rather unconventional unconventional for a man man of ofJaykrishna's Jaykrishna’s age, who should have been thinking of the hereafter, to show show so much interest in works works of of fiction. fiction. Some Some openly openly disapproved disapproved of this. this. On On August August 27, 1885 27, 1885 a pandit, pandit, Shyamapada Shyamapada Bhattacharyya Bhattacharyya of Antpur, during an interview interview with with Sri SriRamakrishna RamakrishnaParamhansa Paramhansacommented commentedadad­ versely versely on on this this aspect aspect of ofJaykrishna’s Jaykrishna'slife; life:“I"I have visited visited aa certain zemindar, one Mukheijee is now an an elderly elderly man; man; Mukherjee of of Uttarpara. Uttarpara. He is but he and novels novels."243 but he listens only to stories and .” 243 Ramakrishna's Ramakrishna’scomments, comments, are not not recorded. recorded. if any, are Friendship was not given Friendship given lightly lightly by by Jaykrishna. While While his his circle circle of acquaintances was very large, his intimate friends friends were not many many in few persons persons met exacting standards. in number. Very few met his his exacting standards. He He had no time for the the vapid vapid and andtime-wasting time-wasting pleasantries pleasantries and mannered mannered conversation which social occasions occasionsgenerally generallymeant. meant, He lie found stimu­ stimulation in talking talking to to aa choice choice circle circle of of friends. Even Even in these these cases warm warm appreciation appreciation for for them them was was joined with spirited spirited disagreement on some an intellectual strain with the simplipoints. He combined in himself an simpli­ city of heart of the countryman and could could hold his own against the foremost intellectuals of the day. day. Occasionally Occasionally such such men men came came to to his his house delightful time time conversing conversing with house and Jaykrishna Jaykrishna had aa delightful with them. It is is fortunate fortunate that that we we have have an an account account of of such such a meeting meeting at JayJay-'

484

A B BENGAL E N G A L ZAMINDAR ZA M IN D A R

krishna's house houseinin 1881 1881recorded recordedby byPuma Puma Chandra Chandra De De Udbhatkrishna’s sagar, occasion was sagar, who who himself himself was wasaa participant. participant. The occasion was to to test the feats of Gwalior who claimed feats of of memory memory of of aa person person named named Pattulal Pattulal of to remember to remember and reproduce reproduce whatever whatever he heard. heard. This Thisthirty-fivethirty-fiveyear-old year-old prodigy prodigy had had a fine fine presence presence and cheerful cheerful disposition disposition and and spoke only demonstration was in the thefirst-floor first-floor spoke only Sanskrit. Sanskrit. The demonstration was held in hail ofjaykrishna's hall ofJaykrishna’shouse. house. Pattulal Pattulal sat saton on one one side side of a round marble table facing sixteen examiners examinersincluding includingBankim BankimChandra Chandra Chatterjee, Rangalal Baneijee, Professor Professor Bireswar Rangalal Banerjee, BireswarChatterjee, Chatterjee,.Surendra Surendra Nath Nath Ray of Behala, Behala, Puma Chandra Chandra De, De, Pearymohan, Pearymohan, Rashbehari Rashbehari and and Sivanarayan. Jaykrishna himself lay reclined on a couch, listening Sivanarayan. Jaykrishna himself lay reclined a couch, listening attentively going on. one the the examiners examiners read read attentively to to what was going on. One by one out some pieces of writings writings in in different languages including Bengali, English, Persian. The Bengali Bengali prose prose and verse verse English, Greek, Greek, Latin Latin and and Persian. pieces were were composed composedon on the spot pieces spot respectively respectively by Bankim Bankim and and Rangalal. Surendra Surendra Nath Nath Ray Ray and and Puma Chandra began to set a Rangalal. big sum of multiplication. multiplication. Pattulal big sum Pattulal was was expected expectedtoto work work itit out mentally by by hearing hearing the figures to be multipled. Surendra mentally figures to multipled. Calling Calling Surendra by his his nickname, nickname, Jaykrishna Nath by Jaykrishna said: said: "Look "Look here, Panchu! You correctly or ’ll give must do the sum correctly or II'll give you you hell.” hell." In In addition to all this Pattulal was all the the time time composing composing a Sanskrit poem descriptive took about two hours and a half half to to read read out out the thedifdif­ of Calcutta. Calcutta. It took ferent work. For ferent kinds kinds of of matter. matter. Then Then the human computer set to work. mentally arranged the the different different items and began one hour Pattulal mentally to repeat with awesome awesome facility facilitywhat whathe he had had heard heard from from each each indi­ individual. began with Bankiin Bankim Chandra Chandra and and reproduced reproduced verbatim verbatim vidual. He began of what he had said. said. When the test test ended ended to to the the entire entire satisfaction satisfaction of everybody, amazedly for for some some time everybody, Bankim Bankim kept kept gaping gaping at at Pattulal amazedly and then said: "You “You don't don’t seem seem to be an ordinary ordinary mortal. You must be a superman." superman.” Profoundly Profoundly impressed impressed by gift of of by Pattulal’s Pattulal's uncanny gift fnemory, about tnemory,Jaykrishna Jaykrishna and and Bankim Bankirn asked askedhim him to to tell tell them all about himself. of himself.Jaykrishna Jaykrishnathen thenobserved: observed:“Jagannath 'Jagannath Tarkapanchanan of Tribeni was of phenomenal phenomenal memory, memory, but he he only only repeated repeated Triberii was a man of what he he had had heard in English. It is hard to find a man what English. It man with such such as Pattulal Pattulalpossesses." possesses.” Describing Describing this this interesting interesting session session at at memory as Jaykrishna's house, house, Puma Puma Chandra remarks Jaykrishna’s remarks that that Jaykrishna himself was endowed with a marvellous marvellous memory and was was born bom shortly shortly after after the death ofJagannath ofJagannath'Farkapanchanan. Tarkapanchanan.One Oneprodigy prodigywas was replaced replaced by another. another. It should should be be mentioned mentioned here that that Pattulal Pattulal was was introintro­ duced to Principal duced Principal C. C. H. H. Tawney Tawneyand andsome someeminent eminentprofessors professors of

THE T H E FINAL F IN A L

xs

YEA RS

485 4 85

the Presidency Presidency College College like like William William Booth, Booth,W W. . H. H. Paulson Paulson and and Alexander Pedler, memory.244 Alexander Pedler, who who were were all impressed impressed by his feats of memory ,844 As Jaykrishna Jaykrishna was getting getting on in in years, years, his hismovements movements became became rather restricted. But even even in this this period period of of waning waning influence influence of the zamindars he he seldom missed missed an an important important public public function. His active participation participation in in the second second National National Conference Conference and and the the Indian National Congress Congresshas hasalready alreadybeen been described. described.He Heused usedto to be be the National centre of attraction at parties parties at at Belvedere Belvedere or attraction at or the Government House House eighties.245 even during the eighties .245 He would would still still personally personally call call on onofficials officials at the the Secretariat Secretariat or or atatdistrict districtheadquarters headquarters to to get getthings things done. done. His His failure failure to convince convince the the latter-day latter-day government government officials officials of of the wrongs suffered landed class class sometimes sometimes made him peevish peevish wrongs suffered by by the landed and petulant. them with the petulant. He He would would harangue harangue them, them, comparing comparing them officers ofthe the old old school, school, praising praising the good old days, and officers of and half-killing half-killing them with exhaustion and boredom. They must give priority to this that scheme. scheme. He would would not hear hear of of their their pleas. pleas. Why could could they or that not work harder? harder? "Aren't ?" he “Aren’tyou youpaid paidfor foritit?” hesaid saidso so often often straight to to the the face face of oftop-ranking top-ranking civil civil servants servants including including a LieutenantLieutenantGovernor.248 Governor.246 He remembered remembered the the names namesof ofall allthe thecivil civilofficers officers who had had served in the that the Hooghly Hooghly district district during during the thelast lastsixty sixtyyears years of of his life. life. Not that he had had got got on on well well with with all allof ofthem. them.Some Someof ofthese thee officers officers later went went up the service ladder and retained retained great great respect respect for for Jaykrishna. One of them was C. T. Buckland, a Haileybury Haileybury man, man,who whorose rose to to become become a member of the the Board of Revenue. About Jaykrishna, Jaykrishna, whom he had known since since 1850, 1850,he hesaid saidthat that none none of of his* hi contemporaries known contemporaries was equal to him in ability ability and and in in public publicspirit. spirit. As As aacivil civilservant, servant, he healways always received from measure of of public interest interest from him excellent advice on any measure in which Buckland loved loved the which official official co-operation co-operation was was necessary. necessary. Buckland with Jaykrishna, but but he hecould could not notrecall recallany anyoccaocca­ long talks he had with sion when when he he had spoken unfairly unfairly of of others othersor orhad had tried tried to obtain any advantage himself.247 advantage for for himself .245 Buckland often used to say with his tongue half badmashes badrnashes (tough men) in in his cheek cheek that that there were two and a half Bengal---Jaykrishnawas wasone, one.he he himself himselfwas was another, another, and and his son Bengal—Jaykrishna son C, E. Buckland as yet was badmash.2m C. was aa half half badmash. Buckland, who had followed followed his Indian Civil Civil C. E. Buckland, his father father,in in the Indian Service, inherited his turn, turn, Service, inherited his his father’s father's regard regard for for Jaykrishna. jaykrishna. In In his also looked looked upon the the young young civilian civilian with with avuncular avuncularfeelfeel­ Jaykrishna also ings. Driving up before ings. Driving before the the District District Magistrate's Magistrate’soffice office in Howrah, Howrah, the old man would call call out: "Sonny! “Sonny! Sonny!" Sonny!” Immediately Immediatelyrecognizrecogniz­

4 486 86

A A BENGAL B E N G A L ZAMINDAR ZA M IN D A R

ing his voice, voice, the the young young Buckland Bucklandwould wouldcall callback, back, “Yes, "Yes, Governor, Go'emor, am coming," coining,” run ran to tothe thecarriage carriageand andlead leadthe theaugust augustvisitor visitorinside. inside. I am Horace A. Cockerell, Cockerell, another another Haileybury Haileybury civilian civilian who who also also moved up to to the the Board Board of of Revenue and became became acting acting Lieutenant-Governor Lieutenant-Governor of Bengal, Bengal, held heldJaykrishna Jaykrishna in in high high esteem. esteem. Even Even in in his his retirement retirement he looked back back with with pleasure to to the the long long conversations conversationsthey theyhad had had had and and Jaykrishna had always .249BrojendraBrojendrato the valuable advice adviceJaykrislina always given givenhim him.9 an Indian Indian member member of of the the Indian Indian Civil Civil Service, Service, came in nath De, an Jaykrishna's contact Jaykrishna’s contact in in the the1880's. 1880’s. Being Being struck with his his, energy and enterprising one enterprising keenness keennessof of character, character, he described Jaykrishna Jaykrishna as one of the most remarkable Bengali Bengali gentlemen gentlemen of of his his age age who who had had lived to so much good good purpose purpose for for the thebenefit benefitofofhis hiscountrymen.25° countrymen.280 IX .PERSONAL P ersonal T r a c tAND s and M e n t a lATTITUDES A t t it u d e s IX. Titrrs MENTAL

Jaykrishna's final years from from the many irnpresIt is is possible possible to evoke Jaykrishna’s impres­ sions, visual visualand andverbal, verbal,of ofthe theman man and and his his attitudes attitudes recorded recorded by by aa sions, Indian and British. From an excellent number of persons, persons;, Indian British, From excellent portrait painted from life by James looked like in James Archer we know know what what he looked 1887,one oneyear year before beforehis hisdeath. death. In In fact, fact, the Jaykrishna whom we 1887, Jaykrishna whom know know is is the theJaykrishna Jaykrishnaooff the the Archer Archer portrait. portrait. James Archer, Archer, an artist of of European European reputation reputation and aa member member James of the the Royal Royal Scottish Scottish Academy, Academy, spent spent some some months months in in1887-88 1887-88 working in Calcutta and and Simla. Simla, BeBe­ working in the the studios studios he he had had set set up up in Calcutta sides painting sides painting aa number of fine Himalayan landscapes, landscapes, he he did did many British and and Indian celebrities. portraits of British celebrities.. His His large large clientele included the Cduntess of Dufferin Dufferinand and Sir Sir A. A. Rivers Thompson. Many Many of of the Countess of Rivers Thompson. the leading Indiaft Calcutta, including including Jaykrishna, Indiati gentlemen of Calcutta, Jaykrishna, pa­ patronized him. him. His His works were noted noted for for great great power power of of portraiture, portraiture, tronized works were breadth and and freedom freedom of oftreatment, treatment,expression, expression, beautiful beautiful tone, tone, finish finish unerring eye eye for for colour.25' colour.281 In 3, and unerring In Calcutta his studio was at No. 3, Jaykrishna's portrait, portrait, reproduced Middleton Street.252 Street.282 Jaykrishna’s reproduced as asthe thefrontifronti­ spiece of of this this book, book, seems seemsto to have have been been finished finished by by the middle of spiece March, 1887, 1887, when Hindoo Patriot Patriot paid when the editor of the Hindoo paid a visit to Archer's studio. Archer’s highly satisfied satisfiedwith withthe theportraits portraitsof ofjaykrishna The editor was highly Jaykrishna and Maharaja which were studio. Maharaja Jatindra Jatindra Mohan Tagore which were still still in in the studio. Both were excellent studies studies and and very life-like. life-like.The The portraits, however, styles of ofpose. pose.The The Maharaja Maharaja appeared in his were in different styles his cerecere­ monial robes while while Jaykrishna Jaykrishna appeared seated monial seated characteristically characteristically in

T H E FINAL F IN A L Y EA R S THE YEARS

487 4 87

his usual with a Rampuri usual simple simple dress dress with Rampuri shawl shawl on on.2 .283 The portrait, portrait, which is still in the the possession possession of of the the family, family, shows showshow howcharacter character can can be captured in aa few few deft deft strokes strokes of the brush. We are looking looking at a spare frame frameand andaa face facealmost almostRoman Romaninincut—a cut-a face not of man of spare v of a hereditary hereditary landed landed aristocrat aristocratbut butof ofaaself-made self-mademan manof ofthe theclass class that had that had since since the thePermanent PermanentSettlement Settlementbecome becomegreat greatlandowners. landowners. He has about about him him that thatundeflnable undefmable air air of ofbeing being reluctant reluctant to stand any nonsense. nonsense. Did Did Jaykrishna’s Jaykrishna's eyes eyes have have a penetrating gaze gaze before before Jaykrishna's grandson, he became became blind? blind? We shall shall never know. Jaykrishna’s grandson, SivaSivanarayan, also also remembered rememberedhim himas as aa man of narayan, of aa middling middling stature, stature, strongly built built and and with with chiselled chiselled features features.2 .284With W ith his deep and and powerpower­ ful voice, voice, he he was was always always aa vivid vivid personality. personality. He He never never had had any need of all the the symbols symbols and supports supports of of an an elegant, elegant, rich, rich,distinguished distinguished life. His tailor’s tailor's bills were were never heavy and people were struck by the life. the banality of the banality the articles articles of ofhis his everyday everyday use. use. Wherever Wherever he might might happen to be, be, the the man manwas was always always greater greater than thanhis hissurroundings. surroundings. . As an old man, Jaykrishnaloved lovedto torecall recallhis hisown own long long and andeventful eventful man, Jaykrishna Many looked upon him as as the the embodiment embodiment and and a living living chronicle chronide past. Many of one of of the the most mostremarkable remarkable ages agesof ofmodem modernIndia. India. Memories Memories came came flooding back back to him as he talked of Meerut, of flooding of old times, of of Meerut, of BharatBharatpur, of of Ochterlony Ochterlony and and Combermere. Combermere. The years years seemed seemed to fall fall from his shoulders on these occasions. occasions. He was never gloomy in concon­ versation. n the other hand, he he had had aakeen keensense sense of of humour humour and and versation. OOn his wit was devastating. For For all all his his strictness strictness and and sternness, sternness, he had had undoubted charm undoubted charm of which which one could could catch catch the the full M l effect effect if if one one came to know him intimately. What What surprised surprised his his audience audiencewas wasthe theconfiding confidingrecklessness recklessness of of his his comments, even comments, even on on the themost mostexalted exaltedpersonalities. personalities.As As his his long long memory memory reached back into the the twilight twilight years of British British rule rule in in India, India, he could tell all about a series of Lt.-Governors Lt. -Governorsand and Govemors-General, Governors-General, many many of whom had known known personally. whom he he had personally. He He thought highly, in in particular, of Bentinck Bentinck and and Dalhousie Daihousie while while in in his his latter years he could hardly bear to hear hear Lord Lord Ripon's Ripon’s name.255 name.255 Indeed itit was was difficult difficult for Jay­ jaykrishna to bring bring himself himself to admire Ripon whose whose personality personality had had no sparkle2 8®and and whose whose aversion to zamindars was was well known. In this this sparkle256 respect Jaykrishna nationalists who idolized idolized the the Jaykrishna disagreed disagreed with with the nationalists liberal Viceroy. But then are all all of of us prejudiced about about something something then we are or other. jaykrishna, Jaykrishna, for for whom whom the the Permanent Permanent Settlement Settlement was the beginning end of of political political thought, could not tolerate tolerate any any beginning and and the end criticism of of the the social social order order based based on it. His first criticism first concern was with

488 488

A BBENGAL ZAMINDAR A ENGAL Z A M IN D A R

this system. systcm. Everything Everything else elsewas wasimportant important only only by its relationship this relationship to that. On O n this thisquestion question his his mind mind was was closed. closed. It would be interesting to know knowwhat what some someliberal liberalifif not not anti-imperianti-imperialist British Britishobservers observersthought thoughtof ofJaykrishna Jaykrishna and and his ideas. alist ideas. Wilfrid Wilfrid Blunt, a well-known politician, traveller and poet, well-known politician, poet, interviewed interviewed him him on December 23, 1883. Jaykrishna received received him him in in his library. His 1883. Jaykrishna His looks reminded reminded Blunt Blunt vaguely vaguelyof ofCardinal Cardinal Newman. Newman. Though Though blind blind looks and very very infirm, infirm, he he talked talked with with vigour, vigour, lamenting lamenting the the growing growing ill ill feeling between the the English English and and Indians, endorsing feeling between endorsing the general general view view older generation generation that that the thenew newclass classof ofcivilians civilians was was inferior inferior of the older except cleverness, cleverness, to Re­ in every quality, except to the old Haileybury men. Referring to the Ilbert Bill, Bill, he said it was an attempt attempt to to reform reform justice in the country country which which was long overdue. overdue. The administration administration of the criminal as English, Jay­ criminal as well well as as the the civil civil law law was was very very bad. bad. The English, Jaykrishna felt, felt, did not understand the ways of Indians. Those Indians owed their their position competition did not inspire respect, since who owed position to competition they were mostiy mostly chosen chosen from from the the lower classes. classes.He He talked talked with with great great feeling and and even nostalgia for the good On days.a57 feeling good old old days .257 O n January 1, 1, 1884Jaykrishna Jaykrishnareturned returnedBlunt’s Blunt'svisit, visit, bringing bringingwith with him him aa great 1884 grand-daughter (Pramila) grand-daughter (Pramila) whom whom Blunt described described as "a “a lovely lovely girl girl with a skin ivory and lips of coral, and eyes with skin like stained stained ivory eyes with the the purest white and the brightest black". black” ,258 knewJaykrishna Jaykrishna at at this time and spoke of Sir Henry Cotton also knew him as a special representative representative of of the the old old order order of of Hinduism, Hinduism, aa noble specimen of of aa high-caste high-caste Bengali BengaliBrahmin Brahminand and aa landed proprietor specimen exceptional ability ability and and force force of of character. character. But when Cotton came of exceptional came in his contact, Jaykrishna was old and blind, long past his meridian. He counted Jaykrishna as one of the leaders of the earlier half half of of the century century who who continued continued to exercise exercise their influence influence long long into the the second half. half. These These “children "children of of the the early renaissance renaissance.. .. . . belonged to second to an epoch minds had had begun to stir within them in epoch when men's men’s minds in the the dawn of ofEnglish English education".25 education” .25? first dawn Of ofJaykrishna, O f the Indian Indian friends friends of Jaykrishna, it was Hem Chandra Chandra Banerjee Baneijee Hulom Pyanchar Gan, summed him him up in aa few who best summed few lines lines of of his his Hutom Pyanchar Gan, that wonderful wonderful string string of caricatures caricatures which which appeared appeared in in 1884. 1884. The than anyone anyone else: else: poet gets closer to to the the man than

ç1 ϊçI cN '35RT ζ ΐ ψ vScu C T i ^çi ζ ψ 1'R, ϊ f* p r, W f—ii'“ϊρ#Τ!! 311C '-5vgvs"'1"! Tn 'S’TCf e1i1 wfsptiff1t' (UTSIT jmt rrc1 'icr', “srosep, TIWT*

ic

c

iiçr

1T!

4 89 489

THE YEARS T H E PINAL F IN A L Y EA R S __ —

If

I I I?

-tt

.

;Ti1t M®9T 1rr t'f «R1W "iiI'iç" t; 1 H ^1ΤΡΡ*ς” TPf1t Studies ininBengal 40. A. A. C. C.Gupta Gupta(ed.), (ed.), Studies BengalRenaissance, Renaissance, p. 3. 3. ,41. NarendraKrishna KrishnaSinha, Sinha, The EconomicHistory History of of Bengal, p. 177. 177. 41. Narendra The Economic Bengal,Vol. Vol. II, II, p. 42. Mookerjee, P. 112. Mookerjee, 'Autobiography', ‘Autobiography’, CR, Feb. 1951, 1951, p. 112. 43. Ibid.; Ibid.; Jaykrishna toJ. to J .Dunbar, Dunbar,Sept. Sept.17, 17,1842, 1842,PSBR, PSBR,Nov. Nov.30, 30,1842. 1842. Tripathi, p. p. 238. 238. 44. Tripathi, 45. Mary Mary Viscountess Viscountess Cornbermere Gombermere & & Capt. Capt.W. W .W. W Knollys, . Knollys,Memoirs Memoirsand andCorCor­ respondence Vol. , p. 216. respondenceofofField-Marshal Field-MarshalViscount ViscountCombemere, Combermere, Vol.I IIl, p. 216. Sahib, p. p. 211. 46. Dennis DennisHolman, Holman,Silcander Sikander Sahib, Tripathi, p. p.240. 240. 47. Tripathi, 48. Sinha, III III,, p. 48. p. 116. 116. 49. Mt,okerjee, 40. Mbokerjee, 'Autobiography', ‘Autobiography’, CR, CR, Feb. Feb. 1951, 1951, p. 112. 112. 50. Ibid. Ibid. 51. Sinha, Sinha, 111, III, p. 117. 117. 52. [Sivanarayana [SivanarayanaMukhopacthyay] Mukhopadhyay]Jaikrisna jfaikrisnaMukharji-An Mukharji—AnAppreciation, Appreciation, p. p. 12. West Bengal BengalDistrict District Gazetteer, Gazetteer, p. p. 445. 445. 53. Amiya Amiya Kumar KumarBanerji, Banerji,Hooghly, Hooghly, West 54. 5. S. D. D.R., R .,'joykissen ‘JoykissenMokheijee: Mokherjee:AAfew fewfacts factsconcerning concerninghis hislife', life’,The TheNational National Magazine·, Magazine,June June 1899, p. 266. 55.-Joy Kissen Mukherjee, Mukheijee, 'Autobiography', ‘Autobiography’, CR, CR, Feb. 1951, 1951, pp. 114-IS. 114-15. 55. joy Kissen 56. G. G.Toynbee, Toynbee,AASketch Sketchofo the f the Administration of ofthe theifooghly Hooghly District, District, 1795-1815, 1795-1845, Administration p. 76. p.76. Toynbee, pp. pp. 76-78. 76-78. 57. Toynbee, 58. Ibid. Ibid. 59. Ibid. Ibid. E. M. M . Gordon Gordon to tothe theSBR,Jan. SBR, Jan.8,8,1836, 1836,PSBR, PSBR,Jan. Jan.11, 11,1836. 1836. 60. B. 61. Govt. Govt. Prosecutor Prosecutor v. Joykishen Jaykishen Mookerjee—Defendant, Com­ 61. Mookerjee--Defendant,Decision Decisionof of the the Offg. Commissioner Division, March 1836, PSBR, March March 28, 28, 1836. 1836. missioner of of the the 14th Division, March 5, 1836, 62. E. E. M. M .Gordon GordontoW. to W H. . HBeUi, . Belli,Jan. Jan.7,7,1836, 1836,PSBR, PSBR, Jan. Jan. 11, 11, 1836. 1836. 63. W. W . H. H. Belli Belli toE. to E.M. M .Gordon, Gordon,Jan. Jan.8,8,1836, 1836,PSBR, PSBR, Jan. Jan.11, 11,1836. 1836. · 64. Jj.. R. R .Colvin, Colvin,Secy, Secy, SBR SBR to to E. M. M . Gordon, Gordon, Jan. Jan. 9, 9, 1836, 1836, PSBR,Jan. PSBR, Jan. 11, 11, 1836. 1836. 65. Toynbee, Toynbee, pp. pp. 76-78. 76-78. v. Joykishen Joykishen Mookerjee—Defendant, Mookerjee-Defendant,Decision Decision of of the 66. Govt. Govt. Prosecutor Prosecutor v. theOffg OffgComCom­ missioner of the the 14th Division, March March 5, 5, 1836, 1836, PSBR, PSBR, March March28, 28,1836. 1836. Ibid.;Mookerjee, Mookerjee, 'Autobiography', ‘Autobiography’,CR, CR, Feb. Feb. 1951, 1951, pp. pp. 112-13. 112-13. 67. ibid.; 68. B. E. M. M . Gordon Gordon to tothe theBR, BR,March March23, 23,1836, 1836, PSBR, PSBR, April II, 11,1836. 1836. 69. W. W . H. H .Belli Belli to toE. E.M. M .Gordon, Gordon,March March23, 23,1836, 1836,PSBR, PSBR,April April11, 11,1836. 1836. 70. 76-78. 70. Toynbee, pp. 76-78. Circularof ofthe the SBR SBR dated dated March March24, 24,1836, 1836, PSBR PSBR March March 28, 28, 1836. 1836. 71. Circular 72. Belli to to R. R . D. D,Mangles, Mangles, Secy Secy to to the theBengal Bengal Govt., Govt., July 15, 15, 1836, 1836. 72. W W.. H. Belli Hooghly District District Records. 73. F.J. 73. F. J .Hailiday Hallidayto toR. R .D. D .Mangles, Mangles,Sept. Sept. 6, 6, 1836, 1836, PRD, Sept.20, Sept. 20, 1836. 1836. 74. R. D. Mangles PRD, Sept. 74. Mangles to F. JJ.. Hallidav, Halliday, Sept. Sept. 20, 1836, 1836, PRD, Sept. 20, 20, 1836. 1836. Cf. Cf. the case of ofRadhaprasad Radhaprasad Roy, the eldest son sonof ofRaja RajaRammohan Rammohan Ray. Ray. RadhaRadhaprasad worked workedas as.cheristadar sheristadar ininthe and prasad the Burdwan Burdwan Collectorate. Between 1821 and suit was filed against him. Adam 1826 he he was was charged charged with with defalcation defalcation and and a suit

5 06 506

BENGAL A B E N G A L ZAMINDAR ZA M IN D A R

thought thought that the the carelessness carelessness of Radhaprasad's Radhaprasad’s superior superior officer officer and and the jealousy of his his colleague colleagursaccounted accountedfor for this.. this. Another Another view viewwas wasthat that the the move move to discredit Radhaprasad was actually taken to to injure injure his his father's father’sreputation. reputation. Nagendra Nath Mahatma Rqja pp. 421-22. See Nagendra NathChattopadhyay, Chattopadhyay, Mahatma RajaRamomhan Ramomhan Ray, pp. 75. Jaykrishna Mukherjee toJ. to J.Dunbar, Dunbar,Sept. Sept.17, 17,1842, 1842,PSBR, PSBR,Nov. Nov.30, 30,1842. 1842. 76. Ibid.; Mookerjee, 76. Mookerjee, 'Autobiography', ‘Autobiography’, CR, CR, Feb. 1951, 1951, p. 113. 113. 77. Ibid. Ibid. 78. Dunbar,Sept. Sept.17, 17,1842, 1842,PSBR, PSBR,Nov. Nov.30, 30,1842. 1842. 78. Jaykrishna Mukherjee to Jj.. Dunbar, 79. Ibid. Ibid. 80. p. 32. 32. 80. Gupta, p. 81. Mookerjce, 81. Mookerjee, 'Autobiography', ‘Autobiography’, CR, CR, Feb. Feb. 1951, 1951, pp. pp.112-13. 112-13, 82. JJ.. Dunbar 82. Dunbar to toE. E.Sterling, Sterling,Sept. Sept.30, 30,1842, 1842, PSBR, PSBR, Nov. Nov. 30, 30, 1842. 1842. 83. Toynbee, pp. 83. pp. 76-78. 76-78.

CHAPTER 5 CHAPTER A YOUN G ZAMINDAR ZAM INDAR A YOUNG Sketch of Hooghly District, District, 1795 to 1845, 1. G. G. Toynbee, Toynbee,AA.Sketch ofthe theAdministration Administration of the Hooghly 1845, pp. 63-64. 63-64. pp. Little 2. R. R .Carstairs, Carstairs,The The LittleWorld WorldofofananIndian IndianDistrict DistrictOfficer, Officer, pp. pp. 89-92. 89-92. Works of Sanjib 3. Sanjib Sanjib Chandra Chandra Chatterjee, Ghatterjee, Jo! Ja lPratapchand, Pratapchend, Collected Collected Works Sanjib Cbandra (Basumati (Basumati ed.), ed.), pp. pp.115-16, 115-16, 120. 120. Trade and Finance 1793-1833,pp. pp. 2594. Amales AmalesTripathi, Tripathi, Trade and Financeininthe theBengal BengalPresidency, Presidency, 1793-1833, 60. 60. 5. Ibid., Ibid., p. 260. 260. thethePublic 6. Jaykrishna's Jaykrishna’sspeech, speech,Report Reportofof PublicMeeting Meetingononthe theeducation education and androad roadcess ms question held 18-32. » question heldon onSeptember September2,2,1868, 1868,pp. pp. 18-32. 7. Bimanbehari BimanbehariMajumdar, Majumdar, Indian Political Associationsand andReform ReformofofLegislature Legislature Indian Political Associations (1818-1917), p. 23. 8. BH, BH, March March 3, 3, 1838. 1838. BH, March March 12, 12, 1838. 1838. 9. BH, 10. Ibid. Ibid. 11. BH, BH , March March 21, 21,1838. 1838. 12. B!!, BH, April April 27, 27, 1838. 1838. 13. BH, BH, April April 20, 20, 1838. 1838. 14. Ibid. Ibid. 15. As As a big 15. big landholder landholder in in the theHoogbly Hooghly district, district, Dwarkanath Dwarkanath was was given given some some privileges by by the the Sadar Board of Revenue before he left for England England in special privileges 1842. Toynbee, Toynbee, p. 64. 1842. 16. B!?, BH, Nov. 11, 11, 1838 1838 17. RH, 17. BH, Dec. 15, 15, 1838. 1838. 18. Jan.13, 13,1840. 1840. 18. BH, BH,Jan. 19. B!?, BH, Dec. Dec. 14, 14, 1839. 1839. 20. BH,Jan.23, 20. BH, Jan. 23,1839. 1839. '21. Majumdar, Majumdar, p. p. 25. 25. 22. RH, BH, Dec. Dec. 20, 20, 1843. 1843. 23. 15, 1844 1844 23. BH, Jan. Jan. 15, 24. B!!, BH, Jan. Jan. 6, 6, 1844. 1844.

NOTES aAND n d : REFERENCES references

507 507

25. Brajendranath BrajendranathBandyopadhyay Bandyopadhyay (ed.), SawmadpatreSekaler Sekaler Katkd, 452. (ed.), Samvadpatre Kathd, VoK Vol. II, II, p. 452. 26. Ibid., pp. 216-17. 26. Ibid., pp. 216-17. 27. K. K . Zachariah, Zachariah,History History of 19. of Hooghly Hoo.ghly College College1836-1936, 1836-1936, p. p. 19. 28. Toynbee, Toyftbee, p. p. 121. 121. 29. Sanwadpafre Sawmadpatre Sekalar Sekalar Katha, Katha, Vol. pp. 208-9. 208-9. Vol. Ill, III, pp. 30. Binay Swnayikpatre Vol. II, II, p. 400. Binay Ghosh Ghosh(cd), (ed.), SamayikpatreBanglar Banglar Samajchiira, Samajchitra, Vol. 400. 31. Toynbee, Toynbee, pp. pp. 125-26. 125-26. r. 32. HDG, p. p. 225. 225. 33. I, May 5, 5, 1842. 1842. Fl, 33. F 34. F I, Nov. 16, 16, 1843. 1843.. ' Fl, Selections pp. 40-41. 35. Peary PearyMohan MohanMukerjee, Mukerjee, Selectionsfrom fromthe theWritings Writingsand andSpeeches, Speeches, pp. 40^41. 36. Ibid., Ibid., p. p. 38. 37. Joges Chandra ChandraBagal, Bagal,Banglar BanglarSanjkriti Sanskriti Kendra, Kendra, p. 40. 38. Toynbee, Toynbee, pp. pp. 152-53. 152-53. 39. Ibid. 39. Ibid. 40. 40. BH, BH, Dec. 25, 1844. 1844. 41. 41. Ibid. Ibid. 42. 42. BH, BH, April April 28, 28, 1846. 1846. 43. Toynbee, Toynbee, pp. pp.63-64. 63-64. Toynbee, p. p. 52. 52. 44. Toynbee, 45. Ambika Jaykrishna Charita, Charila, pp. 117-18. Ambika Charan Gupta, Gupta, Jaykrishna 117-18. 45a. Jaykrishna to JJ.. Dunbar, Dunbar, Aug. Aug. 2, 2, 1842, 1842, PSBR, PSBR, Nov. 30, 1842. 1842. It is is easy easy to to prove.that that Jaykrishna Jaykrishna asserted asserted his his claims claims by large-scale large-scale litigation. litigation. See, See, for for prove instance, Zilla of the instance,Decisions Decisions by by the g illa Courts Courts of Vol. II,II,1846—the the Lower LowerProvinces, Provinces, Vol. 1846-the part part relating relating to toHooghly:.-Gyaram Hooghly:·—Gyaram Roy Haradhun Roy v.Joykis Joykishen Roy && Haradiiun Roy (Def.) (Def.) v. hen Mookerfea, Rajkishen Mookerjea Mookerjea & & ors, Nov. 3, Mookerjea, Rajkishen 3,1846; 1846;Joykishen JoykishenMookerjea Mookerjea v. Bunmallee & ors, Nov. Nov. 5, Bmmallee Ghosh Ghosh & 5,1846; 1846;Joy/cishen JoykishenMooker.jea Mookerjea (Appellant) v. v. Gohindo Gobindo Geery, Nov. 7, 1846; Jqykishen Mookerjea & ors Geery, Nov. 1846; Joykishen orsv.v.Seebchunder Seebehtmder Bonnerjee, Bonnerjee, Nov. Nov. 23, 1846. 23, 1846. 45b. E. Sterling Jnanendra 45b, Sterling to J. Dunbar, Dunbar,Sept. Sept.14, 14,1842, 1842, PSBR, PSBR, Nov. Nov. 30, 1842. 1842. Jnanendra Kumarininhis hisVamsa VamsaParichay, Pariehay, ii, pp. pp. 97-98, 97-98, incidentally incidentally makes makes aadisdis­ Nath Kumar paraging remark Mitra, father father remark on Jaykrishna Jaykrishna as as aa zamindar. zamindar. Ram Ram Chandra Mitra, Chandra Mitra Mitra(1840-1899), (1840-1899),was wasthe theDewan DewanofofBarlow, Barlow, of Justice Ramesh Chandra the District Judge of of Hooghly. As such, he was was known to Jaykrishna. Jay­ Jaykrishna had had an occasion to contest contest aa suit suit against against aa Brahmin Brahminin in the the court court of of krishna occasion to Barlow. Assuming Assumingthat thatRam Ram Chandra Chandra had influence over the the District DistrictJudge, Barlow. Judge, he requested him to arrange requested him arrange a decree decree in his his favour. favour. Ram Chandra, Chandra, on on examining the papers, papers, refused refused to comply comply with his his request request even even after after much much persuasion. Shortly Shortly after after this this aa report casting aspersions aspersionson onRam Ram Chandra Chandra persuasion. as aa public public servant servantappeared appearedininthe theSamachar SamacharDarpan. Darpan. Unwilling to to continue continue as in his post with resigned his post and with this this stigma, stigma, Ram Ram Chandra Chandra resigned and left Hooghly, Hooghly. 45c. Jaykrishna Mukherjee 45c. Mukherjee toJ. to J .Dunbar, Dunbar,Sept. Sept.17, 17,1842, 1842,PSBR, PSBR,Nov. Nov.30, 30,1842. 1842. 45d. JJ.. Dunbar ibid. 45d. Dunbar to toE. E.Sterling, Sterling,Sept. Sept.30, 30,1842, 1842, ibid. 45e. E. Sterling J. Dunbar, ibid. 45e. Sterling to J, Dunbar, Oct. Oct. 17, 17,1842, 1842, ibid. 45f. E. E. Currie, Currie,Secy, Secy,SBR SBR to to the theOffg. Offg,Commissioner CommissionerofJessore ofJessoreNov. Nov.30, 30,1842, 1842, ibid. ibid. 45g. Jaykrishna Jaykrishna to toJ. 45g. J . Dunbar, Dunbar,Aug. Aug.22& & Sept. Sept. 17, 17, 1842. 1842. ibid. ibid. 46. the Company's Company’s rule rule itit was wascommon common for for wealthy wealthy Bengalis Bengalis to "buy" “buy” 46. Under the Sahibs. The The Company’s Company's servants, servants, who who were were poorly poorlypaid, paid, were wereeager eagerto toaccept accept Sahibs.

508 5 08

A ENGAL Z A M IN D A R A BBENGAL ZAMINDAR

loans from rich Bengalis. loans Bengalis. They were not supposed supposed to repay these loans, but but expected to to protect their creditors man of were expected creditors under all circumstances. circumstances, AA man property thought nothing nothing of of spending heavy sums to become a protigi protégé of an influential servant of of the the Company. Company. Every Every Sahib Sahib had his price. influential servant price. See See Sanjib Sanjib Chandra Chattopadhyay, Chattopadhyay, Jal Ja lPratap PratapChand, Chand, Collected Collected Works Works (Basumati (Basumati ed., ed., 1322 B.S.), B.S.), p. p. 150. Although Although Jaykrishna Jaykrishna freely mixed with with government governmentofficers officers of all grades, he hc did not like to deal with them them on on such such terms. terms. He preferred preferred to ensure his rights rights by by legal legal means. means. E. Sterling, Sept. 30, 1842, 47. J. J . Dunbar, Dunbar,Commissioner Commissioner of of Jessore to Collector E, Sept,'30, 1842, PSBR, Nov. 20, 20, 1842. 1842. 48. Joy Feb. 1951, 1951, p. p. 115; 48. JoyKissen KissenMookerjee, Mookeijee,'Autobiography', ‘Autobiography*,The TheCalcutta CalcuttaReview, Review, Feb. Jagamohan Mukherjee's Mukherjee’swill will of of Bhadra Bhadra 28, 28, 1247, 1247, B.S. (1840), PMFU. PMFU. Jagamohan 49. HDG, HDG, p. p. 246. 246. 50. Abani AbaniMohan MohanBandyopadhay, Bandyopadhay,Uttarpara UttarparaVivaran, Vivaran, pp. pp. 3-4, 3-4, 65. 65. p. 151. 51. Howrah Howrah District Gazetteer, Gazetteer, p. 151. Bandyopadhyay, p. p. 6. 6. 52. Bandyopa1hyay, 53. Ibid., Ibid., pp. pp. 6-8. 6-8. 54. Ibid., Ibid., p. p. 9. 9. 55. Ibid., Ibid., pp. pp. 9-10. 9-10. 56. [Sivanarayana [SivanarayanaMukhopadhyayJ Mukhopadhyay]Jaikri.cna JaikrisnaMukharji-An Mukharji—AnAppreciation, Appreciation, p. p. 14. 14. CharlesViscount ViscountHardinge, Hardinge,Viscount Viscount Hardinge, Hardinge, p. 62. 62. 57. Charles 58. A Review ofof Public Instruction 58. James JamesKerr, Kerr, A Review Public Instructionininthe theBengal BengalPresidency, Presidency, 1835-1851, 1835-1851, Part I, I, pp. pp.163-64. 163-64. 59. Narendra (ed.), ,7aladhar Sener NarendraNath NathBau Basu (ed.), Jaladhar ServeAtmajivani, r Atmajivani, pp. pp. 35-38. 35-38, 60. Cockburn, PGD(E), ■60. Jaykrishna Jaykrishna&Rajkrishna & RajkrishnaMukhetjee Mukherjeeto toG.T. G.T.Cockbum, PGD(E),Dec. Dec. 31,1845. 31,1845. 61. €1. Cockburn Cockbum to to Halliday, Halliday, Oct. Oct.5,5,1845, 1845,ibid., ibid., Dec. Dec. 5, 5, 1845. 1845. 62. ■ 62. C. C.Beadon Beadonto toG. G.F. F.Cockbum, Cockbum,Dec. Dec.31, 31,1835, 1835,ibid., ibid., Dec. 31, 1845. 63. Jaykrishna 1846, ibid., Jaykrishna& &Rajkrishna RajkrishnaMukherjee MukherjeetotoCockburn, Cockbum,Feb. Feb.7,7,1846, ibid., Feb. Feb. 11, 11, 1846. 64. Secy, Secy, SBR SBR to to F. F.J.J .Halliday, Halliday,ibid., ibid.,Dec. Dec.30, 30,1846. 1846. 65. Cockbum ockburn to Hallidav, 65. Halliday, May May7,7,1846, 1846,ibid., ibid., May May 13, 13,1846. 1846. €6. R .Hand HandtotoDr. Dr.E.E,Roer, Roer,July July20, 20,1846, 1846,ibid., ibid.,Aug. Aug. 19, 19, 1846. 1846. 66. R. 67. PGD(E), €7. PGD(E),Oct. Oct.1846; 1846;GRPI, G R PI,1846-47, 1846-47, p. 173. 173. 68. J.J .A. A.Richey Richey (ed.), Selectionsfrom 68. (ed.), Select ions from Educational EducationalRecords,Part11(1840-59), Records, Partl! (1840-59),pp.48-49j pp.48-49; D.J. 1845 from from Krishnagore, Krishnagore, quoted quoted in in Gupta, Gupta, p. p.172. D. J . Money's Money’sletter letterof ofAug. Aug. 4, 4,1845 172. 69. BH, June June 6, €9. Letter Letterto tothe theeditor editorfrom from'An ‘AnEnglish English Woman', Woman’, BH, 6, 1850. 1850. 70. D. D. J. J . Money's Money’sletter letterof ofAug. Aug. 4, 4, 1845 1845 from from Krishnagore, Gupta, Gupta, p. p. 172. 172, 71. Richey, Richey,Selections, Selections, pp. 47-49. 47-49. 72. [Sivanarayana [SivanarayanaMukhopadhyayj Mukhopadhyay],Jaikrisna Jaikrisna Mukharji, Mukharji, pp. 14, 14, 17. 17. 73. Isvar Isvar Chandra Chandra Sing, Sing,Hony HonySecy, Secy,BIA BIAtotoCapt. Capt.T, T. E, E. Rogers, 73. Rogers, Supdt Supdt of Marine, President President of the Hooghly Hooghly Bridge Committee. Committee. July 6, 6, 1855, 1855, PBLA, PBIA, Vol. 1, I, 1852-58. 1852-58. 73a. T. T.M. M .Robinson's Robinson’sspeech, speech,Progs. Progs,ofof theCouncil Council of Lt.-Govemor of Bengal, the of the Lt.-Gouernor of Bengal, Vol. V, April April 29, 29, 1871, 1871, pp. pp. 97-98. 97-98. Howrah District District Gazetteer, Gazetteer, pp. 122-23. 74. Howrah pp. 122-23. ■75. Jaykrishna toJ. to J .Esdile, Esdile,July July 9, 9,1842, 1842, F1,Jan. PJ, Jan.5,5,1843. 1843. 76. Fl, F I, Nov. Nov. 16 16 & & l)ec. Dec. 7, 7, 1843. 1843.. ' . 77. Fl, F I, Nov. Nov. 14, 14,1844. 1844.

NOTES A AND N D REFERENCES REFERENCES

509 509

78. Fl, 78. F I, June June 19, 19,1845. 1845. 79. Report Report of ofthe the Committee Committee on onBalee BaleeKail ICallBridge, Bridge,Sept. Sept.5,5, 1845, 1845, P.I. P.!. 80. Capt. Gapt.Goodwyn's Goodwyn’sReport, Report,ibis', ibid, Appendix Appendix No. 1, 1, p. p. 28. 28. 81. Englishman, Feb. 13, 13, 1846, 1846, quoted quoted in in BH, Feb. Englishman, Feb. Feb. 14, 14, 1846. 1846. 82. Fl, F I,Feb. Feb.19, 19,1846. 1846. 83. Address Address to Sir H. Η. T. T.Maddock Maddockfrom from Jaykrishna Jaykrishna Mukherjee Mukherjee and others, BH, Feb. 14, .Feb. 14, 1846. 1846. 84. Sir Sir H. Η . T. T.Maddock's Maddock’sreply, reply,ibid. ibid. 85. BH, BH, Feb. Feb.14, 14,1846. 1846, 86. Ibid. Ibid. 87. Bandyopadhyay, Bandyopadhyay, p. 2. 2, 88. Fl, F I,Nov. Nov.14, 14,1844. 1844. 89. Fl, F I, March March12, 12,1846. 1846.

CHAPTER 66 CHAPTER IN IN FULL FULL CAREER: CAREER: ESTATE ESTATE MANAGEMENT MANAGEMENT 1. A Indian Association, Observations A Member Memberofofthe theBritish British Indian Association, Observationson onthe theNew MewSole Sale Law Lau> Bill, B ill, p. 15. 15, 2. Fl, F I, May May 8, 8, 1856. 1856. The Calcutta 3. Joy Joy Kissen KissenMookerjee, Mookerjee,'Autobiography', ‘Autobiography’, The CalcuttaReview, Review, Feb. 1951, 1951, p. p, 116. 116. RabindranathTagore, Tagore,'Ulukharer ‘UlukharerVipad', Vipad’, Galpa Guckha, Vol. Vol. I,I,pp. pp.301-3. 301-3, 4. Rabindranath Galpa Gucitha, Charita,pp. pp.34-36. 34-36.For Formore more details details about about . 5. Ambika Anabika Charan CharanGupta, Gupta,.7aykrishna Jaykrishna Charita, goma.stas andmandals mandalssee seeWW. Hunter, A A Statistical StatisticalAccount ofBengal, Bengal,Vol. Vol.I III, gomastas and . WW. . Hunter, Account of ll, the l870's had declined as pp. 317-19. 317-19, By the 1870’sthe theposition position and andinfluence influenceof ofmandals mandals had a result result of of (1) (i) the the systematic systematic neglect of such agencies agencies by the the govt., govt., (ii) (ii) the the growingpower powerof ofzamindars, zamindars,and and (iii) (iii) the the introduction of new new ideas ideas and growing introduction of administration of justice justice and police. more efficient efficient administration police. 6. Mookerjce, Mookerjee, 'Autobiography', ‘Autobiography’, CR, CR, Feb. 1951, 1951, pp. 119.20. 119-20. Dwarkanath Tagore Tagore or league league of of his his tenants tenants to resist for the had to to face face eI.jote ekjote or resist his proceedings proceedings for recovery Memoir recovery of of his dues. dues. See SeeKissory KissoryChand ChandMittra, Mittra, MemoirofofDwarkanath DwarkanathTagore, Tagore, pp. 16-17. pp. 16-17. 7. Gupta, Gupta, p. p. 41. 41, 8. Ibid., Ibid., pp. pp. 41-42. 41-42. Ibid., p. 42. 42. 9. Ibid., 10. Mookerjee, 'Autobiography', CR, Feb. 1951, 10. Mookerjee, ‘Autobiography’, 1951, p. 120. 120. Bhaskar,April April 24, 1856, Samaf Chitra, Chitra, ed, ed. by 11. Samuad Sanwad Bhaskar, 1856, ininSamayikpatre Samayikpatre Banglar Samaj by Benay Ghose, Ghose, Vol. Vol. IIII, Benay l l , pp. pp. 477-78. 477-78. Association, Observations 12. A A member memberofofthe theBritish BritishIndian Indian Association, Observationsononthe theNew NewSale SaleLaw Lam Bill, B ill, p. 14. 14. 13. HDG, HDG, pp. pp. 213-14. 213-14, 14. Sachin SachinSen, Sen,Studies Studiesininthe theLand LandEconomies Economies of 36. of Bengal, Bengal, p. p. 36. 15. Ibid., p. 37. 15. 37. 16. Gupta, p. 16. p. 41. 41. 17. Ibid., p. 60. 17. 18. Mookerjee, 18. Mookerjee, 'Autobiography', ‘Autobiography’, CR, CR, Feb. Feb. 1951, 1951, p. p. 117. 117. 19. Ibid., p, 118. Cf. Bipin Chandra Pal's Pal’sexperiences experiences as a zamindar zamindar in in 1885. 1885. He He p. 118. writes in ofMy MyLife Lifeand andTimes, Times,pp. pp.416-17; 416-17;“In "In every every zamindary zamindary in his hisMemories Memories of

510 510

A B BENGAL A EN GA L ZAMINDAR ZA M IN D A R

there are good tenants tenants and bad, the few who who wiEingly willingly and and honestly honestly pay pay up their dues and the many many who try to to evade evade payment as much as and for for-as as can. My My trouble trouble was was with with these. these. They They had had the thewherewhere­ long a period as they can. withal to pay their their rents but but would would not not do so pretending poverty." poverty.” CR,Feb, Feb. 1951, 1951,p.p.117. Ill. 20. Mookeijee, Mookeijee, 'Autobiography', ‘Autobiography’, CR, 21. Gupta, Gupta, p. p. 61. 61, 22. 'Yamdatter also ‘Yamdatter diary', diary’,Tugantar, Yugantar, weekly weekly supplement, supplement, Sept. Sept, 23, 23, 1951. 1951, See See-also SekalerSatkatha SatkathabybyDwarkanath Dwarkanath Bandyopadhyay, Bandyopadhyay, pp. Sekaler pp. 154-55. 154-55. 23. Mookerjee, Mookerjee, 'Autobiography', ‘Autobiography’, CR, CR, Feb. Feb, 1951, 1951, p. 117. 117. 24. A Assodation, Obseivation.s A Member Memberofofthe theBritish BritishIndian Indian Association, Observations on on the the New New Sale Sale Bill, ILaw mw B ill, p. 15. 15, 25. Sen, Sen, pp. pp. 161-62. 161-62. "The “Theperiod periodfrom from 1793 1793 until until near near1859 1859 may may be be characterised characterised amindar, lawlessnessofofzamindars.” zamindars."[R. [R. H. H. Hollingbery,] Hollingbery,] The as a period of of lawlessness The Zamindary Settlement Bengal,Vol. Vol.I,I, Appendix Appendix X XI, Settlement of I, p. p. 284. 284. of Bengal, 26. Gupta, Gupta, pp. pp. 47-48. 47-48.

26a. Statement Statement given 26a. given by Sri Sri Asibhushan Asibhushan Adak Adak of of Dwarvasini Dwarvasini (Hooghly) (Hooghly) on on' Dilip Kumar Kumar Pal March 2, 1973 to Sri Dilip Pal of ofBelun. Belun. 27. Gupta, Gupta, p. p. 48. 48. 28. Praphulla Praphulla Chandra ChandraRay, Ray,Pravasi, Pravasi, Kartik, Kartik, 1340 1340 B.S., pp. 790-91; Gupta, p. 68. 29. Gupta, Gupta, pp. pp.48-49. 48-49. 30. BH, BH, Oct. Oct. 23, 23, 1847. 1847. Joykissen Agriculture pp. 27-29. 27-29. 31. Peary PearyChand ChandMittra Mittra&& JoykissenMookerjea, Mookerjea, Agriculturein in Bengal, Bengal, pp. 32. Reports Reports of of the Agricultural & HorticulturalSociety, Society, BH,June BH, June17 17&July & July 15,1852. 15,1852. &Horticultural 33. HP, HP, Dec. Dec. 25, 25, 1856. 1856. 34. Gupta, Gupta, pp. pp. 68-69. 68-69. 35. Ibid., Ibid., pp. pp. 49-50. 49-50. 36. Ibid., p. 50. 50. 37. Ibid., Ibid., p. 51. 51. 38. Ibid., pp. pp.51-53. 38. 51-53. 39. Ibid., Ibid., pp. 43-44. 43-44. 40. R. Little R .Carstairs, Carstairs,The The LittleWorld WorldofofananIndian IndianDistrict DistrictOfficer, Officer, pp. pp. 87-90. 87-90, 41. Gupta, Gupta, p. p. 44. 44. 42. ibid., Ibid., pp. pp.44-45. 44-45. Ibid., p. p. 43. 43. 43. Ibid., 44. ibid., Ibid., p. 53; Carstairs, Carstairs, pp. 87-89; 87-89; The The law law reports reports of of the time time mention many law suits in which which Jaykrishna Jaykrishnawas wasinvolved. involved.See, See,for forexample, example,Decisions Decisions of of the Sudder Dewany Adamlut, Adawlut, 1855: 1855: Joykishen v. Unnopoorna Dassee & & ors, Sadder Dewatry Joykishen Mookerjea Mookerjea v, Unnopooma Dassee ors, pp. .7o.vkishen pp. 279-80; 279-80;Joykishen JoykishenMookcrjea Mookerjea v.v.Mangovind MangovindBiswas, Biswas,pp. pp.450-51; 4-50-51; Joykishen Mookerjea RamramGhose, Chose, (lakhiraj case), 592.These Thesewere were typical typical of Mookerjea v.v.Ramram (lakhiraj case), p. p.592. of many many others. others. 45. Gupta, p. 45. p. 53. 53. 46. From L.P. to to F. F.J. PGD (E)July From the the S.P. of ofL.P. J . Halliday,June HaHiday, June 12, 12, 1847, 1847, PGD (E) July 7, 7, 1847. 1847. 47. Order ibid. Orderissued issued byA. by A.R. R .Young, Young,July July 7, 7,1847, 1847, ibid. 47a. .JaykrishnaMukherjee Mukherjee&& Rajkrishna Rajkrishna Mukhetjee Mukherjee to to A. Reid, 47a, Jaykrishna -Reid, Collector Collector. Hooghly, Sept. 11, 1847, PSBR, PSBR, Oct. 1, Hooghly, 1, 1847. 1847. 47b. 47b, j. J ,J.J .Harvey Harveytoto.SBR, SBR,Sept. Sept.14, 14,1847, 1847,PSBR, PSBR,Sept. Sept.24, 24,1847. 1847. 47c. G. G. Plowden, Plowden, Secy., Secy., SBR, SBR, to to the the Secy. Secy. Revenue Revenue Deptt., Deptt.,Sept. Sept.24, 24,1847, 1847,PSBR, PSBR, Sept. 24, 1847; Hooghly to the 1847; A. Reid, Reid, Collector Collector of ofHooghly the Commissioner Commissioner ofJessore. ofJessore.

511

NOTES AND AND REFERENCES NOTES REFERENCES

Sept. 9, 1847, Issued, 1847, 1847,No, No. 157, 157,HHDR; Reid to S. Wauchope, 1847, Letters Issued, D R; A. Reid D. D, M. ófHooghly, of Hooghly,May May15, 15,1847, 1847, Letters Letters Issued, Issued, 1847, 1847, No. 20, H HDR. D R. BH, Sept. Sept. 28, 28,1850. 1850. 48. BR, 49. Gupta, Gupta, pp. pp.43-44. 43-44. , > 50. HDG, HDG, p. p. 165. 165.. 51. Ibid. Ibid. Nov. 6, 1851. 52. Englishman, Englishman, Nov. 1851. 53. Gupta, pp. pp. 63-64. 63-64. 53. Gupta, 54. HDG, p. p. 165. 165. 55. Gupta, p. Military Board to the the Deputy Deputy Governor Governor of of Bengal, Bengal, 55. Gupta, p. 65 65;; From the Military oard to Jaykrishna MukherAug. 21,1849, 21, 1849,PRD, PRD,Dec. Dec.5,1849; 5, 1849;Radhaprasad RadhaprasadRay Rayand andJaykrishna jee toJ. to J.P.P.Grant, Grant,April April30, 30,1851, 1851, PRD, PRD, May May7, 7,1851. 1851. 56. Gupta, p. 56. p. 64. 64. 57. Fl, F I, Nov. Nov. 8, 8, 1849. 1849. 58. BR, BH, April April 5, 5, 1849. 1849. 59. Gupta, p. 72. 59. 72. HDG, p. p. 136. 136. 60. HDG, 61. Ibid., Ibid., p. p. 119. 119, Gupta,p.. p.-72 72 62. Gupta, 63. Ibid., Ibid., pp. 72-73. 72-73. Jaykrishna to to H. Η .V. V.Bailey, Bailey, April April 21, 21, 1856, 1856, BR, BH, Aug. Aug. 19, 19, 1856. 1856. 64. Jaykrishna 65. Ibid. Ibid. 66. P. P.N. N.Singh SinghRoy Roy (ed,), Chronicle BritishIndian IndianAssocialion, Association, pp. pp. 23-24. 23-24. (ed.), Chronide ofof thetheBritish

67. Jaykrishna's Jaykrishna’s memorial memorial on the the subject subject of of supplying supplying provisions provisions to troops on on march, dated March, 1847, HP, June21, June21, 1855. the march, 1847, HP, 1855. Ibid. 68. Ibid. HP, June 21,1855. 1855. 69. HP,June2l,

·

.

.

70. Ibid. Ibid. 71. Fl, F I,Aug. Aug. 12, 12,1852. 1852. 72. Jaykrishna's June 11, Jaykrishna’smemorial memorial on on Zaxnindari Zamindari Dak, June 11, 1853, 1853, HP, HP, July 26, 26, 1855. 1855. HP, July July 26, 26,1855. 1855. 73. HP,

74. 74. K. D. D. Pal Paltotothe theBengal BengalGovt., Govt.,Rev. Rev.Deptt., Deptt.,Sept. Sept.26, 26,1881, 1881,PGD, PGD,Misc., Misc., Nov. 1881. 1881. of Bengal, Bengal, p. 252. Sarada Charan CharanMitra, Mitra,The TheLand LandLaw Law of 252. 75. Sarada 75a. Petition Mukherjee & Rajkissen Mukherjee and four others of Petition of of Joykissen Joykissen Mukherjee Rajkissen Mukherjee of Nov. I, Nov. 1, 1850, 1850, PJD, No. 151,Jan. 151, Jan. 22, 22,1851. 1851. PJD, No. No. 147, 147, Jan. Jan.22, 22,1851. 1851. 75b. PJD, 75c. "Special “SpecialReport ReportononBurdwan" Burdwan” J. McNeille’s Report VillageWatc/z Watch in in D. D. J. McNeille's Report on on thethe Village

Bengal, p. p. 93. in the Lower LowerProvinces Provinces of of Bengal, in the 76. F Sept. 20, 20, 1855. 1855. Fl,I, Sept. 77. Mitra, pp. pp. 252-53. 252-53. 77. Mitra, 78. home HomePublic, Public,Nov. Nov.16, 16,1849, 1849, National National Archives Archives of India. India.

CHAPTER 77 CHAPTER IN FULL CAREER: CAREER: POLITICS PO LIT ICS AN]) AND SOCIAL SOCIAL WORK W O RK IN FULL of Legislature, Indian Political Associations ■I. 1. Bimanbehari BimanbehariMajumdar, Majunadar, Indian Political Associationsand andReform Reform, of p. 33. 33.

512 512

A BENGAL ZAMINDAR

2. Gyananeshan, Gyananes/zan, in27,B!!, 2. quoted inquoted BH, Nov, 1833, Nov. 27, 1833. 3. SanwadBhaskar, March 28, 1848, quoted quoted in BH, Samvad Bhaskar, March BH, April April 7, 7, 1848. 1848, 4. BIl, B II, Oct. Oct.10, 10,1848. 1848. 5. Ambika Ambika Charan GharanGupta, Gupta,Jaykrishna JaykrishnaCharlta, Charita, p. p. 105. 105. 6. Ibid.; Judicial Letter to to the theCourt Courtof ofDirectors Directors from from Fort Fort William, William, Bengal, Bengal, 29, 1852 (No. 41); 41);Judicial Judicial Letter from from the Court of to Fort Sept. 29, 1852 (No. of Directors Directors to William, Bengal, Bengal,June June 15, William, 15, 1853. 1853. Gupta, p. p.127; 127;Petition Petitionof ofJaykrishna Jaykrishna & Rajkrishna Rajkrishna Mukherjee& Mukherjee & 4 others, 7. Gupta, 4others, Nov. 1, 1850, PJD, No. 151,Jan. 1850, PJD, 151, Jan. 22, 22,1851. 1851. 8. BH,Jan. BH, Jan.22, 22, 1849. 1849. Purnachandrodqy, quotedininBH, BH,March March 31, 1849. 9. Sanwad Samoad Pumaehandrodqf, quoted 1849. 10. BH, BH, April April 16, 16,1851. 1851. p. 34. 34. 11. Majumdar, p. 12. Ibid., p. p. 35. 35. 13. Ibid. Ibid. 14. Englishman, Nov. 19, 1851. Englishmen, Nov. 1851. 15. P. P. N. N.Singh SinghRoy, Roy,(ed.), (ed.),Chronicle Chronicle of ofthe theBritish British Indian Indian Assoriaticn, Association, p. 6; 1st 15. p. 6; 1st Annual Report of of the the BIA, BIA, p, p.3,3,PBIA, PBIA, Vol.1, Vol. I,1852-58. 1852-58, 16. Narendra Sinha, TheThe Economic of Bengal, Bengal, III 111, p. ,135. 135. NarendraKrishna Krishna Sinha, EconomicIfistm'.y History of , p. XI,pp. pp. 1050-52. 17. C. C.E. E.Buckland, Buckland,Bengal Bengalunder underthe theLieutenant-Governors, Lieutenant-Gonemors, II, Nov. 19, 1851. 18. Englishman, Englishman, Nov. 19. Ibid., Dec. 6, 1851. 1851. 20. Majumdar, p. 36. 20. 36. 21'. 21. Ibid., p. 35. 35, 22. BH, BH, April April 5, 5, 1852. 1852. 23. Majumdar, Majumdar, pp. pp.179-80. 179-80. 24. Ibid., Ibid., p. 47. 25. Quoted in BH, 25. BH, Sept. Sept. 7, 7, 1852. 1852. 26. Fl, F I, Dec. Dec. 30, 30, 1852. 1852. 27. Ibid., May, 5, 5, 1853. 1853. 28. BH, BH,Jan. 28. Jan. 26,1853. 26,1853. of a Public 29. Report Report of ofthe theProceedings Proceedings of Public Meeting Meeting of ofthe theXatwe NativeCommunity Gommmtiy held in Ihi' the Town H Hall onFriday, Friday,the the28th 28thJul', all on July, 1853, p. 3. 30. ibid. Ibid. 31. Ibid., p. 8. 32. Ibid., p. 9. 33. ibid. Ibid. 34. 16. 34. Ibid., p. 16. 35. Ibid., p. 18. 35. 18. 36. Ibid., p. 19. 19. 37. Ibid., Ibid., pp. 19-21. 19-21. 38. ibid., Ibid., pp. pp. 22-23. 22-23. 38a. Ibid., Ibid., p. p. 23. 23. Ibid., p. 23. 23. 39. Ibid., 40. Ibid., Ibid., pp. pp. 23-24. 23-24. 41. Ibid., Ibid., pp. pp. 25-26. 25-26, Jaykrishna said that passed by by 42. Ibid., pp. 26-28. 26-28. Jaykrishna that hundreds hundreds of of decisions decisions were passed these special special courts courts in in favour favour of of the the Government Government and and vast quantities of land thee

NOTES AAND NOTES N D REFERENCES REFERENCES

513 5 13

seized reviews. Many Many landholders landholders under under this process had had to seized after summary reviews. to part part with with their their lands. lands. The TheMaharaja MaharajaofofBurdwan Burdwanhad la dlost lostseveral several thousand thousand acres of land land and Jaykrishna Jaykrishna himself himself had had lost lost nearly nearly aa thousand thousandacres. acres. 43. Ibid., Ibid., p. 28. 28. 44. Majumdar, Majumdar, pp. pp. 62-63. 62-63. 45. [Sivanarayan p. 18. [SivanarayanMukhopadhyay] Mukhopadhyay]Jaikrisna JaikrisnaMakharji-.An Mukhaiji—AnAppreciation, Appreciation, p. 18, 46. Gupta, Gupta,pp. pp.130-31. 130-31. 47. Singh Singh Roy, Roy, pp. pp.10-11. 10-11. 48. Report Report of ofthe theBIA BIA monthly monthly general general meeting, meeting, BH, BH, Sept. Sept. 9, 9, 1853. 1853. 49. BH, BH, July July 28, 28, 1853. 1853. 50. Report Report of ofthe the monthly monthly meeting meeting of of BIA on July 14, 14, 1854, 1854, BH, Aug. Aug. 1,1,1854. 1854. 51. Buckland, Buckland, I, p. 23. 23. 52. Ibid., Ibid., p. 24. 24. AdministrationofofBengal Bengal Member of of the 53. The TheAffray Affray Bill B ill and and the the Criminal Criminal Administration bybya aMember British Indian Indian Association Association (Calcutta, (Calcutta,1854). 1854). 54. Ibid., Ibid., Jaykrishna was, 55. Ibid. Ibid. Jaykrishna was, however, however, wrong wrong in in describing describing King KingAlfred Allred as asthe theorigiorigi­ jury system. system. The The jury jury was was not not a Saxon institution, institution. nator of the English jury 56. Ibid. Ibid. 57. Ibid. Ibid. 58. Ibid. Ibid. 59. Ibid. Ibid. 60. Ibid. Ibid. 61. Ibid. IbU. 62. Ibid. Ibid. 63. Buckland, Buckland, 1, I, pp. pp. 23-28. 23-28. 1, pp. 180-84. 64. Bimanbehari BimanbehariMajumdar, Majumdar,History Historyof ofPolitical Political Thought, Thought, I, 180-84. 65. BH, BH, Nov. Nov. 5, 5, 1855. 1855. 66. Fl, 66. F I, May May 10, 10, 1855. 1855. ' Bangali Samaj, Samaj,III III,, p. 165. 67. Binay Ghose, Ghose, Vidyusagar Vidyasagar 00 Bengali 165, 68. Ibid., p. 166. 166. 69. J. P. 69. P. Grant's Grant’sreply reply to tothe thereformers' reformers’ deputation, deputation, HP, HP,Sept. Sept,11, 11, 1856. 1856. 70. Fl, 70. F I, Oct. Oct. 21, 21, 1841. 1841. 71. BH, 71. BH, Oct. Oct. 25, 25, 1845. 1845. 72. Fl, 72. F I, May May 7, 7, 1846. 1846. 73. Letter dated Fl,I, June June 14, 73. dated May May 28, 28, 1849, 1849, F 14, 1849. 1849. 74. BH, BH, Oct. Oct, 23, 23, 1850. 1850. 75. Fl, 75. F I, June June 16, 16, 1853. 1853. 76. BH, March 76. March 7, 7, 1855. 1855. 77. Legislative LegislativePapers Papersrelative relativetoto Acts Acts XXIV-XIX, Vol. II, National 77. IV -X IX , 1856, 1856, Vol. National India. , Archives of India. 78. Ibid. Ibid. 79. HP, Sept. Sept, 11, 11, 1856, 1856, quoted in BH. 79. HP, 80. [Sivanarayana Appreciation, p. 27. [SivanarayanaMukhopadhyay] Mukhopadhyay]Jaikrisna JaikrisnaMuk/uzrji-An Mukhaiji—An Appreciation, p, 27, 81. BH,june 81. BH, June13, 13,1855 1855& & Fl, F I,July July 19, 19,1855. 1855. 82. Ghose, Ghose, iii, iii, pp. pp.235-36. 235-36. 83. Jaykrishna Jaykrishna Mukherjee & Rajkrishna to H. Mukherjee & Rajkrishna Mukherjee Mukheijee to H . Alexander Alexander of of the the local committee, April 10, committee, April 10, 1852, 1852, PGD(E), June June 17, 17, 1852; 1852; Mihir M ihir Coomar Coomar S3

514

A E N G A L ZA M IN D A R A BBENGAL ZAMINDAR

Mookerjee, ‘History 'History of the School, Mookerjee, School) March March 1846 1846 to toNovember, November, 1852', 1852*, The 71» Uttarpara Govt. Govt.School School Magazine, FoundationNumber, Number,May, May, 1929, pp. 23-27. Magazine, Foundation 23-27. 84. BH,Jan. BH, Jan.14, 14,1847. 1847. 85. Report Reportto tothe thelocal localcommittee committeedated datedNov. Nov.15, 15,1847, 1847, PGD(E), PGD(E),Dec. Dec.15, 15, 1847. 1847. 86. BH, BH, Feb. Feb. 25, 25, 1847. 1847. 87. Sandhitsu, 'Manushgarar Itikatha—Uttarpara Itikatha-Uttarpara Government 87. Sandhitsu, ‘Manushgarar Government High High School', School’, Amrita,Sept. Sept. 19, 19, 1969, p. 605. Amrita, 1969, p. 88. G. F. Cockburn 88. Cockbum to Dr. Roer,Jai. Roer, Jan.19, 19,1847, 1847,PGD(E), PGD(E),March March10, 10,1847. 1847, 89. C. 89. C. Beadon Beadon to to the the local local committee, committee, Howrah, Howrah, March March10, 10,1847, 1847,ibid. ibid. Oct.25, 25, 1847 1847quoted quoted in BH, Oct. 90. The TheHindu Hindu Intelligencer, Intelligencer, Oct. Oct.26, 26,1847. 1847. Jaykrishna Mukherjee Mukherjee to to E. E. Roer, April 15, PGD(E), May 16, 91. Jaykrishna 15; 1849 1849 PGD(E), 16, 1849; 1849; order of of May May 11, 11, 1849, 1849, ibid. ibid. 92. BH, BH, March March 3, 3, 1849. 1849. 93. GRPI, G R P I,1849-50, 1849-50, p. 221. 221. March 6, 6, 1850, 1850, quoted quoted in BH, March 94. Englislunan, Englishman, March March 7, 7, 1850. 1850. 95. GRPI, G R PI,1850-51, 1850-51, p. p. 165. 165. 96. BH, BH, April April 29, 29, 1851. 1851. 97. E. E. Roer Roer to to W. W . S. S, Seton-Karr, Seton-Karr,May May22, 22,1848, 18 «, GRPI, GRPI,1846.47, 1846-47, p. p. 173. 173. 98. PGD(E), May 98. May 16 16 & & June June 15, 15,1849. 1849. 99. 605. 99. Sandhitsu, p. 605. 100. Nov. 4, 4, 1852. 1852. 100. PGD(E), Nov. 101. Memorial Memorialtablet tablet inin the Uttarpara 101. Uttarpara Govt. Govt. High High School; School; Sivanath Sivanath Sastri, Sastri, Ramtarw Lahiri 0 Tatkalin pp. 341-48. Ramtanu Lahiri TatkalinBangasanzaj, Bangasamaj, pp. 341-48. 102. G GRPI,Jan. 102. R PI, Jan.27-April 27-April30, 30,1855, 1855, pp. pp. 103-5. 103-5. 103. Sastri, p. 176. 103. 176. 104. BH, BH, Nov. Nov. 10, 10, 1856. 1856. 105. Note on on the, the Uttarpara General Deptt., Original 105. Note Uttarpara School, School, Feb. 6, 6, 1852, 1852, General Original Consultations, Feb. 19, 19, 1852. 1852. 106. 106. Nil. 107. 107. Note dated 12/2 12/2 signed D. [Dailiousie], [Dalhousie], General Deptt., Original Original ConsultaConsulta­ tions, Feb. 19, 19, 1852. 1852. «, 108. Jaykrishna & & Rajkriskna Mukherjee to to H. Alexander, 10, 1852, 108. Jaykrishna Rajkrishna Mukherjee Alexander, April April 10, 1852, PGD(E), June June 17, 17, 1852. 1852. 109. 109. BH, BH, April April 23, 23, 1853. 1853. 110. GRPI, 110. G R PI, 1856-57, 1856-57, p. 367. 367. 111. BH, May May23, 111. 23,1853. 1853. 112. G R PI, 1850-51, 1850-51, p. 168. 168. 112. GRPI, 1836-1936,pp. pp. 43-44. 113. K. K .Zachariah, Zachariah,History HistoryofofHooghly Hooghly College, College, 1836-1936, 114. ibid., 114. Ibid., pp. pp. 44-45. 44-45. 115. Pratt's 115. Pratt’sreport report for for the the quarter quarter endingjuly, ending July,1856, 1856,GRPJ, G R PI,1856-57, 1856-57, p. p. 9. 9, 116. Report 116. Reportof ofthe theInspector Inspectorof ofSchools, Schools, South SouthBengal, Bengal, ibid., ibid., p. p. 367. 367. 117. 117. Bli, BH, Aug. Aug. 8, 8»1853. 1853. 118. Bejoykissen Mookerjee, 'Topography 118. Bejoykissen Mookerjee, ‘Topographyof ofOoterparah', Ooterparah’,Uttarpasa UttarparaPakshilc Pakshik PatPatVol. I, 1, No. No. 11, Baishakh 31, 1264 B.S., pp. 135-37. rika, Vol. 135-37, 119. BH, BH, May May 11, 11, 1850. 1850. 120. B!-!, BH, April 29, 29, 1851. 1851. 120a. Jaykrishna & Rajkrishna Mukherjee to BR, LP, LP,July 1851; A. 120a. Jaykrishna.& July 1,1,1851; A. C. C. Bidwill Bidwill to Commissioner ofJessore, Jessore,July July 25, 25, 1851, PER, LP, July 25, Commissioner of 1851, PBR, 25, 1851; 1851; W. W.

N O T IS A N D REPERENCES REFERENCES NOTES AND

515 515

Seton-Karr BR, LP, LP, Nov. Nov. 17, 1851; A. C. Bidwill to the ComSeton-Karr to Scey., Scey., BR, 1851; A. Bidwill to Com­ missioner of ofJessore, Nov. 21, 21, 1851, 1851, PBR, PBR, LP, LP, Nov. 21, 1851. missioner Jessore, Nov. 121. BH BH,, Aug. 8, 121. 8, 1853. 1853. 122. Report Report of of·Pandit Pandit Isvar Isvar Chandra 122. Chandra Sarma for the the quarter quarterending ending October October 1856, G GRPI, R PI, 1856-57. 1856-57. 123. 123. UPP, UPP, Asharh Asharh 15, 15, 1264, 1264, Vol. I, No. No. 14. 14. 124. 124. Extract from the Report Report of of the the Council Councilof ofEducation, Education,Bengal, Bengal,for for1848-49, 1848-49, ions from from Educational EducationalRecords, Records, PartII, II, pp. pp. 47-49. No. XII X IIininSe/ed Selections Part Ibid. 125. Ibid. 126. ibid. Ibid, 127. 127. BH, May May 8, 8, 1849. 1849. 128. Ibid. Ibid. 129. Ibid. Ibid. 130. 130. Extract from the Report Reportof ofthe theCouncil Councilof ofEducation, Education, Bengal, Bengal, for for 1848-49, 1848-49, Selectionsfrom fromEducational EducationalRecords, Records, PartII, II, pp. pp. 47-49. Selections Part 47-49. 131. 131. Bethune to Dalhousie, Dalhousie, March March 29, 29,1850, 1850,ibid., ibid., pp. pp.53-54. 53-54. 132. Ibid., pp. pp. 48-49. 48-49. 133. BH, BH,June 133. June 11, 11, 1850. 1850. 134. BH, June June 6, 134. 6, 1850. 1850. 135. Bethune 29,29, 1850, Selections from Bethune totoDaihousie, Dalhousie,Malch March 1850, Selections fromEducational EducationalRecords, Records, II, pp. pp.53-54. 53-54. Part II, 136. Quoted M.ΜN.. N. Das, Studies in the Economic and Social Development Quotedbyby Das, Studies in the Economic and Social Developmentof ofModern Modem India: 1848-66, 1846-66, p. 277. 137. Jogesh Chandra Chandra Bagal, 137. Jogesh Bagal, 'Bethune ‘Bethune School School 0 O Colleger Colleger Katha' Katha’ininBethune Bethune School & College CentenatyVolume, Volume, 1849-1949, Kalidas Nag, Nag, p. School & College Centenary 1849-1949, ed.ed.bybyKalidas p. 215. 215. 138. Peary Selections PearyMoban MohanMukherjee, Mukherjee, Selectionsfrom fromthe theWritings Writings&&Speeches, Speeches, p. p. 164. 164. 139. 139. Gupta, Gupta, p. p. 84. 84. 140. 140. Peary Mohan Mohan Mukherjee, Mukheqee, p. p.164. 164. 141. Jaykrishna Jaykrishna and andRajkrishna RajkrishnaMukherjee Mukherjeeto tothe theOffg. Offg.Commissioner Commissionerof ofRevenue, Revenue, Jessore Division, July July 29, 1851; 1851; A. C. C. Bidwill, Bidwill, Scey. BR, LP, LP, Nov. Nov. 28, 1851. Recommendation 1851, PBR, 1851. Recommendation of of BR, BR, LP, LP, Nov. Nov. 28, 1851, PBR, LP, Nov. 28, 1851. 142. Isvar Chandra 142. Chandra Sarma Sarma to Capt. H. H. C. C.James, James,July July 3, 3,1854, 1854, PGD(E), PGD(E), Oct. Oct. 19, 19, 1854. 1854. 143. Gupta, 143. Gupta, pp. pp. 89-90. 89-90. 144. BH, BIl, March 144. March 13, 13,1854. 1854. 145. DPI, June 19, 145. D PI, to to Secy, Secy, BR, LP, June 19, 1854. 1854. 146. 146. Buckland, Buckland, I, pp. pp. 7-8. 7-8. 14.7.Jaykrishna JaykrishnaMukherjee MukherjeetotoWW. G.Young, Young,DPI, DPI, April April 4, 4, 1855, 1855, Gupta, Gupta, p. p. 94. 94. 147. . G. 148. Buckland, 148. Buckland, I, p. p. 8. 8. 149. BIl, Aug. 7, 149. BH, 7, 1855. 1855. 150.Jaykrishna Jaykrishnaand and Rajkrishna 150. Rajkrishna Mukherjee Mukherjee to Isvar Chandra Chandra Vidyasagar, Vidyasagar, Asstt Inspector of of Education, Education, June June 11, 11,1855. 1855. Asstt Inepector 151. H H.. Pratt 151. Pratt to to G. G. Young, Young, DPI, D PI, Oct. Oct. 9, 9,1855, 1855, PGD(E, PGD(E),Nov. Nov.1,1,1855. 1855. 152. D DPI 152. PI to to W. W . Grey, Grey,Secy, Secy,Govt. Govt, of ofBengal, Bengal, Oct. Oct.5, 5,1855, 1855, Ibid. Ibid. 153. G. G. G. Morris to the 153. the DPI, D PI, Oct. Oct.30, 30,1855, 1855, ibid. ibid, 154. H. Pratt 154. Pratt to toDPI, D PI,Scpt. Sept26, 26,1855, 1855, ibid., ibid., Oct. Oct. 11, 11, 1855. 1855. 1, 1855, 155. DDPI to W. Grey, 155. PI to Grey, Secy, Secy, Govt. Govt, of of Bengal, Bengal, Oct. 1, 1855, ibid., ibid., Oct. Oct. 11, 1855. 1855.

5 16 516

A BENGAL B E N G A L ZAMINDAR ZA M IN D A R

156. BH, Oct. 17, 156. G. G. Morris Morris to to DPI, D PI, Oct. Oct.8,8,1855, 1855, ibid., ibid., Oct Oct 11, 11, 1855; 1855; also also BH, 17, 1855. 1855.

156a. 156a. It It may may be be that thatininofficial officialconsideration consideration aid in in this thisparticular particularcase casewas was expedient. On several several other otheroccasions occasions Jaykrishna failed failed to to secure securegoverngovern­ ment aid to to open open educational educational and and cultoral culturalinstitutions. institutions. 157. in the Public Deptt. No. 104 ofJuly 157. The Court Court of of Directors in 104 of July 29, 29, 1857 1857 to the Govt. of India, Home Deptt. Govt, Deptt. Extracts Extracte given given in aa letter letter of of Oct. Oct. 20, 20, 1857 1857 from Bengal Govt, Govt. to to D I)PI, Bengal PI, PGD(E), PGD(E), Nov. Nov. 5, 5, 1857. 1857. 158. Inspector of Schools, South Bengal Bengal to to DPI, Sept. 15, 158. Schools, South 15, 1856, 1856, GRPI, GRPI, 1856-57, 1856-57, pp. 116-17. pp. 116-17. Report of of Lodge, Lodge, Quarterly Quarterly report, report, July, July,1857, 1857, ibid., ibid., 1857-58. 159. Report 160. Mukheijee, p. 164; 164; [Sivanarayana [Sivanarayana MukhopadhyayJ Mukhopadhyay] p. p. 19. 19. 160. Peary Mohan Mukherjee, 161. Lodge's 161. Lodge’s Report for quarter ending ending Oct. Oct. 1857, 1857, GRPI, G R P I,1857-58, 1857-58, pp. pp. 43-44. 43-44. 162. p. 230. 230. 162. HDG, p. 163. p. 92. 92. 163. Gupta, p. 164. 164. Ibid., Ibid., pp. pp. 92-93. 165. Ibid., 165. B id., p. 93. 166. Jaykrishna & Rajkrishna Mukherjee to to Cecil CecilBeadon, Beadon,19 l9July, PGD(E), 166. July, 1853, 1853, PGD(E), 28, 1853. 1853. This letter refers to popular prejudice in the the districts districts against July 28, the Hindu Hindu College. College. There There were were four four reasohs reasons which prevented people in the the mofussil fromsending sendingtheir theirchildren childrentotothis thiscollege—“the college-"the growing mofussil from growing immoralimmoral­ ity, real real or or fancied, fancied, of of the theboys boys educated educated in in the theHindoo HindooCoUege", College”, high high schooling fees,the the comparative comparative unhealthiness unhealthinessof ofCalcutta Calcutta and and its northern schooling fees, suburbs suburbs and and the want of cheap and speedy transport. 167. J. Mouat, Secy, Council Council of of Education Education to to Cecil Beadon, Govt. of 167. F. J. Beadon, Secy, Secy, Govt, Bengal, Aug. Aug. 16, 16, 1853, General D Deptt., Bengal, 1853, General qjtt., Original Original Cons., Cons., Sept. Sept. 8, 8,1853. 1853. 168. Cecil Rajkrishna Mukherjee, Mukherjee, Sept. 6, 6, 1853, 168. Cecil Beadon Beadon to to Jaykrishna Jaykrishna and Rajkrishna 1853, General Deptt., Original Original Cons., Cons., Sept. Sept. 8, 8, 1853. 1853. 169. Pratt, Inspector Inspector of ofSchools, Schools, 169.Jaykrishna Jaykrishna&& Rajkrishna Rajkrishna Mukherjee Mukherjeetoto H. IL Pratt, Bengal, Aug. 1856, PGD(E), Nov. Nov. 13, 13, 1856. 1856. South Bengal, Aug. 7, 1856, 170. Ibid. Ibid. 171. H. 11.Pratt Pratt to to the D DPI, Pratt's report 171. PI, Sept. Sept. 13, 13, 1856 1856 PGD(E), Nov. 13, 1856; Pratt’s report D PI for for the thequarter quarterending endingOct. Oct.1856, 1856,GRPI, G R PI,1856-57, 1856-57, pp. pp.36-38. 36-38. to the DPI W G, Young Young to to W. W . Grey, Grey,Secy, Secy, Govt. Govt, of ofBengal, Bengal, Oct. Oct. 4, 4, 1856, 1856, PGD(E), W.. G. Nov. 13, 13, 1856. 1856. 172. W. W . G. G. Young Young DPI, D PI, to toW. W . Grey, Grey,Oct. Oct.4,4,1856, 1856,PGD(E), PGD(E),Nov. Nov.13, 13,1856. 1856. 173. W W.. Grey to W. 173. W . G. G. Young, Young, DPI, DPI, Nov. Nov.11, 11,1856, 1856, PGD(E), PGD(E),Nov. Nov.13, 13,1856. 1856. 174. Report Report of DPI 174. D PI for for GRPI, GRPI,1856-57. 1856-57. 175. of Directors Directors to June 22, 22, 1858, 1858, 175. The Court of to the Govt, Govt. of India, India, No. 86, dated June from the Home Govt. A Collection of of Dispatclzes Dispatchesfrom Govt, on an the theSubject Subject of of education education in India India A Collection of the Depit., JVb. No. of India Home Deptt., from 1851 1854toto1858, 1858,Selections Selectionsfrom Records Records of the Govt. Govt, of LXXVI, 1870, p. 102. 102. 176. Jaykrishaa's letter to A. W. 176. Jaykrishna’s W . Croft, Croft, DPI, D PI, Jan. Jan, 21, 21,1879, 1879, Gupta, Gupta, pp. pp.99-101. 99-101. 177. BH,Aug. BH, Aug. 12, 12,1850. 1850. 177. 178. Samoad Sanwad Pumachandmdaj), quoted 1850. Purnachandroday, quotedininBH, BH,Nov. Nov. 19, 1850. 179. 16, 1850. 1850. 179. Satyadip, Sayo.dip,quoted quoted in in BH, Dec. 16, BH, Dec. Dec. 17, 17,1850. 1850. 180. BH, 181. 181. BH BH.Dec. Dec.20, 20, 1850. 1850.

NOTES AND NOTES A N D REFERENCES REFERENCES

517

182. BH, Dec. Dec. 23, 23, 1850. 1850. 182.

183. J. Language, 1857, 1857, pp. pp. Iiv-lvii. J . Long, Long,Publications Publications in in the the Bengali Bengali Language, liv-lvii. 184. Ibid. Ibid. 185. ChandraBagal, Bagal,Banglar BanglarXavya NavyaSanskriti, Sanskriti, pp. 41-49. 41-49. 185. Jogesh Chanira 186. Ra.sa.sagar Rasasagar quoted 1851. 186. quotedininBH, BH,Jan. Jan. 17, 1851. 187. 8, 1851. 1851. 187. BH, Feb. Fth. 8, 188. BH, BH,July 188. July 12, 12, 1852. 1852. 189. FFl, 189. I, July 15, 15, 1852. 1852. BH, Aug. Aug. 27, 27, 1853. 1853. 190. BH, 191. BH, Dec. Dec. 5, 5, 1855. 1855. 191. 192. 192. BH, April April 25, 25, 1856. 1856. 193. 193. BH, Sept. 18, 18, 1856. 1856. 194. T. Buckland, Buckland, Oct. Oct. 3, 3, 1856, 1856, PGD, PGD, Sept. Sept.4, 4,1856. 1856. 194. R. B. Chapman to C. T. 195. JJ.. Long, Long,Publications Publicationsin in the theBengali Bengali Language, Language, pp. liv-lvi. . pp. Iiv-lvi. 196. 196. Ibid., p. ix. 197. Reminiscences, 197. Rabindranath RabindranathTagore, Tagore, Reminiscences, pp. 113-14. 113-14. 198. 149-50. 198. Supra, pp. pp. 149-50. 199. BH, May 199. May 30, 30, 1853. 1853. 200. E. E.L. L.Woodward, Woodward,The TheAge Ageof ofReform, Reform, 1815-70, p. 475. 475. Gupta, p. p. 95. 95. · 201. Gupta, 202. W. H. 202. H. Elliott, Elliott,Div. Div.Commissioner Commissioner of of Burdwan Burdwan to to the theSecy, Secy,Govt. Govt,of ofBengal, Bengal, Oct. 17, 17, 1854, 1854, PGD, Nov. 2, 1854. 1854. 203. Ibid. Ibid. Ibid. ' 204. Ibid. 205. W. W. Grey 205. Grey to the the Conmsioner CommissionerofofBurdwan, Burdwan,Oct. Oct.27, 27,1854, 1854, PGD, PGD, Nov. Nov. 2, 2, 1854. 1854. 206. Jaykrishna & Rajkrishna Mukherjee to H. Pratt, 206. Pratt,Inspector Inspectorof ofSchools, Schools, South Bengal, Aug. Aug. 1, 1856, Bengal, 1856, PGD(E), Nov. Nov. 13, 13, 1856. 1856. Bhaskar,Jan. Jan. 27, in in Samayikpatre 207. Samoad Sarrnad Bhaskar, 27,1857, 1857,No. No.122 122 SamayikpatreBanglar BanglarSamajchitra, Samajchitra, Vol. l l , ed. ed. B. B.Ghose, Ghose, pp. pp. 522-23. 522-23. Vol. IIII, 208. HDG, HDG, p. p. 132. 132. D.G. G.Crawford, Crawford,Hughli HughliMedical MedicalGazetteer, Gazetteer, pp. pp. 320-21. 320-21. 209. D. 209a. Judicial Letter to 209a. Judicial to the theCourt CourtofofDirectors Directorsfrom fromFort FortWilliam, William,Calcutta, Calcutta, No. 12, Judicial letter letter from j. No. 12, June 27, 27, 1851, 1851, paras. 267-72; 267-72; Judicial from the Court Court of of Directors to to Fort William, William, March 3, 1852, i Directors 1852, par. 57. 57. 210. BH, BH, May May20, 20,1851. 1851. 211. BH, BH, April April 29, 29, 1851. 1851. 212. Samuad Prabhakar,quoted quotedinin BH, BH, May 19, Samvad Prabhakar, 19, 1851. 1851. BH, May 213. BH, May 20, 20, 1851. 1851. 214. Ibid. Ibid. 215. BH, BH, Dec. Dec. 2, 2, 1853 1853 & Jan. 2, 2, 1854; 1854; Crawford, Crawford, p. 321. 321. 216. BH , March March 18, 18, 1854. 1854. 216. BH, 217. Jaykrishna Jaykrishna & & Rajkrishna 217. Rajkrishna Mukherjee Mukherjee to W. W . Grey, Grey,Secy, Secy,Govt Govtof ofBengal, Bengal, Nov. 27, 1854, 1854, PGD, March, March, 1855. 1855. 218. H. Pratt, Pratt,Secy, Secy,Govt. Govt, of ofBengal BengaltotoJaykrishna Jaykrishna&&Rajkrishna RajkrishnaMukherjee, Mukherjee, 218. Dec. 21, 21, 1854, PGD, March 8, 1855. Dec. 1854, PGD, 1855. Bejoykissen Mookerjee, Mookerjee, 'Topography ‘Topography ofofOoterparah', Ooterparah’,Uttarpara UttarparaPakshilc Pakshik 219. Bejoykissen Patrika, 14, Asharh 15, 15, 1264 1264 B.S., B.S., pp. pp. 179-80. 179-80. Patrika, Vol. Vol. I, 1, No. 14,

518 518

A A BBENGAL ENGAL Z ZAMINDAB A M IN D A R

220. Jaykrishna & Rajkrishna Mukherjee 220. Mukherjee to H. L. L, Dampier, Dampier, District District Magistrate Magistrate 1, 1856, 1856, PGD, PGD, Feb. Feb. 28, 28, 1856. 1856. of Howrah, Jan. Jan. 1, Gupta, pp. pp.73-74. 73-74. 221. Gupta, 222. The Commissioner of Burdwan Burdwan to to the Secy, March 19, 222. Commissioner of Secy, Govt. Govt, of of Bengal, Bengal, March 19, PGD, July 23, 23, 1857. 1857. 223. Crawford, pp. pp. 328-29. 328-29. · 223. Crawford, 224. Jaykrishna Jaykrishna & Rajkrishna Rajkrishna Mukheijee Mukherjee to to H H.. L, L. Dampier, District Magistrate, Magistrate, 224. Howrah, Jan. 1, 1, 1856, 1856, PGD, PGD, Feb. Feb. 28, 28, 1856. 1856. 225. 225. W. Grey Grey to to the theDistrict District Magistrate Magistrate of ofHowrah, Howrah, Feb. Feb.28, 28, 1856, 1856, ibid. ibid, District, 1795226. George GeorgeToynbee, Toynbee,AASketch Sketchofofthe theAdministratwn Administration of of the the Hooghly Hooghly District, 1845, pp. 125-26. 125-26. 227. Fl, F I, Feb. Feb.17, '17, 1853. 1853. Ibid. 228. ibid. 229. ibid. Ibid. 230. RPUM, 230. RPU M , March March7, 7,1854. 1854. , 231. ibid., Ibid., April April 14, 14, 1853. 1853. 232. Ibid., Ibid., June 1853, Aug. Aug. 3, 3, 1853 1853 & & April April 29, 29, 1854. 1854. 232. June I,1,1853, BH, Aug. Aug. 8, 8, 1853. 1853. 233. BR, 234. 1853; RPUM Dec. 7, 7, 1853 1853 & April 6, 1854. 1854. 234. BH, Aug. 8, 1853; RPUM,, Dec. 235. RPU M , June June 24, 24, 1854. 1854. 235. RPUM, 236. RPUM , Oct. Oct.29, 29, 1856. 1856. 236. RPUM, 237. Ooterparah’, Uttarpara Pakshik Pakshik 237. Bejoykissen BejoykissenMookerjee, Mookerjee,‘Topography 'Topography of of Ooterparah', Patrika, 1264 B.S., 166-67. Patrika,Jaistha Jaistha 32, 1264 B.S., No. No. 13, pp. 166-67. 238. [Sivanarayana MukhopadhyayJ Mukhopadhyay].7aikrisna Jaikrisna Muk/zarji--An Mukharji—An Appreciation, 17. 238. [Sivanarayana Aprecia&n, p. p. 17. Samoad Prabhakar, Arianda Bazar 23, 239. Samoad P-abhakar,Dec. Dec. 22, 22, 1852, 1852, quoted quoted in Ananda Bazar Patrika, Patrika, March. March 23, 1969. 1969. 240. BH, May 240. May 30, 30, 1853. 1853. DinesChandra ChandraBhattacharyya, Bhattachaxyya, Bange MazyaXyaya NyayaC/iarcha, Charcha, pp. 241. Dines Bange Xavya pp. 286-87; 286-87; Dines Chandra Bhattacharyya, Bhattacharyya, 'Paschim ‘Paschim Banger Banger Vidyasamaj' Vidyasamaj’ in Binay Binay Ghosh, Ghosh, 761. Paschim Banger Sanskriti, Sanskriti, p. p. 761. 242. Joges Banger .Wavyasanskriti, p. 52. Joges Chandra ChandraBagal, Bagal, Banger Mavyasanskriti, p. 243. BH, Bet/nineSociety, Society,1851-1852, 1851-1852,p. p. iii. BH, Feb. Feb.21, 21,1852; 1852;Report Report of of the Bethune 244. Report Report of ofthe the sub-committee sub-committee by W. W . N. N. Lees, Lees, 1862 1862 on Calcutta Calcutta Art Art School, School, Proceedings 13, 1863, 1863, Nos. Nos. 3-6; A Proceedingsof ofthe the Home Home Deptt., Deptt., Education, Education, June June 13, the Union Union of of Science, Science, Industry view to the formation Lecture on the induitty and and Art Art with a view formation of of aa School School of Industrial Art and 2, of Indwtrial andDesign, Design,delivered deliveredtotothe the Bethune Bethune Society, Society, March March 2, 1854 H . Goodwyn. Goodwyn. 1854 by by Lt.-Col. Lt.-Col. H. Bagal,jbid., ibid., p. p.133; 133;Bangasamskritir Bangasamskritir Katha, pp. 90-91. 90-91. 245. Bagal. F I, Nov. Nov. 23, 23, 1854. 1854. 246. Fl, 247. BH, May M ay 29, 29, 1856. 1856. 247. BH, 248. Proceedings of 13, 1863, 1863, W Lera’s 248. Proceedings of the the Home Home Deptt., Deptt., Education, Education, June June 13, W.. N. Lees's report of of1862. 1862. report 249. Bagal, Bagal,Banger Banger.iVavyasainckriti, Nasyasamskriti, p. p. 134. 250. The Govt. of India, Jan. Jan. 7, The Court Court of of Directors to Govt, 7, 1850, 1850, Public Public Deptt., Deptt., No. No. I1 PGD, May 8, of 1850, 1850, PGD, 8, 1850. 1850. 251. May 8, 8, 1850. 1850. 251. PGD, May 252. Ibid., Ibid., No. B. B. 253. PGD, March 253. March 30, 30, 1854. 1854.

AND NOTES A N D REFERENCES REFERENCES

519

254. PGD, PGD, April April 17, 17, 1856. 1856. 255. Rabindra 'Rajkrishna Mukherjee, Mukherjee,Founder, Founder,Uttarpara Uttarpara Govt. Govt. 255. Rabindra Nath Nath Banerjee, Baneijee, ‘Rajkrishna School', Magazine,VVol. May 1929, School’, The TheUttarpara UttarparaGovt. Govt.School School Magazine, ol. I,1, May 1929, p. p. 8. 8. 256. Gupta, 256. Gupta, pp. pp. 140-41. 140-41. 257. Jaykrishna’s Jaykrishna's manuscript notes not published published in his his 'Autobiography'. ‘Autobiography’. 258. Sinha, Sinha, III, III, p. 258. p. 125. 125. [Sivanarayana Mukhopadhyay] Mukhopadhyay] Jaikrisna 11-12: The partiparti* 259. [Sivanarayana Jaikrisna Mukhaiji, Mukharji,pp. pp. 11-12: tion deeds executed by Jaykrishna Jaykrishna and Rajkrishna Rajkrishna on on Vaisakh Vaisakh 2!, 21, 1260 1260 and and onAsharhl6, 1861,PMFU. on Asharh 16,1861, FMFU.These Thesedocuments documentssuggest suggest that that theystill they stillhad hadthree three indigo factories factories and and they advanced advanced takavi takavi loans loans to to their tenants. They had indigo had recently recendy bought the the estate estate of of Dwarvasini for Rs. Its. 302,000. Its annual annual revenue revenue was Rn. Rs. 30,200/30,200/260. Fl, 260. F I, Sept. Sept. 29, 29, 1853. 1853. 261. HP, May May 22, 22,1856. 1856. 261. HP, 262. Jaykrishna’s Jaykrishna's manuscript manuscript notes notes not published 262. published in his his 'Autobiography'. ‘Autobiography’. 263. Sanskrit Inscription dated Asharh 263. Sanskrit Inscription Asharh 1, 1, 1260 1260 B.S. B.S. on on the thepavilion pavilion at atBabu's Babu’s Uttarpara. ghat, Uttarpara, Gupta, p. p, 138. 138. 264. Gupta, 265. Ibid. Ibid, CHAPTER CHAPTER 8 1857 1857

1. Surendra SurendraNath NathSen, Sen,Eighteen EighteenFfly-&ven, Fifty-Seven, pp. pp,407-8. 407-8. 2. Haraprasad Sepoy HaraprasadChattopadhyay, Chattopadhyay,The The SepoyMutiny, Mutiny, 1857, 1857, p. 192. 192. 3. BH, BH, May May 27, 27, 1857. 1857. 4. BH, BH ,May May26, 26, 1857. 1857. 5. Ibid. Ibid. 6. Ibid. Ibid. . '

7. FI,June F I, June11, 11,1857. 1857. 8. C. Bengal under C.E.E.Buckland, Buekland, Bengal underthe theLieutenant-Governors, Lieutenant-Governors, I,I, p. 36. 36. Ibid., p. p. 38. 38, 9. Ibid., 10. F. R. June 66„1857, 10. R. Cockerell Cockerell to the the Secy, Secy, Govt. Govt, of of Bengal, Bengal, June 1857, PGD, PGD, Govt. Govt, of of Bengal,June June 11, Il, 1857. .Bengal, 1857. 11. JJ.. H. 11. H . Young Young to tothe theSecy, Secy,Govt. Govt, of ofBengal,June Bengal, June6,6,1857, .1857,PGD, PGD,Govt. Govt,of ofBengal, Bengal, June 11, June 11, 1857. 1857. 12. The The petition June 18, 12. petition of zamindars, zamindars, June 18, 1857 1857 to to the theMagistrate Magistrate of ofHooghly, Hooghly, Englishman,July July 8, 1857. Englishman, 1857. 13. Ibid. Ibid. 14. A, A. R. 14. R . Young, Young, Secy, Secy, Govt. Govt, of Bengal to F. R. R , Cockerell, Cockerell, District District Magistrate July 8, 1857. of Hooghly, Hooghly, June June22, 22,1857, 1857,Englishman, Englishman, July 1857, 15. HP, H P, December December 10, 10, 1857. 1857. 16. HP, 16. H P, Aug. Aug. 20, 1857. 1857. It should should be mentioned mentioned in this this connection connection that Peary an old student of Mohan Banerjee (1835-1874), (1835-1874), an of Uttarpara UttarparaGovt. Govt.School, School, was working as as munsiff munsiff near near Allahabad Allahabadwhen when the the Mutiny Mutiny broke broke out. out. Then Then a working young Peary Mohan young man man of of 22, Peary Mohan organized organizedeffective effective resistance to the mutineers. He displayed such courage and ability to to plan plan operations operations as as would would have have done done called the the “Fighting "Fighting Munsiff” Munsiff"., credit to an army commander. For this he was called The giving him him rewards and The Government Government of of India India recognized recognized his his services services by giving

520 520

B EN G A L ZAMINDAR Z A M IN D A R A BENGAL

a jm gir worth 10,000 in details see ajai,gir worth Rs, Rs. 10,000 in the the district district of Gorakhpur. Gorakhpür. For For details see HP, HP, Nov. 6, 1874 1874 and Abanimohan Abanimohan Bandyopadhyay, Bandyopadhyay,Uttarpara UttarparaVivaran, Vivaran, pp. 12-13. 12-13. 17. 17. Notice issued issued by by C. B. Skinner, Jt. Jt. Magistrate Magistrate of of Jessore, Aug. 17, 17, 1857, 1857, F Fl,I, Aug. 27, 1857. 1857. 18. HaUiday’s Minute Minute on on the theMutinies Mutinies as asthey theyaffected affected the the lower lower provinces 18. Sir F. Halliday's under the the Government Government of of Bengal, 1858, 1858, Buckland, I, p. p. 139. 139. 19. July 16, 16, 1857. 1857. 19. F Fl,I, July 20. P. C. (1352B.S.), B.S.),p.p.65; 65;Jnanendra Jnanendra Nath Nath Kumar, G. Santra, Santra,Rani RaniRashmani Raskmam (1352 Vamsa Parichay II, 11, p. p. 390. Varna Parichay 390. 21. Leonard p. 139. LeonardCooper, Cooper,Havelc'cic, Havelock, p. 139. 21a. Rajmmyan Basur Atmacharit, 21 a. Rajnarayan Atmacharit,pp. pp. 102-4. 'Clemency' 22. Michael MichaelMadagan, Madagan, ‘Clemency’Canning, Canning, p. p. 140. 140. 23. HP, HP,Dec. Dec.17, 17,1857. 1857. HP,Dec. Dec.31, 31,1857. 1857. 24. HP, HP, Dec. Dec.10, 10,1857. 1857. 25. HP, 26. Sen, p. 418. 418. 26. Sen, BH, january 24, 27. Report Report of of the the 5th 5th annual annual meeting meeting of of the BIA held on January 24, 1857, 1857, BH, 27,27, 1857 in Saznayikp acre Feb. 11, 11, 1857; 1857;Sanwad SanwadBhaskar, Bhaskar, editorial editorialofofJanuary January 1857 in Samayikpatre Banglar Samajchitra, Samajchitra,Vol. Vol.I III, Banglar l l , pp. pp. 369-12. 369-72. 28. Ibid. Ibid. 29. Ibid. Bid. 30. Ibid. Ibid. 31. A A Member Memberofofthe theBritish BritishIndian Indian Association, Observationson onthe theNew MemSale Sale Law Law Association, Observations B ill, pp. 9-10. 9-10. Bill, Ibid., p. 11. 11. 32. Ibid., Ibid., p. p. 12. 12. 33. Ibid., Ibid., p. 22. 22. 34. Ibid., 35. Ibid., Ibid., p. 24. 24. , _ 36. Ibid., Ibid., p. 13. 13. 37. Ibid., Ibid., p. 27. 27. 38. Ibid., Ibid., pp. p p . 14-15. 14-15. 39. Ibid., Ibid., pp. pp. 16-17. 16-17. 40. Ibid., Ibid., pp. pp. 17-18. 17-18. 41. Ibid. Ibid. _ 42. Ibid., p. 18. It appears that Jaykrishna 42. Ibid., p. 18. jaykrishna knew better about the experiment of of coffee cultivation in in Bengal Bengalthan than the the optimistic optimisticwriter writeron on ‘Coffee 'Coffeeinin the the East’ East' coffee cultivation in the Review,Vol. Vol.XXXVIII, March, 1857. the Calcutta Calcutta Review, X V III, March, 1857. 43. Observations Observations on on the Sale Law Law13i11, B ill, p. 19. the New New Sale p. 19. Ibid., p. 20. 20. 44. Ibid., Ibid., pp. pp. 25-26. 25-26. 45. Ibid., Ibid., p. 26. 26. 46. Ibid., 47. FI,jan. F I, Jan.22, 22,1857. 1857. HP, Feb. Feb.19 19& & April April16, 16,1857. 1857. 48. HP, 49. BH, BH, May May 20, 20, 1857. 1857. Introduction Regzdations of of the Bengal 50. Buckland, Buckland, I,I,pp. pp.56-57; 56-57;C.C.D.D.Field, Field, Introductionto tothe the Regulations Code, pp. 122-28. Code, pp. 122-28. the Town H Hall, 51. CorrectedReport Report of Proceedings ooffaa Public Meeting at (he all, Calcutta (1857), 51. Corrected of Proceedings Public Meeting p.2. p. 2.

NOTES A AND N D REFERENCES REFERENCES

521 5 21

52. Ibid., p. 67. 53. Ibid., p. 68. 54. Ibid., Ibid., p. p. 68-69. 68-69. 55. Ibid., Ibid., p. p. 72. 72,Harriet HarrietBeecher BeecherStowe's Stowe’sUnde UncleTom's Tom’sCabin Cabin (1852), (1852), which which PalPal­ merston read brought tears totoGladstone's readthree threetimes timesand andwhich which, brought tears Gladstone’seyes, eyes,seems seems have had had aapowerful powerful impact impact on on aasection sectionof ofIndian Indianintelligentsia intelligentsia as aswell. well. to have 56., Reportof ofaaPublic PublicMeeting Meetingon onthe theextension extensionof ofthe thejurisdiction 74. 56. Report jurisdiction of of Criminal Criminal Courts, Courts, p. p. 74. 57. HP, HP,April April 9, 9,1857. 1857. 58. BH, April April 7, 7, 1857; 1857; Fl, F I, April April16, 16,1857. 1857. 59. HP, 59. H P, April April 16, 16, 1857. 1857. 60. P.P.N. (ed.), Chronicle 1851-1952,p. p. 21. 21. 60. N.Singh SinghRoy Roy (ed.), Chronicleofofthe theBritish BritishIndian Indian Association Association 1851-1952, €1. 9, 1857. 1857. 61. BH, June 9, 62. The 62. Thepetition petitionofJuly ofJuly21, 21,1857, 1857,Englishman, Englishman, August 12, 12, 1857. 63. For For the the curious curious origin origin of of the movement resulting resulting in in the Hindu Metropolitan College see Sivanath Sivanath Sastri, Sastri,Ramlanu Ramtanu Lahiri Lahiri 0OTatkalin TatkalinBangasamaj, Bangasamaj, p. p.83. 83. 64. HP, HP,Aug. Aug. 27, 27, 1857. 1857. Bijaykrishna Mukherjee's Mukherjee’s report report in inUttarpara Uttarpara Pakshik Pakshik Patrika, Sravan 65. Bijaykrishna Patrika, Vol. Vol. I, Sravan 32, 1264 B.S., No. 17, 17, pp. pp. 237-40. 237-40. Ibid. 66. Ibid. 67. BH,June 67. BH, June25, 25, 1857. 1857. 68. J.J .Long, BengaliLanguage, Language,1857, 1857,(Selections (Selectionsfrom fromthe the records records 68. Long,Publications, Publications, in the Bengali Bengal Government, Government,No. No. XXXXII) of the Bengal X X II) pp. pp. liv-lvi. liv-lvi. 9. BH, 69. BH,Aug. Aug. 23, 23, 1857. 1857. 70. Bhagavan (1857: Tamohar 'I'amohar Press, 70. Bhagavan Chandra Chandra Mukherjee, Mukherjee,Vainsavali Vamsavali Grantha Grantha (1857: Press, Serampore: Printed by JJ.. H. Serampore: H . Peters). Peters). 71. Brajendranath BrajendranathBandyopadhyay, Bandyopadhyay,Bangla BanglaSamayife Samayik Patra, 1818-1867, pp. 231-32. Poirika, No. No, 13, pp. 155-56. 72. Uttarpara Uttarpara Pakshik Pakshik Patrika, 155-56. 73. RPUM,Jan. RPUM , Jan.21, 21,April April11, 11,May May1,1,Aug. Aug.28, 28,Sept. Sept.23, 23,Nov. Nov.18, 18,1857. 1857. 74. Jaykrishna’s Jaykrishna's memorandum (MS) for his PMFU. 74. his autobiography, PMFU, 75. Ibid. 75. ibid.

CHAPTER 99 UNDER A CLOUD UNDER CLOUD JaykrishnaMukherjca MukherjeatotoJ.JJ.. J. Grey, March 8, 1858, A Few Motes a Recent 1. Jaykrishna Grey, March 8, 1858, A Few .Notes onon a Recent Trial Judicature, p. xii. Trial illustrative illustrative of of Mofussil Judicature, xii. 2. Fl, F I,June June10, 10,1858; 1858;AFewJ'iotes. A Few Notes.

3. BH, BH, Dec. Dec. 14, 14,1858. 1858. Becharam Becharam Chatterjee, Chatterjee, the thewell-known well-known preacher of of the the Adi Adi Brahmo Brahmo Samaj, Samaj, was working working as a teacher teacher in in the theBoluti Boluti School. School. In In this case he gave gave evidence evidence against against Jaykrishna and and left leftthe theschool schoolshortly. shortly. Letters of ofMaharshi MaharshiDevendra Devendra .Wath, PriyanathSastri, Sastri,pp. pp.129-32, 129-32,quoted quoted in Letters Nath, ed.ed. Priyanath Binay Ghose, Samayik Samayik Patre Banglar p. 673. 673. Binay Ghose, Banglar Samaj SamajChitra, Chitra,Vol. Vol. II, II, p. 4. BH, BH,Dec. Dec, 10, 10, 1858. 1858. Howrah District DistrictGazetteer, Gazetteer, p. 27. 27. 5. Howrah etc., pp. pp. 1-36. 6. BH, BH,Dec. Dec.14, 14,1858; 1858;AAFew FewJ'fotes Noteson on aa Recent Recent Trial etc., 1-36. 7. BH, BH,Dec. Dec. 14, 14, 1858; 1858; Fl, F I,Dec. Dec.16, 16,1858. 1858. 8. FA. FA. 9. Kali KaliPrasanna PrasannaSinha, Sinha,Hutom HutomPyanchar Pyanehar Xaksa, Naksa, pp. 39-40. 39-40.

522

A A BBENGAL ENGAL Z ZAMINDAR A M IN D A R

10. Ibid. 11. 103. 11. Ibid., p. 103. 12. HP, 12. HP, Dec. Dec. 16, 16, 185& 18581 13. HP, 13. HP, Dec. Dee. 23, 23, 1858. 1858. 14. A a Recent RecentTrial, Trial, etc., etc., pp. pp. 1-36. AFew Few Notes Motes on a 1-3®. . 15. BhudevCharit, Bhudeo Charit, Vol. 179-80. Vol. I,I, pp. 179-80. Notes etc., etc.,pp. pp. cxlii-clii. 16. A Few Motes 17. Ibid. 17. 18. Ibid. 18. Ibid. 19. Ibid. 20. HP, Jan; 27, 1859. 1859. 20. HP, Jan. 27, 21. HP, Feb. Feb. 3, 3, 1859. 1859. 21. HP, TheDacca Dacca News, News, Feb. 17, 1859. 1859. 22. The Feb. 10, 10, 1859, 1859, quoted quoted in in HP, Feb. 17, 23. AFew A Few.t'Ioths Motes etc., 1. etc.,p.p.1. Ibid. 24. Ibid. 25. Ibid. Ibid. 26. Ibid. Ibid. 27. Ibid. Ibid. 28. Ibid. Ibid. E. Latour Latourbecame becamethe thetarget targetofofmuch muchcriticism, criticism,especially especially of of zamindars, zamindars, BH, May 5 & & 9, 9, 1859. 1859. Certain Certain landholders landholders led by Digambar Mitra M itra petipeti■tioned tionedthe theGovt. Govt,for forLatour's Latour’sremoval removalfrom fromhis hispost postofofcivil civiland andsessions sessionsjudge judge of the 24-parganas. They cited Jaykrishna’s Jaykrishna's case as an evidence of Latour’s Latour's anti-zamindar bias. (D. Mitra Mitra to tothe theSecy, Secy,Govt. Govt,ofofBengal, Bengal, May May 18, 18, 1861, 1861, 1861). Latour Latour defended defended himself; himself, and Jaykrishna’scase, case, PJD, July, July, 1861). and referring to toJaykrishna's slowed the some of the the said: "This “This and and other cases. cases . .. .. showed theextreme extremelawlessness lawlessness of some zamindars in neighbourhood of zamindars in the immediate neighbourhood ofthe the capital”. capital". (Latour to the Secy,Govt. Govt,of ofBengal, Bengal, May May 23, 23, 1861, 1861, PJD, July 1861, 1861, No. No. 5). The The Govt. Govt, of Sey, PJD,July of Bengal Bengal was wassatisfied satisfiedwith withLatour’s Latour'sexplanation explanationand and rejected rejected the the landholders' petition. 1686A of 1861) It did did not notrevise revise its its petition. (No. 1686A ofJuly July2,2, 1861, 1861,PJD, PJD, July 1861) decision itra to to decisioneven evenafter afteraa fresh fresh petition petitionfrom fromDigambar DigambarMitra. Mitra. (D. (D. M Mitra Govt., Sept. 5, 1861, 1861, No. 204. to D. Mitra, M itra,Sept. Sept.16, 16,1861, 1861, 204. E. E. H H.. Lushington to No. 2452A whether Jaykrishna was directly directly 2452APJD, PJD, Sept. Sept. 1861. 1861.Itisnotknown ItisnotknownwhetherJaykrishnawas • connected with the the move move to to discomfit discomfit Latour. Latour. 29. AAFew FewNotes Motes etc., etc., pp.. pp.· 1-36. 1-36. 30. Ibid., Ibid., pp. pp. 34-36. 34-36. if f , July July 16, 16,1859. 1859. 31. HP, Queen Bose sea Mook32. Defence DefenceCounsel's Counsel’sarguments, arguments,The The Queenv.v,Petumbr Petmnber Boseand andJokis Jaykissm Mookerjee, erjee,pp. pp. 31-33. 33. BH, BH,Feb.28, Feb. 28,1861; 1861;Engli.c/wzan, Englishman, May May9,9,1860; 1860;BH, BH,June June2,2, 1860; 1860;BH, BlI, June June 8, 1860. 34. Englishman, Englishman, May May 11, 11,1860. 1860. May 9, 9, 1860, 1860, quoted quoted in BH, May BH, June June 8, 8, 1860. 1860. 35. BH, 36. Fl, F I,April April10, 10,1862. 1862. 37. Ibid. Ibid. 38. BH, BH, Feb. Feb. 25, 25, 1861. 1861. Feb.25, 25, 1861, 1861,quoted quoted in in HP, HP, Feb. 27, 39. Englishman, Englishman, Feb. 27, 1861. 1861. 40. BH, Feb. Feb. 28, 28, 1861 1861 quoted in HP, HP, March March 6, 6,1861. 1861. 41. HP, HP, Feb. Feb. 27, 27, 1861. 1861.

NOTES A AND ND REFERENCES REFERENCES

**

523; 52

queen v. Petwnber Bose and JoykLcsen 42. Peterson's Peterson’sargument, argument,The Tim Queen v. Petumber Base and Jaykissen Mookejee, Mookerjee, pp. 30-33. pp. 30-33. 43. B!!, BH,May May3,3,1861.. 1861, 44. L. thethe defence, TheThe Queen v. Petu.'nber Bose and Joykissen. L,Clarke's Clarke’sreply replytoto defence, Queen v. Petumber Bose and Jaykissen Mookerjee, Mookerjee,pp. pp. 118-19. 118-19. 45. Mofussil Mofussil news, news, May 5, 1861, 1861, BH, B!!, May May 7, 7, 1861. 1861. Patwa, The TheQ.ueen Queen v. v, Petuinber Petumber Bose Mohammedan 46. Fatwa, Bose and and another, another,pp. pp. 128-29. Mohammedaa law officers served in the officers served the triple triple capacity capacityof oflaw lawofficers officers of of civil civil courts, law ith the the introintro­ officers of of the the courts courts of sessions sessionsand andas asassistants assistantsto toMagistrates. Magistrates. W With duction duction of of the the new coda codes of of Criminal Criminal Law and and Procedure, Procedure, the the seoond second category of duties had had ceased. ceased. Early Earlyin in1862, 1862,the theGovt. Govt,ofofBengal Bengalcame cameto tothe thedecision decision that officerswere wereno no longer longer required. The that the theservices services of of these officers The GovernorGovernorGeneral-in-Council sanctionedthis this arrangement arrangement (order of General-in-Council sanctioned of Feb. Feb. 6,6,1862, 1862, Home Judicial Progs. Prop. Nos. Nos. 6-7, 6-7, Feb. Feb. 6, 6, 1862, 1862, National National Archives Archives of India.) Had Jaykrishna's Judge after 1862, Had Jaykrishna’scase casecome come up up before before the theSessions Sessions Judge afterFeb. Feb.6, 6,1862,. he would have been spared the the ordeal ordeal of ofbeing being tried tried by bythe the Mohammedan Mohammedan Law Officer whose whosefatwa twice convicted convictedhim. him and and proved to be fatwa twice be the the cause of of his undoing. Aug. 13, 13, 1861, 1861,quoted quoted in in HP, HP, Aug. 15, 47. Englishman, Englishman, Aug, 15, 186!. 1861. 48. HP, HP,Dec. Dec. 30, 30,1861. 1861. 49. News News contributed contributedby bythe theHurkaru's Hurkaru’smofussil mofussil correspondent, BH, BH, Jan. Jan.15,1862. 15,1862. Report of 50. Full of the the case, case, BH BH & & Supplement, Supplement, April April7, 7,1862. 1862. 50. Full Report 51. On December jaykrishna through his son, Haramohan, donated December 3, 1862, 1862, Jaykrishna P.s. 500 500 to to the Lancashire Relief Fund Fund to which Rs. Lancashire Distress Distress Relief which Rajkrishna Rajkrishna and and. Harihar each Fl,I, Dec. Harihar each subscribed subscribed Rs. 100, 100, F Dec, 4, 4, 1862. 1862. Was Hararnohan Haramohan trying tryingsimply to rouse the sympathy sympathy of of the theGovt. Govt,for foraagenerous generous convict, convict, or or was he simply* trying to outbid his his uncle and cousin? cousin ? 52. Fl, F I,April April10, 10,1862. 1862. 53. Selections, Selections, HP, HP, April April 7, 7, 1862. 1862. 54. HP, HP, April April 28, 28, 1862. 1862. 55. Ibid. Ibid. May 7, 7, 1862, 1862,quoted quoted in in HP, HP, May 12, 56. The TheDacca Dacca J'Iews, News, May 12, 1862. 1862. 57. lIP, HP,Oct. Oct.20, 20,1862. 1862. 58. BH, BH, April April 21, 21,1862. 1862. 59. BH, BH, April April 10, 10, 1862. 1862. 60. BH, April 20, 1862; F.J. Jails, L. L. P. to the 60. April 20, 1862; F. J . Mouat, Mouat,Inspector-General Inspector-General of Jails, Secy, Govt, Govt. of Bengal, April 28, 28, 1862; Secy, Bengal, April 1862; JJ. . D. Gordon, Gordon, Jt. Secy. Secy. Govt. Govt, of Bengal to to the the Inspector Inspector General General of ofJails, Jails, L. L. P., May 12, Bengal 12, 1862, 1862, PJD (Jails), (Jails), May, 1862. 1862. Vol. IX, Joykissen 61. Moore's Moore’s Indian Indian Appeals, Appeals, Vol. IX , 1861-64, 1861-64,pp. pp.168-94, 168-94, JaykissenMookerjee Mookerjee v. queen; Shumbhoo Shumbhoo Chunder pp. 289-92. The Queen; ChunderDey, Dey,Hooghly Hooghly Pact Past and and Present, Present, pp. 62. HP, HP,Nov. Nov.*10, 10,1862. 1862. Jan. 21, 63. PJD, PJD, Feb. Feb.1863, 1863, Nos. Nos. 802-07 802-07 of Jan. 21, 1863. 1863. 64. Quoted Quoted in In HP, HP,Feb. Feb.23, 23,1863. 1863. 65. HP,Jan. 65. HP, Jan.5,5,1863. 1863. 66. The TheLt.-Governor's Lt.-Governor’sMinute, Minute, Jan. Jan.20, 20,1863, 1863, PJD, PJD, Feb. Feb. 1863. 1863. 67. B. Peacock's March 3, 67. Peacock’s Minute, Jan. 24, 24, 1863, 1863, Home Home Judicial Proceedings, Proceedings, March 1863, National National Archives Archives of of India. India. 1863,

524

' A A BENGAL BENGAL ZAMINDAR ZAMINDAR

I 68. 68. B. Peacock’s Peacock'sMinute, Minute, Nov. Nov.22, 22, 1862, 1862,ibid., ibid.,March March3,3, 1863, 1863, The The National

Archives of India. 69. Petition of Nov. I,1, 1863 69. of Joykissen Joykissen Mookerjee, Mookerjee, Nov. 1863 [West [West Bengal Secretariat Library], Library]. Judicial Proceedings, The National Archives Archives of ofIndia, India. 70. Home Judicial Proceedings, March March 3, 1863, The 71. Secy, Home 71. Secy, HomeDeptt., Deptt.,Judicial JudicialBranch, Branch,to to the the Registrar Registrar of of the the Calcutta Calcutta High High Court, 3, 1863, 1863, Home Home Judi. Judl. Progs., Prop., March March 3, 3, 1863, 1863, The The National National Court, March 3, Archives Archives of of India, India. 72. 72. HP, May II, 11,1863. 1863. 73. 11 & & July July 23, 23, 1863. 1863. 73. F Fl,I, June June 11 '74. Sept. 30, 1863. 74. Bengoiee, Bengalee, Sept. 1863. 75. Petition of of Joykissen Joykissen Mookerjee, Mookerjee, Nov. 1, 1863 1863 (West [West Bengal Bengal Secretariat Secretariat '75. Nov. 1, Library.] Library.] 76. Hooghly district were found 76. Two powerful zamindars zarnindars of of Telenipara Telenipara in in the Hooghly guilty guilty of kidnapping kidnapping two two men men to to prevent them them from giving giving evidence evidenceinin an an affray case 1858, the abduction of of case in in 1858, the year Jaykrishna Jaykrishna was charged charged with the abduction Madan Dc. De. (Fl, (F I, Oct. Oct. 14, 14,1858). 1858). Such Such crimes crimes were not at at all all uncommon uncommon in rural Bengal. 77. Sanjib Chandra Chatteijee,Jal Ja Pratapchand, l Pratapchand, p. p. 150. 150. 77. Sarsjib Chandra Chattetjee, 78. Dey, Dey, pp. pp. 246-51. 246-51. 79. HP,Jan. HP, Jan.26, 26,1863. 1863. 80. Fl, F I, Jan. Jan. 29, 29, 1863. 1863. .81. Somprakas, Feb. 2, 1863. «1. Somprakas, Feb. .82. 'Samajkuchitra', PyancharNaksa, Xaksa,p.p. 173. 173. Although Although Jaykrishna Jaykrishria was •82. ‘Samajkuchitra’, Hutom Hutom Pyamkar largely successful successful inin living unsavoury antecedents, antecedents, the the stigma stigma largely living down down his unsavoury attached to his Some time after his his death, his name name was was not not entirely entirely forgotten. Some Jadnlal Mullick Mullick his son Raja Raja Pearymohan Mukherjee opposed the election of ofJadulal for of the theVice-Presidentships Vice-Presidentships of ofthe theBritish British Indian IndianAssociation. Association, When for one of Jadulal was elected elected in spite spite of of his his opposition, opposition, Pearymohan sarcastically sarcasticaEy. re­ Jadulal was remarked:: “Shall "Shall we be guided guided by aaBanskclass?"Jadulal's marked Banik class ?” Jadulal’sreply reply was: was; "Is “Is this a convict 1"' See Swadhindjgta the word wordof ofa ason sonofof a convict?” See SwadhinchetaBagmi Bagmi.7adulal Jadulal. Molliker Malliker Jivankatha, compiled compiled by by Rasbehari Rasbehari Mullick (Calcutta, Jivankatha, (Calcutta,1361 1361 B.S.) B.S.) 83. Ibid., Ibid., p. p. 124. 124. 83a. Thomas Thomas R. R. Metcalf, Metcalf,The The4fiermath Aftermath of of Revolt, 182. Revolt,India India 1857-1870 1857-1870 p. p. 182. 84. Letter 84. Letter of of Justicia, BH, BH, Aug. Aug. 27, 27, 1859. 1859. «5. BH, Sept. Sept. 12, 12, 1859. 1859. . 85. BH, m . BH, Jan. 18, 1860. 1860. .86. Jan. 18, B7. HP,Dec. Dec, 31, 31, 1859. 1859. 27. HP, 88, A A Zamindar's Zamindar’sletter letterdated datedApril April16, 16,1860, 1860,BH, BH,April April 18, 18, 1860. 1860, 88. •89. Ibid. Ibid. .89. 90. Ibid. •90. Ibid. 91. Report '91. Report of of Me the Indigo Commission, Appendix, indigo Commission, Appendix,pp. pp. 40-41. Ibid. 92. Ibid. 93. Ibid. Ibid. Ibid. 94. Ibid. Bengal under the I, p. 54. 95. C. C.E.B,Buckland, Buckland, Bengal under theLieutenant-Governors, Lieutenant-Governors, I,, 54. BH, April April 17, 17,1860. 1860. 96. BH, 97. Ibid. •97. Ibid.

NOTES AND NOTES A N D REFERENCES REFERENCES

525 5 25

98. BH, May 98. May 22, 22, 1860. 1860. 99. Fl, F I, Aug. Aug. 21, 21, 1862. 1862. 99a. Hollingbery] The Zamindaiy I, 99a. [R. H. Ho11ingbry] Zamindari Settlement SettlementofofBengal, Bengal,i, i,Appendix Appendix XXI, p. 284. p.284. 100. Sachin of Bengal, Bengal, p. p. 225. SachinSen, Sen,Studies Studiesininthe theLand LandEconomics Economies of 225. 101. R RLRCB, i, pp. 25-26. .101. L R C B ,i,pp. 102. Somprakas, Aug. 4, 4, 1862. 102. Somprakas, Aug. 103. Ibid., June June 15, 103. 15, 1863. 1863. - , · 104. Ibid., Ibid., Aug. Aug. 10, 10, 1863. 1863. Com,nission,pp. pp. 37-41. 37-41. 105. Report Report of ofthe the Indigo Commission, 106. Ibid. Ibid. 107. FFl,I, April 10, 107. 10» 1862. 1862. 108. Ibid. Ibid. 109. Report of of the the Indigo Commission, Commission, pp. pp. 37-41. 110. BH, BH, Dec. 28, 1859. 110. 1859. 111. I, Jan 1,1,1863. 1863. 111. FFI,Jan 112. BIA Meeting, HP, Aug. 112. Half-yearly Half-yearly BIA Aug. 10, 10, 1863. 1863. 113. Fl, F I, Nov. 1863. Nov. 19, 1863. 113. 114. 114. Buckland, I, I, pp. pp.293-94. 293-94. 115. Report HP,, Nov. Reportof ofthe thespecial special meeting meetingof ofthe theBIA, BIA, Nov. Nov. 25, 1863, 1863, IIP Nov. 30, 30, 1863. 1863. 116. Correspondence: Letter 116. Correspondence: Letter of a Ryot dated dated Feb. Feb. 14, 14, 1860, 1860, lIP, IIP , Feb. Feb. 18, 18,1860. 1860. 117. From a native Jan. 18, 117. From native contributor, contributor, BH, Jan. 18, 1861. 1861. Chowdhury, Growth 118. Benoy of Commercial CommercialAgriculture Agriculture Bengal,I,I, p. p. 192. Benoy Chowdhury, Growth of ininBengal, 192. 119. BH, BH, Feb. Feb. 19, 19,1859. 1859. 120. Buckland, I, p. p. 187. 187. 120. 120a. Blair Mutiny, The 1859-1862, Blair B. Kiing, Kling, The Blue Mutiny, TheIndigo Indigo Disturbances in Bengal, 1859-1862, p. 52. 52. 12!. Chowdhury, p. 176. 121. Chowdhury, 176. 122. 122. BH, March March 66& & 7, 7,1860. 1860. 123. Bimanbehari Indian Political Associations BimanbehariMajumdar, Majumdar, Indian Political Associationsand andReform RrformofofLegislature Legislature (1818-1917), {1818-1917), p. 76. 76. 124. BH, BH, March March24, 24,1860. 1860. 125. BH,June2, 125. BH, June 2,1860. 1860. 126. HP, Sept. 30, 126. 30, 1858. 1858. 127.HP, HP, Dec. Dec. 16, 16, 1858.1 1858. I have have been been unable unable to trace this pamphlet, pamphlet. 127. pp. 37-41. 128. Report Report of of the the Indigo Indigo Commission, Commission, pp. 129. Ibid., Ibid., p. p. 38. 38. 130. Ibid. 130. 131. Ibid., p. 39. 131. 132. Ibid., 132. 133. Ibid., pp. pp. 39-40. 133. 134. 40. 134. Ibid., p. 40. 135. Ibid., p. 13. 135. 13. Murshidabad District District Gazetteer, Gazetteer, pp. 105-6. 105-6. 136. Murshidabad MichaelMaclagan, Madagan,'Clemency' 'Clemency'Canning, Canning, p. 137. Michael p. 276. 138. Ibid., p. 277. 138. 139. Buckland, I, p. 139. Buckland, p. 192. 192. Murshidabad District District Gazetteer, Gazetteer, p. 106. 140. Murshidabad p. 106.

5 26 526

A ENGAL Z A M IN D A R A B BENGAL ZAMINDAR

141. Chandra Ghose, Ghose, 'How ‘HowPatriots Patriotsare areserved', served’,from fromthe the Bengalee, July July 19, 19, 141. Giris Girls Chandra Bengalee, 1863, &lectians Selectionsfrom GirishChunder Chtmder Ghose, from the the Writings of of Githh Chose, p. p. 535. 142. HP, July 10 10 & & 17, 17, 1861. 1861. 142. HP, 143. HP, Sept. 143. Sept. 5, 5, 1861. 1861. 144. 1861, HP, HP, June 23, 1862. 1862. 144. Report of the meeting held held on on Dec. Dec. 11, Ii, 1861, June 23, 145. Murshidabad District Gazetteer, Gazetteer, p. 145. Murshidabad p. 106. 146. Maclagan, p. 140. 140. 146. Indian Speeches and Documentson on British Rule, Bide, 1821-1918, 1821-1918, J.K. K .Majumdar Majumdar (ed.), 147. J. (ed.), Indian Speeches and Documents pp. 76-78. pp. 76-78. 148. HP, HP, Dcc. Dec. 9, 9,1858. 1858. Petition of of the the Committee Committee oIBIA, ofBIA , 1860, 1860, PBIA, Vol. II, II, 1859-70. 1859-70. 149. Petition 150. 'BR,, May 12, 150.'BH 12, 1858. 1858. ' 151. BIA Meeting, Feb. 26, 26, 1859, 1859, BR, BH, March March 31, 31, 1859. 1859. 151. BIA 152. Report Report of of aa monthly monthly general general meeting of BIA, 1850, PBIA, BIA, June June 30, 1850, PBIA, Vol. Vol. II, II, ' pp. 19-20. pp. 19-20. 153; MonthlyMeeting Meetingof ofBIA, BIA, July July 30, 30, 1859, 1859, PBIA, Vol. 11, II, pp. 4-6. 153 Monthly pp.4-6. 154. Report Report of of Meeting, Sept. 6, 1860, 1860, PBIA, PBIA, Vol. Vol. II. II. 155. 155. Petition Petition dated Jan. 2, 2, 1861, 1861, BR; BH, Jan. Jan. 5, 5,1861. 1861. 156. Monthly Monthly meeting meeting of ofBIA, BIA, April April 24, 24, 1861, 1861, BH, BH, May May 7, 7, 1861. 1861. 157. Annual Annual Report Report of BIA PBIA, Vol. Vol. II. II. The words 157. BIA for 1860, 1860, PBIA, words here quoted quoted were Jaykrishna’s Jaykrishna's favourite. He expressed this this idea idea almost in in these very very terms terms elsewhere writings. elsewhere in in his speeches and writings. 158. PBIA, Vol. Vol. II. II. 158. Report Report of of the monthly meeting on Sept. 21, 1859, 1859, PBIA, 159. ftalf-yearly Half-yearly general general meeting meeting of of BIA, July 29, 29, 1863, 1863, HP, HP, Aug. Aug. 10, 10, 1863. 1863. 159. 160. BR, BH, quoted in in HP, HP,Dec. Dec. 12, 12, 1860. 1860. 160. 161. Amales Tripathi, ‘TheFinancial FinancialPolicy Policyof ofthe theBritish BritishRaj Raj1858-1865', 1858-1865’,Bengal Bengal 161. Arnales Tripathi, 'The and Present, Present, July-December, p, 237. 237. Past and July-December, 1970, p. F I, Dec. Dec. 13, 13,1860. I860, 162. Fl, 163. HP, July July 16, 16,1859. 1859. 163. HP, 164. HP, Oct. 164. HP, Oct. 8, 8, 1859. 1859. 165. Oct. 22, 22, 1859. 1859. 165. HP, Oct. 166. Sept. 26, 26, 1859. 1859. 166. HP, lIP, Sept. 167. P. Chronicle (1851.1952), 167. P. N. N.Singh SinghRoy Roy(ed.), (ed.), Chronicleofofthe theBritish BritishIndian IndianAssociation Association (1851-1952), pp. 32-33. pp. 32-33. 168. 'Justice ‘JusticeWells', Wells’,Hutom HutomPyanchar Pyanchar.Nahoa, Naksa, pp. pp. 63-64. 169. 10, 1859. 1859. 169. BH, BR, Dec. 10, 170» 170. Report of the monthly meeting of BIA, BIA,June June 13, 1860, 1860, PBIA, PB1A Vol. Vol. II, II. 171. Nares NaresChandra ChandraSengupta Sengupta(ed.), (ed.), Selectionsfrom the the Writings Writings of HunishChunder Chsmder Selections f Huirish Mookerji, G. Mookerji, p. p. G. 172. The Dacca Dacca Mews, P, April 24, 1861. 1861, 172. The .Wews,April April23, 23,1861, 1861,quoted quotedininHHP, 173. Satis Chandra Mitra, Mitra, Jasohar-Ehulnar Jasohar-Khulnar Itihasa, 728-30; HP, 173. Satis Itihaa, ii, ii, pp. pp. 728-30; HP, April 28, 1860. 1860. 174. Fl, F I, May May3, 3,1860. 1860. 174. 175. BH, BR, May11, 175. May 11,1860. 1860. 176. June 8,1862. 1862. · 176. HP, HP,June8, 177. 1858, JJ.. K. K,, Majumdar Majumdar(ed.), (ed.),Indian Indian 177. Ramgopal Ramgopal Ghose’s Ghose's speech speechon on Nov. Nov. 3, 3, 1858, Speeches 77. Speechesand andDocuments DocumentsononBritish BritishRule, Rule,1821-1918, 1821-1918, p. p. 77. 178. Mary Carpenter, Carpenter,Six SixMonths Months in India, pp. 244-46. 244-46. 178. Mary India, I,I, pp.

NOTES A N D REFERENCES REFERENCES AND

527 527

179. Subodh Mukerjec, Development ofof Libraries and Library SubodhKumar Kumar Mukerjee, Development Libraries and LibraryScience Sciencein in India, India, p. 26. 180. Jan. 27, 27, 1862. 1862. 180. HP, HP,Jan. 181. R PI, 1858-59, 1858-59, p. 14. 14. 181. G GRPI, 182. Ibid., Ibid., 1857-58, 1857-58, p. 293. 293. . · ■■ : i · i ··. = 183. Ibid., 1859.60, 1859-60, pp. pp. 302-3. 302-3. 184. Hutom Pjanchar .Wakja, p. 142. HutomPyamharMaksa,p. 142. . ,. t . 185. Lodge's 185. Lodge’s Report Report ending ending Oct. Oct. 1857, 1857, GRPI, G R P I,1857-58, 1857-58,p.. p. 1. I. 186. Ibid., 1858-59. 186. 1858-59. Indigo Commission, Commission,Question Questionno. no. 3817, 3817, p. 187. Report Riport of ofthe the Indigo p. 39. 39. 188. BH, BH, Dec. Dec. 28, 28,1859. 1859. 189. P Fl,I, Jan. 189. Jan. 1,1,1863. 1863. 190. HP, HP, April April27, 27, 1863. 1863. \, 391. HP,Ju1y29, 191. HP, July 29,1858. 1858. 192. 9th annual 192. annual Report Reportof ofBIA. BIA. 1193.HP, HP,July July 16 & Aug. 13, 193. 13, 1859. 1859. 194. 1860. 1194.BH, BH, Feb. Feb. 8, 1860. 195. HP, Feb. 3, 1862. 195. 1862. 196. BH, BH, Feb. Feb. 20, 20, 1862. 1862. 197. Joges Chandra ChandraBagal, Bagal,Radhakanta Radhakanta Deb, pp. 31-32. 31-32. 198. BH, BH, Feb. Feb. 11, 11, 1861. 1861. 199. University of Calcutta, The 1906,Part Part II, II, p. 199. The Calendar, Calendar, 1906, p. 225. 225. 200. Ibid., Ibid., p. 98. 98. BH, Feb.11, 11,1860. 1860. 201. BH,Feb. 202. Ibid. Ibid. 203. Abani Abani Mohan MohanBandyopadhyay, Bandyopadhyay,Uttarpara Uttarpara Vivaran, Viaaran, p. p. 47. 204. RPUM, RPUM ,May May4, 4,1859. 1859. 205. Ibid., Ibid., May May 5, 5, 1859. 1859. 206. Ibid., Ibid., April April 30, 30, 1860. 1860. 207. The BH,Jan. 207. The Bi-Weckly Bi-Weekly BH, Jan. 17, 17, 1861. 1861. 208. 7-28. 208. HDG, HDG,pp. pp.12127-28. D.G. G.Crawford, Crawford,Hugh/i HughliMedical MedicalGacetteer, Gazetteer, pp. pp. 115-16. 115-16. 209. D. 210. HP,June 210. HP, June29, 29,1863. 1863. 211. Crawford, 121. In In Dwarvasini, which Jaykrishna Jaykrishna and Rajkrishna Crawford, p. p. 121. Dwarvasini, which Rajkrishaa had had bought 2,700 inhabitants bought in in 1853, 1853, out out of of2,700 inhabitants1,900 1,900perished perishedin infive five or or six six years years and and out of of the the remaining remaining 800, 800, scarcely scarcely 200 were able-bodied men. The case case of Dwarvasini Dwarvasini was typical. typical. 212. BH, BH,Dec. Dec.12, 12,1859. 1859. *

CHAPTER 10 CHAPTER 10 REHABILITATION 1. HP, HP, Jan. Jan. 1,1,1866. 1866. This This gives gives a detailed detailed report report of ofSir Sir John John Lawrence's Lawrence’s visit visit to Uttarpara Uttarparaon onwhich whichthe thefollowing following account accountisisbased. based. 2. Cf. Cf. the thecase caseof ofR.aja Raja Radhakanta Radhakanta Deb Deb who, who, after after his his acquittal acquittal from from the criminal charge in in 1848, was invited invited by by Sir John Maddock, criminal charge 1848, was Maddock, the the Deputy Deputy on him, him, Shumbhoo ShumbhooChunder ChunderDey, Dey,Hoogh!, Governor of Bengal, Bengal, to call on HooghlyPast Past and pp. 250-51. m d Present, Present, pp. 250-51.

528 528

A BBENGAL ZAMINDAR A' ENGAL Z A M IN D A R

3. HP,Jan. HP, Jan.1,1,1866. 1866, 4. Ibid. Ibid. Ibid. 5. Ibid. 6. Ibid. Ibid. Ibid. Rajnarain RajnaramBose Bose in 1873 1873 dwelt on the the same same theme theme in in his his Se Se Kal ar E Kal. Kal. 7. Ibid. arE In fact he he referred referred specifically specifically to Lawrence’s remark, In fact to Sir Sir John John Lawrence's remark, made made at Uttarpara Uttarpara eight eight years years ago, ago, to to illustrate illustrate his his point: point; the theprogressive progressive deterioradeteriora­ E Kal. p. 37. tion of the physical strength of the Bengalis. Se ScKal Kalar arE 8. HP, IIP , Jan. Jan. 1,1,1866. 1866. 9. Ibid. Ibid. Ibid. 10. Ibid. Mary Carpenter, Carpenter,Svc Six Months Months in pp. 239-47. 239-47. 11. Mary in India, India, Vol. Vol. I, I, pp. 12. Report of the third third annual annual meeting meeting of the Uttarpara Uttarpara }litakari Hitakari Sabha, BH, 12. BH 3, 1866. 1866. May 3, 13. Sachin SachinSea, Sen,Studies Studiesininthe theLand LandEconomics Economics of 226. . of Bengal, p. 226. 14. Fl, 14. F I, Aug. Aug. 3, 3, 1865. 1865. 15. A A Lover LoverofofJustice, Justice,Permanent PermanentSettlement Settlement Imperilled, Imperilled, p. p. 49. 16. “A Zamindar's" Zanundar’s”letter letterof ofApril April16, 16,1860, 1860, BIf, BH,April April 18, 18, 1860. 1860. 16. "A 17. PSI. PSI. 18. 44-46. 18. Ibid., pp. 44-46. 19. Ibid. 20. Ibid. Bid. 21. Ibid. Ibid. 22. Ibid. Ibid. 23. Shekh ShekhMuslihudin MuslihudinSadi SadiofofShiraz, Shiraz,The TheGuIL.ctan, Gulistan, Chapter IX , p. 52 52. ChapterI,I,Story Story XXIX, In quoting quoting Sadi, Sadi, Jaykrishna was was following following the cul­ the normal practice practice of the cultured men of of his generation. PSI. 24. PSI. Ibid. 25. Ibid. Ibid. 26. Ibid. Ibid. 27. Ibid. 28. Ibid. Ibid. 1 Ibid., pp. pp. 48-50. 48-50. 29. Ibid., 30. 50. 30. Ibid., p. 50. 31. HP, Jan. 8, 8,1866. 1866. 31. HP,Jan. 32. HP, May May 25, 25, 1868. 1868. 32. lIP, 33. C. C.E.E.Buckland, Buckland, Bengal underthe theLieutenant-Governors, Lieutenant-Governors, I,I, p. 439. 439. Bengal under S. C. C.Bayley Bayley to toall allCommissioners, Commissioners, Feb. 6, 6, 1867, 1867, PGD(E), PGD(E), Feb. Feb.1868. 1868, 34. 5. PRD,May May1869, 1869,Land LandRev. Rev.Br., Br.,Nos. Nos,301-2. 301-2. 35. PRD, letter of of March March 28, 28, 1868, 1868, ID)'!, ID N , June 17, 1868. 1868, 36. Jaykrishna’s Jaykrishna's letter June 17, FullReport Report of of the Public Meeting of ofthe the Landed LandedClasses Classes of of Bengal Bengal on on the the Edu-. Edu­ 37. ,A A Full cational held in in Calcutta 1868. cationaland andRoad RoadCess CessQuestion, Q.uestion, held Calcuttaon onSept. Sept. 2, 1868. Ibid. ■ 38. Ibid. 39. Ibid. Ibid. 40. Ibid. Ibid. 41. Ibid. Ibid. 42. Ibid. Ibid. 43. Ibid. Ibid.

NOTES A AND N D RE1ERENCES REFERENCES

5 29 529

44. Ibid. 44 Ibid. 45. Ibid. Ibid. 46. HP, HP, Sept. Sept. 7, 7, 1868. 1868. 47. Fl, F I, Sept. Sept. 24, 24, 1868. 1868. 48. Ibid., Ibid., Nov. Nov. 5, 5, 1868. 1868. 49. JJ.. M. M . Tagore Tagoreto to H. H.L. L.Dampier, Dampier,Nov. Nov.9,9,1868, 1868, PRD, PRD,May, May,1869. 1869. 50. I)ampier Dampier to toGovt. Govt,of ofIndia, India,April April30, 30,1869; 1869;E. E.C. C.Bayley Bayleyto toGovt. Govt,of ofBengal, Bengal, Sept. 30, 1869, PRD, Nov. Nov. 9, 9, 1869. 1869. 51. Buckland, I, p. p. 455. 455. 52. Digest Digest of of Privy byby G.G.S.S.Majoomdar, Privy Council CowwilRulings RulingsininIndian IndianCases Cases Majoomdar,pp. pp.40-41. 4041. 53. JaykissenMookerjee Mooketjeev. TheCollector Collector of of East Moore’s Indian Appeals, Appeals, 151553. Joykissen v. The East Burdwan, Moore's 16 , pp. 16-47. 16 Feb. Feb. 1864, 1864,Vol. Vol.XX, pp. 1647. 54. lIP, HP,July July 4, 4,1864, 1864. of the 54a. D. D. J.J .McNeille, McNeille,Report Reporton onthe theVillage Village Watch Watch of the Lower LowerProvinces Provinces of of Bengal, Bengal, ‘Special Burdwan’, pp. pp. 95-96. 95-96. 'Special Report on Burdwan', 55. Buckland, Buckland, I,I, pp. 472-73. pp. 472-73. 56. F Fl, I, Aug. 20, 20, 1868. 1868. 57. Ibid., Ibid., Sept. 1868. The The Serampore Serampore weekly weekly evidently evidently relied on the the inforinfor­ Sept. 3, 1868. mation Free Church Church mation supplied supplied by by the Rev. Jagadisvar Bhattacharya of the Free Mission at I, Sept. 1868) located Dwarvasini, an Mission at Mahanad (F (Fl, Sept. 20, 1868) located in in Dwarvasini, an estate near Pandua Pandua in in Hooghly, Hooghly, which which before before the Muslim Muslim invasion invasion had been the centre of a Hindu principality principality (HDG, (HDG, pp. pp. 259-60). 259-60). Fl, 58. 5, 1868, 1868, F I, Sept. Sept. 17, 17, 1868. 1868. 58. Jaykrishna’s Jaykrishna's letter, Sept. 5, 59. the Rev. Rev. Jagadisvar Jagadisvar Bhattacharya Bhattacharya of the 59. Probably he was none other than the Mission at Mahanad. Free Church Mission 60.' The TheFriend Friend of of India raiyat or or small small farmer, fanner, Fl, F I, 60. India described describedhim him as as an an educated rayat Oct. 1, 1, 1868. 1868. Fl, Letters of of 'Lover ‘Lover of of Truth', Truth’,Sept. Sept.14, 14,1868, 1868, F I, Sept. 14, 14, 1868, 1868, & Sept. Sept, 28, 28, 61. Letters 1868, F I, Oct. 1, 1, 1868. 1868. 1868, Fl, Fl, Oct. Letter of'ARyot', o f‘A Ryot’,Sept. Sept.28, 28,1868, 1868,7-7, Oct. 1, 1, 1868. 1868. 62. Letter Jaykrishna’s letter of of Sept. Sept. 23, 23, 1868, 1868, Fl, F I, Oct. 1, 1, 1868. 1868. 63. Jaykrishna's 64. Jaykrishna's Jaykrishna’s letter of of Oct. 5, 5, 1868, 1868, Fl, F I, Oct. Oct.8,8,1868. 1868. 65. Ibid. 65. Ibid. Fl, Oct. 8, Letter from from 'Lover ‘Lover of Truth’, Oct.6, 6,1868, 1868, F I, Oct. 8, 1868. 1868. 66. Letter Truth', Oct. 67. FA. FA. 68. S.D.R., S.D.R., 'Joykissen ‘Joykissen Mokerjee, Mokerjee, A A few few facts facts concerned concerned with withhis hislife', life’,J'fatumal National Magazine, Magazine,June, June, 1899, pp. 267-78. 69. Ibid., Ibid., p. 268. 268. FA. 70. FA. S.D.R.,'Joykissen ‘JoykissenMokerjee', Mokerjee’,National NationalMagazine, Magazine, June, 1899, p. p.267. 267. 71. S.D.R., June, 1899, 72. FA. FA. 73. Ibid. Ibid. Biharilal Sarkar, Sarkar,Vidyasagar, Vidyasagar, pp. 548-41, 540-41, Hitavadi, Hitavadi, Bhadra 30, 30, 1300 1300B.S., B.S., 74. Biharilal in Jaykrishna Jaykrishna Charita pp. 58-59. 58-59. · quoted in Charitaby byAmbika AmbikaCharan Charan Gupta, Gupta, pp. IsvarChandra ChandraVidyasagar VidyasagartotoRasbehari RasbehariMukherjec, Mukheijee,I 1 Vaisakh,1292 1292B.S(?). B,S(?). 75. Isvar Vaizakh, Report qf for West Report of the theRegional RegionalRecords Records Survey Survey Committee Committee for West Bengal, Bengal, 1959-60, 1959-60, p. 18. 18. FA. 76. FA. 34 34

5 530 30

A BBENGAL ZAMINDAR A ENGAL Z A M IN D A R

77. Ibid. 77. Ibid. 78. S.D.R., June, 1899 S.D.R.,'Joykissen ‘JoykissenMokherjee', Mokherjec’,National National Magazine, Magazine, June, 1899 p. 268. 268. 79. FA. FA. 80. Fl, F I,Oct. Oct.15 15&&Oct. Oct.21, 21»1868. 1868. 81. Ibid.,July8, Ibid., July 8,1869. 1869. 82. July 9, 82. Engli.chman, Englishman, July 9, 1870. 1870. 83. F I, April 1, 1, 1869. 1869. 83. Fl, Buckland, I,I, pp. pp.298-300. 298-300. 84. Buckland, 85. Jaykrishna Jaykrishnato toR. R.V. V .Cockerell, CockereE,Oct. Oct.29, 29,1864, 1864,HP, HP,Nov. Nov.14, 14,1864. 1864, 86. Jaykrishna's Fl, Jaykrishna’sletter letterof ofSept. Sept.23, 23,1868, 1868, F I, Oct. 1, 1, 1868. 1868. H. S. S.Srivastava, Srivastava, The The History of of Indian Indian Famines, Famines,pp. pp. 55-56. 87. H. 154. 88. HDG, p. 154. 88. HDG, p. Ambika Charan GharanGupta, Gupta,Jajkrishna JaykrishnaCharita, Ctmrita, pp. pp.74-75. 74-75. 89. Arnbika 90. HP, HP, Aug. 6, 1866. 1866. 90. 91. HDG, p. 154-55. 154-55. 91. HDG, p. 92. HP, 28, 1867. 1867. 92. HP, Jan. Jan. 28, 93. Ibid., Ibid., Sept. Sept. 30, 30, 1867. 1867. 94. S. S. C. C. Bailey Bailey to Jaykrishna, March 20, 20, 1867, 1867, Gupta, pp. pp. 75.76. 75-76. HDG,.p. 95. HDG, p. 128. 95. 128. Buckland, I, p. p. 291. 291. 96. Buckland, 97 British 97. p. P.N. N.Singh SinghRoy, Roy,Chronicle Chronicleofofthe the BritishIndian IndianAssociation, Association, p. 38; 38; Career,II, II, p. p. 65, n. Bholanath Chunder, Chunder,Raja RajaDigambar Digambar Mitra, M itra, His His Ljfe Life and Career, Buckland, I,I, pp. pp.292-93. 292-93. 98. Buckiand, HP,Dec. Dec. 23, 23, 1867. 1867. 99. HP, 100. Ibid. 101. ID IDN, March 9, 101. N , March 9, 1868. 1868. 102. Crawford, Hughli Gazetteer, pp. 120-21. 102. D. G. Crawford, Hughli Medical Gazeeker, pp. 120-21. 103. Bengalee,June Bengalee, June 9, 1870. 1870. 104. Bholanath Chunder, 104. Chunder, II, II, Appendix AppendixEl. E. 105. 1870, Sanitation 1870, C. T. T. 105. PeEow’s Pellow's report, report, May 22, 1870, Sanitation Deptt,, Deptt., PGD, July, 1870, Commissioner, Burdwan, Burdwan, to Govt, Govt. of Bengal, Bengal,June June 9, 1870. Buckland, Commissioner, 1870. 106. FA. FA. 107. T, Buckland Buckland to to Govt., Govt., June June 9,9,1870, 1870,Progs. Progs, of ofthe theSanitation Sanitation Branch, Branch, 107. C. C. T. PGD, July July 1870. 1870. 108. Englishman, May 2, 1870. 108. Englishman, May 1870. 109. 109. FFl,July2l, I, July 21,1870. 1870. 110. IDN, 110. Report Report of of the the 16th 16th annual annualgeneral general meeting meeting of of the the BIA, BIA, Feb. Feb. 27, 27, 1868, 1868, ID N, March 9, 1868. 1868. March 9, 111. Singh Singh Roy, Roy, pp. pp. 60-61; 60-61;Buckland, Buckland,I,I,p.p.4l7; HP, Nov. 21, 1887, 111. 417; HP, 1887, editorial. 112. CalcuttaJournal Journalof ofMedicine, Medicine, Vol.I lHI, May-June, 1870, pp. 239-40. The Calcutta 112. The Vol. l , May-June, 113. Ibid. Ibid. 114. Ibid. Ibid. 115. Mofussil Mofussil Letter, 24 Feb., Feb., 1865, 1865, BH, 1, 1865. 1865. 115. Letter, Ooterparah, 24 BH, March 1, 116. BH,July8, 116. BH, July 8,1864. 1864, 117. Buckland, Buckland, r, I, p. 295. p. 295. BH, Feb. 8, 118. Feb. 5, 5, 1865, 1865, BH, 8, 1865. 1865. 118. Letter from Burdwan, Feb. 119. HP, April 18, 18, 1870. 1870. 119. HP, 120. Ibid. Ibid.

NOTES NOTES AAND N D REFERENCES

5 31 531

121. H. Beverley, 'Statisticsof ofAgriculture AgricultureininBengal,’ Bengal,'TBSSA, TBSSA,Vol. Vol.I III, Part 2, 121. Beverley, ‘Statistics , Part July 1868, p. 152. 152. July 122. F Feb. 17, 17, 1870. 1870. 122. Fl,I, Feb. 123. statement dated dated29th 29thJune, June,1961 1961 Hemendra Hemendra Prasad PrasadGhosh Ghosh wrote: wrote: 123. FA. FA. In aa statement late Jaikissen Jaikissen Mukherjce's Mukherjee’s love of learning was well-known. well-known. He The late He was a pioneer in in helping others others to to get educated and helped to establish or expand schools. Mohan schools.On On one one occasion, occasion,I Iam am told, told, his his son sonthe the late late Raja Raja Peary Mohan Mukherjee asked him to to desist desist from spending money on schools schools etc. To his his Mukheijee sonJaikissen Jaikissengave gaveaafitting fittingreply replywhen whenhehesaid—Do said-Do not take pride in in fighting fighting an unarmed unarmed opponent opponent being being yourself yourself fully fully equipped equipped with with arms. arms. Let the rayets rayets be be educated educated and and fully fully aware aware of of their their rights rights under under the the law law and and then seek seek to to secure securewhat whatisisyour yourdue dueas asthe thelandlord landlbrdunder under the the law. law. That That will will be be the proper course for for you you to to take. take. Do Do not not grudge grudge to give give the rayets who are with what whatthe thelaw law like your sons sons what what they they ought ought to to get get and and remain remain content with entitles you to. to. FA. 124. FA. FA. 125. FA. 126. R . Cockerell, Cockerell, March March 15, 15,1864, 1864, PGD(E), PGD(B),Aug. Aug.1865. 1865. 126. Jaykrishna Jaykrishna to F. R. 127. to Govt., Govt., May May 11, 11,1864, 1864, PGD(E), PGD(E),Aug., Aug.,1865. 1865. 127. Harimohan Harirnohan Mukherjee to 128. W . S. Atkinson, May 128. A. H. Blechynden Blechynden to toW. Atkinson, Feb. Feb. 16, 1865; Atkinson Atkinson to Govt., May 1865, PGD(E), .. 27, 1865, PGD(E), Aug. Aug. 1865; 1865;A. A.Eden EdentotoGovt, Govt.ofofIndia, India,Home HomeDeptt.. Deptt.... 1865; Govt, of ofIndia, India,Dec. Dec.12, 12, 1865;JJ.. Sutcliff, Sutcliff, Registrar, Registrar, Calcutta University University to Govt. 1865, 1866; B. E. C. C. Bayley Bayley to to Bengal Bengal Govt., Govt., Oct. Oct.6,6,1865, 1865,ibid. ibid. 1865, PGD(E), PGD(E), Jan. Jan. 1866; 129. J. J. M. 129. M . Tagore Tagore to to DPI, D PI,March March24, 24,1865, 1865,PGD(E), PGD(E).Aug. Aug.1865. 1865. 130. S. C. Bayley toJaykrishna, 130. Bayley to Jaykrishna, Jan. 16, 16, 1866, 1866, PGD(E), Jan. 1866. 1866. 131. HP, HP,Jan. 131. Jan.1,1,1866. 1866. 132. 132. Jaykrishna to A. Eden, Eden, Feb. Feb. 1, 1, 1867, 1867, PGD(E), PGD(E), June June 1867. 1867. 133. H. Woodrow Woodrow to D PI, April April 6, 6, 1867, 1867, PGD(E), June1867. 1867. 133. DPI, PGD(E),June 134. Ibid. Ibid, 135. W. W . S. Atkinson to Govt., April 17, 1867, June 1867. 1867. 135. 1867, PGD(E), PGD(E),June 136. H. L. Harrison toJaykrishna, to Jaykrishna, May May 31, 31, 1867, 1867, PGD(E), June 1867. 1867. 136. PGD(E),June 137. 137. Jaykrishna to R. R. V. V. Cockerell, Cockerell, March March 28, 28, 1868, 1868, IDN, IDM , June June 17, 17,1868. 1868. F I, July July 23, 23,1868: 1868:'Beauties ‘Beautiesof ofthe theBlue BlueBook.' Book.’ 138. Fl, 139. Singh Roy, p. 54. 54. 139. 140. Feb.27, 140. Report Report of of the the 16th 16th annual annual meeting meeting of of the BIA, Feb. 27, 1868, 1868, IDJ'I, IDM, March 9, 1868. 1868. 141. HP, HP,Jan25, 141. Jan 25,1869. 1869. 142. F I, April April 1, 1, 1869. 1869. 142. Quoted in Fl, 143. W. W . W. W . Hunter, Hunter,AALj/è Lifeofofthe theEarl Earlof ofMa.yo, Mayo, II, 300-3. II, pp. pp. 300-3. 144. HP, July 4, 4, 1870. 1870. 144. HP, Supplement, July July 5, 145 Englishman, Englishman, Supplement, 5, 1870. 1870. 146. obviously referring Mahendralal Sarkar's Sarkar’s scheme scheme for the the 146. He He was obviously referring to to Dr. Dr. Mahendralal Indian announced early Indian Association Association for the Cultivation Cultivation of ofScience, announced early in in 1870. 1870. 147. HP, July July 4, 4,1870. 1870. 147. HP, July July 11, 1870; 2nd Supplement, HP, 148. Englishman, July July 8, 1870. 1870. 148. Englishman, 149. HP, July 11, 149. 11, 1870. 1870. 150. 29, 1867. 1867. 150. HP, April 29, 151. Letter of o f‘FACT’, March1,1,1865, 1865, BH, BH, March March3,3,1865. 1865. 151. 'FACT', March

532 532

A B BENGAL EN G A L ZAMINDAR Z A M IN D A R

152. TBSSA, Vol. IHI, 152. TBSSA, Vol. l l , Part Part1, I, 1869, 1869, p. p. 6. 6. 153. Ibid., p. 8. 153. Ibid., p. 8. BH, Nov. 23, 23, 1864. 1864. 154. Mofussil Letter, BH, 155. 14 & 21, Oct. Oct. 29, 29, 1866. 1866. HP, May 14 155. HP, 156. Mary India, I, 1, pp. 239-47. 156. Mary Carpenter, Carpenter,Six SixMonths Months in India, 157. Ibid. Ibid. 158. W W.. W W.. Hunter's 158. Hunter’s letter letter to to Mrs. Mrs.Hunter, Hunter,ininF.F.H.HSkrine, . Skrine,Life LifeofofSir SirWilliam William Wilson Hunter, pp. 110-11. 110-11. Wihon Hmter, pp. Ibid. 159. Ibid. Ibid. 160. 160. Ibid. 161. Englishman, March 4, 1884. Englishman, March 1884. 162. Rasbehari Mukherjee's in Madhusmriti by Nagendra Nagendra Nath Nath 162. Rasbchari Mukherjee’s reminiscences reminiscences in Madhusmriti by Som, pp. 476-78. pp. 476-78. 163. University 31,31, 1869, Minutes 163. University of of Calcutta, Calcutta,Syndicate SyndicateMinutes,July Minutes, July 1869, Minutesfor forthe theTear Tear 1869-70, p. p. 21. P,N. N.Banerjee Baneijeeetet al,Hundred HundredTears Tearsof ofthe theLiniversit, University of 164. P. c.l, of Calcutta, Calcutta,pp. pp. 108-9. 164a. 247. 164a. Carpenter, I, p. 247. 165. GRPI, 1869-70, 165. 1869-70, Appendix A. 166. F Fl,I, Aug. 166. Aug. 3, 3, 1865. 1865. 167. Report of the 12th annual meeting of IACS, IACS, para. 23, p. 9. 167. 9. 168. Sarkar’s letter letter of of Jan. Jan. 23, 23, 1870, 1870, HP, H P, Jan: Jan.24, 24,1870. 1870. 168. Mahendralal Sarkar's 169. 18th annual report 169. report of of BIA, BIA, HP, HP, April April 11, 11, 1870. 1870. 170. BH, March 11, 11, 1865. 1865. 170. BH, March 171. Ibid.,Jan. Ibid., Jan. 18, 1868. 1868. 171. 172. F I, Sept. Sept. 10, 10, 1868. 1868. 172. Fl, 173. 173. Chunder, II, II, pp. pp. 8-9. 8-9. 174. Ibid. Ibid. 175. Ibid. Ibid. 176. 12th 12th annual annual report reportof of the the BIA, BIA, HP, HP, March March 7, 7, 1864. 1864. 177. Report of the monthly meeting, July 19, 177. 19, 1865, 1865, PBIA, Vol. II, II, 1859-70. 1859-70. 178. Report of of a general meeting, Sept. 18, 18, 1867, 1867, PBIA, Vol. II, 1859-70. 1859-70. 178. Report 179. Report of of the 16th 16th annual annual meeting meeting of BIA, 1868. 179. Report BIA, JDJV, IDN, March 9, 1868. 180. Xational Paper,quoted quoted in Fl, 180. Motional Paper, F I, Sept. 1, 1870. 1870. 181. 17th 181. 17th annual annual report report of ofBIA, HP, HP, 22 22 March March 1869. 1869. Law, p. 90. 182. Parkinson's Parkinson’s Lam, 90. 183. May 20, 20, 1867. 1867. 183. HP, HP, May 184. HP, HP, Nov. 2, 1868, Supplement. 184. 185. HP, Jan. Jan. 11, 185. 11, 1869. 1869. 186. 11 & & March March 29, 29, 1869. 1869. 186. HP, Jan. Jan. 11 187. HP, HP, April 187. April 23, 23, 1866. 1866. 188. HP, June June 11, 11,1866. 1866. 188. HP, HP, Dec. 6, 1869. 189. 1869. 189. HP, 190. Tarak Tarak Chandra Part I; Sukumar 190. Chandra Chudainani, Chudamani,Sapatni Sapatni .Natak, Natak, Part Sukumar Sea, Sen,Bangle Bangla SahityerItihas, Itihas,Vol. Vol.II, II, pp. 49-55. Sahilyer 49-55. 191. Chandi Charan CharanBandyopadhyay, Bandyopadhyay,Vidyasagar, Vidyasagar, pp. 327-29. 191. Chandi pp. 327-29. 192. Ibid., p. 329. 192. 329. 193. HP, March 193. March 6, 6, 1866. 1866. 194. 1866, PGD, Aug. Aug. 1866. 1866. 194. Bayley to Eden, Aug. 8, 1866,

NOTES AND A N D REFERF.NCES REFERENCES

5 33 533

195. 1866, PGD, Br., Sept. Sept, 1866. 1866. 195. Mackenzie Mackenzie to Jaykrishna, Jaykrishna, Sept, Sept. 18, 1866, PGD. Gen. Br., HP, April April1,1,1867. 1867. 196. HP, 197. Ibid. Ibid. Sanyal, Reminiscences GreatMen MenofofIndia, India,Vol. Vol.I II, 198. Ram RamGopal Gopal Sanyal, Reminiscences and and Anecdotes Anecdotes ofofGreat I, p.60; Raja L)igambar Career,I,I,pp. pp.264p. 60;Bholanath BholanathChunder, Ghunder, Riga DigambarMitra, M itra,His HisLife Life and Career, 264' 65. 65. 199. Jaykrishna’s Jaykrishna's minute, HP, 199. HP, April April 1, 1, 1867. 1867. 200. RecordsSurvey SurveyCommittee Cominilleefor West Bengal(1959-60), (1959-60),pp. pp. 1717200. Report Reportof ofthe theRegional Regional Records for West Bengal 24, 24. 201. Lord Lord Cranborne Oct. 31, 1866, PGD, Jan. 1867; 201. Cranbome to Governor-General, Governor-General, Oct. 1866, PGD, 1867; Strafford Northcote to Governor-General, Governor-General, May 22, 22, 1867, 1867, PGD, PGD, July July 1867. 1867. Gazette,quoted quotedininFFl, 202. The TheEducation Education Gazette, I, April 25, 1867. 1867. Karunasagar 203. Singh Roy, Roy, pp. pp.56-57; 56-57;Indramitra, Indramitra, KanmasagarVidyasagar, Vidyasagar, pp. pp. 262-63. 262-63. RPUM , May May 5, 5,1865. 1865. 204. RPUM, Ibid., June 5, 1865. 1865. 205. Ibid., June 5, 206. Ibid., Feb. 1, 1, 1868. 1868. 207. Ibid., May May 19, 19, 1866. 1866. 208. Jan. 10, 10, l870 1870: 208. Ibid., Ibid.,Jan. 209. Ibid., May May 17, 17, 1867. 1867. 210. Ibid., Ibid., April April 7, 7, 1866. 1866. 211. March 1, 1, 1866. 1866. 211. F Fl,I, March 212. RPUM,March RPUM ,I March 24, 24, 1868;Jan. 1868; Jan,10, 10,1870. 1870. 212. 213. Ibid., March March 17, 17, 1869 1869 & & Jan. Jan.10, 10,1870. 1870. 214. Ibid., Sept. 9, 9, 1868. 1868. 215. Jan.4, 4,1869. 1869. 215. HP, HP,Jan. 216. Ibid., July 15, 15, 1865. 1865. 216. Ibid.,July 216a. Sudhir 216a. SudMr Kumar KumarMitra, Mitra,Hugh HugliJelar JelarItihasa Itihasa0OBanga BangaSamaj, Samaj, 11, II, p. p. 623. 623, 217. BH, BH, Nov. Nov. 23, 23, 1864. 1864. 218. Ibid. Ibid. 219. & 8, 8, 1865. 1865. 219. BH, Letter, March 44 & 220. BH, July 77& & 8, 8, 1865. 1865. 220. BH,July 221. BH, Dec. 7, 221. 7, 1865. 1865, 222. Cakuua Calendar for1869, 1869,Part PartII, II, pp. 99, Calcutta University University Calendar for 99, 225, 225, 486-87. 486-87. ' 223. W. W . W. W. Hunter HuntertoJaykrishna, to Jaykrishna,Dec. Dec.29, 29,1868, 1868,PMFT.J. PMFU.

CHAFTER CHAPTER 11 1,1 ‘THE INDIAN IN D IA N FAWCETT' FAWCETT’ 'THE 1. Rev, K. Κ. M. M . Banezjee Banerjee to Jaykrishna, Sept. Sept. 25, 25, 1870, 1870, PMFU. 1. Rev. toJaykrishna, la. HP, HP,Aug. Aug.31, 31,1871. 1871. 2. HP, HP,Dec. Dec. 22, 22,1873. 1873. 3. HP, HP,Sept. Sept.21, 21,1874. 1874, 4. Ibid. Ibid. 5. FA. FA. 6. FA. FA. Chant,i,i,Ch. Ch. 12, 12, pp. 179-80. 7. Bhudev Bkudev Chant, 179-80. 8. M. Μ .M. MAhiuwalia, . Ahluwalia, Kukas, The FreedomFighiers Fighters of of the Panjab, 8. Kukas, The Freedom Panjab, p. p. 87. Ibid., p. p. 94. 94, 9. Ibid.,

5 34 534

A EN G A L ZZAMINDAR A M IN D A R A BBENGAL

10. Ibid. HP, Nov. Nov. 25, 25,1872. 1872. 11. HP, 12. HP, HP, Oct. Oct. 21, 21, 1872. 1872. 13. HP, HP, Nov. Nov. 25, 25, 1872. 1872. 14. Ibid. Ibid. 15. Ibid. Ibid. 16. Ibid; Bholanath Chunder, Mitra, Vol. II, II, pp. 16. Chunder, Raja Raja Digambar Digambar M itra, Vol. pp. 56-57. 56-57. 17. HP, HP, Dec. Dec. 20, 20, 1875. 1875. 18. 18. [Sivanarayana [Sivanarayana Mukhopadhay}, Mukhopadhay],Jailcrisna Jaikrisna Mukharji-An Mukharji—AnAppreciation, Appreciation, p. 28. 19. different account account in in A. A.C. C.Gupta's Gupta'sJaykrishna Jaykrishna Chant.s, Ckarita, p. Of 19. We find aa different p. 106. Of the two conflicting views, views, that that of his his grandson grandson seems seemsto to be be in in character. 20. Dwarakanath DwarakanathBandyopadhyay, Bandyopadhyay,Sekaler SekalerSatkatha. Satkatha. p.p.155; 155;Cf. Of.Hutom HutomPyanchar Pyanchar Naksa, 19. .Waksa,p. p. 19. 21. Report of the 19th 19th annual annual meeting meeting of BIA, BIA, Feb. Feb. 24, 24, 1871, En.glishinan, Englishman, 21. Report March March 7, 7, 1871. 1871. 22. HP, HP,April April10, 10,1871. 1871. 23. Ibid. Ibid. (ed.), Chronicle ofof the 24. P. P.N. N,Singh SinghRoy Roy (ed.), Chronick theBritish BritishIndian IndianAssociation, Association, p. p. 53. 53. 25. Quarterly Quarterlygeneral generalmeeting meeting of of BIA,June BIA, June7, 7,1871. 1871. 26. C. C.E.E.Buckland, Buckland, Bengal underthe theLieutenant-Governors, Lieutenant-Governors, I,I, p. 455. Bengal under p. 455. 26a. Order 26a. Order of of Sept. Sept. 10, 10, 1872 1872 PRD, Sept., Sept., 1872. 1872. 27. General Generalmeeting meetingof ofBIA, BIA, Nov. Nov. 17, 17, 1871, 1871, HP, HP, Dec. Dec. 4, 4,1871. 1871. > 28. Quarterly Quarterly general general meeting meeting of of BIA, Sept. 30, 30, 1872, 1872, HP, 7, 1872. 1872. HP, Oct. 7, 29. Singli Singh Roy, pp. pp. 65-66. 65-66. 30. Quarterly general general meeting meeting of of BIA, Sept. 30, 1872, 1872, HP, 7, 1872. 1872. 30. Quarterly HP, Oct. 7, 31. Report 31. Report of of 21st annual annual meeting meeting of BIA, March 22, 1873. 1873. Oct. 5, 5, 1874. 1874. 32. HP, Oct. 32. 33. HP, HP, Oct. Oct.12, 12,1874, 1874, supplement. supplement, Oct. 9, 1874. 34. Justicia's Justicia’sletter, letter, Oct. Oct.4,4,1874, 1874,Englishman, Englishman, Oct. 1874. 35. X's X ’sletter, letter,Englishman, Englishman, Oct. 13, 13, 1874. 1874. 36. “Fact’s”letter, letter,Englishman, Englishman, Oct. Oct. 16, 16, 1874. 1874. 36. "Fact's" Report of ofthe thegeneral general meeting meetingof ofBIA, BIA, Dec. Dec.19, 19,1874, 1874, HP, HP,Dec. Dec.28, 28,1874, 1874, 37. Report supplement. 38. 22nd 22nd annual annualmeeting meetingofofBIA, BIA,April April7,7,1874, 1874,Englishman, Englishman, April 17, 17, 1874. 1874. 39. H. History H .S.S.Srivastava, Srivastava,The The HistoryofoIndian f IndianFamines, Famines, p. p. 108. 108. 40. Ibid., Ibid., p. p. 110. 110. 1873, HP, HP, Dcc. 41. Jaykrishna to to the 41. Jaykrishna the Collector Collector of of Hooghly, Hooghly, Dec. Dec. 10, 10, 1873, Dec. 29, 29, 1873. 1873. 42. Buckland Buckland to to Secy, Secy, Govt. Govt, of ofBengal, Bengal, Statistical StatisticalDeptt., Deptt.,Dec. Dec.18, 18,1873, 1873,Ibid. Ibid. 43. HP, HP,Dec. Dec. 29, 29,1873. 1873. 44. HP, HP,Feb. Feb.9,9,1874; 1874;Englishman, Englishman, Feb. 5 & 6, 6, 1874. 1874. 45. Fl, F I, Feb. Feb.19, 19,1874. 1874. 46. Ibid., Ibid., Dec. 25, 25, 1873. 1873. 47. Ibid. Ibid. 48. Sadharani, Sadharani, Feb. 8, 8, 1874. 1874. 48a. 48a. A security security bond executed executed by by Jaykrishna Jaykrishna on on March March 2, 2,1874, 1874, sI. si. No. No. 49, 49, Register 41A, 4lA, Vol. 17, 17, Records Records of of the the Hooghly Hooghly Collectorate. Collectorate. Srivastava, p. p. 113. 113. 49. Srivastava,

NOTES N D REFERENCES NOTES AAND REFERENCES

5 35 535

E.C.C,Moulton, Moulton, Lord Northbrook’s Indian 1872-76, 50. E. Loiy! .Wortlzbrook's IndianAdministration, Administration, l872-76,pp. pp. 114, 114, 116, 124. 124. 51. General General meeting meeting of BIA, Dcc. Dec. 19, 19, 1874, 1874, HP, supplement, Dec. 28, 1874. 1874. 52. IIP,Jan. HP, Jan.11, 11,1875. 1875. 53. Ibid. Ibid. 54. HP, HP, Nov. Nov. 30, 30, 1874. 1874. 55. Moulton, pp. pp. 16-19. 16-19. 56. Bankim Chandra Chatterjee, Chatterjee, ‘Sir 'Sir W William Grey O0 Sir 56. Bankim Chandra illiam Grey Sir George George Campbell', Campbell’, Collected 357. Collected Works, Works, Vtmdha, Vividha,p. p. 357. 57. HP, HP, supplement, supplement, Feb. Feb. 13, 13, 1871. 1871. 58. HP, HP, March March 6, 6, 1871. 1871. 59. Englishman, Englishman, Aug. 1875. Aug. 24, 1875. 60. Aug. 30, 30,1875. 1875.The The SaptahikSamachar, Samachar, however, however, strongly 60. HP, Aug. Saptahik strongly supported supported Jaykrishna’ssuggestion. suggestion. See HP, Sept. 13, 13, 1875. 1875. Jaykrishna's HP, Sept. Englishman, Sept. 13, 1875. 1875. 61. Englishman, Sept. 13, 62. HP, HP,Sept. Sept.20, 20,1875. 1875. 63. HP, HP, April April 8, 8,1872. 1872. Memories 63a. Bipin BipinChandra ChandraPal, Pal, Memoriesof ofMy MyLifi Lifeand andTimes, Times, p. p. 485. 485. 64. HP, HP, Sept. Sept.21, 21,1874. 1874. 65. Surendranath Surendranath Banerjea, Banerjea, A Nation Nation in in Making, Making,p.p.41; 41; Sudhir Sudhir Chandra, Chandra, ‘The 'The League and the the Western Western Indian Indian Association', Association’, IESHR, III, Indian League IESHR, Vol. Vol. VVIII, 1, March March 1971, 1971, p. p. 77. 77. No. 1, 66. Bengalee, Bengalee, May 13, 1875. 1875. May 13, 66a. KrishnahtmarMit Mitrer Atmacharit, p. 115. 66a. Krishnakumar rer Atmachari!, p. 115. Indian Mirror, N , Sept. Sept. 17, 17, 1875. 1875. 67. Indian Mirror, quoted quoted in in ID IDN, 68. Report of 21st annual meeting of BIA, BIA, March March 22, 22, 1873, PBIA,Vol. Vol.IIII,, 68. meeting of 1873, PBIA, 1870-77. 1870-77. 69. Report Reportof of23rd 23rd annual annualmeeting meeting of ofBIA, BIA, held held on April 30, 30, 1875. 1875, Kalyan Kurnar Kumar Sengupta, Sengupta, 'The ‘The Agrarian Agrarian League League of Pabna', Pabna’, IESHR, IESHR, Vol. 70. Kalyan V II, No. No. 2, 2, June June1970, 1970, pp. pp.253-69. 253-69. VII, Benoy B. Chowdhury, Chowdhury, 'Agrarian ‘Agrarian Relations Relations in in Bengal', Bengal’,Histo History of Bengal, of Bengal, 71. Benoy K . Sinha, Sinha, pp. pp. 290-91. 290-91. ed. by N. K. Sengupta, Ibid., Ibid., p. p. 265. 265. 72. Sengupta, 73. Half-yearly Half-yearly meeting meeting of of BIA, Sept. 20, 1873, HP, September29, 29, HP, supplement, September 1873. 1873. 74. Fl, F I, Oct. 2, 2, 1873. 1873. 74. 75. Jaykrishna’s 6, 1873, 1873, Fl, F I, Oct. Oct. 16, 16, 1873. 1873. Jaykrishna's letter, Oct. 6, Bengalee, Oct. 25, 1873. 1873. 76. First editorial, .Bengalee, 77. Singh Singh Roy, p. p. 70. 70. RLRCB, Vol. 26. 78. RLRCB, Vol. I, p. 26. 79. HP, HP, Feb. Feb.13, 13,1871 1871 & & Fl, F I,May May1,1,1873. 1873. 80. Bengal Bengal Magazine I, March March 6, 6, 1873. 1873. Magazinequoted quoted in in FFl, 81. Sulabh Sulabh Samachar Samachar quoted Englishman, Nov. 14, 1872. 1872. quoted in Englishman, Nov. 66 & 14, F I, July July 17, 17, 1873. 1873. 82. Fl, 83. Quoted in F I, Aug. 14, 14, 1873. 1873. 83. Quoted Fl, 84. Sulabh Sulabh Samachar Samachar quoted Englishman, Sept. 23, 23, 1873. 1873. quoted in Englishman, 85. Englishman, March 29, Englishman, March 29, 1873. 1873. Sulabh Samachar Samachar quoted Englishman, Oct. 1872. 86. Sulabh quoted in Englishman, Oct. 9, 1872.

536

A A BBENGAL ENGAL Z ZAMINDAR A M IN D A R

87. 87.Englishman, Englislrrnan,Jan. Jan. 30, 1873. 30, 1873. Englishman, Feb. 1, 88. Pearymohan Pearymohan Mukherjee Mukheijee to the the Editor Editor of of the the Englishman, 1, 1873. 1873. 89. FA. 90. FA. FA. 91. FA. FA. 91a. F FI,July I, July 17, 17,1873; 1873; HP,JuIy H P, July21, 21, 1873. 1873. 92. HP, HP, Dcc. Dec. 2, 2, 1872. 1872. HP, Oct. 93. Oct. 13, 13,1873. 1873. 93. HP, 94. Bengalee, Bengakt, Nov. 1874. Nov. 21, 1874. 95. HDG, p. p. 79. 79. 96. Ibid., 96. 128. Ibid., p. p. 128. Quartly meeting meeting of ofBIA, BIA, Nov. Nov. 17, 17, 1871, 1871, HP, H P,Dec. Dec. 4, 4,1871, 1871, supplement. supplement. 97. Quartly '97a. H. L. ‘97a. L. Dampier Dampier to to Jaykrishna, Jaykrishna, Jan. Jan. 17, 17,1872, 1872, PRD. PRD, Jan. Jan.1872. 1872. HP, Feb. 98. HP, Feb. 12, 12, 1872. 1872. 98. 99. Half-yearly supplement. Half-yearlymeeting meetingof ofBIA, BIA, Sept. Sept.20, 20,1873, 1873, HP, HP, Sept. 29, 1873, 1873, supplement. According Accordingto toJaykrishna, Jaykrishna,inin 1873 1873 an an agricultural agricultural labourer labourer could could not not be hired at less less than monthlywages wages of of Rs. 5 in Hooghly and Rs. Rs. 44 in Burdwan. Burdwan. hired at than aa monthly Formerly Formerly the the wages wagesof ofsuch suchaalabourer labourerhad hadbeen beenRe. Re. 1 per per month month together towelsduring during with a midday midday meal meal and and two twopieces pieces of of cthoti dhoti and two two pieces of towels the year. Ibid. 99a. Ibid. 100. HP, HP, Nov. Nov. 10, 100. 10, 1873. EnglLshnan, Feb, Feb. 13, 101. Jaykrishna's letter to the Editor of 101. Jaykrishna’s of the Englishman, 13, 1874. 1874. 102. F I, July 20,1871. 1871. 102. Fl,July2O, 103. M . Coates's Coates’s letter letter to toPearyrnohan, Pearymohan, [Sivariarayana [Sivanarayana Mukhopadhyay,] Mukhopadhyay,] 103. Dr. Dr. JJ.. M. Jaikrisna Appreciation,pp. pp. xi-xii. xi-xii. . , Jaikrisna Mukhatji-An Mukharji—An Appreciation, of the the Commissioners Commissioners appointed into the theorigin, origin,nature natureetc. etc. of of Indian Indian 103a. Report Report of appointed to inquire into 171-75. Cattle Plague, pp. 17 1-75. 104. Report, Report, HP, 1873, supplement. supplement. 104. HP, Sept. 29, 1873, 105. Report of 105. of the 23rd annual annual meeting meeting of of BIA, April 30, 1875. 1875. 106. RLRCB, Vol. 106. RIJRCB, Vol.1,I, pp. pp. 74-75, 74-75. 107. Joy Kissen Mookerjee, Mookerjee, 'Autobiography', ‘Autobiography’,The TheCalcutta CalcuttaReview, Review, Feb. Feb., 1951, 1951, 107. Joy Kissen pp. 123-24. 123-24. pp. 108. Ibid., Ibid., p. p. 119. 108. 119. 109. HP, 6, 1871. 1871. 109. HP, Feb. 6, 110. HP, April 24, 1871. 110. HP, 1871. 111. Ibid. 111. Ibid. 112. 10, 1871. 1871. 112. The The Times, Timer, March March 10, 113. 113. HP, HP, May May 8, 8, 1871. 1871. 114. 114. HP, HP, Feb. 27, 27, 1871. 1871. Ibid. 115. 115. Ibid. Englishman, Feb. 11, 11, 1875. 1875. 116. Englishman, 116a. G. G.Macpherson, Macpherson, Life Life of 117, ll6a. of Lai La! Behari Behari Day, p. p. 117. 117. Manmathanath Behari Dc', Sekaler ManmathanathChose, Ghose,'Acharyya ‘AcharyyaLal Lai Behari De’, SekalerI.ok, Lok,pp. pp.189-92. 189-92. 118. Fl,I, March 118. F March 9, 9, 1871. 1871. 119. 119. Ibid. Ibid. 120. HP, March 120. HP, March 6, 6, 1871. 1871. 121. James James Roudedge, Routledge, English 121. English Ride Rule and and Native Native Opinion OpinionininIndia, India,pp. pp. 291-92.

NOTES A AN]) REFERENCES NOTES N D REFERENCES

5 37 537

122. Letter of p. viii. 122. of H. Η, M. M .Kisch KischtotoPearymohaxi, Pearymohan,Jaikrisna Jaikrisna Mukharji, Mukharji, p. 123. Som, Madhu Mad/m Smriti, Smriti, p. 400. 123. Nagendranath Som, p. 400. 124. 124. Pearyrnohan's Pearymohan’s reminiscences, Som, pp. 403-4 403-4 fn. 125. Som, pp. 402-3. 402-3. 125. Rasbehari’s Rasbehari's notes, notes, Som, 126. 14, 1873, 1873, supplement. 126. HP, April 14, 127. HP, 127. HP, Nov. Nov. 22, 22, 1875. 1875. 128. 128. HP, HP,Jan. Jan. 12, 12, 18¥3. 183. 129. PI’s Report, 1871/72, 1871/72, PGD(EB), June 1874, 129. D DPI's June 1874. 130. H. Woodrow's Report, 130. Report, GRPI, GRPI, 1871-72, 1871-72, p. 41. 41 . 131. 131. Ibid., p. 49. 132. Englishman, Englishman, April 1874. April 8, 1874. 133. 1871-72, p. 133. GRPI, 1871-72, p. 58. 134. Ibid., 1871-72 1871-72 (1873), p. 26. 135. May 29, 1871. 1871. 135. Report Report of the meeting, meeting, HP, lIP, May 136. Letter 136. Letter of of An An Agriculturist, Agriculturist, Jan. Jan.23, 23,1871, 1871,Englishinan,Jan. Englishman, Jan, 27, 27, 1871. 1871. 137. Roy, pp. pp. 67-68. 67-68. 137. Singh Roy, 138. Supra, p. 296. 139. 11,1871. 1871. 139. RPUM RPUM,, Dec. II, 140. Ibid., Dcc. Dec, 28, 28, 1872. 1872. Ibid., June 22, 1871. 1871. ' > 141. Ibid., June 22, 142. 10, 1875. 1875. 142. Ibid., Aug. 10, 143. 14, 1875. 1875. 143. Ibid., Dec. 14, 144. Ibid., July July 22, 144. 22, 1872. 1872. 145. Ibid., Nov. 1874, June 28, 1875. 1875. Nov. 2, 1874, June 9 & July 28, 146. 12, 1871. 1871. 146. Ibid., July July 12, 147. Ibid., Ibid., July 26, 1876. 1876. July 26, 148. Bengalee, April 1873. 148. Bengalee, April 12, 1873. 149. 73. 149. Singh Roy, p. 73. 150. Dinabandhu DinabandhuMitra, Mitra,Suradhuni Suradhuni Kenya, Kavya,(Nov. (Nov.1876), 1876),Part PartII, II, Canto Canto XX (Sahitya Parishad ed.) Collected Works, Vol. Vol. II, II, p. 133. Collected Works, 133. 151.· M , Jan. 27, 1874. 1874. 151.' RPU RPUM, Jan. 27, Routledge, pp. pp. 291-92. 291-92, 152. Routledge, +

CHAPTER 12 12 PATRIARCH

I. R. The Little World ofof anan Indian 1. R ,Carstairs, Carstairs, The Little World Indian.District DistrictOfficer, Officer, p. 67. 67. 2. Bholananth BholanantiiChunder, Chunder, RajaDigambar DigambarMitra, M itra,His HisL/è Lifeand andCareer, Career, Vol. p. 169. 169. Raja Vol. II, II, p. 3. [Sivanarayana Mukhopadhyay,] Jaikrisna Jailerisna Mukharji—An Mukharji-An Appreciation, Appreciation, 3. [Sivanarayana pp. xvi xviii-xix. pp. ii-xix. 4. J3bolanath Bholanath Chandra to to Pearymohan, Pearymohan, ibid., ibid., pp. pp. xvi-xvii. xvi-xvii. 5. Ibid., Ibid., p. 30. 30. €. Bhudev Charit, II, pp. pp. 179-80. 179-80, 6. J3hudev Chant,Vol. Vol.I,I,Ch. Ch. XXII, 7. Report Report of of24th 24th annual annualmeeting meetingof ofBIA, BIA, April April 29, 29,1876, 1876, HP, HP, May May8,8,1876, 1876, supplement. 8. Report Reportof ofBIA BIA meeting, meeting, HP, HP,Sept. Sept.25, 25,1876, 1876, supplement. supplement. Reportof ofthe theBIA BIA general general meeting, meeting, Dec. Dec. 26, 26, 1877, 1877, HP, 14,1878. 1878. 9. Report lIP, Jan. Jan. 14, 10. Report Report of of the Meeting 1878). Meeting(Englishman (Englishman Press, 1878).

538 538

B EN G A L ZAMINDAR Z A M IN D A R A BENGAL

11.The The Englishman, March 11. Englishman, March 12, 1878. 12, 1878. 12. Report of the 27th annual meeting of BIA, BIA,June 23, 12. June 7, 7, 1879, 1879, HP, June 16 16 & 23» 1879. 1879. 13. Ibid. 14. 14. Ibid. 15. of the general meeting of 15. Report of of the the BIA, BIA, Aug. Aug. 29, 29, 1879, 1879, HP, HP, Sept. Sept. 8, 8, 1879. 1879. 16. 16. Ibid.; Ibid.·, Englishman, Englishman, Aug. Aug. 30, 1879. 17. HP, HP, Sept. Sept. 15, 15,1879. 1879. 18. Report of HP, May 3, of the 28th annual annual meeting meeting of of the BIA, April 30, 1880, HP, 3» 1880. 1880. 19. P. P.N. N.Singh SinghRoy Roy (ed.), (ed,), Chronicle Chronicle ofof thethe British BritishIndian IndianAssocñzt Association, ion, p. p. 85. 20. HP, 20. H P, March March29, 29,1880. 1880. 21. Ibid., Jan. 8, 1877. 1877. Jan. 8, 22. FI,Jan. F I, Jan.19, 19,1877. 1877. 23. HP, HP, Jan. Jan. 7,7,1878. 1878. Ibid., Feb. Feb. 5, 5, 1877. 1877. 24. Ibid., 25. Ibid., Ibid., March March10, 10,1879. 1879. 26. Singh Singh Roy, Roy, pp. pp.88-89. 88-89. July 3, 1879. 27. Englishman, Englishman, July 1879. 28. Lytton Lytton to to Salisbury Salisbury May May11, 11,1876, 1876,Lady LadyBetty BettyBalfour, Balfour, The TheHistor, History of ofLord Lord Lytton's Indian Adminisfrat ion,p.p. 109. Lytton’s Administration, 29. HP, H P, March March 5, 5,1877. 1877. 30. Ibid., Ibid., March March 20, 20, 1876. 1876. 31. Ibid., Ibid.,July3l, 31. July 31,1876. 1876. 32. Ibid., Ibid., Dec. 27, 1880 1880 & Aug. 1, 1, 1881. 1881. 33. Ibid., Ibid., Oct. 8, 8, 1877. 1877. April 21, 1877. 34. Bengalce, Bengalee, April 1877. 35. HP, H P,Aug. Aug. 13 13& & 27, 27,1877. 1877. 36. Ibid., Ibid., April 21, 21, 1879. 1879. 37. Chunder, Chunder, Vol. II, II, pp. pp.132-33. 132-33. 38. HP, May 38. May 5, 5, 1879; 1879; Chunder, Chunder, ibid., ibid., p. 131. 131. the 27th anual BIA,June 1879, HP, HP,June 39. Report Reportof ofthe27th anual meeting meeting of the BIA, June 7, 7,1879, June 16, 16, 1879. 1879. 40. Ibid. Ibid. Bankim Chandra Chatterjee, Chatterjee, 'Bangadeser ‘Bangadeser Krishak', Krishak’, Vivid/ia Vimdha Pravandha, Pravandha, 41. Bankim Part II, p. p. 280. 280. 42. Surendranath SurendranathBanerjea, Banerjea,AA.t'iation Nation in in Making, Making, p. 40. 40. 43. Bengalee, Bengalee, April 5, 1879. 1879. 43. April 5, 44. Bimanbehari BimanbehariMajumdar, Majumdar, Indian Political Associationsand andReform ReformofofLegislature, Legislature, 44. Indian Political Associations p. 81; Oct. 2, 1878. p, 81; Englishman, Englishman, Oct. 1878. 45. Report Reportof ofthe the28th 28thannual annualmeeting meetingof ofthe theBIA, BIA, BH, BH , May M ay3, 3, 1880. 1880. 46. Report Report of of the the 27th 27th annual annualmeeting meeting of ofthe the BIA, BIA, June 7, 7, 1879, 1879, HP, June June 16, 16, 1879. 1879. 47. Report of 47. of the the meeting meeting in in honour honourofofHerschel, Herschel,The TheBengal BengalMagazine, Magazine, ed. L. B. De, 1877, pp. pp. 533-34. 533-34. Dc, Vol. V, Nov. 1877, Ibid., p. 530. 530, 48. Ibid., 49. Han Srivastava, TheThe History of Indian Famines andand Developrnen! HariShanker Shanker Srivastava, History of Indian Famines Development of of Famine Policy, 128-29. Policy,pp. pp. 128-29. 50. Ibid., Ibid., p. p, 159. 159.

NOTES NOTES AND A N DR.EFEP.ENCES REFERENCES

539. 5 39·

51. Englishman, Englishman, Sept, Sept. 17, 17, 1877. 1877, H P,Sept. Sept. 24, 24, 1877. 1877. 52. HP, 53. Ibid. Ibid. 54. Singh Singh Roy, Roy, p. p. 128. 128. 55. HP, HP, April April 12, 12,1880. 1880. 56. HP, HP,Dec. Dec.13, 13,1880. 1880. 57. SachinSen, Sen, StudiesininSize the Land Lard Economics Economics af 57. Sachin Studies ofBengal, Bengal,pp. pp. 230-31. 230-31. 58. Report Report of of the the 24th 24th annual annualmeeting meeting of of the the BIA,April BIA, April29, 29,1876, 1876, HP, HP, May May 8,. 8, 1876. 1876. 59. General meeting of the BIA of Sept. 15, 15, 1876, 1876, IIP Sept, 25, 1876, 1876, supplesupple­ 59. General HP,, Sept. ment. ment. 60. The TheBengalee, Bengalee, quoted 28, 1876. 1876. quoted in in IDM IDN,, June June 28, 61. Letter Letterof ofB. B, N., N.,IDJ'f, IDM , Dec. Dec. 14, 14,1876. 1876. 61a. the Conunissioner Commissioner of Burdwan, Burdwan, Jan, 8, 1877, 1877, PRD (Land (Land: 61a. Jaykrishna Jaykrishna to the Jan. 8, Revenue Branch), Branch), Nov. Nov. 1878. 1878, 62. Report Reportof ofspecial special BIA meeting, meeting, April April 19, 19, 1877, 1877, HP, lIP, April April 23, 23, 1877. 1877. 63. The TheBengalee, Bengalee, April 28, 28, 1877. 1877. 64. Singh Singh Roy, p. p. 132. 132. 65. The TheBengalee, Bengalee, Jan, 1877. Jan. 6, 1877. June 22, 66. Ibid., Ibid., June 22, 1878. 1878. Observationson on the the Rent Rent Bill by Jaykrishna, Jan.30, 30,1879, 1879, PRD, PRD, May May1879.. 1879» 66a. Observations byJaykrishna,Jan. 67. pp. 233.36. 233-36. 67. Sen, pp. 68. Calcutta Gazette,Dec. Dec. 10, 10, 1879; 1879; FFl, Calcutta Gazette, I, Dec. 12, 12, 1879. 1879. Quarterlymeeting meeting of of the BIA, Oct. 1, 1, 1880, 1880, HP, 11,1880. 1880. 69. Quarterly HP, Oct. Ii, 70. F Fl,I, Dec. 70. Dec. 15, 15, 1880. 1880. 71. Letter Letterof of'A ‘A Ryot', Ryot’,Aug. Aug.7,7,1880, 1880,The TheEnglishman, Englishman, Aug. 13, 13, 1880. 1880. 72. PRD (Land 72. (LandRevenue RevenueBranch), Branch),B, B,11-12, 11-12, April, April, 1878. 1878. HP, May May20, 20,1878. 1878. 73. HP, 74. Report Reportof ofthe thehalf-yearly half-yearlymeeting meetingofofthe theBIA, BIA,The TheEnglishman, Englishman,Aug. Aug.30, 30,1879.. 1879. 74a. Secy, of State the Govt. Govt, of of India, India, Oct. Oct. 10, 10, 1878, 1878, FRI),. PRD, 74a. The Secy. State for for India India to the November, 1878. November, 1878. F I, Dcc. Dec. 2, 2,1876. 1876. 75. Fl, HDG, p. p. 128. 128. 76. IIDG, J .C. C.K. Κ..Peterson, Peterson, BurdwanDistrict DistrictGazatteer, Gazetteer, p. p. 79. 79. 77. J. Burdwan 78. T. Metcalf, Metcalf, Commissioner Commissioner of D.M . of of Hooghly; Hooghly; F. F, H.. II. 78. C. T. of Burdwan Burdwan to to the D.M. Pellow, .M , (Offg.) (Offg.) of Hooghly Hooghly to Jaykrishna, April 2, 2, 1879, 1879, Ambika Ambika Pellow, DD.M. Gharan Gupta,Jaykrishna Jaykrishna Chant, Charit, p. 80, 80. Charan Gupta, 79. Fl, F I,Aug. Aug. 7, 7,1877. 1877. 80. Annual AnnualGeneral GeneralReport Reportofofthe theDivisional DivisionalCommissioner Commissionerof ofBurdwan, Burdwan, 1876-77, 1876-77, para 69, pp. pp. 76.77. 76-77. Ibid., 1879-80. 81. Ibid., 1879-80. 82. Gupta, pp. pp. 106.10. 106-10. 82. Gupta, AnnualGeneral GeneralReport Reportofofthe theCommissioner Commissioner of of Burdwan, Burdwan, 1880.81, 1880-81, July 16, 16, 83. Annual 1881; of the Bengal Govt., Aug. 16, 16,1881, 1881;JJ.. Beam» Beanies to to the the Govt.; Govt.; Resolution of 1881. 84. HP, Jan. Jan. 17, 17, 1876. 1876. 84. lIP, 85. 85. Ibid., Ibid., Feb. 4, 4, 1878. 1878. 86. Ibid., Ibid., Oct. 20, 1879. 1879. 86. 87. 87. Ibid., Ibid., May 20, 20, 1878. 1878.

540 5 40

A E N G A L ZA M IN D A R A BBENGAL ZAMJNDAR

88. A A letter letter of ofStudent Student to toFl, F I,Nov. Nov. 2, 2,1877. 1877. 89. E. E. L. L.Woodward, Woodward,The TheAge Age of Reform, pp. 543-51. of Reform, pp. 543-51. 90. Marcus's Oct.30, 30,1877; 1877;P.P.N. N. Mukherjee’s Mukherjee's letter, letter, IDM IDX,, 90. Marcus’s letter, Englishman Englishman Oct. March 12, 12, 1877. 1877. 91. Gupta, Gupta, p. p. 69. 69. 92. HP, HP,Sept. Sept. 2, 2,1878. 1878. 92a. C. under the Lieutenant-Governors, Lieutenant-Governors, pp.618-20; 618-20; IDM IDX,, 92a, C. E. E.Buckland, Buckland,Bengal Bengal wider II,II,pp. Jan. Jan.13, 13,1876. 1876. 93. HP, HP, Sept. Sept. 23, 23, 1878; 1878; Jaykrishna to DPI, D PI, Sept. Sept. 7, 7, 1878, 1878, No; No. 13, PGD (Edu­ PGD (EduOctober, 1878. 1878. cation Branch), October, H., Risley, Risky, Under-Secy, Deptt. to the DPI, Oct. 94. 11. Η. H Under-Secy, Govt. Govt, of of Bengal, Gen. Deptt. Oct. 14, 14, 1878, No. Branch), Oct. Oct.1878. 1878. 1878, No. 14, 14, PGD PGD (Education Branch), 95. HP, HP, July 7, 7, 1879. 1879. 96. ■96. [Sivanarayana [SivanarayanaMukhopadhyayj Mukhopadhyay]Jaikri.sna Jaikrisna Mukharji, 32. Mukharji, p. p. 32. HP, Jan.1313&&27, 27,1879; 1879;Englis/zrnan,Jan. Englishman, Jan. 23, 23, 1879. 1879. 97. HP,Jan. 98. Fl, March 10 10 & 31, 1879; Presidency College F I,March March14, 14,1879; 1879;HP, HP, March & 31, 1879; Presidency CollegeCentenary Centenary Volwne,1956, 1956, p. p. 211. Volume,

99. K. Hooghly College, K . Zachariah, Zachariah,History History of of Hooghly College, p.p. 19 105. 19 n., n., p. 105. 100. Buckland, II, H, p. 100. p. 711. 711. 101. Gupta, pp. pp. 90-101. 90-101. 101. Gupta, 102. GRPI, G RPI,1876-77 1876-77 103. Ibid., Ibid., 1879-80, 1880-81. 103. 1880-81. 104. Ibid., 104. Ibid., 1878-79. 1878-79. 105. Ibid. 105. Ibid. ■ 106. Ibid., 1880-81. Ibid., 1880-81. 106. 107. Ibid., 1879-80. Ibid., 1879-80. 108. Ibid., 108.,Λ «., 1880-81. 1880-81. 109. Englishman, Englishman, Aug. 14, 1877. 1877. Aug. 14, 110. G GRPI,1879-80. 110. R P I, 1879-80. 111. Jaykrishna’s Jaykrishna's last last will will dated dated July July 11, 1879, PMFU, PMFU. 111. of the Uttarpara 112. Catalogue library (1902); (1902); Kunal Sinha, Catalogue of Uttarpara Public Public Library Sinha, Prachin Prachin Granthasangraha, pp. pp. 17-26. Granthasangraha, 17-26. 113. RPUM, 113. RPU M ,Nov. Nov. 30, 30, 1876;July 1876; July10, 10,1877; 1877;Nov. Nov.7, 7,1877. 1877. Ibid.,July 114. Ibid., July 11, & Aug. 18, 18, 1876. 1876. 115. Ibid., Feb. 15, 1879 1879 & Feb. 14, 14,1880; March 13 13 & & 30, 30, 1880. 1880. Feb. 15, 1880; March 116. 1878, 116. Ibid., March 28, 1878: Ibid., Aug. 2, 117. Ibid., 2, 1878. 1878. Ibid., Feb. 15, 118. Ibid., 15, 1879. 1879. 119. Ibid. Ibid. 120. Ibid.J aJan. n . 21 21 & & Dec. Dec. 30, 30, 1878. 1878. 120. Ibid., 121. Ibid., March March 28, 28, 1878. 1878. 1, 122. Letter Ramakanta Chose Ghose & others, July 31, 31, 1876, 1876, IDN, IDM , Aug. Aug. 1, 122. Letter of Ramakanta & 55 others, 1876. 1876. 123. RPU M Nov. Nov. 5, 5, 1878. 1878. 123. RPUM Ibid., July 12, 12, 1879. 1879. 124. Ibid., July 10, 125. Ibid., Ibid., July 10, 1877. 1877. 126. Ibid., Ibid.,June 126. June 17, 17,1876. 1876. 127. lbid.,June Medical Gazetteer, pp. 320-22. 127. Ibid., June 17, 17, 1876; 1876; D. G. G. Crawford, Crawford, Hughli Hughli Medical Gazetteer, pp. 320-22.

NOTES A AND N D REFERENCES REFERENCES

54! 54

128. Carstairs, p. 67. 128. 67. , 129. Ibid., pp. 99.100. 129. 99-100. 130. HP, March 1,1, 1880; Mukherjee', Uttar130. 1880; E.abindranath Rabindranath Banerjee, Banerjee, 'Rajkissen ‘Rajkissen Mukherjee’, Uttar­ para Govt. Govt, School SchoolMagazine, Magazine, Foundation FoundationNumber, Number,May, May, 1929, 1929, pp. pp. 17-22. 17-22. 131. Mukherjee, MS 131. Jaykrishna Mukherjee,, MS note note for forhis hisautobiography, autobiography, PMFU. PMFU. 132. FA. 133. Ibid. 134. Jaykrishna’s Jaykrishna's wiU will dated July July 11, ,134. 11, 1879, 1879, PMFU. PMFU. ' 135. 5. few facts S. D. D. R., R .,'Joykissen ‘JoykissenMokherjee-a Mokherjee—a few factsconnected connectedwith withhis hislife', life’,National National 1899, p. p. 271. 271. Magazine. New Series, June, June, 1899, 136. Ibid., pp. pp. 270-71. 270-71. 137. Ibid., p. p. 271. 271. 138. Ibid., Ibid., p. p. 272. 272. 139. Ibid., Ibid., p. p. 267. 267. 140. Ibid., p. 271. 140. 271. Ibid., p. p. 272. 272. 141. Ibid., FA. 142. FA. 143. Ibid. 144. S.D.R., June, 1899, p.271. 144. S.D.R., Joykissen ‘JoykissenMokherjee', Mokheqee’,National National Magazine, Magazine, June, 1899, p. 271. 145. FA. ■ 145. 146. Ibid. 147. S.D.R., 147. S.D.R., 'Joykissen ‘Joykissen Mokherjee', Mokherjee’,National National Magazine,June, Magazine, June, 1899, 1899, p. 27!. 271. 148. This This is is mostly mostly based based on on the the account given by by Ambika 148. account given Ambika Charan Gupta in in Jaykrishna Jaykrishna Chant, pp. 165-66. 165-66. J49. AbanindranathThakur Thakur and Rani Chanda, Jorasankor Dhare, pp. pp. 27-28. 27-28. 149. Abanindranath and Rani Chanda, .Jorasankor DILaTe, 150. Buckland, Vol. II, II, pp. pp.1950-52. 1950-52. 151. FA. [Sivanarayana Mukhopadhyay] Mukhopadhyay]Joi/cnisna Jaikrisna Mukharji, Mukharji, p. 152. [Sivanarayana p. 6. Gupta, pp. pp.165-66. 165-66. 153. Gupta, 154. 166. 154. Ibid., p. 166. Cf. Edwin 155. 155. [Sivanarayana [Sivanarayana Mukhopadhyay] Mukhopadhyay] Jaikriona Jaikrisna Mukharji, p. 30. Of. Edwin p. 30. Arnold, India India-Revisited, exacdy Revisited,p.p.251; 251:". . . the Bengalee men, in appearance appearance exactly like ancient ancient Romans, Romans, with with their toga-like garments and and bare black like toga-like garments black heads, heads, but really the the most unwarlike race in the world." world.” 156. FA. FA. 157. ChandraBanerjee, Baneqee, HutomPyanchar PyaneharGan, Gan,Vivid/ia, Vtvidha, pp. pp.62-63, 62-63,Collected Collected 157. Hem Chandra Hutom Works, Vol. Vol. II. Works, 158. Early Poems. Poems.Published Published anonymously anonymously in 1892. 158. 1892. 159. S.D.R., Magazine,June, June, 1899, 1899, p. p. 269. 159. S.D.R., 'Joykissen ‘Joykissen Mokherjee', Mokherjee’, National National Magazine, 160. Ibid., pp. pp. 268-69. 268-69. 161. FA. Ibid. 161a. Ibid. 162. Ibid. Ibid. 163. Certified ofJaykrishna's 1879, PMFU. Certified copy copy of Jaykrishna’swill willdatedJuly dated July11, 11,1879, PMFU.Before Beforemaking making his last will July 11, Jaykrishna had had made at least his will dated July 11, 1879, 1879, Jaykrishna least six six wills wills including a codicil dated 1874. 1874. He and and Rajkrishna, Rajkrishna, as as owners owners of undivided properties, had had made madeaawill willin in1841. 1841. 164. Ibid. Ibid.

542

542

A E N G A L ZZAMINDAR A M IN D A R A BBENGAL

165. p, 98. 98. 165. Gupta, p. 166. Bankim Chandra ChandraChatterjee, Chatterjee,'Isvar ‘IsvarChandra ChandraGupter GupterJivancharit Jivancharit 0OKauittva' Kavittva’ Collected Works, 125-26. Collected Works, Vividha, Vividha,pp. pp. 125-26. 167. 167. FA. 168. HP, HP,Jari. 168. Jan. 29, 29, 1877. 1877. 169. St. 169. St.Xavier's Xavier’sCollege CollegeCentenary Centenary Souvenir, Souvenir, 1960. 170. Lafont’s condolence letter to Pearymohan, Pearymohan, [Mukherjeel, [Mukherjee],p. p.xis. xii. 170. Fr. Lafont's 171. Gour Chandra,Vol. Vol.I lIII, p. 1554. 171. Gour Govinda GovindaRay, Ray,Achaiyo Acharya Keshab Keshab Chandra, l , p. 172. Gupta, p. 172. p. 98. 98. 173. 173. John John Newmarch to to Jaykrishna Jaykrishna from from Bruton, Bruton,Somersetshire, Somersetshire, Aug. Aug. 29, 29, Nov.. Nov­ ember, 1870 & & March March 10, 10, 1871, 1871, PMFU. Kissen Mookerjee, Mookerjee, 'Autobiography', ‘Autobiography’, CR, CR, Jan. & Feb. Feb.1951. 1951. 174. Joy Kissen Jan. & 13 CHAPTER 13 THE FINAL FINAL YEARS YEARS 1. Secy, of State for India, March March 21, 21, 1. Despatch from from the the Govt, Govt. of of India India to the Secy. 1885. 1882, SPRBTA, 1885. 2. Asutosh AsutoshMukherjee, Mukherjee,71w TheProposed Proposed New Mew Rent Law for for Bengal Bengal & & Behar, Behar, p. p. 4. 3. Ibid., Ibid., p. 49. 49. 4. Ibid., Ibid., pp. pp. 53-54. 53-54. March 29, 1881. 5. Englishman, Englishman, March 1881. 6. Ibid. 6. Ibid. 7. FI,Jan. F I, Jan.19, 19,1881. 1881. 8. Report Report of of the the 29th 29th annual annual meeting meeting of of the the BIA, BIA, April April 29, 29, 1881, 1881, HP, May 2, 1881, 1881, supplement. supplement. Quarterly meeting meeting of the the BIA, BIA, July J u ly29, '29, 1881, 1881, HP, HP,supplement, supplement, Aug. Aug. 1, 1, 9. Quarterly 1881. 1881. 10. C. C.E.E.Buckland, Buckland, Bengal underthe theLieutenant-Governors, Lieutenant-Governors, II, 808. Bengal under II, p. 808. 11. of the 30th annual annual meeting meeting of of the the BIA, BIA, April April 10, 10, 1882, 1882, HP, supplesupple­ 11. Report of ment, April April 24, 24, 1882. 1882. 12. Bengalee, Bengalee, April ‘Mukhujjye banain banam April29, 29,1882. 1882.See SeeRabindranath RabindranathTagore, Tagore, 'Mukhujjye Badujjye’, Rabindra Rabindra RaAmavali, 576-82. Badujjye', Rachanavali,Vol. Vol. XX,, pp. pp. 576-82. 12a. H . Hoilingbery Hollingbery ] The gamindary Settlement of V I, 12a. [R. H. Zaminday Settlement ofBengal, Bengal,I,I,Appendix Appendix XXVI, 435. p. 435. 13. Letter 13. Letter to toEditor, Editor,Nov. Nov.18, 18,1882, 1882,Englishman, Englishman, Dec. Dec, 23, 23, 1882. 1882. theBengal BengalRent-Bill, Rent Bill,bybyRichard RichardGarth, Garth, p. 5. 14. Minute Minute on the 15. HP, HP, Die. Dec.25, 25,1882. 1882. 16. of the the general general meeting meeting of ofthe the BIA, BIA, Dec. Dec.22, 22,1882, 1882,HP, HP,supplement. supplement. 16. Report of Jan. 1883. Jan. 1,1, 1883. 16a. SPR.BTA, SPRBTA, 1885, 1885, p. 141. 141. 17. pp. 808-9. 808-9. 17. Buckland, II, pp. 18. 31st annual meeting meeting of the the BIA, BIA, 31st 31st April April 5, 5, 1883, 1883, HP, HP, 18. Report Report of the 31st April 16, 16, 1883. 1883. 19. Beames to Govt., June 30, 30,1884, 1884, Annual Annual General General Report, Report, Burdwan Burdwan 19. JJ.. Beames to Govt., Division, 1883-84, para 18. Division, 1883-84, para 115, p. 18. Reportof ofthe themeeting meetingheld held on on Sept. Sept. 1, 1,1883, 1883, HP, HP, Sept. Sept. 10, 10, 1883. 1883. 20. Report 21. HP, HP,Oct. O ct.8, 8,1883. 1883.

A1D REFERENCES NOTES AMD

5 543 43

22. Goswami's opinion, Opinions of Mofussil Landholders ononthe 22. K. K L. , L. Goswami’s opinion, Opinions of Mofussil Landholders theBengal BmgalTenancy Tenancy Bill, pp. 38-40. B ill, pp. 38-40. Ibid., pp. pp.50-51. 50-51. 23. Ibid., 24. Ibid., Ibid., pp. pp. 26-27. 26-27. 25. HP, HP,Sept. Sept. 3, 3,1883. 1883. 26. Buckland, Buckland, II,. I I , p. 809. 809. SachinSen, Sen,Studies Studies in in the the Land Land Economics Economics ofofBengal, 26, 27. Sachin Bengal,p.p.242; 242;HP, HP, Nov. 26, 1883. 28. Ibid. Ibid. ' 29. AAFull 29. FullReport Reportof ofthe thePublic Public Meeting of and Behar Beharregarding regarding of the the Landholders Landholders of of Bengal Bengal and Bengal Tenancy TenancyBBill heldat at the the Town TownH Hall December,1883, 1883,p. p. 24. the Bengal ill held all on 29th December, 30. the Proceedings of aa meeting 30. Report Report of of the Proceedings of meeting at W Willis's illis’s Rooms Rooms on 25 25 Feb., Feb., 1885, 1885, p. 17. p. 17. 31. Bengalee, Bengalee, Jan. 1885. Jan. 5, 1885. 32. Jan. 24, 32. Englishman, Englishman, Jan. 24, 1884. 1884. Sen,p. p.258; 258;Bengalee,June Bengalee,June28, 28,1883; Woodham-Smith, FlorenceNightingale, Nightingale, 33. Sen, 1883; C.G.Woodham-Smith, Florence pp. 402-3. 402-3. 34. Englishman, Englishman, Feb. 1, 1, 1884. 1884. 34. 35. HP, HP, Feb. Feb. 11, 11,1884. 1884. . 36. Report Report of of the the 32nd 32nd annual annual meeting meeting of the BIA, May 7, 7, 1884, 1884, HP, May 12, 12, 1884. 1884. 37. Englishman, June 14, 14, 1884, 1884,HP, HP,June June 30, 1884. 37. Englishman, June 1884. if f , June30, 30,1884. 1884. 38. HP,June 39. HP, HP,Sept. Sept.8, 8,1884. 1884. 40. HP, HP, Sept. Sept 22 22 & & Oct. Oct.13, 13,1884. 1884. 41. Sen, J. J. DaDa Costa, Remarks andand Extracts from o.ffieial 41. Sen,pp. pp.243-44; 243-44; Costa, Remarks Extracts from officialreports reports on on the Bengal ill, pp. 15-18. Bengal Tenancy TenancyBBill, pp. 1-2, 15.18. 42. Buckland, Buckland, II, II, pp. pp.809-10. 809-10. 1884-85, Lowis Lowis to to Govt., 43. Annuai Annual General General Report-Burdwan Report—Burdwan Division, Division, 1884-85, Govt,, July 3, 3, 1885. 1885. 44. Report Reportof ofthe theTown TownHall H allMeeting Meetingon onDec. Dec.19, 19,1884, 1884,HP, HP,Dec. Dec.20, 20,1884. 1884. 45. Report of Proceedings of Bengal Tenaiuy TenancyBUI Bill in London Landon on onJfune June 25,1884, 25, 1884, 45. ReportofProceedings ofaameeting on Bengal 10, 12-13; J.J.Da The Bengal pp. 2,7, 2, 7,10,12-13; DaCosta, Costa, The BengalTenancy TenancyBill-Remarks BUI—Remarkson onaapaper paper read by W. S. S.Seton-Karr Seton-Karr at at aa meeting meeting of bj W. of the theSociety Socieyof ofArts, Arts,pp. pp. 10-11. 46. BIA BIA address addressto toRipon, Ripon,Bengalee, Bengalee, Dec. Dec. 13, 13, 1884. 1884. HaroldNicolson, Nicolson,Helen's Helen’s Tower, Tower, p. 79. 79. 47. Harold 48. Alfred andAva, Ava,Vol. Vol.II, II, pp. 48. AlfredLyall, Lyall,The TheLjfe Lifeofofthe theMarquis Marquisof ofDufferin Dufferin and pp. 78-80. 78-80. 49. Extract Extractfrom fromthe theProgs. Frogs, of ofthe the Governor-General's Govemor-General’s Council Council of of Feb. 27, 1885, 1885, SPRBTA, 1885, 1885, p. 410. 410. 50. S.D.R., S.D.R., 'Joykissen ‘Joykissen Mokheijee', Mokherjee’, The TheNational National Magazine, Magazine, June, 1899, p, June, 1899, p. 270. 51. ibid. Ibid. Appreciation, pp.25-26. 52. [SivanarayanaMukhopadhyayj [SivanarayanaMukhopadhyay]JaikrisnaMukharji-An JaikrisnaMukharjt—An Appreciation, pp.25-26. 53. SPRLBTA, SPRBTA, 1885. 1885. 54. Governor-General's Govemor-General’s Council Council Progs., Progs,, March March 11, 11, 1885, 1885, Ibid., Ibid., p. 581. 581. 55. RL.RCB, Vol.I,I, pp. pp. 26-27; 26-27; The The Tenancy Tenancy Bill Bill as as passed passed in in Council, SPRBTA, RLRCB, Vol. 1885, p. 585 ir. 1885. 585 ff, 55a. SPRJ3TA, SPRBTA, 1885, p. 616. 55b. Ripon RipontotoDufferin, Dufferin,April April17, 17,1885, DufferinPapers Papersquoted quotedininBinay BinayBhushan Bhushan 55b. 1885, Dufferin

5 44 544

A B ENGAL Z A M IN D A R BENGAL ZAMINDAR

‘Agrarian Economy and Agrarian Relations Relations in Bengal, Bengal, 18591859Chaudhuri, 'Agrarian 1885’, 404 1885', p. 404 55c. Ibid., Ibid., 406. HP,March March23, 23,1885. 1885. 56. HP, Report of of the BIA BIA meeting of April 20, 1885, 1885, HP, supplement, supplement, April 27, 27» ■ 57. Report 1885. 1885. HP,April April 27, 27, 1885. 1885. 58. HP, Report of ofthe Calcutta all meeting ofofDec. 59. Report CalcuttaTown TownHHall meeting Dec.29, 29,1883, 1883,pp. pp.1-24; 1-24;J.J. Da Da Costa» Costa, Scope and The Bengal TenancyAct: Act: Its Scope and Inevitable InevitableResults, Results,pp. pp. 4-5; 4-5; TheSecretary Secretaryof of State State to to the the Govt. Govt, of ofIndia, India,June June23, 23,1885, 1885,SPRBTA, SPRBTA, 1885, 1885, 60. The p. 630. p. 630. 61. HP, HP,Nov. Nov. 2, 2,1885. 1885. 62. Annual Lowis to to Govt., Annual General General Report-Burdwan Report—-BurdwanDivision, Division, 1885-86, 1885-86, Lowis Govt., June June 30, 30,1886. 1886. 63. Brajendranath Brajendranath De, ‘Reminescences ofofan Indian 63. De, 'Rerninescences an Indian Indian Member Member of of the Indian Civil 1954', p. 235. 235. Civil Service,’ Service,' CR, CR,No. No. IX IX,, June, June, 1954, R .Carstairs, Carstairs,The TheLittle LittleWorld Worldof ofan an Indian Indian District Officer, 87-88. 64. R. OjIcer,pp. pp.87-88. 64a. Howrah HowrahDistrict DistrictGazetteer, Gazetteer, pp. 26-27. 64a. pp. 26-27. HP, Jan. Jan.10, 10,1881. 1881. 65. HP, HDG, p. p. 218. 218. 66. HDG, HP,Nov. Nov. 2, 2,1885. 1885. 67. HP, JohnBeames, Beames,Memoir Memoirof ofaaBengal Bengal Ciuilian, Civilian, p. head­ 68. John p. 303. Beames Bearnes removed removed his headquarters probably probably to to deal dealmore moreeasily easily with with the the series series of intrigues which arose quarters succession to estates of Burdwan following over the succession to the the title and estates followingthe the death death Maharaja Aftab Chand in 1885. of Maharaja 1885. 69. HDG, HDG, pp. pp.151-52. 151-52. 70. Buckland, 70. Buckiand, II, p. p. 822. 822. 71. Report of of the the haifyearly half-yearlymeeting meetingof ofthe the BIA, BIA, Oct. Oct. 6, 6, 1885. 1885. 71. Report 72. HP, HP, Nov. Nov. 16, 16, 1885. 1885. 73. Buckland, II, p. 822. 822. 73. Buckland, 74. Howrah pp. 76-77. Howrah District District Gap.etteer, Gazetteer, pp. 75. HDG, HDG, pp. pp.159-60; 159-60;Burdwan BurdwanDistrict District Gazetteer, Gazetteer, p. p. 140-41. 76. Report of general meeting meeting of of the the BIA, BIA, Sept. Sept. 14, 1887, HP, 76. of the the half-yearly half-yearly general 1887, H P, supplement, Sept. Sept. 19, 19,1887. 1887. supplement, 77. Ambika Charan CharanGupta, Gupta,,7aykrishna Jaykrishna Chant, Charit, p. 67. 77. Ambika 78. Carstairs, Carstairs, p. p. 130. 130. 79. Reports Reports of of the Meetings of the Agricultural Society, Jan. 13, Agricultural & Horticultural Horticultural Society, Jan. 13, Feb. 17, Sept. Sept. 22, 22, 1881; 1881;Jan. Aug. 30, 30, 1882; 1882;June June 20, 20, July July 10, Feb. Jan. 26, Feb. 16, 16, Aug. 10» 1883; May 1884; Jan. 1885; Jan. 1883; May 28, 28, June June 25, 25, Aug. Aug. 27, 27, Oct. Oct. 31, 31, 1884; Jan. 28, 28, 1885; Jan. 29, 1886. 1886. 80. Ibid., Jan. 13, Jan. 26, 80. Ibid., Jan. 13, 1881 1881 & Jan. 26, 1882. 1882. 81. Condolence resolution resolution of the Agri-Horticultural Agri-Horticultural Society. Society. 81. Condolence 82. Agriculture Agriculture ininBengal ittra with Notes Notes by byBaboo BabooJoykissen Joykissen BengalbybyPeary PearyChand ChandM Mittra pp. 27-29. Mokerjea, pp. 27-29. 83. Ibid.; Ibid.; Report Report of ofthe theProceedings Proceedings of of the the Agri-Horticultural Agri-Horticultural Society Society Meeting Meeting of May May 28, 28,1884, 1884,Englishman, Englishman, June 6, 1884. 1884. of June 6, 84. Report Report of of Second Second Indian 13. IndianNational J'fationalCongress, Congress,1886, 1886,Introduction, Introduction, p. 13. 85. Wilfrid Wilfrid S. S.Blunt, Blunt,India Indiaunder underRipon, Ripon, pp. pp. 101-3. 101-3.

NOTES AAND N D REFERENCES REFEREN C ES

545 545

85a. Joykrishna Joykrishna to to the Commissioner ofBurdwan, Burdwan,Jan, Jan. 8,8, 1B77, 1877, PRD PRD (Land 85a, Commissioner of (Land November, 1878. 1878, Revenue) November, 86. FA. FA.

.86a. FA .................................. . ............ ...... .....

.-86a.-FA. - ..— .......... - ---........ .......

...........

[Hollingbery] Vol. II, p. 308. 308. 86b. [Hollingbery] Vol. I,I, Appendix Appendix XXII, Garstairs, pp. pp.87-88. 87-88, 87. Carstairs, 88. Buckland, Buckland, II, II, pp. pp.1050-52. 1050-52. 89. Carstairs, p.87 Garstairs, p. 87if. if, < 90. Bucklarid, Buckland, II, II, pp. pp.1050-52. 1050-52. 91. George Sketch thetheAdministration GeorgeToynbee, Toynbee,A A Sketchofof Administration of of the Hoog/dy Hooghly District, 1795District, 17951845, pp. 76-78. 1645, 76-78. 92. Fl, F I,April April10, 10,1882. 1882, 93 stairs, p. 89. 93» Garstairs, p .-89,..............-· -............ — --------- ' — ......... 94. Toynbee, Toynbee, pp. pp. 76-78. 76-78. 95. Durga DurgaCharan GharanRay, Ray, Devaganer DevaganerMartye MartyeAgaman, Agaman, pp. pp. 400-1. 400-1. 96. FA. FA. Bengalee, Nov. 17, 1883 1883 quoting quotingGovt. Govt.Resolution ResolutionininCalcutta CalcuttaGazette. Gazette. 97. Bengalee, Nov. 17, 98. Annual Annual General General Report Reportofofthe theCommissioner, Commissioner, Burdwan Burdwan Division, Division, 1882-83; 1882-83; to Govt, Govt., 28 28June Ibid., 1883-84, Beames Beamesto toGovt., Govt.,June Beames to June1883; 1883; Ibid., June 30,1884. 99.' A Smith Smith to Govt., July July 27, 1887, 99. A 1887, Annual General Report of the the CommisCommis­ sioner, Presidency Presidency Division, Division, 1886-87. 1886-87. 100. 100. [Hollingberyj [Hollingbery] Vol. Vol. II, pp. pp. 38-39. 38-39. 101. 101. HP, /-/P, July July 23, 23, 1888 1888. 102. 30, 1888. 1888. 102. BIA condolence resolution, July July 26, 1888, HP, July 30, 103. S.D.R., 'Joykissen ‘Joykissen Mokherjee', Mokherjee’,National National Magazine, Magazine, June, 1899, p. 270. 270. 103. S.D.R., June, 1899, 103a. 103a. PMFU 103b_PMFU 103b.. PMFU ................................ -........................... 104. 104. Surendranath Surendranath Baneijea, Banerjea,AANation Nation in in Making, Making, p. 102. 102. SecondIndian IndianNational National Congress, Congress,p. p. 13. 105. Report Report of ofSize the Second 106. Buckland, II, pp. 106. pp. 1050-52. 1050-52. 107. Tagore, the thefirst firstsecretary secretaryof ofthe theBritish British Indian IndianAssociation, Association, 107. Debendranath Tagore, was still alive, alive, although no longer actively connected with it. it, 108. Peary 108. Peary Chand Chand Mitra's M itra’sspeech speechat at the the29th 29th annual annualmeeting meetingof of the BIA, April 29, 1881 HP, HP, supplement, May 1881 May 2, 2, 1881. 1881. Jaykrishna's speech, 109. Jaykrishna’s speech,ibid. ibid. 110. annual meeting meeting of ofthe the BIA, BIA, April April 10, 10, 1882, 1882» 110. Jaykrishna’s Jaykrishna's speech speech at at the 30th annual HP, supplement, April April 24, 24, 1882. 1882. HP, supplement, 111. May 4, 4, 1885. 1885. 111. HP, editorial, May 112. The TheBangabasi, Bangabasi, Dec. 20, 1884 1884 quoted quoted in inthe theEnglishman, Englishman, Dec. 23, 1884. 1884. 113. Reis and Rayyet, Rqypet,‘The 'TheGeneral GeneralAwakening’, Awakening', editorial, editorial, June June 27,1885. 113. Reis 114. Bengalee, Bengalee, Jan. Jan. 2, 1886. 1886. ludian Political Associations 115. Bimanbehari BimanbehariMajumdar, Majumdar, Indian Political Associationsand andReform Reformof ofLegislature, Legislature, 1818-1917, p. 155. 155. 115a. lISa. A. A.M. M,Bose Boseon onthe theIndian IndianNational NationalConference Conferenceof of1883 1883 quoted by Hiren. Hirendranath dranathMukherjce, Mukherjee, India India Struggles Strugglesfor forFreedom, Freedom, p. 68. 68. 116. HP, 116. HP, Dec. Dec. 28, 28, 1885. 1885, 117. Bengalee,Jan. Bengalee, Jan. 2, 2, 1886. 1886. 11 117a. 7a. Ambika Arnbika Charan CharanMazumdar, Mazumdar,Indian Indian.National NationalEvolution, Evolution, p. p. 54. 54, . 35

546 546

A ENGAL Z A M IN D A R A BBENGAL ZAMINDAR

118. PrasadGhosh, Ghosh,Congress Congress 00 Bangla, by 118. Hemendra Hemendra Prasad Bangla,pp. pp. 118-19. 118-19. The The table given by Jaykrishna asfollows: follows: Jaykrishna isisas

No. ofEuropeans Europeans No. of employed employed drawing drawing - Rs. Re. 200j200/- or above above per month per month

Highest salary sclaty

Highest salary salaly drawn by drawn by Indians

Rs. Rs.

Rs. Rs.

Post Rly. RIy. post Customs Preventive Preventive & & : Salt

2,000 2,000 1,400 1,400 2,000

600 600 300 Less than 600 600

30 30 5 5 10 10

1,000 1,000

Less than 100 than 100

Forest Opium

1,250 3,000

100 Less than than 100

Jail

2,000 3,000 2,500 2,300

110 heads from Rs.100 Rs. 100 13 13 heads from 99 heads Rs. 100 100 11 11 44 108 108 51 51

Department Department

-

Finance Finance Police Education Education

200

Do 760 760 500 ■ 1000 1000

of No. No. of Indians employed employed drawing drawing us. Rs. 200/2001-or or above above per permonth month

10 . 10 11 xX x X

xX X x X x

2 2 7 7 27

119. Bengalee, Bengalee, Dec. 1887. Dec. 3, 1887. 120. Surabhi Patafcaof ofOct. Oct. 1886, quoted quoted in Nov. 4, 1886. Sumbhi & Pataka in Englishman, Englishman, Nov. 1886. 121. Dcc. 3, 1887. 121. Bengalee, Bengalee, Dec. 1887. 122. HP, Sept. Sept. 27, 27, 1886. 1886. 122. HP, quoted in 123. The TheSanjivani, Sanjwani, quoted in Englishman, Englishman, Dec. 14, 14, 1886. 1886. 124. Ghose, pp. 134-35; 134-35; Prabhat PrabhatKumar KumarMukhopadhyay, Mukhopadhyay,Rabindrajivani, Rabindrajivani, Vol. 1, I, 124. ' p. 182. 182. 124a. Amrita Amrita Bazar Patrika, Pafrika, Dec. Dec. 30, 1886. 125. 125. Ibid., Ibid., 126. Report Report of of the Second SecondIndian Indian National J'IatiorsalCongress, Congress,Dec. Dec.27-30, 27-30, 1886. 1886. 127. 127. Ibid. Ibid. 128. V , p. p. 157. 157. 128. Ibid., Ibid., Appendix V, 129. Sen,Atmajivani, Atmajivani, p. 129. Jaladhar Jaladhar Sen, p. 78. 130. Knight to toPearysnohan Pearymohan Mukherjee, Mukherjee, [Sivanarayana [Sivanarayana Mukhopadhyay] Mukhopadhyay] 130. RR., Knight Mukharji—AnAppreciation, Appreciation, Appendix, pp. pp.ix-x.. ix-x. Jaikrisna Mukharji-An 130a. Bengalee,Jari. Bengalee, Jan. 1, 1887. 1887. 131. 14, 1884. 1884. 131. Ibid., June June 14, 132. Second Indian Indian National National Congress Congress Report, Report, 132. Indian IndianMirror Mirrorquoted quotedinin the Second 1887; Amrita Bazar BazarPatrika, Patrika,Jan. Appendix V.p. V. p.157; 157;Bengalee,Jan. Bengalee,Jan. 1, 1,1887; Jaxi. 6, 1887. 1887. AANation 133. Surendranath SurendranathBanerjea, Banerjea, Nationininthe theMaking, Making,p. p.102. 102.

NOTES AAND N D REFERENCES REFERENCES

5 547 47

134. Report Report of of the Second SecondIndian IndianNational NationalCongress·. Congress:Introduction. Introduction. 135. Bengalee, Jan. 1, Bengalee, Jan. 1, 1887. 1887. 136. Sanwad Prabhakar theBharatuasi Bharalvasi quoted 136. Samvad Prabhakarquoted quotedin in Englishman, Englishman,Jan. Jan. 4, 4, 1887; the quoted in Englishman, Jan. 11, quoted in Englishman, Jan. 11, 1887; 1887;the theVard/taman Vardlmman Sanjivani, quoted in Englishman, Englishman, April 30, 1887; 1887; the the Prajavandhu Prajmandku quoted 1887; the the quotedin in Englishman Englishman Aug. 13, 1887; Bangavasi quoted Som Prakash, Prakash, quoted in in Bangavas-z quotedininEnglishman, Englishman,May May5,5, 1888; 1888; the Som Englishman,Dec. Dcc. 2, 1887. Englishman, 1887. 137. 137. Report of of the the 30th 30th annual annualgeneral generalmeeting meetingof ofthe theBIA, BIA, April April 10, 10, 1882, 1882, H P, HP, Jan. 23, 1882. 1882. Jan. 23, 138.. Report of of the the 35th 35th annual annualgeneral generalmeeting meetingof ofthe theBrA, BIA, April April20, 20, 1887, 1887, HP, IIP , 138. April 25, 1887, 1887, supplement. 139. Dec. 24, 1881. 139. HF, HP, Dec. 26, 26, 1881; m i; Englishman, Englishman, Dec. 1881. 140. Oct. 1, 1, 1883. 1883. 140. IIP lIP,, Oct. 141. HF, 141. HP, March March 19, 19,1883. 1883. 142. Englishman, Jan. 20, Englishman, Jan. 20, 1887. 1887. 143. Ibid., Ibid., Feb. 10, 10, 1887. 1887. 144. Ibid., Feb. Feb. 21, 21, 1887. 1887. 6, 1883. 1883. 145. Ibid., Dec. 6, 146. 1884. 146. Ibid., Dec. 23, 1884. 147. 147. HP, HP, Sept Sept.25 25& &Nov. Nov. 20, 20, 1882. 1882. 4, 1884. 1884. 148. Ibid., Feb. 4, 1 « . Ibid., June 2,1884. 1884. 149. Ibid.,June2, 150. 150. Ibid.,Jan. Ibid., Jan.12, 12,1885. 1885. 151. 1885. 151. Ibid., Feb. 9, 1885. 152. Ibid., Sept. 7, 152. 7, 1885. 1885. 153. Report of the the quarterly general 153. Report general meeting meeting of the the BrA, BIA, July July 29, 29,1881, 1881, HP, HP, supplement, Aug. Aug. 1, 1, 1881. 1881. 154. Englishman Feb. 154. Englishman Feb. 18, 18, 1882, 1882, supplement. supplement. .155. 155. Report of the the 30th 30th annual annual general general meeting meeting of of the the BrA, BIA, April April 10, 10, 1882 1882 HP, April 24, 24, 1882. 1882. supplement April 156. Englishman, Englishman, Sept. 1883. Sept. 26, 1883. 157. Brajendranath Indian 157. BrajendranathDe, Dc, ‘Reminiscences 'ReminiscencesofofananIndian Indian Member Member of of the Indian Civil June, No. IX 1954, pp. 240-41. Civil Service’, Service',CR, CR,June, IX,, 1954, pp.240-41. 158. HP, 158. HP, Oct. 25, 25, 1886. 1886. 159. Ibid. Ibid. 160. HDG, 160. HDG, p. 204. 161. 161.Jaykrishna Jaykrishna to to Offg. Offg. D DPI, PI, Sept. 19, 19, 1883, 1883, PGD (Education {Education Branch), Branch), 1-8, 1-8, 1883. Dec. 1883. 162. 162. C. W. W . Bolton, Bolton, Under-Secy, Under-Secy, to the Bengal Govt., Govt., Gen. Gem.Deptt., Deptt., to to the D DPI, PI, 17, 1883, 1883, PGD (Education (Education Branch), Branch), Dec. Dec. 1883. 1883. Dec., 17, 163. Jaykrishna Jaykrishna to DPI, 163. D PI,April April18, 18,1887, 1887,ibid., ibid., July, 1887. 1887. 164. C. II. H .Tawney, Tawney,Offg. Offg.DPI D PItotothe theSecy, Secy,Govt. Govt,ofofBengal, Bengal,Gem. Gen. Deptt., May 9. 9: 164. 1887, 1887, PGD PGD (Education (Education Branch), Branch), July,July, 1887.1887. 165. 165. P. Nolan Nolan to to the theOffg. Offg. DPI,.June D PI, June11, 11,1887, 1887,ibid., ibid., July July 1887. 1887. ibid., July, 166. to Secy, Secy, Govt. Govt, of of Bengal, Bengal, June 18, 18, 1887, 1887, ibid., July, 1887. 1887. 166. Jaykrishna to 167. PI’s Report, Report,1887-88, 1887-88, p. p. 25-27. 25-27. 167. D DPI's 1887, Papers Papers of Srinath 167a. Chakravarti, June 17, 1887, Srinatb 167a.Jaykrishna Jaykrishnatoto Srinath Srinath Chakravarti, June 17, Chakravartiof ofSerampore. Serampore. Chakravarti

m 548

A ENGAL Z A M IN D A R A BBENGAL ZAMLNDAR

168. June20, 20,1887. 1887. 168. HP, HP,June 169. Ibid., Ibid., July July25, 169. 25,1887. 1887. 170. PI to to the theSecy, Secy, Govt. Govt, of ofBengal, Bengal, Gen. Gen. Deptt., Deptt.,Nov. Nov.30, 30,1887 1887 170. AA Croft, Croft, D DPI PGD PGD (Education (Education Branch) Branch) Feb. Feb. 1888; 1888; Manohar Manohar Mukherjee Mukherjee to to DDPI, PI, Dec, Dec. 1, ibid.,Feb. Feb.1888; 1888;A.A.Croft, Croft,DDPI to the Secy, ; 1887, 1887,#«/., P I to Secy, Govt. Govt, of ofBengal, Bengal, Gen. Gen. Deptt., Dec. 9,1887, 9, 1887, ibid., ibid.,Feb. Feb.1887; 1887;Manohar ManoharMukherjee Mukherjeeto tothe the Secy, Secy, Govt, Govt. of Bengal, Dec. 10, 10,1887 1887ibid., ibid., Feb. Feb. 1888. 1888. Bengal, Gen. Gen. Deptt., Deptt., Dec. ,171. W . C. C. Chatterjee Chatterjee and and 52 52 others others to to P. P. Nolan, Nolan, Secy Secy to to the the Govt. Govt, 171.. Petition Petition of o W. Bengal, Gen. Gen. Deptt,, Deptt., Dec. 14, of Bengal, 14, 1887, 1887, ibiL, ibid., Feb. 1888. 1888. 172. H. W. W . C. C. Carnduff, Camduff, Offg. OfFg, Under-Secy Under-Secy to the Govt. Govt, of Bengal D PI, 172. Bengal to to the DPI, Feb. 9, 1888, 1888, ibid., Feb., 1888. 1888. 173. PI’s Report, Report, 1887-88, 1887-88, p. 25-27. 25-27. 173. D DPI's 174. Ibid. Ibid. 175. Government High High School', School’, 175. Sandhitsu, Sandhitsu,‘Manushgarar 'ManushgararItikatha—Uttarpara Itikatha-Uttarpara Government Amrita, 607-8. Ararita, Asvin Asvin2, 2, 1376 1376 B.S., B.S., pp. 607-8. 176. D DPI's 176. P I’sReports, Reports,1880-81, 1880-81,1887-88. 1887-88. _ 177. Presidewy PresidencyCollege, College, Calcutta, 177. Calcutta, Centenary CentenaryVolume, Volume,plate plateNo.,52 No., 52 (back). (back). 178. Bengalee, March 1882. 178. Bengalee, March 11, 1882. 179. HP, April 179. April 23, 1883. 1883. 180. Englishman, March 14, 1882. 180. Englishman, March 1882. . 181. Ibid. 18!. Ibid. 182 Report 182 Reportof ofthe theannual annualmeeting meetingof ofthe theIACS, IACS,1885-86. 1885-86. 183. 10, 1889, 1889, p. 9. 183. Ibid., No. 12, April 10, 184. May 6, 6, 1892. 1892. 184. Ibid., 15, May 185. A. Milne, Milne,Sir Sir7a,nes James JeansJeans—A Biography with 185. E. A. A Biography with aa Memoir by S. C, C. Roberts, 79. p. 79. l85a. Gopika KalegerItihasa, Itihasa,Part Part II, II, 185a. Gopika Mohn MohnBhattacharyya, Bhattacharyya,Kalikata KalikataSam.ckrita Samskrita Kaleger p. 46. 46. p. 186. Radhakrishnan, etetal., al.,History HistoryofofPhilosophy Philosophy Eastern Western, Vol. 186. S. Radhakrishnan, Eastern & & Western, Vol. I,I, p. 528. 187. HP,Jan. HP, Jan.24, 24,1882. 1882. Full Full Report Report in HP, HP, Feb. 1, 1, 1882; 1882; Har Bilas Sarda, Life of 187. liar Bilas Life of Dayatumda DeyanandaSaraswati, Saraswati,pp. pp. 256-57, 256-57. Francis Henry Henry Skrine, Skrine, Life William Wilson Wilson Hunter, p. 248. 248. Ljfe of of Sir William 188. Francis 189. Hunter Hunter to toMabel, Mabel,March March21, 21,1881, 1881,ibid., ibid., p. p. 348. 348. 190. W. W . W. W . Hunter's Hunter’sPreface PrefacetotoThe TheImperial Imperial Gazetteer Gazetteer of 190. ofIndia, India,Vol. Vol.I,I, 2nd 2nd ed., 1886. 1886. 191. to Mrs. Mrs. Hunter, Hunter, Feb. Feb, 23, 23, 1886, 1886, Skrine, p. 349. 191. W W.. W W.. Hunter Hunter to H . S. S.Cunningham, .Cunningham,The The Coeruleam, pp. pp. 205-8. 205-8. 192. H. Coeruleaas, Anon.,Suraloke Suraloke Banger 8-9. 192a. Anon., BangerParichqy, Parichay,Part PartII, II, (c. (c. 1878), pp. 8-9. 193. HP, HP, Sept. Sept. 5, 5, 1887. 1887. 193. Sadharani, Nov. 1873. ~. . 193a. Sadiuirani, Nov. 9, 1873. Banerjea,AANation Nation in in Making, 194. Baneijea, ),iaking, p. 64. Ibid. 195. Ibid. HP,Aug. Aug.7,7,1882; 1882;Bengalee, Bengalee, Aug. 5, 1882. 1882. 196. HP, 197. Ibid. Ibid. . Bengalee, Aug. 5, 1882. 1882. 198. Bengalee, Aug. 5, 199 Ibid., 199; Ibid., Sept. Sept. 23, 23, 1882. 1882. · '· . 200. HP, HP,July July10,, 10,,1882; 1882; ABMR, ABMR, 1881-82, 1881-82, p. 10. 10.

NOTES A AND N D REFERENCES REFERENCES

549 5 49

20Qa. Ibid., Ibid., 1882-83, 1882-83, p. 10. 10. .. 200a. 201. Bengoiee, Bengalee, Sept. 1882. ■ Sept. 30, 1882. 202. HP, FL, Nov. Nov. 21 21 & 28, 28,1882. HP,Nov. Nov.6, 6,13, 13,20, 20,27, 27,1882; 1882;also alsosee w *F/, 1882, Englishman, Nov. 10, 1882. 1882. ' 203. Eng1ishnan, Nov. 10, 203a. Carstairs, Carstairs, p. p. 83. 83. 204. Fl, F I, editorial, editorial,Nov. Nov.21, 21,1882. 1882. Nov. 17, 17, 1882; 1882; FFl, 205. W. W . C. C. Chatteijee's Chatteijee’sletter, letter,Englishman, Englishman, Nov. I, Dec. Ufec. 5, 1882. 1882. . : 206. Letter Letterfrom from 'Another ‘AnotherRatepayer', Ratepayer’,dated dated Nov.21, 21,1882, 1882,Englishman, Englishman, Nov., Nov. Nov. 28, 1882. Nov. 8, 1882. 207. Englishman, Englishman, Nov. 1882. 208. Ibid., Ibid., Feb. Feb. 3, 3, 1883. 1883. 209. ABMR, 1884-85, pp. 7-8; 7.8; Buckland, 209. 1884-85, pp. Buckland, II, p. p. 807. 807. March 3, 1888. 210. .Bengalee, Bengalee, March 1888. 211. RPUM, 211. RPUM , May May10, 10,1884. 1884. 212. lbid.,June Ibid., Jim s12, 12,1886. 1886, 213. D. D. G. G.Crawford, Crawford,Hughli HughliMedisa! MedicalGazelieer, Gazetteer, pp. ' pp. 320-22. Nov. 22, 1886. 214. Englishman, Englishman, Nov. 1886. 215. Crawford, Crawford, pp. pp. 320-22. 320-22. May 19, 19,June June 3, 3,21, 216. Englishman, Englishman, May 21, 30, 30, 1886. 1886. 217. Ibid., Ibid., Aug. Aug. 26, 26, 1886. 217. 1886. The Magistrate Magistrate of Hooghly Hooghly reported reported in in 1887-88: 1887-88 : munidpalities. ItIt isisthe “"Party Party feeling feeling runs very high in most of the municipalities. thecurse curseof of the country and will be so until the the people people learn to to sink sink itit in in zeal zealfor for the the common good.” good." AMBR, 1887-88, common 1887-88, p. 13. 13. 218. HP, HP,Jan. 218. Jan.18, 18,1886. 1886. 219. .Bengalee, Bengalee, March 1888. March 3, 1888. 220. Ibid. Ibid. 221. RPUM, RPU M ,March March14, 14,1888; 1888;Englishman, Englishman, March March 17, 17,1888. 1888. Ibid., March March 22, 22,1888. 1888. 222. Ibid., 223. Ashley Eden 1887 and and thus thus predeceased predeceased Jaykrishna by 223. Sir Ashley Eden died on July 9, 1887 just over a year. 224. Fl, F I,April April18, 18,1882; 1882;Englishman, Englishman, April April 17, 17,1882. 1882. 225. HP, HP,April April 17, 17, 24 24 & & May May8, 8,1882. 1882. 226. connection with with the the Girls' Girls’ School. School. Much to to the thedismay dismay 226. Jaykrishna Jaykrishna had no comiecton his opponents, opponents, he he was always always regarded regarded as its founder. founder. of his HP,Aug. Aug.13, 13,1883; 1883;ID.W, IBM , Aug. 7, 7, 1883, 1883, supplement. supplement. 227. HP, Englishman, March 10, 1884. 1884. 228. Englishman, March 4, 4, 1884; 1884; HP, HP, March 10, 229. W. W . W. W . Hunter HuntertotoPearymohari, Pearymohan,[Sivanarayana [SivanarayanaMukhopadhyay] Mukhopadhyay] Jaikrisna Jaikrisna Mukharji,Appendix, Appendix, p. p. ii. Mukharji, 229a. Dr. Dr. J. M. M .Coates Coates toJaykrishna, to Jaykrishna,March March21, 21,1888, 1888, PMFU. PMFU. 230. ItItwas wasfashionable fashionable to tohave haveacrobatic acrobaticperformances performanceson onsuch suchsocial socialoccasions. occasions. The The United United Circus Circus Company Company was was engaged for such a party partyatatBelvedere Belvedere in in December, 1887, 1887, HP, Dcc. Dec. 12, 12, 1887. 1887. Je in in India, India, Vol. Vol. II, II, pp. 231. Marchioness Viceregal MarchionessofofDufferin Dufferinand andAva, Ava,Our Oar Viceregal Life pp. 273273March 26, 26, 1888; 1888; HP, HP, March 74; Englishman, Englishman, March March26, 26,1888; 1888;Bengalee, Bengalee, March 31, 31, 1888. 232. HP, HP, Feb. Feb.21, 21,1887. 1887. : of Indian Indian .Biography, 305. Sir 233. HDG, p. 324; 324; C. C.E.E.Buckland, Buckland,Dictionary Dictionary of Biography, p.p. 305. of India, p. 417j 417, says says that PearyRoper Lethbridge The Golden Roper Lethbridgeininhis ,his The. GoldenBoo/c Book of India, p. Peary-:

550 550

A EN G A L ZAMINDAR Z A M IN D A R A B BENGAL

mohan . , in recognition recognition of of his his own own eminent eminent 1 mohan received receivedthese thesehonours honours "...in services servicesto to the the State, State, of of the the position position of ofhis hisfamily familyasasZamindars Zamindarsof ofUttarpara, Uttarpara, and of of the great public services . . . who who was was known through.. through­ and servicesof ofhis hislate latefather father.. out India for his charities, and his his liberal liberal his splendid splendid public public spirit, spirit, his his large large charities, encouragement of education.” education." FA. 234. FA. HP, May May 16, 16,1887. 1887. 235. HP, FA. · 236. FA. 237. FA. FA. 238. Gupta, p. p. 139. 139. 238. Gupta, 239. FA. FA. June, 1899 p. 271. 240. S.D.R. S.D.R.'Joykissen ‘Joykissen Mokherjee', Mokherjee’,National National Magazine, Magazine, June, 241. Ibid., 241. Ibid., pp. pp. 272-73. 272-73. 242. The Postobituary obituary quoted quoted in HP, HP, Nov. 242. The Morning Morning Post Nov. 5, 5, 1888. 1888. The Gospel 243. [Mahendranath [MahendranathGuptaJ Gupta] The GospelofofSri SriRamakrishna, Ramakrishna, p. 821. 821. 244. [urna 244. [^urnaChandra ChandraDeJ De]Udbhatsagar, Udbhatsagar, 'Ekti ‘EktiVistrita Vistrita (sic) (sic) Yuger Yuger Katha', Katha’, in in SurendraSmriti, Smriti,pp. pp.8-14. 8-14.For Foran an account account of a similar performance given by Surendra by Coimbatoreininthe thepalace palaceofofMaharajaJatindra Ranga Charu Sathvathani of Coimbatore Maharaja Jatindra Mohan Mohan Tagore Tagorein in1879, 1879,see seeHP, HP,Dec. Dec.1,1,1879. 1879. 245. [Sivanarayana [Sivanarayana Mukhopadhyay], Mukhopadhyay], p. p. 30. 30. 246. 246. FA. 247. C. T. T. Buckland Buckland to Pearymohan, Pearymohan, {Sivanarayana [Sivanarayana Mukhopadhyay] Appendix, 247. C. pp. u-ui. pp. ii-iii. 248. 248. FA. 249. A. Cockerell Cockerell to to Pearyniohan, Pearymohan, [Sivanarayana [Sivanarayana Mukhopadhyay] Mukhopadhyay] ibid., ibid., 249. H H.. A. Appendix, p. vi. 250. B. B. Dc De to toPearymohan, Pearymohan,ibid., ibid., Appendix, Appendix, pp. pp.xvii-xviii. xvii-xviii. 251. Englishman,April Englishman, April 21, 1888. 1888. Ibid., Sept. Sept. 16, 16, 1881. 1887. 252. Ibid., 253. HP, March March 21, 21, 1887. 1887. 253. HP, 254. {Sivanarayana [Sivanarayana Mukhopadhyay], Mukhopadhyay],Jaikricna Jaikrisna Mukharji, Mukharji, pp. pp. 29-30. 29-30. 255. The TheMorning Morning Post obituary, HP, Nov. Nov. 5, 5, 1888. 1888. obituary, quoted in HP, 256. S. S.Gopal, Gopal,The The Viceroyalty of of Lord Ripon, Viceroyalty Ripon,pp. pp. 220-21. 257. Blunt, Blunt, pp. pp. 101-3. 101-3. 258. Ibid. Ibid. HenryCotton, Cotton,Indian Indian&&Home HomeMemories, Memories, pp. 101-3. 101-3. 259. Henry 260. Chandra Banerjee, Banerjee, 'Hutom ‘Hutom Pyanchar FyancharGan', Gan’,Vividha, Vimdha, pp. pp.62-63, 62-63, Hem Hem 260. Hem Chandra Chandra Vol. II.II. This ChandraGranthanali, Granthaz,ali, Vol. Thispoem poemininwhich whichHem HemChandra Chandrasatirized satirized the the the pseudonym pseudonym of Rasik Molla. glided nobility nobility of Calcutta Calcutta appeared under the single detail is worth notice. The poet is is appreciative appreciative of, even even respectful One single The poet says nothing his love love of to, Jaykrishna, Jaykrishna, and says nothing against him him except hinting hinting at his power and and exercise exercise of authority. authority. 261. Gupta, Gupta, pp. pp.133-34. 133-34, 262. Skrine, Skrine, p. p. 111 111 ri. n. . 263. Gupta, pp. pp.111-12. 111-12. 263. Gupta, Amal Mukherjee, Mukherjee,'Joykissen ‘JoykissenMujtherjee', Mukherjee’,Utlarpara UttarparaGovt. Govt.School School Maga.ine, Magazine, 264. Amal May, 1929, 1929, p. 17. 17. 265. [Sivanarayana [Sivanarayana Mukhopadhyay] Mukhopadhyay] Jaik?isna Jaikrism Mukharji, Mukharji, pp. 32-33. 32-33.

AND NOTES A N D P.EFERENCES REFERENCES

551 5 51

Selections 266. [Pearymohan [PearymohanMukherjee] Mukherjee] Selectionsfrom from the theWritings Writings &&Speeches Speeches of of the late Raja Pearjmohan Pearymohan Mukherjee, Mukherjee,pp. pp. 210-11. 210-11. 267. Akshay Kumar Sen, Ram Ram Krishna Krishna Punthi, 267. Alcshay Kumar Sen, Punthi,p.p.483. 483.The Thepundit pundit was none other other ShyamapadaNyayavag-ish Nyayavagisli who adversely on Jaykrishna Jaykrishna than Shyamapada who commented adversely Ramakrishna Paramhansa. in the presence of Ramakrishna Paramhansa. See See above, note note no. no. 243. 243. 268. [Sivanarayana Mukhopadhyay] Mukhopadhyay] ibid., ibid., p. 268. [Sivanarayana p. 32. 269. The Morning Morning Post 1888. 269. The Postobituary obituary in in HP, Nov. 6, 1888. 270. Although Jaykrishna Was was devoted devoted to to the the ideals ideals of of an an agrarian society, he 270. Although Jaykrishna society, he welcomed the the first first steps steps taken by India welcomed India totomanufacture manufactureconsumer consumergoods. goods. Personally, he he used used the products of the Bombay from the time they Personally, Bombay mills mills from they come on the market. sofar far as as one can foresee what market. In so what aa man man would would have have done done in circumstances other than those in which he than those he functioned, functioned, it it is conceivable conceivablethat that Swadeshi movement he would have have welcomed welcomed the Swadeshi movementhad hadhe he lived lived to see its beginning. beginning. HP, July 23,1888. 1888. 271. HP,Ju1y23, 272. Amrita July 26, 1888. Amrita Bazar Patrika, July 1888. July 21, 1888. 273. Bengdee, Bengalee, July 1888. 274. Indian Indian Mirror, July 21, 21, 1888. 1888, Rayyet,July 275. Reis Reis and Rayyet, July 21, 1888. 1888, 276. July 20, 276. Stateiman Statesmanand andFriend Friend of of India, July 20, 1888. 1888. July 20, 277. Englishman, Englishman, July 20, 1888. 1888. July 23, 1888. 278. Pioneer, Pioneer, July 1888. 278a. Morning Morning Post, 5, 1888. 1888. Post, quoted quoted in in HP, Nov. 5, 279. Report of ofthe the half-yearly half-yearly meeting meeting of the BIA, Sept. 19, 19, 1888, 1888, HP, 279. Report HP, Sept, Sept. 24, 1888. 1888. 280. Report of of the the 3th 37thannual annual generalmeeting meetingofofthe theBIA, BIA,April April24, 24,1889. 1889. 280. Report general byRaja RajaPeary Pear, Moha 281. Extraets *Extractsfrom from certain certain letters letters & & telegrams telegrams out of received by Mohan of 353 received Mukharji on on the theoccasion occasion of the death death of ofhisfather 17. Jo,kissen Mukharji, p. 17. Mulcjzarji of the his fatherBabu Babu Joykissen for the of 282. Report Report of 12th annual anmialmeeting meeting of Indian Association Association for theCultivation Cultivation of of the fndian of the 12th Science, April30, 30, 1339, 1889, p. p. 9. Science, April 9. . In this thisrespect respect the the report reportofJaykrishna's ofJaykrishna’sdeath, death,as asititappeared appearedin in the the Bengal Bengal 283. In letter of the Hindu of Aug. Aug. 6, 6, 1888, is worth worth quoting: quoting: “The "The death Hindu of 1888, is death of late Joykissen Joykissen Mukherjee Mukherjee is, is, indeed, indeed, aa loss lossbut but not not so much much to the people of the the zemindars. zemindars. It It isisthe thezemindars zemindars who who will will sustain sustain aa loss loss by by country as to the his death for for Baboo Baboo Joykissen was the most earnest earnest defender defender of of their their rights rights and privileges. his charities, charities, the the only only public public act of Ms his which which had had any privileges. Besides Besides his concern with the whole country was was his his speech speech at at the Calcutta concern with whole-country Calcutta National National Congress.” Congress."

BIBLIOGRAPHY BIBLIOGRAPHY A. UNPUBLISHED MATERIAL M ATERIAL A. UNPUBLISHED

I.I. PRIVATE P R IV A T E PAPERS PA PERS (a) Papers Papers of the Mukherjee Mukheijee Family Family of of Uttarpara Uttarpara (Wills, (Wills, Deeds, Deeds, Correspondence); Rokad, 1288 1288 B.S., B.S., jaistha-Ashar Correspondence); Rokad, Jaistha-Ashar (Household (Household

• Accounts—occasional); Extracts fromcertain certainLetters Letters&&Telegrams Telegramsout out Accounts-occasional); Extrac!s from of 353received received by Raja Raja Peary PearyMo/ian Mohan-Mukherjee -Mukherjee on on the the occasion occasion of of the the of 353 death of (Uttarpara: ofhis hirfather fatherBabu BabuJoykissen JoykissenMukherjee. Mukherjee. (Uttarpara:Union Union Press, Uttarpara, 1888). 1888), Uttarpara, (b) Papers Srinath Chakravarti Chakravarti of of Serampore Serampore (Private (Private correscorres­ (b) Papers of Srinath pondence). pondence),.,

II U.. NATIONAL N A T IO N A L ARCHIVES A RC H IV ES OF OF INDIA IN D IA

Proceedings of the the Home Home Department (Public); Proceedings of (Public); Proceedings Proceedings of the Home Department (Judicial); Home (Judicial); Foreign Foreign Miscellaneous Miscellaneous Nos. Nos, 195, 195, 189, 189, 257 257 (Letters (Letters to to and and from from the Resident Resident at Bharatpur); Bharatpur); LegisLegis­ Acts XXIV-XIX Vols. II & & II. lative Papers relative to Acts IV - X IX of of 1856, 1856, Vols. III. ARCHWES II I. REORDS RE O R D SOF OFTHE T H EWEST W ESTBENGAL B EN GA L STATE A RC H IV ES (HISTORICAL (H IST O R ICA L DIVISION) DIVISIO N )

Proceedings of the the Sadar Board of Revenue; Proceedings of the Board

of Revenue, Revenue, Lower Lower Provinces; Provinces;Judicial Judicial Letters Letters from from the the Court Court of Directors to to Fort Fort W William in Bengal; Bengal;Judicial Judicial Letters Letters to to the the Court Court Directors illiam in of Directors Directors from from Fort William William in in Bengal; Bengal; Proceedings Proceedings of the the General Department; Proceedings Proceedings of General Department Department General Department; of the General (Education Branch); Branch); Proceedings of the Revenue (Education Proceedings of Revenue Department; Department; Proceedings Proceed­ Proceedings of ofthe the Revenue RevenueDepartment Department (Appointment); Proceedings of (Land Revenue Proceed­ of the theRevenue RevenueDepartment Department ('Land Revenue Branch); Branch); Proceedings of the Department (Miscellaneous (Miscellaneous Branch); Branch); ProceedProceed­ the General Department ings (Sanitation Branch); Branch); Proceedings Proceedings ings of the General Department (Sanitation of the JudicialDepartment; Department;Proceedings Proceedings of the Judicial Department oftheJudicial oftheJudicial (Jails Branch); Branch); Proceedings Proceedings of the Statistical Department. (jails

IV.. OFFICE IV OFFICE OF OF THE THE BOARD B O A R D OF OF REVENUE, R E V E N U E ,GOVERNMENT GOVERN M ENT OP OF WEST W EST BENGAL BEN GA L

Proceedings of the Board of of Revenue. V . RECORDS REC O R D S OF OF THE THE H000IILY H O O G H L YCOLLECTORATE C OLLECTORATE V.

Letters Collector; Letters Letters received received by the the Collector; Collector; Letters issued issued by by the Collector; Papers marked Serial no. 49, 49, Register Register 41-A, 41-A, Vol. 17. 17. V I. TILE T H E BRITISH B RIT ISH INDIAN IN D IA N ASSOCIATION, ASSOCIATION, CALCUTTA CALCUTTA VI.

Proceedings of. of the Association, Proceedings Association, Vols. Vols. I-VT, I-VI, 1852-1892 1852-1892 (Vol. (Vol. V V missing). missing).

5 54 554

A BENGAL B E N G A L ZAMINDAR Z A M IN D A R

VII. THE OF IN INDIA, ALPORE, VII. T H E AGRI-HORTICULTURAL A G R I- IIO R n C U L T U R A L SOCIETY SOCIETY OF D IA , A L IP O R E , CALCUTFA CALCUTTA

Proceedings of the Society's Society’s Meetings. V m . THE T H E INDIAN IN D IA N ASSOCIATION ASSOCIATION F O R THE T H E CULTIVATION CU LTIVATION OF OF SCIENCE, SCIENCE, VIII. FOR JJADAVPUR, A D A V P U R , CALCUTTA CALCUTTA

Proceedings Annual Reports Reports of ofthe theAssociation. Association. Proceedings and Annual IX.. UTrARPARA-KOTRUNG MUNICIPALITY, IX U TTARPARA-KOTRUN G M U N IC IP A L IT Y , UUTrARPARA, T T A RP A RA , HH000HLY OOGHLY

Proceedings of of the the Commissioners Commissionersfor forthe the Improvement Improvement of the the Town Proceedings of of Ooterparah Ooterparah1853-1862, 1853-1862,1865-1888. 1865-1888. X.. STATEMENTS AND LETFERS X STATEMENTS A N D LETTERS

(a) A written and signed statement given by by Hemendra Hemendra Prasad Ghose onJune29, on June 29,1961. 1961. (b) A Bengali statement of Dwarvasini, statement given by Sri Asibhushan Adak of on March 2, 1973 to Sri Sri Dilip Diip Kumar Pal. 1973 to (c) Letter Letter of May 13, ’72 '72 from from Mrs. Mrs. Mildred Mildred Archer, Archer,in in charge charge of of the the . prints and and drawings drawings section section of the Jndia India Office Office Library, Library,London. London. XI. X I . INSCRIPTIONS INSCRIPTIONS

(a) A Sanskrit Sanskrit inscription inscription written written in Bengali Bengalicharacters characters dated dated 1st Ashar, Ashar, 1260 B.S. 1260 B.S.on onthe the pavilion pavilionof ofthe theBabu’s Babu'sghat ghat at at Uttarpara. Uttarpara. (b) A A marble marble tablet in commemoration ofRamtanu Ramtanu Lahiri Lahiri in in the (b) commemoration of building of the Uttarpara Uttarpara Govt. old building Govt. High HighSchool. School. XII. X I I. PERSONAL PERSON AL REMAINS REMAINS

(a) A painted from from life life by James Archer, R.S.A. A portrait portrait painted (b) horoscope. Horoscope. (c) An autographed (c) autographed Bible. Bible. The bamboo (d) The bamboo stick stick constantly used by Jaykrishna. (e) A silver medal received in 1877. 1877. Χ Π Ι . FAMILY F A M IL Y ANECDOTES ANECDOTES XIII.

XIV. X IV . THESES THESES

Bhushan, ‘Agrarian 'Agrarian Economy and and Agrarian RelaChaudhuri, Binay Bhushan, Rela­ tions in Bengal, Thesis submitted submitted for for the Degree tions Bengal, 1859-1885'. 1859-1885’. Thesis Degree of Doctor of Philosophy, Philosophy, Linacre College, College, Oxford, 1968. 1968. Chowdhury, Binoy Bhushan, 'Agrarian ‘Agrarian Relationships Relationships in Bengal Bengal after after Permanent Settlement: D.Phil. the Permanent Settlement; 1793-1819', 1793-1819’, Calcutta University D.Phil. mi · Thesis. Das Uma, 'Public ‘Public Opinion Opinion and andIndia IndiaPolicy, Policy,1872-1880', 1872-1880’, Das Gupta, Uma, Somerville College, College, Oxford, Oxford, 1968. D.Phil. Thesis. Somerville Thesis. Sen Gupta, Kalyan Kalyan Kumar, Kumar, 'The ‘ThePabna PabnaDisturbances Disturbances(1872-1873) (1872-1873) and the the Rent RentQuestion Questionin inBengal'. Bengal’.Calcutta CalcuttaUniversity University D. D. Phil, Phil, Thesis, 1971. Thesis, 1971.

B BIBLIOGRAPHY IB L IO G R A P H Y

5 55. 555.

M ATERIAL B. PUBLISHED MATERIAL

I.I. BOOKS BOOKS AND A N D PAMPHLETS WRITTEN W R IT T E N BY B Y JAYKRJSH4A JA Y K R IS H N A MUKIIERJEE M U K H ERJEE Affray BBill ill and the Criminal The Affray CriminalAdministration AdministrationofofBengal Bengalbybya aMember Member

of the British Indian Indian Association Association (Calcutta, 1854). 1854). Observations on New Sale Law B ill byby a Member Observations onthe the New Sale Law Bill a Memberofofthe theBritish British Indian Indian. Association (Calcutta, 1857). Association 1857). AFew judicature (Calcutta,1859). 1859). A Few Notes Notes on on aa recent recenttrial trial illustrative illustrative of ofmofussil moflissiljudicaturc(Calcutta, Permanent PermanentSettlement SettlementImperilled ImperilledororAct ActXXof of1859 1859 in in its true true colors colors by a. a Justice (Calcutta, Lover of Justice (Calcutta, MlcccLxv m d c c c l x v [1865]). [1865]), Mittra, Peary Peary Chand, Chand,with withnotes notesbybyBaboo BabooJoykissen Joykissen Mukherjee, Mukherjee, Zamindar, Agriculture in 1881). Zamindar, Agriculture in Bengal Bengal (Calcutta, (Calcutta, 1881). Mookerjee, ’, Introduction Mookerjee, Joy Joy Kissen, Kissen, ‘Autobiography 'Autobiography (A (AFragment) Fragment)', Nilmoni Multherjee, Mukherjee,The TheCalcutta Calcutta Review, by Nilmoni Review,Vol. Vol.118, 118,No. No.1,1,Janu­ January, 1951 1951 & No. 2, February, February, 1951. 1951. H B IO G R A P H IE S OF OF JAYKRJSHNA JA Y K R IS H N A MUKHERJEE M U K H E R JE E I!.. BIOGRAPHIES

English _ . . [Mukherjee, Sivanarayana]Jaikrisna JaikrisnaMukharji-An Mukharji—An Appreciation (The (The* [Mukhcrjee, Sivanarayana] Appreciation Art Press, Calcutta, Calcutta, 1912). 1912). Bengali Bengali Gupta, Ambikacharan, Ambikacharan,Jaykrithna-Charita, Jqykrishna-Charita, Preface: BhangamoraBhangamoraGupta, Hugli,Asharh15, 15,1308 1308(1901). (1901), IIugli,Asharh III. ΙΠ . BIOGRAPHICAL B IO G R A P H IC A L ARTICLES A RT ICLES ON O N JAYKRISHNA JA Y K R IS H N A M1JKHERJEE M U K H E R JE E PUBLISHED PU BLISHED IN IN JOURNALS JO U R N A LS AND A N D PERIODICALS P E R IO D IC A L S

English Uttarpara Govt. Govt. School Mukheqee, Amal, Amal, 'Joykissen ‘Joykissen Mukherjee', Mukherjee’, Uttarpara Mukherjee, Sc/zoo( Magazine, 1929, Foundation Number. Magazine,Vol. Vol. I,I, No, No. 1, May 1929, Mukherjee, Nilmani, 'A *ABengal Bengal Zamindar Zamindar in in 1857', 1857’,Bengal BengalPast Pastand and Present, Vol.XC, XC,January-June, January-June, 1972, 1972, Part Part I, Serial No. Present, Vol. No, 171. 171. S.D.R., 'Joykissen ‘Joykissen Mokherjee: A A Few Few Facts Facts connected connected with with his hislife', life’, The National 1899. NationalMagazine, Magazine,New New Series, Series, No. No. 66,, June June 1899. Bengali Ghosh, Ghosh, Binay, Binay, ‘Uttarparar 'Uttarparar Jaykrishna Jaykrishna Mukhopadhyay MukhopadhyayO0 Banglar Banglar Jagaran', Kartik, 1373, Year 39, No. I. Jagaran’,Sanivarer Sanivarer Chit/u, Chithi, Kartik, 1373, Year Ghosh, Ghosh, Virendranath, Virendranath,'Jaykrisbna ‘JaykrishnaMukhopaclhyay', Mukhopadhyay’,Bharaivarsha, Bharatvarsha, X IX , Vol. Vol. I, I, No. No, 2. 2. Year XIX, Jivaner Ullekhjogya Ghatanapanji, A A Manishi Jaykrishna Jaykrishna Mukhopadhyayer MvUmpadhyayer Jivaner Ullekhjogya Ghatanapanji, leaflet (Uttarpara, (Uttarpara, n.d.) leaflet . . IV . PUBLICATIONS PUBLICATIONS SPONSORED SPONSORED BY B Y JAYKRISHNA JA Y K R IS H N A MUKHERJEE M U K H ERJEE IV.

Mukhopadhyay, (Tamohar Press, Mukhopadhyay,Bhagavanchandra, Bhagavanchandra,Vamsavaligrantha Vamsavaligrantha (Tamohar Serampore, 1857). Serampore, 1857).

556 556

A B E N G A L ZAMINDAR Z A M IN D A R A BENGAL

Chudamam, Tarakchandra,Sapatmi Sapatmi Natak, Chudamani, Tarakchandra, Xatak,Part PartI,I, printed printed by Gagan Chandra Chandra Chakravarti Chakravartiat atthe theBhaskar BhaskarPress Press (Calcutta, (Calcutta,1914 1914 Samvat, 1858?). V. V . LEGISLATWE LEG ISLA T IV E PROCEEDINGS PRO CEEDIN GS

for the ofthe theProceedings Proceedings of ofthe theCouncil Council of Governor-General for the Abstract of of the Governor-General purpose of purpose laws and andregulations. regulations. of making laws Proceedings of ofthe theCouncil Council of of the Lieut.-Governor ofBengal. Bengal. Proceedings the Lieu! .-Governor of Vi. REPORTS(G (GovERmfENT) V I. COMMITrEE COMMITTEE REPORTS O V E RN M E N T )

‘

Firminger, Firminger,Waiter WalterK.K. (ed.), (ed.), TheThe Fifth Fifth Report Report from from thethe Select Select Committee Committee

East India of of the House of ofCommons Commons on the the affairs affairs of of the East IndiaCompany Company dated dated 28thJuly, july, 1812. Vols. (Calcutta, 28th 1812. 3 Vols. (Calcutta, 1918). 1918). Report of Report of the Committee Committeeon onBalee BaleeKhali KhallBridge Bridge (1845). (1845). Report of the Commissioners Report of Commissioners Appointed AppointedtotoInquire Inquireinto intothe the Origin, Origin, Nature, Xature, etc. of etc. of Indian Cattle Plagues, with 1871) with Appendices, Appendices,1871 1871(Calcutta, (Calcutta, 1871) Government ofofBengal: Report of of thethe Land Revenue Commission, Government Bengal: Report Land Revenite Commission, Bengal, Bengal, Vols. 1-VI. I-VI. (Alipore, (Alipore, 1940.1941). 1940-1941). McNeile, D. D.J.,J.,Report Reportononthe theVillage VillageWatch Watchofofthe theLower LowerProvinces Provinces of of McNeile, Bengal 1866). Bengal (Calcutta, (Calcutta, 1866). appointedunder underAct ActXXI of 1860 1860 with the Report of of the the Indigo Indigo Commission Commission appointed I of the minutes of evidence evidencetaken takenbefore beforethem themand andAppendix Appendix(1860). (1860). Report of Commissionappointed appointedinin1864 1864to to enquire enquireinto intothe theNature Xature and Report of the Commission Probable Causes of Probable Causes of the the Epidemic Epidemic Fever Fever in in the the districts districts of ofHooghly, Hooghly,Burdwan, Burdwan, J'Tadia and and 24-Parganas. 24-Parganas. Nadia Report of the Indian Indian Education EducationCommission, Commission,(Calcutta, (Calcutta, 1883). VU. V II. ANNUAL A N N U A L OR O R PERIODICAL P E R IO D IC A L REPORTS REPORTS ISSUED ISSUED BY B Y GOVERNMENT GO VERN M EN T

Annual AnnualGeneral GeneralReports Reportsof ofthe theDivisional DivisionalCommissioners. Commissioners. of) the General Reports on Public Instruction in (the (the Lower Lower Provinces Provinces of) the Bengal Bengal Presidency,1845l4&-1887j88. 1845/46-1887/88. Presidency, Annual Bengal Municipal Reports: Reports: Reports Reports on Municipal Municipal Taxation Taxation and and' Expenditure in the of Bengal. theLower LowerProvinces Provinces of VIII. V I I I . BENGAL B E N G A L AND A N D WEST W EST BENGAL B EN G A L GAZETFEERS GAZETTEERS

(a) Bankura, Bankura, by by L. L. S. S. S. S. O'Malley O ’Malley (1908). (1908). (b) Birbhum, '(b) Birbhum, by by L. L. S. S. S. S. O'MaIley O ’Malley (1910). (1910). (c) Burdwan, •(c) Burdwan, byJ. by J .C. C.K. K .Peterson Peterson(1910). (1910).

I, IswarChandra, Chandra, 466 360, 361, 363, 363, 385, 385, 420, 420, 423, 423,450,. 450,. N a n d i , Iswar 360, 455; death of, 424, 424,445 445 Nandi, Kasi Nath, Nath, 49 49 Palit, Nabin Krishna, Krishna, 372 372 Naoroji, Dadabhai, 1,200,447,448,449 Palmer, Dr. Dr. C., C., 102 102 Napier, Lord, Lord, 203 203 Palmerston, Lord, the Kuka Kuka massacre, massacre, 324 324 on the Napier, Sir Pandit, Sambhu Sambhu Nath, Nath, 140, 140, 204, 204, 212, 212,. -Napier, Sir Charles, Charles, 70 70 Napoleon, 1, 38, 39; death death of, of, 19 19 218 Narendra Krishna, 'Panic Sunday', Sunday’, 192 192 Narendra Krishna, Maharaja, Maharaja, 369,377, 369,377, ‘Panic Panjam, 1812 known known, Panjam, Regulation Regulation V V of 1812 393, 422, 424, 445445 422, 424, os 43 43 National Anthem Translation Translation Society, Society, as, (1855), 185 185 Bengal Committee of Paris Exhibition (1855), of the, the, 453 453 Patni Regulation of of 1819, 1819, 43 of India, India, the, 142 National Archives Archives of 142 Patta Regulation, 43 43 National Association, 126 126 National Association, Pattulal of Gwalior, Gwalior, 484 Pattulal of National Conference Conference of of 1823, 1883, 445 445 H ., 485 485 W.. H., National Conference, Conference, second, in 1885, 1885, Paulson, W Peacock, Sir Sir Barnes, Barnes, 183, 183,224,348, 383;. Peacock, 224, 348, 383; 445, 447 447 on the the right right of ofGovernor, Governor, 223 223 Navya-Nyaya 182 .Wavya-Xya,aphilosophy, philosophy, 182 Alexander, 485 485 Pedler, Alexander, Neogi, Raj Raj Chandra, Chandra, 13 Neogi, 13 Lawrence, 140, 140, 184, 184, 222 222 Newmarch, 212, 217, 217, 218, 218, 222, 222, Peel, Sir Lawrence, Newmarch, John, John, 212, H „ 385 385 Pellow, F. H., 413 413 Settlement, the, 2, 43, 43, 55, 55, Newton, famous exclamation exclamation of, of, 227 227 Permanent Settlement, Newton, famous 56, 198, 200, 201, 229, 238, 56, 84, 84, 96, 198, Nicholls, Major 17, Nicholls, Major General Sir Jasper, Jasper, 17, 240,263,264,266, 284, 291,328, 2 « , 263,264,266,276, 276,284,291,328, 27, 29 29 378, 379, 379, 487 487 329, 378, Nightingale, MISS Miss Florence, Florence, 423 Pennanent Settlement SettlementImperilled, Imperilled,aa pam­ pamNildarpan, .Wi/darpan,play playby byDinabandhu Dinabandhu Mitra, Mitra, Permanent phlet by Jaykrishna, 259, 261 261 Jaykrishna, 259, 236 236 Peterson, A, T., 217, 217, 218 218 A. T. T., Nildarpan Xildarpan case, 243 Petruse, Arratoon, 77 Nolan, Peter, Peter, 339 339 the Mukherjees Mukherjees were a branch branch Northbrook, Lord, Lord, 331, 331, 333, 333, 334, 334, 335, 335, Phulia, the the Kuhn Kulin Brahrnins Brahmins of, 22 369 Kuka massacre, 336, 369; on; on thethe Kuka massacre, 324324 of the 496Pioneer,the, the,on onJaykrishna’s Jaykrishna's death, 496 Northbrook Society Society and Club in Pioneer, Plassey, the battle of, 2 Plassey, of, 1, 1,2 England, 453 England, 453 Political agitation, agitation, 197-204 197-204 Nyayapanchanan, Krishnanath, Krishnanath, 392 392 issues, postPolitical financial issues, postPolitical and financial Nyayaratna, Dinabandhu, Dinabandhu, 143 143 Mutiny,2238-45 Mutiny, 38-45 Nyayaratna, Mahes Chandra, Chandra, Nyayaratna, Pandit Mahes Politics: conservative 1-8. conservativeand andliberal, liberal,30 301-8 463, 474 474 Politics, pre-Cóngress, pre-Congress, 360-74 360-74 Nyayaratna, Rakhaldas, Rakhaldas, 463 463 Polygamy question, the, the, 308-12 308-12 Nyayaratna, Umakanta, Umakanta, 463 463 Pramanik, Tarak Nath, Nath, 368 368 Pranianik, Tarak Pratt, Hodgson, llil, 162, 163, Hodgson, 147, 147, 160, 160,161,162,163, Observationson onthe theNew .t'IewSale SaleLaw LawBBill, Observations ill, aa Pratt, 194194 169, 171, 171, pamphlet by Jaykrishna, 197, 197, 198198pamphlet by Pre-Congress Politics, 360-74 360-74 201, 203 203 Wales, 369; visit of,. of,. Prince of Wales, 369; India visit Ochterlony, 5, 22; 22; resignaresigna­ Prince Ochterlony, Sir David, 5, 335-6 335-6 tion of, 24; Calcutta, 24; death of 24; in Calcutta, Princep, George, George, 57 57 monument to, to, 25 25

586

IN D E X

Ray, Surendra Nath, 484 . Raychaudhuri, Raychaudhuri, Bhavani Bhavani Sankar, Sankar, 77 Raychaudhuri, Gangaram, Gangaram, 33 268 268 Raychaudhuri, Kalikrishna, Kalikrishna, 217 217 Agents, Prize Agents, Raychaudhuri, Raychaudhuri, Ramhari, Ramhari, 76 76 of Bharatpur, 31, 32 Ratneswar, 76 76 Problems of an an improving landlord, 9191- Raychaudhuri, Ratneswar, Regulation Regulation IV IV of of 1793; 109 109 1793; power power to zamindar 100 Proposed mid ProposedNew .tiewRent Rent Law Lawfor for Bengal and zarnindar to recover rents, 100 Regulation V V of of1812, 1812, pamphlet, 416 416 Bihar, The, a pamphlet, Regulation Public Demands known as Panjain, Panjam, 43 Demands Act Act of of1880, 1880, 383 383 V II of of1799, 1799, Act of of England England (1848), (1848), Regulation VII Public Health Act known as Haptam, Haptam, 43 175 175 Public health, health, matters mattersof, of, 175-8 175-8 X I of of1806, 1806, 115 115 Regulation XI X X of of1817, 1817, 119, 119, 120 120 re- Regulation XX Public instruction instruction and and scientific scientific re­ Public search, Regulation Regulation XXII X X II of of1793, 1793, search, 398-96 398-96 Zamindari Dak, Dak, 119 119 Public Library, on Zamindari Uttarpara,172-5; 172-5;245-51, 245-51,297-9, 297-9, Regulations of of 1793, 1793, at Uttarpara, badshahi and and non-. non365, 465-6; Calcutta Public Library, distinguished badshahi 365, 465-6; Calcutta Public Library, badshahi badshahigrant grantof ofland, land,96; 96; prohibited prohibited 172, 247 247 abwabs, 100 100 Public Work Cess Cess Bill, Bill, the, 377 377 Walter, 19 19 Reinhardt, Walter, Rayyet, the, 444; on JayJay­ QUEEN the, 444; Q ueen Victoria, 185, 224; 1, Reis Victoria, 185, 224; on May 1, Re&s and and Ra,yet, krishna’s the great 1851 great Exhibition Exhibition opened opened 1851 the krishna's death, 496 185; loyalty to, Act, 100, 100, 226, 226, 227, 227, 228, 228, 258, 258, 270, 270, by, 185; 245; Golden Golden Rent to, 245; Rent Act, 435;Permanent PermanentSettlement Settlement Imperilled Imperilled as as of, 453 453 jubilee of, 435; an analysis of, of, 261 261 Queen’s Prodamation, Proclamation, the, the, 238 238 Queen's Bill seealso alsoAct ActXX of of 1859 & Rent Rent Bill Bill, draft, draft, 380-4; 380-4; welcomed welcomed by RADsIAKAZ.jTA Memorial Com­ Com- Rent Bill, R abbakahta DebDeb Memorial raiyats, draft, 418, 418, 420, 420, 421, 421, mittee, 305 305 rayats, 417; new draft, revised form, 424; Railway emhankments, drainage and Railway embankments, drainage 422; published in revised official revised, 425; the malaria malaria fever, fever, 281, 281, 386 386 officialopinion opinion on on the revised, Railway Project, became law III of 1885,427 law as asAct ActVVIII Rent Bill Conference, Conference, 418 418 from Howrah to to Seakliala, Seakhala, 457 Rent Bill Rent Commission, Commission, the the 382 382 Ramakrishna Paramhansa, Paramhansa, Sri, Sri, 483, Ramakrishna 483, Rent 491 491 Case, the Great, Great, Rent Case, Ranade, 200 Ranade, 200 see H ills v. IswarGhose Ghose case case Hills v. Iswar Rasmani, Rani, Rani, 195 195 Rent law law commission, commission, the the 416 416 Ratna Report Torture Commission Commission (1855), Ratna Pakhi, Pakhi, 75 75 Report of of the Torture (1855), Ray, Annadaprasad, 86, 89, 90 260 260 Bharatchandra, 22 Ray, Bharatchandra, Reynell, 27, Reynell, Major Major General Thomas, 27, Ray, Chhakhan La!, Lai, 442 29 29 Dasarathi, 98, 98, 99 99 Ray, Dasarathi, Reynolds, H H., J., 418 Reynolds, 418 Ray, Durga DurgaCharan, Charan,Devaganer DevagamrMartye Martye Richardson, Captain Captain D. D. L., L.,188-9, 188-9,251 251 Ray, Agaman, 439 439 Agaman, Ricketts, Sir Henry, Henry, 383 383 Durgaprasad, 75 75 Ray, Durgaprasad, Ripon, Lord, 425, 425, 427, 427, 453, 453, 462, 462, 467, 467, Ray, Janakinath, 437 Janakinath, 437 487 487 Maharaja Krishna Krishna Chandra, 2 Ray, Maharaja Ritchie,J. Ritchie, J . C,., G., 477 477 Ray, Maharaja MaharajaSatis Satis Chandra, Chandra, 196,309 196,309 Ritchie, William, 218 Rivett-Camac, 286 .Ray, Maharaja Sris Sris Chandra, Chandra, 143 143 Ray, Maharaja Rivett-Carnac, H., 286 Ray, Raja Raja Prasannanath, Prasannanath, 196, 196, 422 422 Road Cess Cess Act, 433 433 ■· Rajnaravan, 57 57 Ray, Raja Rajnarayan, Road Cess Cess Committee, 330 330 85 Raja Rammohan, Raminohan, 2, 2, 36, 36, 55, 55, 60, 60, Robinson, Ray, Raja Robinson, T. T. M., 85 Robson, Dr. 127, 127, 141, 220, 228 author Hinduismand andChristianity, Christianity, 263 263 Ray, Raja Vaidvanath, Vaidyanath, 82 82 author ofofHinduism Ramaprasad, 64, 64, 67, 67, 145, 145, 183, 183, Roer, I)r. Ray, Ramaprasad, Dr. E. E. 82, 82,146, 146, 147 147 Roorkee Engineering Engineering College, College, 264 264 195, 218, 195, 218, 240240 Ray, Ramratari, Ramratan, 57, 57, 244-5, 244-5, 380 380 Ronald, 386 386 Ross, Sir Ronald, .Ray, Sir Praphulla Praphulla Chandra, Chandra, 102 102 (Friend of India's Routledge, James James (Friend India's Ray, Sir Routledge, Ray, Srinath, (of Singur), editor), 323; farewell farewell meeting meeting of, Srinath, (of Singur), 54, (of on Jaykrishna, Jaykrishna,325-7 325-7passim, passim, Bhagyakul), 324-6; on Bhagyakul), 487 487

Princep, H. Η . T., T„310, 310,356, 356, 395, 395, 474 474 Privy Council, Council, 219, 219, 221, 221, 224, 224, 233, 233, 267, 267,

IN INDEX DEX

Uttarpara visit Uttarpara visitof, of,353; 353;English English Rule Rule and Native Opinion OpinionininIndia India aa book by, by, 353; on the of Uttarpara, 353; the people people of 358-9 358-9 Roy see Ray Ray Appeal Bill, 239 Bill, the, 239 Sadar Board Board of 50, of Revenue, Revenue, the, 49, 50, 51, 52, 70, 70, 72, 72, 108, 108, 111 111 Sadar Court, the, the, 119, 119, 221 221 Nizamat Adalat, Adalat, the, 211, Sadar Nizamat 211, 214, 214, 218, 247247 Sadharani, the, 380, 441 441 Sadharani, the, 334, 380, Sal, Durjan, 21, 21, 22, 24; 24; surrender surrender of, of, at a prisoner in Allahabad, Allahabad, 32 30; 32 30; as Sala, George Augustus, 464 Sale Bill, 198, 198, 201; Jaykrishna's Jaykrishna’s Sale Law Law Bill, Observations 198-201 Observationson, on, 198-201 Sarnru of Samru of Sardhana, Begum, 19, 19, 35 35 Sardhana, Begum, Samoad Bhaskar, 174 Samvad Bhaskar,the, the, 124, 174 Samuad Prabhakar, the, the, 126, Samvad Prabhakar, 126, 181 181 Samvad Sagar, 131 Samvad Sagar, the the 131 Samvadrasasagar, Samvadrasacagar,the, the, 155 Sanjivani, the, 447 Sanjivani, the, 447 Santhal insurrection insurrection and and the rising Santhal rising of of 1857, 139 139 Sapatni Natak Sapatni J'Iatak by Tarak Chandra Chandra Chudamani, Chudamani, 309 309 Saraswati, Swami {founder Swami Dayananda Dayananda (founder of the principle principle of the Arya Samaj on the of Vedas’), 463 463 of ‘Back 'Back to the Vedas'), Sarkar, Balaram, 6 143, 258, Sarkar, Dr. Mahendralal, 143, 258, 1)r. Mahendralal, 285, 296, 285, 296, 300, 300, 324, 324, 354, 354, 389, 389, 412, 412, 474; on Jaykrishna, 462 jaykrishna, 462 Sarkar, Peary Peary Charan, Charan,143, 143,182, 182,392 392 Sarkar, Sadhucharan, Sadhucharan, 101 101 Sarma, Ram Chandra, 58 58 Sarvabhurna, Jadhunath, Jadhunath, 392 Sarvabhuma, 392 Sastri, Ramsubramanya, 463 463 Sastri, Pandit Ramsubramanya, Sastri, Subramanya, 463 463 Savarna Chaudhuris, 33 School of Industrial the, 182-4 182-4 Industrial Art, the, School of Scientific instruction Scientific research, research, public public instruction and, 389 and, 389 Scone, A., A., 2212 12 ■ Scott, Sir Walter, Walter, 351 351 Sen, Dewan Ramkarnal, Ramkamal, 58 58 Sen, 128 Sen, Harimohan, 128 Sen, 450 Sen, Jaladhar, Jaladhar, 450 Sen, 392 Scsi, Kaviraj Kaviraj Ramanath, Ramanath, 392 Sen, 252, 258, 258, 360, 360, Sen, Keshab Chandra, 252, 361,413 361, 413 Seoraphuli Raj, 75, leadership 75, 76; leadership shifted from, 89-90 89-90 Sepoy mutiny mutiny at Barrackpore, Sepoy Barrackpore, 40 40 seealso alsoMutiny Mutiny see Seton-Karr, W. W . S., S., 134, 134, 169, 169, 171, 171, 235, 235, 425 425 Settlement Law of 383 of 1879, 383 SADAR S abar

5 87 587

Sheikh, Bahadur, 275 275 Shift in in local localleadership, leadership,88-90 88-90 Shyamasundari Shyamasundari (Jaykrishna's (Jaykrishna’s grandgrand­ daughter), 410 Sikdar, 182 Sikdar, Radhanath, Radhanath, 182 Si!, Hiralal, Hiralal, 143, Sil, 143, 324 324 Sil, Motilal, 7, 7, 46, 46, 141, 141, 183 183

Singh, Balwant, 22, 22, 30, 30, 31 31 Singh, Singh, Guru Guru Ram, Rain, Kuka struggle struggle organised organised by, by, 323 323 Singh, Lalit Mohan, Mohan, 372, 372, 452 452 Singh, Maharaja Lakshmiswar, Lakshmiswar, 420 420 Singh, Maharaja Singh, 19, 20, death Singh, Maharaja Maharaja Ranjit, 19, of, 21 21 Singh, Raja Raja Baldeo, Baldeo, 22 22 Singh, Iswar Chandra, 140 140 Sinha, Kaliprasanna, Kaliprasanna, 237, 237, 351 351 Sinha, Chandra, 128, 128, 168, 168, Sinha, Raja Raja Pratap Chandra, 183,185,196,197,222,243,245,250, 444; death death of, of, 305 305 Siromani, Sri Ram, 463 C. B., B., 194 194 Skinner, C. Skinner, Skinner, Col. Col. James, James, 27, 29, 35, 45 Skrine, Francis Henry, wrote on Jaykrishna in in the theLife Life of ofSir Sir William Wilson Hunter, 490 William Wilson hunter, 490 Smith, A., 387 387 Smith, Adam, 265, 304, 304, 489 Smith, Dr. D. D. B., B„ 282 282 Smith, Vincent, 32, 34 Smyth, D. C., C., 44, 44, 63 63 Somprakas, Sompra/cas,the, the,225, 225, 229, 229, 269, 269, 294, 441 441 Spence, Captain, Captain, 110 110 Squire, Squire, Captain G. C., 40 Statesman, 450: on on Jaykrishna's Jaykrishna’s the, 450; Statesman, the, death, 496 E., 69; dispute with with JaySterling, E., 69; dispute Jay­ krishna, krishna, 69-72 Stowe, Beecher, Untie Uncle Tom's Tom’s Stowe. Harriet Beecher, Cabin, 350 Cabin, 202, 202, 350 137 Strachey, Sir John, John, 137 Sidabh Samachar, Samachar, the, the, Sulabh zamindar’sopporessions, opporessions, 342 342 on zamindar's Supreme Court, Calcutta 1774, 1774, 66 established in in Calcutta Sutherland, J. C., C-, 42 42 Swamamayi, Maharani,367, 367,461 461 Swarnamayi, Maharani, Abanindranath, onJaykrishna, onJaykrishna,404-5 404-5 Tagore, Debendranath, Debendranath,63, 63,64, 64, 67, 67, 126, 126, TAGORE, T agore,

127,128,129,135,140,143,182,183, 127, 128, 129, 135, 140, 143, 182, 183, 443 Dwarkanath, 6, 6,46, 46, 57, 57, 63, 63, 66, 66, Tagore, Dwarkanath, 84,84, 100, 187, 301, 443, 466; 73, 82,82, 100, 187, 301, 443, 466; extensive property property of, of, 58; 58; in in England death of, of, 61; 61; contribution contribution totoAgriAgriHorticultural Society, Society, 67 Tagore, Dwijendranath, 324 324

5588 88

IN INDEX DEX

Tagore, Hara Kumar, 128 128 Hara Kurnar, Trevor, C. B., B-, 218 218 Tagore, Kalikrishna, known as as 'the Tagore, Kalikrishna, known ‘the Turgeniev, Turgeniev, 351 351 1. M., M ., 59 59 Peabody of Bengal’, Bengal', 337; 337; donation Peabody donation Turton, T. E. to to the the Indian Indian Association Association for for the the Tweedie, G C.,, 422 Cultivation Cultivation of of Science, Science, 390 390 Tagore, Maharaja Jatindra Mohan, Mohan, UUrrARPARA, Tagore, Maharaja t t a r p a r a , 3, 4 4 222, 324, 354, 354, 358, 358, 367, 367, 413, 413, 422, 422, begin ing of 222, begining of Uttarpara Uttarpara zamindari, 47; 423, 424, 424, 431, 441, 447, 463, 486, history 423, 431, 441, 447, 463, 486, history of, 75-7; 75-7; reconstruction reconstruction of, of, 75-84; reception to Sir Arthur Tagore, Prasanna Prasanna Kumar, Kumar, 57, 58, 59, Tagore, 75-84; 107, 130, 107, 130, 168, 168, 170, 170, 183, 183, 184, 184, 195, 195, Wellesley Wellesley by by the people of, 76; shift 222, 236, 240, 250, 265, 299, 222, 236, 240, 250, 265, 299, 302,302, in local leadership, 88-90; charitable 443; death of, Jaykrislsna's Jaykrishna’s dispensary at, 176, dispensary proposed of, 305; 176, 177; proposed glowing tribute death of, of, 205205tribute on the death Brahrno Samaj Samaj at, 181; Uttar-para Brahmo at, 181; Uttarpara Sabha, 182; Uttarpara UttarparaAssociation, Association, 7; as ‘the Lyndhurst of Sabha, 182; 7; known as 'the Lyndhurst 182; Uttarpara Uttarpara Hitakari 182; Hitakari Sabha, Sabha, 182, 182, Bengal', 337 Bengal’, Tagore, Rabindranath, 252, 252, 258, 258, 314, 314, 356, 356, 475, 475, 476; 476; Uttar­ Uttarpara People’s Association 470; Vividharthasamgraha appreciated by, Vividharthasamgraha appreciated para People's 470; Uttar­ Uttar171; at at the second para Union, Vamsavahi 171; second Indian National para Union,471; 471; VamsavaliGrantha Grantha Congress, opening song song composed composed a Bengali Bengali Uttarpara Uttarpara gazetteer, gazetteer, 206; 206; Congress, opening and recital at, 252, 253; Ramayana at, recital of ofthe theRamnayana and sung sung by, by, 447 447 Tagore, Ramanath,128, 128,181, 181,183, 183, 222, 222, epidemic in, 253-4; 253-4; Sir Tagore, Ramanath, outbreak of epidemic John Lawrence's Lawrence’s visit to, 255-8; 255-8; in in 239, 244, 244, 250, 239, 250, 263, 294, 294, 302, 302, 309, 309, 1881; area and population 310, 324, 328, 335, 350, 360, 361; 1881; population of, of, 469; 469; 310, 324, 328, 335, 350, 360, 361; Eden's visit to, 473-4; Sir death of, of, 370 370 Sir Ashley Eden’s Sir death Tagore, Saurindra Mohan, Mohan, 453 453 Augustus at, 474474Tagore, Raja Saurindra Augustus River Thompson at, 5; Tarkalankar, Jaysankar, 77, 77, 182 182 Lord and 5; Lord and Lady LadyDufTerin Dufferin at, Tarkalankar, Jaysankar, Tarkapanchanan, Jagannath, 484 477-9 _ Tarkapanchanan, 477-9 Municipality see Tarkapanchanan, Ramdhan, 392 392 under Uttarpara Tarkapanchanan, Ramdlian, see wider Tarkapanchanan, Rainmohan, Rammohan, 463 463 Municipality; PublicLibrary Librarysee weunder under Municipality; Public Tarkaratna, Ramnarayan, U ttarpara Public Public Library Uttarpara Uttarpara and Kulin Sarvasva Natak 144 Uttarpara and the theMunicipal Municipal Act, Act, 470 470 Kuhn Kula Sarvasva J'falak by, by, 144 Tarkaratna, Uttarpara Tarkaratna, Taranath, Taranath,463 463 Uttarpara and andmunicipal municipalreform, reform, 46646673; Tarkasiddhanta, Tarachad, 4 Tarkavachaspati, Taranath, Taranath, 143, Uttarpara Association, Tarkavaehaspati, 143, 463 463 Uttarpara Association, 251, 251, 252, 252, 435 435 Uttarpara College, Ramchandra, 143 143, Uttarpara College, 165-8, 165-8, 289; opened opened Tarkavagish, Ramchandra, 'Tattvavodhini in June, June, 1887, 1887, 459; 459; tution tution fees fees of, Tattvavodhini Pathsala, of, 460; in 1953, 1953, 461 461 460; renamed in in Banshex-ia, Bansberia, 63 Uttarpara Collegiate C. H., H „ 459, 459, 484 484 Uttarpara. Collegiate School, School, 460, 460, 461 461 Tawney, C. Taxation, Govt.’sscheme scheme of, of, 363, 363, 366 366 Uttarpara UttarparaEnglish English School, School, Taxation, Govt's direct, 304 304 GovernmentSchool School see Uttarpara Uttarpara Government Taxes, direct, Mr., 256 256 Taylor, Mr., Uttarpara girls' Uttarpara girls’school, school, 297; 297; established established Temperance movement by Hitakari Sabha, Temperance movementin in Bengal, Bengal, 455-6 Sabha, 252; 252; visited visited by by Temple Asylum Asylum fund fund for for the Indian the Viceroy Temple Indian Viceroy & & Lady Lady Lawrence, Lawrence, 256 256 blind incurables, 369 369 Uttarpara Government School, School, 80, 80, 81, 81, blind and incurables, Uttarpara Government Temple, 145, Temple, Sir Richard, Richard, 325, 325, 369, 369, 374; 374; 145, 146, 146, 147, 147, 204, 204, 248, 248, 256, 256, 300, 300, Jaykrsshna, 335 355-6, 394-5; examination on Jaykrishna, examination results results of, of, Theobald, Williams, Theobald, Williams, 61 61 394, 461; financial position position of, 461; named as as Uttarpara 1named Thomason, James, Uttarpara Collegiate Thomason, James, 262 262 School, 460; see also Colle­ alsoUttarpara Uttarpara ColleThompson, George, George, 60, 60, 61, 61, 202 202 Thompson, Augustus Rivers, Rivers, 423, Thompson, Sir Augustus giate School School 425,486 ;Jaykrishna Uttarpara Hitakari 425,486; Jaykrishna gave gave a luncheon Uttarpara Hitakari Sabha, Sabha, 182, 182, 252, 252, party at Uttarpara 356, 475, 476476 party Uttarpara to, to, 474-5 474-5 258, 314, 314, 356, 475, Uttarpara hospital, Uttarpara hospital, Tidy, Colonel Colonel J. S., S., 36, 36, 40, 40, 41 41 Times of of India, India, the, the, 220 220 and policy of the Govt., 471 471 Uttarpara municipal Tims, 351 municipal strife, strife, 312-4 312-4 Tunes, The, on Jaykrishna, Jaykrishna, 351 Uttarparamunicipality, municipality,1.79, 1-79,180, 180, 252, 252, Townsend, Meredith, 169 Uttarpara Townsend, 169 253, 312; problems problemsof, of,25 251-4, 312-4, 1-4, 312-4, Toynbee, G., Toynbee, G., 53, 53, 439 439 Tradition and and change change in in aafamily, family, 1-5 1-5 357-9; 252-3; sussus­ 357-9; working working of of the, 252-3; of Indian Eloquence, pension of the, 253; Treasury of Eloquence, the, 450 450 pension 253; administration administration Trevelyan, Sir Charles, Charles, 19, 19, 243-4, 243-4, 264 264 of, 396-7; 396-7; local people for and against against

INDEX IN DEX

468.70; affairs of the elective system, 468-70; 470-1, 472; and the the election of of chairman, maii, ·472; 472;'Sivanarayan Sivanarayan Mukherjee Mukherjee ' was dected elected chairman chairman of, of, 472 472 Uttarpara Pakshik Pakshik Patrika, Patrika, 206 Uttarpara People's Uttarpara People’sAssociation, Association, 470.. 470 Uttarpara Public Library, Library,"172-5, 172-5,'.245Uttarpara Public 245395,465-6; of. ' 51, 252, 252, 297-9, 297^9, 395, 465-6; cost costof. building of, of, 246; building 246; inauguration inauguration of, of, staff and and management managementof, ofr247-; 247-;247; staff European visitors visitors to 248; visited by the Viceroy, 256; 256; damaged damaged by by cyclone, cyclone, 278; stock stock of of hooks books & & circir­ of books of, culation of of, 298; 298; important visitors visitors to, 298-9; 298-9; Michael MichaelMadhuMadhuspent three three months months in, sudan Datta spent 299; his last last stay stay at, at, 353-4; 353-4;provision provision in Jaykrishna's will for, for, 411; and Jaykrishna’s will and W.. Wilson Hunter, Hunter, 464 W 464 Uttarpara School, Uttarpara School, .seeUttarpara Uttarpara Govt. School see Uttarpara school school library, 146, 146, 150 150 Uttarpara society, picture of, of, 314 314 Uttarpara society, Uttarpara Union, Uttarpara Union, the, the,471 471 Uttarpara VernacularSchool, School,152 152 Uttarpara Vernacular

.

589 i 589

.

ciation, 142; and the ciation, the anti-polygamy anti-polygamy movement, 144-5, 309-1 309-11; movement, 144-5, 1; on on Jay- krishna’s krishna's pathsala pathsalareport report of, of, 153; 153; on 157; was was a “Joykissen’s school", school”, 157; "Joykissen's of of Vernacular • · mher naegjber VernacularLiterature Literature Society, 170, Bethune 170, 171; and Bethune Society, 182; -182; abott about Jaykrishna, opinion of,-274; Rasbehari of 274; a letter to Rasbehari by, 274 274^· Uttarpara Pub1ic Publicj Library Library -visited by, 299-. 299- ' — ----- 1 .ivisited by, Visidharthasamgraha, 174 Vividharthasamgral-sa,the, the, 170, 170, 171

j :

H ., 51 51 W'a.raas, H., Waring, Dr.,

W alters,

: Remarks on onthe theUses Usesof ofSome Someofoft/ta Baar Remarks the Bazar .2'ifedicines, 435 Medicines, 435 Wise, Dr., 175 175 Watkins, Captain, 15 Watkins, 15 Wauchope, S., 108 108 Wedderburn, Sir David, 366 Wedderbum, Weekly WeeklyReporter, Reporter,the, the, 333 Wellesley, Wellesley, Sir Sir Arthur, Arthur, 1, 76 Wells, Sir Sir Mordaunt Mordaunt L., L., 242; and 242; and . Mlderpm Nildarpan case, 243 Widow-remarriage movement, movement, the, 140-5 140-5 Williams, C. S., S., 183 183 Williams, Captain Captain E. C. Vamsoodi Grantha Grant/ta (1857), Vamsmiali Bengali gazetteer gazetteerof o Uttarpara, 206 Wilson, James, James, 241, 243, 245 245 Bengali 206 Vedantavagish, Anarida Charidra, Wise,Dr. Thomas, Thomas, 66 Vedantavagish, Chandra,4-66 466 , Wise,'Dr. Vernacular -.. Literature Society, . the, · i Wood, Sir Charles, 132, 132, 133, 133, 134, 134, 150, 150, Vernacular 169-72,205, 205, 251,'3.00; 251; 300; inaiagurated’ inai4uràted ·■· 158, 158, 159;'167, l9, 167, 243, 243, 308 308 169-72, in 1851, 1851,170; 170;Viuidharthasamgraha Vmdharthasamgraha the Wood, Wood, W, W. Η H.. I., 358 358 i ■ Woodrow, Henry, Henry, 169, 169, 171, 171, 291, 291, 297, 297, Bengali magazine, 170; 170; members members of, of, Woodrow, 1,Θ9',.'Λ70; "end 355, an an 1;l70; the.the end of,of,'250, 250, 355, - 299, 355, 392 392 ., Wyer; 456" “ Wyer, EF,, 456 almanac published published by, by, 171 171 - ’ Vernacular 266, 267, 267, Vernaëular Press Press Act, Act, the, 266, - Y a n d a b o , Tfeaty of,31 31 37*^-·;·· ·_ -YsmAa9, '1tty of, Young, W. Gordon, Gordon, 160, 160, 162, 162, 167, 167, 183 183 Vernacular Schäols, Vernacular Schools, UttarparajYe'tnacular School, 152; Uttarpara Vernacular School, 152; a m i n d a r s under underfire, fire, 374-89 374-89 three schools schools in district, 156; 156; ZZieI?nAas iii each district, Zamindar versus versus Government, Government, 113.23 113-23 Viceregal'visit,_ a,_255.8, 255-8,473-9 473-9 Viceregal visit, a, Association, the 56 Victoria;;Queen" Queen see Zamindari Association, Victoria; see Queen Queen Victoria Victoria Zamindari Vidyabhusan, Dwarkanath (editor, (editor of Zamindari Dak, Vidyabhusaii, Dwarkanath Zamindairi Dc/c, Jaykrishna versus Jaykrishna versus Govt. Govt, on, on, 118-20 118-20 Samprakas), 229; Kalpadnms edited Somprakas), 229; Kalpathuma Zamindari problems,258-77, 258-77, 342-50 342-50 by, 439 Zamindari problems, Zamindari School, the, the, £33 ; Zamindari School, Vidyaratna, Bhuvanmohan,463 463 Vidyaratna, Bhuvanmohan, Zamindars’ alarm for the the Rent Relit Bills Bills Vidyaratna, Gangadhar, Gangadhar, 463 463 Zamindars' alarm leading to the the Bengal Bengal Tenancy Act, Act, Vidyaratna, Rajanikanta, Rajanikanta,392 392 cause of, 428 428 Vidyasagar, Isvarchandra, Isvarchandra, 8, 8, 228, 228, 249, 249, cause Zamindars' politics, politics, 54-62 54-62. , ; j 302, 335, 337, 337, 386, 386, 463; 463; widowwidow- Zamindars’ 302, 335, Zamindars’ share of of the the gross gross produce, Zamindars' share remarriage movement 142-4; a remarriage movement by, by, 142-4; member of the British British Indian Indian AssoAsso­ 436 436 ; -

-

,37 a 37A

-

.

-

-- -

KRISHNA'S JAY KRISHNA'S

BENGAL B ENGAL

0

0

0

0 Duarbasini Plahanad

SCALE 4OMILES 30 40 MILES

M ILES 0 10 10 MILESO I

I

ill

5 MILES 5MILES

MILES 0 JMILESO

tara I Bhastara

Dinajpur D in a jp u r

0 o Ρλ /Λλ Polba

T rib e n i/

N.

'

,Ba,

I

Jarna/pur

Aukgcha 0

Bandipqr 0

+

-I i

nipara,-'j)-.

re'lJJ'Trw I

4?

Sirajgunj

c3

'l

Shea kha/a I

da Cossimbazar?£Murshidabad\ amuore iB erham pore

0

124

BIRBHUM B I R.B H U M

ί

H e ia m piir u r^ g y p u r !4ela°n

Pabna 0

n. .PI8ssey

-

\piassey

’A

D ? A

Sri S riKKhanda°0 hande 0 oKrishnagar 0Krishnagar 'T? iuti Manteswar M a n te s m r\BglagaTh ujU

Ba/u fi'8eTh

Fariclpdr

'-'- Li'T2oah

58garh

l uurcJwansan1ipur r d wan J L s a n iip ur oRan4f 0o a °ffanaghat dessore

"Baniujra ■

Jamalpur ■

\\

)45a/k;a

0

araiI

P s n d ^ ^ s S r r ii^ f^

JJahaab ah Z n a b a d f t B a n s b e 'r i a B a ja ria l — —3 ,-»0 OhamakhalmrHooghly ° ^ 0

4?

J?

G.oghat1

8arr8ckpoe Kh;rpa,-h1n8kUe I&. A Khlrpal^ J l 0 I f e S J ) fiarfaC/CP^ re Ch.,ndralcona Cten^ o M i^^ ^ Z u fT A Ghaial GhaaI A,r2 » C A L CCALCUTTA “ s^A HIipur pur v M

M4dnapore\ Midnapore Hijli

^

XH.

3KaImijoIe /Calmijole

Bakarga

:

MiLES M ILES