}! I 
 
 OF THE 
 
 FRAMJI COWASJI BANAJI, 
 
 BY HIS GREAT GRANDSON 
 
 KHOSHRU NAVROSJI BANAJI. 
 
 FEINTED AT THE 
 
 BOMBAY GAZETTE STEAM PRINTING WORKS. 
 1892. 
 
 (All rights reserved \J 
 
.1 
 
 HENRY MORSE STEFHEWS 
 
512645 
 
r 
 
 
 
T 
 
 DR. THOMAS BLANEY, J,R, 
 &c. &c. &c. 
 
 "V/ho has always evinced a great 
 
 interest in the welfare of the 
 
 Parsee Community, and to whom the 
 
 writer has been long connected 
 
 by ties of friendship, 
 
 this work has been humbly dedicated 
 as a token of the appreciation of his 
 
 many noble qualities, 
 by his friend and admirer, 
 
 K. N. BANAJI. 
 
CONTENTS, 
 
 1PAGES 
 
 Introduction ... .... ... ... .., 1-4 
 
 CHAPTER I. 
 
 The origin and establishment of the Banaji family 
 in Bombay. Framji's ancestors. Their coi> 
 nection with the Dady Setts ., 5-11 
 
 CHAPTER II. 
 
 His parentage, early life and mercantile propen- 
 sities ... ... ... ... ... ... 12-15 
 
 CHAPTER III. 
 Framji's brothers and their career ... ... 16-20 
 
 CHAPTER IV. 
 
 Framji's connection with the Elphinstone Institute 
 and the Parsee Panchayat. How he supported 
 native education ... ... ... 21-27 
 
 CHAPTER V. 
 
 Loss of his son Edalji. Supplying water to the 
 
 Two Tanks, from Moogbhat Oart 28-32 
 
 CHAPTER VL 
 The grant of the Poway Estate 33-57 
 
 CHAPTER VII. 
 Framji's minor charities ... ... ... ... 58-64 
 
 CHAPTER VIII. 
 
 Building of the " Tower of Silence " and the 
 
 "Fire Temple" 65-66 
 
ii 'CONTENTS. 
 
 PAGES 
 
 CHAPTER IX. 
 His connection with Public Adventures ... ... 67-70 
 
 CHAPTER X. 
 
 His Disposition, the last days of his life, His Wife 
 and Children 71-74 
 
 CHAPTER XL 
 His Obituary Notice 75-77 
 
 CHAPTER XII. 
 
 Some of the correspondences between Mr. Framji 
 
 Cowasji and the Government about Abkaree ... 78-87 
 
 CHAPTER XIII. 
 The Framji Cowasji Testimonial 88-106 
 
 CHAPTER XIV. 
 
 Correspondence with Government, the Collector of 
 Land Revenues, the Director of Public Instruc- 
 tion and the Municipal Commissioners, on the 
 subject of the Framji Cowasji Institute ... 107-150 
 
 CHAPTER XY. 
 Correspondence with the Board of Commissioners. 151-157 
 
 CHAPTER XYI. 
 Miscellaneous Correspondence ... ... ... 158- 71 
 
 CHAPTER XVII. 
 
 The laying of the Foundation Stone of the Framji 
 
 Cowasji Institute ... ... ... ... ... 172-175 
 
c?. 
 
 INTRODUCTION. 
 
 MY aim in this book is tor *ive irbm " dHwicte -tie 
 memoirs of the late Framji Cowasji Banaji, whose long 
 and splendid career has long since ended, and he has 
 departed this transient life, for a happier one in the next. 
 This will at once convey to the mind of many, that the 
 capacity of a near relative, in which I stand to the deceased 
 gentleman, has induced me to undertake this difficult task ; 
 but I think, I cannot pay a better tribute of respect to his 
 memory, than to draw out his memoir in an impartial 
 light, holding up at the same time his good and amiable 
 qualities, for the imitation, as well as the admiration, of the 
 public. For a life of his, there has been a public call, for 
 the sudden gloom, which overspread the Indian communi- 
 ties here, by his death, had called forth the sweetest 
 expressions of sorrow, mingled with the admiration cf bis 
 many good and noble qualities, not only from the Parsee 
 community, of which he was for a very long time the 
 cherished friend and champion, and on whom they looked 
 with pride and endearment, as a patriarch, but from every 
 other caste. 
 
 Indian biography is almost a novel thing among the 
 natives here, and the difficulties, besetting the path of a 
 person, undertaking to write out an Indian biography, are 
 so many that the person, weary of his task, leaves the 
 subject aside, and so, many brilliant personages in Indian 
 History have been left to the working scythe of time, to 
 work out its mouldering decay, and consequently many 
 eminent personages have been altogether blotted out from 
 memory, leaving, if any, very faint recollections, as mere 
 hearsays of their past and brilliant deeds, 
 
The Parsees do, indeed, boast of at present of havin. 
 bygone, times, pei-soiis Ijke a Dadysett, and Muneckji Hett, 
 t\ Pesionji a'nd a Hormasji "Wadia, Sir Jamshedji Jeejibhov 
 J>ait , .mo many others, who had. by their individual enter- 
 prise, raised themselves from obscurity to distinction : but 
 alas ! their distinctions have died with them, and no record.* 
 are now left for us to judge of them, and such will still be 
 the case with many more, until the taste of the Indian 
 communities be refined. 
 
 The present case of Framji would have fallen a sacrifice 
 to the same prevailing spirit, had I not kept firm arid 
 stable in my resolve. It is, therefore, my object to furnish 
 to the public an impartial picture of one, whom they held 
 in high veneration, and I fully trust that it will bear with 
 it the solemn stamp of impartiality and truth. However 
 humble may be my merits, the value of my contribution 
 cannot be estimated too highly, if by only stating the facts 
 with a careful accuracy, and drawing the inferences there- 
 irom, it will be a lesson to those who have acquired an 
 unrivalled ascendency over their countrymen, and with 
 whom the welfare of their country is closely connected, to 
 regard their duties as of paramount importance to their 
 own personal interests, while on the other hand it will be a 
 signal punishment to those who in such positions are 
 entrapped in vices, and therefore have become the slaves- of 
 ambition and avarice. 
 
 The many objections in the way of undertaking this 
 work have made the attempt a very difficult one, though it 
 may not be found to be altogether hopeless. Thus labour- 
 ing under a choice of evils, I have at last made up my 
 mind to write out this life or memoir of one, whom I hold 
 in high estimation, and to whom I am mostly endeared by 
 ties very sacred viz., of parentage ; but nothing of these will 
 
in any way act prejudicially upon ray mind, in giving out a 
 true narrative of facts, which, distinguished this great and 
 good man, great and good we call him, because his many 
 good and amiable qualities had truly rendered him great and 
 good. 
 
 I could have gladly given over the task to a mere 
 stranger, but in so doing, I would be transferring it to 
 hands, who could not have baen actuated by any feelings of 
 a personal kind towards the deceased, and thus the subject 
 would have baen left to one, who, if not altogether incap- 
 able of performing it satisfactorily, at least, would do it 
 incomparably inferior in the giving of that vivid likeness 
 in its true and graphic colours. 
 
 At least this m3m:>ir, though not claiming to itself the 
 high merits of history, may itself furnish sufficient mate- 
 rials for the purpose ; as the rise of this revered gentleman 
 has been one of the most remarkable epochs in the history 
 of the Parsee community, since tney have come more and 
 more in contact with the more civilized nations of the 
 West, and were held to be the most enterprising people in 
 India as to its future advancement, which I may safely and 
 with pride say has been realized to a very great extent by 
 that community alone. It may at the same time furnish 
 future writers with facts illustrative of the times, unbiased 
 with any influence to work out upon them, from other 
 contemporary testimonies. 
 
 I may here conscientiously declare, that I have considered 
 this a very sacred duty to perform, and have therefore 
 attempted, as much as it lay in my power, to adhere to the 
 truth, and give a true and faithful resemblance of the 
 character, without either exaggeration or concealment, and 
 have at the same time attempted to write this, as if, I were 
 in no immediate connection with the deceased gentleman ; 
 
but notwithstanding this, if any prejudices of a personal 
 land have acted upon my mind, I. in fact, am altogether 
 unconscious of them. 
 
 I have great pleasure in acknowledging the obliga- 
 tion I owe to my much esteemed and respected father, the 
 late Naorosji Nanabhoy Framji, who with tender and 
 reverent care gathered together and recorded the particulars 
 of this memoir. 
 
 In conclusion, I take this occasion of acknowledging my 
 warm thanks for the kindness and courtsey, with which 
 H. E. the Right Hon'ble Lord Northbrook, E.G., C.S.I., 
 &c., has assisted me in my work, and also my cousin, Mr. 
 Heerjibhoy Maneckji Rustomji of Calcutta, who has from 
 the beginning evinced a great and lively interest in this 
 work. I must further own the assistance I have received 
 from the valued work, " The Par see Prakash" of my friend 
 Mr. Bomanji Byramji Patel, 
 
 K. N. B. 
 
5 
 
 CHAPTER L 
 
 The origin and establishment of the Banaji family in 
 Bombay. FramjCs ancestors. Their connection with the 
 Dady Setts. 
 
 First of all, I will attempt to give a brief sketch of the 
 birth and parentage of our memoir. Though I have been 
 labouring, day after day, to collect all the possible facts 
 related to this, yet I have failed, and failed materially, 
 notwithstanding which I will try to do the best, with what 
 little I already know about it. 
 
 The late Franiji Cowasji Banaji, whose death has been a 
 subject of regret with the European and Native communi- 
 ties, not only of Bombay, but of the Mofussil also, belonged 
 to the Family of Banaji, which, with that of Wadia and 
 Dadysett, have been long distinguished for their wealth 
 and commercial enterprise : and m works of charity and 
 benevolence, have been second only to that very remarkable 
 man, Sir Jamsetji Jeejibhoy, Bart. 
 
 Although Franiji never had the wealth with which to 
 provide for the physical comfort of his countrymen he 
 was very constantly foremost in energy, for their mental 
 culture and moral improvement, as will be seen later on, 
 when his life is narrated in connection with the Native 
 Education in Bombay. 
 
 The present family surname derives its origin from one 
 of the elderly and distinguished members of this family by 
 the name of Banaji, who was the great grand-father of 
 the deceased. As to the exact date of the establishment 
 of this family in Bombay, nothing as to ensure certainty is 
 at present known. 
 
6 
 
 This family can at present trace its antiquity to upwards 
 of a century, beyond which it is a known fact no other 
 P arsee family of any consequence can at the present clay 
 boast to trace its antiquity. 
 
 Banaji Limji, the great grand-father of Mr. Framji, 
 was the true founder of the Banaji Family. He came to 
 Bombay about the year 169*0 from the village of Bhagva. 
 dandee near Surat,and took some service under the East India 
 Company. Shortly after, he left the desk for mercantile 
 enterprise, and opened his own firm and carried on extensive 
 business under the name and style of i( Banaji Limji/'' 
 He was the first Parsee gentleman who is said to have 
 travelled over the sea to- Pegu for extending his business. 
 The first Parsee Panchayat was formed in his time., and he 
 was elected their president, Mr. Banajee was consequently 
 )< nown by the familiar name of Davar. He died on the 
 30th July 1734, at the age of 80. 
 
 The ancient monument perpetuating the name of this 
 family, now existing in Bombay,, raised by its founder 
 Banaji, is the small Fire-temple, called after the name of 
 Banaji, " The Banaji Adarian " or Agiavi, built about 25th 
 June 1709. This Agiari having corns to a delapidated 
 condition, the members of the Banaji family subscribed a 
 fund amongst themselves of R& 23,000 and thoroughly re- 
 built it on the 15th of April 1845, Framji and his brother* 
 Curshedji and Rustomji each having contributed Rs. 5,000. 
 
 Prior to the establishment of this family in Bombay 
 und'31 1 their ancestor Limji, they had resided in " Bhagwa ' r 
 a small village, in the vicinity of Surat. This family ha< 
 also received the surname of the " Goga," the origin of 
 which is a very late one, -and at the same time a very 
 curious one. Cowasji Bawa (as he was familiarly called). 
 the father of the deceased; was carrying on an extensive 
 
trade with " Groga " the chief mart in Gujrat, from which 
 he received the surnara.3 of " Goga." While there are 
 some who attribute it to the hoarse voice of Cowasji. It so 
 happened, that on one occasion a dispute arose between Mr. 
 Cowasji and an Englishman, when Mr. Cowasji in a rage 
 -viid in a hoarse tone, "Go"! Go 1 " and hence his friends 
 nicnamed him :( Goga." Whatever be the origin of this 
 .surname, the surname itself is a very curious one, and 
 neither Framji nor his brothers liked to be called by 
 that epithet ; they, therefore, generally assumed for them- 
 selves the ancient family surname of " Banaji," which the 
 deceased also used in his signature. 
 
 Tracing the ancestries of this family, I come to Liniji, 
 beyond which nothing is known, and even, what little is 
 known, is very uncertain and doubtful. JN T o authanticated 
 particulars of Lirnji are to be found at the present day, 
 except those already stated below. 
 
 Banaji had three sons, of whom Byramji the eldest had 
 five sons, viz., Nanabhoy, Muncherji, Dadabhoy, Rustomji, 
 and CowasjL 
 
 Byramji was one of the most distinguished members of 
 this family. He joined his father's business in the firm of 
 Banaji Limji in 1734. It is believed that in his time Dady 
 Kusservanji, afterwards deservedly called Dady Sett, came 
 to Bombay. He was employed by Byramji, who had great 
 regard for him, and it is believed that Dady first took a 
 start under Byramji, and after his death, began to carry 
 on an extensive trade on his own personal risk in China, 
 and other places ; as also being at the sime time, held in 
 high estimation by the Company's agents here, who were 
 carrying on extensive trade in their monopoly acts at the 
 time, and was one of their principal Dubashes or brokers. 
 Like his father, Byramji was also the President of the 
 
8 
 
 Parsee Panchayat. He died at the age of 72, on the 12ih 
 of May 1753. A Parsee writer in a letter to one of his 
 European friends speaks of Dady Sett as follows : 
 
 fc Late Dady Sett, it may well and safely be said, was the 
 founder of the Parsee eminence in Bombay. He was the 
 first, who by his enterprise in commerce in connection with 
 the European merchants of the day, the late Daniel Scott 
 & Co., of England, and A damson & Co., of Bombay, and 
 by his other acts of munificence, for which he was pre- 
 eminently distinguished 60 years ago, first drew the atten- 
 tion of the Europeans towards Parseemen's enterprise and 
 rendered Bombay from that date "Parseemen's Glory." 
 
 It is believed that Dady's immediate ancestors were not 
 in so good circumstances as himself, for it is known that 
 his father followed the profession of a petty Dubash, and 
 it was principally under Byramji Banaji that Dady began 
 to prosper, and after his death, took up all the business 
 which Byramji had carried on, and extended it by his own 
 peculiar intellect and bold enterprise in commerce. Dady 
 has been also remarkable for his singular generosity and 
 benevolence of spirit. It is said that in his time the Parsee 
 Fire- temple, which is known by the name of the "Dady 
 Sett's Atash Behram," was first proposed to be built con- 
 jointly by Dady and some of the influential members of 
 the Parsee community, chiefly of the Wadia family, who 
 had all agreed to throw off that invidious distinction of 
 sect the Rushmees, and the Cadmees and acknowledge 
 the Cadmee date as the correct date, which would have 
 been much to the advantage of both parties, and would have 
 at the same time reconciled the ill-feelings : but unfortu- 
 nately on account of some disputes regarding the heavy 
 expenses incurred on it, the other parties kept aloof, and 
 Dady himself, much to his credit, though his circumstances 
 
9 
 
 Were not very easy at the time, bore the costs of its erec- 
 tion, and completed this work of National Worship for his 
 sect of the Parsees. r Jhis was the first " Atash Eehrain " 
 of the Parsees in Bombay built on the 17th day of the first 
 month of the year 1153 Yazadazard (of the Cudinee sect) 
 i.e., 29th September 1783. 
 
 It will thus be seen, that Dadysett owed his rise to the 
 family of Banaji, but he did not forget the obligation, he 
 was labouring under an obligation to this family, for in his 
 own days of power, he repaid that obligation amply, by 
 supporting the young members of this family, amongst 
 whom was Framji. Framji readily acknowledged this, as 
 will be seen from the following extract of a letter written 
 by him to Thomas Wedding, Esq., dated 29th August 
 1->21, on a separation of his partnership with Curshedji 
 and Jehangir Ardeshir Sett : 
 
 DEAR SIR, 
 
 Considering you to be one of my sincere old friends, who 
 at all times will promote my views, and contribute to my 
 welfare, under these circumstances I address you an account 
 of some misunderstanding which took place between Cur- 
 shedji and Jehangir Ardeshir and myself, of which I shall 
 state here the particulars. 
 
 Since the death of Ardeshir Dady in 1810, the business 
 for the " Commanders of India-men-of-war " has been 
 carried on by Curshedji and Jehangir Ardeshir (sons of 
 the late Ardeshir) jointly with me, and since Mr. Milburn's 
 arrival at this place, I recommended Curshedji and Jehan- 
 gir Ardeshir strongly to him. Liniji Cowasji my brother, 
 who is managing under Curshedjee and Jehangir. acts 
 at the same time for Mr. Mil burn, and had lately the 
 management for Captain Larkins of the Cornoden, who had 
 some quarrel with Liniji and others, for the sale of some 
 
10 
 
 cotton goods. I was requested to interfere in the matter, 
 an i succeeded to bring them to terms : but since, they have 
 given me to understand that they wish in future to act 
 separately, and as Limji's transactions have lately caused 
 my displeasure, I therefore intend to leave that concern, 
 and believe, I shall do equally as well without them, and 
 be free of all further blame. As to Curshedji and Jehangir 
 Ardeshir their grandfather and father were my particular 
 friends, and assisted me a great deal in the commencement 
 of my mercantile transactions in consequence I feel myself 
 bound to do as much good to his sons as it lies in my power, 
 without injury to myself. 
 
 In another letter to Thomas Price, Esq., dated llth 
 September 18.22 Framji states as follows : 
 
 THOMAS PRICE, Esq., 
 
 Richmond, Near London. 
 MY DFATI SIR, 
 
 Convinced of your good intentions to serve an old ac- 
 quaintance of yours, to promote his views in a mercantile 
 object, I shall venture to state here a few circumstances, 
 which I hope will convince you that I deserve your friendly 
 assistance. It will be well known to you that I have been 
 concerned for many years in the transactions carried on by 
 the sons of the la*e Ardeshir Dady (Curshedji and 
 Jehangir Ardeshir) for the management of East Indiarnen, 
 which were chiefly recommended to them through my 
 influence, and not only this, but the laborious task I under- 
 took to settle deranged affairs of the late Ardeshir Dady, 
 will be a proof that I wished to do as much good to the sons 
 of my benefactor (Ardeshir Dady) as lay in my power. 
 
 From these two letters it will clearly be observed what 
 were Framji's feelings towards his benefactors, and there 
 are still many more expressions of the same sentiments 
 
11 
 
 towards them, but I shall be content with these only. It 
 also shows that singular frankness and openness of heart, 
 for which he was so remarkable. He had no artificial 
 disguise or concealment to hide his motives ; but spoke out 
 boldly and frankly whatever his sentiments were regardless 
 to any one, adhering always to the truth. This was 
 one of the most remarkable and conspicuous trait in his 
 character. 
 
 It was not only so far back as 1822, that he expressed 
 these sentiments towards his benefactors, but he bore the 
 same sentiments of respect and gratitude up to the last 
 m mient of his life. Although a great family dissension 
 arose between him in the latter days of his life, and the 
 surviving members of that renowned family of Dady Sett, 
 owing to some domestic disagreement, even then, he did 
 not lower the estimation he hud for them, but continued to 
 speak of them with all respect and esteem and keeping in 
 his mind the feelings of gratitude he owed to those noble 
 Setts Dady and Ardeshir calling them always his bene- 
 factors. 
 
 Cowasji Byramji was the youngest son of Byramji 
 Banaji Limji, familiarly known as Cowasji Goga. Mr. 
 Cowasji commenced life by joining his father's firm 
 known as the Banaji Limji, with his brothers and 
 cousins. But owing to some dispute having arisen among 
 the partners, he severed his connection with the firm in 
 1800, and opened a grand shop of Knglish goods at Bazar 
 Gate Street. Mr. Cowasji passed the latter part of his life 
 rather solitarily, and died at an advanced age of 90, on 10th 
 December IS 34. 
 
 Having deviated much frrm the subject, I will now go 
 back and trace the birth and early life of Mr. Framji in 
 the next chapter. 
 
12 
 
 CHAPTER II. 
 
 His parentage, early Ufe and mercantile porpensities- 
 
 Framji, the eldest son of Cowasji Byraraji Banaji, was 
 born in Bombay, in his maternal grandfather's residence in 
 Todd Street (Byramji Homji Street) within the Fort, on 
 the 22nd day of 7th month of the year 1137 Yazdazard 
 (Cudmee), i.e. 1767 A.D. From his father's side, he was a 
 descendant of the Banaji family and from his mother's side 
 that of the Dady Sett. 
 
 His parents were not in very affluent circumstances. His 
 father possessed some small landed property, and lived 
 respectably. Of Framji's early career very little is now 
 known. But this much is certain, that from his very infancy 
 he showed signs of his future greatness In those days, 
 when education was of a low standard in Bombay, an*d 
 men's minds were chiefly bent only on money making (for 
 those are the days still calling fresh, in the memory of the 
 old, as the good old times) it is scarcely possible to believe 
 that Framji could have received the rudiments of a high 
 education. He, however, went through the usual routine in 
 those days, the education imparted in Mehtaji School 
 (scarcely deserving the name of education) . He commenced 
 receiving the rudiments of education, at the age of seven, in 
 the school of a Brahamin Mehtaji, by name Bapubhai 
 Sobharam whom he greatly respected in his days of pros- 
 parity. Having remained there for nearly four years, 
 he was then transferred at the age of eleven, to a higher 
 school, the Pantuji's PathshalJa. At the age of twelve, he 
 was put under the charge of Mr. La Ford to learn English. 
 He was, indeed, by nature destined to be no insignificant a 
 character, and it was by his own strong penetration and 
 
13 
 
 sound judgment, notwithstanding, the very crude education 
 he must have received, he shone forth in the leading van of 
 his country, and in his ideas of reformation in his own 
 community, as well as the Indian communities in general, 
 he shot far ahead of his age. 
 
 This trait of a naturally fertile genius, which would have 
 much improved by a better and more sound education, 
 cannot still be underrated, far from what he has done, and 
 left behind him for his community, nay more ! for his 
 country, it is obvious that he has clone a great deal more 
 than any other man of his time. 
 
 Notwithstanding, the sudden encomiums, by which the 
 withdrawal of this great and good man, from the scene of 
 life, in which he displayed a conspicuous part, may have been 
 followed, and the condemnation which malice might dictate, 
 of which there is yet none, we do leave him to an impartial 
 tribune in posterity, when all the presiding influences have 
 passed away, to pass a calm and matured verdict, and no 
 doubt they will pronounce him to be the most honest man 
 who ever lived, a man who had the good of his country and 
 countrymen at heart, and one who knew his duties towards 
 them, and performed them satisfactorily and creditably. 
 
 It will be the height of presumption in me, to call him 
 the most perfect man, for whoever came upon the stage of 
 this world, was never perfect, and so he was not, there were 
 in him his relative blemishes, but these instead of pointing 
 out as marked defects, and overshadowing the picture, 
 rather added lustre to the dazzling brilliancy of his career. 
 
 After receiving the then education of reading and writing 
 Grujrati and English, at the age of twenty, Framji 
 thought of launching into the world, and trying his chance 
 as a merchant. He first started in life as a Dubash under 
 his maternal uncle Dady Sett, who vastly traded with Eng- 
 
14 
 
 land and China. Having spent eight years as a D uba.sk, 
 in the years 1796 and 1798 Framji twice went to China 
 as an a -ei.it to-Dady Sett in his own ship " 'I he Shah 
 Ardeshir." In these two trips to China, he acquired 
 a vast knowledge of the different branches of trade, 
 which proved very beneficial to his master. Before his 
 return from the second trip to China, Dady Sett died, 
 and Ardeshir Sett engaged him as his assistant, and 
 chiefly kept him in Bombay. 
 
 In 1804 Ardeshir Sett gave Mr. Framji a small house in 
 Todd Street in the Fort (the house in which he was born) 
 at a very low price, and which he improved according to 
 his own taste. 
 
 In the year 1801 Framji was employed as a Dubash to 
 the East India Company's ships. 
 
 At the age of 38, in the year 1806, Framji threw off all 
 yoke of dependence, and started in business at his own risk 
 and responsibility. At the persuation of several merchant 
 friends Framji in partnership with his brother Mr. Nusser- 
 vanji bought in the year 1807 a ship called " Salamani," 
 weighing 679 tons, from an Arab merchant by name Husan 
 Abdulla, for Rs. 1,33,000, in which they exported cotton to 
 China. On this occasion several other merchants had also sent 
 to sea three vessels, by name " Asia,'* " James Drumond," 
 and " Brunswick," for the port of China. At this time a War 
 was raging on between the English and the French. Three 
 of the vessels fell victim in the hands of the French, but 
 " Salamani " which was a very speedy one, fortunately 
 escaped and reached China safely. It so happened, that 
 owing to this incident, the value of cotton went up so high 
 in the mart of China, that the owners of the vessel as well 
 as the merchants almost made a fortune. From this fortu- 
 nate circumstance, both the brothers separated the partner- 
 
15 
 
 ship, and Framji carried on business on his own account, 
 In the year 1811, Framji opened a branch at Calcutta, 
 where he first sent his brother Mr. Byramji as his agent, 
 irom whence he was transferred to China, and Mr. Cur- 
 shedji, the third brother, Was sent to Calcutta. Thus one 
 after the other. Mr. Xavroji, Mr. liustomji and Mr. Limji, 
 together with the other three abovenamed brothers, were 
 st-nt by Framji. as his agents to Calcutta and China by 
 turns. All of tliese six brothers owe their rise to their 
 eldest brother Framji. 
 
 Framji's trade was not only limited to China and Cal- 
 cutta, but extended over Madras, lingland and many other 
 places. In all Framji was master of six large vessels, viz., 
 *ulamani," ;; Minerva," Bombay Castle," Golconda," 
 " Buckinghamshire," and " Sharah." In the year 18J9 
 Framji sold his firm at Calcutta to his younger brother Mr, 
 Rustoinji Cowasji, who henceforth carried on extensive 
 trade on that side, and was reckoned amongst one of the 
 millionaires of the time. 
 
16 
 CHAPTER III. 
 
 Framji's brothers and their career. 
 
 Here I think it will not be out of place to give a short 
 sketch of the career of Framji's younger brothers, who, 
 though owed their rise to him, have left a good name 
 behind them. 
 
 Nusservanji Cowasji ftanaji was the second son of 
 Cowasji Behramji Banaji. From the very beginning he 
 worked in partnership with his elder brother, Framji, and 
 had through him gone to China also. In 1811, he severed 
 his partnership and carried on his own business. He died 
 at an early age of 42, on the 9th December 1818. 
 
 Navrosji Cowasji Banaji was the third son of Cowasji 
 Behramji Banaji. He also commenced life as a partner in 
 the firm of his elder brother, Framji, and in 1808 had gone 
 to China, as his agent. After remaining for about four 
 years in China, he came to Calcutta in 1812 ; where he 
 carried on his own business. He died at the early age of 
 41, on the 7th February 1819. 
 
 Behramji Cowasji Banaji was the fourth son of Cowasji 
 Behramji Banaji. In the beginning, he joined his eldest 
 brother, Framji, in business, but soon after carried on at his 
 own account an extensive trade with Calcutta and China. He 
 owned a grand vessel called " John Bannerman," built after 
 his own style and model of invention at Surat, and had also 
 two smaller ones. On the 28th of June 1830, he took from 
 the Government the village of Anik, on a yearly rental of 
 Rs. 800, and had greatly enhanced its value by cultivating 
 the land. After his death, the Government handed over 
 the village to his family for Rs. 10,000, but in 1837 it was 
 
17 
 
 purchased by the la'e Framji Xusservanji Patel. Behramji 
 was familiarly known by the name of " Behramji Amba." 
 In 1824 he sank several wells in different parts of the 
 city of Bombay, owing to the then great scarcity of water. 
 He, in the later part of his life, used to import Arab horses 
 from Arabia and had a big stable at Bhendy Bazar, but 
 this business did not prove profitable. He was among the 
 foremost of his enlightened countrymen, the Parsees, to 
 whose general enterprise and liberality, he added the 
 ingenuity of a European artist, and the manly frankness of 
 European manners. During the greater part of his career, 
 his munificence and charity were as large as his fortune : 
 and though in the autumn of his life misfortune overtook 
 him, and a princely estate, fell like his years, " into the 
 seir and yellow leaf," his generosity, and independence of 
 character never forsook him ; he died even more honored 
 and more beloved in poverty, than he had been in wealth, 
 a rare and unerring test of genuine worth. He died at the 
 age of 53, on the 3rd December 1833. 
 
 Lirnji Cowasji Banaji was the fifth son of Cowasji 
 Behramji Banaji. He first joined in business with his 
 father-in-law. Mr. Ardeshir Dady Sett, and after his death 
 in 1810, Limji carried on his own business, and was a broker 
 to Messrs. Rimington and Crawford, Messrs. Mil burn & Co. ? 
 and Messrs. Adam Sikner. He died at the comparatively 
 early age of 4o, on the 7th June 1828. 
 
 Curshedji Cowasji Banaji was the sixth son of Cowasji 
 Behramji Banaji. He first did the petty business of a 
 Dubash, bufc afterwards joined his brother, Framji, in 
 business. On the death of his brother Limji, he was ap- 
 pointed broker to Messrs. Remington & Co. Jn 1838, he 
 opened his own firm called " Curshedji Cowasji & Co." in 
 partnership with Messrs. Framjee Pestonji Patak and 
 Muncherji Framji Cama, and carried on an extensive trade 
 
18 
 
 with England, China and Calcutta. In 1842, he took over 
 the firm to himself and called it " Messrs Curshedji Cowasji 
 and Sons." He owned six large vessels, called " Arcleshir/ ? 
 " Charles Grant," " Castle Huntley," " Kandhar," " Captain 
 Herbert/' and "Pearl." He was the owner of the large build* 
 ing at Oolaba known as the " Grant Buildings." In 1830, 
 he received from Government seven villages in the island of 
 Salsett, on a yearly rental of Rs. 2,708, but as he greatly 
 improved the land, the Government handed him over those 
 villages for the sum of Rs. 80,000 on the 23rd September 
 1813. He was nominated one of the first twelve Justices of 
 Peace in 1834, and was a leading member on the Board of 
 the Parsee Panchayat. He was a man of sterling probity 
 and uprightness, of great liberality and kindness of dis- 
 position, and of an evenness of temper, scarcely capable 
 of being disturbed. He was well known to nearly the 
 whole of the European community, and respected wherever 
 he was known. His enlarged heart and liberal hand 
 recognised no distinction of colour or of creed, but were 
 ever open as day to melting charity, and accessible to all 
 who had suffering or misfortune, on which to found their 
 claims. His demise was of universal regret, which took 
 place on the 4th of December 1847. 
 
 Rustomji Cowasji Banaji, the youngest son of Cowasji 
 Behramji Banaji, entered his eldest brother, Framji's busi- 
 ness in 1807, and first travelled over to Calcutta in the year 
 1812. From thence he went over twice to China, and once 
 to Madras and Ceylon, and returning from his travels 
 in 1817, he settled for good in Calcutta. He first joined 
 his brother, Navrosji, in business at Calcutta, but after his 
 death in 1819, opened his own firm in the name and style 
 of Messrs. Rustomji Turner & Co., in partnership with Mr. 
 Robert Turner. In 1827, he opened a branch office at China, 
 in the name of his two sons, Maneckji and Dadabhoy Rus- 
 
19 
 
 ttfmji. He with several other leading merchants of Cal- 
 cutta bought a big dock at Kiderpore, belonging to Mr. 
 James Kid, for ivs. 3,5l,OuO, and also another known as 
 " Shalkia Dock " belonging to Messrs Curry and Co., for 
 Rs. 2,03,000 and under his Secretary-ship was opened the 
 " Calcutta Docking Company " in 1837 ; he also established 
 the first insurance company called the " Sim Insurance 
 Company " in 1834. He was the owner of no less than 
 twenty-seven big vessels, fifteen of which were chartered 
 for Rs. 1,15,000 a year by the British Government during 
 the first Chinese War. He had further opened the first 
 " Cotton Pressing Factory," and also a f< Paper Manufac- 
 turing Company " in Calcutta. 
 
 In 1838 he called over his whole family to Calcutta and 
 the ladies of his family were the first to cross the seas 
 over to Calcutta. Writing on this subject the Bombay 
 Gazette of the 16th July 1838 says : " Our Parsee friends 
 who have so long been foremost among the natives of this 
 country in everything connected with commercial enter- 
 prise, are now about to set an example in what may at first 
 sight be considered a purely domestic matter, but which 
 will in all probability in its ulterior results from throwing 
 aside the trammels of ancient prejudices, be productive of 
 singular changes. The Lady of Rustomji Cowasji, Esq., 
 the distinguished and liberal minded merchant in Calcutta? 
 is about to sail from Bombay for that port, in a few days, 
 accompanied by the wife of his son and a Cortege of female 
 attendants to those who remember that but a few years 
 ago no Parsee female of respectability would proceed even 
 to the Deccan, the contemplated trip of these fair voyagers 
 will afford much food for speculation upon the rapid change 
 which the march of opinion has effected." 
 
20 
 
 In 1839 he built a small Fi -e-temple for the use of his 
 community. He had reside 1 for over thirty years in 
 Calcutta, and for a greater part of that time, carried on a 
 very extensive business as a merchant and shipowner, and 
 f )r his activity and enterprise was well known to men 
 of business all over the East. During his prosperity, he 
 sought European society and breaking through the res- 
 traints, usual among his countrymen, did not hesitate 
 to introduce the ladies of his family to his guests, among 
 whom the Governor General of India had more than once 
 been present. Rustomji was extremely liberal, while he 
 had the means, and there might be many yet, who have felt 
 his kindness, when it was of the utmost value to them. He 
 died on the 15th April 1852, at the age of 60. 
 
si 
 
 CHAPTER IV. 
 
 firamji's connection with the Elphmstone Institute and the 
 Par see Panchayai. How he supported native education* 
 
 Not only did Framji make a name in his mercantile 
 capacity, but also in the advancement and improvement in 
 the social condition of his countrymen. He was a man, 
 who never sought for honour, but was one of those, who are 
 sought for being honoured. Through his influence, he got 
 into employment all his brothers and relatives, and was 
 ever ready to do all, he can to relieve and redress the grie- 
 vances of the poor. Though engaged so deeply, he did not 
 neglect for a moment the welfare of his country and 
 countrymen. 
 
 The public measure of the greatest utility, with which 
 Fraraji's name is closely associated, is the early advo- 
 cacy of the cause of native education in this island, not only 
 male education, but also female education, at a time when 
 there was scarcely one to be found amongst us, who could 
 openly declare himself in favour of it. 
 
 What Framji has done in the cause of native education, 
 has. I believe, been so eminently recorded on the files of 
 the FUphinstone Institution, of which he was not only an 
 original member, but a staunch supporter, and one of the 
 few, who took the initiative in its formation. The same 
 may be said as regards the Grant Medical College, the 
 K alive Public Dispensary, the Agri-Horticultural Society, 
 and many others. In short, in his days of power, he stood 
 foremost in Ijis evertions, and unsparing in his purse in the 
 furtherance of objects calculated to benefit his fellow- 
 beings. 
 
 In tjie year 1820 Framji was appointed a member on the 
 board of " Native School Book and School Society." 
 
22 
 
 Under the presidency of the Rt. Hon'ble Mountstuart 
 Elphinstone, the Governor of Bombay, and the Secretary- 
 ship of Capt. Jarvis, Framji in the year 1827 opened the 
 first Anglo-Gu jrati School, under the name of " The Native 
 Education Society." Framji was appointed a member of 
 the Board of Directors, which honour he enjoyed for a 
 period of twenty-eight years,, and which he resigned only 
 seven months prior to his death. When Mr. Liget, the 
 President of the Board, together with the Chief Justice the 
 Hon'ble Sir Askin Pery, and the Hon'ble Mr. Jugunath 
 Sunkersett, sent an application to H. E. the Governor of 
 Bombay, for the approval of the appointment of Mr, 
 Bo.nanji Hormasji Wadia, in place of the deceased gentle- 
 man, with words of estimation for hi& pas-t services, the 
 Secretary to H. E. the Governor wrote as follows : 
 
 " I have been directed to inform you that the honour 
 which the Board have paid to the late Mr Framji Cowasji 
 Banaji is thoroughly worthy of the memory of the deceased. 
 His Excellency and the Council themselves, together with 
 tho&3 who have gone before them, have expressed their 
 highest opinion about the merits of this honoured gentle- 
 man, and the very same opinion is still entertained. Pro- 
 moting the advancement of one's own country is serving 
 right his country was the idea of this gentleman, and in 
 accordance to it he has acted, and so we all appreciate the 
 worth of so good a gentleman." 
 
 From the time when the genius of the Rt. Hon'ble 
 Mountstuart Elphinstone sought to invite the upper 
 class of Natives to measures for the introduction of National 
 Eductation, Framji Cowasji was distinguished as the most 
 active promoter of this object. He was an original mem- 
 ber of the well-known Elphinstone Institute, which he 
 joined in 1835, and until advancing years and increasing 
 infirmit'es induced him to retire, was year after year elect- 
 
23 
 
 ed by his countrymen to represent them at the Board of 
 Education. He was the first Parsee gentleman who 
 educated the females of his family. As already noticed 
 Framji was a great enthusiast in the cause of Native Educa- 
 tion, both male and female. It was his opinion that educa- 
 tion should be given to every person according to his 
 abilities and means. He had very liberal views on the 
 subject of Female education, and notwithstanding the 
 strong opposition from every quarter, he set on foot in- 
 structing his daughters and grand -daughters in English. 
 His efforts at the time proved unsuccessful, but later on 
 they were matured. He had even independently of the 
 strong opposition from his country-men, publicly declared 
 in his capacity of a Member of the Board of Education, his 
 opinion in favour of female education, and set the noble 
 example in his own family circle. 
 
 Framji contributed the sum of Rs. 10,000 towards the 
 maintenance and support of the " Native Education Society," 
 and also gave large sums of money for establishing profes- 
 sorships at the Elphinstone Institution. 
 
 Framji \\as the first among the Natives, who boldly 
 came forward as an advocate for firmly establishing the 
 rights and claims of the Natives upon Government, and 
 warmly discussing the then topic of making Natives eligible 
 for members of the " Grand Jury " and other officers of 
 trust and responsibility under Government. He headed 
 the list of the requisition sent in to the House of Commons, 
 through Sir Charles Forbes, on 31st December 1829, asking 
 for the admission of Natives to the Grand Jury, and for 
 making them Justices of Peace, and also give them high and 
 responsible posts under the Government and for the im- 
 proving of justice in the Mofussil. 
 
 Framji was one of twelve Natives, namely : Messrs. 
 Jamsetji Jeejibhoy, Navrosji Jamshedji Wadia, Bomanji 
 
24 
 
 Hormusji Wadia, Curshedji Cowasji Banaji, Curshedji Ard'e- 
 shir Dady, Dadabhoy Pestonji Wadia, Hovmusji lihieajs 
 Chinoy, Curshedji Rustomji Wadia, Juggunath Sunk er sett, 
 Dhakji Dadaji, Mohmudally Roghey, and Mohmud Ibrahim 
 Mueba, who first held the Commission of the Peace in the 
 year 1834, and those who have set on the Bench with him r 
 remember the independence, and impartiality, with which 
 he administered justice. 
 
 On the llth of July 1836 Framji, in co-operation with 
 Sir Jamsetji Jeejibhoy and Jeejibhoy Dadabhoy, opened a? 
 school, for the religious training of the youths of his com- 
 munity called the " Zand School " for which he contributed 
 the sum of Rs. 3,000 
 
 In 1841 Framjl was elected a member of the Board of 
 Education. 
 
 The Parsees, as a distinct communit}^ looked up to him 
 as- their leader, who was ever ready to render his services- 
 for the general good of the community, and his exertions 
 for introducing various reforms in his own community, in 
 his capacity of a leading member of the Parsee Panehayak 
 
 Framji was likewise the foremost HI bringing; about the 
 Parsee Panchayat once more into existence, and was elected 
 a member of that Institution on the 4th of March 1818, and 
 was in 1821 nominated a Trustee of its Funds, Asa member 
 of the Parsee Panchayat, Framji exercised so beneficial an 
 influence over the morals of the Parsee community, that 
 the records of that old and once respected Institution arc 
 stamped with many tokens of his strong sense and excellent 
 Judgment. 
 
 The Parsee Panchayat exercised for a time a sovereign 
 power, and was a tribunal for the settlement of all social 
 and matrimonial questions among Parsees; but afterwards, 
 instead of directing their labours und energies to a right 
 
25 
 
 end. had much abused their power, when Framji in disgust 
 tendered his resignation along with Mr. Nowrosji Jamsetji 
 AVadia in the year 1836, passing a very strong censure 
 on the mismanagement of that body. A correspondent 
 under the nom de plume Q in the Corner contributes to 
 the Bombay Times of 1845 an English translation of Mr, 
 Framji's minute which is as follows : Framji says : " I 
 have resigned from the Board of the Parsee Panchayat along 
 with Mr. 2s avroji Jamshedji Wadia, and if I were to enu- 
 merate the reasons for my so doing, it would fill up a big 
 volume. For some time past, we have failed in bringing 
 about profitable arrangements in our community, and to 
 ^peak more plainly, we have rather done evil than any good. 
 Various evils have creeped into our community and many 
 are the bad results arising from them, and I do not think 
 it advisable to dwell at length upon those. There are at 
 present many instances of forsaking one's own wife and 
 residing with another and of taking into the Zorastriaii 
 religion children born of kept mistresses. The Panchayat 
 seems to take no notice of such evil-doers nor punish them, 
 but they freely join with us in the Gumbhar feasts and even 
 enter the sacred precincts of our fire-temples. The past 
 dread has gone, because the Panchayat does not take them 
 to task. Consequently sucti crimes daily increase, and I 
 think that within ten or twenty years henceforth, the ladies 
 of our community will come forward to dance in public as 
 those of Hindoos and Mahornedans. It is a matter of great 
 regret that in such advanced times we could not check such 
 crimes, nor give impartial justice to the aggrieved. The 
 main cause of this is that there is discord and disunion 
 amongst ourselves, the leaders of the community. In short, 
 I must say again that we are rather doing evil than any 
 good, and we will be responsible for the same before the Al- 
 mighty. All this disorder and miscarriage is owing to the 
 
26 
 
 want of union amongst us. We had the means to stop these 
 evils but we did not use them." 
 
 The next year a reconciliation was brought about, and 
 both these gentlemen rejoined the Parsee Panchayat, but 
 since then, it has been dwindling into almost a defunct 
 body. 
 
 Framji ever displayed in a remarkable degree that 
 characteristic and genuine warmth of feeling, of an 
 honest mind, one who deeply felt for his fellow- beings, 
 and wanted to do them as much good as it lay in his 
 power. 
 
 There are several records of the late Parsee Panchayat, 
 illustrative of the depth of penetration and a true love for 
 his country and countrymen, which he possessed in no 
 small a degree. He deserves still a higher credit than this, 
 for the very object of which in the present state of the 
 Parsee community, the society called " The Rahanumahe 
 Mazliashna Sabha 5; a guide to the followers of Maz- 
 diashna religion is brought into existence, occupied his 
 thoughts all the while, and he had to a very great extent 
 effected the very reforms, which they have now introduced, 
 and would have even so far succeeded to bring about a 
 complete reformation, as to leave a permanent effect on the 
 Parsee mind, but he failed in that laudable effort, owing to 
 the discord and disunion, which then prevailed among his 
 other colleagues in the Panchayat. 
 
 Notwithstanding the sterling virtues in Framji's character, 
 there was a weak point to be marked in it, that often 
 times the kindness and benevolence of his disposition 
 prevailed over strict and firm resolution. Great men are 
 often not without peculiar defects, which they can- 
 not see for themselves, for no man can clearly point 
 out all his faults ; and under the influence, of these 
 
27 
 
 they sometimes fall into very serious mistakes, which 
 it is impossible for them to rectify afterwards, and 
 there are a few only who, when their mistakes are clearly 
 pointed out to them, do acknowledge their faults and re- 
 pent for them ; but there are also some, who under these 
 circumstances, still persist in maintaining their wrong and 
 erroneous opinions, notwithstanding the clear way in which 
 their faults are brought home to them. This distinguished 
 man, of whom I am speaking, was not of the latter sort, for 
 when his faults were pointed out to him, he on being con- 
 vinced, readily acknowledged them and tried as far as pos- 
 sible in future to keep aloof from them. Notwithstanding 
 his own precautions, he was often entrapped in the snares of 
 disguise, conceit, and cunning of others. This simplicity 
 of a kind disposition was often worked upon by other enti- 
 cing persons to serve their own peculiar ends ; for the true 
 frankness of his heart and the openness of his mind never 
 for a moment doubted the motives or objects of others, 
 though many a time he fell a victim to their deceit. 
 Another admirable and peculiar feature in his character con- 
 sisted in his too kind and forgiving a disposition He was 
 ever confident in others that is, placed too much reliance in 
 his dealings with others and when he came to understand 
 that they betrayed the trust reposed in them, he had no 
 other recourse but to blame himself for it. 
 
28 
 CHAPTER V. 
 
 Loss of his son Edalji. Suppyling water to the Two Tanks, 
 from Mooybhai Oart* 
 
 On the 3rd of April 1824, Edalji, the second son of 
 Framji, while returning on foot from Madras, died at the 
 age of 30, at the village of Chock, about eight miles from 
 JPanwal, by the accidental bursting of a rifle. Framji, to 
 perpetuate the memory of his beloved son, did a very noble 
 act of charity, which has handed down his name to posterity. 
 At the time we are speaking of, there was a great scarcity 
 of water, and the inhabitants of Kamateepoora, Grant Road 
 and Girgaum, had to go about from place to place in search 
 of water. Framji took to heart their want, and remedied 
 the evil. He bought the spacious ground, called the Moog* 
 bhat Wadi, opposite the Cowasji Patel's Tank, and there 
 sank three big wells, from which through water pipes (at a 
 time when such a thing was but a novelty) he carried water 
 by means of steam-engines and cattle-wheels to the Two Tanks 
 at Kamateepoora. On this he is said to have spent more 
 than thirty thousand rupees, and moreover maintained it at 
 a monthly cost of Rs. 200. He carried on this maintenance 
 till the year 1831, when thinking, that his descendants 
 should perhaps fail to carry on this work of charity, he, in 
 the month of October of the same year, wrote to Mr. 
 Charles Norris, the Chief Secretary to the Bombay Govern- 
 ment, saying that he had spent over a lack and a half for the 
 improvement of his Poway estate, for which he had to pay 
 to the Government the sum of Rs. 4,797-2-0 every year* 
 and that neither he nor his descendants had any hope of 
 recovering the amount already spent ; he therefore request- 
 ed the Government to hand over that estate to him as a 
 
29 
 
 free-hold, on payment of Ks. 46,000, and that during his 
 life-time, he would carry on supplying water to the Two 
 Tanks and that after his death, he would set aside a yearly 
 income of Rs. 2,400 from his Poway estate for the main- 
 tenance of the same. Writing on the subject to the 
 Government, Framji says : " I beg to state that from 
 a charitable motive I was led, many years ago, to sink 
 wells for the better and constant supply of fresh water from 
 my Oart called Moogbhat, through the aqueduct of the two 
 reservoirs situated on the (new town) Duncan Road, for 
 the use of the inhabitants of Kamateepoora. For the pur- 
 pose, I obtained every assistance from Major Dickinson, and 
 by his advice sank three wells in the said Oart, Moogbhat, 
 and set up a steam engine and four wheels with cattle to 
 draw water, the whole of which work was not completed 
 under an outlay of about Rupees thirty thousand, in addi- 
 tion to which, I have, all along, maintained an establish- 
 ment at a monthly charge of about Rupees two hundred or 
 Rupees two thousand and four hundred per annum. The 
 supply of fresh water leads from the aforesaid Mooogbhat 
 through aqueduct to the two Reservoirs erected on the 
 Duncan Road, by the late Major Hawkins from the bequest 
 of Uslaji, deceased. These reservoirs were delivered to my 
 charge on the 7th May, 1825, by Major Bellasis, and ever 
 since I have continued the supply of fresh water. The con- 
 tinuance of these useful works during my life-time in the 
 same spirit, which first prompted me to undertake them, is 
 certain, but without in any degree wishing to detract from 
 the benevolent intentions of those who may succeed me, I 
 may, I trust, be excused for expressing a desire for wishing 
 to perpetuate them. Whatever may be the disposition of 
 my heirs, I cannot reasonably expect that they should 
 contribute thus materially to the public welfare without 
 some consideration from a liberal and enlightened Govern- 
 
30 
 
 ment. Looking, therefore, to the importance of these works 
 to the great and essential benefit resulting from them and 
 to the desirableness of rendering them, as far as practicable, 
 lasting. I cannot but entertain a live!}- hope that the pro- 
 position I am desirous of making toward accomplishing so 
 important an object will, if coming within the bounds of 
 reason and moderation, be received and viewed with that 
 consideration and liberal attention which I am fully 
 sensible it is the desire and wish of the Right Hon'ble the 
 Governor in Council to extend towards all propositions of 
 public utility emanating from the natives of the country. 
 
 " The Poway Estate, it will be remembered, was originally 
 conferred on the late Doctor Scott, but resumed in conseqence 
 of a failure on the part of his heirs or agents in paying the 
 assessment of Government revenue ; impressed, therefore 
 with the hopes to which my past exertions have given rise and 
 with an anxiety to avoid any such failure on the part of my 
 family, I beg to propose that instead of paying a yearly 
 revenue of Rupees four thousand seven hundred and 
 ninety-seven, two quarters and twenty- four reas, I hope 
 I may be permitted to discharge the amount of ten years' 
 purchase or Rupees forty-six thousand, the net amount, and 
 henceforward to hold it as Free Hold Estate, and a deed 
 may be made by the Government, to be continued to me 
 and my heirs, and farther, I would beg to propose on the 
 expiration of the forty years rent free Lease, under which 
 I held the waste land connected with the Estate and the 
 rent on the same may be fixed, and my heirs may be 
 permitted to redeem it in like manner by payment of the 
 amount of ten years' purchase. The proposal made by me, 
 which is under the expectation to a perpetual and perma- 
 nent provision in order to continue the supply of fresh 
 water from my charitable Oart called Moogbhat, through 
 the acqueducts to those Reservoirs built by the late Major 
 
31 
 
 IIuvHuns from the bequest of the said Uslajee, I intend td 
 insert in my last Will and Testament about the charitable 
 object in the manner as follows : That my children may 
 receive the revenue from my Poway Estate on Salsette and 
 out of which is to defray the expense for the establishment 
 kept at the charitable Oart, Moogbhat, and in default 
 thereof I intend to empower the Right Honorable the 
 Governor in Council that they will compell on my heirs, 
 if the supply of water will be neglected to continue for 
 ever from my said Oart, Moogbhat, and an expense for the 
 said establishment to be paid from the collection of the 
 revenue of my Poway Estate on Salsette." 
 
 In reply to this Mr. Williams, the Secretary to the 
 Bombay Government, wrote to Mr. Erarnji on the 16th 
 November 1831 : 
 
 " In reply I am desired to acquaint you that observing 
 with great satisfaction your exertions for the extension of 
 cultivation and general improvement of Salsette and appre- 
 ciating the Public spirit you have manifested and the 
 charitable motives which prompt you to perpetuate so 
 great a benefit to the inhabitants of the populous districts 
 in which the reservoirs are situated as that which they now 
 enjoy, through your memo. The Right Honorable the 
 Governor in Council will have much pleasure in bringing 
 your application to the favourable notice of the Honourable 
 Court of Directors, with a strong recommen 1 uion from 
 this Government that your request may bj complied 
 with." 
 
 On the 28th of October 1835, the Court of Directors sent 
 the following despatch complying with Mr. Framji's re- 
 quest : 
 
 " With respect to the proposal of Framji to purchase the 
 Poway Estate which has been already granted to him in 
 
32 
 
 perpetuity, a proposal which he appears to have made with 
 a laudable intention of providing for ever a supply of fresh 
 water for the public reservoirs on the Duncan Road in the 
 new town, we are disposed, as a special case, to accede to his 
 request on the terms he has offered, namely, to pay a sum 
 equal to ten years' purchase of the Estate, which on the 
 annual rental (Rupees four thousand seven hundred and 
 forty-seven) will amount to Rupees forty seven thousand 
 four hundred and seventy." 
 
 Thus the supply of fresh water to the Two Tanks from 
 Framji's charitable Oart, Moogbhat, was carried on till 
 recently by his descendants. The following is the tablet 
 on one of the Two Tanks at Duncan Road. 
 
 THE WELLS 
 FROM WHICH THESE RESERVOIRS ARE SUPPLIED, 
 
 and the Establishment for drawing the water are maintained 
 
 By FRAMJEE COWASJEE, 
 In commemoration of whose Liberality 
 
 THIS TABLET IS PLACED BY THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT. 
 
33 
 CHAPTER YL 
 
 The grant of the Poway Estate. 
 
 The East India Company had in the year 1799 A. D. 
 granted to an old British Officer, Surgeon Hellins Scott, 
 several villages in the island of Salsette on a yearly rental 
 of Rs. 3,200-4-0. Surgeon Scott enjoyed the income of these 
 villages till the year 1816, when he went home and died 
 there shortly after. As the deseendents of Surgeon Scott 
 could not continue paying the amount, in the year 1826 
 Mr. Simmonds, the Collector of North Concon, resumed the 
 possession of those villages. Framji Cowasji sent in an 
 application to the Government of Bombay on the llth 
 June 1829, asking to have those villages transferred to him on 
 the same conditions as those with Surgeon Scott. In reply 
 to this application, the Bombay Government through Mr. 
 George Gilber, the then Collector of Concon, on the 15th of 
 the same month, offered those villages to Mr. Framji, on a 
 yearly rental of Rs. 4,001, and the following conditions : 
 
 " You will promote the happiness and prosperity of the 
 Ryots, and erect buildings, sink tanks, and wells, build 
 embankments of fields and introduce the cultivation of 
 superior articles of produce and extend the present culti- 
 vation. Should you not attempt any of the improvements 
 above mentioned within the period of ten years, the Govern- 
 ment is at liberty to resume the grant within the period 
 of ten years, should you expend capital in buildings, &c., as 
 above the grant of the villages and lands will be considered 
 confirmed to your Heirs and Assigns, &c., in perpetuity. 
 You will make annual reports to the Hoozoor of whatever 
 improvements you have made during the preceding year ; 
 the Collector will inspect and cause entries of the same to 
 
34 
 
 be recorded in the Duftur, you are not at liberty to dis- 
 pose of in any way the above property to any other persons 
 within the period of ten years. 
 
 You will receive the same rates of assessment as at 
 present in force and no more and introduce no innovation 
 in the particular without express sanction. 
 
 The Abkari has been included in the lease given to you. 
 You are at liberty to sell liquor to the Ryots of your 
 Estate only, and not to the other contractors without first 
 obtaining permission of the Collector. If any farmer or 
 contractor requires liquor, he must make application to the 
 Sirkar, and permission shall be granted in the event of there 
 being a general scarcity of this commodity, in the other 
 parts of the Salsette Prant, should you export it beyond 
 the limits of Salsette Talooka, you will pay the established 
 export fee, besides you must adhere to the Rules establish- 
 ed, and to be established with the liquor contractors in 
 Salsette. 
 
 You will continue the Davustans, Dharmadaes and Pal- 
 dars as at present." 
 
 After this on the 20th of November 1829,Framji applied 
 for a grant of the two adjoining villages of Toongwy and 
 Puspolie. These two villages were also granted to Mr. 
 Framji on the 22nd March 1830 on a yearly rental of 
 Rs. 1,787, and on the following conditions : 
 
 " You are properly to protect the Ryots of the villages 
 and to execute the undermentioned works therein. In the 
 Village of Toongwy, you are to build and repair Tanks, and 
 to build a Dhurmsala, and to sink in the waste lands as 
 many "Wells, as may be required, to bring them into cul- 
 tivation. In the Village of Puspolie, you are to sink ten 
 Wells of stone and mortar at the rate of one Well per 
 annum for the irrigation of the waste lands, you are to pre- 
 
35 
 
 pare the Tanks, Dhurmasala and Wells as above and by 
 every means to introduce valuable products into the 
 villages, or in failure of doing so to assign satisfactory 
 reason to Government." 
 
 On the 5th of July 1830 the Government through Mr. 
 Boyd, the then Collector, made a reduction of Rs. 990, for 
 waste lands and thereby fixed the yearly assessment on the 
 seven villages at Rs. 4,797-9-0. 
 
 ICapjJfreciation of Framji's public spirit, and the chari- 
 table motives which ever prompted him to redress and 
 remedy the grievances of his fellow beings, the Court of 
 Directors, as stated in the preceding pages, handed over 
 the Poway Estate, including Poway and the seven adjoin- 
 ing villages, to Framji as a Free-hold estate on payment of 
 a sum of Rs. 47,470 on the 15th of February 1837. 
 The following is the deed by which the " East India 
 Company " transferred to Framji the sole right of the 
 Foway Estate : 
 
 " CI/IS JflrttttttlltJl) made the Fifteenth day of February 
 in the year of Christ one thousand Eight hundred and thirty- 
 seven Between the Honorable East India Company of the 
 one part and Framji Cowasji Banaji Esquire of Bombay 
 Parsee Merchant of the other part. WHEREAS by a 
 Deed bearing date the thirteenth day of August one thou- 
 sand seven hundred and ninety-nine purporting to be a 
 grant to Helenus Scott had been for some time therein 
 described as Surgeon in the service of the United Company 
 of Merchants of England trading to the East Indies after 
 Reciting therein that the said Helenus Scott had been for 
 some time and was then in allowed possession of certain 
 spot or parcels of ground situate in the limits of the 
 Villages of Poway, Terandaz Comprey, Pospowly and 
 Chandowley, included in the district of Marole Coorlim 
 
36 
 
 and Moolly and in that of Trombay in the Island of Salsetfe 
 which spots or parcels of ground were the Property of the 
 said Company. It is declared that the said Company did 
 thereby unalienably grant and make over to the said 
 Helenus Scott, his Heirs, Executors Administrators and As. 
 signs, all and sundry the aforesaid parcels or spots of ground 
 situated in the said Villages with a temporary exception 
 only in respect to certain spots of Serotore Tenure, which 
 were not to become his until he could satisfy and buy out 
 the then incumbents and subject to an annual payment of 
 the sum of three thousand and two hundred Rupees, three 
 quarters, and twelve reas, which was declared to be the 
 settled quit rent of the above grounds, on their reduced 
 assessments and it was thereby further agreed and deter- 
 mined upon by and between the said parties thereto that 
 if the said Helenus Scott, his Heirs, Executors, Adminis- 
 trators and Assigns, should fail to pay and make good all or 
 any part of the aforesaid assessment or quit rent in manner 
 therein mentioned within one month of the time therein 
 specified the Collector or other revenue officer for the time 
 being of Salsette, was thereby authorized to seize, or sell 
 any part of the aforesaid ground, or the tenements or 
 buildings, which might be thereon erected or the materials 
 which might thereto belong, in order to satisfy and make 
 good the amount of the said assessments or quit rent which 
 might then be due and owing. And it was thereby further 
 declared andagreed that WHEREAS over and above the 
 assessment on the above granted parcels of land or spots 
 of ground the Honorable Company had exercised and then 
 exercised a right of taxing certain Brab Trees growing 
 thereon at different rates according to their produce or 
 situation,- and that the said Helenus Scott by felling of 
 wood, and draining of lands had brought forward with 
 much labour and expense, a considerable part of the grounds 
 
37 
 
 included in the above grants into a state of great cultivation 
 and consequent productiveness the said Company thereby 
 relinquished all Property in the Brab or other Trees situat- 
 ed on any of the said lands and the said Trees, and such 
 trees as might be produced thereafter were thereby declared 
 and acknowledged to be the sole property of the said 
 Helenus Scott, his Heirs, Executors, Administrators and 
 Assigns AND WHEHE AS the said Helenus Scott continu- 
 ed in possession of the said Estate and duly paid the said 
 rent so received as aforesaid up to and until some time in 
 or about the year one thousand eight hundred and sixteen 
 when he proceeded to England where he afterwards 
 departed this life and no further payment on account of 
 the said rents was thereafter made by the said Eelenus 
 Scott or by his Heirs or by any person or persons on 
 his behalf, AND WHEREAS James Bruce Simson, 
 Esquire, as Collector of the Northern Concan some 
 time in the year one thousand Eight hundred and 
 twenty-six in consequence of the large amount of arrears of 
 such rent then due and owing to the said Company, entered 
 into and upon and seized and took possession of the said 
 Estate and Tillages and of all the Buildings and other Pro- 
 perty thereon and continued in possession thereof on behalf 
 of the said Company AND "WHEREAS the said Framji 
 Cowasji in a letter bearing date the Eleventh day of June one 
 thousand Eight hundred and twenty-nine addressed to Wil- 
 liam Newnham, Esquire, Secretary to Government, stated as 
 follows. I beg leave to propose to the Honorable the Gover- 
 nor in Council to take on a Lease for Ever the land of Poway, 
 situated at Salsette near Bhandock (which was formerly held 
 and occupied by late Doctor Scott declared on the following 
 terms, that is to say upon paying annually the amount of 
 present Revenue to the Government which is to the extent of 
 Rupees Three thousand five hundred and nine, two quarters 
 
38 
 
 and eighty eight reas, including of the Thoka on the Paddy 
 field at the rate of twenty Rupees per a Mcora and all the 
 Grass and waste land appertaining thereto together with all 
 the trees of every description to be allowed rne free from pay- 
 ing any kind of Tax whatsoever as in the same privilege and 
 manner as was granted to Doctor Scott, I also beg leave to 
 state for the information of the Honorable the Governor in 
 Council that the said Poway Village from its situation now 
 appears to be in a ruined state in consequence of which it will 
 be necessary to put it in proper order, and for the improve*' 
 ment of the said Village requires a large sum of money all 
 which I will do myself, I therefore beg leave to request that 
 the Honorable the Governor in Council will be pleased to 
 take my proposal into his serious consideration and should 
 he think it proper to let it out upon the same terms and 
 conditions as it was formerly granted to Doctor Scott I am- 
 under such supposition willing to become in occupation o 
 that Village for Ever and Ever, and a regular lease will be' 
 duly executed AND WHEREAS by a certain instrument in 
 writing called a Cowl bearing date Soor Sun SuIIaseeii 
 Myalen Vu aleef A. D. One thousand Eight hundred and 
 twenty-nine and thirty (1829-30) Shuck one thousand seven 
 hundred and fifty-one (1751) Nerody nam Sumvuseer 
 purporting to be granted by George Gilberne, Esq., Collec- 
 tor of the Northern Con can to the said Framji Cowasji 
 therein described as Framji Cowasji Merchant of Bombay 
 it is stated as follows. You having preferred an application 
 in the English language dated the Eleventh day of June 
 one thousand eight hundred and twenty-nine, soliciting cer^ 
 tain Villages and lands situated in the Turuf Marole Talook 
 Salsette and known by the name of Poway Estate on the 
 same terms as the same was granted to Doctor Scott with a 
 request to include the Abkaree the amount to be paid for 
 which to be regulated according to its average receipts for 
 
9 
 
 several years. I reported on the subject on the Twenty- 
 ninth day of the same month and received orders dated 
 the Tenth and fifteenth day of July following to transfer 
 the Tillages and lands &c., according to the fixed bounda- 
 ries of the Estate to you on lease. The following consti- 
 tues the Estate, Mowja Poway, 2 Copre Coorah, 3 Terenda 
 Lands, 4 Lands in the Mowza Puspowlee, 5 Mowza Sankee, 
 6 certain Brab Trees in the Mowza Tukerolee. The above 
 has accordingly been given to you on tease from the 
 current year Sun Sullasee A. I). One thousand eight 
 hundred and twenty-nine and thirty (1829-30) on the 
 conditions hereinafter provided for and in and by the 
 said Cowl after setting forth therein the revenue which 
 is thereby calculated to amount in the whole to four 
 thousand and one Bupees on account of Tillages and 
 lands and Abkaree, to be paid annually into the Treasury of 
 the Salsette Talook, on the First day of April in every year, 
 the said Cowl proceeds as follows, Second you will promote 
 the happiness and prosperity of the Ryots, and erect build- 
 ings, sink tanks and wells, build embankment of fields 
 and introduce the cultivation of superior articles of pro- 
 duce and extend the present cultivation. Should jon not 
 attempt any of the improvements above mentioned within 
 the period of Ten years the Government is at liberty to re- 
 sume the grant within the period of Ten years, should you 
 expend capital in buildings &c., as above the grant of the 
 Tillages and lands will be considered confirmed to you and 
 to your Heirs and Assigns &c.., in perpetuity. You will make 
 annual reports to the Hoozoor of whatever improvements 
 you have made during the preceding year the Collector will 
 inspect and cause entries of the same to be recorded in the 
 Duf ter, you are not at liberty to dispose of in any way the 
 above property to any other persons within the period of 
 Ten years. Third you will receive the same rates of Assess- 
 
40 
 
 ment as at present in force and no more and; introduce no 
 innovation in the particular without express sanction^ 
 Fourth, The Abkaree has been included in the lease given 
 to you. You are at liberty to sell Liquor to the Ryots of your 
 Estate only and not to the other contractors without first 
 obtaining permission of the Collector. If any farmer or 
 contractor requires liquor he must make application to the 
 Sirkar and permission shall be granted in the event of there* 
 being a general scarcity of this commodity, m the other parts 
 of the Salsette Prank Should you export ft beyond the limits; 
 of the Salsette Talook, you will pay the Established export 
 fee, besides you must adhere to the Rules- established and 
 to be established with the Liquor contractors in Salsette., 
 Fifth. You will continue the Davustans, Dhurmadaes and 
 Paldorsasat present. AND WHEREAS, by a certain 
 other instrument in wirting bearing date the Fifth day of 
 July One thousand Eight hundred and thirty purporting to 
 be additional elauses r it is stated amongst other things as 
 follows : First. In the amount of Lease of the Poway 
 Estate the Assessment of the waste land has been included 
 in this subject. Mr. Boyd, the Collector, wrote to Govern- 
 ment on the Eighteenth day of February One thousand 
 Eight hundred and thirty, and procured an order dated the 
 twenty-second day of March of the same year that this; 
 Assessment on the waste should be deducted from the 
 amount of the Lease as was the case in the lease of the- 
 Villages Veyar and others of Turuf Marolee granted by Mi\ 
 Langford, Assistant Collector in charge, to Merwanjee Rus- 
 tomjee in conformity to this order Rupees Nine hundred 
 and ninety, one quarter and seventy- six reas should be de~ 
 ducted from the amount of the Lease Rupees Four thousand 
 and one leaving Rupees three thousand and ten, two quar- 
 ters and twenty-four reas which you are to pay annually and 
 far which you will receive a receipt. Second. In orde? 
 
41 
 
 that the whole of the waste land in the abovementioned. 
 villages may be brought into cultivation a term of 40 years 
 has been fixed during which no assessment will be levied 
 thereon from the forty-first year after deducting the land 
 totally incapable of cultivation the remainder whether culti* 
 vated or waste will be assessed according to the usual rates and 
 such assessment will be levied annually. You are moreover 
 to bring one-fourth of the waste into cultivation in ten years 
 from the date of this Lease. Third. The revenue of all 
 Cowls of Mofee Istawa which have been granted in the 
 above Villages is to be paid by you as it becomes due above 
 the amount of your Lease. On the twentieth of November 
 One thousand Eight hundred and twenty-nine you presented 
 an English Petition in Bombay requesting a Lease of the 
 Villages of Toongaye and Pushpolee of Turuf Marole 
 Talooka Salsette which was reported upon on the Eighteenth 
 day of February One thousand Eight hundred and thirty 
 by Mr. Boyd and an order from Government was received 
 dated the twenty-second day of March One thousand Eight 
 hundred and thirty, directing the Villages to be granted to 
 you. The villages are therefore leased to you as follows : 
 The Village of Toongwy the whole Village of Puspolee of 
 which certain lands were granted to you by the lease dated 
 Fifth day of September One thousand Eight hundred and 
 twenty-nine. Those two Villages have been granted to you 
 in Lease from the current year One thousand Eight hundred 
 and thirty-one, on the following terms and the said Instru- 
 ment after stating the particulars of the Revenue including 
 Abkaree of the said Villages which is thereby calculated to 
 amount to Rupees one thousand and seven hundred, three 
 quarters and forty eight reas proceeds as follows. This sum 
 of seventeen hundred and eighty-seven Rupees you are to 
 pay every year on or before the first day of April in the 
 Currency receivable in the Salsette Treasury, in default of 
 
42 
 
 which you will be proceeded against agreeably to the re- 
 gulations. You are properly to protect the Ryots of the 
 villages and to execute the undermentioned works therein. In 
 the Tillage Toongwy you are to build and repair the Tanks 
 and to build a Dhurmsala and to sink in the waste lands as 
 many Wells as maybe required to bring them in to cultivation 
 in the Village Puspolee you are to sink 10 Wells of stone 
 and mortar at the rate of one Well per annum for the irre- 
 gation of the waste lands you are to prepare the Tank Dhur- 
 amsala and Wells as above and by every means to introduce 
 valuable products into the villages or in failure of doing so 
 to assign satisfactory reason to Government should you fail 
 in any of these provisions within ten years from the date 
 of this Lease Government will be at liberty to resume the 
 Villages from you and you will be liable to a fine as far as 
 five hundred Rupees (500) for every Well not prepared ac- 
 cording to agreement. Should you act up to the above con- 
 dition the abovenamed Villages will be continued to you 
 and your Heirs in perpetuity you are to report annually to 
 the Collector the improvement you may have made in order 
 that that Officer may should he deem it necessary enquire 
 with them and record them in the office you are not permit- 
 ted in any way to transfer these villages within ten years 
 you are to adhere in regard to these two villages to the after 
 jnentjoned clause of the Lease granted to you of the Poway 
 Estate of the fifth September One thousand eight hundred 
 and twenty-nine, Clauses, Third, fourth, fifth, seventh, eighth, 
 ninth and tenth. AND WHEREAS the said Instrument 
 after giving an account of the land population and Houses 
 of the villages thereby leased proceeds as follows. This 
 waste land is to be free of Assessment during forty years. 
 The Assessment will be levied from the forty-first year, 
 as stipulated in the second Additional Article and that 
 pn land held under Cowls of Mafee Istowa as in the third 
 
43 
 
 additional article. AND WHEREAS the said Framji 
 Cowasji has since the date of the said Cowls expended 
 large sums of money in improving the Land so granted to 
 him and in complying with the conditions thereof and also 
 in the erection of several large and commodious Bungalows 
 in the Villages of Poway and Sank ay also in the construction 
 of Roads in digging and clearing out wells building and re- 
 paring Tanks and making other great and extensive improve- 
 ments on the said Poway Estate and has thereby greatly con- 
 tributed to the comfort, happiness and prosperity of the in- 
 habitants of the aforesaid Villages AND WHEREAS the 
 said Framji Cowasji in the month of October one thousand 
 eight hundred and thirty-one wrote and forwarded to Charles 
 Norris, Esq., the then Chief Secretary to Government a letter 
 in which he stated as follows : I am induced to trespass on 
 your attention for a short time to bring to the notice of the 
 Right Hon'ble the Governor in Council the following cir- 
 cumstances and to entreat his indulgent consideration to 
 the request which I most respectfully beg to prefer to 
 enable me with more certainty to perpetuate my charitable 
 intentions and to render my present humble efforts both 
 more permanently and effectually beneficial to my Family. 
 I beg to state that from a charitable motive I was led 
 many years ago to sink wells for the better and constant 
 supply of fresh water from my Oart called Moogbhat 
 through the aqueduct of the two Reserviors situated on the 
 (New Town) Duncan Road for the use of the Inhabitants 
 of Camateepoora. For the purpose I obtained every assis-. 
 tance from Major Dickinson and by his advice sank three 
 wells in the said Oart Moogbhat and set up a steam Engine 
 and four wheels with cattle to draw water the whole o f 
 which work was not completed under an outlay of about 
 Rupees thirty thousand in addition to which I have all 
 along maintained an Establishment at a monthly charge 
 
44 
 
 of about Rupees Two hundred or Rupees Two thousand 
 and four hundred per annum. The supply of fresh water 
 leads from the aforesaid Mugbhat through aqueduct to the 
 two Reserviors erected on the Duncan Road by the late 
 Major Hawkins from the bequest of Uslajee deceased. 
 These Reserviors were delivered to my charge on the 
 seventeenth day of May one thousand eight hundred and 
 twenty-five by Major Bellasis and ever since I have con- 
 tinued the supply of fresh water. The continuance of 
 these useful works during my life time in the same spirit 
 which first prompted me to undertake them is certain, but 
 without in any degree wishing to detract from the bene- 
 volent intentions of those who may succeed me, I may, I 
 trust, be excused for expressing a desire for wishing to 
 perpetuate them. Whatever may be the disposition of my 
 Heirs I cannot reasonably expect that they should contri- 
 bute thus materially to the public welfare without some 
 consideration from a liberal and enlightened Government. 
 Looking therefore to the importance of these works to the 
 great and essential benefit resulting from them and to the 
 desirableness of rendering them as far as practicable last- 
 ing I cannot but entertain a lively hope that the proposi- 
 tion I am desirous of making towards accomplishing so 
 important an object will if coming within the bounds of 
 Teason and moderation be received and viewed with that 
 consideration and liberal attention which I am fully sensi- 
 ble it is the desire and wish of the Right Hon'ble the 
 Governor in Council to extend towards all propositions of 
 public utility emanating from the Natives of the country. 
 Government has been pleased to grant me seven Villages 
 the chief of which is called Poway Estate on the Island of 
 Salsette, in my endeavours to improve which the accompany- 
 ing substantial Translation of my Report to the Principal 
 Collector of the Konkan through the Komavesdar of Sal- 
 
45 
 
 gette will I hope give the full information about the expen- 
 diture incurred during the two years it has been under my 
 management the amount of which is nearly one and a half 
 lac of Kupees I beg to observe that it is not my intention 
 to limit my endeavours as regards the improvements I 
 hope to be able to sink many more Wells but in those which 
 have been already sunk I have been obliged to cut through 
 the solid Rock twenty to thirty feet and even then ex- 
 perienced a scarcity of water during the month of April and 
 May. Government having kindly directed me to be 
 supplied with Boring Rods from Guncarriage manufactory 
 I tried the experiment and got down as low as twenty feet, 
 but some of the wells I was experienced with water. How- 
 ever, by the next April or May when the spring sinking 
 down, I will try then again with the Boring Rods as low as 
 to sixty or seventy feet, and when I have no doubt the 
 lowest fountain will rise or flow up, but for the execution of 
 this I have instructed my Agent in England to send me 
 out a complete set of the best Boring Rods which I expect 
 to receive very soon. Thus to forward the views of Govern- 
 ment, for it was with such intention that the estate was 
 originally conferred on me though I am free to confess not 
 without sanguine hopes of benefiting myself or my children 
 I have expended very near one and a half Lack of Rupees. 
 But the result from such improvements and the general be. 
 neficial effects to be anticipated from them in the dissemina- 
 tion of a new spirit of enterprise throughout the country in 
 the better cultivation of the Land in the introduction of new 
 and superior articles of produce and in the general improve- 
 ment of the cultivating classes, results to be reckoned upon 
 from undertakings of such spirit and magnitude may form 
 some claim on the liberality of Government. This Estate, it 
 will be remembered, was originally conferred on the late 
 Doctor Scott, but resumed in consequence of a failure on the 
 
46 
 
 part of his Heirs or Agents in paying the assessment of 
 Q-overnment Revenue. Impressed therefore with the hopes to 
 which my past exertions have given rise and with an anxie- 
 ty to avoid any such failure on the part of my family I beg 
 to propose that instead of paying a yearly revenue of Rupees 
 Four thousand seven hundred and ninenty seven, two quarters 
 and twenty-four reas I may be allowed to deduct, say, about 
 t wo hundred Rupees as for a compensation for the ground 
 used in cutting Roads to my Village as well as for the custo- 
 mary allowance to the Hereditary Offices as Patell and 
 Mallaras of the said Tillage which was omitted to be inserted 
 in the Lease executed of the said Village and after the deduc- 
 tion of the above sum it will remain about four thousand and 
 six hundred Rupees or yearly to be paid by me which I hope 
 I may be permitted at once to discharge the amount of 
 ten years purchase or Rupees forty-six thousand, the net 
 amount and henceforth to hold it as Free Estate and a Deed 
 may be made by the Government to be continued to me 
 and my Heirs and further I would beg to propose that on 
 the expiration of the Forty years rent free Lease under 
 which I held the waste land connected with the Estate and 
 the rent on the same may be fixed and my heirs may be 
 permitted to redeem it in like manner by payment of the 
 amount of ten years purchase. The proposal made by me 
 which is under the expectation to a perpetual and permanent 
 provision in order to continue the supply of fresh water 
 from my charitable Oart called Mugbhut through the 
 aqueducts to those Reservoirs built by the late Major Haw- 
 kins from the bequest of the said Uslaji, I intend to insert 
 in my last Will and Testament about the charitable object 
 in the manner as following : That my children may 
 receive the revenue from my Poway Estate on Salsette and 
 out of which is to defray the expense for the establishment 
 kept at the charitable Oart Mugbhat, and in default 
 
47 
 
 thereof I intend to empower the Right Honorable the 
 Governor in Council that they will compell on my Heirs if 
 the supply of water will be neglected to continue for ever 
 from my said Oart Mugbhat and an expense for the said 
 Establishment to be paid from the collection of the Revenue 
 of my Poway Estate on Salsette. Should the Right Honora- 
 ble the G-overnor in Council be graciously pleased to consi- 
 der my request with a view to giving permanency to the 
 charitable work alluded to in the first part of this letter as 
 such as to encourage the efforts I have made and am still 
 desirous of making to secure the consideration of Govern- 
 ment I beg to assure him of the grateful and proud feeling 
 with which the same will be for ever remembered. But if 
 the Right Honorable the Governor in Council is unable to 
 accede with my request without submitting it to the Honor- 
 able the Court of Directors I humbly solicit that they will 
 be pleased to forward this to the favorable submission of 
 the Honorable the Court of Directors. AND WHEREAS 
 Mr. Williamson, the then Secretary to Government by his 
 letter bearing date the sixteenth day of November One 
 thousand Eight hundred and thirty-one addressed to the 
 said Frarnji Cowasji was pleased to signify as follows : " I 
 am directed by the Right Honorable the Governor in 
 Council to acknowledge the receipt of your letter to Mr. 
 Chief Secretary Norris dated in last month soliciting that 
 the Poway Estate may be made over to you and your Heirs 
 in perpetuity on payment of the amount of Government 
 Revenue for ten years as purchase money and stating that 
 your principal object in preferring this request is to pro- 
 vide from a permanent source for the maintenance for ever 
 of an establishment which has been kept up by you for 
 some time past to supply with fresh water the Public 
 Reservoirs on the Duncan Road. In reply I am desired 
 to acquaint you that observing with great satisfaction your 
 
48 
 
 exertions for the extension of cultivation and general 
 improvement of Salsette and appreciating the public spirit 
 you have manifested and the charitable motives which 
 prompt you to perpetuate so great a benefit to the inhabi- 
 tants of the populous districts in which the reservoirs are 
 situated as that which they now enjoy, through your memo. 
 The Right Honorable the Governor in Conncil will have 
 much pleasure in bringing your application to the favorable 
 notice of the Honorable Court of Directors with a strong 
 recommendation from this Government that your request 
 may be complied with. AND WHEREAS the Right 
 Honorable the Governor in Council having forwarded the 
 application of the said Framji Cowasji to the Honorable 
 the Court of Directors of the said East India Company the 
 said Honorable Court by their letter bearing date the 
 Twenty-eighth day of October one thousand eight hundred 
 and thirty-five were pleased to signify as follows. With 
 respect to the proposal of Framji to purchase the Poway 
 Estate which has been already granted to him in perpe- 
 tuity a proposal which he appears to have made with 
 the laudable intention of providing for ever supply of 
 fresh water for the public reservoirs on the Duncan Road 
 in the new Town we are disposed as special case to accede 
 to his request on the terms he has offered namely to pay 
 a sum equal to ten years purchase of the Estate which on 
 the annual rental (Rupees four thousand seven hundred and 
 forty-seven) will amount to Rupees forty-seven thousand 
 four hundred and seventy AND WHEREAS the said 
 Framji Cowasji has requested that a Deed of conveyance 
 may accordingly be executed to him granting the said Estate 
 to him and His Heirs for ever which the Right Honorable 
 the Governor in Council on behalf of the said Honorable 
 Company has agreed to execute on his entering into a 
 covenant to execute such Deed or other instrument as 
 
49 
 
 may be requisite to ensure his keeping up a supply of 
 water for the inhabitants of the Duncan Road as aforesaid. 
 SOW THIS INDENTURE WITNESSETH that in pur- 
 suance of the said agreement and for carrying the same into 
 execution and also for and in consideration of the said sum 
 of Forty-seven thousand four hundred and seventy Rupees 
 of lawful current money of Bombay aforesaid by the said 
 Frarnji Cowasji to the Honorable East India Company 
 well and truly paid at or before the sealing and delivering 
 of these presents the receipt whereof the said Company do 
 hereby acknowledge and thereof and of and from every part 
 thereof do Release, acquit and discharge the said Framji 
 Cowasji his Heirs Executors Administrators and Assigns 
 and every of them for ever by these presents they the said 
 Company have granted, bargained, sold, released and con- 
 firmed and by these presents do grant, bargain, sell, release 
 and confirm unto the said Framji Cowasji in his actual 
 Possession and occupation now being all those adjacent 
 Tillages and lands as well inhabited as waste Lands as also 
 cultivated and uncultivated Gardens Roads Paths Passages 
 Tanks Wells buildings Erections Privileges and all and 
 singular the appurtenances thereunto in any wise belonging 
 described in the hereinbefore in part recited Cowls bearing 
 date respectively the fifth day of September One thousand 
 Eight hundred and twenty-nine and the fifth day of July 
 one thousand eight hundred and thirty and denominated 
 and being as follows that is to say All that village called 
 Sankee containing by admeasurement three hundred Begas 
 one quarter of a Bega and one Pond be the same little 
 more or less all that other Village called Tonguy contain- 
 ing by admeasurement four hundred and thirty-six Begas 
 three quarters of a Bega and three and a half Ponds be the 
 same little more or less And that other Village called 
 Kompree containing by admeasurement one hundred and 
 
50 
 
 *eventyone Begas three quarters of a Bega and four Ponds 
 be the same little more or less all that other Village called 
 Poway containing by admeasurement six hundred and 
 eighty-two Begas two quarters of a Bega and three ponds 
 be the same little more or less. All that other Village 
 called Terundaz containing by admeasurement five hundred 
 and fifty-eight Begas one Pond and three quarters of a 
 Pond be the same little more or less And all that village 
 called Puspoflee containing by admeasurement Eleven hun- 
 dred and eighty-six Begas and three Ponds be the same 
 little more or less the description and boundaries whereof 
 are particularly inserted and delineated in and by the Map 
 or Plan of the Revenue survey of the Island Of Salsette 
 dated in the year one thousand eight hundred and thirty 
 and deposited in the Office of the Collector of the Northern 
 Concan at Tannah on the Island of Salsette and are cir- 
 cumscribed and included by a line on the North by which 
 they are separated from the Lands belonging partly to the 
 village of Soy and partly to that of Veear on the South 
 partly by the Land of Mahole partly by that of Ghaut Kopur 
 partly by that of Chendowlie and partly by that of Merole 
 on the West partly by the Land of Murole and partly by that 
 of Moroshee and on the East partly by the Land of Hur- 
 reealy and partly by that of Kanjoor. Together with all the 
 Waste Land described in and by the aforesaid Cowl bearing 
 date the Fifth day of July one thousand eight hundred and 
 thirty and all other waste land of every description and all 
 and singular (Houses, out-houses, Edifices, Buildings, stables, 
 Yards, Gardens, Compounds, Wells, Tanks, Brab Trees, 
 Date Trees, and all other Trees, ways, water courses, paths, 
 commons, common of pasture and other commonable rights, 
 passages, privileges, and appurtenances, whatsoever to the 
 said villages lands hereditaments and premises hereby re- 
 leased or otherwise assured or intended to be or to anv of 
 
51 
 
 them belonging or in anywise appurtaining and the rever- 
 sion and reversions remainder and remainders Bents issues 
 and profits of the said Village Lands hereditaments and 
 premises and every part and parcel of the same with their 
 and every of their rights members and appurtenances and 
 all the Estate right title Interest Term and Terms for years 
 property possession and Equity of Redemption claim and 
 demand whatsoever both at Law and in Equity of the said 
 Company of in to out of or upon the said Lands or Tillages 
 or any of them or any part thereof Together with all 
 Deeds evidences and writings now in the custody or power 
 of the said Company relating to or concerning the same. 
 To have and to hold the Villages Lands inhabited and 
 waste cultivated and uncultivated hereditaments and pre- 
 mises mentioned to be hereby granted and released with 
 their appurtenance unto the said Framji Cowasji his Heirs 
 Executors administrators and assigns To the only proper 
 use and behoof of the said Framji Cowasji his Heirs 
 Executors administrators and assigns for ever free from all 
 Rent arrears of Rent reserved and also from the Abkaree 
 and all other rates taxes dues duties and assessments of 
 what nature or kindsoever but subject Nevertheless to the 
 restrictions in and by the said Cowls imposed and also to 
 all such other Restrictions as the said Company shall at 
 any time think fit to impose with respect to the sale of 
 Liquor in the said Island of Salsette or any part thereof. 
 And the said Company for themselves their successors and 
 assigns do hereby covenant promise and agree to and with 
 the said Framji Cowasji his Heirs Executors Administra- 
 tors and Assigns that the said Framji Cowasji his Heirs 
 Executors administrators and assigns shall and may at all 
 times hereinafter have and enjoy the absolute property and 
 right of ownership of into and over all Brab Trees Date 
 Trees and other trees now growing standing or beino- or 
 
52 
 
 which shall at any time or times hereinafter grow or be on 
 any of the Lands or Grounds hereditaments and premises 
 herby released or intended so to be and shall and may at 
 all times receive take and enjoy the rents produce and 
 profits thereof to his and their own use and benefit free 
 and absolutely discharged of and from all such rent Taxes 
 rates dues duties assessments and impositions as aforesaid 
 or otherwise howsoever and that they the said Company 
 their successors or assigns shall not nor will at any time or 
 times hereafter seize sequester or take possession of any of 
 the aforesaid Tillages Lands hereditaments and premises 
 hereby granted and released or intended so to be or any 
 part thereof for or by reason of any rent or arrears of rent 
 debt or debts or other liabilities whatsoever due or demand- 
 able from any cultivator or cultivators residing on the said 
 Lands hereditaments and premises any part thereof and 
 further that for and notwithstanding any act Deed 
 matter or thing whatsoever by the said Company or 
 by any person or persons claiming for under or in 
 trust for them made done committed or suffered to 
 the contrary they the said Company have in themselve 
 good right full power and lawful and absolute authority 
 to grant bargain sell release and assure the said Lands 
 Villages and premises mentioned to be hereby gran- 
 ted and released and every part and parcel of the 
 same with their and every of their appurtenances unto 
 and to the use of the said Framji Cowasji his Heirs 
 Executors administrators and assigns in manner aforesaid 
 according to the true intent and meaning of these presents 
 (and that it shall and may be lawful to and for the said 
 Framji Cowasji his Heirs executors administrators and as- 
 signs peaceably and quietly to enter into and upon have hold 
 use occupy possess and enjoy the said Lands and Tillages 
 hereby released or otherwise assured or intended so to be and 
 
53 
 
 to receive and take the rents issues and profits thereof and of 
 every part thereof to and for his and their own use and bene- 
 fit and without any let suit trouble eviction ejection expul- 
 sion hinderance interruption claim or demand whatsoever of 
 or by the said Company or of or by any person or persons 
 lawfully claiming from or under or in trust for them (and 
 that free and clear and freely and clearly acquitted exonerat- 
 ed released and for ever discharged of from and against all 
 other gifts grants bargains sales Leases mortgages Bents 
 arrears of Rents judgments executions extents suits Decrees 
 Debts of record debts to the King's Majesty sequestrations 
 Estates Titles Troubles trusts grants Bargains sales charges 
 or incumbrances whatsoever had made done committed 
 occasioned permitted or suffered by the said Company or 
 by any person or persons lawfully claiming or to claim 
 from or under in trust for them and further that the said 
 Company their successors and assigns and all and every other 
 person or persons whomsoever having or claiming or who 
 shall or may have or claim any estate right Title or interest 
 at Law or in equity into or out of the said Villages Lands 
 hereditaments and premises hereby released or otherwise 
 assured or intended so to be or any part thereof by from 
 through under or in trust for them shall and will from time 
 to time and at all times hereafter upon the reasonable 
 request and at the proper costs and charges nevertheless of 
 the said Framji Cawasji his Heirs Executors administra- 
 tors and assigns make do and execute or cause and procure 
 to be made done and executed all such further and other 
 lawful and reasonable acts Deeds conveyan ces and assurances 
 in the Law whatsoever for the further better more perfectly 
 lawfully and absolutely or satisfactorily granting releasing 
 and confirming or otherwise assuring the said Lands and 
 Tillages unto and to the use of the said Framji Cowasji 
 
54 
 
 his Heirs Excutors administrators and assigns as by the 
 said Framji Cowasji his Heirs executors administrators 
 and assigns or his or their Counsel learned in the Law shall 
 be reasonably advised devised or required. And this 
 Indenture further witnesseth and the said Framji Cowasji 
 for himself his heirs executors and administrators doth, 
 hereby promise covenant and agree to and with the said 
 Honorable Company their successors and assigns that he 
 the said Framji Cowasji his Heirs Executors and ad- 
 ministrators shall and will when and so soon as he or they 
 or any of them shall be thereunto required by the said 
 Company their successors or assigns make sign seal and 
 deliver such Deed or other sufficient Instrument for securing 
 the due supply of water for the purposes and in manner 
 herein before in that behalf particularly mentioned as by 
 the said Company their Successors or assigns their Counsel 
 learned in the Law shall be deemed reasonable expedient in 
 that behalf IN WITNESS wherof the Right Honorable the 
 Gfovernor in Council at Bombay aforesaid for and on behali 
 of the said East India Company hath, caused the common 
 seal of the said Company to be set and affixed to one part 
 thereof remaining with the said Framji Cowasji and the 
 said Framji Cowasji hath set his hand and seal to the 
 other part hereof remaining with the said Governor in 
 Council the day and year first above written. 
 
 Sealed and delivered (Sd.) E. H. TOWKSEND, 
 
 in the presence of Acting Secretary to Government. 
 
 (Sd.) W. BLOWERS. 
 
 ( ji ) JOWDEEN NARKER, 
 
55 
 
 At the time of Framji's coming in possession of 'the 
 Poway Estate^ it had at the most a population of about one 
 hundred souls, and an income scarcely equal to the annuity 
 laid on it. By his personal exertion and application, it 
 was soon changed into a (t LAND OF GOLD." 
 
 He first of all had a fine crop of sugarcane, from which 
 he manufactured red sugar, he then planted and grew 
 indigo, opium and cefFee. Next he planted Mulberry and 
 reared silk-worms, and thus by and bye transferred the 
 waste land into a true Celestial city. Not only these, but 
 he had all sorts of vegetation and fruits, even tea and 
 Nilgiri potatoes grown there. He had innumerable Mango 
 trees planted on his Estate, and every year gave his tenants 
 these sweet friuts free. Framji is said to have spent up- 
 wards of five laks of rupees in improving and fertilizing 
 his Estate. He had sunk several wells, made smooth and 
 levelled the roads, built some fine bungalows, and a large 
 /spacious one for travellers. Scarcely any distinguished 
 *nan, who happened to put his foot in Bombay, had not done 
 him the honor to visit his Estate and speak in high terms 
 of its fertility. It was Framji's pride to speak to his 
 friends " I have one lak of Mango-trees planted on my 
 Estate and supposing for a time, that each tree yields a 
 profit of one rupee a year, I would be leaving to my 
 family an yearly income of a lak of rupees." From this it 
 can be seen how splendid and valuable this estate had been 
 in the time of FranijL 
 
 Sir John Malcolm, the then Governor of Bombay, paid 
 a visit with his staff to Framji's Poway estate on the 
 3rd of December 1830. He was highly delighted with the 
 improvements made therein, as well as the Machinery for 
 Manufacturing sugar, and as an appreciation of Mr. Fram- 
 ji's good work, he presented him with a gold watch and 
 chain, he had with him at the time. On the 17th of 
 
56 
 
 November 1831, the Earl of Clare, the then Governor of 
 Bombay, together with his staff, visited Framji's Poway 
 estate. He went all round with Framji and greatly ad- 
 mired the distillery for producing country-liquor, and was 
 highly pleased to see Framji growing sugar, indigo, opium, 
 tea, coffee, &c. also rearing silk-worms. His Excellency 
 observed that it was a wonder that in the short space of 
 only a couple of years, Framji had brought about so ex- 
 tensive an improvement. After taking lunch with Framji, 
 His Excellency presented him with a shawl valued at 
 Rs. 1,400 in appreciation of his good services. Framji in a 
 few appropriate words thanked His Excellency for hi& kind- 
 ness. After remaining the whole day as the guest oi 
 Framjij His Excellency returned highly pleased 
 
 Framji had received several prizes from the "Agri Horti- 
 cultural Society" amongst which may be noticed : 
 
 A prize of R&. 30 for growing Nilgiri Potatoes on the 
 24th of February 1831. 
 
 A prize of Rs. 130 for rearing silk- worms and producing 
 silk therefrom and also for growing rice, opium, &c., on the 
 13th of May 1831. 
 
 A prize of Rs. 50 for producing the best loaf-sugar on 
 the 24th January 1832. 
 
 A prize of Rs. 30 for growing the best Mangoes on the 
 27th May 1832. 
 
 A prizeof Rs. 50 for growing coffee, Chinese Lime, Oranges, 
 Apples and other fruits on the 6th of January 1835. 
 
 A prize of Rs. 35 for producing silk-worms reared on 
 his soil on the 5th of May 1835. 
 
 Framji Cowasji was the first Parsee, nay the first Native 
 of India, who on the 18th of May 1838 ventured to send 
 a present of that sweet and delicious fruit the Bombay 
 mangoes to Her Most Gracious Majesty the Queen-Empress. 
 
57 
 
 The following is the document, which accompanied the 
 offering : 
 
 To HER MOST GRACIOUS MAJESTY THE 
 
 QUEEN OF ENGLAND. 
 
 MAY IT PLEASE YOUR MAJESTY, 
 
 The improvement and extension of steam navigation 
 have now happily brought your Majesty's dominions at 
 home and your dominions in the Eastern world so closely 
 together, that I venture most humbly and most respect- 
 fully to lay at your Majesty's feet some specimens of the 
 celebrated Bombay Mangoes, in the earnest hope that this 
 delicious fruit, which has never been transmitted to Europe 
 may reach your Majesty in a state of preservation and 
 prove acceptable. Such precautions have been adopted to 
 preserve the fruit as appear most efficacious, but if the 
 botanists of your Majesty's dominions at home can pre- 
 scribe a preferable method, it shall be adopted in the trans- 
 mission of further supplies of this or any other kind of 
 fruit peculiar to the country which has not hitherto been 
 seen in Great Britain. 
 
 Your Majesty's most obedient and faithful, 
 
 Eastern Subject, 
 BOMBAY, 18th May 1838. (Sd.) FRAMJI COWASJI. 
 
 " In acknowledgment of this present, the master of the 
 household conveyed to him the Queen's approbation of the 
 zeal and enterprise evinced by him, and Her Majesty's 
 gratification at the dutiful expression of loyalty by which 
 it was accompanied." 
 
 Indeed, splendid was the Poway Estate, and would no 
 doubt have continued the same, if proper care and attention 
 were paid to it, but alas ! for the discord and disunion going 
 on among the several of the leading descendants of this 
 ever respected and noble gentleman, the estate has been in 
 litigation for upwards of twenty years, and Poway is now 
 but a shadow of its past greatness and splendour, 
 
58 
 CHAPTER VII. 
 
 Framji's minor charities. 
 
 Framji's charity was universal, he held no distinction of 
 caste or creed, wherever he saw a necessity he was ever 
 ready to render a helping hand. His benevolence was not 
 merely limited to the Fraternity of which he was a mem- 
 ber, nor did it terminate in his own country. Besides the 
 several great works of Public utility narrated in the fore- 
 gone pages, he at times did many more smaller acts of 
 charity. He was ever foremost in all matters concerning 
 public interest. 
 
 Framji gave the first Kadmi Ghimbar feast on the 22nd 
 of October 1805. 
 
 In the year 1811, Framji along with others contributed 
 to a " service plate " worth Rs. 15,750, presented to Sir 
 Charles Forbes on his retiring after twenty-two years of 
 public life in Bombay, 
 
 Framji subscribed Rs. 1,250 towards the relief of the 
 famine-stricken people of the North on the 10th December 
 1812. 
 
 On the 24th of May 1814, Framji with several other 
 leading Native gentlemen protested against the Police 
 Zulum in carrying away stray dogs, cows and such other 
 domestic animals. 
 
 In the year 1814, Framji was elected a Director of the 
 " Bombay Insurance Society." 
 
 On the 9th of September 1815, Framji gave the sum of 
 Rs. 200 towards the fund for building the " Calidpnian 
 Asylum " for the orphans of the Scottish Army and Navy, 
 
59 
 
 Frainji contributed in 1816, Rs. 200 towards the fund for 
 supporting the family of those soldiers who fought under 
 the Duke of Wellington at the battle of Waterloo. 
 
 On the 8th of June 1816, Fraruji was nominated along 
 with three others to a Committee to appeal to the Imperial 
 Government against the wrong done by the Bombay 
 Government. 
 
 In the year 1823 Frainji contributed to a memorial and 
 " Plate " worth 400 Guineas presented to the Hon'ble Mr. 
 Alexander Bell on his departure from Bombay. 
 
 On the 10th August 1820, Framji was elected a Member 
 of the " Native School and School Book Committee." 
 
 In the year 1824, Framji subscribed to a " Piece of 
 Plate " worth 700 Guineas presented to me, James Henry 
 Crawford, a retiring Merchant and Magistrate of Bombay. 
 
 On the loth of April 1825, Framji subscribed to a " Piece 
 of Plate " worth 500 presented to Lieutenant Colonel 
 William Brooks, Civil Architect, who retired after forty- 
 two years' service in Bombay. 
 
 On the 21st of September 1825, Framji subscribed 
 Rs. 300 towards the " Native Education Society's Building 
 Fund." 
 
 Framji contributed 5 15s. towards the " Royal National 
 Institute " on the 21st January 1826. He was one of the 
 two contributors to the fund, Sir Jamsetji Jeejibhoy being 
 the other. 
 
 On the 16th of August 1827, Framji gave Rs, 10$ 
 towards the relief of the sick and strange sailors in England. 
 
 Framji on the 28th August J82a, subscribed Rs. 7,000 
 for perpetuating the memory of the Right Hon'ble Mount- 
 steuart Elptunstone, the then retiring Governor of Bombay. 
 
60 
 
 On the 30th of May 1828, Framji gave Rs. 100 towards 
 the improvement of " East Indians." 
 
 Framji was elected the Vice -President of the Indian 
 Agricultural and Horticultural Society on the 4th February 
 1830. 
 
 Framji subscribed to a " Piece of Plate " valued at 300 
 Guineas presented to Dr. William Jafferson on the 5th of 
 June 1830, on his retiring from the Ophthalmic Institution 
 in Bombay. 
 
 On the 15th November 1830, Framji let out a floor of 
 his house at Meadow Street, for the use of the " Bombay 
 General Library " on a nominal rent of Rs. 75 a month. 
 
 Framji subscribed Rs. 100 towards the furnishing of the 
 " Bombay Theatre House " on the 27th November 1830. 
 
 On the 14th of January 1832, Framji subscribed to a 
 " Piece of Plate " valued at 1,500 presented to the Hon'ble 
 John Romer, the retiring member of Council. 
 
 On the 3rd January 1831 Framji built the Tower of 
 Silence at a cost of Rs. 20,000 in memory of his deceased 
 daughter Bai Dinbai. 
 
 Framji on the 3rd May 1832, gave Rs. 1,000 to the Parsee 
 Panchayafc for reparing the surrounding of the " Towers 
 of Silence " and Rs. 1,000 to the Fire Temple at Persia. 
 
 Framji gave a sum of Rs. 200 towards the " Famine 
 Relief Fund " in the Southern Districts on the 25th July 
 1833. 
 
 On the 28th Jane 1834, Framji was appointed to the 
 Committee for suggesting the improvements in roads. 
 
 On the 30th of October 1834, Framji with some other 
 leading natives came forward to establish the " Panjrapole " 
 in Bombay. 
 
61 
 
 Framji gave Rs. 500 at the Oothamna ceremony of his 
 father on the 18th December 1835 in several Panchayat 
 charity funds. 
 
 On the 28th of February 1835 Framji subscribed 
 Bs. 1,000 to the establishment of the "Earl of Clare 
 Scholarship " in connection with the Elphinstone College. 
 
 On the 3rd of October 1835, Framji was chosen a Mem- 
 ber on the board of " Bombay Native Dispensary." 
 
 On the 2nd of May 1836, Framji subscribed Rs. 1.000 
 towards the brodening of the City Gates of Bombay at 
 Church Gate and Bazaar Gate. 
 
 On the 24th September 1836, Framji was elected a Mem- 
 ber of the " Bombay Chamber of Commerce." 
 
 Framji contributed Rs. 200 towards the Captain Chand's 
 Testimonial Fund on the 27th December 1886. 
 
 On the 1 st of January 1 837, Framji was elected a non- 
 resident member of the Royal Asiatic Society of Great 
 Britain and Ireland. 
 
 Framji, on the 22nd April 1837, subscribed Rs. 200 
 towards Captain James Hersbery's memorial. 
 
 On the 3rd May 1837, Framji gave Rs. 3,000 towards the 
 " Surat FirB Relief Fund." 
 
 Framji contributed Rs. 200 on the 6th of Janury 1838, 
 towards putting up a new clock in St. Thomas' Cathedral 
 in the Fort. 
 
 On the 29th March 1838, Framji subscribed Rs. 1,000 
 towards the North- West Provinces Famine Relief Fund. 
 
 Framji subscribed Rs. 1,000 to the Sir Robert Grant's 
 Memorial Fund on the 28th of July 1838. 
 
62 
 
 Framji gave Rs. 1,500 at the Oothamna ceremony of his 
 friend Framji Dossabhoy Jamshedji Wadia, on the 13th of 
 August 1838, towards the building of a new Tower of 
 Silence^ 
 
 In January 1839, . Framji subscribed Rs. 1,000 to the 
 " Bombay District Benevolent Society," and was elected 
 a Life Governor and a Vice-President of the Society. 
 
 It is said that the big tank known as the " Dhobi Talao " 
 situated near Marine Quarters, opposite the Money School, 
 was dug during the time of the Portugese Government, by 
 a washerman for the use of his fellow countrymen, and was 
 hence known after him as Dhobi Talao. Owing to the filthy use 
 of the people, the waters had become quite dirty, and owing 
 to a scarcity of water in the year 1839 this tank had almost 
 dried up. On the 18th of April 1839, Framji undertook 
 to have it cleansed and deepened at his own expense. At a 
 cost of nearly Rs. 40,000, Framji had the tank thoroughly 
 rebuilt on a larger scale and handed it over to the Govern- 
 ment for the public use. In recognition of this noble act 
 the well was henceforth known as " The Framji Cowasji 
 Tank." On the 8th of January 1840 Sir J. R. Carnack, the 
 then Governor of Bombay, paid a visit to this newly built 
 tank and also Framji's Mugbhat Oart, and was highly 
 pleased with the arrangement for water supply made by 
 Framji. He in few appropriate words eulogised Mr. Framji's 
 work and presented him with a shawl. The following is 
 the tablet attached on the tank : 
 
 FRAMJI COWASJI TANK. 
 
 That tank was so called by order of Government, to 
 commemorate the late Framji Cowasji's liberality, in 
 expending a large sum of money, on its reconstruction, in 
 the year 1839. 
 
63 
 
 On the 16th September 1839, Framji contributed Rs. 300 
 towards the building of a Fire-Temple at Calcutta by his 
 brother Rustomji. 
 
 Framji was one of the bold and warm projectors among 
 the natives in the establishment of the " Bank of Bombay," 
 in which he then subscribed 159 shares, to the extent of a 
 lac and fifty thousand rupees, and which establishment has 
 since then become productive of so many salutory results 
 to the mercantile community of this island. It was opened 
 in the year 1840 and Framji was elected a Director. 
 
 On the 6th of April 1840, Framji subscribed Rs. 1,000 
 towards the erecting of Sir Charles Forbes' Statue. 
 
 In 1841 Framji was nominated an " Honorary Com- 
 missioner of the Court of Requests." 
 
 On the 22nd April 1841, Framji subscribed Rs. 1,000 to 
 Sir J. R. Carnack's Memorial. 
 
 Framji gave a sum of Rs 500 to Sir J. J. Translation 
 Fund on the 5th of June 1842. 
 
 On the 13th of June 1842, Framji contributed Rs. 300 
 towards presenting a " Piece of Plate " to Mr. James 
 Mathewson. 
 
 In July 1842, Framji entertained Sir Jamsetji Jeejibhoy, 
 Bart., to a party in honour of his gaining the Knighthood. 
 
 In 1843 Framji was appointed a Director of the " Bank 
 of Western India." 
 
 Framji on the 4th of June 1844 gave Rs. 100 towards the 
 Elphinstone Institution Endowment Fund. 
 
 Framji contributed Rs. 300 towards presenting a " Piece 
 of Plate " to the Hon'ble Mr. J. W. Anderson on the 10th 
 February 1844. 
 
 On the 28th of March 1844, Framji contributed Rs. 150 
 towards presenting a " Piece of Plate " to Dr. William 
 M aerie." 
 
64 
 
 Framji gave the sum of Rs. 101 to be distributed amongst 
 the officers of the Q-arrison and Navy, who assisted in putting 
 out the great fire in the Port on the 2nd of April 1844. 
 
 On the 24th of August 1844, Framji contributed Rs. 100 
 towards presenting a " Piece of Plate " to Major General Sir 
 Henry Pottinger, Bart. 
 
 On the 17th September 1844, Framji built the Fire-Tem- 
 ple at Churney Road. 
 
 Framji gave the sum of Rs. 1,500 towards the building of 
 the Lady Jamsetjee Road at Mahim on the 8th April 1845. 
 
 On the 15th of April 1845, Framji contributed the sum 
 of Rs. 5,000 towards the rebuilding of the " Banaji Agiari." 
 
 Framji subscribed Rs. 2,000 to the " Grumbhar Funds," 
 in memory of his deceased daughter Maneckbai, on the 8th 
 of June 1845. 
 
 Framji headed the list of a protest sent the Court of 
 Directors against the increase in opium duty from Rs. 125 
 to Rs. 200 in the year 1845. 
 
 On the 30th of October 1845, Framji gave the sum of 
 Rs. 300 towards the " Patan Panjrapole." 
 
 Framji contributed Rs. 1,150 towards the Ireland Famine 
 Fund, on the 4th of June 1846. 
 
 In 1848 Framji founded a prize for regularity in the 
 "Grant Medical College," and also subscribed Rs. 100 to 
 the Students' Literary and Scientific Society's Funds. 
 
 Framji contributed Rs. 100 to the Reed Scholarship. 
 
 In 1850 Framji gave the sum of Rs. 100 for establishing 
 a Lying-in Hospital. 
 
65 
 CHAPTER VIII. 
 
 Building of the " Tower of Silence " and tlie 
 "Fire Temple." 
 
 The Fire Temple raised by Framji Cowasji and his 
 brothers, to facilitate the worship of God after the manner 
 of their fathers, and the Tower of Silence constructed for 
 the reception of the body after death, at a cost of over four 
 lacs of rupees, are permanent memorials of his piety and 
 his respect for the usages of his ancient religion. 
 
 On the 6th of May 1831 Framji lost his daughter Dinbai, 
 and to perpetuate the memory of his beloved daughter, 
 Framji thought of erecting a Tower of Silence. He set 
 aside a sum of Rs. 20,003 for the purpose and promised to 
 pay more, if requred. For this, Framji wrote to Bai 
 Buchubai, the widow of the late Ardeshir Dadysett, asking 
 her to give him a plot of land on the Chowpati Hill, for 
 the building of the Tower of Silence, which was readily 
 granted. On the 3rd of June of the same year the ceremony 
 of laying the foundation-stone of the Tower of Silence was 
 performed, where more than twelve thousand Parsees had 
 gathered together from different parts of the country, to 
 witness the ceremony. On the 3rd of May 1832 the build- 
 ing was completed and it was consecrated by Dustoor Rus- 
 tomji Kaikobadji Mullafeeroz, before a large gathering of 
 Parsees brought from far and distant villages. Framji had, 
 by advertising in the local papers, invited his castemen 
 from all quarters ; not only that, but had through his in- 
 fluence got all the Parsees, either in Government service or 
 private firms, a holiday. Framji had several tents pitched 
 all over the Panchayat ground for his guests from up- 
 country, and entertained them all during their stay in 
 Bombay. The Tower of Silence was designed and built 
 under the superintendence of Mr. Sorabji Dhunjibhoy 
 Poonagur, one of the first batch of Parsee engineers in 
 Bombay. On the 13th of April 1832, the Rt. Hon'ble the 
 
00 
 
 Earl of Clare, the then Governor of Bombay, visited the 
 " Banaji Tower of Silence," and on the 17th of December 
 1833, a wooden model of this Tower was sent through the 
 Hon'ble Sir William Newnham to be put at the " Royal 
 Asiatic Society of Great Britain and Ireland," 
 
 As a grateful son, Framji thought of perpetuating the 
 names of his respected parents Cowasji and BaiJaiji in 
 connection with some sacred building. With this view he y 
 in part with his brothers, Messrs. Curshedji and Rustomji 
 and his nephew M r. Dadabhoy Rustomji, erected the great 
 " Fire Temple" known as the Banaji Aiash Behram" situated 
 at Churney Road, opposite the Railway station. It was in- 
 augurated in great pomp before a large gathering on the 
 1 3th of December 1845 by Dustur Jamsetji Edalji Jam- 
 aspasana, assisted by Dustur Bezonji Rustomji, who was 
 afterwards put in the charge of it. The inauguration cere- 
 mony was a grand and interesting one. The total cost of 
 this building is said to have gone to about two lacs and a, 
 half, of which Framji alone subscribed a lac, and moreover 
 set aside the two villages Kanjur and Yikhrote yielding 
 an income of Rs. 2,500 per annum for its daily maintenance. 
 He further set apart a large sum of money for holding 
 Gumbhars (caste-feasts) and Jasans, which fund now amounts 
 to about Rs. 75,000. On the 12th of July 1842 Kramji had 
 a " Deed-pole " executed by Mr. William Auckland, the 
 then Advocate-General, by which he appointed his two 
 sons Pestonji and Nanabhoy Framji, and his nephew Dada- 
 bhoy Rustomji Banaji, as Managers, and Messrs. Rustomji 
 Cowasji Banaji, Maneckji Rustomji Banaji, and Dhunjibhoy 
 Behramji Rana, as trustees of the same. 
 
 On the 4th of November 1858, at the Oothamna ceremony 
 of Bai Buchubai, the widow of late Framji Cowasji, her 
 grandsons Messrs. Navrosji Nanabhoy Framji, Sorabji Pes- 
 tonji Framji, Behramji Nanabhoy Framji, and Honmisji 
 Pestonji Framji, subscribed amongst themselves a fund 
 of about Rs. 5,000, for buildiug a house in the compound of 
 the Fire Temple, for the resi^nce of the Eustoor in charge. 
 
67 
 
 CHAPTER IX. 
 
 His connection with Public Adventures. 
 
 Framji was one of the bold adventurers among the natives 
 in embarking his capital with the few Europeans in the 
 establishment of the " Great Eastern Peninsula Railway,'" 
 which was the first start of its kind in Bombay. He had 
 in the year 1844. taken up 200 shares of the Company to 
 the extent of a lac of rupees ; but much to the discredit of 
 other subscribers, who kept altogether backwards at the 
 moment of difficulty experienced in cutting the line 
 through the Ghats, which eventually led to the breaking 
 up of the Company, he warmly expensed this object and 
 worked with energy and assiduity with Mr. Clarke, the then 
 Railway Engineer. Notwithstanding his exertions, the 
 scheme fell to the ground, till at last it was taken up in 
 1 ngland by the "Great Indian Peninsula Railway Com- 
 pany," who are now greatly extending the line to the great 
 advantage of national utility and importance. The follow- 
 ing is a letter from Mr. T. Williamson, speaking highly 
 of Mr. Framji's public spirit : 
 MY DEAR FHAMJI, LONDON, 3rd June 1845. 
 
 At my suggestion a Prospectus of the " Great Indian 
 Railway " has been sent you. I am in hopes this Company 
 will form a junction with Mr. Clarke and give its views, 
 strength and support. I admired your public spirit in 
 following Mr. Clarke's undertaking, disregarding the 
 apprehensions and prejudices, which, I understand, have 
 hampered that gentleman, and thrown obstacles in the 
 way of a great work calculated to be of such benefit to the 
 agricultural and commercial interests of India generally, 
 and Bombay particularly. I would give a good deal to pass 
 through " Poway " and again witness your improve- 
 ments. Believe me, with kind regards to you, 
 My Dear Framji, 
 
 Yours very sincerely, 
 (Sd.) THOMAS WILLIAMSON, 
 
69 
 
 Sis ever active mind and penetrating genius was not at 
 rest even here, it soon paved the way for another bold and 
 daring enterprise of the above kind the " Cotton Spinning 
 and Weaving Company/' in which he had taken up 100 
 shares of the aggregate value of Ks. 50,000. But it also soon 
 met the sad fate of its sister scheme, on account of the 
 lukewarm interest of the several subscribers to it. It came 
 into existence and died soon after, but did not live long 
 enough to thrive and bear the sweet fruits it promised. 
 
 It is generally the case, that great and novel undertakings 
 have always been hindered in the first start with obstacles 
 very serious, which, if not judiciously overcome in the very 
 beginning, take a firmer root, and put the whole scheme, 
 however beneficial it may be, to the ground. Such was the 
 sad fate with which both these schemes of the greatest im- 
 portance and benefit to the interests of Bombay met, and at 
 last fell to the ground. Another thing, greatly to be deplor- 
 ed in the native society here, is that they have not the 
 enterprising spirit to take to a great and hazardous under- 
 taking. They are wanting in the spirit and energy to 
 continue the same zeal and anxiety with which they started 
 it, and thus many a great undertaking has been allowed to 
 be entombed in its very cradle. Under these circumstances 
 individual exertions are of little avail and, as must naturally 
 be the case, the scale of balance always turns to the greater 
 side, and popular side gains the triumph, whether true or 
 false. The case with India is as yet different from that of 
 other countries in Europe ; it cannot yet be ] ut on a stand- 
 ard of equality with them ; the populace of India is not a 
 thinking one, it does not think for itself ; it is led by some 
 single individuals. These leaders must be such as could 
 judiciously guard against the sudden changes of popular 
 opinion. India has but yet produced few leaders of this type. 
 In Frainji, Bombay at least found such a leader as we speak 
 
69 
 
 of. His active mind was not at res*-, till it had achieved some 
 mighty object of the greatest national utility and importance. 
 He failed in some, but we can, under no circumstances 
 allude these failures to his want of energy, tact, or perse- 
 verance. We said it once, and we say it again, that it will 
 take a long long time for the populace of India to be a 
 thinking body, 
 
 He exerted his spirits to the utmost but was grieved to see 
 national works of the gravest importance fall to the ground 
 on account of the cold-heartedness of a large multitude of 
 his countrymen, but what could individual exertions do 
 before so large a multitude, whose minds were biased by 
 the slightest suspicion in a great and enterprising under- 
 taking. 
 
 In Frarnji were nurtured the embryo thought of a " Poly- 
 technic Institute " and the " School of Industry." He had 
 at heart the establishment of an Institute of the sort now 
 started amongst us. Many a time and oft he expressed his 
 opinion to establish an Institution, where the different 
 branches of artistic professions may be taught on the 
 improved plan of similar Institutions in Europe, and this was 
 really a sad want amongst us. This will at once convey to 
 the minds of our readers, the strength of a naturally fertile 
 genius, though uncultivated by the sublimities of a refined 
 education and a ripe and profound science. 
 
 Framji was equally fond of pleasure as he was of 
 mercantile enterprise. In the year 1842, he introduced 
 gas-light in his residence at Mazagon, which was then look- 
 ed with surprise and astonishment. Crowds of people of 
 all caste and creed thronged at his place to have a sight of 
 this " novel light." 
 
70 
 
 Framji was himself fond of studying English and 
 Vernacular works, and he cultivated this taste to a great 
 extent, not only in himself, but as already noted, in his 
 family also. Though not a great scholar, he could write 
 and speak English very correctly. 
 
 Framji was at the same time a staunch Zorastrian, and 
 did every thing in his power to promote his religion. 
 With a view to spread the knowledge of Zorastrian ism 
 among his community, he had, at great expense, several 
 Zand, Persian and Phelvi works of great authors translated 
 into Gujrati. The first of these works, which he gave to the 
 reading public, was the Gujrati translation of " Tajkartol 
 Hookma," a Persian philosophical work, translated by Mr. 
 Dossabhoy Sorabji Munshee in the year 1818. Framji 
 further gave a sum of Rs. 5,000 for the translation of 
 several religious works, such as " The Yandidad " and the 
 " Yajasnee*" 
 
- - 71 
 
 CHAPTER X. 
 
 His Disposition, the last days of his life, 
 
 Bis Wife and Children. 
 
 Though haughty in appearance, Framji was very kind 
 ana always forgiving. He was so great an enthusiast of 
 truth and independence, that he not for a moment hesitated 
 to point out the defects and wrong doings of his best friends, 
 nearest relatives, and even those of the richest men. He 
 ever adhered to the truth, and under no circumstances, how- 
 over trying, severed an inch from the path of honesty. He 
 had always a great aversion to mean flatterers or sycophants,, 
 but was ever ready to render a helping hand to even the 
 meanest of his countrymen, when he saw that he was reallv 
 in need. He held the rich and the poor alike. Simple 
 in his diet, he thought it one of the accomplishments to go 
 about in as simple a dress as possible. 
 
 Though not born in affluent circumstances, by shere 
 perseverance, honesty and diligence, he rose to be one of 
 the greatest and respected merchants of the day. Not only 
 was his fame confined to his own community in Bombay, 
 but it had spread itself among all classes of Europeans and 
 natives in even far and remote countries. In latter part of 
 his career, he fell a victim to the vicissitudes of time ; he 
 bore it with patience, and even then, did not shrink for a 
 time from those noble qualities. The latter part of his 
 life was rather a troubled one, both from pecuniary loss, 
 and domestic quarrels. He was not pleased with .the con- 
 duct of his sons, especially that of the eldest one. 
 
 A very interesting and at the same time remarkable 
 instance, of the way in which Framji administered justice 
 in his capacity, as the leading member of the Parsee Pan- 
 ehayat, is related as follows. On one occasion, a Parsee 
 
applied to the Panckayat for separation froni his wife, the 
 other Settias r referred him to Framji, being* questioned by 
 that gentleman the grounds OQ which he claimed separa- 
 tion from his wife, the Parsee after some hesitation said 
 that she was black and] he did not like her. Framji after 
 some consideration, asked that Parsee to call on a certain 
 day at his place. As previously arranged, Framji called the 
 wife of that Parsee and her parents to his place that day? 
 prior to that man's coming. Framji had them silted in a 
 room and took his seat by the- side of his wife in the front 
 hall. The other members of the Punchayat were also* 
 invited on that occasion, and made to sit in another room,. 
 Framji then sent for tke Parsee and made him sit near him,, 
 and once more asked him on wkat grounds he claimed 
 separation from his wife, after some hesitation, he repeated 
 that she was black and he did not like her. Pointing to 
 his own wife, who- was sitting next to> him, Framji said 
 " I hope your wife is- not blacker than the lady sitting- 
 here. Do you know who she is ? She is- my wife. It is 
 through her that I command so much influence and respect, 
 Perhaps it might be in your lot some better prospects 
 through her. Go, take her with you and respect and love 
 her as your true wife." The Parsee was greatly ashamed 
 of his folly and is said to Lave shed tears. Framji then, 
 summoned his other colleagues and the wife of that man and 
 her parents together and joined the couple hand in hand,, 
 and after treating them to dinner, made tke couple presents 
 of wedding clothes and sent them home. This will show 
 what a good and magnanimous heart Framji Lad. 
 
 Framji was labouring for some time under an incurable 
 urine disease, and was under the treatment of the best 
 medical men, who paid him every attention and care. Their 
 efforts, at last, proved unsuccessful, and he departed this life 
 on tke 12th February 1851, at tke matured age of eigkty- 
 
73 
 
 five, at his residence at Mazagon. lie was greatly dissatis- 
 fied with the misconduct of his sons, and in the last Will 
 which he was preparing some time prior to his death, he 
 intended to set aside all his sons and nominate two of his 
 grandsons, Messrs. Naorosji Nanabhoy Framji, and Sorabji 
 Pestonji Framji, as his heirs and executors, along with his 
 widow, but unfortunately this Will remained unexecuted at 
 the last moment. Though his death was an expected one, 
 it came all of a sudden. A little before his demise, he rose 
 with all intention to sign this new Will, in the presence of 
 his solicitor and doctor, but to the great surprise and sud- 
 ness of all those present, while coming from the water 
 closet, he fell never to rise again. Under these circum- 
 stances the new Will remained unexecuted, and an old Will 
 of a remote date, so far back as the year 1828 A.D., was 
 resorted to. By this Will his widow became the sole 
 executrix, the court appointing Mr. Cursetji Nusservanji 
 Cam a, a respectable merchant of Bombay, her legal attorney 
 to wind up the affairs of the deceased. 
 
 The s s. Suliman was wrecked on the coast of Madras on 
 the 24th of May 1850, and the s.s. Buckingham ^as dis- 
 troyed by fire at Calcutta in the year 1851. These two 
 serious losses told heavily on Framji. 
 
 Framji left a large amount of debt behind him, but so 
 extensive was his estate, that after his death all his credi- 
 tors were paid in full with interest. Thus ended the 
 brilliant and splendid career of a truely great and glorious 
 man, kind and bestowing in his nature, one in whom there 
 was a store of genius and activity, one who was familiar 
 with all the topics of the day, one who was resorted to for 
 justice, one in whom were centered uprightness, faith- 
 fulness and fidelity, one who adorned each and every as- 
 sembly, and one who was the head of his community. 
 
74 
 
 Like her husband, Bai Buchubai, the wife of Framji, was 
 kind-hearted and benevolent. She considered her happiness 
 in the welfare of her husband and in relieving the distress 
 of the aggrieved. To her arbitration many intricate cases 
 of family disunion and discord were resorted to and both 
 the parties returned satisfied with her decision. She was 
 a very religious lady and till the last moment of her death 
 she observed strict piety. She had given away large sums 
 of money to poor relatives. On the 2nd of November 1858 
 she breathed her last at the good old age of 92. It was 
 her last solace and consolation to learn from her constituted 
 attorney, that all the creditors of her late husband were 
 paid in full, and she was only satisfied as to the truth of 
 this statement, when all the creditors were called before her 
 to varify it. Framji had four sons, namely, Jehangir, Edalji, 
 Kanabhoy and Pestonji, and five daughters, namely. Rut- 
 onbai, the wife of Nusservanji Rustomji Pana, Kavajbai, 
 the wife of Dhanjibhoy Byramji Rana, Meherbai, the 
 wife of Pestonji Navrosji Banaji, Maneckbai, the wife of 
 Dadabhoy Rustomji Banaji, and Peerojbai, the wife of 
 Ardeshir Ourshedji Dadysett. 
 
75 
 CHAPTER XI. 
 
 His ( } kitudry Notice. 
 
 The Bombay Times of 13th February 185 i says : 
 It is with much regret that we have to intimate the 
 demise of one of the most venerable and respected members 
 of our native community, Framji Cowasji Banaji, Esq., 
 of Bandhoop (Poway), who died at his residence, Mazagon, 
 yesterday morning, in the 82nd year of his age. Framji 
 Cowasji commenced business as a merchant about the year 
 1790 ; in 1795 we find him agent for the Hon'ble the East 
 India Company, and down to within a few months of the 
 present time he has, for considerably upwards of half a cen- 
 tury, been one of the most able and upright of our mer- 
 chants, and one of the most zealous and indefatigable pro- 
 moters of moral and physical improvement. He was one 
 of the most active of those who shared or assisted in the 
 great educational movement, at its height in the bright 
 and memorable era of our history, Mr. Elphinstone's time 
 to which so many auspicious events are referred, and on 
 which the memory so delights to dwell. He was a member 
 of the Education Board from the time of its establishment 
 till advancing years and increasing infirmities induced him 
 a few months since to withdraw, when he found himself 
 unable longer to discharge the duties in the manner he 
 desired. His notions of native education were from the 
 outset in strict accordance with the views so often expressed 
 in these columns, and nearly a quarter of a century ago, he 
 recommended a system of instruction similar to that only 
 now beginning to make its appearance amongst us, that 
 which enables the pupil in after life to earn his bread, or 
 add to his resources or comforts. He, some sixteen years 
 ago, proposed to Lord Clare, a branch establishment to our 
 other seminaries, precisely similar to that embraced in the 
 
76 
 
 plan of our Polytechnic Institute, where carpenters, black- 
 smiths, glaziers and other artificers should be taught to 
 perform the tasks assigned to them, better, or with a less 
 expenditure, of time or labour, than heretofore ; and here 
 those classes of the community, who must look to the labour 
 of their hands the means of their support, should learn how 
 to do so with most advantage and effect. The luxury of 
 literature, or accomplishments of abstract science, he re- 
 served for those who had time, leisure and wealth enough 
 for their attainment or enjoyment. Common sense views 
 such as these, long scouted in practice, have since been fully 
 recognised by Sir Erskine Perry and Mr. Willougby, as 
 they have not only been recognised, but acted on, with 
 infinite advantage by Colonel Jervis the three distin- 
 guished men, we have named respectively representing 
 the three great sections of the educationists amongst 
 us. Framji Cowasji was one of the greatest of our 
 agricultural improvers, and the efforts he made on his 
 estate of Poway in Salsette, and its neighbourhood, long 
 justly entitled him to the name of the Lord Leicester of 
 Western India. A vast addition to the number of the 
 European community, and increase to the mercantile enter- 
 prise of the presidency, having been occasioned by the 
 operations of the New Charter, fostered as they were by 
 the exertions of a succession of able and patriotic adminis- 
 trations in the period just preceding 1840, it became 
 apparent that new life blood was wanted in the press, 
 and that newspapers must from henceforth have much 
 more important tasks to perform than the announcement 
 of the reliefs of the Army, the chronicling of the move- 
 ments of the Governor, or festivals at Government House, 
 the accidents of the chase, or calamities of famine or con- 
 flagration. A free press was desiderated for the advocacy 
 of public measures, now that freedom of discussion had 
 
77 
 
 "been permitted to newspapers, and a public created for 
 their perusal, while the opening up of the overland com- 
 munication was beginning to permit the transmission of 
 enlightenment to the people at home through the journals 
 of India. To this, as to all other changes in the political 
 sky, the subject of our notice was fully alive, and Framji 
 Cowasji was one of the first of those who exerted himself 
 to bring into existence the journal which now chronicles 
 his demise. He lived to receive back again seven times 
 told the amount of his original investments from an 
 adventure entered on without view to profit. With a feel- 
 ing of fraternal duty which does them honor, Frainji 
 and Curshedji Cowasji had become securities for their 
 brother Rustomji Cowasji, a distinguished Calcutta 
 merchant, chiefly engaged in the China trade, whose good- 
 ness of heart and integrity are celebrated by all who know 
 him. Four years since Rustomji overtaken by one of 
 those commercial reverses which often prove fatal to the 
 most circumspect and honorable, became unable to meet 
 the claims against him ; and his brothers in their efforts to 
 assist him became involved to an extent they had never 
 dreamt of. Curshedji Cowasji died three years since ; 
 Framji is now cut off in a ripe old age, but though not 
 in poverty, with a fortune vastly reduced from what he had 
 possessed through the greater part of his life. The intelli- 
 gence, kind-heartedness, and benevolence, which formed 
 such distinguished traits in his character, honorable as they 
 were eclipsed by the stern integrity, the candour, truth, 
 and perfect frankness, for which through life he was con- 
 spicuous. Though old age had of late years made him 
 garrulous, it had diminished none of the qualities by which 
 he had all along been marked ; and the same clear views 
 of things ; the same sound sense and far seeing sagacity for 
 which through life he had been remarkable, continued to 
 mainfest themselves to the last. 
 
78 
 CHAPTER XII, 
 
 Some of the correspondences between Mr. Framji Cowasji 
 and the Government about Alkaree. 
 
 No. 1113 of 1838. 
 To 
 
 FRAMJI COWASJI, ESQUIHE, 
 
 &c., &c., &c., 
 
 Bombay. 
 
 SlK, 
 
 You have, I believe, been for some time past in the 
 knowledge that the Hon'ble the Court of Directors are 
 desirous of entering into an arrangement with you re- 
 specting a repurchase of the rights of Abkaree conveyed to 
 you by Government in a deed of Sale of your Poway 
 Estate. My Assistant Mr. Davies has likewise stated to 
 you the wishes of the Government that such an arrange- 
 ment should be effected as soon as it conveniently could be ; 
 may I now request the favour of your expressing your 
 views upon this subject, having had a considerable time to 
 take the same into your consideration. 
 
 I have the honour to be, 
 
 Sir, 
 Your most obedient Servant, 
 
 (Signed) GEO. COLES, 
 Acting 1st Asst. Collr. in Charge. 
 
 COLLECTOR'S OFFICE, 
 9th September 1838. 
 
79 
 
 No. 279/47. 
 To 
 
 THE HOM'ELE GEORGE RUSSEL CLERK, 
 
 Governor and President in Council, 
 &c., &c., &c., 
 
 Bombay, 
 
 HOS'BLE SIR, 
 
 As the Government are desirous that I should reconvey 
 to Government the Abkaree and rights therewith connected 
 which were made over to me with the Freehold of the 
 Poway Estate on Salsette, I beg to /submit the following 
 for your indulgent consideration. 
 
 2nd. The Poway Estate comprising several villages was 
 granted to the late Dr. Scott, by the Bombay Government 
 about 50 years ago, on a perpetual lease, subject to the 
 payment of an annual rent to Government. 
 
 3rd. Dr. Scott having failed in the payment of his rent 
 the Estate was resumed by Government, and made over to 
 me in 1829/30, together with the Abkaree on a Lease in 
 perpetuity, and the annual rental then fixed by Govern- 
 ment being the average of the Revenue which had been 
 realized during the ten previous years. 
 
 4th. From charitable motives I was led many years ago 
 (in 18.23) to sink wells in my Cart called Moogbhat in 
 Bombay, for the better and constant supply of fresh water 
 through an aqueduct to the two Reservoirs situated on the 
 Duncan Road, for the use of the inhabitants of Camatee- 
 poora, and the neighbouring densely populated districts ; 
 where owing to no drinking water being procurable from 
 wells, owing to the brackish nature of the soil, much dis- 
 tress prevailed from the extreme scarcity of that necessary 
 of life. 
 
80 
 
 5th. Three wells were sunk by me for this purpose and 
 a Steam Engine set up to work a Pump, besides six Motts 
 with six pairs of Bullocks worked to raise the water. The 
 original outlay was Rs. 30,000 and the expenditure for 
 establishment maintained by me up to the present time 
 about Rs. 200 a month or Rs. 2,400 per annum. 
 
 6th. Anxious to secure the continuance of these works 
 in perpetuity, I submitted to Government in a letter dated 
 October 1831, the immense expenditure incurred by me in 
 improvements on the Poway Estate, I solicited that I should 
 be allowed to redeem the rental at 10 years purchase, 
 proposing at the same time to appoint Government Trustees 
 of the Estate so as to empower them to have the wells and 
 establishment in the Oart Moogbhat kept up out of the 
 revenues of the estate for ever. The proposition was re- 
 ceived by the Government and the Hon'ble the Court of 
 Directors in a liberal spirit and in the year 1837 the 
 arrangement was completed by the Estate being made over 
 to me in Freehold (on payment of the Government Revenue 
 for 10 years) and a Trust Deed being executed by me to 
 Government of the effect above stated. Thus a charitable 
 object, involving an annual expense of Rs. 2,400 out of my 
 estate has been perpetuated. 
 
 7th. Under the arrangement in question all that had 
 been leased to me at an annual rental was (being redeemed 
 by me at 10 years purchase) conveyed to me by Govern- 
 ment in Freehold for ever, that is to say the Abharee as 
 well as the said revenue of the Estate. 
 
 8th. It appears however that the Hon'ble Court of 
 Directors afterwards requested the Government to try and 
 get me to give up the Abkaree revenue, and on the Collec- 
 tor of Tannah asking me in the year 1838 on what terms 
 I would do so, I explained to him how great a sufferer I 
 
81 
 
 should be if deprived of the Abkaree, the only source from 
 which I could expect to obtain hereafter anything like a 
 return for the immense sums expended by me on the 
 Estate and I expressed a hope that the grant in freehold of 
 villages to the amount of Rupees Fifty Thousand per 
 annum, would not under the circumstances be deemed 
 more than an equivalent for the Abkaree to which I chiefly 
 looked to be eventually compensated in some degree for my 
 heavy outlays some time afterwards I learnt from the 
 Collector that the Hon'ble Court would not agree to these 
 terms, the Abkaree of the Estate consequently continues 
 with me, 
 
 9th. Tf the Hon'ble Court still wish me to resign the 
 Abkaree, I beg to say that I shall not object to do so on 
 such terms as may be considered fair and reasonable, but 
 at the same time I would solicit favorable consideration on 
 the following statement. 
 
 10th. In my letter of October 1831 above referred to 
 (which was acknowledged by Government on the 16th Nov- 
 ember following) my expenditure in improving the Fstate was 
 detailed, amounting to Rupees One Lac, and forty five thou- 
 sand, since then I have laid in other works of the same nature 
 a further sum of Rupees One Lac, besides Rupees Sixty Thou- 
 sand in* the construction of alt Pans in the village Kanjoor, 
 making a total of about Rupees Three Lacs exclusive of 
 Rupees 45,84'2-l-83 paid for the redemption of the rental of 
 the Estate. 
 
 llth. The interest on the above amount at the com- 
 mercial rate greatly exceeds, what is at present (or even 
 has been) realized by me annually from the Estate, the 
 estate has therefore been to me a source of loss instead of 
 gain. Such a result will scarcely appear surprising to any 
 one acquainted with the peculiarities of the soil and climate 
 
82 
 
 of Salsette, of which, (before I took the Estate) I had but 
 an imperfect notion. Numerous were the endeavours made 
 by me to raise more valuable produce than grain, and ex- 
 portable articles such as Sugar, Indigo, as also to manu- 
 facture Silk, &o., they promised fairly for a time bnt they 
 all proved failures In the end. Again large numbers of 
 people were brought from other parts at different times ? 
 at great cost to me, to settlo on the Fstate in order to 
 carry on the new works, but owing to the unhealthiness of 
 Salsette to strangers especially from September to the close 
 of the year, most of them sickened, u Iar c e portion died, 
 and the rest abandoned the place. 
 
 12th. Although I have thus been a ^reat loser, Govern- 
 ment has derived no small advantage from my outlays, 
 In one of the tillages of the estate namaly Kanjoor, near 
 Bhandoop, I have constructed salt works (commenced in 
 1839 and about 3 Miles all round) which cost me much 
 trouble and anxiety as well as money. There is room for 
 5,003 evaporating Pans, of these 2,200 are finished at a cost 
 of Rs. 69,000, and the remainder will be made as quickly 
 as possible as soon as more cultivators are to be got, the 
 further expenditure required on these accounts being esti- 
 mated at .Rs. 80,000. These salt works were first brought 
 into operation in 1842/43 when they produced 6531 
 Maunds of Salt and yielded a revenue to Government of 
 Rs. 3,265-8-0. In 1843/44 the produce was 18765 Indian 
 Maunds and the revenue thereon Rs. 9,382-12-0. In 1844/45 
 tbe produce was 22401 Indian Maunds, the revenue thereon 
 Rs. 16,800. In 1845/46 the produce was 20168 Indian 
 Maunds for which Government obtained in excise duty 
 Rs. 15,126. In the year 1846/47 the produce was 42640 
 Indian Maunds on which the excise duty realized by 
 Government amounted to Rs. 31,980-0-0. As the number 
 of evaporating beds will be increased each year and as the 
 
83 
 
 produce of each bed already made will go on increasing 
 each year as it becomes saturated with saline particles and 
 hardened, the quantity of Salt manufactured at these works 
 will in a few years be such as to add to the excise revenue 
 of Government at least Seventy-five Thousand Rupees per 
 annum or more. 
 
 13th. When the Salt works at Kanjoor are completed 
 I propose, if circumstances should allow, to construct simi- 
 lar works at another village of my estate called Yickrolee 
 near Hurreealy. One of the greatest difficulties I experi- 
 enced however is the want of labourers and this want would 
 be supplied if my estate comprized a few more villages. 
 
 14th. I need scarcely observe that while the advantage 
 to Government is very great from the outlay of capital by 
 me on such works, the benefits to the Ryots is also consider- 
 able besides what they earn as labourers while the works 
 are going on many afterwards find profitable employment 
 as manufacturers of salt while they have no occupation dur- 
 ign the dry season in their fields. 
 
 15th. Notwithstanding the disappointment I have 
 experienced in respect to the profit which I expected from 
 laying out so much money as has been expended by me on 
 the Estate, I still hoped for some return eventually but 
 these prospects are destroyed by the adoption of a line for 
 the new road, so distant from Poway as to deprive the 
 estate of the advantages it has hitherto enjoyed from the 
 old road from Tannah to Bombay passing through it. On 
 this subject I made a representation to Government but 
 yielded to the wish your Honor was pleased to express that 
 I should withdraw my objections. 
 
 16th. If the considerations above submitted should 
 induce Government to make over to me villages yielding 
 
84 
 
 Such an annual sum as would compensate me for the loss 
 of the Abkaree of my Estate (and considering my future 
 prospects from the Abkaree I cannot value it at less than 
 Rupees Twenty-five Thousand per annum) or compensate me 
 for such loss by making over to me villages on Salsette to 
 that amount, or part of that amount, and in the latter 
 ease, authorizing the payment to me of the remaining sum 
 from the General Treasury I shall be glad to resign the 
 Abkaree to Government as it has ever been a rule with 
 me to pay the greatest attention in my power to the wishes 
 of Government. 
 
 I have the honor to be, 
 
 Sir, 
 Your most obedient Servant, 
 
 (Signed) FRAMJI COWASJL 
 BOMBAY, 11 th December 1847. 
 
 No. 205/48 
 WILLIAM COURTNEY, ESQUIKE, 
 
 Secretary to Government, Bombay. 
 
 SIR, 
 
 Having received no reply to my letter to the Hon 5 ble the 
 late Governor, Mr. Clerk, No. 279, dated the 17th December 
 1847, I beg to enclose herein a duplicate of the same, and 
 to request that you will kindly take an early opportunity 
 to submit it for the indulgent consideration of the Right 
 Hon'ble the Governor in Council, 
 
85 
 
 Should His Lordship in Council not approve of the terms 
 on which I have proposed to comply with the wish of the 
 Hon'ble the Court of Directors that I should give up the 
 Abkaree of the Poway Estate, I shall be happy to recon- 
 sider the matter with the Collector of Tanna or any other 
 officer with whom Government may see fit to place me in 
 communication on the subject. 
 
 I have the honor to he, 
 
 Sir, 
 Your most obedient servant, 
 
 (Signed) FRAMJI COWASJL 
 
 BOM PAY, 30^ November 1848. 
 
 ;No 1752 of 1849. 
 
 TERRITORIAL DEPARTMENT, REVENUE. 
 To 
 
 FRAMJI COWASJI, ESQUIRE, 
 
 Bombay. 
 
 SIR, 
 
 I have laid before the Right Hon'ble the Governor in 
 Council your letter No. 205 of the 30th November last, 
 handing up the duplicate of one addressed by you to Gov- 
 ernment on the 17th December proceeding, in which you 
 offer to relinquish the Abkaree of your Poway Estate in 
 Salsette, for an annual Compensation of Rupees (25,000) 
 twenty-five thousand. 
 
 '2. In reply I have been instructed to state that the 
 amount of Compensation demanded by you for the relinquish- 
 ment of the Abkaree of your Estate, appears to his Lord- 
 ship in Council, exorbitant and cannot be entertained. 
 
86 
 
 3. The Government, I am to add, would be willing to 
 make some sacrifice of Revenue with this object in view, 
 but when, as appears from a report made by the Collector 
 of Tanna, Rupees (2,000) two thousand per annum would be 
 more than a fair equivalent, it cannot consent to give a sum 
 equal to more than twelve times that amount 
 
 I have the honor to be, 
 
 Sir, 
 Your most obedient servant, 
 
 (Signed) W. COURTNEY, 
 Acting Secretary to Government. 
 BOMBAY CASTLE, IQlh March 1849. 
 
 No. 449 of 1855, 
 
 GENE.RAL DEPARTMENT. 
 To 
 
 BAEE BACHOOBAEE, 
 
 Widow of FRAMJI COWASJI, Esq. 
 
 MADAM, 
 
 I am directed by the Right Hon'ble the Governor in 
 Council to communicate to you and to your Family, the 
 great regret with which he had learnt, that the principal 
 part of the large Country House at Poway, belonging to 
 your late husband, was destroyed by fire on the 14th in- 
 stant. 
 
 I am, Madam, 
 
 Your obdient Servant, 
 
 (Signed) W. HART, 
 
 Secretary to Government 
 
 BOMBAY CASTLE, 31s January 1855, 
 
8? 
 
 WILLIAM HART, ESQUIRE, 
 
 Secretary to Government, 
 
 General Department. 
 
 Sin, 
 
 I have the \onor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter 
 of the 31st ultimo, and in reply I beg you will be good 
 enough to convey to His Lordship in Council the deep sense 
 ^f gratitude I owe to His Lordship for the very kind and 
 benevolent manner in which his Lordship in Council has 
 shown his sympathy with me and my family on the occasion 
 of the unfortunate occurrence we have met with by the re- 
 cent destruction by fire of tke principal part of the Country 
 House of my late husband at Poway, and with sentiments 
 tff my sincere and heart-felt thanks to His Lordship for 
 fche same, 
 
 I have the honor to he, 
 
 Sir, 
 Your most obedient servant, 
 
 (Sd.) BUCHOOBAEE, WIDOW and Executrix 
 
 of the late Framji Cowasji by her 
 
 Attorney, Cursetji ^Nusserwanji Cama. 
 
 BOMBAY, 3rd February 1855. 
 
88 
 CHAPTER XIII 
 
 The Framji Cuwasji Testimonial. 
 
 Pursuant to notice published in the Newspapers, a 
 number of the Friends of the late Framji Cowasji, Esq. r 
 met at the Elphlnstone College, 22nd September 1852, ta 
 consider the fittest mode of applying the sums which have 
 been raised by subscription to pe-rpetuate his memory. 
 The Chair was occupied by P. W, LeGeyt, Esq. 
 
 Among tho^e who- attended the Meeting we- observed the- 
 fallowing : 
 
 The Hon'ble Sir E. Perry, Colonel Shorft, Dr. Morehead, 
 Professor Patton, Captain French, Gregor Grant, Esq., 
 Dr. Peet, G. H. Walker, Esq., Manockjee Lfmjee, Esq.. 
 Juggonath Sunkersett, Esq. r Cursetjee Jamsetjee, Fsq. r 
 Bomanjee Hormusjee, Esq., Narrayen Dinnanathjee, Esq, ? 
 Rustomjee Jamsetjee, Esq., Yenaikerao Yassoodeo, Esq., 
 Yenaikrao Jaggonath, Esq., Bappoo Josey Hao Bahadoor, 
 Hormusjee Bamanjee, Esq., Nowrojee Furdonjee, Esq., 
 Rustomjee Ruttonjee, Esq., SorabjeeRuttonjee, Esq., Sorabjee 
 Pestonjee, Esq., Jamsetjee Coo-verjee, Fsq.,Dosabhoy Sorabjee 
 Moonshee, Ruttonjee Furdoonjee Parruck, Yurjeevandas 
 Maddo\vdas ; Esq., and Framjee Kus&ervanjee Patell, Esq. 
 
 A number of Native gentlemen, among whom we observed 
 all the grandsons of the late Framji Cowasji, Esq., and a 
 large number of the Scholars of the Elphinstone Insitution 
 headed by the Assistant Professor Dadabhai Nowrojee. 
 
 P. AY. LeGreyt, Esquire, the Chairman, commenced the 
 business of the Meeting with the following address i 
 
 GENTLEMEN, We have met here to-day to pay respect 
 to the memory of a very estimable and remarkable man, 
 who has lately been taken away from us by death. You 
 
89 
 
 have done me the honor to put me in the Chair on this 
 intersting occasion ; and although I could have wished this 
 om3e to have been confiled to some better and abler hands, 
 yet a friendship of thirty years with the late Framji 
 Co.vasji, give m3 th3 privilege of considering myself one 
 of the oldest is not the oldest of his European friends in the 
 Presidency. Framji Cowasji was so well known to all of 
 us, that it would ba supsrflaous to usher in these proceed- 
 ings by any sketch of his character and career ; but it will 
 be more appropriate in this place to read to you a short 
 extract from the Report of the Board of Education, of 
 which he was long a distinguished member, notifying to 
 Government his resignation of his seat at the Board ; and 
 of the reply of Government conveying its opinion of his 
 eminent and valuable services. The Board express them- 
 selves as follows in the second paragraph of their report, 
 dated the 29th May 1851. 
 
 " At a later peri 4 d in the year, Framji Cowasji, Esquire, 
 resigned his seat, in consequence of his advanced time of life, 
 and the vacancy was filled up by the election of Bomanjee 
 llormusjee, Esquire. The eminent and good citzen- 
 ship, and zeal in supporting every measures for public 
 improvement, which distinguished our late much esteemed 
 colleague, are too well known to your Lordship in Council 
 to need any notice from us ; but in recording his death, 
 which subsequently occurred at the good old age of eighty- 
 four, the Board feel a melancholy pleasure in thus publicly 
 expressing the respect in which they hold his memory." 
 The reply of Government to this notice is contained in the 
 forty-fourth paragraph of Mr. Secretary Lumsden's letter 
 No. 3480, dated the 6th September 1851 and is as follows: 
 " In conclusion, I am instructed to observe, that the tribute 
 which the Board have paid in the second paragraph of their 
 Report, to the late Framji Cowasji, F$quire s has been 
 
60 
 
 Very properly rendered on this occasion to the memory of 
 an excellent and deserving man. The Right Honorable the 
 Governor in Council gladly avails himself of this oppor- 
 tunity again to express the high opinion entertained by 
 himself and his predecessors of the worth of the deceased, 
 as one who perceived that he could best serve his country 
 by encouraging education, and who acted up to his 
 persuation." The Chairman resumed his address as follows : 
 These sentiments, Gentlemen, are, lam sure, fully concurred 
 in by this meeting, and by a large portion of the community 
 of Bombay, which has been abundantly proved by the ready 
 way in which the proposal to perpetuate Framji Cowasji's 
 memory was received by all classes of people. This is the 
 first instance that has been known in which persons of the 
 classes and denominations (Natives and Europeans) have 
 come forward to raise posthumous Testimonial in honor 
 of a Native of this Presidency. Professor Patton will 
 explain to you immediately the nature of the Memorial 
 which it is proposed to erect ; and I think you will agree 
 with me, that it is a very appropriate one considering 
 that Framji Cowasji's intelligent and active mind was 
 ever alive to the improvement of his countrymen, and he 
 was very constantly foremost in proposing measures for 
 their mental culture and moral improvement. Witness 
 too his many charities, his zeal for the spiritual welfare 
 of his tribe, while the Dhobies' Tank and the reservoir 
 on the Obelisk Road, to which water is conducted from 
 an estate in Girgaum, the produce of which he set apart to 
 secure a permanent supply of water to the public betokens 
 that his benevolence was not limited to the community of 
 which he was a member. These good works, completed in 
 his lifetime, will doubtless be constantly remembered by 
 a greatful community ; but the present Testimonial, of 
 which I am certain he would himself have highly approved, 
 
91 
 
 will in a peculiar manner in after ages perpetuate his 
 memory, and bring forth the virtues of that good man 
 constantly before your children and your children's grand- 
 children. Such is the nature of the Testimonial to be pro- 
 posed to your consideration, and I commend it to your 
 adoption as members of an intelligent and enlightened 
 community. Great Applause. 
 
 The following resolution was then propossed by Juggonath 
 Sunkersett, Esq., and seconded by Captain French. 
 
 Resolved, That this meeting entertaining a high sense 
 of the value of the services of the late Framji Cowasji, 
 Esquire, to the cause of intellectual and social improvements 
 in the country, are anxious to perpetuate his name in con- 
 nection with some useful object which he would have 
 approved. 
 
 Professor Patlon was the next speaker, he said : 
 MK. CHAIRMAN AND GENTLEMEN, Before deciding upon 
 the means of carrying out the previous Resolution, we ought 
 to weigh well the consequences of this day's determination. 
 This is not an ordinary occasion : it is the first time, as far 
 as I am aware, that people of all classes have united in 
 their desire to erect a testimonial to a native of this country. 
 I hope and believe that many similar meetings will be held 
 to commemorate the sterling honesty and public spirit of 
 many others equally deserving. In fact there is one amongst 
 us that it would be impossible to pass over even if he lived 
 in a nation of Howards. Looking forward then to the 
 future, and remembering that the decision of this day will 
 influence the appropriation of testimonials long after we 
 ourselves shall have ceased to influence anything, let us give 
 a precedent we shall be delighted to see followed on other 
 occasions. You have already decided upon the test by which 
 the merits of any proposed scheme must be tried. It must 
 
92 
 
 be such as would have received the approbation of the 
 worthy man whose name we have this day met to com- 
 memorate. I do not know of any better that could have 
 been adopted, for every thing which had for its object to 
 improve the condition of this country, either intellectually, 
 morally or physically, was approved of by him and received 
 from him support as far as in his power. I am satisfied 
 that the proposal I a'ih about to make, unites every requisite 
 to secure your approbation. It is good in itself, and would 
 have received the approbation of the late Framji Cowasji. 
 But I shall first read the Resolution. 
 
 " That the funds which have been already collected, and 
 such others as may be subsequently added, be appropriated to 
 the formation of a Museum in connection with the Students' 
 Literary and Scientific Society, and that this meeting unite 
 with them in requesting Government to erect a building to 
 contain a Lecture room, a Laboratory, Museum of Arts and 
 Industry, and library, and to permit the building to be 
 called the Framji Cowasji Institute." 
 
 This mode of commemorating the name of Framji 
 seems to be peculiarly appropriate. When the Students' 
 Literary and Scientific Society was in its infancy, and when 
 many friends of education were either cold or unfavourable 
 to it Framji Cowasji came forward and shewed his 
 approval of their plans and objects, by presenting a number 
 of lamps which he heard they required for their meetings. 
 This first gift to the Society was the commencement of 
 many others, and to the day of his death he took a warm 
 interest in all their proceedings. During his long career 
 (as you have heard detailed to-day) he was always foremost 
 in every efforts to extend education in this country, and his 
 views of what education ought to be, were characterised by 
 an elevation, and at the same a practicality, that could 
 
93 
 
 Scarcely have been expected i'rom the imperfect education 
 he himself had received. He was one of the chief contri- 
 butors to the erection of the building in \\hich we are now 
 assembled, and which has, as was anticipated, risen to the 
 rank of a College. Nearly a quarter of a century ago, 
 when the Native community of Bombay met to consider 
 the most appropriate method of attesting their affectionate 
 and respectful sentiments towards the Hon'ble Mountstuart 
 Elphinstone, Framji Cowasji in a speech replete with 
 good sense and sound views, which in our testimonial-giving 
 age might be worthy of attention, proposed that the most 
 satisfactory and durable plan of carrying their wishes into 
 effect, was to found one or two professorships for teaching 
 the English language, the Arts, Science and Literature of 
 Europe. The Students' Literary and Scientific Society is 
 the direct result of that education, and a proof of the 
 wisdom and foresight that suggested it. 
 
 The education they have received at the Elphinstone 
 College enables them, and their own actively benevolent dis- 
 position prompts them, to spread among their less fortunate 
 countrymen the benefits that they themselves have enjoyed. 
 An enumeration of a few things that have been accomplish- 
 ed during the three years in which the Society has been 
 in existence, will enable you to appreciate the importance 
 of having the Testimonial attached to a Society of active 
 working men, who will go on adding to its value and im- 
 portance instead of allowing it, as most other schemes in 
 this country never fail to do to become useless when its 
 original promoters are taken away. There is once a month 
 a meeting for transaction of business and reading essays in 
 English once a fortnight there are two meetings for a 
 similar purpose in the vernacular. At these vernacular 
 meetings large and interested audiences assemble, to see the 
 experiments and illustrations exhibited. Seven Girls' 
 
94 
 
 schools at present containing. . .children are supported by the 
 Society, and three Boys' infant schools containing . . boys, 
 although supported by others, are under the superintendence 
 of the Society. Two school books in Marathi and Guzerati 
 have been already printed, and a third is ready for the 
 press. Two monthly publications are issued by the verna- 
 cular branches, and the Society has lately undertaken to 
 publish a series of papers in Marathi and Guzerati similar 
 to Chambers' Information for the people. For this they 
 have peculiar advantages having obtained from Messrs. 
 Chambers stereotypes of the illustrations of their edu- 
 cational course. A commencement has also been made of 
 a Library and Museum of Art and Industry, and many 
 valuable contributions have been received. The great 
 difficulty with which the Society is now labouring is the 
 insufficient accommodation for lectures and the want of a 
 place to deposit the donation of books and Philosophical 
 apparatus, and donations of various kinds which are present- 
 ed to them. The Society has applied to Government to 
 assist them in this difficulty, and strong hopes are enter- 
 tained that something will be done ; but if an influential 
 meeting like the present gave their support to the appli- 
 cation, and ofler to grant the fund now collected for the 
 testimonial to Framji Cowasji, to establish a Museum on 
 the simple condition, that the building should be called the 
 Framji Cowasji Institute. There can scarcely be a doubt 
 that Government would erect a suitable building for the 
 use of the Society. 
 
 I believe that the motion of this Institute will be an era 
 on the Educational history of Bombay. It will give that 
 prominence to the study of Physical science which this age 
 demands, and which is so essentially required by the genius 
 of the people and the want of the country. The experi- 
 ments of Natural Philosophy will have much greater 
 
95 
 
 influence in disturbing the apathy that has reigned here for 
 ages, and in creating a taste for reading, than any purely 
 abstract speculations however beautiful. In the proposed 
 Institute the artisan will see improved machines and im- 
 proved tools for making them, while at the same time he 
 will have an opportunity of learning the Mathematical and 
 physical principles, without a knowledge of which they 
 could never have been invented. The student who has 
 learned the principles in the classroom, will there see the 
 practical results they have led to and be brought to view in 
 a proper light the dignity of labour. It is useless to detain 
 you with a detailed account of the benefits that may be 
 expected to Bombay from the proposed Institute, for you 
 must be aware of them yourself ; but I would wish to draw 
 your attention to another important advantage that might 
 be taken of it, in the dissemination of knowledge in the 
 Mofussil. During vacations at the College such instru- 
 ments as would not be likely to suffer injury, might be sent to 
 the various large towns throughout the Presidency, and 
 courses of lectures might be delivered that would have 
 immense influence in destroying prejudice and superstition, 
 and giving more elevated ideas of the nature of education 
 than now prevail. I shall now conclude by proposing that 
 
 " Funds which have been already collected and others as 
 may be subsequently added, be appropriated to the forma- 
 tion of a Museum, in connection with " The Students' 
 Literary and Scientific Society ;" and that this Meeting 
 unite with them in requesting Government to erect a build- 
 ing to contain a lecture-room, laboratory, and to permit the 
 building to be called " The Framji Cowasji Institute." 
 
 The Hon'ble SIR E. PERRY seconded this resolution in the 
 following terms : 
 
 I have been requested to second this resolution ; and tired 
 as I am, having been sitting in Court many hours to-day, I 
 
96 
 
 cannot be silent upon the subject of it. You, as his friend 
 and as our colleague, Mr. Chairman, know how highly I 
 estimated the character of our deceased friend (cheers). 
 He was not a Fcholar, and for the last ten years of his life 
 he was not a wealthy man : indeed he had fallen into evil 
 days, and yet he managed to secure the esteem and love of 
 all who came within his influence ; and the question which 
 suggests itself is what were the qualities which won the 
 esteem and love which he possessed of all the inhabitants of 
 Bombay ? His eminent good citizenship. He possessed 
 that virtue, not common among people now, in an eminent 
 degree. It is a virtue too little exemplified by our Hindoo 
 friends, who I hope will excuse me for so saying ; nor is 
 it universal among the Parsees, but it is more so among them 
 than among other classes. Framji Cowasji exercised that 
 virtue more than others of his countyinen : he was a steady 
 good citizen, bold enough to speak out his opinion, and 
 energetic to exert himself to do his country good. These 
 virtues we are desirous to see universal. Having said so 
 much, it will naturally be a matter of wonder to some of 
 my Native friends how is it that I figure so humbly in the 
 subscription list to this Testimonial. It is a question which 
 may well be asked, and I will assign the reason. For years 
 past I have had a very great aversion to these testimonials : 
 they have been carried too far, so as to appear ridiculous in 
 the eyes of Society generally. They have usually been 
 given to public men, official men ; and as a point of Policy 
 I should much like to see the system of presenting these 
 testimonials abolished. I have often thought that it would 
 be better if the rule which prevails in the Army with re- 
 spect to the presentation of testimonials to Officers there, 
 should be extended to Civil Society and that it should be 
 neither careful for them to accept, nor decorous for Society 
 to present them with such testimonials. Though I have 
 
07 
 
 subscribed, and not niggardly, to every testimonial which has 
 been promulged, I held back when this was proposed ; and that 
 is the reason, why the sum opposite my name in the list 
 appears so insignificant. On reflection I think that in this 
 instance I was wrong ; because the arguments I have alleged 
 as leading me to think disparagingly of the system of pre- 
 senting testimonials generally, do not apply to the individual 
 to honour whose memory the present testimonials is pro- 
 posed ; and when I to-day heard the objects aimed at by it 
 recounted, I felt convinced that I was so ; and I feel myself 
 called upon by a strong sense of approbation of those objects, 
 to say how very desirous I am to see them fully realised. 
 
 Our friend the Chairman has read a highly eulogistic 
 notice of the late Framji Cowasji and his services ; and 
 we have heard what a deep interest he took in the proceed- 
 ings of these young men who have formed themselves into 
 a Society for the object of conferring benefits upon their 
 countrymen. It will, I am sure, be gratifying to them, 
 and to Professor Patton who has gone hand in hand with 
 them in all their efforts, to hear what Government says 
 upon the subject. I catch the eye of one young man who 
 especially, I know, will be gratified to hear this eulogium : 
 
 '' The voluntary association of the educated youth of 
 Bombay for the purpose of instructing their countrymen, 
 and of bringing all within their influence justly appreciate 
 the advantages of education, is very gratifying to Govern- 
 ment, as it is honourable to the parties concerned. 
 
 " In particular, the spontaneous institutions, by the same 
 youngmen of Female School?, which they also entirely 
 support, must be regarded as an epoch in the history of 
 education at this Presidency, from which it is to be hoped 
 will in due time be traced the commencement of a rapid, 
 marked, and constant progress. 
 
98 
 
 That is strong language from the Government of the 
 Presidency, my friends. When we hear of the friends of 
 that man proposing a plan in honor of his memory, where- 
 by the Society of these young men may gain " a local 
 habitation and a name," which will give them far more 
 extended opportunities for the diffusion of science, for the 
 reception and collection of Scientific objects, and a place of. 
 accommodation for the truth-seeking, self-instructing classes 
 of the Native community ; when we hear of a proposal 
 like this-, it must command our admiration. There is one 
 particular feature in this matter to which, if this is to be 
 considered the inauguration of the building and the insti- 
 tute, I must call attention. la those efforts which have been 
 made by the young men of Bombay for the diffusion of 
 knowledge and science, they have been assisted liberally and 
 gladly by the elder portion of the community. This is 
 not usually the case in ordinary undertakings and projects ; 
 and it is a very satisfactory phenomenon, youth and age 
 consorted together in the most useful and honorable occu- 
 pation which could be pursued by them. We cannot but 
 look upon this with admiration. There is a tendency in 
 the hearts of youth to become inflated, and a desire to 
 throw off their obedience to the just authority which be- 
 longs to those who are older in life and riper in experience 
 than themselves. It is, therefore, a complimentary homage 
 to the individual to honour whom this Institute has been set 
 on foot that the elders of Society come forward so gra- 
 ciously, and unite hand in hand with the younger and more 
 ardent members of Society for the advancement of their 
 measures. 
 
 As I before said, my apathy to subscribe to this testi- 
 monial was a mistake on my part, or the argument I gave for 
 any aversion to testimonials in general did not apply to 
 this case ; and I have expressed as forcibly as I can, my 
 
99 
 
 approbation of the scheme propose! to perpetuate the 
 memory of Framji Cowasji. But it behoves us to act as 
 well as to talk ; and I therefore beg that the Secretary will 
 add another " " to the figures opposite my name in the 
 subscription List. 
 
 I have great pleasure in seconding this Resolution. 
 Assistant Professor D idabhoy Nowrajee said : 
 GENTLEMEN, i have the pleasure to lay before you a 
 proposal from the " Students' Literary and Scientific 
 Society," that the Society would be most happy in availing 
 themselves of this opporiunity, to express their esteem of 
 the worthy dead, whose name we have here assembled to 
 commemorate in some way. Professor Patton at some 
 length gave reasons for establishing a new Institution, the 
 like of which has yet had no existence, in this Presidency 
 at least, and perhaps not in the whole of India ; and which, 
 he has endeavoured to show would have been most approved 
 of by Framji himself. 
 
 The Students' Society therefore, being in many ways 
 indebted to Frame's support and benevolence, lays at the 
 disposal of this Committee the sum of Rupees 6,000, that they 
 have been able to collect, for providing the Branch Societies 
 (or the Dnanprasaracs especially) with the means of fully 
 illustrating the lectures delivered by the students of this 
 Institution to hundreds of their own countrymen. This 
 object, the Society see, will be more fully gained by an 
 amalgamation of the two funds. The advantage likely to 
 accrue to natives from the kind of Institution now contem- 
 plated to be established, are so many, that I could scarcely 
 feel myself competent to give a detailed description of them 
 till. I might at least say, that if the Students' Society and 
 its Branches, with its very limited pecuniary me ns, 
 but 1 am proud to say both the zeal and efforts of some of 
 
100 
 
 our best young men of this Institution, as its service, has 
 been able to do something towards the diffusion of useful 
 knowledge among the masses around it. It could be easily 
 conceived, what the same zeal and efforts could do with 
 better, I should rather say, more powerful means at its 
 command. It has been often complained that English 
 was taught to too many and that the price of service in 
 offices had fallen very low. But it is no wonder that such 
 should be the case an overstocked market can never call 
 forth high prices ; and why it is asked should every body be 
 quill-driver, and why should it be more difficult to find 
 a hamal than a clerk. The reasan as I have already said. 
 is very obvious : new opening must surely be made for the 
 rising generation, and where are they to be looked for. 
 Is India incapable of giving, at the least, a comfortable 
 living to its children? No, India has plenty, but how 
 could that plenty be availed.. Can a stone cry out and say : 
 here am I, make use of me. Such and such are my pro- 
 perties, and such and such are the uses to which I am 
 capable of being applied ? No, that it cannot do, and yet 
 it may be perhaps the fruitful source of the happiness of 
 millions. And if it is the lot of man to live by the sweat 
 of his brow, to depend but upon the material world around 
 him, and when he has at the same time given him the 
 power of supplying the demands implanted in him by 
 nature, it rests with him alone to apply those powers, and 
 to labour till he can find out what he requires. This very 
 Institution that is now proposed to be erected would be 
 notiirg but a mere pile of dead matter, if it be not animat- 
 ed by the labor and energy of active men. The inference 
 is clear enough, that man can find nothing that he does not 
 seek for, and that in a proper way. India has plenty, and 
 that plenty must be sought, and under a particular condition 
 labour, by great and impresuming, but well applied, 
 
lot 
 
 labour of those competent to perform the task. I con* 
 gratulate on this occasion the Inhabitants of Bombay at 
 least, that that same Framji Cowasji, to whom, with some 
 Others, and to him. whose name this Institution bears, thoy 
 are at this moment indebted for the advancement of 
 education and sounder principles among them, is at the 
 8 .-.line time the founder of a new Institution suited to their 
 present increased wants. Have not the people of India 
 been impressed with the conviction, that its present arts 
 are capable of being immensely improved and increased in 
 number ? We have a proof of this conviction in this very 
 -worthy man. Need I describe here the trouble he put 
 himself to, and the liberality with which he left his purse 
 always open for any useful purpose to introduce improve- 
 ment in agriculture and even introduce new arts in India. 
 If then the young men of the Students' 5 Society furnished 
 with the means of studying most of the useful arts, manu- 
 factures, be able to promulgate their knowledge in a 
 I'M-actieal form, by means of lectures to hundreds ; what 
 could ba thoaght more useful to the count y, whose good 
 was, to his. Framji's heart. Imagine to yourself gentle- 
 men, a Hall with 530 men collected in it, a young lecturer, 
 ready to impart with a good grace and feeling, the results 
 of his some days' labour at the fur nance. Let me next 
 tarry you out of the Hall, an enterprising listener takes up 
 the idea, consults the lecturer again, and in time becomes a 
 blessing to the community around him, introduces, prac- 
 tices a new art, and thus makes a new opening for the 
 industrious, and gives the world the lesson afresh that the 
 industrious shall never starve, a lesson more valuable than 
 any tiling else. Imigine gentlemen again, another reading 
 to the assembly a lesson on some of the principal moral 
 daties of mm, claiming by his earnest exhortations some 
 keart gone astray perstu cling with true vehemence to 
 
102 
 
 abandon a pernicious custom, or giving more homely ? 
 but not the les& useful lessons, such as that " Honesty is 
 the best policy ; " and a third, exhorting to emulate [New- 
 ton or Watt ; or to wse the move simple and more expressive 
 words- of Framji himself, " to be able to count the very 
 stars of Heaven." H<?HV often did he say, I am told " these 
 men must be taught anything good and ennobling ; they 
 must be taught every thing, they must be taught to count 
 even the stars od: Heaven." If such results indeed be very 
 desirable, and were at least so heartily desired by the 
 worthy man to be commemorated, what better mean* 
 could be suggested, than be enabled to adopt the most 
 natural course' of furnishing those with adequate raean& 
 that have the will, and the ability to- bring them* about* If 
 such there be no-w, mere halls indeed can da nothing ; but 
 the very demand that has now arisen for such an Institution 
 speaks loudly that the labourers- are no>t wanting ; and it 
 is a matter of great congratulation, that the supply is. forth- 
 corning, as soon as the demand is made and felt, and more 
 particularly because, from the same quarter to which we 
 when young owe a great deal It might perhaps have 
 been expected that, it would descant upon the many 
 virtues, high spirit, and straightforwardness of Framji, 
 but it is a matter already so ably dealt with by persons 
 competent to> da it deserving justice, that I should blush 
 to venture to- say a word upon the subject. Yet I cannot 
 refrain myself iram expressing my sentiments towards this 
 worthy man. I have had but once for all a talk with him, 
 but the impression that that single visit made upon me and 
 my friend Ardaseer, shall never wear off. It was for the 
 purpose of asking support to our Female schools ; and how 
 could I now describe a scene that could only be seen. Yet 
 I shall try. We approached with great trepidation, knew 
 not what should be the result of the visit, for we knew not 
 the man, and it was our first visit But Framji shewed 
 
103 
 
 that lie was always prepared to receive even a child with, 
 pleasure that brought good tidings of any kind. Many 
 were the sound advices he give us as to our conduct in tire 
 undertaking, many hopes did he raise in us, and shewed, 
 great concern that he could not stretch out as good an help- 
 ing hand than as he was wont to do before. His advices, 
 however, were more worth than anything else, and we have 
 now the opportunity of expressing our obligations for the 
 benefit with which we followed those advices : trifling as 
 they might often appear, they are the forerunners of great 
 things to come. Trifling as the Table Lamp present made 
 to the Society might appear, it was the kindler of the first 
 spark of hope, that an earnest desire and endeavour to do 
 an useful thing shall never fail to be properly appreciated. 
 For any holy however to say all that could be said upon so 
 tempting a subject, requires the study of the life of that 
 eminent man. That study however nobody is prepared 
 to make, and nobody can do all the justice that it deserves ; 
 much less therefore can I pretend to say all, I must there- 
 fore stop, and only perform the pleasing task assigned me, 
 by rep3ating, that the St-idents' Society have directed me to 
 intimate, that they would be most happy to add to the sum 
 already subscribed to the Framji Cowasji Testimonial, the 
 sum of Rs. 6,000 which they have raised up for purposes 
 similar to that which is now proposed to be carried out. 
 
 The following motion was then pj-oposed by Cursetjee 
 Jamsetjee, Esq., seconded by Manockjee Limjee, Esq., and 
 passed, 
 
 " That the following gentlemen be elected to form a Com- 
 mittee to communicate with Government on the subject, 
 and to make such arrangements as may be considered most 
 expedient to carry out the wishes of the meeting. 
 
 Mr. Warden, Mr. LeQ-eyt, Mr. Cursetjee Jamsetjee, 
 Dr. McLsnnin, Mr. Juggmath Sunkersett, Captain French? 
 
104 
 
 Mr. Bomanjee Hormusjee, Mr. Manockjee Limjee, Mr. 
 Howard, Mr. McKenzie, Mr. Manockjee Curse tjee, Mr. Cowie, 
 Mr. Patton y Mr, JJarrayen Dinanathjee, Mr. Cursetjee 
 Nusserwanjee Cama, Mr. Dadabhoy Nowrojee, Mr. Sorabjee 
 Pestonjee Framjee and Mr. Rustomjee Jamsetjee. 
 
 The fourth resolution was proposed by Bomonjee Hor- 
 musjee, Esq., seconded by Mr. Manockjee Cursetjee, '' That 
 a marble slab with an appropriate inscription in English, 
 Guzerattee and Marathee, be erected in the Institute, to 
 perpetuate the memory of the late Framji Co-was ji, Esq. 
 
 The following is Mr. SQRA,BJE,E PE&TONJEE'S address* 
 
 MR. CHAIRMAN AND GENTLEMEN, Before the proceed- 
 ings of this meeting are concluded, I trust you will allow 
 me to speak a few words, and with your permission, I shall 
 at once proceed to read the paper in my hand. 
 
 As it has fallen to my lot, Gentlemen, I rise to speak in 
 behalf of my old grandmother, and the other members of 
 the family of my reverend and lamented grandfather, the 
 late Framji Cowasji, to commemorate whose name YOU 
 have raised a fund, and have met here this day to adopt the 
 best means of appropriating that money. His friends and 
 the community who have shown their kind intentions of 
 thus perpetuating the memory of the deceased gentleman, 
 must have felt his loss ; but it is with extreme pain I say, 
 that his loss to the family has been greater, for in him we 
 have lost a kind patron, a beloved and the most affectionate 
 of fathers, and the protector of many orphans, and 
 widows, his loss, therefore, shall ever remain engraved on 
 our hearts as long as we live. The severity of the afflictions 
 of his aged widow, can be better imagined than described ; 
 but she was not the less gratified when she heard that her 
 husband's name was about to be perpetuated by a suitable 
 testimonial from his friends and countrymen. Indeed this 
 
105 
 
 tas proved a very great consolation to her, as she is coii- 
 vinced that her dear companion did not (to use the Persian 
 saving) conle into the world and go away without doing 
 anything. As to his deeds and how praiseworthy they 
 may be, I will not take upon myself to enter into parti- 
 culars, although 1 have had ample opportunities of witness- 
 ing many of them ; for however strong my voice may ]be in 
 his favor, it would not sound so well and so gracefully as 
 your's would. Moreover, our worthy Chairman, from his 
 long acquaintance with the career of life of the deceased, as 
 W3ll as the Hon'ble the Chief Justice, and the other gentle- 
 men who have precarled me, have already said enough about 
 his character, and who have, I have no doubt, left a suffi- 
 cient impression upon vour minds, of the desirableness of 
 thus publicly appreciating the goud services, which the 
 decesasecl gentleman rendered to his fellow countrymen. It 
 is the duty of every man, if it lay in his power to assist and 
 devise means for the good of his fellow creatures, and it was 
 with these pure and honest motives that the deceased 
 devoted himself during his long life to do some service to his 
 countrymen. And as deserving merits have never failed 
 to meet with due reward, I am glad, nay proud to find, that 
 for the little good the deceased may have been able to do 
 while in the performance of his duties towards his fellow 
 brethren, he is held in such high estimation in the eyes of 
 you all, and that such a mark of tribute is paid by you to 
 his departed life. This does not only preserve the name of 
 the deceased, but also bestows a great and an everlasting 
 honor on us, his dascendants, should we be so fortunate as 
 to follow his footsteps. Allow me therefore, Gentlemen, to 
 express to you in behalf of the old lady my grandmother, 
 my father, and the other members of the family, allow me 
 so to express their sincere and grateful thanks to you all, 
 and to those Gentlemen individually who have since his 
 
106 
 
 death, showed a great desire to perpetuate his memory. 
 With regard to the object to which you have now resolved, 
 Gentlemen, to appropriate the fund, I am happy to say it 
 is just the very thing which the deceased Gentleman had 
 always in his heart. For I remember well he often ex- 
 pressed his earnest desire to make arrangements to teach 
 the Students of this noble Institution every branch of 
 knowledge, such as to use his own words, the science of 
 calculating the movements of the stars, that is Astronomy, 
 Navigation, and other similar sciences, his desire therefore 
 is now, I am glad to say, about to be fulfilled by the hands 
 of you his friends, and I trust that the " Framji Cowasji 
 Institute " will henceforth prove to be a school for the 
 advancement of the Students of the Elphinstone Institution, 
 and through their medium it will, I venture to hope, be a 
 source for diffusing scientific, useful knowledge among the 
 natives of this country. And in conclusion, I hope and pray 
 that the projectors of this Institution may be blessed with 
 every success in their best intended endeavours. 
 
 Thanks were then returned to the Chairman for his able 
 conduct in the Chair, and the meeting broke up at half- 
 past six o'clock. 
 
107 
 CHAPTER XIV. 
 
 Correspondence with Government, the Collector of Land 
 Revenues, the Director of Public. Instruction and the 
 Municipal Commissioners, on the subject of the Framji 
 Co wasji In stitu te. 
 
 No. 4577 of 1851. 
 
 GENERAL DEPARTMENT. 
 To 
 
 JOSEPH PATTON, ESQUIRE, 
 
 Secretary to the Committee of the 
 
 Framji Cowasji Testimonial. 
 
 SIR, 
 
 I have been directed by the Eight Honorable the Gover- 
 nor in Council to acknowledge the receipt of your letter 
 dated the <51st November last, submitting certain Re- 
 solutions passed at a late meeting of the subscribers to the 
 Framji Cowasji Testimonial, and soliciting the aid of 
 Government towards establishing a Museum in connection 
 with the Students' Literary and Scientific Society. 
 
 2. The Government of India, have recently declined to 
 sanction an allowance of Rupees (150) one hundred and 
 fifty per mensem, solicited by the Students' Literary and 
 Scientific Society, to meet the expense of a Building 
 suitable for the purposes of a Library. Lecture Koom, and 
 Laboratory, on the ground that that Institution was not of 
 a nature to warrant such a grant to it from the Public 
 Revenues. 
 
 3 This Resolution of the Government of India is 
 equally applicable to the present request. The usefulness 
 of the Students' Literary and Scientific Institution has no- 
 where been more fully acknowledged than by the Govern- 
 
108 
 
 msnt, and it is therefore with the greater regret that His 
 Lordship in Council is compelled to refuse the Committee's 
 application, 
 
 I have the honor to be, 
 
 Sir, 
 Your most obedient Servant, 
 
 (Signed) A. RICHARDSON, 
 
 Deputy Secry. to Govt. 
 BOMBAY CASTLE, 2Jtk December 1851. 
 
 To 
 
 J. Q. LUMSDEN, ESQUIRE, 
 
 Secretary to Government, 
 
 General Department. 
 SIR, 
 
 I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of a letter 
 from A. Richardson, Esquire, Acting Secretary to Govern- 
 ment, intimating that the Government of India had refused 
 to sanction an allowance of Rs 150 per month, to the 
 Students' Literary and Scientific Society for house rent, 
 and that the Honorable the Governor in Council conceived 
 a similar reply would be given to an application which I 
 had the honor to submit on behalf of the Committee of the 
 Framji Cowasji Testimonial. In reply, I would take the 
 liberty of stating, that the sum now collected for the 
 Framji Cawasji Testimonial, amounts to nearly Rs. 10,000. 
 and that there is not much hope of increasing this con- 
 siderably. With this sum the Committee cannot carry out, 
 even imperfectly, the plans which they had in contem- 
 plation, and they earnestly request that Government taking 
 into consideration the worth of Framji Cowasji in honor of 
 whom the Testimonial has been proposed, and the highly 
 useful labours of the Students' Literary and Scientific 
 Society for whom the building is intended together with 
 the general advantages to be expected from the Library, 
 Lectures,, and Museum,, will grant a piece of ground for a 
 
109 
 
 building, and make such a donation to the fund as will 
 enable the Committee to erect a building suitable for the 
 purposes proposed. 
 
 I have the honor to be, 
 
 Sir, 
 Your most obedient Servant, 
 
 (Sd.) JOSEPH PA'ITON, Secy, to the Committee. 
 Elpliinstone Institution, Bombay, llli February 1852. 
 
 No. 578 of 1852. 
 
 GENERAL DEPARTMENT. 
 To 
 
 J. PATTOX, ESQUIRE, 
 
 Secretary to the Framji Cowasji 
 
 Testimonial Committee. 
 SIR, 
 
 I am directed to acknowledge the receipt of your letter, 
 dated the 7th instant, and in reply to acquaint you, that as 
 a mark of the approbation with which the Right Honorable 
 the Governor in Council regards the exertions made by the 
 members of the Literary and Scientific Society to promote 
 the education of their countrymen, he is pleased to grant a 
 donation of Rs. 4,000 to be added to the Fund of Rs. 10,000 
 which has been collected for the purpose of erecting a 
 Museum, &c. 
 
 2. The decision of Government on the request of the 
 Committee that Government will grant them a piece of 
 ground as a site for the proposed building will be separately 
 disposed of and communicated to you hereafter. 
 
 I have the honor to be, 
 
 Sir, 
 Your most obedient Servant, 
 
 (Signed) J. G. LUMSDEN, Secy, to Govt. 
 BOMFAY CASTLE, 28M February 1852. 
 
110 
 
 To 
 
 J. W. MCJSPRATT, ESQUIRE, 
 
 G-eneral Paymaster. 
 Si R, 
 
 I have the honor to write to you that in a letter No. 578 
 of 1852, dated the 28th February 1852, addressed by J. Q-. 
 Lumsden, Ksq., Secretary to Government, to my predecessor 
 the late Professor Patton, it was intimated to him that the 
 Right Honorable the Governor in Council was pleased to 
 grant a donation of Rs. 4.000 to be added to the Frainj 
 Cowasji Testimonial Fund. I beg therefore to request you 
 will have the goodness to pay the amount to the bearer, 
 whom I have authorized to receive it and pass a receipt for 
 
 'the same. 
 
 I have the honor to be, 
 
 Sir, 
 Your most obedient Servant, 
 
 NARAYEN DINANATHJI, 
 BOMBAY, 18th January 1853. Acting Secretary. 
 
 No. 276 of 1852. 
 MEMORANDUM. 
 
 The officer in charge Land Revenue Collector's office 
 presents compliments to Professor Patton, and with refer- 
 ence to the subjoined copy of a Memo : from Mr. Secretary 
 Lumsden, No. 2635, dated the 16th instant, begs the favor 
 of Professor Patton informing him, whether he has as yet 
 made any selection of the ground which he was informed 
 might be made over to the Committee of the Framji Cowasji 
 
 Testimonial. 
 
 A. D.ROBERTSON, 
 
 In charge Land Revenue Collector's Office. 
 BOMBA.Y COLLECTOR'S OFFICE, 2lst July 1852. 
 
Ill 
 
 To 
 
 A. D. ROBERTSON, ESQWTRE, 
 
 Acting Collector,, Land Revenue in Bombay, 
 SIR, 
 
 I have the honor to inform you that the Committee of 
 the Framji Cowasji Testimonial have appointed P. \V. 
 LeGreyt, Esq., Dr. McLenan, Jtiggunnath Sunkersett, Esq., 
 and me, to make a selection of one of the pieces of ground 
 offered them by Government, and that these gentlemen 
 having resolved to meet at the country house of Jugg-unnath 
 Sunkersett, Esq., on the Breach Road, at 5 o'clock P.M., on 
 Monday, the 13th instant, and to proceed thence to exa- 
 mine the pieces of ground, you have been requested to send 
 your Deputy Surveyor or any other person you may think 
 proper to meet them at the above mentioned place at the 
 appointed time, and to give them any information they Inav 
 require respecting the spots in question. 
 
 I have the honor to be, 
 
 Sir, 
 Your most obedient Servant, 
 
 (Signed) NARAYENDINANATHJI, 
 
 BOMBAY, Sih September 1852. Actino Secretary. 
 
 No. 357 OF 1852. 
 From 
 
 A. D. ROBERTSON, ESQUIRE, 
 
 In charge Land Revenue Collector's Office, 
 To 
 
 NARAYEN DINANATHJI, FSQTJIRE, 
 
 Acting Secretary. 
 SIR, 
 
 In reply to your letter of this day's date, I beg to inform 
 you, that I hive giv?.u orders for a Surve yorto be in attend- 
 ance ou the gentlemen appointed by the Committee of 
 
112 
 
 the Framji Cowasji Testimonial to select a piece of ground 
 on the evening of the 13th instant, at the house of Juggun- 
 nath Sunkersett, Esq. 
 
 I have the honor to be, 
 
 Sir, 
 Your most obedient Servant, 
 
 A. D. ROBERTSON, 
 In charge Land Revenue, Collector's Office. 
 
 BOM KAY, COLLECTOR'S OFFICE, Slh September 1852. 
 
 ]S T o. 191 of 1853. 
 MEMORANDUM 
 
 The Collector of Bombay presents his compliments to 
 
 1. Memo, from Mr. Robertson, the Secretary to the Coin- 
 Officiating Collector to Professor . .. 
 
 Patton, dated 2isr July 1852. mittee oi the < rainji Cowasji 
 
 rrilft: Testimonial, and begs to be 
 8th September iJ- 52. informed, with reference to 
 
 3. Mr. Robertson's Reply No. 357, 
 
 dated 8th September 1852. the correspondence noted in 
 
 the margin, whether the committee have made any selection 
 of the ground which they propose to ask Government to 
 make over to them for the Framji Cowasji Testimonial 
 
 F. HUTCHINSON, Collector. 
 BOMBAY, COLLECTOR'S OFFICE, 17 th May 1853. 
 
 No. Ill OF 1854. 
 To 
 
 NARAYEN DINANATHJI, ESQUIRE, 
 
 Secretary to the Committee of the 
 
 Framji Cowasji Testimonial. 
 SIR, 
 
 With reference to your letter of the 16th ultimo, I have 
 the honor to request that you will be good enough to in* 
 form me what has been done in respect to the selection of a 
 piece of ground for the Framji Cowasji Testimonial. 
 
113 
 
 2. I beg an early answer, which is required to enable 
 me to reply to a further reference which has been made to 
 me by Government. 
 
 I have the honor to be, 
 
 Sir, 
 Your most obedient Servant, 
 
 F. HUTCHINSON, Collector. 
 BOMBAY, COLLECTOR'S OFFICE, 18th March 1854. 
 
 No. 237 OF 1854. 
 To 
 
 NARAYEN DINANATHJI, ESQUIRE, 
 
 Secretary to the Committee of the 
 
 Framji Cowasji Testimonial. 
 
 SIR, 
 
 Adverting to my letter of the 18th ^larch last, to which 
 I have yet received no reply, I have the honor to acquaint 
 you that, I have received the instructions of Government to 
 offer the Committee as a site for the proposed Testimonial, 
 one of the spots of ground on the verge of the Esplanade, 
 which were made over to several parties in 1836 on suffer- 
 ence tenure and of which a plan may be seen in this office. 
 
 2. I request you will be good enough to inform me 
 with as little delay as possible, which of those spots the 
 Committee would wish to have for that purpose. 
 
 I have the honor to be, 
 
 Sir, 
 Your most obedient Servant, 
 
 F. HUTCHINSON, Collector. 
 BOMBAY, COLLECTOR'S OFFICE, 26th June 1854. 
 
114 
 
 To 
 
 F. HUTCHINSON, ESQ., 
 
 Collector of Land Revenue, Bombay. 
 
 SIR, 
 
 In reply to your letter No. 237 of 1854, dated the 26th 
 June last, I have the honor to inform you by the direction 
 of the Managing Committee of Framji Cowasji Institute, 
 that they have chosen the spot marked 71 in your plan as 
 a site for the proposed Institute, and shall feel obliged by 
 your adopting early measures to put them in possession of it. 
 
 I have been further directed to inform you, that it is 
 their intention to erect on the spot, an upper roomed build- 
 ing of the dimensions described in the accompanying plan. 
 
 The Committee observe, that a small piece of ground 
 adjoining that selected by them is not to be obtained with- 
 out compensating the tenants, I allude to the spot marked 
 No. 43 in your plan. As it is essential that the Committee 
 should be placed in possession of this piece of ground, I 
 shall be obliged by your informing me the amount of com- 
 pensation that will be required to obtain it. 
 
 I have the honor to be, 
 
 Sir, 
 Your most obedient Servant, 
 
 NARAYEN DINANATHJI, Secretary. 
 BOMBAY, 3rd August 1854. 
 
115 
 
 No. 318 of 1854 
 To 
 
 NARAYEN D1NANATHJT, ESQUIRE, 
 
 Secretary, Framji Cawasji Institute. 
 
 Sin, 
 
 With reference to the 3rd paragraph of your letter of the 
 3rd instant, I have the honor to state 
 
 Mnnguldass Nathoo- 
 
 bhoy, Fuaioodin Now- that the piece of ground therein alluded 
 to belong? to Government and could be 
 resumed, I think, by Government under the provisions of 
 act XVII of 1850, I have made enquiry and find that the 
 erections thereon, being tiled sheds used as shops, are the 
 property of the persons named in the margin, whose aggre- 
 gate rental therefrom is about Rupees eight hundred per 
 annum. It is difficult to say what amount of Compensation 
 would be awarded them by a Jury, but I have little doubt 
 that the Committee might purchase the shops for less than 
 the owner would expect from Government. 
 
 2. I beg to be informed at your earliest convenience 
 whether the Committee desire the spot marked No. 71 in 
 the plan shown to you in this office, for the Institute irres- 
 pectively of their obtaining or not the piece of adjoining 
 ground above alluded to. 
 
 I have the honor to be, 
 
 Sir, 
 Your most obedient Servant, 
 
 F. HUTCHINSON, Collector. 
 BOMBAY, COLLECTOR'S OFFICE, 18th August 18o4. 
 
116? 
 
 No. 2789 of 1854. 
 
 GENERAL DEPARTMENT. 
 To 
 
 THE SECRETARY to THE FRAMJI COWASJT 
 
 TESTIMONIAL COMMITTEE, BOMBAY. 
 SIR, 
 
 With reference to paragraph 2nd of the letter from this 
 department (No. 578), dated the 28th February, 1852, I am 
 directed to refer the Committee to the Collector of Bombay, 
 who has received the instructions of Government regarding 
 the ground applied for. 
 
 I have the honor to be, 
 
 Sir, 
 Your most obedient Servant, 
 
 C. G. FRASER TYTLER, 
 
 Offg. Secretary to Govt. 
 
 BOMBAY CASTLE, 18th August 1854. 
 
 To 
 
 F. HUTCHINSON, ESQUIRE, 
 
 Collector of Land Revenue, Bombay. 
 SIR, 
 
 I have the honor to inform you, that the Committee of the 
 Framji Cowasji Institute have instructed me to accept the 
 spot No. 71 for the Institute leaving the question of obtain- 
 ing the adjoining spot for future consideration and to 
 request the favour of your putting them in possession of 
 the spot as early as possible. 
 
 I have the honor to be, 
 
 Sir, 
 Your most obedient Servant, 
 
 N AH A YEN DINANATHJI, Secretary. 
 BOMBAY, 7th September 1854. 
 
117 
 
 Ko. 442 of 1854. 
 To 
 
 KARAYEN DINANATHJI, ESQUIRE, 
 
 Secretary to the Framji Cowasji Institute. 
 
 With reference to your letter of the 7tli September last, 
 I have the honor to inform you, that Government have inti- 
 mated to me that the spot selected by the Committee can- 
 not ba nude available for the purpose of the Institute. 
 
 I have the honor to be, 
 
 Sir, 
 Tour most obedient Servant, 
 
 F. HUTCHINSON, Collector. 
 
 Bo>irAY, COLLECTOR'S OFFICE, 22nd November 1854. 
 
 To 
 
 H. YOUNG, ESQUIRE, 
 
 Officiating Chief Secretary to Government, 
 
 Bombay. 
 SIR, 
 
 I have the honor by desire of the Sob-Committee of the 
 Framji Cowasji Institute to state for the information of 
 his Lordship in Council, that some time ago they applied to 
 Government for a piece of ground for the use of the In- 
 stitute and Government was pleased to offer through the 
 Collector of Bombay some of the spots on the verge of the 
 Esplanade. The Committee thereupon selected one of them 
 and intimated their determination to that officer, saguinely 
 hoping, from two pressing letters addressed to them by that 
 officer requesting them to come to an early determination 
 in making their selection, that they would soon be put in 
 possession of it, but the last letter of that officer intimated 
 to the Committee, that the spot selected by them could not 
 be made available for the purpose of the Institute, 
 
118 
 
 Now the Committee beg again to bring to the notice 
 of Government that the fund at their disposal is just 
 sufficient for building and fitting up the proposed Institute 
 and will hardly leave anything for the purchase of a piece 
 of ground and they therefore earnestly request that Govern- 
 ment, taking into consideration the worth of the late 
 Framji Cowasji, Esq., in commemoration of whom the 
 Institute has been proposed to be established and the useful 
 labours of the Students' Literary and Scientific Society for 
 whom the building is chiefly intended, as also the important 
 advantages that the Native community in general will 
 derive from the Library, Museum and Lectures in connection 
 with the proposed Institute, will favour the Committee by 
 complying with their request. 
 
 I have the honor to be. 
 
 Sir, 
 Your most obedient Servant, 
 
 KARA YEN DINAKATHJI, Secretary. 
 BOMBAY, 22nd February 1855. 
 
 To 
 
 W. HART, ESQ., 
 
 Officiating Chief Secretary to Government. 
 Si*, 
 
 With reference to my last letter to the address of your 
 predecessor on the subject of a site for the Framji 
 Cowasji Institute, I have the honor to state that having 
 lately been in communication with the Collector of 
 Bombay, I was given to understand that Government hav- 
 ing permitted the heirs of the late Mahomed Ebrahim 
 Muckba to retain on their payment to Government of a cer- 
 tain amount of valuation, the spot of ground on the verge 
 of the Esplanade which the Committee of the Framji 
 
119 
 
 Cawasjee had applied for, the spot in question could not be 
 made available for the purpose of the Institute. I was 
 further informed that there was no other piece of ground 
 belonging to Government that would suit the purposes of 
 the Institute. 
 
 Under these circumstances I have been directed by the 
 Sub- Committee of the Frarnji Cowasji Institute to write 
 to you, that as Government, having a due regard to the 
 many excellent qualities of the individual in commemora- 
 tion of whom the Institute is proposed to be founded as 
 well as to the general usefulness of the Institute to the 
 ^Natives at large, have kindly expressed their desire to pro- 
 Tide the Committee with a piece of ground for the Institute 
 and would have in fact given the piece of ground the 
 Committee had applied for, had Government not shown an 
 indulgent consideration to the claims to the ground of the 
 Jieirs of the late Mahoiaed Ebrahini Muekba and as there 
 is no other piece of Government ground available for the 
 purpose, the Committee have no other alternative but most 
 respectfully to lay that His Lordship in Council will kindly 
 extend his support to the Institute so far as to make over to 
 it a certain sum of money at least equal to which may be 
 received by Government as the valuation of the spot of 
 ground which they were prepared to give for the use of the 
 Institue, in order to enable the Committee to purchase 
 another piece of ground for the Institute in a suitable 
 locality. 
 
 I have the honor to be, 
 
 Sir, 
 Your most obedient Servant, 
 
 NARAYEN DINANATHJI, Secretary. 
 BOMBAY, 15th May 1855. 
 
120 
 
 No. 1795 OF 1855. 
 
 G-ENERAL DEPARTMENT. 
 To 
 
 THE SECRETARY TO THE FRAMJI COWASJI 
 
 INSTITUTE, 
 
 In reply to your letter dated the 15th May 1855, I am 
 directed by the Right Honorable the Governor in Council 
 to request that you will have the goodness to point out to 
 the Collector of Bombay the spot of ground which the 
 Committee would wish to negotiate for, were a pecuniary 
 grant made to them as requested, in order to enable that 
 officer to report whether it would not be feasible to obtain 
 it from the owner by exchange of Government ground 
 elsewhere, instead of by a money payment. 
 
 I have the honor to be> 
 
 Sir, 
 Your most obedient Servant, 
 
 "W. HART, Secretary to Government. 
 BOMBAY CASTLE, 25th May 1855. 
 
 No. 237 OF 1855. 
 To 
 
 NARAYEN DINANATHJI, FSQUIRE, 
 
 Secretary to Framji Cowasji Institute. 
 SIR, 
 
 With reference to the request made by me to you, on 
 several occasions since the receipt by you of Mr. Secretary 
 Hart's letter, No. 1795, dated the 25th ultimo, that you 
 would be so good as to point out to me the piece of ground 
 for the obtainment of which the Committee would wish me 
 to negociate with the owner, I have the honor to beg that 
 I may be informed, as early as possible whether the Com- 
 
mittee have selected a site for the Institute, in order to 
 enable me to submit a report which I have been directed to 
 make to Government on the subject. 
 
 I have the honor to be, 
 
 Sir, 
 Your most obedient Servant, 
 
 F. HUTCHINSON, Collector. 
 BOMEAY, COLLECTOR'S OFFICE, 22nd June 1855. 
 
 To 
 
 F. HUTCHINSON ESQUIRE, 
 
 Collector of Bombay. 
 
 SIR, 
 
 With reference to Mr. Secretary Hart's letter No. 1795, 
 dated the 25th of May last, and yours of the 22nd June and 
 llth July last, I have been directed by the Sub-Committee 
 of the Framji Cowasji Institute to inform, that the following 
 are the four spots of ground, one of which they would nego- 
 tiate for, were a pecuniary grant made to them by Govern- 
 ment as requested in their letter of the 13th of May last. 
 
 1. A piece of ground belonging to Mr. Tyebji Bhaee- 
 
 meea situated on the Esplanade cross road and 
 adjoining the Scotch Free Church. There are a 
 number of small houses on this spot. 
 
 2. The spot of ground situated on the Girgaum road 
 
 near Framji Cowasji Tank on which the present 
 building of the Native General Library stands. It is 
 owned by Mr. Chintoba Ramchundra Chapwalla. 
 
 3. Ditto Ditto. It belongs to the Estate of the late 
 
 Ramchander Pondoosett 
 
122 
 
 4. A spot of ground with a building standing thereon 
 belonging to situated 
 
 on the Girgaum road near the Fire Temple of the 
 late Horrnusji Bomonji Esquire. 
 
 I have the honor to be, 
 
 Sir, 
 Your most obedient Servant, 
 
 KARA YEN DINANATHJI, Secretary. 
 BOMBAY, 2lst July 1855. 
 
 No. 1180 OF 1856. 
 
 BOMBAY OFFICE OF THE DIRKCTOR OF 
 
 PUBLIC INSTRUCTION, 26th June 1856. 
 To 
 
 THE SECRETARY TO THE FRAMJI COWASJI 
 
 INSTITUTE. 
 SIR, 
 
 You informed me in the month of March last, that the 
 total sum at the disposal of the Fraraji Cowasji Institute for 
 building purposes is now about Rs. 16,000 exclusive of the 
 Us. 4,000 grauted by Government in 1852. 
 
 2. Government have now agreed to expend on the pur- 
 chase of a suitable site for the Institute, such a sum as may 
 be necessary to secure an ample and convenient one pro- 
 vided that the amount now required together with that 
 formerly assigned, shall not together exceed the sum above 
 quoted as the private capital of the Institute." 
 
 3. I have been authorized within this limit to conclude, 
 in communication with the Committee, a final arrange- 
 ment on this subject. I had hoped that you would have 
 been able ere this to have pointed out an advantageous and 
 available situation. Up to this time apparently you have 
 not succeeded and all idea of purchasing the site originally 
 contemplated has, I believe been abandoned, may I beg that 
 
123 
 
 yon will consult the Committee on the subject without loss 
 of time and let me know their wishes as soon as possible. 
 1 would suggest a reference if necessary to the Collector 
 of Bombay. 
 
 4. I need hardly indicate the propriety of the Com- 
 mittee after this liberal concession by Government making 
 a hearty effort to add considerably to their private resources. 
 I am confident that an appeal on this ground to the friends 
 of the respected gentleman after whom the Institute is 
 named would be warmly responded to. 
 
 5. Will you kindly favor me with a plan of the proposed 
 
 building. 
 
 I have the honor to be, 
 
 Sir, 
 Your most obedient Servant, 
 
 C. J. ERSK1NE, 
 Director of Public Instruction. 
 
 To 
 
 E. I. HOWARD, ESQ., 
 
 Director of Public Instruction, Bombay. 
 SIR, 
 
 With reference to your letter No. 904 of 1857, dated the 
 23rd May 1857, I have been instructed by the Sub-Com- 
 mittee of the Fiamji Cowasji Institute to inform you that 
 after trying in vain for along time to secure a suitable site 
 for the Framji Cowasji Institute they have at last succeeded 
 in contracting for the purchase of a spot which they 
 consider a very eligible site in every respect for the 
 Institute. You will observe from the accompanying plan 
 of the premises I have forwarded for your iuspection, that 
 the spot in question colored red is situated at the South- 
 West corner of the Framji Cowasji Tank, and a fine build- 
 ing erected on it will be seen from almost every point on 
 
the Esplanade and its prominent situation appearing from 
 a distance almost in a line with the two new buildings 
 lately erected on the verge of the Esplanade by the Church 
 Mission Society will greatly add to the beauty of the town 
 when viewed from the Fort and whole of the Esplanade. On 
 referring to the original title of the spot in question the 
 Committee find that it is resumable by Government when 
 required for public purposes by paying to the holder of it 
 Rupees 2,500. The Committee therefore request you will 
 be good enough to solicit Government on their behalf to 
 give up their right of resuming the spot after it shall have 
 been purchased for the Frarnji Cowasji Institute. 
 
 If you approve of this site and make over to the Com- 
 mittee the amount Government have been kind enough to 
 promise to pay for purchasing a piece of ground for the 
 Framji Cowasji Institute they will either purchase the 
 buildings situated on the West of the site in question and 
 enclosed within the pencil line drawn on the plan or obtain 
 the permission of the Municipal Commissioners to allow the 
 Committee to erect in the Tank 3 or 4 stone pillars marked 
 in pencil 1. 2. 3. in the plan and to extend their proposed 
 buildings over a portion of the Tank, to the pencil line 
 marked A. B. in the plan, which concession, the Sub- 
 Corn mitbee have every reason to believe, the Municipal 
 Commissioners will have no objection to make, as this 
 proposition, when carried out, will not only greatly add to 
 the beauty of the Tank but also materially tend to the 
 preservation of the water contained in it. 
 
 I have the honor to be, 
 
 Sir, 
 Your most obedient Servant, 
 
 NARAYEN DINANATHJI, Secietary. 
 BOMBAY, Sth September 1857. 
 
125 
 
 No. 1897 OP 1857. 
 
 BOMBAY OFFICE cr THE DIRECTOR OP 
 
 PUBLIC INSTRUCTION, loth Deceinler 1857. 
 To 
 
 NARAYEN DINANATHJI, ESQUIKE, 
 
 Secretary to the Framji Cowasji Institute. 
 SIR, 
 
 With reference to your letter dated 3rd September last, 
 I have the houor to request that you will be kind enough 
 to state for the information of the Right Honorable the 
 G< vernor in Council whether under present circum- 
 stances the fulfilment of the offer made by Government on 
 behalf of the Framji Cowasji Institute, and which has been 
 allowed to remain unavailable of so long, cannot be further 
 
 postponed. 
 
 I have the honor to be, 
 
 Sir, 
 Your most obedient Servant, 
 
 E. I. HOWARD, 
 Director of Public Instruction. 
 
 To 
 
 E. I. HOWARD, ESQUIRE, 
 
 Director of Public Instruction. 
 SIR, 
 
 With reference to your lettter No. 1897 of 1857, dated 
 15th December 1857, I have been desired by the Sub-Com- 
 mittee of the Framji Cowasji Institute to state for the 
 information of the Right Hon'ble the Governor in Council 
 that under the circumstances alluded to in the letter under 
 reply, that they cannot for a moment think of requesting 
 his Lordship in Council to fulfil immediately the liberal 
 offer, that has been made by Government. They are, how- 
 ever, glad to have it in their power to state, that one of their 
 Committee who is a member of the family of the late Framji 
 
126 
 
 Cowasji, Esq.) has with a view to enable the Committee 
 to commence with the building at once, offered to advance 
 to them the amount promised to be paid by Government, 
 on condition of Government repaying it to him, as soon as 
 they can conveniently do so. 
 
 The Sub-Committee therefore trust that in the event of 
 there being no other difficulty in the way, His Lordship in 
 Council will be pleased to sanction the proposed arrange- 
 ment, and permit the Sub-Committee to complete at once 
 the purchase of the site they have selected for the building 
 for they apprehend that in the event of their losing the 
 opportunity of securing the site they have now in view 
 they will meet with a very great difficulty in fixing upon 
 another one so well suited for the purpose of the Institute, 
 a difficulty that has up to this time prevented them from 
 making any progress in the cause of the Institute. 
 
 I have the honor to be, 
 
 Sir, 
 Your most obedient Servant, 
 
 NAKAYEN DINANATHJI, Secretary. 
 BOMBAY, 15th January 1858. 
 
 No. 298 OF 1858. 
 
 GENERAL DEPARTMENT. 
 To 
 
 THE DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC INSTRUCTION. 
 
 THE CIVIL AUDITOR. 
 BOMBAY CASTLE, 3rd February 1858. 
 
 Letter from the Director of Public Instruction, No. 124, 
 dated the 16th January 1858. 
 
 Submits for the consideration of Government a request 
 by the Committee of the Framji Cowasji Institute that, as 
 Government desire to postpone the fulfilment of the offer 
 
127 
 
 made by them to contribute towards the purchase of a site 
 for the Institute, they may be allowed to accept an offer 
 made by a member of the family of the late Framji Cowasji, 
 Esquire, to advauce the sum promised by Government 
 Rs. 12,000 on condition that it be repaid as soon as Govern- 
 ment can conveniently do so. 
 
 Resolution of Government en the above, dated the 29th 
 January 1858. 
 
 The Right Honorable the Governor in Council is pleased 
 to accord his sanction to the arrangement proposed by the 
 Sub-Committee of the Framji Cowasji Institution and re- 
 commended by the Director of Public Instruction. 
 
 2nd. As requested in paragraph 3rd of Mr. Howard's 
 letter No. 1732, dated 28th October of 1857, Governmeut 
 undertake to give up their right of resuming the spot 
 selected for the Institute as long as the ground be devoted 
 bond-fide to the purposes for which the Institute is to be 
 founded. 
 
 3. The necessary intimation should be made to the 
 Revenue Department of the sanction accorded in para- 
 graph 2. 
 
 (True Copy) 
 W. HART, Secretary to Government. 
 
 (True Copy) 
 
 E. I. HOWARD, 
 
 Director of Public Instruction. 
 
128 
 
 No. 341 of 1858. 
 
 GKNEKAL DEPARTMENT. 
 To 
 
 THE DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC INSTRUCTION. 
 
 SIR, 
 
 I am directed to remind you that Government approve 
 of the recommendation made by you in your letter No. 124, 
 dated 16th January 1858, and alluded to at the close of 
 paragraph 1 of Government Resolution No. 298, dated 3rd 
 February 1858, involves the adoption of your suggestion 
 that interest is not to be paid by Government on the amount 
 to be advanced by a member of the late Framji Cowasjr's 
 Institute, and to request that the person who advances the 
 money may be made to fully understand this (should he not 
 do so already) before he pays it. 
 
 I have the honor to be, 
 
 Sir, 
 Your most obedient Servant, 
 
 W. HART, Secretary to Government. 
 (True Copy) 
 
 E. I. HOWARD, 
 
 Director of Public Instruction. 
 BOMBAY CASTLE, 8th February 1858. 
 
 BOMBAY, 25th October 1858. 
 E. I. HOWARD, ESQ., 
 
 Director of Public Instruction, Bombay. 
 
 SIR, 
 
 I have been directed by the Committee of the Framji 
 Cowasji Institute to state for the information of the Right 
 Honorable the Governor in Council, that when they applied 
 for the sanction of Government for the erection of a buildign 
 
129 
 
 for the " Pramji Cowasji Institute" on the site of the Alma 
 Hotel, at the South- West corner of the Framji Cowasji 
 Tank, they intended to apply to the Municipal Commissioners 
 for the use of the bullock shed at the south side of the 
 Tank, in order that the view of the proposed building may 
 not be obstructed by any high building between it and the 
 Girgaum road, and accordingly when they wrote to the 
 Commissioners for permission to extend the proposed build- 
 ing of the Framji Cowasji Institute over a portion of the 
 Tank, they requested that a portion of the bullock shed may 
 be transferred to the Institution, and that permission may 
 be granted for the construction of an open terrace on the 
 top of the remaining portion of ifc. 
 
 The Municipal Commissioners however while granting 
 their permission to the Committee for the extension of the 
 Framji Cowasji building over a portion of the Tank, inti- 
 mated to them that the decision of the Commissioners with 
 regard to the bullock shed would be communicated to them 
 hereafter ; and they have since informed the Committee 
 that, as they have made over the bullock shed to Govern- 
 ment for the use of the Native Dispensary, they are unable 
 to comply with the request of the Committee regarding the 
 bullock shed. 
 
 The Committee anticipating no difficulty in obtaining the 
 bullock shed, or at least a portion of it, have not only pull- 
 ed down the Alma Hotel (which cost them Rs. 5,500) for 
 preparing the laud thereof for the intended Institute, but 
 have erected a wall in the Tank and are about to fill it up, 
 at an expense in all of about 2,000 Rupees. The Com- 
 mittee have now to their great disappointment been given 
 to understand that Government intend to construct one or 
 two stories on the top of the bullock shed, for the accommo- 
 dation of the Native Dispensary, which it is proposed to 
 
ISO 
 
 remove from its present locality ; and as by its doing scf 
 the view of the proposed building for the Framji Cowasjt 
 Institute, from the Girgaum road will not only be greatly 
 obstructed but the front part of the Institute can hardly be 
 completed without taking in a portion of the bullock shed } 
 they beg to make the following proposal far the favorable 
 consideration of Government with an earnest hope that it 
 may meet with his Lordship's approbation. 
 
 That the bullock shed be made over to the Committee 
 entirely for the use of the Framji Cowasji Institute, on 
 condition of their providing for the use of the Native Dis- 
 pensary a piece of ground out of the same Tank of the 
 same area as that occupied by the bullock shed, at the 
 North East corner of the Framji Cowasji Tank, by arching 
 over or filling up at their own expense a portion of the 
 Tank at that corner, 
 
 As the adaption of this proposal by Government woukl not 
 only prevent the interference of the two institutions with 
 one another, but also secure very eligible sites for both, 
 without subjecting either of them to any co-nsiderable addi- 
 tional expense. The Committee most respectfully request, 
 that you will do them the favour of submitting the proposal 
 for the favorable consideration of Government, and of obtain- 
 ing their sanction to the same, otherwise they will be under 
 the necessity of giving up the idea of constructing on the 
 present site the proposed building for an Institute, which has 
 so long remained in abeyance for want of means and an 
 eligible site. 
 
 I have the honor to be, 
 
 Sir 
 Your most obedient Servant, 
 
 NARAYEN DINANATHJF, 
 
 Secretary to the Framji Cowasji Institute 
 
131 
 
 No. 1561 OF 1858. 
 
 PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT, 
 CIVIL ARCHITECT'S OFFICE, 
 
 BOMBAY, 4<th November 1858. 
 
 With reference to his letter dated 25th October 1858, to 
 the Address of the Director of Public Instruction, the Secre- 
 tary to the Committee of the Framji Cowasji Institute is 
 requested to lend the undersigned the plans of the New 
 Institute for inspection. 
 
 CHARLES FREDERICK NORTH, Major, 
 
 Civil Architect at the Bombay Presidency. 
 
 BOMBAY, 8^ November 1858. 
 
 With reference to the Civil Architect's Memo. No. 1561 of 
 1858, dated the 4th November 1858, the undersigned begs to 
 send him the accompanying plans of the proposed Institute 
 for his inspection, and shall be happy to see him at any 
 time that may suit his convenience for any explanation he 
 may require on the subject. 
 
 NARAYEN DINANATHJI, 
 
 Secretary to the Framji Cowasji Institute. 
 
 (Copies ) 
 No. 189 OF 1858. 
 
 GOVERNMENT CENTRAL MUSEUM, 
 
 TOWN HALL, November 23rd; 1858. 
 To 
 
 THE SECRETARY TO GOVERNMENT, 
 
 GENERAL DEPARTMENT. 
 
 SIR, 
 
 In continuation of the subject of the latter portion of my 
 tatter No. 175, dated November 4th, 1858, to your address, 
 I have the honor to inform you, that having first ascertained 
 
132 
 
 by personal visits (chiefly in company with Mr. Bhow Dajee, 
 G.G.M.C.) to the leading members of the various Native 
 communities of the Island, the unanimity of their df sires to 
 found an Economic Museum, and Natural History Gardens, 
 on a scale worthy of Bombay, and finding that the great 
 majority of them wish to connect the Establishment of such 
 Institutions, with an expression of their affection for the 
 Queen, I on the 18th instant issued printed invitations to 
 150 Native Gentlemen of mark to meet me here this after- 
 noon to take into consideration the best means of carrying 
 out their double project. 
 
 2. I believed it would be best furthered by means of a 
 public meeting and oil the gentlemen assembling at the 
 appointed hour, I laid before them a requisition on the 
 Sheriff of the Town which after an intelligent discussion 
 was unanimously adopted. Its terms are us follows : 
 
 To 
 
 E. HEYCOCK, ESQ., 
 
 Sheriff of Bombay. 
 
 SIR, 
 
 We the undersigned desirous of establishing 1 some endur- 
 ing testimony of the loyal devotion of the inhabitants of 
 this Island to Her Most Gracious Majesty the Queen, 
 request that you will be so good as to call as early as 
 practicable a public meeting of the people of Bombay for 
 the purpose of erecting an Economic Museum with Natural 
 History and pleasure Gardens, to be styled in our sovereign's 
 honor the Victoria Museum and Gardens. 
 
 We, &c." 
 
 On Friday it will be forwarded to the Sheriff whom I 
 shall beg to name an early day for the demonstration. 
 
133 
 
 3. I first intend obtaining European signatures, for now 
 that the value of the movement as having spontaneously 
 originated on the part of the natives, has been realised, I 
 think it desirable that the former should show their concur- 
 rence in it. The number and wealth however of the Native 
 Communities are so greatly superior to that of the English 
 lucated here, that with the former will necessarily rest the 
 merit of almost wholly executing, as that of first conceiving 
 the felicitous design. 
 
 4. When once the contemplated Institutions are seen, 
 established in Bombay, I believe that its example will be 
 followed by all the leading towns of the Presidency each 
 one of them will have its Victoria Museum and Gardens 
 founded not by the Government but by the free desire and 
 efforts of their inhabitants. I beiive that the benefits that 
 will result to the material interests of the country though 
 incalculably great, are among the least that will flow from 
 such sources. Their chiefest effect will be to draw together 
 in harmonious intimacy Europeans and Natives, having 
 with each other, without constraint day after day, in such 
 places the most beneficial feelings of natural good-will and 
 esteem naust be engendered and perpetuated between them. 
 1 argue most happily from the realization of the schemes 
 now under consideration, and I trust that when the public 
 have subscribed the amount I expect from thena, that it 
 may be yet further swollen by help from the Horticultural 
 Society. I intend officially applying to the trustees of the 
 Framji Cowasji Institute to throw their means into the 
 common fund, on the condition of carrying out the inten- 
 tions of the endower of that Institute as regards preserving 
 its individuality. 
 
 I have the honor to be. 
 
 Sir, 
 
 Your most obedient Servant, 
 GKORGE BIRDWOOD, 
 Secretary and Curator of the 
 Government Central Museum. 
 
IS T o. 3009 OF 1858. 
 
 GENERAL DEPARTMENT, 
 To 
 
 THE SECRETARY AND CURATOR or THE 
 
 GOVERNMENT CENTRAL MUSEUM. 
 SIR, 
 
 I am directed to acknowledge the receipt of your letter 
 No. 1$9, dated 23rd November 1858, and in reply to inform 
 you that the project of the " Victoria Museum and Gardens " 
 is one which the Right Honorable the Governor in Council 
 cannot but approve of believing that it is calculated not 
 merely to develop production and natural wealth of the 
 country, but also to create a taste for observation and for 
 the study of many useful branches of knowledge, and that, 
 those who are not benefitted by such an Institution may 
 derive amusement and gratification of a better an more in- 
 tellectual kind than any that is now open to them. 
 
 2. But His Lordship in Council while desirous to encou- 
 rage and promote this object does not lose sight of the recent 
 orders of the Honorable Court of Directors (of which a copy 
 is annexed) relative to the part to be taken by Government 
 in the carrying out of any object to which it is seen to 
 attach importance and towards which contributions from 
 the Public may be received, and his Lordship in Council 
 would therefore point out to you the necessity of avoiding 
 any proceeding's which can possibly be misconstrued into an 
 undue exercise of the influence of Government in producing 
 subscriptions for the proposed Institution. 
 
 3. If the contributions of the wealthy Natives of Bom- 
 bay to so excellent an object are clearly and unrnistakeably 
 spontaneous the Governor in Council is confident that Her 
 Majesty's Government and the Council of India will rejoice 
 to find that so much public spirit, enlightenment and 
 loyalty exist among them. 
 
135 
 
 4. The association of the Horticultural Society's Gar- 
 dens with the proposed Museum has always appeared to his 
 Lordship in Council most desirable, and he earnestly hopes 
 that it will be found practicable. 
 
 5. If the Trustees of the Framji Cowasji Institute should 
 connect that Institution with the proposed Victoria Mu- 
 seum, care will of course be taken to perpetuate the name 
 and intentions of its benevolent founder. 
 
 I have the honor to be, 
 
 Sir, 
 Your most obedient Servant., 
 
 H. YOUNG, Chief Secretary. 
 
 (True Copies.) 
 
 N. D. CHAVES, Examiner, 
 
 To accompany Government letter, General Department, 
 No. 3011, dated the 8th December 1858. 
 
 I have the honor to be, 
 
 Sir, 
 Your most obedient Servant, 
 
 H. YOUNG, Chief Secretary. 
 BOMBAY CASTLE, 8th December 1858. 
 
 No. 19 OF 1858. 
 
 BOMBAY OFFICE of the DIRECTOR of 
 
 PUBLIC INSTRUCTION, 5th January 1859. 
 To 
 
 NABAYEN DINANATHJI, ESQ., 
 
 Secretary to the Committee of the 
 
 Framji Cawasji Institute. 
 SIR. 
 
 With reference to your letter dated 25th October last, 
 
 I have the honor to forward the accompanying copy of & 
 Government letter No. 10 of the 4th instant, and the plau 
 
136 
 
 alluded to therein, and to request that the Committee will 
 be kind enough to state for the information of Government 
 whether they are willing to take the Bullock shed on the 
 terms proposed by Government in paragraphs 2 and 8. 
 
 2. I beg at the same time to draw the attention of the 
 Committee to para. 3 of the Governmert letter. 
 
 I have the honor to be, 
 
 Sir, 
 Your most obedient Servant, 
 
 W. EL NEUNHAM, 
 
 For Director cf Public Instruction. 
 
 No. 10 OP 1859. 
 To 
 
 THE DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC INSTRUCTION. 
 
 SIR, 
 
 I am directed by the Right Honorable the Governor in 
 
 Council to acknowledge the receipt 
 Public Works Depart- 
 
 ment General Charit- of yonr letter, No. 2256, dated 27 f h 
 
 able Institutions. ~ , , -toro -i 
 
 October 18o8, with accompaniment, 
 
 and in reply to request that you will be good enough 
 to inform the Committee of the Framji Cowasji Insti- 
 tute with reference to the proposal made in their 
 Secretary's letter, dated 25th October 1858, to provide a 
 site for the Bombay Native Dispensary by filling in or 
 arching over on the North side of the Framji Cowasji Tank 
 an area equal to that occupied by the portico on the South 
 side of it on condition that the latter building be made over 
 to them, that the area offered would be insufficient for the 
 requirements of the Dispensary. 
 
 2. I am instructed also to request that you will desire 
 the Committee to state whether (supposing the consent of 
 the Municipal Commissioners and Mr. Ramlall Thacoop- 
 
137 
 
 seedass be obtained) they would be willing to fill in or arch 
 over the site indicated in the accompanying plan (showing 
 the probable area and arrangements of the Dispensary, if 
 erected on the North side of the Tank) receiving the Bul- 
 lock shed in exchange. 
 
 3. In connection with this sul ject the attention of the 
 Committee of the Frarnji Cowasji Institute should be drawn 
 to the proposal contained in the correspondence forwarded 
 to them with Government letter No. 3311, dated 8th 
 December 1858, relative to the combination or union of the 
 Institute with the proposed (t Victoria Museum and Gar- 
 dens." This arrangement if approved and adopted, would 
 necessitate a reconsideration of the whole matter. 
 
 I have the honor to be, 
 
 Sir, 
 Your most obedient Servant, 
 
 H. YOUNG, Chief Secretary. 
 (True Copy.) 
 
 W. H. NEGNHAM, 
 
 For Director of Public Instruction. 
 
 BOMBAY CASTLE, 4>th January 1859. 
 
 To 
 
 JUGGANNATH SUNKERSET, ESQ. 
 
 NARAYEN D1NANATHJI, ESQ. 
 GENTLKME.V, 
 
 I am directed by the Committee of the Bombay Native 
 Dispensary to transmit to you the annexed copy of a letter 
 from Captain "W. F. Marriott, dated llth January 1859, on 
 behalf of the Committee of the New Sailors' Home, to the 
 address of the Collector of Bombay, relative to a suitable 
 house being provided for the Dispensary for temporary 
 occupation to enable the Sailors' Home Committee to 
 
138 
 
 commence without further delay the erection of the New 
 Sailors' Home ori the site on which the buildings at present 
 occupied by the Dispensary stand, and to request that you 
 will be good enough to meet Captain Marriott and Mr. F. 
 Hutchinson on the subject of Captain Marriott's letter and 
 to report the result of your conference to the Committee. 
 
 I have the honor to be, 
 
 Gentlemen, 
 Your most obedient Servant, 
 
 JAMES H. VITTERS, 
 
 Acting Secretary. 
 
 BOMBAY, llth January 1859. 
 To 
 
 F. HUTCHINSON, ESQ , 
 
 Collector, &c. 
 
 MY DEAR MR. HUTCHINSON, 
 
 Government, in stating to the Committee for the new 
 Sailors' Home the difficulties arid probable delays in provid- 
 ing a new site for the Dispensary, have added that t{ if the 
 Committee of the Sailors' Home will in meanwhile provide 
 a house suitable for the Dispensary for temporary occupa- 
 tion, Government will have no objection to its removal from 
 the buildings occupied by it and the immediate surrender 
 of the same to the Committee of the Sailors' Home/' 
 
 On behalf of the Committee, I write to ask your kind 
 assistance in procuring a suitable House. If the arrange- 
 ment regarding " Cardiff Castle " which you suggested 
 could be carried out, the Committee would be very glad, 
 and if it be in your power to ascertain both the consent of 
 the Committee of the Dispensary and of the owners of the 
 house, the Sailors' Home Committee would be exceedingly 
 obliged by your concluding the arrangement for them. 
 
139 
 
 Possibly I am asking more than you can conveniently do, 
 bat if you could kindly undertake the arrangement, the 
 Committee hereby authorize and confirm such agreement as 
 you may make on their behalf. 
 
 Of course the terms should provide the power of giving 
 up the house without a very long notice. 
 
 Believe me, yours faithfully, 
 
 W. FRED. HARRIOTT, 
 
 on behalf of the Committee. 
 
 (True Copy.) 
 JAMES H. VITTERS, Acting Secretary, 
 
 Bombay Native Dispensary. 
 
 To 
 
 EDWARD HOWARD, ESQ., 
 
 Director of Public Instruction, Bombay. 
 SIR, 
 
 With reference to your letter No. 19, dated the 5th of 
 January last, I have the honor at the desire of the Com- 
 mittee of the Framji Cowasji Institute to state for the in- 
 formation of the Right Honorable the Governor in Council 
 that they are unable to accept the offer of Government ou 
 the terms proposed in paragraphs 2 and 3 of Mr. Chief 
 Secretary Young's letter No. 10 of the 4th January 1859 to 
 your address, the Funds at the disposal of the Committee 
 not permitting them to do so. 
 
 Adverting- to the 3rd paragraph of the Government 
 letter, the Committee have instructed me to state for the 
 information of His Lordship in Council that they do not 
 intend to unite the Framji Cowasji Institute with tiie 
 Victoria Museum and Gardens. Should Government how- 
 ever resolve to make over the Bullo-k shed to the Native 
 Dispensary, the Committee apprehend that the spot of 
 ground on which it is proposed to erect a building for the 
 Framji Cowasji Institute, would be rendered quite unsuit- 
 
140 
 
 able for that purpose, and they have therefore no alternative 
 but to offer that Spot of Ground to the Government at its 
 cost price if required for their use. 
 
 In the event of Government not requiring the ground 
 the Committee request that they may be permitted to sell 
 it to any private individual that may be desirous of purchas- 
 ing it from them, and be allowed to enclose and fill up with 
 the consent of the Municipal Commissioners a portion of 
 the Framji Cowasji Tank, at its nothern side sufficient for 
 the erection of the proposed building for the Framji Cowasji 
 Institute. 
 
 The plans which accompanied the Government letter to 
 your address No. 10 of 1859 are herewith returned. 
 
 I have the honor to be, 
 
 Sir, 
 
 Your most obedient Servant, 
 NARAYEN DINANATHJI, Secretary. 
 BOMBAY, 9th May 1859. 
 
 No. 1978 OF 1859. 
 
 POONA OFFICE OF THE DIRECTOR OF 
 
 PUBLIC INSTRUCTION, 15th September 1859. 
 To 
 
 NARAYEN DINANATHJI, ESQUIRE, 
 
 Secretary to the Framji Cowasji Institute. 
 SIR, 
 
 With reference to your letter dated 9th May last, I have 
 the honor to forward the annexed copy of a letter from 
 Government No. 2380, dated 14th Instant, and to request 
 that you will have the goodness to report the actual cost 
 of the ground for the information of Government at your 
 earliest convenience. 
 
 I have the honor to be, 
 
 Sir, 
 
 Your most obedient Servant, 
 E. I. HOWARD, Director of Public Instruction. 
 
141 
 
 No. 2380 OF 1859. 
 To 
 
 THE DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC INSTRUCTION. 
 
 SIR, 
 
 I am directed by the Right Honorable the Governor ill 
 Council to acknowledge the receipt ot 
 
 Public Works Depart- 
 ment General Charitable your letter ^.'o. 1614, dated 4th August 
 Institutiots. , . -, . ,. 
 
 J8o9, and in reply to inform you that 
 
 Government are disposed to accept of the offer of the Com- 
 mittee of the Framji Cowasji Institute to sell at cost price 
 the spot of ground on which it was proposed to erect a 
 building for the Institute, but I am to request in the first 
 instance that you will be good enough to ascertain and 
 report the actual cost of the ground. 
 
 I have the honor to be, 
 
 Sir, 
 Your most obedient Servant, 
 
 H. YOUNG, Chief Secretary. 
 
 (True Copy.) 
 
 EDWARD I. HOWARD, 
 
 Director of Public Instruction, 
 
 BOMBAY CASTLE, 14/7i September 1859. 
 
 To 
 
 EDWARD I. HOWARD, ESQUIRE, 
 
 Director of Pubiic Instruction. 
 
 SIR, 
 
 With reference to your letter No. 1978 cf 1859, dated 
 the 15th September 1859, I have been instructed ty the 
 Committee of the Framji Cowasji Institute to request that 
 as the Bullock shed is no longer required for the use of the 
 Native Dispensary tie Eight Hcuoiable the Governor 
 
142 
 
 in Council will do them the favour to make over the shed 
 to them on their paying a sum of Rs. 2,000 as a contribu^ 
 tion towards recovering from the Tank a suitable piece of 
 ground for the Native Dispensary. 
 
 The Committee have been given to understand that this 
 arrangement will be agreed to by the Committee of the 
 Native Dispensary and they therefore hope that there will 
 be no objection on the part of his Lordship in Council to 
 comply with their request. 
 
 I have the honor to be, 
 
 Sir, 
 Your most obedient Servant, 
 
 NARAYEN DINANATHJT, 
 Secretary to the Framji Cowasji Institute, 
 
 BOMBAY, 16th December 1859. 
 
 To 
 
 E. I. HOWARD, ESQUIRE, 
 
 Director of Public Instruction, 
 
 Poona. 
 SIR, 
 
 With reference to your letter of the 2 1st ultimo, I have 
 been directed hy the Managing Committee of the Framji 
 Cawasji Institute to inform you that the present site of 
 the proposed Institute has already cost the Committee a 
 sum of Rs& 6)514 besides interest to the amount of about 
 Rs. 800. 
 
 I have the honor to be, 
 
 Sir, 
 Your most obedient Servant, 
 
 NARAYEN DINANATHJI, Secretary/ 
 4?/t January I860* 
 
143 
 
 No. 291 OF 18GO. 
 MEMORANDUM. 
 
 The undersigned requests that the Secretary to the Com- 
 mittee of the Framji Cowasji Institute will have the good- 
 ness to state what is the area of the plot purchased and of 
 that reclaimed from the Framji Cowasji Tank, as a building 
 site for the Framji Cowasji Institute, and what is the 
 present condition of the site. 
 
 H. YOUNG, 
 Chief Secretary to Government. 
 
 BOMBAY CASTLE, 3rd February 1860. 
 
 To 
 
 HENRY YOUNG, ESQUIRE, 
 
 Chief Secretary to Government, 
 
 Bombay. 
 SIR, 
 
 In acknowledging the receipt of your Memo. No. 291 of* 
 the 3rd instant, I have the honor the state for the information 
 of the Right Honorable the Governor in Council that the 
 area of the plot purchased is about 560 square yards, and 
 that of the ground reclaimed from the Framji Cowasji Tank 
 about 361 square yards, amounting altogether to about 921 
 square yards, the old house that has stood on the plot 
 purchased, having been removed, the whole site is now in a 
 condition fit for erecting a building thereon. 
 
 I have the honor to be, 
 
 Sir, 
 Your most obedient Servant, 
 
 NARAYEN DINANATHJI, 
 Secretary to the Framji Cowasji Institute, 
 BOMBAY, 9th February 1860. 
 
144 
 
 No. 567 OF 1860. 
 
 PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT, 
 
 GENERAL SCIENTIFIC INSTITUTIONS, 
 
 BOMBAY CASTLE, 13//i March 1860, 
 To 
 
 THE DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC INSTRUCTION, 
 
 THE ACTING COLLECTOR OP BOMBAY, 
 
 THE ACCOUNTANT GENERAL, 
 
 THE CIVIL AUDITOR, 
 
 THE GENERAL PAYMASTER. 
 
 Letter from the Director of Public Instructon, No. 107, 
 dated the 17th January 1860. 
 
 With reference to Government letter No. 2380 of the 14th 
 September 1859, forwards copy of a letter from the Secretary 
 to the Committee of the Framji Cowasji Institute, stating 
 that the present site of the proposed Institute has already 
 cost the Committee a sum of Rs. 6,514 besides interest to 
 the amount of about Rs. 800. 
 
 Letter from the Secretary to the Committee of the 
 Framji Cowasji Institute, dated 9th February I860. 
 
 States the area of the site and describes its present con- 
 dition. 
 
 RESOLUTION OF GOVERNMENT on the above, dated the 29th 
 February I860. 
 
 His Lordship in Council resolves that as the price of the 
 ground tendered to Government is moderate (about Rs. 7 
 per square yard) considering the position it occupies it 
 should be purchased on account of Government, although 
 the question as to whether the museum will or will not be 
 permitted to be erected on the present site of the Marine 
 
 line is still undecided. 
 
 (True Copy.) 
 
 H. YOUNG, Chief Secretary. 
 
145 
 
 To 
 
 EDWARD HOWARD, ESQUIRE, 
 
 Director of Public Instruction, Bombay. 
 SIR, 
 
 With reference to your Memo. No. 550 of 1860, dated the 
 15th March last, forwarding to me copy of Government 
 Resolution dated the 19th of February I860, to the effect 
 that the ground tendered to Government by the Committee 
 of the Framji Co\yasji Institute should be purchased by 
 Government, I have been instructed by the Com'nittee to 
 bring to the notice of the Right Honorable the Governor 
 in Council the peculiar circumstances under which the 
 Committee tendered the ground to Government. That it 
 was when they saw that Government was determined to 
 grant the Bullock shed for the use of the Native Dispensary 
 that they were obliged to make the offer with certain con- 
 ditions as will appear from the following extract of a letter 
 dated the 9th May 1859. 
 
 " Should Government, however, resolve to make over the 
 Bullock shed to the Native Dispensary, the Committee 
 apprehend that the spot of ground on which it is proposed 
 to erect a building for the Framji Cowasji Institute would 
 be rendered quite unsuitable for that purpose, and they 
 have therefore no alternative but to offer that spot of ground 
 to Government at its cost price if required for their use." 
 
 " In the event of Government not requiring the ground 
 the Committee request that they may be permitted to sell 
 to any private individual that may be desirous of purchasing 
 it from them, and be allowed to enclose and fill up with the 
 consent of the Municipal Commissioners a portion of the 
 Framji Cowasji Tank at its Northern side sufficient for the 
 erection of the proposed building for the Framji Cowasji 
 Institute." 
 
 As soon, however, as the Committee were given to under- 
 stand that the Bullock shed was not suited for the purpose 
 
146 
 
 of the Native Dispensary, and that the Government was DO 
 longer desirous of making it over to that Institution, they 
 immediately forwarded to you on the 16th December 1859 
 the following letter, and they are very sorry to see that 
 Government has not taken into its consideration the 
 request contained therein when passing their Resolution of 
 the 29th February last. 
 
 " With reference to your letter No. 1978 of 1859, dated 
 the 15th September 1859, 1 have been instructed by the 
 Committee of the Framji Cowasji Institute to request that 
 as the Bullock shed is no longer required for the use of the 
 Native Dispensary the Right Honorable the Governor in 
 Council will do them the favour to make over the shed to 
 them on their paying Rs. 2,000 as a contribution towards- 
 recovering from the Tank a suitable piece of ground for the 
 Native Dispensary," 
 
 " The Committee have been given to understand that 
 this arrangement will be agreed to by the Committee of the 
 Native Dispensary, and they therefore hope that there wili 
 be no objection on the part of His Lordsbip in Council 
 to comply with their request/' Dated 16th December 1859. 
 
 It will therefore clearly appear from the above communi- 
 cations that when the offer of the ground was made to 
 Government the Committee firmly believed that Govern- 
 ment was determined to make over the bullock shed to the 
 Native Dispensary " 
 
 The ofter therefore was made not from any desire on the 
 part of the Committee to get rid of the site but solely 
 with the view of not coming in the way of Government 
 granting the bullock shed to the Native Dispensary and as 
 Government no longer intends to make over the shed to- 
 that institution the Committee beg that the Right Honor- 
 able the Governor in Council will be pleased to take into 
 
147 
 
 favorable consideration, their request contained in their 
 tetter of the 16th December 1859. 
 
 I have the honor to be, 
 
 Sir, 
 Your most obedient Servant, 
 
 NARAYEN DINANATSJI, secretary, 
 
 BOMBAY, Dth May 1860. 
 
 No. 345 OF 1860. 
 
 PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT 
 EXECUTIVE ENGINEER'S OFFICE, P.D. 
 
 POO^NA, <27tk April I860* 
 ^o 
 
 MR. ARDASIR FRAMJT, 
 
 Secretary to the Framji Cowasji Institute. 
 SIR, 
 
 Having learnt that Government have invited the Framji 
 Cowasji Institute Committee to add their funds to the 
 Victoria Museum on condition of being provided with 
 separate accommodation ivnder the same roof, and having 
 been appointed by Government to prepare designs for 
 the Victoria Museum and a number of other public build- 
 ings proposed to be erected on the esplanade, I have the 
 honor to request you will lay the letter before the Com- 
 mittee and favor me with any information tending to the 
 object in view. I particularly de-sire to be informed of the 
 amount and nature of the accommodation that would be 
 required by the Institute, and also of the amount which the 
 Committee would be prepared to pay for the accommoda- 
 tion so furnished them, ia what, it is to be hoped will prove 
 cne of the Finest Edifices in Bombay. 
 
 I have the honor to be, 
 
 Sir, 
 Your most obedient -Servant, 
 
 H. S. T. WILKIXS, CAPTAIN, 
 Executive Engineer on Special Duty. PD-> 
 
148 
 
 To 
 
 CAPTAIN H. S. T. WILKINS, 
 
 Executive Engineer on Special Duty, Bombay, 
 SIR, 
 
 With reference to your letters No. 345 of the 17th 
 
 ultimo and No. 391 of the 10th instant, to the address of 
 Mr. Ardasir Framji, on the subject of the Framji Cowasji 
 Institute, I have the honor to forward to you the accom- 
 panying extract from a letter addressed to Government hy 
 the Secretary to the Committee of the Framji Cowasji 
 Institute under date the 9th May 1859, on the subject in 
 question,, by which you will perceive that no arrangement 
 has been come to with Government as regards the proposed 
 amalgamation. 
 
 Under these circumstances, the Committee is not, 1 am 
 instructed to state, in a position to make any arrangement 
 with you in this matter. 
 
 I have the honor to be y 
 
 Sir, 
 Your most obedient Servant, 
 
 S. P. FRAMJI, 
 On behalf of the Secretary, 
 
 NARAYEN DINANATHJL 
 BOMBAY, 1st May 1860. 
 
 EXTRACT from a letter dated 9th May 1859, addressed 
 to Government by the Secretary to the Committee of the 
 Framji Cowasji Institute. 
 
 " Adverting to the 3rd paragraph of the Government 
 letter, the Committee have instructed me to state for the 
 information of His Lordship in Council that they do not- 
 intend to unite the Framji Cowasji Institute with the Vic- 
 toria Museum and Gardens/' 
 
 (A True Extract,) 
 
 S. P. FRAMJL 
 
149 
 To 
 
 DR. BHAWOO DAJEE 
 
 AND 
 
 DR. BIRD WOOD, 
 
 Secretaries to the Victoria Museum 
 
 Committee, Bombay. 
 
 OF. NTLEM EN, 
 
 I have been instructed by the Managing Committee of the 
 Frarnji Cowasji Institute to communicate to you for the 
 information of the Victoria Museum Committee, their opinion 
 that it would greatly add to the advantage of the Institute, 
 were the Victoria Museum built close to, and if possible, 
 in one harmonious plan, with the Framji Cowasji Institute. 
 
 I have also been instructed by them to submit the 
 following proposals for the favourable consideration of the 
 Victoria Museum Committee. 
 
 That the Framji Cowasji Institute making" over to the 
 Victoria Museum Committee, the philosophical apparatus 
 and the collection of minerals, &c., of the value of about six 
 or seven thousand Rupees, and further to the Museum 
 Committee such a sum of money as would make up, with 
 the value of the above mentioned apparatus, minerals, &c., a 
 sum equal to Rupees ten thousand. That in consideration of 
 the above the Victoria Museum Committee appropriate a 
 gallery, in the proposed Victoria Museum building, to the 
 formation of a Natural History Museum, to be called after 
 the name of the late Framji Cowasji and to be under the 
 management of the Committee of the Framji Cowasji Insti- 
 tute, or the Students' Literary and Scientific Society. 
 
 I have the honor to be, 
 
 Gentlemen, 
 Your most obedient Servant, 
 
 NARAYEN DINANATHJL 
 BOMBAY, 17th September. 1861. 
 
150 
 To 
 
 E. I. HOWARD, ESQUIRE, 
 
 Director of Public Instruction 
 
 SIR, 
 
 I Lave been instructed by the Committee of the Framji 
 Cowasji Institute to write to you for the information of the 
 Right Honorable the Governor in Council, that they have 
 at last resolved to erect the proposed building for ihe Framji 
 Cowasji Institute, on the site of the Alma Hotel and the 
 ground reclaimed by them from the Framji Covvasji lank* 
 
 I have also been instructed by them to request that the 
 Right Honorable the Governor in Council will early favor 
 them with a compliance of the request contained in their 
 letter to your address, dated the 16th of May 1860. 
 
 I have the honor to be,. 
 
 Sir, 
 Your most obedient Servant, 
 
 NARAYEN DINANAIHJI, 
 
 Secretary * 
 BOMRAY, 18M September 1861. 
 
151 
 
 CHAPTER XV. 
 
 Correspondence wiih the Board #f Commissioners. 
 To 
 
 THE MUNICIPAL COMMISSIONERS 
 
 POB THE ISLAND OF BOMBAY. 
 
 GENTLEMEN, 
 
 I have been desired by the Sub-Committee of the Framji 
 Cowasji Institute to write to you that they hare all along 
 been very desirous of erecting a, building for the above 
 named Institution near the Framji Cowasji Tank with a 
 view that the works which bear the name of that much 
 respected Gentleman and which are intended wholly for the 
 benefit of the public at large, may be grouped together in 
 one locality that after a great many fruitless attempts to 
 attain this subject which unfortunately extended over a 
 very long period, they have at last succeeded in securing a 
 suitable site by purchasing the premises called the Alma 
 Hotel situate at the South-West corner of the Framji 
 Cowasji Tank and marked A in the accompanying plan of 
 the premises. The piece of ground thus secured is not 
 however large enough for the building intended to be 
 erected on it and the Sub-Committee therefore request that 
 you will do them the favor of permitting them to construct 
 stone pillars in the Tank at its South-West corner on the 
 lines marked B C and C D in the plan, to extend the pro- 
 posed building to these lines which will be about 10 feet 
 from the present wall of the Tank, to make over to them 
 the paved passage between the Alma Hotel premises and 
 wall of the Tank and the bullock shed, also a very small 
 portion of the shed as far as the point where the line mark 
 B C of the intended stone pillars in the Tank would if 
 produced towards the South meet the line formed by the 
 exteriors or southern row of pillars of the bullock-shed. 
 
 I have been further desired by the Sub-Committee to 
 request your permission to convert the roof of the bullock- 
 
152 
 
 ned into an elegantly railed terrace under the superinten- 
 dence of the Superintendent of Repairs and according tc 
 the design furnished to them by that officer and approved 
 by you leaving the lower part under the roof untouched and 
 to open a communication from the proposed terrace to the 
 Framji Cowasji Institute in order that the public who may 
 resort to the Institute to hear lectures or for any other 
 purpose may have an opportunity of enjoying the benefit of 
 the open air on the terrace. 
 
 The Sub-Committee in preferring this request on behalf 
 of the Institute hope that as the Framji Cowasji Institute 
 will be a very useful and important Institution to the public 
 at large, that as a very large sum of money was expended 
 on the enlargement and improvement of the Framji Cowasji 
 Tank by that respected Parsee Gentleman in commemora- 
 tion of whom the Institute has been established, that as the 
 whole of the Ground along the South- West corner of the 
 Tank as- well as that portion of the Tank itself over which 
 the Sub-Committee are desirous of extending the proposed 
 building was, the Sub- Committee have been given to under- 
 stand purchased by the late Framji Cowasji, Esquire, and 
 made over for the use and benefit of the public;, that as the 
 compliance by you with the request of the Sub-Committee 
 will in no way cause any inconvenience to the public or 
 injury to the Framji Cawasji Tank or to the adjacent 
 bullock shed the latter of which will soon become- 
 quite useless for any Municipal purpose whatsoever 
 as soon us the Vehar water- works shall have been 
 completed, but on the contrary tend greatly to improve 
 the general appearance, and that as the proposed 
 Framji Cowasji Institute grouped together with the two 
 magnificent buildings erected by the Mission Society 
 on the verge of the esplanade will generally improve the 
 appearance of the Native Town when viewed from the foot 
 or along the road leading from it to the town, the request 
 of the Sub-Committee contained in this letter will be com- 
 plied with by you, and to- represent that your compliance 
 
153 
 
 will confer a very great boon on the whole community of 
 Bombay for whose benefit the Framji Cowasji Institute 
 has been established. 
 
 I have the honor to be, 
 
 Gentlemen, 
 
 Your most obedient Servant, 
 NARAYEN DINANATHJJ, Secretary. 
 BOMBAY, 3rd March 1858. 
 
 No. 1124 OF 1858. 
 To 
 
 NARAYEN DINANATHJI, ESQUIKE, 
 
 Secretary to the Frnmji Cowasji Institute. 
 SIR, 
 
 I have the honor by direction of the Municipal Commis- 
 sioners, to acknowledge the receipt of your letter bearing 
 date the 3rd instant, and in reply to inform you that the 
 Commissioners have no objection to the construction of the 
 proposed building for the Framji Cowasji Institution or to 
 the arching over of part of the Tank, as shown in the Plan 
 forwarded with your letter. 
 
 As regards your request that a portion of the Bullock 
 shed may be made over to the Institution, and that per- 
 mission may be given for the construction of a terrace over 
 the remaining portion of the shed, I am desired to observe 
 that the decision of the Commissioners will be communicat- 
 ed to you hereafter. 
 
 The plan which accompanied your letter is herewith 
 returned. 
 
 I have the honor to be, 
 
 Sir, 
 Your most obedient Servant, 
 
 F. HUTCHINSON, 
 
 Clerk to the Board of Commissioners. 
 
 MUNICIPAL COMMISSIONER'S OFFICE, 
 BOMBAY 19th March 1858. 
 
154 
 
 To 
 
 F. HUTCHINSON, ESQUIRE, 
 
 Clerk to the Municipal Commissioners, Bombay. 
 SIR, 
 
 On the receipt of your letter conveying to the Committee 
 of the Framji Cowasji Institute permission of the Municipal 
 Commissioners to construct a series of stone pillars in the 
 Framji Cowasji Tank at its South West corner in a line 
 parallel to the Southern portion of the Western parapet wall 
 as indicated in their first letter to the Commissioners the 
 Committee proceeded to take the requisite measures for 
 erecting the stone pillars when to their disappointment- 
 found that the parapet as well as the foundation wall, in 
 question was not erect but was inclined full 6 inches 
 towards the tank and was consequently not strong enough 
 in the opinion of the professional gentleman to sustain the 
 weight of the two stjried massive building proposed to be 
 erected on that spot for the Framji Cowasji Institute and 
 the course he suggested to overcome this difficulty was to 
 construct a solid wall in the tank along the line of the 
 proposed pillars and to have the space between it and 
 present wall opposite to it filled up. 
 
 This would take away a small portion of the tank but 
 would not in their opinion much curtail the usefulness of 
 the tank as the part proposed to be filled up is almost dry at 
 the close of the dry season when water is most wanted and it 
 is situated at the Western side of the tank from which the 
 water can never come into the tank but through which it 
 always finds its way to the sea. Besides the supply of 
 water in the tank cannot possibly be of any great use to 
 the people except for the ensuing year by which the Island 
 of Bombay is almost sure to be supplied with waters from 
 the Vehar water works. The only part of the Tank on 
 which the supply of water at the close of the dry season can 
 depend, is at its Southern side where moats are at work, 
 
155 
 
 where the water is deepest, and where it is now being drawn 
 from and the Committee engage in the event of the Mnui- 
 cipal Commissioners permitting them to fill up the portion 
 of the tank, to excavate and deepen at their own charge 
 that portion of it which is immediately under the moats, 
 should the supply of water in the tank fail at any period of 
 the next dry season. 
 
 The Committee therefore hope that under the circum- 
 stances represented above the Municipal Commissioners will 
 be pleased to permit them to fill up the portion of the tank 
 above indicated them. 
 
 1 have the honor to be, 
 
 Sir, 
 
 Your most obedient Servant, 
 N All A YEN DINANATH JI, Secretary. 
 
 BOMBAY, $th June 1858. 
 
 No. 2198 OF 1858. 
 To 
 
 NARAYEN DINANATHJI, ESQUIRE, 
 
 Secretary to the Framji Cowasji Institute. 
 SIR, 
 
 I have the honor, by desire of the Municipal Com- 
 missioners, to acknowledge the receipt of your letter dated 
 the 9th instant, and, in reply, to inform you that, under the 
 circumstances represented, the Commissioners comply 
 with the request therein made. 
 
 I have the honor to be, 
 
 Sir, 
 Your most obedient Servant, 
 
 F. HUTCHINSON, 
 Clerk to the Board of Conservancy. 
 MUNICIPAL COMMISSIONER'S OFFICE,. 
 BOMBAY, 15th June 1858, 
 
156 
 To 
 
 H. AHER, ESQUIRE, 
 
 Superintendent of Repairs, Bombay. 
 SIR, 
 
 I have the honor to forward herewith Copy of a plan 
 showing the line of the proposed pillars or a wall to be 
 erected in the Framji Cowasji Tank for the purpose of the 
 Framji Cowasji Institute. The space on the West and 
 North of the dotted lines marked A. B and C. D. include 
 the ground originally applied for and that required for the 
 broad foundation of pillars and sloping of a wall in the 
 event of its being sanctioned by the Municipal Commis- 
 sioners instead of the permission already granted for the 
 erection of pillars and have to request that you will be good 
 enough to have the said line marked out in the tank so as 
 to enable us to begin with the erection of stone pillars on 
 the points B. C. and D. immediately. 
 
 I have the honor to be, 
 
 Sir, 
 
 Your most obedient Servant, 
 NAEAYEN DINANATHJI, Secretary. 
 BOMBAY, 15th June 1858. 
 
 To No. 2227 or 1853. 
 
 NARAYEN DINANATHJI, ESQUIRE, 
 
 Secretary to the Framji Cawasji Institute. 
 Sm, 
 
 I have the honor to inform you that the Municipal Com- 
 missioners have no objection to your constructing the pro- 
 posed walls, in the Framji Cowasji Tank on the site shown 
 on the Plan which accompanied your letter of the 15th inst. 
 
 I have the honor to be, 
 
 Sir, 
 Your most obedient Servant, 
 
 F. HUTCHINSON, 
 Clerk to the Board of Conservancy. 
 MUNICIPAL COMMISSIONER'S OFFICE, 
 BOMBAY, I8th June 1858. 
 
157 
 
 No. 2247 OF 1858. 
 To 
 
 NARAYEN DINANATHJI, ESQUIRE, 
 
 Secretary to the Framji Cowasji Institute. 
 SIR, 
 
 With reference to the 2nd para, of my letter No. 1124, 
 dated 19th March last, on the subject of your request that a 
 portion of the Bullock shed, at the Framji Cowasji Tank, 
 may be made over for the purpose of the proposed buildirg 
 for the Framji Cowasji Institution, I have the honor to in- 
 form you, by desire of the Municipal Commissioners, that, in 
 consequence of an application from Government, they have 
 connected to make over to them, on the Vehar water works 
 coming into operation, the Bullock shed in question, in 
 order that the site of it may be appropriated for a new 
 building, for the Native Dispensary ; and that they regret, 
 therefore, that they are unable to comply with the request 
 of your Committee to be permitted to construct a terrace 
 o?er the Bullock shed, in connection with the building 
 proposed to be erected for the Institute. 
 
 I have the honor to be, 
 
 SIR, 
 Your most obdient Servant, 
 
 F. HUTCHINSON, 
 
 Clerk to the Board of Conservancy. 
 
 MUNICIPAL COMMISSIONER'S OFFICE, 
 BOMBAY, 2lst June 1858. 
 
158 
 CHAPTER XVI, 
 
 Miscellaneous Correspondence. 
 To 
 
 RUSTOMJI COWAS JI BANAJI, ESQ., 
 
 Calcutta. 
 SIR, 
 
 I have the honor to forward the accompanying copy of 
 the proceedings of a meeting held in the Library of the 
 Elphinatone Institution to commemorate the name of the 
 late Framji Cowasji, Esquire^ as it has been suggested 
 that you might wish to unite with his friends in Bombay 
 to do honor to the memory of one so much esteemed by 
 all who knew him. 
 
 The proposed Institute has received the approbation of 
 all the most influential natives of Bombay, and it is hoped, 
 will be of great use in spreading a knowledge of the Arts and 
 Sciences of Europe throughout this Presidency. 
 
 Should you approve of the proposal I would request your 
 influence with such other friends of the deceased as you 
 think likely to aid in the undertaking. 
 
 I am, 
 Your most obedient Servant, 
 
 JOSEPH PATTON, Secretary, 
 BOMBAY^ 17 th October 1851. 
 
 To 
 
 NUSSERVANJI BOMANJI MODED 
 
 AND 
 
 COWASJI SHAPOORJI LUNGDANA, 
 
 Canton* 
 GENTLEMEN* 
 
 I have the honor to forward the accompanying copy of 
 the proceedings of a meeting held in the Library of the 
 Elphinstone Institution to commemorate the name of the 
 late JBVamji Cowasjij Esquire, as it has been suggested that 
 you might Wish to unite in showing your respect for the 
 baemory of one so much esteemed by all who knew him. 
 
159 
 
 The proposed Institute lias received the approval of all 
 the most influential gentlemen of Bombay, and, if carried 
 into effect, will have great influence in raising the character 
 of the people of this Presidency. Should you approve of 
 the proposal, I would request your influence with such 
 other friends of the deceased as would be likely to aid the 
 
 undertaking. 
 
 I remain, 
 
 Gentlemen, 
 Tour most obedient Servant, 
 
 JOSEPH PATTON, Secretary, 
 BOMBAY, 18th November 1851. 
 
 To 
 
 JOSEPH PATTON, ESQ., 
 
 Professor Elphinstone Institution, Bombay* 
 SIR, 
 
 I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter 
 of the 7th instant, enclosing a copy of the proceedings of a 
 meeting held in the Library of the above Institution for the 
 purpose of raising a fund from among the friends and 
 acquaintances of my late lamented brother Fratnji Cowasji 
 to be applied towards the formation of a museum of Arts and 
 Sciences in commemoration of the memory of that worthy 
 Individual. I quite approve of the proposal and beg to 
 tender the Projectors of this laudable plan for perpetuating 
 the memory of one so deserving, as well as to yourself my 
 best thanks for not having forgotten me. I shall endeavour, 
 all I can, to influence a subscription here among my 
 friends and shall in due time communicate to you the 
 
 result. 
 
 1 remain, 
 
 Sir, 
 Your most obedient Servant, 
 
 RUSTOMJI COWASJI, 
 
 CALCUTTA, 29M October 1851. 
 
160 
 
 CANTON, 28th December 1851. 
 To 
 
 JOSEPH PATTON, ESQUIRE. 
 
 DEAR SIR, 
 
 We take great pleasure in acknowledging the receipt of 
 your esteemed favour with its enclosures which came to 
 hand on the 16th instant per the " Ganges " stating the 
 object of the Testimonial raised in Bombay to perpetuate 
 the name of the late lamented Framji Cowasji, Esquire, and 
 requesting us to join in the project. 
 
 Agreeably to your request we have exercised our best 
 influence and weight where we knew it would be of any 
 effect and are now glad to inform you that the greater 
 portion of our Parsee community here have ably testified 
 their respect for the above deceased gentleman by contri- 
 buting to the aforesaid testimonial the sum of Dollars 225, 
 which we beg to remit to you in Bill No. 61190 drawn by the 
 Oriental Bank on the same Bank of your place for E,s. 528| 
 at Rs. 235 per 100, we hope will be acceptable to your 
 Committee. Herein we have much pleasure to enclose 
 a copy of the list of the parties subscribing the above 
 amount. 
 
 In conclusion we beg to offer our earnest thanks to you 
 for permitting us to join our Bombay friends in commemo- 
 rating the name of our late lamented fellow countrymen. 
 
 We have the honor to be, 
 
 Sir, 
 Your most obedient servants, 
 
 NUSSERWANJI BOMANJ1 MODEE AND 
 
 COWASJI SHAPOOUJI LUNGDANA. 
 
161 
 
 LIST OF SUBSCRIBERS RESIDENT IN CANTON 
 
 TO FRAMJI COWASJI TESTIMONIAL. 
 
 Dollars. 
 
 Dadabhoy Nusserwaoji Mody and Co ..................... 31 
 
 Cowasji Shapoorji Lungdana ................................. 31 
 
 Pestonji Framji Cama and Co ........ * .................... . 25 
 
 Pestonji Dorabji Nusserwanji Camaji and Co ............ 25 
 
 Cursetji Rustomji Camajee ................................. 25 
 
 Edulji Framji Sons and Co .................................... 15 
 
 Cowasji Pallunji and Co .................................... 10 
 
 Nusserwanji Ardaseer Bansa and Co ..................... 10 
 
 David Sassoon Sons and Co .............................. ... 10 
 
 Rustomji Byramji and Co .................................... 5 
 
 Byramji Cooverji Bhabha .................................... 5 
 
 Herjeebhoy Ardaseer and Co .............................. 5 
 
 Jehangeer Framji Buxey .......................... , ...... ... 5 
 
 Burjorji Sorabji ................................................ 5 
 
 Hormusji Jamasji Nadershaw .............................. 2 
 
 Pestonji Jamsetji Motteewalla .............................. 2 
 
 Pallunji Nusserwanji Patell ................................. 2 
 
 Pestonji Byramji Colah ....................................... 2 
 
 Aderji Shapoorji Goozratee .......................... ....... 2 
 
 Cowasji Edulji Khumbata .................................... 3 
 
 Dossabhoy Hormusji Dolakhaw .............................. 1 
 
 Cursetji Rustomji Daver .................................... 2 
 
 Edulji Cursetji ....................... t .......................... 2 
 
 Total dollars , 
 
162 
 
 NARAYEN DINANATHJI, ESQUIRE, 
 
 Secretary to the Framji Cowasji 
 
 Institute Committee. 
 BEAR SIR, 
 
 As I am about to quit Bombay permanently, I beg you 
 will do the favour to submit my resignation of the Chair to 
 members of the Committee. 
 
 With my cordial wishes for the success of the Institution 
 and thanks for the support I have received from the Mem- 
 bers and yourself while I have occupied the Chair. 
 
 I beg to subscribe myself, 
 
 Yours most faithfully, 
 BOMBAY, 16th May 1853, J. M. LEGKYT. 
 
 STUDENTS' LITERARY AND SCIENTIFIC SOCIETY, 
 
 BOMBAY, 24M December 1853. 
 To 
 
 NARAYEN DINANATHJI, ESQUIRE, 
 
 Secretary to the Framji Cowasji 
 
 Institute Committee^ 
 SIR, 
 
 In accordance ta a Resolution passed at a meeting of the 
 Ks. a. p. Managing Committee of the 
 
 Department Receipt of 
 Commercial Bank2,577 9 2 Society, held on the 20th instant, 
 
 " 227 71 to 
 
 mercialBank ...... 307 6 by the enclosed Cheque of 
 
 Be, 3,112 i 6 R S . 3,112-1-6, on the Commercial 
 Bank, the balance as in the margin, of the Framji CowaKJi 
 Apparatus Fund. 
 
 You will be pleased to pass me a receipt for the same. 
 
 I remain, 
 
 Sir, 
 Your most obedient Servant, 
 
 BOMANJI PESTONJI, Treasurer, 
 
163 
 To 
 
 THE HONORABLE J. WARDEN, ESQUIRE. 
 
 SIR, 
 
 I have the honor to inform you that at a meeting of the 
 Committee of the Framji Cowasji Institute, held in the rooms 
 of the Elphiiistone Institution on the 8th instant, it was 
 resolved unanimously that you be requested to be Chairman 
 of the Committee in the room of P. W. LeGeyt, Esq., 
 resigaed. 
 
 I therefore -request you to do the Committee the Favor of 
 accepting the office. 
 
 I have the honor to be, 
 
 Sir, 
 Your most obedient Servant, 
 
 NARAYEN DINANATHJI, Secretary. 
 BOMBAY, 20th April 1854. 
 
 To 
 
 NARAYEN DINANATHJI, ESQUIRE, 
 
 Secretary to the Framji Cowasji 
 
 Institute Committee. 
 SIR, 
 
 I have had the honor to receive your letter, dated yester- 
 day, informing me that, at a meeting of the Managing 
 Committee of the Framji Cowasji Institute, it was resolved 
 unanimously that I be requested to be Chairman of the 
 Committee. 
 
 I beg you to convey to the Committee the expression of 
 iny willingness to accept the office to which they have done 
 me the honor to nominate me. 
 
 I have the honor to be, 
 
 Sir., 
 
 Your most obedient Servant, 
 BOMBAY, Zlst April 1854. JAMES WARDEN, 
 
164 
 To 
 
 PROFESSOR GIRAUD, 
 
 PROFESSOR DADABHOY NOWROJI, 
 
 AND 
 
 ARDASEER FRAMJI, ESQUIRE. 
 
 GENTLEMEN, 
 
 I have been directed by the Committee of the Framji 
 Cowasji Institute to communicate to you, that they shall 
 feel much obliged by your forming yourself into a Com- 
 mittee to take charge of the philosophical apparatus, speci- 
 mens of minerals, &c., belonging to the F. C. Institute, and 
 at present deposited in the Elphinstone Institution. 
 
 I have the honor to be, 
 
 Gentlemen, 
 Your most obedient Servant, 
 
 NARAYEN DINANATHJI, 
 BOMBAY, 24th October 1854. Secretary. 
 
 To 
 
 NARAYEN DINANATHJI, ESQUIRE, 
 
 Secretary to the Framji Cowasji Institute. 
 SIR, 
 
 Having been desired by the Head Master of the Elphin- 
 stone Central School, to remove the cases containing the 
 collection of rocks and minerals belonging to the Framji 
 Cowasji Institute, now lying at the school, I have rented a 
 portion of the premises below the Native General Library, 
 occupied by Mr. Sorabji Framji, for Rs. 7 per month, to 
 place the cases from May 25th, 1858. 
 
 I remain, 
 
 Sir, 
 Your most obedient Servant, 
 
 ARDASEER FRAMJI, 
 BOMBAY, 7th July 1858. Curator. 
 
165 
 To 
 
 PROFESSOR HUGHLINGS, 
 
 Secretary to the Students' Literary and 
 
 Scientific Society, Bombay. 
 SIR, 
 
 I have been instructed by the Committee of the Framji 
 
 Cowasji Institute to inform you, that they are of opinion 
 that it would greatly add to the advantage of the Institute 
 were the Victoria Museum built close to, and if possible, 
 in one harmonious plan with it ; and that they have passed 
 a Resolution making the following proposals to tho Com- 
 mittee of the Victoria Museum. 
 
 That the Framji Cowasji Institute make over to the 
 Victoria Museum Committee the philosophical apparatus, 
 and the collection of minerals, &c., of the value of six or 
 seven thousand Rupees, and that they pay to the Museum 
 Committee such a further sum, as would make up, with the 
 value of the abovementioned apparatus, minerals, &c., a sum 
 equal to ten thousand rupees. 
 
 That in consideration of the above, the Victoria Museum 
 appropriate a gallery in the proposed Victoria Museum 
 building, to the formation of a natural History Museum, 
 to be called after the name of the late Framji Cowasji, 
 and to be under the management of the Framji Cowasji 
 Institute, or the Students' Literary and Scientific Society. 
 
 I have further been instructed to inform you, that thev 
 have resolved to invite tenders at once for tho erection of 
 the proposed building for the Framji Cowasji Institute on 
 the site of the Alma Hotel, and the ground reclaimed from 
 the Framji Cowasji Tank, 
 
 I have the honor to be, 
 
 Sir, 
 Your most obedient Servant, 
 
 NARAYEN DINANATHJI, 
 BOMBAY, 18th September 1861. Secretary. 
 
166 
 
 To 
 
 ARDAS1R FRAMJI, ESQUIRE. 
 
 SIR, 
 
 I have the honor to inform you that the Committee of the 
 Framji Gowasji Institute have resolved to make over to 
 Dr. G. Bird wood for safe custody the philosophical appara- 
 tus, mineral s, &c., now in your charge, and to request yon 
 will be good enough to inform me, when it will be conve- 
 nient to you, to make over the same to that gentleman. 
 
 I have the honor to be, 
 
 Sir, 
 Your most obedient Servant, 
 
 NARAYEN DINANATHJI, 
 BOMBAY, 18th September 1861. Secretary. 
 
 To 
 
 SIR ALEXANDER GRANT, BART. 
 
 MY DEAR SIR, 
 
 With reference to your note dated the 31st ultimo, 
 I beg to inform you that the building of the Framji Cowasji 
 Institute has not been commenced yet, but plans and speci- 
 fications of the building have been prepared, and tenders 
 have been invited and received. The arrangements for 
 commencing the building will be completed as soon as a 
 reply to a reference that has been made to Government is 
 received and the building will probably be finished in about 
 
 a year. 
 
 Believe me, 
 
 Dear Sir, 
 
 Yours sincerely, 
 
 JUGGUNNATH SUNKERSETT. 
 BOMBAY, 4th Octobter 1861. 
 
167 
 
 To 
 
 JUGGUNNATH SUNKERSETT, ESQUIRE, 
 
 President of the Framji Cowasji 
 
 Committee, &a &c. &c. 
 MY DEAR SIR, 
 
 In thanking you for the favor of your note received last 
 evening, I am sorry to inform you that the statement it 
 affords of the Framji Cowasji Committee appears to me so 
 little satisfactory that I should think it my duty to bring 
 the matter before the next meeting of the Students' Literary 
 and Scientific Society, and to consult with them what steps 
 ought to be adopted by the Society for obtaining the advan- 
 tages to which they are entitled, and which have been so 
 long withheld from them by your Committee. 
 
 Our meeting has been postponed till Monday next, 
 November llth. 
 
 Believe me, my dear Sir, 
 
 Yours sincerely, 
 BOMBAY, 5tk November 1861. A. GRANT. 
 
 To 
 
 SIR ALEXANDER GRANT, BART. 
 
 MY DEAR SIR, 
 
 In reply to your note of the 5th instant, I beg to inform 
 you that it has been laid before the Committee of the 
 Framji Cowasji Institute and they consider that it calls for 
 no remark beyond this acknowledgment in the present 
 state of affairs. 
 
 Believe me, 
 
 My dear Sir, 
 Yours very sincerely, 
 JUGGUNNATH SUNKERSETT. 
 BOMBAY, 7th November 186L 
 
168 
 
 To 
 
 NAKAYEN DINANATH JI, ESQUIRE, 
 
 Secretary to the Framji Cowasji 
 
 Institute Committee. 
 SIR, 
 
 I have the honor to inform you that your letter of the 
 18th September last was brought before the notice of the 
 Managing Committee of the Students' Literary and Scien- 
 tific Society on Friday the 22nd ultimo, which was the 
 first occasion of their holding a meeting since the date of 
 your letter. 
 
 I am instructed by the Managing Committee to inform 
 you that they are glad to learn that tenders have been 
 invited for the building of the Framji Cowasji Institute* 
 and they trust no delay may be suffered to take place in 
 the accomplishment of so desirable a work. 
 
 The Managing Committee have authorized their Curator 
 of minerals, &c., Mr. Ardasir Framji, to make over the who]e 
 of the collection to the Framji Cowasji Committee with a 
 
 view to their being ultimately placed in the Victoria 
 
 Museum. 
 
 With regard to the philosophical apparatus mentioned 
 in your letter, I am instructed to request that this may be 
 reserved for the use of the Students' Society as originally 
 intended. This apparatus will be from time to time urgent- 
 ly required by the Students* Society for the illustration of 
 lectures. 
 
 With regard to the proposal of the Framji Cowasji Com- 
 mittee to pay towards the Victoria Museum a sum of three 
 or four thousand Rupees, I am insturcted to request that 
 the Framji Cowasji Committee will keep this proposal in 
 abeyance until such time as the Framji Cowasji Institute is 
 
169 
 
 completed both externally and internally, as it appears 
 probable that all the available funds may be required for 
 the purpose. 
 
 I have the honor to be, 
 
 Sir, 
 Your most obedient servant, 
 
 J. P. HUGHLINGS, 
 
 Secretary to the Students' 
 BOMBAY, llth December 1861. L. & S. Society. 
 
 To 
 
 PROFESSOR J. P. HUGHLINGS, 
 
 Secretary to the Students' Literary 
 
 and Scientific Society. 
 
 SIR, 
 
 With reference to your letter to my address, dated the 
 llth ultimo, I have been instructed by the Managing 
 Committee of the Framji Cowasji Institute to inform you, 
 that it is their intention to commence with the institute 
 building with as little delay as possible, and that they in 
 compliance with your request resolved not to make over the 
 philosophical apparatus to the Victoria Museum. 
 
 With regard to your last paragraph, your Society may 
 be assured, that whatsoever we may decide on will be the 
 result of mature deliberation. 
 
 I have the honor to be, 
 
 Sir, 
 Your most obedient servant, 
 
 NARAYEN DINANATHJI, 
 
 BOMBAY, 20th January 1862. Secretary. 
 
170 
 
 To 
 
 NARAYEN DINANATEJI, ESQUIRE, 
 
 Secretary to Framji Cowasji 
 
 Institute Committee. 
 
 SIR, 
 
 I beg to resign my seat as a Member of the Committee 
 of the Framji Cowasji Institute. 
 
 I am, 
 
 Your obedient Servant, 
 
 KUSTOMJI JAMSETJI JEJEEBHOY. 
 
 BOMBAY, 20th January 1862. 
 
 To 
 
 ARDASIR FRAMJI, ESQUIRE. 
 
 SIR, 
 
 I have the honor to transmit to you for your information 
 and guidance, the following resolutions passed at a meeting 
 of the Framji Cowasji Institute Committee, held on the 
 21st ultimo, 
 
 " That in compliance with the request of the Students' 
 Literary and Scientific Society contained in their Secretary's 
 letter of the llth December 1861, the philosophical 
 apparatus of the Framji Cowasji Institute be not made 
 over to the Victoria Museum/' 
 
 I have the honor to be, 
 
 Sir, 
 Your most obedient Servant, 
 
 NARAYEN DINANATHJI, 
 BOMBAY, 5th February 1862. Secretary. 
 
171 
 
 To 
 
 THE MUNICIPAL COMMISSIONERS. 
 
 GENTLEMEN, 
 
 I have been informed that you are closing up the Bullock 
 shed at the Framji Cowasji Tank, in order to prevent per- 
 sons of low character making use of the shed as they do at 
 present. You will oblige by informing me, whether you 
 have any objection to allow materials intended for the 
 Framji Cowasji Institute to be stored in the shed, after the 
 walls have been built up. In this case, I would request 
 that the side which opens in the premises of the Institute 
 may be kept as it is. I engage to remove the materials 
 within 24 hours' notice, and if necessary will be happy 
 to pay a nominal rent for the use of the shed, but as the 
 Institution is to be a public building I hope that for the 
 shoH? time the shed will be required for the use of the 
 Institution, you will kindly permit the use of it free of 
 charge. 
 
 I have the honor to be, 
 
 Sir, 
 Your most obedient Servant, 
 
 NARAYEN DINANATHJI, 
 
 Secretary to the 
 Framji Cowasji Institute. 
 
 BOMBAY, IQth July 1862. 
 
172 
 CHAPTER XVII. 
 
 The laying of the Foundation Stone of the Ffamji Cawasji 
 Institute. 
 
 The ceremony of laying the foundation stone of the 
 Framji Cowasji Institute took place on Saturday the 22nd 
 day of February 1862, afternoon, afc five o'clock on the 
 verge of the Framji Cowasji Tank, Esplanade, the Honor- 
 able Juggonnath Sunkersett, President of the Committee of 
 the Institute, performing the ceremony. The President was 
 assisted in the interesting ceremony by the members of the 
 Committee as well as a large number of the friends and 
 admirers of the late Framji Cowasji. Amongst those who 
 were present, we noticed the Honorable W. E. Frere, the 
 Honorable Rustomji Jamsetji Jejeebhoy, the Honorable 
 the Nawab of Savanoor, the Honorable Mr. Tristram, Sir 
 Alexander Grant, Bart., the Rev. Dr. Wilson, Dr. Birdwood, 
 Messrs. Bomanji Hormusji, W. Crawford, T. C. Hopo, 
 R, S. Sinclair, G. Foggo, G. W. Terry, Munguldass 
 Nuthoobhoy, Cursetji Nusserwanji Cama, Bomanji Framji 
 Cama, Framji Nusserwanji, Sorabji Pestonji Framji, 
 Nowroji Nanabhoy Framji, Dossabhoy Framji Cama, Nara- 
 yen Dinnanathji, Venayekrow Juggonnathji, Jehaugeer 
 Nowroji, Cursetji Furdoonji, Vishwanabh Narayen, Dossa- 
 bhoy Framji Kurraka, Cowasji Bdulji, Ardasir Framji. 
 Pestonji Ruttonji Cola, Cursetji Rustomji Cama, &c., &c., &c. 
 The place was decorated with flowers and leaves. The 
 
173 
 
 Honorable Juggonnath Sunkersett commenced the pro- 
 ceedings with the following address : 
 
 GENTLEMEN, 
 
 We are met here this afternoon to lay the foundation 
 stone of a building, which on the death of the late Framji 
 Cowasjij we resolved to dedicate to his memory under the 
 name of the Framji Cowasji Institute. The duty has 
 devolved on myself, as President of the Framji Cowasji 
 Committee. For the credit of the occasion, I wish it had 
 been entrusted to any one else ; but so far as ray personal 
 feelings go, its discharge is a matter of great satisfaction to 
 me, for the late Framji Cowasji was one of my best friends, 
 and I am one of his oldest surviving friends, and his old 
 Colleague in the late Board of Education, and other manag- 
 ing bodies. Indeed this day's duty has fallen to me, not 
 simply because I am President of the Committee, but by 
 reason also of the express wishes of the family of my 
 lamented Friend. The building will contain a lecture 
 room, a reading room and a laboratory. It was intended 
 that a Museum of Natural History and Economic Products 
 should be accommodated under the same roof j but the 
 Victoria Museum being about to be erected, that idea 
 has been abandoned ; and the Committee's collection 
 of minerals, rocks and fossils has been made over to 
 the Government Central Museum, When the Victoria 
 Museum shall be built, these with other Natural History 
 specimens will be placed on one floor, while another will be 
 devoted exclusively to economic articles, the former (it will 
 
174 
 
 bo the gallery) to be denominated the Framji Cowasji 
 Museum of Natural History. The Institution, as you are 
 aware, is to be in connection with the Students' Literary 
 and Scientific Society, and of the benefits it is likely to 
 afford to that Society and the public at large, none can 
 doubt. The style of the building is very plain, but suitable 
 for the purpose for which it is designed. It is true that 
 considerable delay has taken place in laying the foundation, 
 and the Committee has suffered no little blame for this 
 and I must add undeservedly; for we have spared no 
 exertions in giving effect to the wishes of the originators of 
 the Institution. But all know the competition which 
 exists in Bombay for good building sites, all know the 
 numberless obstacles (each petty enough in itself) which 
 must be overcome before a building can be commenced 
 even after a site has been secured. We are satisfied then 
 with our own conduct, and at the same time well aware 
 that the criticism we have experienced has been prompted 
 by the best of motives ; we would here take the opportunity 
 of thanking those from whom it came and all others who 
 have sincerely desired to assist in bringing this undertaking 
 to its present stage. The Speaker here stopped and laid 
 the foundation stone when he resumed his address as 
 follows : 
 
 " MAY GOD BLESS THIS UNDERTAKING. " 
 And now in conclusion let me say a word to my young 
 friends, for whose special advantage this Institution is 
 designed. Framji Cowasji was one of those whom you 
 would call " old Bombay, " and for my old friend and for 
 that class of " old Bombay/' I would express the hope that, 
 when in the enjoyment of the benefits thus secured to you 
 by them in this instance as well as in numerous others you 
 may have a kindly thought for those to whom you are 
 indebted for them. 
 
175 
 
 Pan-sooparee and nosegays were then distributed, ancl 
 the interesting ceremony was brought to a close by the 
 Union Band, \vhich was in attendance, striking up " God 
 Save the Queen." 
 
 The following is the Inscription on the Copperplate laid 
 under the Foundation Stone : 
 
 IN THE REIGN OF HER MOST GRACIOUS MAJESTY, 
 VICTORIA. 
 
 AND UNDER THE VICEROYALTY OF 
 
 THE RIGHT HON'BLE C. JOHN, EARL CANNING, 
 
 GOVERNOR GENERAL OF INDIA, 
 
 His EXCELLENCY THE HON'BLE SIR GK RUSSEL CLERK, 
 BEING GOVERNOR OF BOMBAY ; 
 
 THE FOUNDATION STONE OF 
 THE FRAMJI COWASJI INSTITUTE 
 
 WAS LAID IN THE PRESENCE OF 
 
 THE FRIENDS AND ADMIRERS OF THE LATE 
 
 FRiMJl COWASJI, ESQUIRE, 
 
 BY THE HON'BLE JUGGONNATH SUNKERSETT, 
 
 ASSISTED 
 
 By the Members of the Committee of the said Institute, 
 on Saturday the 22nd day of February, in the year of the 
 Christian Era 1862 ; of Yeszdezard 1231 ; of Shalivan 1783; 
 of Vicramaditya 1918; Hizri 1278 ; and of the Jewish year 
 
 5622. 
 
 May the Blessings of God Almighty Be Upon 
 THIS 
 
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