Indian Antiquary Vol 59

Author(s): Richard Carnac Temple, Charles E A W Oldham, S Krishnaswami Aiyangar, Devadatta Ramkrishna Bhandarka
Publisher: Swati Publications

Page 118

106
THE INDIAN ANTIQUARY
[JUNE, 1930
RUSTAMJI MÅNAK: A NOTABLE PÅRSI BROKER.
BY HARIHAR DAS, B.LITT. (Oxon.), F.R. HIST.S. Tre life-story of this famous Parsî is of great interest to all students of the history of the East India Company, and especially to those who are tracing the genealogy of the great families of merchant princes and others both in Calcutta and in Bombay. The fortunes of some of their ancestors were made in the service of that Company, and their descendants are enjoying to-day the fruits of the achievements of their forefathers. The subject of this article, Rustamji Mânak, born in 1660, was one of those who made a fortune in that service during the severiteenth century, and is the founder of one of the best known Parsi families of our day in Bombay. We are not acquainted with the early history of Rustamji's family, but Mr. Henry Grose mentioned in his book, A Voyage to the East Indies, that the family was descended " from those kings of Persia, whose dynasty was destroyed by the Mahometan invasion." His descendants are still distinguished for their opulence and philanthropy, amongst them being Mr. K. J. Sett, one of the largest land-owners in the city of Bombay and a member of the Pârsî Panchayat ; and Sir Phiroz Settna, a member of the Council of State. There are occasional references to Rustamji in Bruce's Annals, Hedge's Diary, Sir George Forrest's Selections from the Records in the Bombay Secretariat, as well as in other works. Mr. S. H. Hodivala delivered an interesting lecture in April, 1927, at the Cama Oriental Institute, Bombay, on the True History of Rustam Manak. His paper was chiefly based on the above authorities and on private information. Mr. Hodivala has done a distinct service by pointing out inaccuracies with regard to certain facts and tradi. tions associated with Rustamji.
The object of the present article is to give a short account of the prominent part played by Rustamji as broker to the New English East India Company, and interpreter to the Em. bassy of Sir William Norris to Aurangzeb. It has been compiled from records, not hitherto published, which are preserved at the India Office. These include Rusta mji's Diary and the letters written by him during the time he was connected with the Embassy. The Journals of Sir William Norris contained references to Rustamji, which have already been inserted by the writer in his articles on the Embassy published in various journals. Before further describing Rustamji's connection with the Embassy, it may be mentioned that he amassed a large fortune in the Company's service and in private enterprises. He founded the suburb at Surat which still bears his name, Rustampura. His philanthropic spirit prompted him to devote a large portion of his money to charitable objects, and his descendants are continuing to emulate the generosity of their great ancestor.
Rustamji was appointed broker to the New English East India Company by Sir Nicholas Waite a few months before the arrival of Sir William Norris at Surat in December, 1700. He enjoyed the entire confidence of the President for several years. It was customary at that time that any one receiving an appointment should make a present to the official to whom he owed his new office. When, therefore, Rustamji was made chief broker, he presented Sir Nicholas Waite with the sum of Rs. 20,000, which was unanimously accepted by the President and his Council. In reporting to the Court of Directors, they wrote that the money would be "applied toward defraying the charge of building lodgings for your servants, with warehouses and other conveniences, web charge, our house adjoining to the Wall and one of the city gates upon the river will in few years after have our Phirmaund dissipate said Expence in cartage eto., beside the great security it will be upon any revolution in this Govermt when have the comand of such a gate."'l It may easily he concluded that, as Rustamji was able to pay so largo & bum on receiving his appointment, the emoluments attached to his post as well as sums derived from other sources must have been very great
1 See No. 7032, 0. C. 56–I; No. 222, 0. C. 56-II.