Indian Antiquary Vol 59

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

Page 153

JULY, 1930 1
RUSTAMJI MANAK : A NOTABLE PARSI BROKER
139
in placing impediments in the way of the ambassador and that he was endeavouring to persuade the Nawab not to grant the farmáns. It was reported that the Nawab's messengers, when they failed to persuade Sir William to visit him, threatened that the Nawab would agree with the proposal of the Old Company's Procurator not to grant the farmáns, and that the ambassador might return to England. In this letter Rustamji expresses his disgust at the nature of the proceedings generally. The ambassador had not yet received any farmán and as Rustamji was not sure whether he should take leave of the Nawab, he solicited the advice of the Consul as to the best course to be pursued under the circumstances, and further suggested that Sir Nicholas Waite himself might be willing to come to receive the farmáns from the Nawab and in case he decided to the contrary, that Mr. Bonnell might be sent as his representative. In either case Rustamjî expressed the hope that the Consul would communicate with him as to the procedure to be adopted with the Nawab. He warned the Con. sul that no communication as to the above proposal could be conveyed to the ambassador on account of the strained relations between him and Sir Nicholas Waite, and also informed Framji that the ambassador would quickly repair to Surat if no further obstacles were placed in his way.12
After the ambassador had finally taken leave of the Nawab and had received from him the letter and presents for the King of England, it was decided that Rustamji should reinain at Burhanpur in the hope of obtaining the three farmins. Sir Nicholas Waite and his Council also directed him not to advance or pay any of the sums promised till he had obtained them. Rustamji was so hopeful of obtaining the farmáns that he informed the President that they would be forwarded to Surat within a few days. But this hope was doomed to disappointment.13
The charges incurred by Rustamji's residence at the lashkar became so great that the President and Council wrote to him on the 9th December 1702, revoking their former order and instructing him to make no further demand for the grant of the three farmáns nor to pay any money towards securing them, but to return to Surat with all convenient speed and to resume his former employments.14 Rustamji on his part represented to the President that he had already been compelled to disburse considerable sums for the purpose of securing the ambassador's pardon. This protest was only an excuse for prolonging his stay at the Court and for procuring payment of a still larger amount for his expenses. Sir Nicholas Waite however did not accept those excuses and insisted on seeing for himself the various items of the expenses incurred. Rustamjî was finally permitted to return to Surat on the 26th February 1702-3.
When the two Companies were united, Rustamji, on the nomination of Sir Nicholas, was continued in office as their broker ; but his position with the Company's authorities gra. dually became insecure, partly owing to his own conduct and practices, and partly also to the rivalry and jealousies existing amongst his employers. In a letter dated the 25th April 1706, Sir John Gayer and his Council stated that Rustamji's corrupt practices in connection with private shipping were very prejudicial to the interests of the Company and that it was doubtful whether they would continue to employ him. This accusation was endorsed by Sir Nicholas Waite in a letter to the Court of Directors written in the following year. 15
It was unfortunate that Rustamji, who had been enjoying the entire confidence of Sir Nicholas Waite for the last few years, should have now incurred his displeasure, which culminated in his dismissal from the service of the Company in 1706. It was alleged that Sir Nicholas Waite on his transfer to Bombav evaded the payment of Rs. 50.000 claimed by
13 See 7786, O. C., 57-II. 18 See vol. VII, pp. 172, 286, of Surat Factory Records. 14 See 0. C., 58-II. 16 See p. CV, vol. III, of Hedges' Diary.