Ramprasad Pal adds a chapter on the last Najim of Bengal Subah -Feradun Ja (1838-1881) who was the first to sit on the masnad of Hazarduari (New Palace) Durbar Hall. The British paid some attention to his education. He knew no English grammar but something of classical and English, History, Geography and even Cowper’s poems. Captain Sowar saw to it that the weakling Nawab did not sneak into the Begum Mahal. Major walsh proved his intellectual progress in A History of District of Murshidabad. But, taking advantage of his youth, the key to the treasury fell into undesirable hands and many prized jewellery were stolen and even sold to Calcutta Auction Houses. Later the agent Mr. Torrmens was found guilty (in spite of C. E Bucklands laudatory statement).
Once again, the author turns to his favorite theme architecture, viz- building of the new Imambara by Sadek Ali. Fortunately, he turns to the foundation of the Nizamut College (1829). We glean detailed information of the salaries paid to teachers, Daftar is even Mehtars (S. Baktiar Ali). Then came down the iron hand of Dalhousie (as it did on many native States) who claimed even the Nizamat Deposit Fund. In spite of it the Nawab offered ungrudging help during the Mutiny. The author is to be congratulated for offering evidence from the Dewan’s & Nazim’s letters. Yet the Nawab felt threatened even after Wood’s despatch and decided to lay down his grievances before the queen herself. A whole ship was chartered for this visit in 1869. Duke of Argyle threw cold waters on his pleas but the House of Commons took them up. …….I can recommend this book to all who are interested in the fate of the nineteenth century Bengal Nawabs. We know so much about the previous ones that the facts presented in it would be a lot, if not sumptuous, fare.” amalesh Tripathi.
