History of the Parsis : including their manners, customs, religion and present position : with coloured and other illustrations : in two volumes

CHAP. I1.] A MERCHANT PRINCE. 123

the foremost journal in India, said of him that “he was remarkable not only for his enterprising spirit but for his freedom from the prejudices of the East, and for a European cast of thought peculiar to his countrymen among Asiatics. In the days of his prosperity he gave like a ‘merchant prince,’ and sedulously emulated the example of his intimate friend, Dwarkanath Tagore.”

Rastamji left two sons, Dadabhai and Manakji. The former was in his day one of the most extensive of the China merchants. The other, Manakji, is well known in Calcutta as a leading citizen, and holds the position of Persian Consul in that city. He once filled the office of Sheriff of Calcutta.

Framji’s brother, Kharshedji Kavasji, was a highly popular and respected member of the Parsi community. His business connections were as extensive as those of his elder brothers. He was broker to many European firms in Bombay, and possessed great influence among the highest officials in the Presidency. He was possessed of one great desire which he carried out with all the means in his power. He wished to see his co-religionists employed in trade and industrial pursuits; and for that purpose he advanced large sums of money to many people with the view of giving them a start in life, never expecting the amount to be returned unless it was done voluntarily. Hundreds of Parsis are now blessing his