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

16 HISTORY OF THE PARSIS. [CHAP.

corded that he was a man of great probity and high character. He was as liberal in his expenditure and his assistance of the deserving as his wealth allowed him to be. Through his influence with the officers of the Mogul, he had saved his own countrymen from many an oppression. He built bridges and roads for the convenience of wayfarers, wells and tanks for the thirsty, and “dharmshalas” (free rest house) for weary travellers. In fact, he was unanimously regarded as the greatest benefactor of his city. On his death the whole community mourned for him and deplored his loss. The suburb of Surat now known as Rastampura, in which he lived, was named after him. It is perhaps not less noteworthy that he owned nearly the whole of the property within its hmits. His son Naorozji, after his return from Europe, settled in Bombay, and the numerous Parsi families known as Seth Khandans are his descendants. The hill now called Naorozji Hill,’ situated to the west of the Prince’s Dock in Bombay, was purchased by and called after him. He was one of the first members of the Parsi Panchayet, with the foundation of which the beginning of his career was almost contemporaneous. Naorozji had a son named Manakji, who was born

Hon’ble Company, and for the Good and Interest of his brothers and family ; therefore you ought to make him a handsome present for his long and fatiguing voyage and good services.”

1 From this hill is quarried the best blue basalt obtainable in

Bombay.