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

CHAP. 1.] MANAK/I SETH. 17

at Surat in 1688, and whose name is memorable in the annals of Bombay. He came to that city in 1730, engaged in extensive mercantile operations, and opened a branch firm in Mysore. The small fire-temple in Bazar Gate Street, still known as Manakji Seth’s “adaran,” was built at his expense in 1733, and the “wadi” called Manakji Seth’s “wadi,’ was also the creation of his generosity and charitable disposition. In 1747 he built a tower of silence at Surat. In Bombay the Parsis are also indebted to him for a tower of silence. He and his sons largely contributed towards the building of that place of burial. He was the first Parsi who entailed his estate in favour of his eldest son, and of the eldest heirs-male of his body lawfully begotten.* On his death he settled a portion of his property in trust as a permanent endowment for the charitable institutions he had founded, and which he had supported during his lifetime. He was the head of the priestly caste in Bombay, and commanded great influence. Whenever schisms occurred among the priests his opinion was tantamount to law. At the present day, however, though his heirs are duly recognised, the headship of the family is little more than nominal. As we have given this short biographical account of Rastam Manak, the broker to

1 The present inheritor of the entailed estate is Mr. Jalbhai Ardeshir Seth, a young man of intelligence and considerable promise. Last year he travelled in Europe and America.

VOL. II. Cc