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

CHAP. I1.] KAVAS/I PATEL, 53

Rastamji, who gave so much satisfaction that Governor Hornby invested him with a “ khilat” or dress of honour in the year 1775.

In those days Government found much difficulty in providing tonnage for transporting troops from one place to another, and Kavasji Patel was therefore entrusted with the work of supplying boats and vessels for the public service, which duty he performed very creditably and most satisfactorily. When the British took Thana and Bassein from the Maratha Sardar Ragunathrao Dada Saheb, Kavasji Patel was appointed to an important post in the former place, where he established a number of Parsis as a colony, and built out of his own purse places of worship and other charitable edifices. No Parsi was allowed to go to Thana without a pass? from Kavasji. The

near the old police court in Forbes Street a large tank, by the side of which the Parsis used to resort for recreation in the afternoon, and Bhikhaji used to take Firoza there that she might select a husband of her own choice, and give her hand to whomsoeyer she pleased. Young Rastamji Dorabji was the fortunate winner of the heart of the lovely Firoza.

1 The following is a copy of the pass as found in the records in the possession of the Patel’s family :To AnpDREW Ramsay, Esq.

Str—Please to permit to pass the bearer Hirji Parsi going to Thana.

Tam, Si, Your most obedt. humble Servt. (Signed) Kavassr Rastamst Pater.

Bompay, 18th Feb. 1775.