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

62 HISTORY OF THE PARSTS. [CHAP. II,

dence of the officers of the establishment on the spot afforded a security to the property deposited there. As shipbuilding increased with the prosperity of the place, in the year 1754 the Superintendent of the Marine proposed the construction of a dry dock, which was acceded to by Government, and with the assistance of Layji it was completed for the moderate sum of twelve thousand rupees.”

Layji had two sons, Manakji and Bamanji, who were brought up in their father’s profession, and of them Mr. Dudley, in the aforesaid report, said that “Lavji, encouraged by the success of his undertaking and the countenance of Government, brought up two of his sons (Manakji and Bamanji) to his own craft, and by his instructions rendered them so proficient in naval architecture that, by their united exertions, the reputation of the Bombay Dockyard became universally known in India, and their business was so much increased that in the year 1760 it was found necessary to construct another dock. The abilities of Lavji in his profession, and his great integrity in the purchase of materials for shipbuilding, had now in more than one instance attracted the particular notice, approbation, and reward of the Honourable Court; but his skill and exertions in repairing H.M. squadron about this period called forth their distinguished commendation, and they emphatically say ‘That such essential services should not be passed