Page:Adam's reports on vernacular education in Bengal and Behar, submitted to Government in 1835, 1836 and 1838.djvu/117

Rh published accounts that the instruction is exclusively religious. These schools are also in connection with the Serampore mission.

Population.—This district was formed about the year 1800 from the southern portion of Dacca Jelalpoor, and the Courts of Justice and revenue are held at Burisal. In 1801, the total population was estimated at 926,723 inhabitants in the proportion of five Hindoos to three Mahomedans, many of whom reside in boats the whole year. In 1584, a part of this district was overwhelmed by an inundation, succeeded by Mugh invasions, aided by the Portuguese of Chittagong; from the combined effects of which, it is said not to have recovered to the present day. A great destruction of life and property by inundation occurred in 1822. In the southern quarter of the district there still exist several Portuguese colonies of probably two centuries’ duration.

Indigenous Schools.—I have not been able to obtain any information respecting indigenous schools, either elementary or learned, in this district, and I can only infer from the known state of education in other districts that here also such institutions must exist, although they have not in any way come under public notice. The Collector in 1823 reported that no endowments or funds for the purposes of education existed in the district.

Native Female Schools.—In 1834, there was a Native girls’ school at Backergunge in connection with the Serampore mission, having 18 scholars in attendance. The prospects of success are said to be pleasing, and the common course of education is pursued with as good results as the circumstances and the tender age of the children will permit.

Population.—Exclusive of the Mugh settlers the total number of Bengalee inhabitants in 1801 was estimated at 1,200,000, but this is considered a large estimate when the limited area and physical circumstances of the district are considered. The Mahomedans here exceed the Hindoos in the proportion of three to two, but many of them have adopted the Brahmanical doctrines of caste and purity, and it is remarkable also that, although Chittagong was long possessed by the adherents of Buddha, in 1801 it scarcely contained one Buddhist of hereditary growth. The Bengalees live in detached houses, but at stated times once or twice a week assemble in open market-places to buy and sell.

About 1783, when Arracan was conquered by the Burmese a large migration of Mughs into the British territories took place,