Page:Adam's reports on vernacular education in Bengal and Behar, submitted to Government in 1835, 1836 and 1838.djvu/124

64 of the school. Under these circumstances the transfer of the pension from the name of Ramkisore Sarma to his son Kishanath Nyaya Panchanand was authorized.

Schools of Learning not Indigenous.—In 1826, Mr. W. L. Melville, who then held the situation of Agent to the Governor General at Moorshedahad, reported the establishment of a college and school in that city in pursuance of the orders of Government, in the accomplishment of which he stated that he had had to encounter some difficulties and delays. The head-maulavi and other principal officers were selected from the Calcutta college, with the expectionexception [sic] of Maulavi Musurat Ali, who out of deference to the religious tenents of the Nizam’s family was chosen from the Sheah sect. This Native, having been strongly recommended to the Resident by the Nawab Mungle, was appointed maulavi and took charge of the school, and although a man inferior in learning to the teacher from the Calcutta college, he was equal to the duties of his appointment. It is added that it was not easy to find persons of the Sheah sect in that part of India who were eminent scholars. In the selection of pupils a preference was given to the immediate family of the Nizam, the members of which were encouraged to avail themselves of its advantages; but after some considerable delay, as they did not embrace the opportunity of entering the institution, the resident filled up the number of fifty students, of whom six were to attend the college and forty-four the school. The Government approved the conduct of Mr. Melville in the establishment of this college and school, and instructed him to report the progress of the institution and to submit his suggestions for its future management whenever he might be prepared to do so. He was also authorized to draw from the hands of the Collector of the district the sum of Rupees 4,918-5-15, together with the monthly allowance of Rupees 1,500 on the same account, being an annual charge of Rupees 18,000. This institution does not appear to be under the direction of the General Committee, there being no mention of it in the Committee’s report of 1832.

Native Female Schools.—There is a Native girls’ school at Moorshedahad in connection with the Missionary Society just mentioned. It is attended regularly by about 30 children, some of the elder girls read the Gospel fluently, and the rest in lower classes are instructed in the usual native way. After their daily lessons are completed they all repeat a catechism and the Lord’s Prayer, and conclude with singing one or more Bengalee hymns.

Population.—In 1801, the population of Beerbhoom was estimated at 700,000 in the proportion of thirty Hindoos to one