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Dwarkanath came of the well known Tagore family of Calcutta. He was born in 1794 and his grandfather had already acquired a large fortune for himself. Dwarkanath was given a good English education and early in life showed much ability in managing the affairs of the family estate. He studied law, held some responsible posts in the opium and customs department and afterwards set himself up as an independent merchant in partnership with two Englishmen. The firm went by the name of "Ker, Tagore and Co." and came to be very prosperous. Dwarkanath soon made a fortune for himself. He was always present in any work calculated to be beneficial to his country and in matters of social, religious and educational reform Dwarkanath was always associated with the great Raja Ram Mohan Ray. He was an intimate friend of Lord Auckland and often stood in the capacity of an adviser to him. His lordship was a frequenter of Dwarkanath's residence at Belgachia. In 1841 Dwarkanath conceived the idea of going to England and encouraged by the principal English officials in Calcutta, sailed for England in 1842. The reception which was accorded to him in Europe has never fallen to the lot of any Indian. He was favourably received by the Pope at Rome and heartily welcomed by the King of Prussia. In London Her Majesty the late Queen graciously received him at Buckingham Palace, where "Prince Dwarkanath" as he was called, was a frequent visitor. After a tour through Scotland he came back to India towards the end of the year. Dwarkanath was always princely in his donations and helps to the deserving poor of his country and it was he who gladly underwent the expenses of sending Dr. Goodeve Chakravarty and Dr. Bholanath Bose and others to England for study. In 1845 Dwarkanath again started for England but he never came back. On the first of August in 1846 Dwarkanath breathed his last.