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I believe no apology is needed for presenting to the public, here and abroad, a new edition of the English translation of the epoch-making Bengali drama NIL DURPAN (NIL DARPAN) together with an account of the trial of the Rev. Mr. J. Long, the first publisher of the English version, and of the proceedings connected therewith.

The original Bengali drama was first published on the second day of the Bengali month of ASWIN, Sakabda 1782 (corresponding to 1860 A.D.) by one Mr. Ram Chandra Bhowmick from Dacca (now East Pakistan).

A high Government official under the British, the author chose to remain anonymous. The title page carried a couple of lines which in effect meant that the drama had been written by a traveller who wanted to give a message of hope to the peasants in their struggle against the poisonous reptiles in the shape of rapacious Indigo Planters.

The first English translation appeared in April or May 1861 (as per statement by Mr. C. H. Manuel, the printer). In the introduction it was pointed out that the author of the drama as well as its translator were natives; both were then in the employ of the Government. The title page of that edition is reprinted in the present edition.

The second English edition was brought out in London by Simpkin, Marshall & Co., Ltd., in 1862.

The second Indian edition of the English version was published in 1903 by Messrs A. N. ANDINI & Co.,