Page:Ramtanu Lahiri, Brahman and Reformer - A History of the Renaissance in Bengal.djvu/27



Hindu biographer usually introduces his hero with a description of his ancestry, the place or places chiefly associated with the history of his family, and the persons who more or less influenced his life and character. We shall follow this plan, and propose at the outset to say something about Krishnagar, hallowed by its associations with Ramtanu and his venerable ancestors, and about its illustrious Rajas. The Rajas of Nadia and the Lahiris have lived together amid the same surroundings from generation to generation, their connection dating back far in the past. It was under the auspices of the Rajas and their Dewans, that the Lahiri family made Krishnagar their home; and we shall see that some of them rendered distinguished service to their patrons. The venerable Ramtanu himself was very intimate with the Rajas contemporaneous with him, Siris Chandra, Satis Chandra, and Khitis Chandra.

When in 1845, Mr Lahiri, on his return to Krishnagar, began to preach his liberal doctrines, he had a cordial and honourable reception from Raja Siris Chandra, who openly encouraged him in his noble work. The next Raja, Satis Chandra, looked up to him as his guardian and guide. When, having renounced the Brahmanical thread, he was spurned by his relations, and had not where to lay