Page:Ramtanu Lahiri, Brahman and Reformer - A History of the Renaissance in Bengal.djvu/33

 came to Chandernagore where Indra Narayana Chaudhri, the Dewan of the French, gave him a horse. It was here that he made his first acquaintance with Krishna Chandra, when the latter was on a visit to Indra Narayana. The Raja, pleased with his accomplishments, took him to his home. The last though not the least brilliant ornament of the Krishnagar court was Gopal Bharh, whose witty sayings are still in the mouth of almost every Bengali. I think it will not be too much to say that the intelligence, learning and wit for which India is still noted, were nurtured and developed under the auspices of Krishna Chandra.

But in spite of his claims to the gratitude of his country in other respects, he was indifferent to social and religious matters. He attempted no reforms. It is said that Raja Rajballabh, feeling keenly for the sorrows of his young widowed daughter, thought of her remarriage, and that he would have accomplished his purpose, had not Krishna Chandra opposed him. The Krishnagar court, instead of alleviating the burden of priestly rule laid on the people, made it heavier. It is said, that it debarred the Piralis, or excommunicated-Brahmans of Jessore, and the Baidyas, from the privilege of wearing the sacred thread. How far the rumour is correct we do not know.

Shib Chandra filled the gadi from 1782 to 1788. He was very pious, candid and friendly to his people. His successor Ishwar Chandra’s career lasted till 1802. He was very extravagant, and loose in his morals. He is said to have spent more than a lakh of rupees on the marriage of a pet monkey. He was so remiss in punctually paying the Government revenue, that to realise it portions of his Zemindari were sold by public auction.

He was succeeded by Giris Chandra. He too neglected his affairs. He spent large sums of money in works of