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 CHAPTER V.

Rajah Rameswar Rai Mahasai.

Raghab Rai Chaudhuri left two sons, Rameswar and Basudeb. These two brothers were in the best of terms and, as a matter of fact, lived very happily for sometime. But at last, a change came over their minds and they thought of dividing their property. They did not, however, go to law, but came to an amicable arrangement in which the right of the elder, as has been the custom in this family, was duly recognised, he in consideration of priority of birth getting two-thirds and the younger one-third only. Shortly after partition of the family property in the manner as stated above, Rameswar removed with his family to Bansberia which he made his permanent dwelling house, paying only random visits to the old palace at Patuli. Thus the latter place dwindled down into insignificance while the former rose to considerable importance. Rameswar brought several families of Brahman, Kshetrya, Kayastha, Baidya and other castes and settled them in the new town, which he divided into different paras or sections, each section being assigned to persons belonging to one particular caste and calling. Along with the Hindus some Mahomedans were also brought in and were allotted lands in the western portion of the town. These Pathans served as guards and soldiers to the House. Their descendants still live there, though considerably reduced in