Page:Twelve men of Bengal in the nineteenth century (1910).djvu/19

Rh his father had been a constant grief to him and though he stood by the old man's bed-side when he lay dying in 1803, they were far apart in spirit. After his father's death Ram Mohan inherited none of the family property and his relations with his mother and other relatives became unfortunately still more strained. From all of them he suffered the most bitter persecution, his mother being particularly incensed against him and making life impossible for him anywhere in the neighbourhood of his old home. He protested vehemently against the charges of heresy and godlessness that were brought against him, but they would have none of him. In after days when he had come into possession of the family property, he showed his liberality and forbearance by allowing his mother to continue the management of it, and to retain the position she had always held.

Practically disowned by his family there was thus nothing to prevent Ram Mohan from pursuing the course which he considered right. Coming to reside in Calcutta, he quickly formed a circle of his own. His striking personality and force of character from the first exercised an extraordinary influence over all those with whom he was brought in contact. He had all the advantages of distinction of manner and appearance as well as brilliant conversational powers. "Ram Mohan Roy" wrote an Englishman who knew him well "surpassed the generality of his countrymen in his personal appearance almost as much as in his