Page:Vidyasagar, the Great Indian Educationist and Philanthropist.djvu/41

 of Serampore, it was approved and published. Though this was the first work in pure and undefiled Bengali prose, the literary world was not quick to appreciate its merits. It did not command a large sale for some time. The bright idea now flashed across his mind that if he had a press of his own he might eke out his income by turning author. He set up the "Sanskrit Press" in conjunction with Madan Mohan. The partnership however was soon dissolved, and Vidyasagar became the sole proprietor of the firm. The works of Bharat Chandra, court-poet of Maharaja Krishna Chandra Roy (born 1710, died 1782) of Nadia, were the first to appear in print. The manuscripts were procured from Maharaja Satish Chandra Roy with whom Vidyasagar was intimate.

A brief visit to the historic city of Burdwan followed. Maharaja Mahatab Chand Bahadur, learning that he had not accepted the articles of food presented by him, invited him to his palace. At the close