History of the Parsis : including their manners, customs, religion and present position : with coloured and other illustrations : in two volumes

CHAP, 1] ARDESHIR KOTVAL. 29

orderly fashion to the place of starting. This last homage which was paid to this distinguished public servant shows how highly he must have been esteemed during life, and how greatly he was honoured at his death, both by the people and by the Government. His name, even at this day, is remembered with affectionate regard by the people of Surat.

Phirozsha’s younger brother, Ardeshir Dhanjisha, was not less distinguished. He was a man of rare energy and ability, and won his laurels as “ kotval” (native superintendent of police) of Surat. His long and chequered career as a meritorious servant of the British Government is well worthy of record. By his deeds, courage, and endurance he fully merited the title of ““ Bahadur” or brave.

Ardeshir began life as a clerk in the chief court of justice at Surat, and rose by successive steps to be principal Sadar Amin of that city. Throughout his career he was distinguished by a strong sense of public duty and an untiring zeal for the welfare of his fellow-countrymen in Surat. In 1822, when that ill-fated city was visited by a terrible inundation, his exertions, involving imminent risk to life and limb, and extending without remission over six days and nights, were beyond all praise, and resulted in the preservation of thousands of lives. These vigorous and unselfish efforts were appreciated at their true value by the Government, who, in the person of Mr.