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

36 HISTORY OF THE PARSIS. (CHAP. I.

those who were bent upon doing the renowned ‘kotyal’ all the homage required by the occasion, Behind these went the collectors’ and customs’ body-guard, closely followed by the garrison band, the palanquins of the principal ‘sadar amin’ and his son, of the nawab’s son-in-law, and that of the Baxi, and far in the rear came the cavalcade, headed by the Raja of Dharampor. The procession, on reaching the limits of the fort, was greeted with the thunders of cannon, roaring out their welcome from on board the mercantile fleet on the neighbouring river. As it passed down to the riverside, flower-sellers, who with baskets full of flowers lined the road, cast their floral offerings in the direction of Ardeshir’s palanquin and along the thoroughfare, in lavish abundance, perfuming the air all round. Thousands flocked to participate in this magnificent ovation, and the air resounded with the cries of ‘Victory to the kotval;’ ‘the Almighty bestow on him long life and prosperity,’ ete.”

After his retirement in 1846 Ardeshir ceased to take part in public affairs, and led more or less a secluded life until his death in 1856.

The name of Dadabhai Nasarvanji Modi, who was born at Surat in the year 1760, will ever be remembered by the Parsi community at that place. He was a merchant, and had amassed considerable wealth. He was still more, a benevolent and charitable gentleman. It was Dadabhai’s earnest desire to build before his death an Atash-Behram in his city, but he unfortunately died ere this long-cherished wish could be accomplished. His widow was, however, as charitable and generous as her departed husband, whose wishes she carried out by building on 19th November 1823 the sacred edifice and commemorating his name by associating it with the Atash-Behram. Dadabhai left