Subodh Chandra Mallik

Raja Subodh Chandra Basu Mallik
Raja Subodh Chandra Basu Mallik
Born	Subodh Chandra Basu Mallik; 9 February 1879; Calcutta, India
Died	14 November 1920 (aged 41); Darjeeling, India
Other names	Raja Subodh Mallik; Raja Subodh Mullick; Subodh Mullick;
Occupation	Indian Nationalist
Known for	Indian independence movement
Notable work	National Council for Education
Spouse(s)	Prokashini; Kamalprova;
Children	9

Subodh Chandra Basu Mallik (9 February 1879 – 14 November 1920), commonly known as Raja Subodh Mallik, was a Bengali Indian industrialist, philanthropist and nationalist. Mallik is noted as a nationalist intellectual who was one of the co-founders of the Bengal National College, of which he was the principal financial supporter. He was close to Aurobindo Ghosh and financed the latter's nationalist publications including Bande Mataram.^[1]

Early life[]

Subodh Chandra was born on 9 February 1879 at the Mallik’s ancestral house in Radhanath Mallik Lane in Pataldanga near College Square, Calcutta. Father was Prabodh Chandra, eldest son of Joygopal and mother Kumudini was from Mitra family of Darjipara. Prabodh Chandra along with his two brothers moved out of their ancestral house in Pataldanga in 1879 itself and stayed initially in a rented house at 70 Shankharitola Street very near to 12 Wellington Square where the family moved in after construction of the palatial house in 1881.

Subodh Chandra lost his father at the age of 9 and he was brought up by his youngest uncle Hem Chandra who doted on him. Influence of Manmatha Chandra, second brother of Prabodh Chandra, was also not negligible but he was often away from Calcutta. In a joint family set up Subodh Chandra was brought up with cousins who adored him. Kumudini, Subodh Chandra’s mother picked up Sarada (Goho) whose mother (sister of Prabodh Chandra) died at childbirth in 1877. Sarada grew up with cousins and was a great friend of Subodh. Hem Chandra’s son Nirode Chandra had a delicate health but also had extra ordinary business acumen. Hem Chandra’s daughters Lilabati and Mrinalini (Grandmother of Brinda Karat and Radhika Roy of NDTV) were very attached to Subodh. In later years Subodh Chandra and Lilabati’s husband Charu Chandra Dutt led the extremist movement for independence, especially the "Banga Bhanga Andolon", along with legendary Aurobindo Ghosh . They were known as right and left hand of Aurobindo Ghosh and three of them were known as "Triumvirs".

Education[]

Subodh Chandra was educated in City School and then St. Xavier's Collegiate School. Passing the Entrance Examination from St. Xavier’s School he got admitted to the Presidency College and passed the First Arts Exam of Calcutta University in 1900. When Subodh was in BA class he was persuaded by his uncle Manmatha Chandra to go to England for higher studies. Hem Chandra did not like the idea. Subodh Chandra literally ran away from the home though he was married at that time. He joined Trinity College, Cambridge in 1900 and matriculated from there on 30 September 1900. He then completed three academic terms and came back to Calcutta in 1901 and again went back in 1902 and completed three more academic terms. But he came back to Calcutta in 1903 and did not go back to complete his Tripos, instead he joined independence movement.

Personal life[]

Subodh possessed a sharp intellect and mastery in English. He could just speak his mother tongue but could not write it properly. He always expressed his ideas in English. He was well known in Calcutta’s social life as a man of anglicized nature. As his father left a lot of property Subodh was brought up in luxury – his suites were being sent to London for dry cleaning. He also entertained well – amongst his friends were both British and Indians. There was a separate kitchen known as baburchikhana where European dishes were prepared regularly by expert cooks for the entertainment of the Rajas, Maharajas and distinguished guests.

Contribution to Indian Independence Movement[]

In 1903, he returned from England before completing his university studies, and immediately delved into the nationalist movement. In 1905 Subodh Chandra started a society under the banner of "Field and Academy" in the house of Mahendra Narain Das in Shibnanrain Das Lane. Patriots, Barrister, Govt. Officials and respectable persons of the society were member of the "Field and Academy". Subodh was founder, secretary and all powerful person of the organisation. Deshbandhu Chittaranjan, Kabiguru Rabindranath, A. Choudhri, Mr. Rasul were members of the society.

On 7th Kartik 1312, a big meeting was held under the banner of Field & Academy. Barrister A. Rasul presided over the meeting while speakers included Bipin Chandra Pal and Shyam Sunder Chakraborty. Thereafter on 10th Kartik students had a big rally and a meeting at 22, Radhanath Mallik Lane. The courtyard of the house accommodated 1000 students. This belonged to Kshetra Chandra Basu Mallik, uncle of Subodh Chandra. This meeting was presided over by Rabindranath Tagore.

Sachindra Nath Basu, a student of City College proposed a resolution which meant that students were ready to leave Government schools and colleges but not to allow the British Rulers to divide the province. This proposal was supported by Satish Chandra Sinha and Mohammed Siddiqui. Rabindranath in his presidential address encouraged students to join the anti-government movement. As a result Government Schools did not allow agitators to continue their studies. They were harassed, beaten and arrested.

Subodh Chandra seeing the condition of students and the education systems was completely upset. He proposed at a meeting of the Field & Academy to start schools & colleges without waiting for help from Government. He promised to donate Rs. 1 lakh for the initial expenditure of a new college. Next Day, on 9 November 1905, a meeting was held in the Panther Ground to discuss the issue of national college. At the request of all present, Subodh Chandra presided over the meeting. Chittaranjan Das proposed the establishment of national university. Hirendra Nath Dutta supported the proposal. Ramendra Sunder Trivedi, Bipin Chander Pal, Shyam Sunder Chakraborty, Moulavi Abul Hussan, renowned educationists and orators of those days narrated the necessity of having national educational institutions. This led to the foundation of National Council for Education.

In a meeting of massive attendance in 1906 when he was presiding he declared contribution of 1 lac of Rupee for the formation of National University. This is today’s Jadavpur University.

Raja Subodh Mallik was also in the extremist group in the Indian National Congress and was involved deeply in the anti-partition movement of Bengal in 1905. He became member of Indian National Congress in 1904. In 1905 at the Calcutta congress he was a prominent worker. In 1906 he went to Surat as one of the delegates from Bengal. In April 1906, the Bengal Provincial conference was held at Barisal. Abdul Rasul was president of the Conference. Subodh Chandra went to Barisal to attend the Conference along with Surendranath Banerjee, Aurobindo Ghosh etc. Police did not allow the Conference to take place and insulted all great people present there. Even they were beaten up by Police. Surendranath Banerjee was arrested and fined. Immediately after this incidence Bhupendra Nath Basu proclaimed that British rule in India would be finished shortly. Subodh Chandra thereafter traveled widely in East Bengal and advised students to fight for independence of motherland. In 1907, he bore the expenses of all delegates from Bengal attending the session of the Indian National Congress held at Surat. The same year, he visited Barisal, which had been at the forefront of the Swadeshi movement, and other places in East Bengal. He was one of the collaborator’s of Sri Aurobindo in his secret action. It was in his house that Sri Aurobindo usually lived when he was in Kolkata. It is from this house at 12 Raja Subodh Mallik Square, the anti-partition movement was directed. It is believed that the decision to assassinate Douglas Kingsford, District Judge of Muzaffarpur, Alipore Bomb Conspiracy in which Khudiram Bose and Prafulla Chaki were involved, was taken by a revolutionary 'tribunal' consisting of Sri Aurobindo, Charu Chandra Dutt and Subodh Chandra Mallik. The movement against partition of Bengal or the Swadeshi Movement was directed from this house. The house was frequented by the stalwarts of the time like Rabindranath Tagore, Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Gaekwar of Baroda, Surendranath Banerjee, Prince Count Okuma (Japan), Gokhale, Aga Khan, W.C. Bonerjee, Sakharam Ganesh Deuskar, A. Rasul, Jyotirindra Nath Tagore, Pashupaati Nath Basu (Baghbazar), Satish Chandra Sinha (Paikpara) and many others. Rabindranath on many occasions had recited his poems and sung his song in the parties. He also sang the National Anthem in this house.

Swadeshi Movement & Shivaji Festival[]

In 1905 the general assembly of Indian National Congress was held in Varanashi, Lala Lajpat Rai in his speech made special mention about the brave protest of Bengalis against partition of Bengal. On 3 December there was a lecture on self-defence at Field & Academy. Those who worked as Volunteer at the festival were given a grand party by Subodh Chandra at his residence.

Bande Mataram newspaper[]

From 1 August 1906, Brahma Bandhab Upadhyay took initiative to publish a national newspaper in English. But without funds no such dreams can be materialised. His friend Shri Haridas Halder started publishing a newspaper from his "Sandhya" press under the style of "Bande Mataram."

He approached Subodh Chandra for financial help. Subodh agreed to help him. In October 1906, at a meeting in his house, an Editorial Board was formed with Bipin Chandra Pal, Aurobindo Ghosh, Shyamsunder Chakraborty and Hemendra Prasad Ghosh. Bipin Chandra Pal became the Chief Editor. From 1st week of October 1906, Subodh Chandra allowed the press, office of Bande Mataram to operate from one of his house at 2/1, Creek Row (now in Gangaram Palit Lane).

Jugantar, Bande Mataram, Navshakti, Sandhya provided inspiration to youths for freedom movement. For Bande Mataram, Subodh Chandra, Aurobindo and Chittaranjan worked together and became very close friends. Slowly, the newspaper came in the bad note of the British Government. On 27 June 1907 an article styled as "Policies for Indians" and 27 July 1907 "Judgement Case" about case against Jugantar Group of freedom fighters were published. Further, articles published in Bengali newspapers about freedom movement were translated and printed in Bande Mataram.

On 6 August Government issued an arrest warrant in the name of Aurobindo Ghosh, Editor of the Bande Mataram paper. On 11 August Aurobindo surrendered to the police. Shri Girish Chandra Basu, Principal Bangabashi College and Shri Nirode Chandra Basu Mallik were sureties for release of Aurobindo Ghosh on bail.

In May 1908, British Government searched houses of Raja at Calcutta & Varanasi. Bande Mataram press & office was also under investigation. On 4 June, again they had a search at the Wellington Square residence. In October 1908, Police Commissioner issued a show cause notice to the Press asking for the reasons why the publication of the newspaper should not be stopped for publishing the article "Death of Narendra Goswami in Jail."

Light of Asia Insurance Co[]

He observed that there was no bank or Insurance company owned by Indians. Subodh Chandra remembered the name of Mr. Reed. He was partner of Radhanath Mallik and was responsible for the fortunes of Basu Mallik family. He started a company styled as Reid & Co. Ltd. in 1912. Dalhousie Square. He used to attend his office regularly. He was working as agent of some Foreign banks and Indian banks. However, the business was not in his blood. He started giving loan to friends and relatives who never repaid the same. In 1916, he repaid all depositors from his own fund and closed the banking business. He started life insurance business in 1912. The Board of Directors consisted of Maharaja Jitendra Narayan Bhup, Prince Victor Narain of Cooch Bihar, Priyanath Ghosh, Subodh Chandra Mallik, Atal Kumar Sen and Nirode Chandra Mallik.

Reid & Co. Ltd. were managing agents of the Insurance Company. It was the first company registered as life Insurance Company under the Insurance Cos. Act, 1912. The Company had to keep deposited a huge amount with the Government. This company had its office at No. 5 and 6 Stephens House.

Advertisement in the newspaper[]

Light of Asia Insurance Co. Ltd. is an example of dedication to the country and fellow countrymen. Raja Subodh Chandra, on one hand, has donated for "College of Engineering & Technology" while on the other hand has established the Insurance Co. for employment and business potential of Bengalis. 23 years back which was dream to us has become reality now. The insurance company of Raja Subodh Chandra has drawn all our attention. In future Bengalis will remember this great man and worship him. The Insurance company has since been merged with New India Assurance Company on nationalization of the insurance sector in 1956.

Arrest & Death[]

By October 1908, he went to Varanasi with family for a change. On 13 October, Police Superintendent of Varanasi, arrested him under Regulation 3 of 1818, first he was placed in Bareily Jail and thereafter in Almora Jail. He was imprisoned for 14 months. Thereafter he was released on February 10, 1910.

After release from jail Subodh Chandra and Aurobindo Ghose had a long discussion at his house at 12 Wellington Square (now Raja Subodh Mallik Square). Aurobindo Ghose thereafter went to Pondicherry and Subodh Chandra went to Darjeeling and stayed there till his death at the young age of 41 years.

During those days he spent millions of rupees in charity. He donated for the education of many freedom fighters. His name is recognized till today as one of the biggest donor for education

Title of Raja[]

Our young men to-day might not fully know what and who Subodh Chandra was. The title of "Raja" was conferred on him by his admiring countrymen not because of the wealth and social position he had but because of the many qualities of head and heart which made him easily win the hearts of all who came in contact with him. Though born with affluence, his heart bled for his poor and suffering country-men.

12 Wellington Square[]

The house has a U shaped structure with a garden in the middle. It had all the trappings of the western civilization. The polished wooden dance floor on the first floor later was transformed into an impressive staircase. The rooms were wallpapered and furnished in western style. Wood works on the doors had anchor with the letter M on them and the Hanging from the walls was European paintings. The work on the railings also had anchor with the letter M on them. Hanging from the walls were European paintings including the world famous painting of George Washington by Gilbert Stuart. The floor was carpeted with chandeliers hanging from the ceiling. The Library room was a big hall with bottle green furnishing and wall cupboards were up to the ceiling surrounding the entire hall and at the middle of the wall on the roadside was a big bay window. The cupboards were full with books with many rare collections as the Malliks’ were well read. There were long verandahs, those inside the house was white marbled, the room floors were all white-marbled.

House of Raja Subodh Mallik Square

The ground floor had black marble on the floor and the artists brought over from Italy painted the walls. There was a large dining room where Malliks’ entertained lavishly and well. The ground floor also had a billiards room just below the Library on the first floor. The first wing had baburchikhana and the back wing had kitchens for cooking, one for the entire inmates and the other for the deity.

House of Raja Subodh Mallik in Kolkata

The middle wing, which had a wooden bridge initially to connect the front and the back wings, was later built over. The back wing was the place where women dominated. The family deity was also lodged here. There was a strong room with iron doors and cages where family fortune were stored. There was also a golden tree with emerald leaves and flowers and fruits of ruby and diamond.

There was a back door in the rear wing known as ‘khirki dorja’. As per the custom of the Mallik family (both Pataldanga and Wellington Sq) newly wed brides entered the house first time through this door. At the time of marriage of the daughters of the family, vegetarian meal was being served on the marriage day; this custom is still being followed by the Malliks of Wellington Square.

Later, during the time of Subodh Mallik this house became the headquarters of movement against the partition of Bengal (Banga Bhanga Andolon). The house was frequented by the stalwarts of the time like Rabindranath Tagore, Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Gaekwar of Baroda, Surendranath Banerjee, Prince Count Okuma (Japan), Gokhale, Aga Khan and W.C, Bonerjee, Sakharam Ganesh Deuskar, A. Rasul, Jyotirindra Nath Tagore, Pashupaati Nath Basu (Baghbazar), Satish Chandra Sinha (Paikpara) and many others. Rabindranath on many occasions had recited his poems and sung his song in the parties. He also sang the National Anthem in this house.

Sri Aurobindo Ghose stayed here for prolonged period and directed the anti partition movement (Banga Bhanga Andolon) from this house

Front view of the house of Raja Subodh Mallik, the great Indian nationalist

In independent India, Wellington Square, the site of his palatial residence, was renamed Raja Subodh Mallik Square, while the road housing Jadavpur University, which emerged from the Bengal National College, is now called Raja Subodh Mallik Road.

A Short History Of Basu Mallik Family Of Kolkata[]

Early History[]

The family originally came from Kanyakubja (Kanauj) and settled in Bengal. The first progenitor of the Basu Malliks was Dasarath Basu. In course of time the fifth generation of the family (Mukti Basu) settled in Mahinagar (near Mallikpur Station in Diamond Harbour Railway line) in 24 Parganas. Mahipati Basu, eleventh generation, was awarded the title "Subhudhi Khan" by Sultan Alauddin Husain Shah. In fact Husain Shah was an employee of Mahipati Basu and when he defeated the then ruler of Bengal and became Sultan, he brought his erstwhile employer and made him one of his important ministers. Srimanta Basu, son of Mahipati Basu was also awarded the title "Ishan Khan". Maharaja Gopinath Basu, grandson of Mahipati Basu and son of Srimanta Basu, became the Wazir of Alauddin Husain Shah (1493 – 1519) and was entitled "Purander Khan". The name of Purander Khan is cited many a times in the history of ancient Bengal, as he was not only a good administrator and author but a social reformer as well. He introduced changes in the Hindu social system of Bengal by relaxing some of the rigid rules enforced by Ballal Sen. This rules came to be known as "Purandari Pratha".

For the next four generations, Gopinath’s descendants not only served the subedars of Bengal but continued to enjoy high positions in the state service. Dewan Raghunath Basu, the seventeenth descendant of the family, earned the title of "Mallik" from the Subedar of Bengal and it was from his times that the members of the family used "Basu Mallik" after their names.

The family enhanced its wealth by acquiring jagirs and zamindari estates in various parts of Bengal, particularly in Burdwan, Hoogly and 24 Parganas. Management of these vast landed estates made the family members to spread out in different parts of Bengal, mainly Burdwan, Hoogly and 24 Parganas. The descendants of Raghunath Basu lived in Kathagore village under Pandua Thana in Hoogly.

Ramkumar Basu Mallik’s second wife Shankari was from Kolkata. Shankari’s wealthy father was living in Pataldanga (near present College Square). Later Ramkumar settled in Pataldanga, Kolkata. Ramkumar had three sons – Parbaticharan from first wife and Radhanath & Maheshchandra from second wife.

Radhanath Basu Mallik[]

It was during the time of Radhanath (born 1798 – 25th generation), son of Ramkumar, the family fortunes earned its members a place and position in Kolkata. Radhanath studied in local Bengali as well as English schools and mastered English. He was not only able to read and write English but kept accounts in English. Radhanath after initially working with a local businessman started his own venture as mutsuddi of an English shipping concern. This was his turning point. He then joined as banian in M/S Beauchamps & Co. and by his honest and sincere efforts he became the most trusted man in the company. He was so efficient that during the absence of the owners he conducted the affairs of the company. Later he was made a partner of the company. Radhanath acquired a large fortune, within twelve year after assuming responsibilities as partner of this concern.

In 1838 Radhanath acquired a big steamer named "Sir William Wallace" (200 tons) at a cost of Rs 12000/- for the purpose of carrying goods.

One Mr. Samuel Reid, who was working as superintendent in this concern, became very good friend of Radhanath. In Calcutta, though large numbers of ships were anchoring, it did not have good dry docks or ports. Realizing the potentiality Radhanath drew up a plan to construct a dry dock and asked his friend Reid to become his partner. Reid accepted. On 31 October 1842 they purchased land in Salkia and constructed the dry dock – Hoogly Dockyard – which still exists today and is running as a nationalised company. The dock yielded income of several lakhs in two years. Later Reid sold his 25% share to the family when he went back to England in December 1846. Radhanath became famous for his fabulous wealth. (The family’s income in the mid-19th century was over Rs 6, 50,000 per annum which in today’s terms would be several hundred crores).

Radhanath established Sree Sree Dhar Jeu as family deity and performed durga puja with pomp and splendour. Durga puja is still being performed in Pataldanga every year. Presently it is one of the oldest family-puja of Kolkata.

Radhanath married Bindubasini Devi of Hatkhola Dutta family and had four sons Jaygopal, Dwarikanath, Dinanath and Sreegopal and two daughters Karunamoyee and Nabinkali.

Radhanath died at the age of 44 in 1844.

Jaygopal Basu Mallik[]

Jaygopal Basu Mallik (26th generation) followed the footsteps of his father and learned both Bengali and English. Jaygopal by his hard work and efforts increased the wealth of the family, the main source being Hoogly Dockyard. He built buildings adjacent to the main residential building as number of family members had grown by then. The palatial houses are there in the roads named after Radhanath and Sreegopal (Radhanath Mallik Lane and Sreegopal Mallik Lane). Jaygopal first married daughter of Jaygopal Ghose of Simulia and after her death he married Krishnabhabini Dasi, daughter of Durga Charan Dutt of Akrur Dutt family of Wellington Square. Jaygopal and Krishnabhabini had three sons – Probodh Chandra, Manmatha Chandra and Hem Chandra and one daughter Mahamaya.

Marriage of Jaygopal with Krishnabhabini proved to be a turning point for the Basu Malliks. The Wellington Square Dutt family had become a name which was a synonym of culture and hearty recognition of literary merit. Even the women in the Dutt family wrote for pleasure and publication. They were receptive to the western ideas and education. The marriage brought in the influence of new and dynamic ideas into a traditional setting. Krishnabhabini’s three sons lost their father at an early age and though they continued to live in Pataldanga, they moved closer to the ideas of their mother’s family.

Jaygopal carried on the traditions of Hinduism in the family. He was well conversant with English language and rubbed shoulders with influential Englishmen of his time but like his father did not imbibe their manners. The wealth of the family inclined them towards religious endowments for this was one way of spreading their influence and earning social position. In Hindu households women in their inner apartments often exercise domination in these matters. They were repositories of tradition during the religious and social festivals and knew the quality and quantity of gifts to be sent to relatives and friends, which in themselves were an expression of the social position of those that send them and provide one more way of preserving the necessary and formal contacts. Joygopal’s mother Bindubasini was no exception. She has seen family coffers overflowing for two generations. It was in reverence to her wishes Jaygopal built a Shiva temple at Kalna and provided his kulaguru with necessary income purchasing landed properties for the upkeep of the temple.

Both Radhanath and Jaygopal had shown pioneering spirit in their economic activities, which later reflected in their heirs.

Jaygopal died on 3rd. April, 1859.

Probodh Chandra Mallik (1848 – 1887)[]

Probodh Chandra was 27th generation from Dasarath Basu.

Prabodh and his brothers were minors when their father Jaygopal died. Dwarikanath Basu Mallik, Jaygopal’s younger brother, assumed the entire responsibility of the family after Jaygopal’s death. Once the strong hand was removed, the intact family structure showed signs of cracking up, for their fissiparous tendencies within, and, each to his own mode of living provided the inevitable release towards individualism. Keeping the family structure intact proved to be impossible as size and tastes were now at cross purposes. The family decided to partition the properties amicably and since Jaygopal’s second and youngest sons were still minors, permission of the Court was necessary. At the behest of the Court Maharaja Jyotindra Mohan Tagore, Pandit Ishwarchandra Vidyasagar, Raja Digamber Mitra and Kristo Das Pal as arbitrators partitioned the properties in 1875.

Initially the three sons of Jaygopal were brought up in the family of Dwarikanath. In the 1870s Indians were now seeking public expression in new form, the political environment being the backdrop. It all started in Radhanath’s family when Manmatha, second son of Jaygopal, decided to pursue study in Cambridge in the early 1870s. When he came back a qualified barrister, soft murmurs started that he had defied rules by feeding with others outside the caste and has crossed sea (kalapani). In other words they were ostracized and asked to perform expiation. The three brothers said that they have not done any sin and took momentous decision to move out of the traditional house in Pataldanga in 1879. The three brothers moved to Wellington Square near their maternal uncle’s house. Initially staying at a rented house in Sankharitola, near Creek Row, they purchased 12, Wellington Square and moved in there in 1881. Within a short time a palatial building was put up by the brothers which later made history. Two stories of this building were constructed purely on European style. The ground floor was little dark in aristocratic tradition and included large halls, dining and billiard rooms. The walls of the halls were decorated by artists brought from France. It had European style kitchen in the front wing and two traditional Hindu kitchens in the back wing of which one was vegetarian and the other non-vegetarian. The first floor had a distinctive library and reception rooms. The bedrooms in this floor were styled pink and mauve. The second floor was constructed with bedrooms round a patio so that light and air moved freely. The house was obviously built for good living and large receptions. The back wing of the first floor had rooms for the family deity and there was no construction of second floor above the rooms for deity.

Probodh Chandra became the head of the Wellington Square Malliks. The Malliks of Wellington Square, conserving the best in their own tradition, were receptive to western ideas and education. They acquired a modern outlook without disrupting traditional pattern.

From the fourth quarter of the nineteenth century the residence of the direct descendents of Jaygopal Basu Mallik at 12, Wellington Square became an important centre of Calcutta’s social, political and cultural life. From the time of Jaygopal, the members of the Basu Mallik family made no use of Basu or Vasu. The members of 12 Wellington Square were also known as Malliks.

The Malliks of Wellington used as crest an anchor as the Hoogly Dockyard became their property on division of family property. They still use anchor as their crest. Probodh Chandra, because of his complexion, was known to the family members as "Mogul Karta". He was elected as commissioner in Calcutta Municipal Corporation many times and in 1886 he defeated Sir Gurudas Banerjee, Surendranath Das and C. D. Kotah.

Lord Northbrook was Viceroy of India during 1872-1876. When he left India many prominent citizens of Calcutta, including Dwarikanath Mallik, head of Pataldanga Malliks, requested Sheriff to convene a meeting to honour Lord Northbrook. A meeting was held on 8 April 1876 at Town Hall under the presidentship of Lt Governor of Bengal in which resolution was moved to commemorate his memory. Lord Northbrook was unpopular with certain section of people for deposing Gaekwar of Baroda. The three brothers – Probodh Chandra, Manmatha Chandra and Hemchandra, along with seven other persons present in the meeting opposed the move stating that Lord Northbrook has not done anything worthwhile for the Indians. But the resolution was passed as most of the prominent Indians were in favour of it. The ten persons voted against it and when the resolution was passed they walked out in protest. They later were called "Immortal Ten".

In 1865 Probodh Chandra married Kumudini, daughter of Rajkrishna Mitra of Darjipara. They had two children, Indumati and Subodh Chandra. Indumati was married to Hirendra Nath Dutta of Chorebagan. Hirendra Nath was a famous solicitor as well as theosophist. They had four sons and four daughters of them the eldest son Sudhindranath Dutta was a famous poet (Kobi Sudhin Dutta) who later married Rajeswari Vasudeb, a Punjabi, a famous exponent of Rabindrasangeet. They met in Shantiniketan.

Probodh Chandra died at the family residence in Beneras on 20 September 1887.

Manmatha Chandra Mallik (1853 – 1922)[]

Manmatha Chandra was born on 3 October 1853. His education was in Hindu School and Presidency College. Later in 1871 he went to England for higher studies and attended University College and subsequently Christ Church College, Cambridge. After completing Sr. Cambridge he studied law and entered Middle Temple. Thereafter, Manmatha Chandra visited all the countries in Europe before returning to Calcutta. He became famous for his courage and determination in public matters. He was also elected as Commissioner of Calcutta. In 1893 he went to America and stayed there for 8 months. He visited Chicago and other big cities.

Indians at that time followed touch-me-not-ism and rules for inter-dining were very strict; crossing seven seas was a journey to unknown and there was danger of losing caste. Manmatha Chandra flouted all such rules. An attempt was therefore made by the more conservatives Hindus to ostracize the Malliks of 12, Wellington Square. But the Malliks of 12, Wellington Square held a high position in the social and cultural life of the city, the attempt of the conservatives failed miserably. In all these the Dutts of Wellington Square were with the Malliks of 12, Wellington Square.

In 1895 Manmatha Chandra went to England and decided to stay there and a few years later he became citizen of England. He joined Liberal Association and fought elections of the British Parliament twice. Manmatha Chandra was known as erudite scholar. He knew Sanskrit, Bengali, English, French and Latin thoroughly. He was well read and well travelled. Of his works most important are (i) A Study of Ideals – Great Britain and India; (ii) The Problem of Existence – Its Mystery, Struggle and Comfort in the Light of Aryan Wisdom; (iii) Impressions of A Wanderer; (iv) Orient and Occident – A Comparative Study.

In 1913 Manmatha Chandra left England and went to Japan to stay there. On his way to Japan he came to Calcutta and visited Darjeeling. He started Indo-Japan Association in Tokyo along with Count Okuma, the then Prime Minister of Japan. He was a regular invitee in the parties held at the Count Okuma’s Waseda Palace. He visited China in 1914 for the purpose of collecting materials for his book and also to improve cultural contacts. He met Yuan Shih-kai, the President of China. Manmatha Chandra came back to India with his family in 1918 before shifting to England again in 1920.

Political views of Manmatha Chandra[]

The Indians being deprived of principles of fair play, freedom and justice owing to activities of reactionary officials in India, the extremists hatched up secret conspiracies and exercised violence. These were, however, directed not against the Government, but only against particular officials for unpopular act. The blame was to unbending despots and unbalanced youths.

He was critical of those persons who made hypocritical pretence to preach loyalty to others. The reactionary Europeans called the Indian and Irish nationalists disloyal while their own loyalty depended upon being allowed to run India, Ireland and even Britain in their temporary interest. He had said that how can one expect loyalty from people who are denied of the rights of humanity. In fact, according to him, loyalty to the Government is a virtue unknown in Europe.

He could not extend support to the repressive measures adopted by British officials in India. He assertively stated that deportation without trial, secret trial, and other such drastic measures is scarcely necessary. He believed that inhuman treatment meted in the colonies to the British Asiatic will stand in the way of cordial relationship between Asia and Europe, or between Britain and India.

In short the ideas were nothing but liberal moderate line.

Manmatha Chandra and his young nephew Subodh Chandra were to differ significantly in later years on these ideas.

The family properties of the Malliks of 12 Wellington Square were equally partitioned among Manmatha Chandra, Hem Chandra and Subodh Chandra by a deed dated 25 April 1898.

On 9 June 1868 Manmatha Chandra married Kusum Kumari, the eldest daughter of Narendra Nath Datta of Hatkhola. Kusum Kumari died few years later leaving no children. In 1899 he married Jeanne Rey (1869-1957), the eldest daughter of Abel Rey of Paris. Abel Rey’s wife was English. Jeanne retained Catholic religion and Manmatha remained Hindu. Thus they set a new ideal before the enlightened Indians. They lived in peace and happiness. She likes her husband’s relatives and had spent many years in India including two years in Beneras and even after Manmatha Chandra’s death she spent many years in India. They had four daughters and one son – Marcia Harabhabini, Portia Harabasini, Lucia Harabandini, Roma Harasundari (all daughters) and Jay Paul Harabhajan. Except Lucia, who lived to the age of 71 years, other three daughters died young between the ages of 10 and 22 years.

Manmatha Chandra’s son Jay Paul was barrister and businessman but his venture Reed and Mallik was not as successful as his great grandfather’s partnership with Reed back in India. In later years his UN assignments took him to various parts of the world. Jay Paul had only one daughter Anne-Marie Mallik ( now Huxstep). She played Alice in "Alice in Wonderland" a BBC production. Manmatha Chandra’s daughter Lucia married Dr Vishwanath Chitnis a Marathi Brahmin thus carrying the family tradition of a link with Maharashtra into her personal life.. He was a renowned physician in Birmingham. While in Calcutta Lucia served Gokhale Memorial School as teacher. Though Lucia’s children were born and brought up in England they all had Indian names – Jay Gopal, Indira, Pratap and Anand. Pratap Chitnis followed his grandfather Manmatha Chandra and earned distinction in Liberal Party. He was created life peer in Queen's Birthday Honours in 1977 for social service (Lord Pratap Chitnis).

Hem Chandra Mallik (1855 – 1906)[]

Hem Chandra studied in Hindu school in his childhood and thereafter he had private tutors at home. He was most sought after as one of the most prominent and cultured figure in Calcutta. He married Bhubonmohini, the youngest daughter of Narendra Nath Dutta of Hatkhola in 1874 (Manmatha Chandra married the eldest daughter of Narendra Nath Dutta of Hatkhola). They had one son, Nirode Chandra, and three daughters – Lilavati, Mrinalini and Basumati.

Lilavati married Charu Chandra Dutt, who in later years will be one of the "Triumvirates" – Aurobindo Ghose, Subodh Mallik and Charu Chandra Dutt, who directed the militant agitation to make the country free and also directed the agitation against the ‘Banga Bhanga’ in early 1900 which was the start of India’s war for Independence. Mrinalini married Phanindranath Mitra of Jhamapukur. Mrinalini had one daughter Asrukana who married a Punjabi, Surajlal Das, who in later years became the principal person of the Tata Empire before Russi Modi and they had two daughters Brinda and Radhika who married respectively Prakash Karat (of CPM) and Prannoy Roy (of NDTV). Basumati died young before marriage.

Though Hem Chandra’s political outlook was nationalist, his personal habits and living style were anglicized. He was known as ‘originator of the fashion of the day’. Teachers from Loreto House came to instruct the ladies in the family. Though he had an anglicized living style and had Baburchikhana in the front wing, the back wing was a traditional Bengali Hindu household. The two distinct living styled prevailed without any problem.

Hem Chandra was interested in politics from his younger days. He was actively associated with Indian League and other associations. He was one of the "Immortal Ten". Along with his intimate friend W.C. Bonerjee he took part in founding the Indian National Congress and introduced Rabindranath Tagore, his another intimate friend, to this organisation. He was a prominent figure in Calcutta session of Indian National Congress in 1890. Initially he was supporter of moderate politics but later got disillusioned and turned towards militant politics and unreservedly supported it. Hem Chandra's influence on militant politics was so great that even Aurobinda regarded him as ‘Guru’. When B.G. Tilak was arrested and imprisoned the Bengali nationalists stood by Maharashtra to defend Tilak. A defense fund was created where contributions came from Bengal, Madras, Bombay, Lahore, Gujarat, Berar, Nagpur and villages of Kokan and Maharastra. Hem Chandra went from door to door for collecting money for the fund. With him in this mission was Rabindranath Tagore. Large amount was collected for the fund and a renowned lawyer was sent to defend Tilak.

Though Hem Chandra was more inclined towards militant nationalism, he did not severe connection with moderates and other government people perhaps to conceal his connections with militant nationalism; he even attended a meeting held in 1901 to mourn the death of Queen Victoria in Calcutta. He had his own ideas and programme about the welfare of the students and preserved links with the new spirit of the country. Rathindranath, son of Rabindranath Tagore, remembered how "Bipin Chandra Pal, Ramendra Sunder Trivedi, Hem Chandra Mallik, Satish Chandra Mukherjee and others would turn up in the middle of the night and hold secret conference with father and Gaganendranath about some wild project". Hem Chandra was bold and outspoken man. He expressed his feelings and ideas disregarding the consequences. At the first Shivaji Festival held in Calcutta in 1902, a respectable woman from a respectable family presented a flag made of cloth dyed with red ochre on which Shivaji’s Bhawani Sword was marked. Though one or two persons contributed money for the festival, they lacked the courage to attend it. Only Hem Chandra attended and was elated at its success. Elderly people gathered at the festival advised the organisers against placing the flag on the dias so as not to antagonize the Government. Organisers were puzzled and indecisive, when Hem Chandra arrived he took his walking stick tied the flag to it and asked his accompanying nephew (Subodh Chandra) to place the flag on the dias, which was done. He took part in forming Indian National Congress with W.C. Bonerjee and introduced Rabindranath Tagore to this institution. He was always on the dias of the Congress sessions in the earlier days and was a prominent figure in 1890 Congress session in Calcutta. Later he got disillusioned with the moderate approach of Congress and turned towards militancy. Hem Chandra’s influence became so great that even Aurobindo regarded him as "Guru".

Hem Chandra was also well known for his literary and cultural activities. Jyotirindranath Tagore and Hem Chandra were Joint Secretaries of Bharat Sangeet Samaj where Rabindranath Tagore, Satish Chandra Sinha and other stalwarts of the time were members. Rabindranath Tagore, Hem Chandra, Satish Chandra Sinha and other prominent people played leading roles in the plays staged by the Samaj. He was associated with Savitri Library.

Tilak was his close friend. Count Okakura, the Aga Khan, Prince Count Okuma, Gokhale, Sayaji Rao Gaekwar of Baroda were all his friends and visited his house on occasions and dined with him discussing various contemporary politics and events.

Hem Chandra fell ill during anti-partition movement and after attending the ceremony on 16 October 1905 went to Puri for recovery but died there on 18 February 1906.

References[]

^ Chakrabarti & Chakrabarti 2013, p. 292

Chakrabarti, Kunal; Chakrabarti, Shubhra (2013), Historical Dictionary of the Bengalis, Rowman & Littlefield, ISBN 978-0810853348

External links[]

Subodh Chandra Mullick at Site of Sri Aurobindo and The Mother (2016 archived copy)
Residence & Hub of Nationalists at Lakshmi's House - Sri Aurobindo Institute

[Chakrabarti&Chakrabarti2013p292-1] Chakrabarti & Chakrabarti 2013, p. 292

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