The Teaching of Urdu to the British: quote The formal teaching of Urdu had begun long before the age of Ghalib. And, ironically enough, the British had started it. One of the reasons for establishing the Fort William College with professorships of Indian classical and vernacular languages was that the students destined to exercise high and important functions in India, should be able to speak the oriental languages with fluency and propriety. Teaching in Urdu, or Hindustani as the British called it, was considered politically significant because it was considered the "literary language of the Musalmans and of Hindus educated on Musalman lines." Thus the British officers were formally taught Urdu, both in the Persian and the Devanagari scripts, at Fort William College in Calcutta. The college was not only a training academy for future rulers but also a symbol of the Raj itself. It was actually established on 10 July 1800 but the date of 4 July was put on the order because it was "the first anniversary of the glorious and decisive victory obtained by the British arms at Seringapatam the capital of the kingdom of Maysoor." unquote snipped from http://minds.wisconsin.edu/bitstream/1793/18141/2/06rahmant.pdf ----- Harshawardhan_Bosham Nimkhedkar Nagpur, India

Dear Listers, I found the following interesting account of Dwarkanath Tagore and his hospitality to the British in the Asiatic Journal and Monthly Register, January - April 1834. He was one of the earliest Indian entrepreneurs and the founder of the famous Tagore family which later produced Ravindranath Tagore, and much later Sharmila Tagore, the actress. Arvind Kolhatkar, Toronto, January 05, 2008. < A garden-house, about four miles from Dum Dum, on the road to Calcutta, the occasional residence of Dwarknauth Tagore, a rich and highly intelligent native gentleman, possesses many attractions to Europeans, who gladly avail themselves of the hospitalities of the courteous owner. Dwarknauth Tagore converses fluently in English with his guests, whom he receives entirely after the European fashion, permitting (although a Hindoo) fowls and butchers' meat, with the exception of beef, to appear at his well-covered table, at which he occupies a seat, challenging the company, the ladies especially, to take wine, but refraining from the more solid food which is placed before him. The house is a beautiful and commodious structure, furnished in the best taste, and strictly in accordance with our ideas of Asiatic luxury, though differing widely from the real state of things in native houses; sofas, stools, and ottomans abound; some of the rooms are hung with fine engravings, and others are decorated with the best specimens of original paintings which Calcutta can afford ; several excellent portraits, from the pencil of Mr. George Beechey, and some clevrr productions from other European artists who have bent their steps to India. The tables are covered with books of prints, and portfolios of the most splendid description ; in short, it is a most delightful retreat, the gardens and pleasure-grounds being laid out in a style correspondent with the interior. The entertainments given by Dwarknauth Tagore, at this charming mansion, are very frequent, and he delights in obliging his friends by lending it for the wedding-abode of brides and bridegrooms, who, in India, are rarely so fortunate as to be enabled to follow the English fashion of making an excursion during the honey-moon, on account of the scarcity of hotels and country-houses at their disposal. Ishara, Barrackpore, Dum Dum, and Garden Reach, afford asylums for newly-married couples, who are blessed with accommodating friends ready to vacate and lend their houses for the occasion ; but these lucky individuals bear no proportion to the numbers who, after the celebration of their nuptials in the cathedral, are compelled to retire quietly, and without the slightest eclat, to their own bornes, and to fall in at once to the domestic routine, for which it is considered more advisable to have some preparation. No place in the neighbourhood of Calcutta can be better suited for the scene of bridal happiness than the delightful country-mansion of Dwarknauth Tagore. Here are charming gardens to walk in, secluded rides and drives for evening exercise, and books and pictures to supply subjects for conversation, when those sweet topics are exhausted which, only in the days of courtship, are believed to afford never-ending resources. >

>From http://www.sepiamutiny.com/sepia/archives/004939.html January 03, 2008 Quote *** A good percentage of those who paid attention in High School History class probably remember something called the Yalta conference. While Yalta was clearly significant on many levels, the earlier & lesser known Atlantic Conference should be interesting to mutineers because of the key role it played in Indian history. It was there that FDR made Indian Independence a pre-requisite to American involvement in WWII. [snip] *** unquote ----- Harshawardhan_Bosham Nimkhedkar Nagpur, India

In retrospect of how history has played out these 50 odd years since India's Independence, I'm glad to say that the 'little' thorn's(Gandhi) prick proved to be effective. Churchill would never have honoured the conditions of the Treaty. Early 1945 witnessed the actions of the Supreme Commander of the British Forces in South East Asia, Lord Mountbatten's low key strategic attempts to regain pre-war colonial possessions. In a different scenerio, had American resources been fully utilised to ensure implemenation of pre-requisites then who knows India might have fallen prey to another 'foreign rule' More needs to be coverd on Gandhi, the little sparrow's accomplishments; who remarkably shaped world history in a rather positive way than leaders who created treaties with the sole intent of distributing the spoils of war in a diplomatic fashion. Richard Rozario (from a late bearable night in Toronto)

Very good deduction, this - although some might be tempted to call it far-fetched. The author suggests that the origins of the English detective are imperial in nature and James Mill's History of British India may have provided the basis for this genre. Read fully at http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qa3643/is_200004/ai_n8896850 ----- Harshawardhan_Bosham Nimkhedkar Nagpur, India

>From the NYT : SLEUTHING IN INDIA WITH A NATIVE SHERLOCK HOLMES; British Police Officer Who Tracked Swarthy Malefactors for Forty Years Tells of the Wonderful Detective Work of One of His Men, Also of Tiger Hunts and Othe Thrilling Experiences. February 23, 1913, Sunday Magazine Section Part Six, Page SM11, 4401 words http://query.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=9C03EEDA133BE633A25750C2A9649C946296D6CF ----- Harshawardhan_Bosham Nimkhedkar Nagpur, India

I beg the List's pardon. Slip of the finger when not ready and - the wrong place. Apologies S.Stewart ----- Original Message ----- From: "Peter Rogers" <newhurst.t21@btinternet.com> To: <india-british-raj@rootsweb.com> Sent: Thursday, January 03, 2008 8:02 PM Subject: Re: [INDIA-BRITISH-RAJ] Obit - George MacDonald Fraser,now Burma

My dear Beth The author has an obit circulating in various Lists. I confess I did not know of him and wonder why when he appears to be such a favourite with so many (men) in various Lists. I shall have to check him out WHEN my eye gets 'done'. Love as always Sally ----- Original Message ----- From: "Peter Rogers" <newhurst.t21@btinternet.com> To: <india-british-raj@rootsweb.com> Sent: Thursday, January 03, 2008 8:02 PM Subject: Re: [INDIA-BRITISH-RAJ] Obit - George MacDonald Fraser,now Burma & McAuslan Author > While Flashman as his name suggests gets all the publicity, I > would definitely recommend that you try to find and read firstly > "Quartered Safe Out Here" about Fraser's life in the Army during > WW11 in India and Burma. > > When you have enjoyed this book then search out his "McAuslan" > stories about the Worst Soldier in the World, they recall so many > episodes in Army life in the British Forces and are told with > both affection and great humour......... > > Peter D Rogers, Suffolk UK > > > > > ------------------------------- > To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to > INDIA-BRITISH-RAJ-request@rootsweb.com with the word 'unsubscribe' without > the quotes in the subject and the body of the message >

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml;jsessionid=IYAUYVNOO1AQZQFIQMGCFFWAVCBQUIV0?xml=/news/2008/01/03/nfraser103.xml or http://tinyurl.com/ytvydz ooroo If you don't hear the knock of opportunity - build a door. Anon.

----- Original Message ----- From: "John Feltham" http://tinyurl.com/ytvydz ======================================================= GMF was my third most favourite author - after Wodehouse and Kipling. His sardonic wit and cynically sarcastic humour was as biting as it was insightful. He taught us how to enjoy a worm's eye-view of history. Flashman, his anti-hero, reminded the busybodies who are engaged in either glorifying, falsifying or revising history to suit their masters' religious, political, scientific, and cultural requirements that even the Greatest Super Heroes can have feet of clay and even they can make mistakes. To understand history and to really profit from it one must study it in total perspective, irrespctive of one's beliefs. Sadly, his was a lone voice in the modern world filled with stupid hero-worshippers, narrow-minded sycophants, rabid fanatics, and mean peddlers of hate. I shall always be grateful to Fraser for making me realise through his books the smallness of mankind. Thanks for everything, old man, and RIP. ----- Harshawardhan_Bosham Nimkhedkar Nagpur, India

While Flashman as his name suggests gets all the publicity, I would definitely recommend that you try to find and read firstly "Quartered Safe Out Here" about Fraser's life in the Army during WW11 in India and Burma. When you have enjoyed this book then search out his "McAuslan" stories about the Worst Soldier in the World, they recall so many episodes in Army life in the British Forces and are told with both affection and great humour......... Peter D Rogers, Suffolk UK

G'day folks, Hugh Raynors catalogue for 2008 is available from this URL. www.vsdh.org/india/index.htm ooroo If you don't hear the knock of opportunity - build a door. Anon.

He must've lived in Bombay State (present day Maharashtra and Gujarat) which was under prohibition.The rest of India was 'wet'. A very Happy New Year to all ! Mandeep ----- Original Message ----- From: "John Feltham" <wulguru.wantok@gmail.com> To: <india-british-raj@rootsweb.com> Sent: Tuesday, January 01, 2008 6:20 PM Subject: Re: [INDIA-BRITISH-RAJ] Pussyfoot Johnson And His Campaign InHindustan - 1921 > G'day Harshawardhan, > > On 01/01/2008, at 10:08 PM, Harshawardhan_Bosham Nimkhedkar wrote: > > > What a news to read just 12 hours after enjoying a bottle of the > > best bought from the Scotch wallahs. Appalling!! :) > > Back in the early 1950s, my father had a "doctors note" telling all > and sundry that he was an 'alcoholic'. > > This was the only way that he could buy any spirits in India. > > > > > ooroo > > If you don't hear the knock of opportunity - build a door. > > Anon. > > > > > > > > ------------------------------- > To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to > INDIA-BRITISH-RAJ-request@rootsweb.com with the word 'unsubscribe' without > the quotes in the subject and the body of the message > >

G'day Harshawardhan, On 01/01/2008, at 10:08 PM, Harshawardhan_Bosham Nimkhedkar wrote: > What a news to read just 12 hours after enjoying a bottle of the > best bought from the Scotch wallahs. Appalling!! :) Back in the early 1950s, my father had a "doctors note" telling all and sundry that he was an 'alcoholic'. This was the only way that he could buy any spirits in India. ooroo If you don't hear the knock of opportunity - build a door. Anon.

What a news to read just 12 hours after enjoying a bottle of the best bought from the Scotch wallahs. Appalling!! :) ----- Harshawardhan_Bosham Nimkhedkar Nagpur, India *** The New York Times, December 24, 1921, Saturday, Page 5, 619 words *** The world will be dry in 1950 and India will be the next country to give up liquors, according to W.E. "Pussyfoot" Johnson of the Anti-Saloon League, who returned yesterday from a nine months' trip abroad in behalf of prohibition. [snip] http://query.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=9E03E1D71539E133A25757C2A9649D946095D6CF Download Full text from http://query.nytimes.com/mem/archive-free/pdf?_r=1&res=9E03E1D71539E133A25757C2A9649D946095D6CF&oref=slogin I happen to have a digitised copy of a book on this, written by Tarini Prasad Sinha. Entitled, Pussyfoot Johnson And His Campaign In Hindustan, it was published in 1922 by a firm in Madras, Ganesh &. Co.

To all - good health and small problems in the new year. Hey ho - here we go into the great beyond 2008. Chins up. Sally

Wishing you all a Happy New Year from Queensland, where the New Year is now 16 minutes old.

Just a sober thought I felt like sharing with you! All the best for 2008!! The Guesthouse This human being is a guesthouse Every morning a new arrival! A joy, a depression, a meanness, Some momentary awareness, Comes as an unexpected visitor. Welcome and entertain them all! Even if they’re a crowd of sorrows, Who violently sweep your house Empty of its furniture, Still treat each guest honorably. He may be clearing you out for some new delight. The dark thought, the shame, the malice, Meet them at the door laughing And invite them in. Be grateful for whoever comes, Because each has been sent As a guide from beyond. Rumi See also....... www.indranet.com/potpourri/poetry/rumi/rumi.html I'll take this opportunity to wish you all a Safe New Year. John Feltham, The Raj List Admin.

Just a sober thought I felt like sharing with you! All the best for 2008!! The Guesthouse This human being is a guesthouse Every morning a new arrival! A joy, a depression, a meanness, Some momentary awareness, Comes as an unexpected visitor. Welcome and entertain them all! Even if they’re a crowd of sorrows, Who violently sweep your house Empty of its furniture, Still treat each guest honorably. He may be clearing you out for some new delight. The dark thought, the shame, the malice, Meet them at the door laughing And invite them in. Be grateful for whoever comes, Because each has been sent As a guide from beyond. Rumi See also....... www.indranet.com/potpourri/poetry/rumi/rumi.html I'll take this opportunity to wish a Safe New Year.

Hi Harshoo I remember the days when "we" were not welcome at the Bengal Club to say the very least. I, however, did frequently visit after it became the Calcutta Club. I remember vividly the lovely swimmingpool and I spent many an afternoon there with my Rana friends. It was the "elite" club in the late 50's and 60's. A Very Happy New Year to you and your family. With very best wishes Molly ----- Original Message ----- From: "Harshawardhan_Bosham Nimkhedkar" <bosham@gmail.com> To: <india-british-raj@rootsweb.com> Sent: Monday, December 31, 2007 5:51 PM Subject: [INDIA-BRITISH-RAJ] Centenary of Calcutta Club - 2007 > The Club's site - http://www.calcuttaclub.org/newsletter.htm > > Calcutta Club opens turf to women > http://cities.expressindia.com/fullstory.php?newsid=232718 > and > http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/asia/article1843202.ece > > See also http://www.india9.com/i9show/Calcutta-Club-44391.htm > > ----- Harshawardhan_Bosham Nimkhedkar > Nagpur, India > > ------------------------------- > To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to > INDIA-BRITISH-RAJ-request@rootsweb.com with the word 'unsubscribe' without > the quotes in the subject and the body of the message