Nazargunj

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Nazargunj is an Indian princely state, originating in Purnea city, Bihar. Literally meaning 'a place worth seeing'. Nazargunj was the dominant princely state in Purnea, an area in the state of Bihar, west of the state of West Bengal, in India. As a result of the geographical proximity, some land was owned in Bengal as well. After Indian independence (1947), land was taken by government from Indian princely states, with promise of compensation.

The Raja of Nazargunj, Prithwi Chand Lall Choudhry, CBE, (born 1886) succeeded his father, the zamindar, Dharam Chand Lall Choudhry, in March 1899. He was privately educated under the supervision of Cambridge graduate Rev. A. H. Manning. During his minority, his estate was managed by a consortium of trustees in an able manner, balancing both a growing fortune and gaining a reputation for philanthropy. This was very much in line with Mahatma Gandhi's model of Trusteeship, as documented in Gandhian Economics. The Raja was a great admirer of Gandhi, both before and even more so, after entertaining him in Purnea.

The Raja donated INR 80,000 towards the construction of the Sowra bridge, which covered more than half the cost but also built schools, temples, and contributed to the likes of the Lady Dufferin Hopsital in Purnea.

Head of Purnea Polo Club, he was also an honorary magistrate in the Purnea Sudder independent bench and a volunteer in the Northern Bengal Mounted Rifles.The first Indian member of The Calcutta Rackets Club, he also supported other sports clubs.

The family was well known for horse-racing in Calcutta, Darjeeling, and Lucknow. Some of the prestigious races won by their horses included The Calcutta Derby (1959-60), The Oaks, The 1000 Guinneas and The Queen's Cup, presented by Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II. Other prizes were won for flower shows and dogs. The Raja gained lasting friendships with the other Indian princely states like Cooch Behar and Burdwan but was also popular with the Bhutanese Dorji clan, who were hereditary Prime Ministers.

One of his estate managers, remembered the Raja as a man who spoke five languages, imported Russian horses, had a love for motor cars but more importantly was a liberal when it came to religion, allowing different faiths equal opportunities, to practice whatever they believed in. A promoter of music, he retained Bismillah Khan (later known as Ustad Bismillah Khan Sahib) during the time of his eldest son's marriage (Kumar Vishnu Chand Lall, c. 1937) to play shehnai. It was at this time that the young Bismilah Khan was spotted by All India Radio, and offered a contract. The Raja granted permission and encouraged him to take up the opportunity.

The Raja had two wives, of which the first bore no children. The nominated Hindu male line, Kumar Vishnu Chand Lall of Nazargunj, was the eldest born and followed his father's interest in racing to become a Steward at The Royal Calcutta Turf Club. His son in turn, Pradeep Chand Lall of Nazargunj, a professional tea taster, and a keen shot, went one further at The Royal Calcutta Turf Club to become Senior Steward, and Head of RWITC; presented the prestigious Indian Invitation Cup; but died shortly after in May 2007 of lung cancer. He is survived by his wife Kumarani Nalini Lall and three sons.The estate was essentially abandoned (but still owned) during his time due to political instability and economic decline under the then Chief Minister of Bihar, Laloo Prasad Yadav.

The remaining male line of Nazargunj continues through three sons, Vikash Chand Lall(Married to Ritu Lall) who is based in Washington, D.C., Pavan Chand Lall(Married to Semira Lall) who lives in Mumbai but manages the remains of the estate with his mother, Kumarani Nalini Lall of Nazargunj, and Siddarth Chand Lall(Married to Olivia Lall), who lives in London.

[edit] References

  • "Bengal and Assam Behar and Orissa, Their History, People, Commerce", and Industrial Resources, compiled by Somerset Playne, Edited by Arnold Wright, The Foreign & Colonial Compiling and Publishing Co, 27 Pilgrim Street, London (1917).