The resurgence of the famous Deb family of Sovabazar dates back not past the history. The 21st man of this Deb family lineage was Ram Charan Deb. It was the man mostly responsible in hauling the family to its epoch making prosperity. With his settling at the village Gobindapur (presently known as Fort William), the inception of a bond between a burgeoning city and a family started. Ram Charan Deb mainly settled at this place to look after his business and to keep himself in touch with the English. For a brief spell, he took the charge of Dewan under the then Nawab of Cuttack. His sad and sudden demise compelled his widow with her five siblings to come back and settle permanently at village Gobindapur. The family was rehabilitated at Sutanuti village in 1757 while the English started constructing a fort at Gobindapur village. The youngest son of late Ram Charan Deb was the most promising one. He was an erudite and well versed in Parsi. His first appointment was as a Munshi to a European named Dereck. Later on he was engaged in the service of Lord Clive for teaching him Parsi. This acquaintance with Lord Clive was a godsend fortune for Naba Krishna, which helped him, rose to power and fame. With the advent of time, he became the good friend of Lord Clive and was appointed in the post Confidential Secretary to Lord Clive. He played a significant role in advising and mediating the English in matters with Moghuls, Nawabs and Rajas. The Moghuls also treated him with equal importance and decorated him with titles ‘Raja Bahadur’ and later also ‘Maharaja’. Raja Naba Krishna Deb adopted Raja Gopi Mohan Deb, his brother’s son as his son. Direct descendant of Raja Naba Krishna Deb was Raja Raj Krishna Deb. The present Sovabazar Rajbari was built by Raja Nabakrishna. It was during his lifetime, this Rajbari became the focal point of Bengal’s culture. He tried to retain the traditional Bengali culture and at the same time allowed the influx of English culture. People like him helped to usher the Bengal renaissance. It was Raja Naba Krishna who first started the Durga Puja festival with grandeur and pompousness. Many renowned English men like Lord Clive and Warren Hastings were in the list of invitees during this festival. This Deb family has also pampered the ‘Babu Culture’ at that time. Many renowned dancers like Miss Rangham, Noor Baksh, Malkajaan, Gohor Jaan and so many had performed their feat in the precincts of Sovabazar Rajbari. The first civic reception of Swami Vivekananda after his return from Chicago was celebrated at Sovabazar Rajbari premises in the year 1897 by Raja Binoy Krishna Deb Bahadur.
Posted on: Fri, 18 Jul 2014 15:48:06 +0000
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