ABSTRACT
T he Bengali Hindus were first in residence in Calcutta. As interpreters, brokers to the English traders, and go-betweens in judicial and revenue administration, they mediated between the British and the "natives" in economic and administrative matters. Acting as "head bookkeeper, head secretary, supplier of cash, and keeper of secrets," they hired the "under-clerks, door-keepers, stewards, bearers of the silver, slaves, running footmen, torch and branch light carriers, and palanquin-bearers for whose honesty they were answerable."17 Many ofthem acquired great influence and wealth. They were known as babus, a tide of respect in those days reserved for English-speaking Hindus. They entertained lavishly on such occasions as wedding ceremonies or religious festivals, organizing dance performances and elaborate dinner parties, which the Europeans enjoyed.
