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Mustafi definition: Mustafi is a noble title and not a surname. Originally Mustaufi, latter anglicized to Mustafi/Mustaphi/Mustafee/Mustaphy/Mustafy/Mustauphy. (not to be confused with Muslim name/surname of MUSTAFA) According to Wilson’s Glossary Page 358: Mustaufi is an examiner and auditor of accounts – the principal officer of the department which under the Mohammedan Government the accounts of the ex-collectors or farmers of the Revenue were examined. Mughal emperors would sometimes award the noble title Mustaufi to extra ordinary Auditors of Revenue Accounts. Mitras of Ula (Birnagar), Duttas of Senhati (East Bengal) and Mukhejees of Cooch behar received Mustaufi title. Early History More than 1000 years back King Adhisura of Bengal (Sena Dynasty) brought five Brahmin and five Kshatriya families from Kanauj (central UP). They were Mukhopadhyay, Bandopadhay, Chottopadhay, Gangopadhay, Sanyal, Ghosh, Bose, Mitra, Datta and Guha families. The 1st generation of Mitras in Bengal being Kalidas Mitra (A Kanyakubja Kshatriya from UP) the 17th generation Rajiv Mitra had five sons – Kandarpa, Mohan, Kashiswar, Ramkrishna and Ramdev. Mohan Mitra and his brothers migrated from Teka to Ula, a village in Nadia district of West Bengal,India. Mohan Mitra’s youngest brother Kashiswar’s family is known as ‘Choto Mitra’ family of Ula. A magnificent Vishnu Temple was built by Kashiswar just outside north-east corner of Mitra Mustafi Complex of Ula. Mohan Mitra was a highly acclaimed teacher and just before settling in Ula (around 1657 AD) he took up a teaching job in Beldanga near Shantipur and came to be known as ‘Gurumahashay’. His son Rameswar Mitra received the Mustaufi title and became one of the most powerful Zamindar of Bengal. Mustaufi Title to Rameswar Mitra: Rameswar Mitra was highly educated and an authority in auditing of revenue accounts. He worked under Bengal Governor Shaista Khan as a Revenue Officer and was appointed as ‘Mustaufi’ (auditor) of the Revenue Collection department of Bengal by Nawab Murshid Kuli Khan. The Nawab sent Rameswar to Emperor Aurangzeb in Delhi to explain the Revenue Accounts of Bengal. Emperor was so pleased with Rameswar’s expertise that he awarded Rameswar the noble title “Mustaufi” and his Panja (Royal Seal – an impression of the entire palm) in 1704 AD. Emperor also wrote a letter to Nawab of Bengal that Rameswar is a person of worth and must be entrusted with very important jobs. Rameswar also worked as Deputy to the Chief Revenue Officer of Bengal Collector Harinarayan Roy. Thereafter, he invested his income from Revenue Services in acquiring zamindari estates in the districts of Burdwan, Hooghly, 24- Pargonas, Murshidabad, Nadia and Birbhum. Thus started the building of Mitra Mustafi family empire which expanded and lasted for a few generations. Rameswar and his descendants enjoyed good relationship with Maharajas of Nadia. Both Maharaja Ramkrishna and Krishnachandra bestowed huge areas of land to Mitra Mustafi family. Branching of the family Rameswar had 10 sons. His eldest son Raghunandan and his 4th son Anantaram shifted to Sripur and Sukharia respectively. He had one daughter Mahamaya who was married to Gokul Basu of Andul, Howrah. The eldest son Raghunandan was a very religious man and scholar. He used to pass his time in meditation. Being impressed with Raghunandan's divinity, Raja Raghudev Roy of Bansberia, gifted him 75 Bighas land in Antiseora Village. Being influenced by Baishnabism, Raghunandan renamed Antiseora as Sripur. He established the Sripur branch of the family. He and member of his lineage build several temples in and around Sripur. Anantaram also left Ula after his second marriage. His first wife and his two sons from his first wife, Ghanashyam and Brajaram did not move to Sukharia and stayed back in Ula. There has been several reasons cited for Anantaram's departure from Ula. One among them is that he wanted to settle by the bank of Ganges (Hooghly) River at Sukharia. Many of Anantaram's descendants worked as “Dewans” for Mughal and British Governments. That is why the family in Sukharia is called family of Dewans. He and his sons and their descendants are responsible for construction of several temples in and around Sukharia. There has been historical records that Mitra Mustafi cousins from Ula, Sripur and Sukharia were in touch with each other long after the branching, mostly co-operating and sometimes fighting. Family history (a) Ula Ula line of Mustafi family has a number of distinguished members and were involved in events which changed the course of history in Nadia district in particular and Bengal in general. One of notable person was Anadinath Mitra Mustafi. He around 1835 AD captured and killed the notorious dacoit Shibesani. After this incident the name of the town “Ula” was changed into “ Birnagar” or the town of the brave. The reference about this incident is mentioned in Nadia District Gazette and also in historical records of Bengal zamidars by Lalit Ghosh pulbished in 1888. Anantaram’s other brother from Ula, Mukundaram became extremely rich and famous zaminder. His landholding spread over many districts of West and East Bengal. Mukundaram and his descendants build many temples in different districts (some of which are still there albeit in ruinous condition). Mukundaram descendants Shovaram and Chandramani was great zamindars. Chandramani’s son Shiromani worked as Chief Revenue Officer in the Collector offices of Rajsahi and Berilly under East India Company’s Governor Generals Warren Hastings and Lord Cornwalis. He expired in his Natore zamindari estate in the year 1805 AD. Chandramani’s son Iswarchandra was the most talked about Zamindar of Mitra Mustafi family. Iswarchandra was most colorful zamindar Bengal. He ended up marrying 9 times. He spent his money like water, lived in a lavish lifestyle and let his people loot his wealth. He died almost penny less. Some of the temples built by Iswarchandra still stands at Birnagar. (b) Sripur Raghunandan Mitra Mustafi and eldest son of Rameswar left the original zamindari estate of Ula-Birnagar and settled in Sripur, Balagarh. Before settling in Sripur-Balagarh, Raghunandan spent some time in Murshidabad Nawab Estate with his father Rameswar Mitra. Raghunandan was devoted religious person and had obtained divinely power. He was also highly educated and well versed in different languages like Arabic, Farsi & Sanskrit. Raja Raghudev Roy of Bansberia, gifted him 75 Bighas land in Antiseora Village which was renamed to Sripur. Apart from this, he purchased the maujas of Tentulia and Panchpara from the ruler of Bansberia. His close friend Maharaj Krishnachandra of Nadiya gifted him 30 Bighas of tax exempted lands in Palashi, Belga, Kolkata and Habeli. Raghunandan settled in Sripur for being closer to Ganges River and being close to his friend Maharaj Krishnachandra of Krishnangar, Nadiya. So that his family does not feel out of place coming from the then wealthy village of Ula-Birnagar, he built residences and temple complex fortified around by lakes (just like Ula-Birnagar). Artisans came from Ula-Birnagar to supervise construction at Sripur-Balagarh. He was responsible for construction of various temples around Sripur-Balagarph. Raghunandan Mitra Mustafi spent long hours in meditation and could predict future and distant incidents with utmost accuracy. He built two idols of Lord Krishna for Gibandajew temple complex of Sripur-Balagarh. His friend Maharaj Krishnachandra came over for the inauguration of the temples and fancied one of the Krishna idol and wanted to take the same to Krishnagar. So it was decided that both the idols will be kept submerged in the Lake next to Buroshib Temple (also built by Rahghunandan) and whichever idol be recovered first will be installed in Sripur and other to be taken to Krishnagar. Since then one idol being worshiped in Sripur and the other in Krishnanagr Rajbari. The Lake is now known as Krisnasagar. Descendant of Ragunandan, Durgacharan Mitra Mustafi constructed twin temples of Shiva in Sripur which still stands to this day. The 300 years old family Durgapuja at Sripur is a big show at the Thakurdalan and Chandimandap of Mitra Mustafi temple complex (c) Sukharia Anantaram went to Sukharia and founded the family of DEWANS. They were rightly called so because in Sukharia branch of our family we get a large number of dewans. Anantaram and his sons built moat fortified family residences, temples, raasmancha and chandimandapa all exactly the same way it was in Ula. All the seven sons of Anantaram became Dewan. Most famous among them Ramnarayan, Shambhuram, Tilakram and Shreenarayan used to be in touch with their step brothers Ghanshyam, Brojaram and cousin Padmalochan (all famous zamindars from the Mustaufi family of Ula). The next generation from Sukharia Mitra Mustaufi family were famous Dewans, Jogeswar, Bireswar, Gobindachandra, Kripamoy, Naranarayan, Padmanarayan, Ramnidhi & Taranidhi. In early 1800's Mitra Mustaufi family from Sukharia - Ratneswar, Kashigati, Baranasigati and Haranarayan faced the first sign of a waning Zamindari income along with their cousins from Ula. In late 19th century, generations from Sukharia, Ashutoshgati, Jogindragati, Dharmadas, Bhujogendra, Jitendra, Satyendranarayan and their cousins from Ula-Birnagar all suffered from the effect of dwindling income from zamindari estates and the epidemic of malaria and then started abandoning their palaces and temples and left for greener pastures of Calcutta or elsewhere. However it is worth mentioning, that recently Mitra Mustafi family temples are being renovated by members of Mitra Mustafi family for Sukharia. The renovation work is being conducted by the trust of Mitra Mustaufi temples, Harasundari and Nistarini. This venture is supported by all the descendants of Tilakram Mustafi and Taranidhi Mustafi, with no help from government. The trust has successfully renovated ancestral temples of Harasundari Kali, built by Dewan Ramnidhi Mitra Mustaufi in 1814 and in the process of renovating Nistarini Kali Temple built by Kashigati Mitra Mustafi in 1847. Temple(s) built by Mitra Mustafi family (a) Ula The number of Temples and Pujadalans in Ula by mitra mustafi family exceeded even the similar properties of King of Nadiya. Our family in Ula had 7 different Thakurdalans with 21 Shiva, Durga, Kali and Radhakrishna Temples and a Chandimandapa (community hall).In the good old days the whole village use to get involved in the different Pujas of these temples and thakurdalans giving temporary employment to hundreds of artisans, traders, Brahmins and workers. Mitra Mustafi family residential complex of Ula was also moat fortified on all 4 sides with a huge lake on the north with main entrance singhaduar on South. Lord Krishna’s Jor Bangla Temple, Radha-Krishna Jor Bangla Temple are some of the famous temples. On the west of singhaduar and to the south of the courtyard was the Durga Dalan and to the eastern side of this Durgadalan courtyard was the famous Chandimandap of Mustafi family. The 365 years old Durga Puja started by Rameswar Mitra Mustafi is still held at Ula. This Durga puja has been covered my various newspapers and electronic media. It has been named among one of the oldest Durga Pujas in bengal. (b) Sukharia. Famous family temple of Haransundari, Anandamoyee and Nistarini Kali at Sukharia are now 197, 198 and 164 years old respectively. Anadamoyee Kali Temple with 12 Shiva Temple having beautiful terracotta work built in 1813 by Bireswar Mitra Mustaufi is still a tourist attraction. Harasundari Temple built in 1814 by Dwean Ramnidhi Mitra Mustafi is another tourist attaction of Sukharia. On entering the temple complex of Harasundari, one will find 7 shiva temples each on the east and west side with both ends having 2x2 = 4 of five pinnacle and 5x2 = 10 of single pinnacle (atchala) type with black stone shiva lingas. This temple was damaged in 1897 earthquake but was recently renovated. Nistarini Kali Temple with Nistarini Pond built by Ramnidhi's nephew Kashigati Mitra Mustaufi. Years of neglect had almost destroyed this temple. Nistarini Temple Complex originally had two parts. West side outer section of the temple had a west side guest house and a south side Durga Puja Dalan. In the center of this outhouse of the temple used to have a small chandni. There used to be another wall and and entrance gate between this west side temple outhouse and east side temple inner section. In the center and south side of the inner section had a 48 x 40 feet Natmandir (dancing hall). The original Chandni roof of this Natmandir sttod over 32 octagonal pillars. The main temple is on the north-east of the plot and facing south used to be about 50' high. In the center of main temple Shiva made of white marble lying on a stone built lotus and black stone Nistarini Kali standing on Shiva. Overhead there used to be silver chandratap canopy supported by four silver rods. (c) Sripur Gibandajew temple complex of Sripur-Balagarh was famous for its Lord Krishna idol. The Lake around the complex is now known as Krisnasagar. The temple complex was build by Ragunandan Mitra Mustafi. Around the complex twin temples of Shiva in Sripur by Durgacharan Mitra Mustafi stands till this day. Since 1956 after after abolition of Zamindari system the whole temple complex including Gobindomandir, Chandimandap, Rashmancha, Dolmancha, Thakurdalan, Shiva Temple etc. came under the Deottar Trust managed by Mitra Mustafi family descendants Traditions and Custom Mitra family of Ula/Birnagar the recipient of Mustafi title were the second most influential family in Nadia District. The zamindari income of the family at times exceeded the income of Maharajas. Yet Mitra Mustafis were most humble, polite, kind and down to earth religious people. This family was famous for charitable work and social services. Being staunch Hindus they organised Durga Puja, Kali Puja, Jagadhatri Puja, Chandi Puja with extreme sincerely and built temples of Shiva/Kali/Narayan and Chandimandapa (a community hall) at the drop of a hat. The family maintained Horse Stable in Ula and Sukharia and a private elephant for family members at Ula. Employing hundreds of servants, dozens of durwans (guards), private barbers, washermen, etc. were part of family culture. The family looked after their servants and subjects well and distributed Rice, Ghee, Honey, Medicine, Clothes free of cost. Subjects were also obligated and ran errands willingly for this highly respected family. On any given day hundreds of guests would eat lunch or dinner at the family house, which used to be kind of open door for guests and subjects. The family would have a in house jeweler, washermen, tailors, primary school, doctor and dispensary. The doctor and dispensary would also give free service to the villagers and subjects at the instance of the family. For uncertain reason the family never uses Conch Shell for Pujas or marriages in our family. Some say conch shell sound used to be reserved to alert dacoit attacks only. Again for unknown reason the family maintained a tradition of welcoming the newly wed brides with brass and iron bangles but never with gold. Notable members of the family The Mitra Mustafi family has given a number of notable people to the society. Starting from Rameswar Mitra Mustafi to Anadinath Mitra Mustafi of Ula, family to dewans of Sukhria (starting from Anantaram) and family of scholars and divine people in sripur (starting from Ragunandan). Recent notable people include Monmothonath Mitra Mustafi (great scholar), Ashoke Mustafi [2](bengal ranji player and coach of Sourav Ganguly), Sisir Mustafi ( bengal ranji cricketer and soccer player), Provat mustafi (represented bengal in soccer and hockey), Alok Mustafi (famous physician) Kalyan mustaphi (renowned engineer) and Rita mustaphi ( famous dancer)[3]. Great grand daughters of Monmothonath Mitra Mustafi, Mrs. Raka Mitra is a graduate of Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and received her Ph.D. from the Stanford University, and currently is a professor at Carlton College in Minnesota, USA and Mrs. Semonti Stephens is the Deputy Communications Director to the first lady of the United States of America, Mrs. Michelle Obama. [4].Chandragati Mitra Mustafi was a famous lawyer after whose name a high school is named in Seuri. Sambuddha Mitra Mustafi is a famous jouranlist working for BBC. He has done significant work in Afghanistan. Shyamal Mitra (mustafi) of Sukhria branch of Mitra Mustafi family tree has dedicated his life to seek the history of mitra family. This posting wouldn't be possible without his work,support and inspiration. He also has lead the renovation work of Mustafi temple complex at Sukhraia. Mr Kalyan Mustaphi also provided a complete family tree dating from 1000AD to 1930's. The family tree proved to an important source of information for many of the dates regarding Ula family line. Lastly I acknowledge all the Mitra Mustafi family members for all there help and support. I dedicate this post to all my ancestors and my extended mitra mustafi family members References. [1a.] http://www.facebook.com/groups/mustafi/?ref=ts#!/groups/mustafi/ [1b.] http://www.facebook.com/groups/mustafi/?ref=ts#!/pages/Mitra-Mustafi-Family-History/111203825606672 [2] http://www.espncricinfo.com/india/content/player/31720.html [3] http://www.facebook.com/pages/Katha-Dance-Theatre/105445529493450 [4] http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2012/01/18/meet-the-secret-powerbrokers-of-d-c-five-top-women-in-communications.html (5) https://www.facebook.com/pages/Mitra-Mustafi-Family-History/111203825606672 Author information: The corresponding author of this article is Dr Sourajit Mitra Mustafi, who after completing his Ph.D in Physics from Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR),mumbai, has been working in USA. He is presently engaged in Research in biophysical sciences at Albany,New York. He is nephew of Mr Kalyan Mustaphi and Rita Mustaphi,cousin of Mrs Raika Mitra and Semonti Stephens. He is the great grandson of Monmothonath Mitra Mustafi and belongs to the Ula branch of Mitra Mustafi family. For any questions/updates/modifications please email at: sourajit1@gmail.com