Robert Lindsay | |
|---|---|
| Supervisor/Superintendent of Sylhet | |
| In office 1778–1787 | |
| Monarch | George III |
| Governor | Warren Hastings,John Macpherson |
| Preceded by | Holland |
| Succeeded by | position abolished |
| District Collector of Sylhet | |
| In office 1787–1790 | |
| Governor | Charles Cornwallis |
| Preceded by | Supervisor of Sylhet |
| Succeeded by | Hyndman |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Robert Lindsay (1754-01-25)25 January 1754 |
| Died | 1836 (aged 81–82) Scotland |
| Spouse | Elizabeth Dick |
| Parents |
|
| Relatives | Alexander andCharles (brothers),Elizabeth Yorke (sister) |
| Military service | |
| Battles/wars | Muharram Rebellion,Revolt of Radharam,Khasi insurgency |
Robert Lindsay (1754–1836) was aScottish colonial official and businessman who served as supervisor ofSylhet inBritish India from 1778 until 1787, and then asdistrict collector from 1787 until 1790.[1][2] He is known to have taken part in theMuharram Rebellion.
Lindsay was born on 25 January 1754 to theEarl of Balcarres,James Lindsay and Anne Dalrymple. His maternal uncle, Charles Dalrymple got him into the trading lifestyle on aDeptford ship toCádiz. In 1772, he travelled to India on thePrince of WalesEast Indiaman reachingCalcutta in September. Here, he was made an assistant to the Accountant-General of the revenue department and also studied thePersian language. On the autumn of 1776, he went on a voyage to the city ofDacca. He also learnt theHindustani language as the importance ofPersian declined.
After a few years in Dacca, Lindsay set off for theSylhet. On arriving, he was advised to pay his respects and visit thedargah of Shah Jalal as per tradition. It is said he took his shoes off before entering and donated five goldenmohurs (16 Bengali rupees) as he left. He mentions during his time in Sylhet, of the custom of drying fish (shutki) and its "noxious" smell.[3]
In Chapter 7 of his book, he mentions the1782 Sylhet uprising inSylhet Shahi Eidgah. During his tenure, he successfully suppressed theRevolt of Radharam in 1786.[4] Lindsay was succeeded as Collector of Sylhet by Hyndman and shortly after by John Willes.
According to Assam District Gazetteers, vol. 10, Lindsay was "largely interested in the business, and describes the sources of his wealth in most poetic terms. 'Thechunam or lime rock is washed by the rapid stream. A magnificent cataract was seen rolling over the adjoining precipice, the scenery altogether was truly sublime. The mountain was composed of the purest alabaster lime, and appeared in quantity equal to the supply of the whole world'."[1] The book later states, "Mr. Lindsay's business experienced some vicissitudes owing to the violent conduct of theKhasi chiefs, but lime no doubt contributed largely to the fortune that he was able to accumulate in Sylhet.[5]
On his return to theUnited Kingdom, Lindsay purchased the large estate ofBalcarres House in Scotland from his brother,Alexander Lindsay, 6th Earl of Balcarres, with the fortune that he had made in Bengal. He died in 1836.[2]
| Political offices | ||
|---|---|---|
| Preceded by Holland | Superintendent of Sylhet 1778–1787 | Succeeded by Post abolished |
| Preceded by New post | Collector of Sylhet 1787–1790 | Succeeded by Hyndman |
| International | |
|---|---|
| National | |
| Other | |
