Ardeshir Dhanjishah Kotwal

Ardeshir Dhanjishah Kotwal (1796-1856)
Warden-General of Surat castle & town

by Chinese artist
circa 1850

Oil on canvas
23.2 x 18.5 in. (59 x 47 cm.)

Ardeshir was brought up under protection after his father, a prominent Parsi officer of the British East India Company, was murdered. Hailing from an aristocratic family, he became a warden of Surat castle and later became Chief of Police and a magistrate. In recognition of his services he was granted jagirs of 18 villages.