Description
Arthur Travers Crawford: A Riddle Wrapped Up In An Enigma Vijaya Gupchup Mumbai: The K R Cama Oriental Institute, 2019
Arthur Travers Crawford, a member of the Indian Civil Service, worked efficiently in the Bombay Presidency and became the first Municipal Commissioner of Bombay from 1865-1871. During his Commissionership he did a tremendous amount to elevate the conditions for Bombay. His major contribution to the city was the ‘Crawford Market.’ In executing his projects, Crawford used money indiscriminately by manipulating accounts. His actions caused distrust among the people. The Hope Committee was appointed in 1870 to inquire into his massive spending. His friend Sir Pherozeshah Mehta defended him. Later he became Commissioner of the Southern and then of the Central Division. He continued to live lavishly and borrowed money excessively. The Government of Bombay charged Crawford of 32 charges of corruption with the 33rd charge relating to his borrowing money from his subordinates. Although not found guilty of corruption, Lord Cross, Secretary of State for India, dismissed him from Service on the 33rd charge. Bal Gangadhar Tilak proved the crusader who through his writings in the Kesari and the Mahratta took up the cause of the Mamlatdars, who had given loans/bribes to Crawford. Crawford died a pitiable death in 1911 chiefly due to his undesirable life-style
