Nundy, Gopinath

Nundy, Gopinath a Presbyterian native missionary to the Hindus, was born of respectable parents belonging to the Kayath caste, in Calcutta, India, in 1807. At an early age he was instructed in the Bengalee, his own vernacular language, and when perfected in this he was sent to the School Society's institution to study English. The influences which surrounded him during his English studies were of the most pernicious character. A native minister of Calcutta thus refers to him while under these trying circumstances: "While he was quietly carrying on his studies, the beginnings of what threatened to be a mighty moral revolution were perceptible in native society. The study of European literature and science disclosed to not a few young men the absurdity of the prevailing religion of the country. The godless system of education pursued in the Hindu college produced its inevitable fruit. Freethinking was the order of the day." In order to check this licentiousness of opinion, and to give a right direction to the newly aroused native mind, a course of lectures on the evidences and doctrines of Christianity was delivered. The result was that Gopinath, with many other young men, was convinced of the falsehood of Hinduism, and determined to become a Christian. He soon after made a profession of religion, and in 1833 accompanied archdeacon Corrie, afterwards bishop of Madras, to the North-west, and took charge of an English school at Futtehpore. During 1837-38 a fearful famine prevailed in India, and a large number of orphans were to be cared for. His services at this time were invaluable, and from 1888 to the time of his death he was in the employment of this mission. In 1844 he was ordained, and was stationed at the cantonment of Futtehgurk. and subsequently, in 1853, at Futtehpore, where he remained until his death, March 14, 1861. Mr. Nundy was a man of great energy and decision of character; as a missionary, very laborious and efficient. See Wilson Presb. Hist. Almanac, 1862, p. 112. (J. L. S.)