the age of twenty-seven he reappeared in the village of Bajrá, in Húglí District, as an anchorite, and in a short time gathered together a body of disciples. His clothing consisted of a waistband (kaupin), a quilt made of old rags stitched together (kánthá), and a ragged coat (khirká). He observed no distinction of caste, and taught the worship of one God. Among his followers he was known by the name of Aul Chánd, and was considered to be an incarnation of Gauránga or Chaitanya, which had revisited the earth. He possessed superhuman attributes, could cure the blind and lame, bring the dead to life, and walk over the Ganges. The ten commandments given by Aul Chánd to his followers were—(1) Not to commit adultery; (2) not to steal; (3) not to kill; (4, 5, and 6) not even to have an inward inclination for these three acts; (7) not to speak falsehood; (8) not to utter bitter words against another; (9) not to indulge in vain talk; and (10) not to talk incoherently, or without an object.
Aul Chánd is said to have died in 1769 A.D., at Boáliyá, where Rám Smaran and other of his principal disciples buried his quilt, and brought his body to a village called Parárí, about six miles east of Chágdah. The founder of the sect having been a mortal man, the Kartábhajás believe the Deity to assume a human form. After Aul Chánd’s death, his spirit entered into the body of one of his disciples, Rám Smaran Pál, who settled down at Ghoshpárá, in Nadiyá District, a few miles from the Kánchrápárá railway station. Aul Chánd was designated the Kartá, or Spiritual Head, and was considered to be the Deity in person. Upon his death, he was succeeded by the above Rám Smaran Pál. A masnad or gadí (state cushion) has been erected at the house of the Páls, the occupier of which is called Thákur, and is said to represent the Kartá. After Rám Smaran, its first occupant, his widow succeeded. Upon her death, Rám Smaran's son, Rám Dulál, succeeded; and after him his widow. Rám Dulál’s son, Iswar Pál, now occupies the state cushion, and is reverenced as the head of the sect. I have more fully referred to this person in my Account of Nadiyá District. Next in rank to the Kartá or Spiritual Head, are the Mahásays or Deputies, of which one acts as leader to each village congregation, his duty being to collect the dues for the support of the Kartá, and to transmit or account for all amounts so received at stated dates. The disciples are called Barátís.
The religious ceremonies of the Kartábhajás are kept a secret
