Although it is not clear what policy the British Government followed in the matter, Leslie became a hero among the local community. As a result, a place, now in Palamau district, was named as Lesligunj by the zamindars after Leslie was transferred elsewhere by the British Government.

“Out of sheer recognition of his friendly move, the people made him immortal by naming the place (block) after him,” claims Imam.

According to the records that Emma and Mark are carrying, Leslie, the son of Oxford-based Charles Leslie, MD, was promoted by the British Government as senior judge, Varanasi. Although the date of his demise is not known, he had died while travelling between Patna and Banaras. While it is not clear who his wife was, Leslie had gifted a house in Patna and Rs 20,000 to three women: Jehrum Khannam, Hira Devi and Jaiban each. His son, Robert Mathew, and two daughters, Sharlotte and Sarra, were baptised at the Kolkata church in 1782, 1789 and 1790 respectively.

To trace Leslie’s descendants, Emma and Mark are planning to visit Bihar shortly. They are expected to go to Bankipore in Patna to find out if Leslie’s grave was there.

They say their quest has just begun. “We would be glad the day we see any one of our blood relatives,” giggles Emma. “One day we will stumble upon his grave and descendants.”

“We will keep going and locate them one day,” says Mark.