Understanding Warren Hastings and the Establishment of Madrasa

The question asks about the location where Warren Hastings, the first Governor General of Bengal, established a madrasa in 1781 for the study and teaching of Muslim law. This is a historical question related to the educational initiatives taken by the British East India Company in India.

Warren Hastings served as the Governor of Bengal from 1772 to 1774 and then as the first Governor-General of Bengal from 1774 to 1785. During his tenure, several administrative and educational developments took place.

One significant development in 1781 was the establishment of a madrasa. The primary objective was to promote the study of Muslim law, which was essential for the British judicial administration that dealt with the Muslim population according to their personal laws.

Analysing the Options for Madrasa Location

Let's look at the given options:

• Mumbai (formerly Bombay)
• Delhi
• Bihar
• Calcutta (formerly Kolkata)

Historically, Calcutta was the principal center of British power and administration in Bengal during this period. Educational institutions established by the British East India Company or under their patronage were often located in the major presidency towns, with Calcutta being the capital of the Bengal Presidency.

Research confirms that Warren Hastings established the Calcutta Madrasa in 1781. This institution was intended to provide education in Islamic studies, including law, logic, philosophy, and other sciences prevalent in the Muslim scholarly tradition. This helped the British administration train individuals proficient in Muslim law for judicial roles.

Confirming the Location: Calcutta Madrasa

Based on historical records, the madrasa established by Warren Hastings in 1781 for the study and teaching of Muslim law was indeed located in Calcutta. This institution is now known as Aliah University.

Let's summarize the key facts:

• Person: Warren Hastings
• Year: 1781
• Institution type: Madrasa
• Subject of study: Muslim law
• Location: Calcutta

Therefore, the correct location is Calcutta.

Revision Table: Warren Hastings Madrasa

Additional Information: Significance of Calcutta Madrasa

The establishment of the Calcutta Madrasa by Warren Hastings was a significant step. It demonstrated an early British interest in understanding and incorporating local legal systems into their administration. By supporting the study of Muslim law, the British aimed to facilitate the administration of justice, particularly in personal law matters concerning the Muslim population.

This move is often seen as part of Warren Hastings' policy to govern according to local customs and laws where appropriate, rather than imposing entirely new legal frameworks immediately. It also played a role in training locals for positions within the judicial system of the East India Company.