Founding of the Asiatic Society at Calcutta (Kolkata)

The question asks about the founding year of the Asiatic Society at Calcutta, and specifically mentions its founder, Sir William Jones. This historical institution played a crucial role in the study of Asian history, culture, and languages, particularly those of the Indian subcontinent.

Sir William Jones, a renowned linguist and scholar, established the Asiatic Society on January 15, 1784. His vision was to promote Oriental studies, bringing together European and Indian scholars to share knowledge and insights.

The society was initially named the Asiatick Society and was housed in Calcutta (now Kolkata), which was then the capital of British India. Its founding marked a significant moment in the history of Orientalism and Indology.

Let's look at the given options:

• 1820: This year is significantly later than the actual founding.
• 1800: This year is also later than the actual founding.
• 1784: This is the correct year when Sir William Jones founded the Asiatic Society.
• 1767: This year is earlier than the founding of the society.

Therefore, the correct year for the founding of the Asiatic Society at Calcutta by Sir William Jones is 1784.

Analyzing the Options for the Asiatic Society Founding Year

We are given four potential years for the founding of the Asiatic Society by Sir William Jones in Calcutta. Let's confirm the historical facts.

Historical records clearly indicate that Sir William Jones founded the Asiatic Society of Bengal in Calcutta on January 15, 1784. The society's initial objective was "to inquire into the history and antiquities, the natural productions, arts, sciences and literature of Asia".

Based on this historical fact, we can evaluate the options:

The year 1784 aligns with the historical facts regarding the establishment of the Asiatic Society by Sir William Jones in Calcutta.

Revision Table: Asiatic Society Key Facts

Additional Information: Sir William Jones and Indology

Sir William Jones (1746-1794) was a British philologist, a puisne judge on the Supreme Court of Judicature at Fort William in Bengal, and a key figure in the study of ancient India. He is famous for his proposition of a relationship between European and Indo-Aryan languages, which later became known as the Indo-European language family.

His founding of the Asiatic Society was pivotal. It provided a platform for systematic study and documentation of Indian texts, history, and sciences, contributing significantly to European understanding of India and initiating the field of Indology or Oriental Studies in a structured manner. The society published its research in a journal called "Asiatick Researches".

The work done through the Asiatic Society helped in the discovery and translation of many important ancient Indian texts, including the Bhagavad Gita and works by Kalidasa, which introduced Indian literature and philosophy to the Western world.