Who founded the ASIATIC Society?
VerifiedAnswer: Sir William Jones (1784)
Explanation:
The Asiatic Society was founded by Sir William Jones on January 15, 1784, in Calcutta (now Kolkata). This pioneering institution marked a significant milestone in the study of Asian culture, languages, and history during the colonial period in India.
Sir William Jones was a Welsh philologist, judge, and scholar who served as a judge in the Supreme Court of Bengal. He possessed remarkable linguistic abilities and was passionate about studying ancient texts and cultures. Jones recognized the need for a dedicated platform where European scholars and intellectuals could collaborate to study and preserve the rich heritage of Asia, particularly India.
The society's original name was the "Asiatic Society of Bengal," and it aimed to promote Oriental research. The primary objectives included studying the history, antiquities, arts, sciences, and literature of Asia. Jones believed that understanding these subjects would benefit both European and Asian communities by fostering cultural exchange and knowledge preservation.
One of Sir William Jones's most significant contributions was his groundbreaking work on Sanskrit language and literature. He made the famous observation about the relationship between Sanskrit, Greek, and Latin, which laid the foundation for the concept of Indo-European language family. This discovery revolutionized the understanding of linguistic connections across different cultures and regions.
The Asiatic Society became instrumental in various research activities and publications. It began publishing "Asiatic Researches," which became highly respected in academic circles worldwide. The society collected manuscripts, coins, inscriptions, and other historical artifacts, creating valuable archives for future researchers and scholars.
Today, the institution continues to exist as the "Asiatic Society" and remains headquartered in Kolkata. It houses an extensive library with rare manuscripts, books, and historical documents. The society continues to promote research in Oriental studies and serves as an important center for scholars interested in Asian culture, history, and literature, maintaining the vision that Sir William Jones established over two centuries ago.
