15 January - Asiatic Society of Bengal was founded

 

The Asiatic Society of Bengal, founded in 1784, was one of the earliest learned societies established in British India. It played a crucial role in the promotion and dissemination of knowledge related to the history, culture, and sciences of Asia. The society was founded by Sir William Jones, a philologist, Orientalist, and jurist who was well-versed in several ancient and modern languages.

Key points about the Asiatic Society of Bengal:

1. Foundation: The society was established on 15 January  1784, in Calcutta (now Kolkata), during the British East India Company's rule.

2. Founding Members: Sir William Jones was the driving force behind the establishment of the society, and he served as its first president. Other notable founding members included Warren Hastings, the Governor-General of India at the time.

3. Objectives: The Asiatic Society of Bengal aimed to encourage and promote the study of the languages, literature, history, and antiquities of Asia. It played a crucial role in the translation and study of ancient Indian texts.

4. Journal: The society published a scholarly journal titled "Asiatick Researches," which contained articles, research papers, and translations of important Asian texts. This journal contributed significantly to the understanding of Asian cultures and civilizations.

5. Contributions to Linguistics: The society played a vital role in the study and understanding of various Asian languages. Sir William Jones, a polyglot, made notable contributions to comparative linguistics and is famous for proposing the concept of the Indo-European language family.

6. Archaeological and Numismatic Research: The Asiatic Society of Bengal was also involved in archaeological and numismatic research. It conducted excavations and studies to uncover and document historical artifacts.

7. Later Developments: The Asiatic Society of Bengal later merged with the Bengal Literary Society in 1808, forming the Asiatic Society of Bengal and Literary Society of Bengal. Over the years, the society underwent further changes and reorganizations.

The Asiatic Society of Bengal laid the foundation for the study of Asian cultures and languages and played a crucial role in the development of oriental studies during the colonial period in India.