Q. “Asiatic Society of Bengal” was founded by
(a) Sir William Jones
(b) Annie Besant
(c) Lord William Bentinck
(d) Raja Ram Mohan Roy
Ans: (a) Sir William Jones
Explanation: The “Asiatic Society of Bengal” was founded by (a) Sir William Jones.
Sir William Jones, a British philologist and scholar, established the Asiatic Society of Bengal in 1784. The society aimed to promote the study and understanding of Asian cultures, languages, and history.
Jones had a deep interest in oriental studies and recognized the need for a scholarly institution dedicated to the exploration and research of Asian civilizations. Under his leadership, the Asiatic Society of Bengal became a prominent center for the study of Asian languages, literature, archaeology, and other fields of knowledge.
The society played a crucial role in collecting and preserving historical manuscripts, translating ancient texts, and disseminating knowledge about Asian cultures. It attracted scholars and intellectuals from various disciplines who contributed to the advancement of oriental studies.
Annie Besant was a prominent British social reformer and Indian nationalist, but she was not involved in the founding of the Asiatic Society of Bengal. Lord William Bentinck served as the Governor-General of India and introduced several reforms during his tenure, but he was not associated with the establishment of the society. Raja Ram Mohan Roy, another significant Indian reformer, was involved in various social and religious movements but was not directly involved in founding the Asiatic Society of Bengal.
