Asiatic Society of Bengal: History, Objectives, and Contributions

Asiatic Society of Bengal was established in 1784 in Kolkata (then Calcutta) by Sir William Jones, a British philologist and judge. It was founded with the aim of promoting oriental studies and encouraging research on the history, culture, literature, and sciences of Asia. 

Over the years, the society has played a crucial role in preserving ancient manuscripts, publishing scholarly works, and contributing to the understanding of India’s rich cultural and intellectual heritage.

Asiatic Society of Bengal Overview

Asiatic Society of Bengal was a pioneering institution in India that promoted research in history, culture, literature, and sciences, playing a key role in preserving and studying Asian knowledge.

 What is the Asiatic Society of Bengal?

The Asiatic Society is an institution founded to promote the study of Asia. The original goal was to encourage Oriental research—which means studying the history, arts, science, and literature of India and its surrounding regions.

This society was established during the time when the East India Company ruled India. Its creation showed a growing interest among European people in understanding the ancient heritage and knowledge of Asia.

Founder of the Asiatic Society of Bengal

The person who established the Asiatic Society of Bengal was a British scholar named Sir William Jones.

• Sir William Jones was a British lawyer and a well-known Orientalist (a scholar of Eastern cultures).

• He arrived in Calcutta in 1783 to work as a judge in the Supreme Court.

• Shortly after his arrival, he sent out letters inviting others to form a society for Asian studies.

• He presided over the first meeting on January 15, 1784, where he explained the main goals for the new society.

Sir William Jones strongly believed in the importance of Hindu culture, learning, and the vital role of the Sanskrit language. The society became a key place for sharing his ideas until his death in 1794.

Objectives of the Asiatic Society of Bengal

The primary purpose of the Asiatic Society of Bengal was to advance and promote Oriental studies.

The key goals of the society included:

• Studying Asia: To inquire into the history, antiquities, arts, sciences, and literature of Asia.

• Collecting Manuscripts: One important activity was gathering old manuscripts from India, especially those written in Sanskrit.

• Understanding Indian Culture: The society served as a platform to discuss the significance of Hindu culture and the Sanskrit language.

• Creating Research: It aimed to publish research and scholarly articles about Asia, with its first publication being Asiatick Researches.

The work of this society was very important. It helped in the translation and publication of many ancient Indian texts, like the Bhagavad Gita and plays by Kalidasa, making them known to the Western world.

Contributions of the Asiatic Society of Bengal

The Asiatic Society of Bengal has played a pioneering role in promoting research, preserving knowledge, and advancing education in India. Its major contributions include:

1. Preservation of Manuscripts: Collected and preserved ancient Indian and Asian manuscripts, rare books, and historical documents, ensuring that valuable cultural knowledge was not lost.

2. Research and Publications: Published journals, books, and research papers on Indian history, languages, literature, philosophy, and sciences, contributing significantly to academic scholarship.

3. Promotion of Indian Languages: Studied and documented Indian languages, grammar, and literature, which helped in understanding and standardizing regional languages.

4. Historical Documentation: Recorded the history, culture, and traditions of India and Asia, providing a foundation for future historians and researchers.

5. Educational Influence: Influenced education and intellectual growth by encouraging oriental studies and supporting scholarly activities across India.

6. Cultural Awareness: Raised awareness about India’s rich cultural, literary, and scientific heritage both in India and abroad.

Asiatic Society Today

The society went through a few name changes over the years. Today, it is known as "The Asiatic Society" and is located in Kolkata. The organization has a large library with numerous books and journals and a museum that holds valuable items, including an Asoka rock edict. The government of India has declared it an Institution of National Importance.