The Asiatic Society: A History of Scholarship in Calcutta
Founded during the late 18th century, The Asiatic Society stands as a cornerstone of academic inquiry into the diverse cultures, languages, and natural history of Asia. Established in Calcutta (now Kolkata), the society was born from a desire to systematically document the human achievements and natural wonders of the continent.
The Founding of the Society
The origins of the society date back to January 1784, when Sir William Jones issued a circular letter to a select group of British residents in Calcutta. His goal was to create a dedicated organization for Asiatic studies. On January 15, 1784, thirty British residents gathered in the Grand Jury Room of the Supreme Court at Fort William for an inaugural meeting presided over by Sir Robert Chambers.
During this meeting, Jones outlined the society's ambitious scope. According to the Memorandum of Articles, the investigations were to be bounded by the geographical limits of Asia, covering everything performed by man or produced by nature.
Early Growth and Infrastructure
In its early years, the society operated out of the Supreme Court's Grand Jury Room. Membership was determined via ballot-voting, and members contributed a quarterly fee of two mohurs (a gold coin used in the region). Notable early members included Alexander Hamilton and Charles Wilkins.
By September 29, 1796, the society recognized the need for a permanent home. J.H. Harrington, the vice-president at the time, selected a site at the intersection of Park Street and Chowringhee Road. The land was officially granted on May 15, 1805.
The architectural development of the society's house involved a collaboration of visions. Captain Thomas Preston prepared the original plans, which were later modified by French architect Jean-Jacques Pichou. The resulting two-storeyed building spanned 15,071 square feet and was constructed at a cost of Rs. 30,000. The society held its first quarterly meeting in this new facility on February 3, 1808.
Evolution of Membership and Leadership
For the first 44 years of its existence, membership was restricted exclusively to Europeans. This changed in 1829 through the initiative of H.H. Wilson, leading to the election of several Indian members. This pioneering group included figures such as Dwarakanath Tagore, Prasanna Coomar Tagore, Baboo Rajchunder Das, Sivchandra Das, Maharaja Baidyanath Roy, Maharaja Bunwari Govind Roy, Raja Kalikrishna Bahadur, and Ram Comul Sen.
The integration of Indian scholars led to significant leadership milestones. On December 12, 1832, Ram Comul Sen was elected as the 'Native Secretary'. By 1885, Rajendralal Mitra became the first Indian President of the society. Other distinguished scholars, including the orientalist Brajendranath De and his grandson, historian Barun De, also served as vice-presidents.
Key Facts
- Founded: January 15, 1784, by Sir William Jones.
- Original Location: Grand Jury Room of the Supreme Court, Fort William, Calcutta.
- Current Location: Corner of Park Street and Chowringhee Road.
- Building Cost: Rs. 30,000 for a 15,071 sq ft structure.
- First Indian President: Rajendralal Mitra (1885).
- Scope: All human and natural phenomena within the geographical limits of Asia.
Society Overview
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Founder | Sir William Jones |
| Establishment Date | January 15, 1784 |
| Architects | Captain Thomas Preston & Jean-Jacques Pichou |
| First Indian Member Period | Starting 1829 |
| First Native Secretary | Ram Comul Sen (1832) |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who founded The Asiatic Society and why?
Sir William Jones founded the society in 1784 to establish a formal organization for the study of Asia, focusing on both human achievements and natural history within the continent's geographical boundaries.
Where was the society's first meeting held?
The first meeting took place on January 15, 1784, in the Grand Jury Room of the Supreme Court located in Calcutta's Fort William.
When did the society move to its own building?
The society decided to acquire its own building in 1796, received the site grant in 1805, and held its first meeting in the new building on February 3, 1808.
When were Indians first admitted as members?
Indians were first elected as members in 1829, following an initiative by H.H. Wilson.
Who was the first Indian to lead the society?
Rajendralal Mitra became the first Indian President of The Asiatic Society in 1885.