How Sir William Jones’ 1784 vision in Calcutta became a pioneering institution that safeguarded ancient Indian literature, law, and science for future generations
In January 1784, Calcutta witnessed the birth of an institution that would transform the way the world viewed India’s past. Founded by Sir William Jones, the Asiatic Society of Bengal was more than a scholarly club—it was a bridge between ancient Indian knowledge and modern research. It revived interest in classical literature, law, science, and art, at a time when much of it lay unexplored or forgotten.
When William Jones arrived in Calcutta in 1783 as a judge of the Supreme Court, he was already a celebrated linguist and Orientalist. He was fascinated by the depth of India’s heritage—its languages, scriptures, traditions, and scientific ideas. But he also saw a gap: there was no organised effort to study and preserve this wealth. Within months, he gathered thirty like-minded Europeans and proposed forming a society dedicated to exploring Asia’s history, literature, and natural sciences. On 15 January 1784, the Asiatic Society of Bengal was officially founded.
From the outset, the Society attracted scholars eager to study India’s ancient culture. Jones himself took the lead, translating works like Shakuntala and the Manusmriti into English. In 1788, the Society began publishing Asiatic Researches, a journal that became a global platform for studies on Sanskrit, Persian, Indian law, astronomy, botany, and other related subjects. This was one of the first systematic attempts to document India’s knowledge traditions for both Indian and European audiences.
The Society began collecting manuscripts, coins, sculptures, maps, and artworks quickly. Its library grew into one of the richest in Asia, holding thousands of manuscripts in Sanskrit, Persian, and Arabic. Many of these were rare or unique, including texts rescued from palaces, temples, and private collections. In 1814, the Society established a museum—the first of its kind in India—which displayed archaeological finds, ancient inscriptions, and artefacts like Ashokan edicts. These collections later became part of the Indian Museum in Calcutta.
Initially, the Society’s membership was restricted to Europeans, but that changed in 1829 when Indians were admitted. This marked a turning point. Eminent figures such as Ram Comul Sen and Dwarakanath Tagore brought fresh energy and perspective. By 1885, Rajendralal Mitra became the first Indian president of the Society, symbolising a shift towards Indian leadership in preserving and interpreting their own cultural heritage.
The influence of the Asiatic Society extended far beyond Calcutta. It inspired the creation of the Archaeological Survey of India, formalised approaches to historical preservation, and encouraged translations of classical Indian works into European languages. The Society’s research played a role in shaping the Bengal Renaissance, a movement that celebrated India’s intellectual and cultural revival during the 19th century. By documenting and sharing ancient Indian achievements, the Society helped counter colonial stereotypes about India’s history.
Today, more than two centuries later, the Asiatic Society remains an active centre of research. Its archives and library continue to serve historians, linguists, and scientists. The manuscripts it preserved have become vital resources for understanding India’s past, while its publications remain a cornerstone in the study of Asian history. What William Jones began in 1784 still echoes in modern scholarship—a reminder that the past is not a relic, but a living source of knowledge.
