Who among the following founded the Asiatic Society of Bengal?
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: C
Explanation
The correct answer is option 3 i.e. William Jones.
Sir William Jones, a British philologist and judge, founded the Asiatic Society of Bengal in 1784 in Calcutta (now Kolkata). The society was established to promote Oriental studies, including research on the history, culture, languages, and literature of Asia, particularly India. Jones, known for his deep interest in Sanskrit and ancient Indian texts, believed that Indian civilization had a rich intellectual heritage worthy of scholarly attention. The society became a major center for Indological studies and contributed significantly to the understanding of India’s classical traditions, helping lay the foundation for modern historical and linguistic research in the region.