The correct option is (b).
Explanation
The Asiatic Society of Bengal was a scholarly institution established to inquire into the history, civil and natural antiquities, arts, sciences, and literature of Asia. It represented the Orientalist school of thought, which sought to understand Indian civilization through its classical texts.Statement 1: Incorrect
The Asiatic Society of Bengal was founded by Sir William Jones in January 1784. While Warren Hastings, the then Governor-General, was a patron and strongly supported Oriental learning (he founded the Calcutta Madrassa in 1781), he did not set up the Asiatic Society. In fact, Hastings declined the presidency of the Society in favor of Sir William Jones.
Statement 2: Correct
The Society started a journal titled Asiatick Researches in 1788. This journal became the primary medium for publishing the scholarly research and translations undertaken by the members of the Society, circulating knowledge about India’s past to Europe.
Statement 3: Incorrect
The primary interest of the Society’s members was to study classical Indian languages (Sanskrit, Persian) and translate Oriental texts into European languages (primarily English). The goal was to help British administrators understand Indian laws, customs, and culture. They were not primarily focused on translating European scientific texts into Sanskrit.
Key Takeaway:
The Asiatic Society of Bengal was founded by Sir William Jones in 1784 to study Asian history and culture, and it published the journal Asiatick Researches.