With reference to the tradition of Orientalism in late 18th-century India, consider the following statements: 1. William Jones arrived in Calcutta in 1783 primarily to set up the Department of Education for the East India Company. 2. Henry Thomas Colebrooke and Nathaniel Halhed were involved in translating Sanskrit and Persian works into English. 3. The Asiatic Society of Bengal was established by William Jones in collaboration with other British officials interested in Indian heritage. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Correct Option The correct option is (c) 2 and 3 only. Explanation The tradition of Orientalism in late 18th-century India was characterized by a scholarly interest among British officials in Indian languages, laws, and culture. This movement was encouraged by Governor-General Warren Hastings, who believed that British rule should be grounded in Indian customs and laws. Statement-wise Analysis Statement 1: Incorrect Sir William Jones arrived in Calcutta in 1783, but his appointment was as a Junior Judge (Puisne Judge) at the Supreme Court of Judicature at Fort William, not to set up a Department of Education. His primary professional role was judicial, although his passion lay in the study of Indian languages and culture. Statement 2: Correct Henry Thomas Colebrooke and Nathaniel Halhed were prominent Orientalists involved in translating ancient Indian texts to assist in administration and legal codification. - Nathaniel Halhed published A Code of Gentoo Laws (1776), a translation of a digest of Hindu laws (translated from Sanskrit to Persian, then to English). - Henry Thomas Colebrooke was a leading Sanskrit scholar who translated the Digest of Hindu Law and other significant Sanskrit works on grammar and philosophy. Statement 3: Correct The Asiatic Society of Bengal was established on January 15, 1784, by Sir William Jones. He collaborated with other British officials (such as Colebrooke and Halhed) who shared a deep interest in the history, antiquities, arts, sciences, and literature of Asia. The Society aimed to serve as a center for Asian studies. Key Takeaway Sir William Jones founded the Asiatic Society of Bengal in 1784 to study Indian heritage. While he was a Supreme Court judge by profession, he, along with scholars like Colebrooke and Halhed, pioneered the translation of Sanskrit and Persian texts into English to facilitate British administration based on indigenous laws.

With reference to the tradition of… - NCERT Class 8 History MCQ

NCERT Class 8 History — Chapter 5: Civilising the “Native”, Educating the Nation

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With reference to the tradition of Orientalism in late 18th-century India, consider the following statements:

William Jones arrived in Calcutta in 1783 primarily to set up the Department of Education for the East India Company.
Henry Thomas Colebrooke and Nathaniel Halhed were involved in translating Sanskrit and Persian works into English.
The Asiatic Society of Bengal was established by William Jones in collaboration with other British officials interested in Indian heritage.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

NCERT textbook question

From NCERT Our Past -3 · Page 65

Options

A1 and 2 only
B2 only
C2 and 3 only
D1, 2 and 3

Did you get this right?

Solution

Correct Option

The correct option is (c) 2 and 3 only.

Explanation

The tradition of Orientalism in late 18th-century India was characterized by a scholarly interest among British officials in Indian languages, laws, and culture. This movement was encouraged by Governor-General Warren Hastings, who believed that British rule should be grounded in Indian customs and laws.

Statement-wise Analysis

Statement 1: Incorrect

Sir William Jones arrived in Calcutta in 1783, but his appointment was as a Junior Judge (Puisne Judge) at the Supreme Court of Judicature at Fort William, not to set up a Department of Education. His primary professional role was judicial, although his passion lay in the study of Indian languages and culture.

Statement 2: Correct

Henry Thomas Colebrooke and Nathaniel Halhed were prominent Orientalists involved in translating ancient Indian texts to assist in administration and legal codification.

Nathaniel Halhed published A Code of Gentoo Laws (1776), a translation of a digest of Hindu laws (translated from Sanskrit to Persian, then to English).
Henry Thomas Colebrooke was a leading Sanskrit scholar who translated the Digest of Hindu Law and other significant Sanskrit works on grammar and philosophy.

Statement 3: Correct

The Asiatic Society of Bengal was established on January 15, 1784, by Sir William Jones. He collaborated with other British officials (such as Colebrooke and Halhed) who shared a deep interest in the history, antiquities, arts, sciences, and literature of Asia. The Society aimed to serve as a center for Asian studies.

Key Takeaway

Sir William Jones founded the Asiatic Society of Bengal in 1784 to study Indian heritage. While he was a Supreme Court judge by profession, he, along with scholars like Colebrooke and Halhed, pioneered the translation of Sanskrit and Persian texts into English to facilitate British administration based on indigenous laws.

Your note

More from Chapter 5: Civilising the “Native”, Educating the Nation

Which of the following was NOT a reason cited by Wood’s Despatch for promoting European learning?

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Match List I with List II and select the correct answer using the code given below: List I | List II A. Establishment of Calcutta Madrasa | 1. 1791 B. Establishment of Hindu College, Benaras | 2. 1854 C. Wood’s Despatch | 3. 1781 D. Establishment of Universities (Calcutta, Madras, Bombay) | 4. 1857

easy

With reference to the English Education Act of 1835, consider the following statements: 1. It was introduced following the recommendations of James Mill. 2. It made English the medium of instruction for higher education. 3. It proposed the establishment of new Oriental institutions like the Calcutta Madrasa. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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In which year did Rabindranath Tagore establish the educational institution Santiniketan?

easy

Who among the following was NOT associated with the Asiatic Society of Bengal?

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Keep practising Chapter 5: Civilising the “Native”, Educating the Nation

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