The Asiatic Society

The Asiatic Society is a Government of India organisation founded during the Company rule in India to enhance and further the cause of "Oriental research" It was founded by the philologist William Jones on 15 January 1784 in a meeting presided over by Justice Robert Chambers in Calcutta, the then-capital of the Presidency of Fort William. The Society is housed in a building at Park Street in Kolkata (Calcutta). The Society moved into this building during 1808. In 1823, the Medical and Physical Society of Calcutta was formed and all the meetings of this society were held in the Asiatic Society.

The Asiatic Society of Kolkata is an esteemed scholarly community that deals with various facets of Asia – the largest continent in the world. It is a premier organisation that conducts extensive studies related to the continent. These studies cover varied aspects like history, heritage, topography, commerce and civic administration. Its establishment took place on 15th January 1784, which marked the beginning of a new wave in oriental studies. The founder of this society was Sir William Jones – a revered philologist and scholar of Anglo-Welsh descent. During the early years of establishment, the organisation functioned without a building. After the government granted it land in 1805, its official building was built by 1808. The present 4-storey headquarters of this society was constructed at the same site in 1961 and inaugurated on 22nd February 1965 by former Indian President Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan. Initially, The Asiatic Society only had European citizens as its members. It was in 1829 that Indians were allowed to be a part of the society. In 1885, Rajendra Lal Mitra became the first Indian President of this organisation. Researches, translations, seminars and publications by this society have been praised worldwide for their authenticity and in-depth analysis of Asia. From scientific and mathematical researches to historical and archaeological findings, the institution is involved in the task of conducting such studies. Visitors coming to the organisation can head to its library, which is a storehouse of information. Manuscripts, paper drawings and books in various Asian and other languages of the world are well preserved here. It boasts of an exceptional literary collection of 47000 manuscripts, 80000 journals and 149000 volumes of books. Another prized possession of this society is its museum, which was set up in 1814 within its premises. It has a fine assortment of ancient paintings, manuscripts, sculptures, inscriptions, coins and other precious artefacts. Ashokan rock edicts from 250 BC are highlights of this museum, which also has exquisite bronze sculptures from different parts of the Asiatic continent.

The Asiatic Society of Kolkata is an esteemed scholarly community that deals with various facets of Asia – the largest continent in the world. It is a premier organisation that conducts extensive studies related to the continent. These studies cover varied aspects like history, heritage, topography, commerce and civic administration. Its establishment took place on 15th January 1784, which marked the beginning of a new wave in oriental studies. The founder of this society was Sir William Jones – a revered philologist and scholar of Anglo-Welsh descent. During the early years of establishment, the organisation functioned without a building. After the government granted it land in 1805, its official building was built by 1808. The present 4-storey headquarters of this society was constructed at the same site in 1961 and inaugurated on 22nd February 1965 by former Indian President Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan. Initially, The Asiatic Society only had European citizens as its members. It was in 1829 that Indians were allowed to be a part of the society. In 1885, Rajendra Lal Mitra became the first Indian President of this organisation. Researches, translations, seminars and publications by this society have been praised worldwide for their authenticity and in-depth analysis of Asia. From scientific and mathematical researches to historical and archaeological findings, the institution is involved in the task of conducting such studies. Visitors coming to the organisation can head to its library, which is a storehouse of information. Manuscripts, paper drawings and books in various Asian and other languages of the world are well preserved here. It boasts of an exceptional literary collection of 47000 manuscripts, 80000 journals and 149000 volumes of books. Another prized possession of this society is its museum, which was set up in 1814 within its premises. It has a fine assortment of ancient paintings, manuscripts, sculptures, inscriptions, coins and other precious artefacts. Ashokan rock edicts from 250 BC are highlights of this museum, which also has exquisite bronze sculptures from different parts of the Asiatic continent. Location 1, Park Street, Taltala, Kolkata, 700016, West Bengal

The Asiatic Society is a learned society based in Kolkata (Calcutta), West Bengal, India, dedicated to the promotion and dissemination of knowledge in the fields of literature, science, and social studies. Here are some key points about The Asiatic Society: 1. Establishment: - The Asiatic Society was founded on January 15, 1784, by Sir William Jones, a British Orientalist and jurist. It is one of the oldest learned societies in Asia. 2. Founder: - Sir William Jones, a renowned scholar of ancient India and languages, played a pivotal role in the establishment of The Asiatic Society. He aimed to foster the study of the languages, literature, and antiquities of the Indian subcontinent. 3. Objectives: - The society's objectives include the promotion of research, studies, and publications in the fields of history, archaeology, linguistics, literature, philosophy, and natural sciences. 4. Library: - The Asiatic Society is known for its rich library, which houses a vast collection of rare manuscripts, books, and historical documents. The library is a valuable resource for researchers and scholars. 5. Museum: - The society has a museum that exhibits artefacts, manuscripts, and items of historical and cultural significance. The museum contributes to the preservation of India's cultural heritage. 6. Publications: - The Asiatic Society publishes scholarly journals, research papers, and books, contributing to academic discourse in various disciplines. 7. Language Studies: - The society has been instrumental in the study and preservation of ancient languages, including Sanskrit, Pali, Prakrit, and other classical languages of the Indian subcontinent. 8. Archaeological Research: - The Asiatic Society has been involved in archaeological research and excavations, uncovering historical sites and artefacts. 9. Cultural Programs: - The society organizes cultural events, seminars, and lectures to promote intellectual discourse and scholarly exchange. 10. Membership: - The Asiatic Society has a membership base that includes scholars, researchers, and individuals interested in the study of Asian cultures and civilizations. 11. Historical Significance: - Over the centuries, The Asiatic Society has played a significant role in fostering Oriental studies, contributing to a better understanding of India's diverse cultural heritage. The Asiatic Society continues to be an important institution for the study and preservation of cultural and historical knowledge in India. Scholars and enthusiasts interested in the society's activities can refer to its official website for the latest information and updates.

The Asiatic Society was founded by civil servant Sir William Jones on 15 January 1784 in a meeting presided over by Sir William Jones, Justice of the Supreme Court of Judicature at Fort William at the Fort Williamin Calcutta, then capital of the British Raj, to enhance and further the cause of Orientalresearch. At the time of its foundation, this Society was named as "Asiatick Society". In 1825, the society dropped the antique kwithout any formal resolution and the Society was renamed as "The Asiatic Society". In 1832 the name was changed to "The Asiatic Society of Bengal" and again in 1936 it was renamed as "The Royal Asiatic Society of Bengal". Finally, on 1 July 1951, the name of the society was changed to its present one. The Society is housed in a building at Park Streetin Kolkata (Calcutta). The Society moved into this building during 1808. In 1823, the Medical and Physical Society of Calcutta was formed and all the meetings of this society were held in the Asiatic Society.

The Asiatic Society is a Government of India organisation founded during the Company rule in India to enhance and further the cause of "Oriental research" It was founded by the philologist William Jones on 15 January 1784 in a meeting presided over by Justice Robert Chambers in Calcutta, the then-capital of the Presidency of Fort William. The Society is housed in a building at Park Street in Kolkata (Calcutta). The Society moved into this building during 1808. In 1823, the Medical and Physical Society of Calcutta was formed and all the meetings of this society were held in the Asiatic Society.

The Asiatic Society of Kolkata is an esteemed scholarly community that deals with various facets of Asia – the largest continent in the world. It is a premier organisation that conducts extensive studies related to the continent. These studies cover varied aspects like history, heritage, topography, commerce and civic administration. Its establishment took place on 15th January 1784, which marked the beginning of a new wave in oriental studies. The founder of this society was Sir William Jones – a revered philologist and scholar of Anglo-Welsh descent. During the early years of establishment, the organisation functioned without a building. After the government granted it land in 1805, its official building was built by 1808. The present 4-storey headquarters of this society was constructed at the same site in 1961 and inaugurated on 22nd February 1965 by former Indian President Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan. Initially, The Asiatic Society only had European citizens as its members. It was in 1829 that Indians were allowed to be a part of the society. In 1885, Rajendra Lal Mitra became the first Indian President of this organisation. Researches, translations, seminars and publications by this society have been praised worldwide for their authenticity and in-depth analysis of Asia. From scientific and mathematical researches to historical and archaeological findings, the institution is involved in the task of conducting such studies. Visitors coming to the organisation can head to its library, which is a storehouse of information. Manuscripts, paper drawings and books in various Asian and other languages of the world are well preserved here. It boasts of an exceptional literary collection of 47000 manuscripts, 80000 journals and 149000 volumes of books. Another prized possession of this society is its museum, which was set up in 1814 within its premises. It has a fine assortment of ancient paintings, manuscripts, sculptures, inscriptions, coins and other precious artefacts. Ashokan rock edicts from 250 BC are highlights of this museum, which also has exquisite bronze sculptures from different parts of the Asiatic continent.