📑 Contents

Question 34

Wellesley established the Fort William College at Calcutta because

AOptions

A) he was asked by the Board of Directors at London to do so

B) he wanted to revive interest in oriental learning in India

C) he wanted to provide William Carey and his associates with employment

D) he wanted to train British civilians for administrative purpose in India

BSolution

Lord Wellesley established the Fort William College in Calcutta in 1800. His primary objective was to provide comprehensive training to the young British civilian servants (Civil Servants) who arrived in India. These recruits, often with little knowledge of Indian languages, customs, laws, and administration, needed to be adequately prepared for their roles in governing the vast Indian territories. The college aimed to impart knowledge of oriental languages (like Persian, Sanskrit, Hindustani), Indian history, laws, and administrative procedures, thereby equipping them to effectively administer British India. While Wellesley had an interest in Oriental learning, the overriding reason for establishing the college was pragmatic: to professionalize the British administration in India. It was not primarily in response to a directive from the Board of Directors, nor was it specifically to provide employment to individuals like William Carey, although Carey and others did find roles there.

CStrategy

For questions about the establishment of institutions during the colonial period, focus on the stated and practical objectives of the British administrators. Understanding the administrative needs of the time often points to the correct answer regarding the purpose of such institutions.

DSyllabus Analysis

This question falls under Modern Indian History, specifically focusing on the British administration, its policies, and institutional developments during the early phase of Company rule.

EQuestion Analysis

Easy. The purpose of Fort William College is a well-known fact in Indian modern history.