Q. Wellesley established the Fort William College Calcutta because
(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
Correct Answer – (d) he wanted to train British civilians for administrative purpose in India
Question from UPSC Prelims 2020 GS Paper
Explanation:
Fort William College
Fort William College, also known as the College of Fort William, was established in Calcutta (now Kolkata) by Lord Wellesley, the then Governor-General of British India, in 1800. The primary purpose behind the establishment of this college was to train British civilians in the languages and cultures of India to ensure more efficient administration of the country.
Wellesley recognized the need for British officials to be knowledgeable about the local languages, laws, customs, and traditions to govern more effectively and empathetically. This initiative was part of the broader British effort to strengthen their administrative control over India by improving communication and understanding between the British officials and the local population.
