Q. Wellesley established the Fort William College Calcutta because

• he was asked by the Board of Directors at London to do so
• he wanted to revive interest in oriental learning in India
• he wanted to provide William Carey and his associates with employment
• he wanted to train British civilians for administrative purpose in India

Answer: (d) he wanted to train British civilians for administrative purpose in India

Fort William College:

• Establishment of Fort William College:
  • Fort William College was established in 1800 in Calcutta by Lord Wellesley, the Governor-General of India.
• Purpose:
  • The primary aim of establishing the college was to provide training to British officials and civilians in the languages, literature, and culture of India, thereby equipping them for better administration and governance in the country.
  • This was seen as essential for effective administration given the British presence in India.
• Oriental Learning:
  • While there was a revival of interest in oriental learning during this period, the direct motivation for the establishment of the college was to facilitate administrative training rather than solely to promote such learning.
• Employment for William Carey:
  • William Carey was indeed a prominent figure in the promotion of vernacular education and translation works, but the establishment of the college was not primarily for providing him or his associates employment.
• Board of Directors’ Influence:
  • The establishment was not directly ordered by the Board of Directors in London but was rather an initiative taken by Lord Wellesley in line with his vision for administrative reforms in India.