Orientalists were scholars and administrators who studied Asian cultures, languages, and histories with great interest and admiration. Orientalists believed in the greatness of the Indian culture and opined that the Indians should be educated in their native and local languages. They translated important texts, studied local traditions, and often praised the intellectual and cultural achievements of India.
William Jones, was a British linguist who arrived in Calcutta, India, in 1783. He had profound respect and admiration for Indian literature and knowledge. He founded the Asiatic Society in 1784 and translated several important Sanskrit texts.
William Jones shared a deep respect for ancient cultures, both India and the West and made several statements reflecting his belief that Indians were intellectually comparable to Europeans and by no means inferior to them.
Year-wise PYQs
