The Asiatic Society, founded in 1784 in Calcutta, is one of India’s oldest institutions dedicated to Oriental studies, history, literature, and cultural research.

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• The Asiatic Society was founded by Sir William Jones on January 15, 1784, in Kolkata to promote Oriental research during British rule in India.

• Warren Hastings served as its first patron, supporting scholarly studies on Asian languages, culture, history, science, and literature.

• The Society houses a vast library containing rare Sanskrit manuscripts, ancient inscriptions, coins, and historical documents valuable for Indian cultural and historical research.

• It publishes the renowned Bibliotheca Indica series, research monographs, and a Quarterly Journal, contributing significantly to Oriental and Asian studies.

• The iconic headquarters of the Society is located at 1 Park Street in Kolkata and remains a landmark of academic heritage.

• Its primary objective is to preserve historical literature and promote interdisciplinary research in Asian studies, archaeology, linguistics, and classical traditions.

• The Asiatic Society of Mumbai is a separate literary and research institution known for its historic Town Hall building.

• The Royal Asiatic Society of Great Britain and Ireland was established in London to advance scholarly research on Asian civilizations and cultures.