Monier-Williams elected Boden Professor of Sanskrit at Oxford

Background. The Boden Professorship was established in 1832 through a bequest by Lieutenant Colonel Joseph Boden, intended to aid the conversion of British Indians to Christianity. The first holder, Horace Hayman Wilson, died in 1860, creating a vacancy. Wilson had indicated a preference for Monier Williams as his successor, setting the stage for a contest with Max Müller, who had connections to Oxford and the East India Company.

Candidates. Monier Monier-Williams, a former teacher at the East India Company College, was viewed as having practical knowledge of India and modern Hinduism, though considered less brilliant than his rival. Max Müller, a leading intellectual commentator on Indian culture and a fellow of All Souls' College, was the other candidate. The election became a test of patriotism, with rivals claiming to best fulfill Boden's original intentions.

Outcome. The election was hotly contested, reflecting different views on the purpose of Sanskrit scholarship. Monier Williams won by a majority of over 220 votes, a result described as a keen disappointment to Müller. This victory established Monier-Williams as the second Boden Professor, a position he held until 1899, significantly longer than any subsequent holder.