Ram Mohan Roy and David Hare found Hindu College, Calcutta

Background. Following the creation of the Supreme Court of Calcutta in 1773, many Hindus in Bengal showed an eager interest in learning the English language. David Hare, in collaboration with Raja Radhakanta Deb, had already taken steps to introduce English language education in Bengal. Babu Buddinath Mukherjee further advanced this introduction by enlisting the support of Sir Edward Hyde East, Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Fort William, who called a meeting of 'European and Hindu Gentlemen' at his house in May 1816.

Founding. The foundation of Hindu College, later renamed Presidency College, Kolkata, occurred on 20 January 1817. This establishment was the result of collaborative efforts by David Hare, Ram Mohan Roy, and other reformers. The college offered instruction in Western languages and subjects, reflecting the growing interest in English education among Hindus in Bengal.

Contributors. The founding of Hindu College involved a committee including Raja Radhakanta Deb and Baidyanath Mukhopadhyay. Other eminent personalities of Calcutta at that time, such as Rani Rashmoni, Prince Dwarkanath Tagore, Babu Rajchandra Das, and Mutty Lall Seal, also donated hefty amounts towards the foundation of the College.

Legacy. Hindu College, later renamed Presidency College in 1855, functioned as a leading constituent college under the University of Calcutta. The institution played a pivotal role in shaping modern Indian and Bengal education and intellectual discourse, with alumni including two Nobel laureates, leaders of the Indian Independence Movement, heads of state, and Academy Award winners.