The Asiatic Society, an important scholarly institution for the study of Asian culture and history, was established in Calcutta by which famous eighteenth century figure?

Introduction / Context:
The Asiatic Society in Calcutta played a central role in the European study of Indian languages, history, law, and culture during the colonial period. Questions about its founder are common in competitive examinations, because this society symbolises the early phase of Orientalist scholarship under British rule. Knowing who established it helps students connect intellectual history with administrative history in eighteenth century India.

Given Data / Assumptions:
We are told that the institution in question is the Asiatic Society based in Calcutta. The options list Warren Hastings, Sir William Jones, Raja Ram Mohan Roy, Macaulay, and Lord Cornwallis. We assume that the learner knows roughly when this society was founded, around the 1780s, and that it is associated with the early British presence in Bengal. We are expected to pick the person who directly took the initiative to create this scholarly society.

Concept / Approach:
The key concept is to distinguish between administrators, reformers, and scholars. Sir William Jones was a famous British judge and Orientalist scholar who had a deep interest in Sanskrit, Persian, Arabic, and Indian law. In 1784 he founded the Asiatic Society in Calcutta to promote research into the history, languages, and culture of Asia. Warren Hastings was the Governor General who supported such activities but did not directly found the society. Raja Ram Mohan Roy and Macaulay are associated with later social and educational reforms and therefore do not match the founding event of 1784.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that the Asiatic Society of Bengal was founded in Calcutta in 1784. Step 2: Identify the name of the key Orientalist scholar associated with this founding, which is Sir William Jones. Step 3: Recognise that Warren Hastings was Governor General during this period and supported the project, but was not the formal founder. Step 4: Note that Raja Ram Mohan Roy and Macaulay belong to the early nineteenth century and are associated with later reforms. Step 5: Choose Sir William Jones as the correct answer.

Verification / Alternative check:
Most standard history books identify the society as the Asiatic Society of Bengal founded by Sir William Jones in 1784. Textbooks often list this fact under the cultural and intellectual developments of British rule in India. The society is sometimes called the Asiatic Society of Calcutta and remains associated with his name. Since no other personality in the options is described in sources as its founder, the identification of Sir William Jones is straightforward and reliable.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Warren Hastings is wrong because, although he encouraged Orientalist studies and supported Jones, he did not personally found the Asiatic Society. Raja Ram Mohan Roy is incorrect because he was a nineteenth century social reformer who started organisations like the Brahmo Samaj, not this scholarly society. Macaulay is wrong since he is associated with the English Education Act and the promotion of English language education rather than Orientalist institutions. Lord Cornwallis was another Governor General with administrative and revenue reforms but not the founder of the Asiatic Society.

Common Pitfalls:
Learners often confuse the roles of Hastings and Jones, assuming the Governor General must be the founder of any major institution formed during his tenure. Another common error is to pick Raja Ram Mohan Roy because he is strongly associated with Bengal and reform. To avoid such mistakes, students should remember that the Asiatic Society was a scholarly body created by a judge and philologist rather than a political reformer, and that this judge was Sir William Jones.

Final Answer:
The Asiatic Society at Calcutta was established by Sir William Jones.