The Asiatic Society of Bengal, which was founded in 1784 by William Jones, is of immense importance for its pioneering work in laying the foundations of indological studies. Within the space of fifty years, through the patient collection and study of manuscripts, coins, inscriptions and monuments, the members of the society laid bare the broad outlines of ancient Indian history, and re-discovered the great classics of Sanskrit literature and its epics. Amongst the spectacular early achievements were the discovery of the forgotten empire of Asoka Maurya and the deciphering of his edicts.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR O.P. Kejariwal
A reputed historian and author of The Asiatic Society of Bengal and Discovery of India;s Past, Dr. O.P. Kejariwal translated 100 couplets of Ghalib in 1996, which were published under the title Ghalib: A Hundred Moods by the Publications Division, New Delhi. His other important works include ‘William Jones: The Copernicus of History’ (in Objects of Enquiry edited by Garland Cannon and Kevin Brine) and introduction to the reprint of James Prinsep’s Benares Illustrated. He edited Indian Horizons, the quarterly journal of the Indian Council of Cultural Relations, from 1998 to 2001. A senior member of the Indian Information Service, Dr. Kejawriwal has served in many important positions including those of CEO, Prasar Bharati, and Director-General, All India Radio. Currently, he is the Director, Nehru Memorial Museum and Library, New Delhi.
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