Q34 · UPSC Prelims 2020 · Set A · History (Ancient, Medieval, Modern)

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Wellesley established the Fort William College at Calcutta because

A he was asked by the Board of Directors at London to do so
B he wanted to revive interest in oriental learning in India
C he wanted to provide William Carey and his associates with employment
D he wanted to train British civilians for administrative purpose in India

Correct answer: (d) he wanted to train British civilians for administrative purpose in India

Explanation

  1. A

    he was asked by the Board of Directors at London to do so

    Asked by the Court of Directors. Wellesley founded it on his own initiative; London was cool.

  2. B

    he wanted to revive interest in oriental learning in India

    Revive oriental learning as the main aim. A by-product (Carey, Colebrooke), not the stated purpose.

  3. C

    he wanted to provide William Carey and his associates with employment

    Provide a truncated other aim. Not the key.

  4. D

    he wanted to train British civilians for administrative purpose in India

    Train British civilians for Indian administration. Languages, law, revenue — the Fort William brief.

Summary. Official key is (d). Fort William College (1800) was Wellesley’s school for Company writers: Indian languages, law and administration. Haileybury later took over in Britain; oriental scholarship was a side-effect.