On May 14, 1816, a large group from the city met Sir Edward Hyde East, chief justice in the Supreme Court of Kolkata, at his residence, to discuss the founding of a college that would introduce “the literature and science of Europe” to children of the Hindu community, but in a manner that would not hurt Hindu sensibility. These men belonged to the Hindu elite prospering in East India Company-ruled Bengal.
He first received “some of the principal Hindoos” in a room at his residence, East wrote.
ADVERTISEMENT
Hindoo College was established in 1817.
It later became Presidency College (of Bengal) and now is a university. The institution has played a major role in shaping Bengal and India.