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: Option D
Explanation
1. The question asks for the reason why Lord Wellesley established the Fort William College at Calcutta in 1800.
2. Option (D) is correct. The primary objective of establishing Fort William College was to train the young British civilians recruited by the East India Company. Wellesley believed that the administrators needed a formal education in Indian languages, history, laws, and customs to govern effectively. The college was intended to serve this administrative purpose.
3. Option (A) is incorrect. While the Board of Directors in London eventually disapproved of the college's scale and scope, leading to its modification, the initial establishment was Wellesley's initiative based on his assessment of the needs in India.
4. Option (B) is incorrect. Although the college curriculum included oriental learning, the main goal was practical administrative training, not primarily to revive interest in oriental studies for its own sake.
5. Option (C) is incorrect. While scholars like William Carey were employed as professors at the college, providing them with employment was a consequence of the college's establishment, not the reason for it.