UPSC Prelims 2009 · General Studies
Question 52: History and Culture
In collaboration with David Hare and Alexander Duff, who of the following established Hindu College at Calcutta?
AnswerThe answer is (d).
Hindu College in Calcutta (1817), later Presidency College, is credited to the educational efforts of Raja Rammohan Roy and the watchmaker and educator David Hare, among other Calcutta elites. Derozio taught at the college and inspired the Young Bengal radicals, Vidyasagar was a Sanskrit College educator, and Keshab Chandra Sen led a Brahmo Samaj group. Rammohan Roy is the closest match.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Derozio taught at Hindu College from 1826 but did not found it.
- (b) Vidyasagar was linked with the Sanskrit College and the widow remarriage cause.
- (c) Keshab Chandra Sen was a Brahmo Samaj leader born long after the college began.
- (d) Right under the key: Raja Rammohan Roy, credited with a role in founding Hindu College.
Worth knowing: Alexander Duff reached Calcutta only in 1830, long after Hindu College opened in 1817, so the premise is loose; Rammohan Roy is simply the closest option.
Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.
Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2009, General Studies. UPSC's own paper isn't online; the words are from a published compilation. The paper on upsc.gov.in.