The Tradition Of Orientalism

1.William Jones: He arrived in Calcutta in 1783 as a junior judge. A linguist proficient in various languages, Jones undertook the study of Sanskrit and got engrossed in the ancient Indian knowledge. From law to religion, and from politics to arithmetic, Jones found Indian texts diverse and enlightening.

2.Shared Interests: Jones was not alone. Many British officials, including Henry Thomas Colebrooke and Nathaniel Halhed, were equally enthusiastic about uncovering the treasures of India’s ancient knowledge. Their collective efforts culminated in the establishment of the Asiatic Society of Bengal and the start of the journal Asiatick Researches.

3.Orientalist Attitude: People like Jones and Colebrooke had an ‘Orientalist’ approach. They venerated ancient cultures, both Indian and Western. They believed that the zenith of Indian civilisation was in its ancient past. The subsequent eras were seen as periods of decline. They contended that to truly understand and guide India, one must revisit its ancient sacred and legal texts. These texts, in their opinion, held the key to India’s true essence and could pave the path for its future growth.

4.Dual Role: The Orientalists believed that by decoding and disseminating the knowledge contained in India’s ancient texts, they would not only be educating themselves but also helping Indians reconnect with their glorious past. This would cast the British as both protectors and promoters of Indian culture.

Munshi: This term refers to a person skilled in reading, writing, and teaching Persian. In historical contexts, a ‘Munshi’ often served as a scribe, teacher, or an official in courts and administrative offices, especially in regions where Persian was a significant language.