PREVIOUSLY ASKED IN:
PSC Miscellaneous Prelims 2018
Answer
February 2, 1814
Explanation
The Indian Museum in Kolkata, formerly known as the Imperial Museum at Calcutta, was established on February 2, 1814. It is the oldest and the largest multipurpose museum not only in India but in the entire Asia-Pacific region. It was founded by Dr. Nathaniel Wallich, a Danish botanist, under the umbrella of the Asiatic Society of Bengal. It boasts massive collections of antiques, armours, fossils, mummies, and Mughal paintings.
Key Points
- > The Indian Museum was founded on February 2, 1814.
- > Dr. Nathaniel Wallich was its founder and first curator.
- > It emerged from the Asiatic Society of Bengal (founded in 1784 by Sir William Jones).
- > It is the oldest and largest museum in India.
- > A major attraction is a 4,000-year-old Egyptian mummy.
- > The museum houses the remains of the ancient Bharhut Stupa.
- > It is governed by the Ministry of Culture, Government of India.
Additional Information
Important Heritage Institutions of Kolkata
| Institution Name | Founded Year | Founder / Key Figure |
|---|---|---|
| Asiatic Society | 1784 | Sir William Jones |
| Fort William College | 1800 | Lord Wellesley |
| Indian Museum | 1814 | Dr. Nathaniel Wallich |
| Hindu College (Presidency) | 1817 | David Hare, Raja Rammohan Roy |
| University of Calcutta | 1857 | Lord Canning |
Memory Tips
- 1814 Connection: Remember the year 1814 - it's right between the founding of Fort William College (1800) and Hindu College (1817).