Identity area
Reference code
Title
Date(s)
- 16th Feb 1856 (Creation)
Level of description
Extent and medium
Context area
Name of creator
Administrative history
The Royal Asiatic Society of Great Britain and Ireland was founded by the eminent Sanskrit scholar Sir Henry Thomas Colebrooke on the 15th March 1823. It received its Royal Charter from King George IV on the 11th August 1824 'for the investigation of subjects connected with and for the encouragement of science, literature and the arts in relation to Asia'. It continues as a forum for those who are interested in the languages, cultures and history of Asia to meet and exchange ideas.
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Archival history
Immediate source of acquisition or transfer
Content and structure area
Scope and content
Letter from Richard Clarke, Secretary, to the Count of Pesigny, French ambassador to London, in response to the Count's request for details about the Society, which are sent to him, including the fact the Society enjoys royal patronage. Also given are details of funding including that the East India Company gives 200 guineas per annum. Some of Society's 'work' is mentioned particularly the work of Rawlinson on Cuneatic inscriptions as well as fact that £1000 was granted by Parliament towards publication of the same. The Society's library is mentioned as is the fact that there are 2 related institutions, 'The Oriental Translation Fund ' and the 'Oriental Text Society'. Further details requested by the Count or by the Minister of Public Instruction in France will be given on request. (Found on page 214)
Appraisal, destruction and scheduling
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Conditions of access and use area
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Language of material
- English