Special Journal on James Prinsep Released by West Bengal Governor

Governor of West Bengal and Patron of The Asiatic Society, Kolkata, Dr. C.V. Ananda Bose, released a special journal commemorating the life and works of James Prinsep on his 225th birth anniversary. The event took place on December 16, 2024, at Raj Bhavan, Kolkata, under the aegis of The Asiatic Society.

James Prinsep (1799–1840), an eminent Indologist, began his career as Assay Master at the Calcutta Mint. Renowned for deciphering the Brahmi script, he contributed significantly to unveiling India’s ancient wisdom, spanning science, language, and epigraphy. As Secretary and Editor of the Journal of the Asiatic Society of Bengal (1832–1838), Prinsep fostered pioneering research in chemistry, paleontology, numismatics, natural sciences, architecture, and census studies. Under his leadership, the journal became a global hub for intellectual exchange and continues publication to this day.

The special journal highlights Prinsep’s multifaceted contributions to Indian historiography, archaeology, and science. During the release, Mr. Sanjiv Sanyal, Member of the Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister, emphasized the unifying role of the Brahmi script among Indian scripts. Governor Bose commended Prinsep’s pivotal role in rediscovering and documenting Bharat’s rich cultural heritage for future generations.

This celebration underscores Prinsep’s enduring legacy in bridging cultures and advancing knowledge, marking a significant chapter in India’s historical and scientific scholarship.