who, among the following first translated the Bhagwat gita into English?
Correct Answer :
Charles wilkins
Solution :
The correct answer is Charles wilkins.
Step-by-Step Explanation:
1. Historical Context: Sir Charles Wilkins was an English typographer and Orientalist who was one of the founding members of the Asiatic Society of Bengal alongside Sir William Jones.
2. First English Translation: In 1785, Charles Wilkins completed the very first English translation of the ancient Hindu scripture, the Bhagavad Gita. The translated work was published under the title "Bhagvat-geeta, or Dialogues of Kreeshna and Arjoon".
3. Patronage: The translation was supported by Warren Hastings, who was the first Governor-General of India. Hastings was deeply interested in Indian literature and wrote an influential preface for Wilkins' book.
4. Elimination of Other Options:
- Alexander Cunningham: Known as the father of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and famous for his archaeological excavations.
- William Jones: Founded the Asiatic Society of Bengal in 1784 and translated works like Kalidasa's Abhijñānaśākuntalam into English.
- James Prinsep: Famous for deciphering the Ashokan edicts (Brahmi and Kharosthi scripts) in 1837.
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