How a self-taught linguist bridged cultures, preserved Indian heritage, and reimagined education in colonial Bengal
William Carey’s life began far from the corridors of scholarship. Born in 1761 in the English village of Paulerspury, he trained as a shoemaker. Yet his curiosity was relentless. Languages fascinated him, and books became his constant companions. His deep religious conviction, coupled with a belief in the importance of sharing knowledge widely, set him on a path that would ultimately lead him to India. In 1793, after years of preparation, he landed in Bengal. The journey would mark the beginning of a lifetime dedicated to education, translation, and cultural exchange.
Carey’s work in Calcutta faced early difficulties. Colonial restrictions limited missionary activity. However, in 1800, he relocated to Serampore, a Danish settlement where religious freedom was more prevalent. There, alongside Joshua Marshman and William Ward, he formed the “Serampore Trio.” Unlike many missionaries of the time, they embraced India’s languages and literary traditions rather than trying to replace them. This approach enabled them to form deep connections with local communities and cultivate mutual respect.
Carey’s linguistic abilities became legendary. He mastered Bengali, Sanskrit, Marathi, Oriya, Hindi, and Assamese, among others. His most significant achievement was translating the Bible into multiple Indian languages, making it accessible to a vast population. But his work went beyond scripture. He translated classical Sanskrit texts into English, including portions of the Ramayana, opening Indian literature to Western readers. He also compiled dictionaries and grammar books, laying the foundation for the systematic study of these languages.
The establishment of the Serampore Mission Press in 1800 turned Carey’s vision into print. Protected by Danish rule, the press produced books in more than forty languages and dialects. It printed educational materials, religious works, scientific manuals, and even the first Bengali newspaper, Samachar Darpan. This press became a bridge between cultures, giving local languages a platform in an era when English dominance was on the rise. Carey believed that knowledge should not be confined to one tongue, and the press embodied that philosophy.
In 1818, Carey and his colleagues founded Serampore College. Its mission was clear and inclusive: to teach “Eastern Literature and European Science” to students of every caste, creed, and faith. This was a radical idea in a colonial society where education was often restricted by social and religious boundaries. In 1827, the Danish king granted the college the right to award degrees. The institution still stands today as a testament to Carey’s vision of intercultural learning.
Carey’s work was not confined to language and literature. He campaigned tirelessly against the practice of sati, the ritual immolation of widows. He promoted education for girls, challenging the deeply rooted gender barriers of his time. He also encouraged the study of natural sciences, establishing a botanical garden and documenting India’s rich plant life. For Carey, education was not just about books—it was about shaping a more just and informed society.
