Who amongst the following Englishmen, first translated Bhagavad-Gita into English?
A
William Jones
B
Charles Wilkins
C
Alexander Cunningham
D
John Marshall
Correct Answer: Option B
Explanation
1. The Bhagavad-Gita is a central text of Hinduism.
2. The first English translation of the Bhagavad-Gita was undertaken by Charles Wilkins, an employee of the British East India Company and a founding member of the Asiatic Society.
3. His translation was published in 1785 under the patronage of Warren Hastings, the Governor-General.
4. William Jones was another prominent orientalist but is known for translating works like Shakuntala. Alexander Cunningham and John Marshall were archaeologists associated with the Archaeological Survey of India.