On 24 January 1857, the University of Calcutta was founded, marking a pivotal moment in South Asia's educational history as the region's first full-fledged university.
Established during British colonial rule, the institution aimed to introduce Western-style higher education to the subcontinent, fostering intellectual growth and professional skills among the populace.
Modeled after the University of London, it initially offered a range of disciplines and set a precedent for modern education in India, contributing significantly to the rise of an educated middle class.
Over time, the University of Calcutta became a hub for intellectuals, reformers, and freedom fighters, shaping the cultural and political fabric of the region.