John Elliot Drinkwater Bethune
John Elliot Drinkwater Bethune | |
|---|---|
| Born | John Elliot Drinkwater 12 July 1801 Ealing, England |
| Died | 12 August 1851 (aged 50) |
| Occupation | Lawyer |
| Years active | 1848–1851 |
| Known for | Advocating for education of women in India during the 19th century, Founder of Bethune college |
| Relatives | John Drinkwater Bethune (father) |
John Elliot Drinkwater Bethune (1801–1851) was an English educator, mathematician and polyglot known for promoting women's education in India. He was the founder of Calcutta Female School (now known as Bethune College) in Calcutta, which is considered the oldest women's college in Asia. He started his professional life as a lawyer in England and came to India by his appointment as a law member of the Governor General's Council of Ministers. His efforts to further women's education were actively supported by Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar and other members of the Bengali Renaissance.