Dr. Alexander Duff, D. D. LLD. (1806-1878), was the founder of what is now known as Scottish Church College or the Scottish Church College, Calcutta.

He was the first overseas missionary of the Church of Scotland, to India. Initially known as the General Assembly's Institution, it was founded on the 13th of July 1830.

Life

Alexander Duff was born in Moulin, Perthshire, the very heart of Scotland on 15 April 1806. From the country school, he passed on to the University of St. Andrews where after getting his degree, he quit brilliant career. Subsequently, he undertook his evangelical mission to India. After an adventurous voyage during which he was twice shipwrecked, he arrived in Calcutta on 27th May 1830.

Rev. Alexander Duff opened his institution in Feringhi Kamal Bose's house, upper Chitpur Road, Jorasanko. In 1836 the institution was moved to Gorachad Basak's house in Garanhata. Mr. Macfarlon, the Chief-Magistrate of Calcutta, laid the foundation stone on 23rd February 1837. Mr. John Gray, elected by Messrs. Burn & Co. and superintented by Capt. John Thomson, of the Hon. East India Company's Institution designed the building. The construction of the building was completed in 1839.

Social Reform and Social Service

He was one of the instrumental figures in establishing the University of Calcutta, inculcating women's education in Bengal, supporting Hindu widow remarriage and inculcating liberal values among the nineteenth century Bengalis. He supported Raja Ram Mohun Roy in his social reform endeavours.

See also University of Calcutta, Ram Mohan Roy