In January 1784 Sir William Jones sent out a circular-letter to a selected number of British residents of Calcutta with a view to establish a society for the Asiatic studies.

The correct answer is option C) William Jones.

The journal Asiatick Researches was started by William Jones. To understand why he started this journal, let's delve into the background and contributions of William Jones.

Background of William Jones:
- Sir William Jones (1746-1794) was a prominent British philologist, Orientalist, and judge of the Supreme Court of Judicature at Fort William in Bengal.
- He was a polymath and made significant contributions to various fields such as linguistics, law, literature, and history.
- Jones developed a keen interest in Indian culture, languages, and history during his stay in India. He studied Sanskrit, Persian, and Arabic and became proficient in these languages.

Foundation of Asiatick Society:
- In 1784, William Jones founded the Asiatic Society in Calcutta (now Kolkata), with the objective of promoting and advancing the study of Asian languages, literature, history, and culture.
- The society aimed to foster research and scholarly exchange among scholars interested in the Oriental studies.
- The society played a crucial role in the development of Indology, Oriental studies, and the understanding of Indian civilization and culture.

Establishment of Asiatick Researches:
- As a part of the Asiatic Society, William Jones initiated the publication of a journal known as Asiatick Researches.
- The first volume of the journal was published in 1788, and it continued to be published until 1839.
- The journal aimed to disseminate scholarly research and findings related to Asian studies, including articles on languages, literature, religion, history, and natural history of Asia.
- It provided a platform for scholars to share their research and contributed to the advancement of knowledge about Asia.

Significance of Asiatick Researches:
- Asiatick Researches played a crucial role in promoting Oriental studies and creating awareness about the rich cultural and intellectual heritage of Asia.
- It served as a valuable resource for scholars and researchers interested in Asian studies, providing a platform for the exchange of ideas and research findings.
- The journal published various significant articles and translations, including the first translations of ancient Indian texts such as the Manusmriti and Meghaduta.
- It also helped in the dissemination of knowledge about Indian languages, literature, and history to the Western world.

In conclusion, William Jones, as the founder of the Asiatic Society, initiated the publication of Asiatick Researches to promote research and scholarly exchange in the field of Oriental studies. The journal played a significant role in advancing knowledge about Asian languages, literature, history, and culture.

Asiatic society by Henry