The Benaras Sanskrit College, also known as the Sampurnanand Sanskrit Vishwavidyalaya, is a prestigious institution dedicated to the study and promotion of Sanskrit language and literature. It is located in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India. The college was established on February 1, 1791, during the British colonial rule in India.

Historical Background:
- The establishment of the Benaras Sanskrit College was a significant milestone in the revitalization of Sanskrit studies in India during the late 18th century.
- At that time, the British East India Company had established its dominance in various parts of India and was aiming to introduce English education in the country.
- However, recognizing the importance of Sanskrit as the language of ancient Indian texts and culture, the British administration decided to establish a college dedicated to its study.

Establishment:
- On February 1, 1791, Jonathan Duncan, the then British Resident of Varanasi, laid the foundation stone of the Benaras Sanskrit College.
- The college was initially established as a private institution under the name "The Vedanta College" with the primary aim of promoting traditional Sanskrit education.
- The college started functioning in a rented building with a handful of students and a few eminent Sanskrit scholars as teachers.

Development and Renaming:
- Over the years, the college gained recognition and expanded its offerings.
- In 1846, it was officially recognized by the British government and came to be known as the Government Sanskrit College.
- In 1898, the college was again renamed as the Central Hindu College, reflecting its broader educational activities beyond Sanskrit studies.
- Finally, in 1958, the college was upgraded to a university and renamed as Sampurnanand Sanskrit Vishwavidyalaya, after the renowned scholar and former Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, Pandit Sampurnanand.

Present Scenario:
- Today, the Benaras Sanskrit College, or Sampurnanand Sanskrit Vishwavidyalaya, is one of the leading institutions for Sanskrit learning in India.
- It offers undergraduate, postgraduate, and research programs in various disciplines of Sanskrit, including Veda, Vyakarana, Jyotisha, Nyaya, Mimamsa, and more.
- The university also publishes research journals and conducts conferences and seminars to promote Sanskrit studies and research.

In conclusion, the Benaras Sanskrit College, now known as Sampurnanand Sanskrit Vishwavidyalaya, was established on February 1, 1791, with the aim of promoting Sanskrit education. Over the years, it has evolved into a renowned institution for Sanskrit studies in India, offering a wide range of programs and contributing to the preservation and promotion of Sanskrit language and literature.

Banaras Sanskrit College was established in 1791-92 by Jonathan Duncan, the East India Company Resident in Banaras.