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India's Wealth Fueled Yale University's Birth
2 Sep
Summary
- Elihu Yale's fortune originated from his colonial service in India.
- His donation included books and goods sold for construction funds.
- Indian textiles were part of the valuable shipment to the college.
Elihu Yale, a prominent figure in British colonial India, played a crucial role in the early development of a renowned American university. Yale spent significant time in Madras (now Chennai) in the late 17th century, working for the British East India Company and accumulating substantial wealth.
This fortune, however, has historical links to controversial commercial activities, including the East India Company's involvement in the slave trade. Despite these complexities, upon his return to England, Yale became a key benefactor to the Collegiate School of Connecticut, founded in 1701.
In 1718, Yale sent a substantial gift to the school, which had recently relocated to New Haven. This donation included 417 books, a portrait, and nine bales of goods, notably including textiles from India. The proceeds from the sale of these goods in Boston, amounting to 562 Pounds and 12 shillings, were instrumental in funding the construction of the college's building.
In recognition of this generous contribution, the institution was renamed Yale College in the same year. This act marked a historic connection between the administrator and the university, a connection that began over 300 years ago with his career in India.
