Assam GK Topic

Who Was The First Person From Assam To Study At The University Of Cambridge?

The first person from Assam to study at the University of Cambridge was Sir Abdul Majid CIE (17 May 1868 - 26 November 1924), a distinguished jurist, scholar and administrator who made history through his outstanding academic achievements. Born in Balibat near Jorhat, Assam, he displayed exceptional brilliance from an early age. After completing his schooling at Jorhat High School, he earned First Class Honours in English from Presidency College, Calcutta, in 1887, becoming one of the earliest Assamese scholars to achieve this distinction.
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Detailed Notes

In 1888, Sir Abdul Majid CIE received a government scholarship to study law at Christ's College, University of Cambridge, making him the first individual from Assam to attend the prestigious university. He later qualified as a Barrister-at-Law from the Honourable Society of the Middle Temple in London in 1891, marking another milestone in his remarkable legal career.

After returning to India, he served in several important administrative positions, including Extra Assistant Commissioner, District Magistrate and Law Adviser to the Government of Assam. In 1920, he became a Judge of the Calcutta High Court, becoming one of the earliest legal pioneers from Assam to hold such a prestigious judicial office. He was also honoured with the title Companion of the Order of the Indian Empire (CIE) for his distinguished public service.

Apart from his legal achievements, Sir Abdul Majid CIE made significant contributions to Assamese language and literature. He helped establish literary organizations that later inspired the Asom Sahitya Sabha, promoted Assamese education, edited literary works, encouraged the preservation of Assamese folk literature and donated land for girls' education in Jorhat. His remarkable achievements continue to make him one of the greatest intellectuals and educational pioneers in Assam's history.