Who was the first principal of Bengal National College when it was established…

Concept

When identifying an office-holder in a historical institution, distinguish the formally designated office from related roles such as organizer, superintendent, editor, or political leader.

The institution’s founding record and a dated contemporary chronology provide the strongest evidence for the office held at its establishment.

Application

The Bengal National College began functioning in Calcutta on 15 August 1906 under the National Council of Education, Bengal. Its institutional history names Aurobindo Ghosh (Sri Aurobindo) as the first Principal.

Contrast

• Motilal Ghosh was a prominent nationalist journalist associated with the Amrita Bazar Patrika.

• Aurobindo Ghosh combined nationalist political work with educational service in Bengal during this period.

• Satish Chandra Mukherjee was an educationist, founder of the Dawn Society, and an important organizer of the national-education movement.

• Bipin Chandra Pal was a nationalist leader, orator, and journalist associated with the Lal–Bal–Pal trio.

Cross-check

The National Council of Education, Bengal records Aurobindo Ghose as the first Principal, while contemporary institutional accounts distinguish Satish Chandra Mukherjee’s educational and organizational role.

Therefore, the principal of Bengal National College at its establishment in 1906 was Aurobindo Ghosh.