Ashley Eden facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Sir Ashley Eden
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| Chief Commissioner of Burma | |
| In office 18 April 1871 – 14 April 1875 |
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| Preceded by | Albert Fytche |
| Succeeded by | Augustus Rivers Thompson |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 13 November 1831 Hertingfordbury, Hertfordshire |
| Died | 8 July 1887 (aged 55) |
| Nationality | British |
| Spouse | Eva Maria Money |
| Relations | Robert Eden, 3rd Baron Auckland |
| Alma mater | Winchester |
| Occupation | Administrator |
Sir Ashley Eden (born November 13, 1831 – died July 8, 1887) was an important British official and diplomat who worked in British India. He played a big role in governing different parts of India and Burma during the time when Britain ruled these areas.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Ashley Eden was born in Hertingfordbury, a town in England. He was the third son of Robert Eden, 3rd Baron Auckland, who was a Bishop of Bath and Wells. His uncle was George Eden, 1st Earl of Auckland, a well-known figure.
Ashley Eden went to two famous schools: first Rugby and then Winchester. After finishing school in 1849, he was chosen to join the Indian civil service. This was a special group of people who helped run the British government in India.
Career in British India
In 1850 and 1851, Eden studied at the Haileybury College. This college trained young men for jobs in India. In 1852, he arrived in India and started his first job as an assistant to a magistrate in a place called Rájsháhí. A magistrate is like a judge and a local administrator.
- In 1854, he became a sub-divisional officer in Jangipur.
- By 1856, he was promoted to magistrate in Moorshedábád. During the Indian Mutiny (a big rebellion against British rule), he helped keep the city calm and prevented it from joining the revolt.
- In 1860, he became the secretary to the government of Bengal. This meant he was a key advisor and administrator for the Bengal region. He held this important job for eleven years.
Diplomatic Missions
In 1860, Ashley Eden went with a military group to Sikkim, a small kingdom in the Himalaya mountains. He acted as a political agent, which is like a diplomat. In March 1861, he signed the Treaty of Tumlong with the local ruler, Sidkeong Namgyal. This treaty made sure that travelers were safe and trade could happen freely.
Because of this success, Eden was chosen as a special envoy (a special representative) to Bhutan in 1863. This time, he went without any soldiers. His demands were not accepted by the Bhutanese, and he was even treated badly. He had to sign a treaty that was more favorable to the Bhutanese. However, the British government did not agree to this treaty, which led to the Bhutan War.
Later Career and Legacy
In 1871, Eden became the first civilian governor of British Burma. He held this position until 1877. After that, he was appointed as the lieutenant-governor of Bengal.
- In 1878, he was given the title of K.C.S.I., which is a special honor.
- The Eden Mohila College in Dhaka, a college for women, was named after him in 1878.
- In 1882, he retired from his role as lieutenant-governor.
- After he left India, his admirers created the Eden Hospital for Women and Children in Calcutta to honor him. A statue was also built in his memory.
- The Eden canal, which connects the Ganges and the Tistá rivers, was built to help prevent famines in the Bihar region.
After his retirement from India, Ashley Eden returned to England. He became a member of the Secretary of State's council in 1882. He continued to serve on this council for the rest of his life.
Personal Life
Ashley Eden married Eva Maria Money. They did not have any children. He passed away suddenly on July 8, 1887, at the age of 55.
