Charles Hamilton (orientalist) facts for kids

Charles Hamilton (born around 1753, died 1792) was a British scholar who studied Eastern languages and cultures. He is best known for translating an important Islamic law book called Al-Hidayah into English.

Charles Hamilton's Early Life

Charles Hamilton was born in Belfast, a city in Northern Ireland, around 1753. He was the only son of Charles Hamilton, a merchant, and Katherine Mackay. When he was young, he worked for two years in a merchant's office in Dublin.

In 1776, Charles decided to travel to India. He joined the East India Company, a powerful British trading company that also governed parts of India. He started as a cadet, which is like a trainee officer, and quickly became a lieutenant.

Learning About Eastern Cultures

While in India, Charles Hamilton became very interested in Eastern languages. He spent time studying them and became one of the first members of the Asiatic Society of Calcutta. This society was a group of scholars who studied the history, cultures, and languages of Asia.

Hamilton's Important Work

Charles Hamilton returned to England to work on his most important project: translating a book called Al-Hidayah. This book was a very important text about Islamic law, known as fiqh. He was chosen for this big task by the governor-general of Bengal and his council.

His translation, titled Hedaya, or Guide, was published in 1791. It came out in four large volumes. This translation helped many people in the Western world understand more about Islamic law and culture.

Final Years

After finishing his translation, Charles Hamilton was planning to go back to India. He was going to work as a representative at the court of a high-ranking official in Oudh. However, he became very ill with a lung sickness. Doctors suggested he travel to a warmer place like Lisbon for his health. Sadly, he passed away in Hampstead, England, on March 14, 1792, when he was only 39 years old.

He was buried in Bunhill Fields. Later, his sisters, including the famous writer Elizabeth Hamilton, put up a monument in Belfast to remember him.