The Scottish Church College, located in Calcutta, was one of the pioneering educational institutions established during the Bengali Renaissance. Founded by the Scottish missionary Alexander Duff and the Indian social reformer Raja Ram Mohan Roy, the college aimed to provide quality education that combined Western academic standards with Indian philosophical thought. The establishment of the college was a response to the growing need for modern education in a rapidly changing society, where British colonial influences were beginning to reshape Indian culture and the educational landscape.

As the first Anglo-Indian college in India, Scottish Church College introduced a range of new subjects, including science, literature, and philosophy, moving away from the traditional focus on religious studies and classical languages. This shift was crucial in encouraging a broader intellectual discourse among students and the local population. Additionally, the institution played a vital role in the cultivation of social reform movements, with many alumni becoming leaders in advocating for educational and social change within their communities.

The founders believed that education was the key to upliftment and reform, making the college a crucible for progressive thought and social change. The legacy of the college continues, as it remains a significant center for higher education, influencing generations of students and contributing to the cultural and educational heritage of Bengal, and India as a whole.