George King (botanist)

Scottish botanist and superintendent of the Royal Botanic Garden, Calcutta

Sir George King (1840–1909) was a prominent Scottish botanist who played a significant role in the development of botanical science in India. He was the first Director of the Botanical Survey of India and served as the Superintendent of the Royal Botanic Garden, Calcutta.

Early Life and Education

George King was born on April 12, 1840, in Peterhead, Aberdeenshire, Scotland. He was educated at Aberdeen Grammar School and later attended the University of Aberdeen, where he studied medicine. His interest in botany was sparked during his medical studies, leading him to pursue a career in the field.

Career in India

In 1866, King moved to India, where he initially worked as an assistant surgeon in the Indian Medical Service. His passion for botany soon led him to the Royal Botanic Garden, Calcutta, where he became the Superintendent in 1871. Under his leadership, the garden flourished and became a center for botanical research and education.

Sir George King

Botanical Survey of India

In 1890, King was appointed as the first Director of the Botanical Survey of India, an organization established to survey and document the flora of the Indian subcontinent. His work laid the foundation for systematic botanical research in India, and he was instrumental in the classification and description of numerous plant species.

Contributions to Botany

King's contributions to botany were extensive. He published numerous papers on the flora of India and described many new species. His work was recognized internationally, and he was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society in 1887. King was also a member of several other prestigious scientific societies.

Later Life and Legacy

After retiring from his position in India, King returned to the United Kingdom, where he continued to be involved in botanical research and education. He passed away on February 12, 1909, in San Remo, Italy.

Sir George King in his later years

King's legacy in the field of botany is significant. The Royal Botanic Garden, Calcutta remains a leading institution for botanical research, and the Botanical Survey of India continues to play a crucial role in the study and conservation of India's plant biodiversity.

Memorials

A memorial to Sir George King can be found in St Machar's Cathedral, Aberdeen, commemorating his contributions to science and his impact on botanical studies.

Memorial to Sir George King

Related Pages

• Botanical Survey of India
• Royal Botanic Garden, Calcutta
• List of botanists