Option 1: William Carey

William Carey was a British Baptist missionary who is known for his work in India during the late 18th and early 19th centuries. While Carey was involved in various educational and literary endeavors, he was not the founder of the Asiatic Society.

Option 2: William Jones

William Jones, a British philologist and scholar, is the correct answer. He founded the Asiatic Society in 1784 in Calcutta (now Kolkata). The society aimed to promote the study of Asian languages, literature, history, and archaeology. Jones was a prolific scholar and his contributions to the understanding of Indian culture and civilization were significant.

Option 3: David Hare

David Hare was a Scottish educationalist who played a crucial role in the development of education in Bengal during the 19th century. He is not associated with the founding of the Asiatic Society.

Option 4: Marshman

Marshman refers to Joshua Marshman, another British Baptist missionary in India. While Marshman, along with William Carey, was involved in various educational initiatives, he was not the founder of the Asiatic Society.

In conclusion, the correct answer is option 2, William Jones, who founded the Asiatic Society in 1784