St. Xavier's College, Kolkata is a private, Catholic, autonomous higher education college under Calcutta University run by the Calcutta Province of the Society of Jesus in Kolkata, India. It was founded in 1860 by the Jesuits, an all-male Catholic religious order formed by Saint Ignatius of Loyola. The college is named after Francis Xavier, the 16th century Spanish Jesuit saint. The founder of the college is Fr. Henri Depelchin. SJ. He had overseen most of the ground work, during the foundation years. St. Xavier's College is one of the most prestigious colleges in India, and has produced many distinguished alumni, including politicians, scientists, writers, and artists.