St. Xavier's College is named after St. Francis Xavier, a Jesuit saint of the 16th Century, who travelled to India. The College was founded by the Jesuits, a Christian religious group started by Saint Ignatius of Loyola in 1540. The Jesuits have established many colleges named after St. Francis Xavier in various parts of India. The best known ones are in Kolkata, Ranchi, and Mumbai. St. Xaviers College, Kolkata, was affiliated to the University of Calcutta and has been recenly granted autonomy. It is located in Park Street and very well known for its science, economics, commerce and English faculty.