* William Jones (1746-1794): While not specifically a dictionary, Jones's "A Grammar of the Persian Language," published in 1771, included a significant section on Sanskrit vocabulary and grammar. This work is considered a pioneering step towards understanding Sanskrit and paved the way for later dictionaries.
* Henry Thomas Colebrooke (1765-1837): Colebrooke was a prominent scholar of Sanskrit and published several important works, including "A Digest of Hindu Law on Contracts and Successions" (1797). This work included a glossary of legal terms, which contributed to the development of Sanskrit-English vocabulary.
* Francis Johnson (1796-1871): Johnson's "A Sanskrit-English Dictionary" (1852), was a significant early dictionary. It was based on the works of earlier scholars and provided a solid foundation for further development.
* Monier Williams (1819-1899): Williams is considered the most influential figure in the creation of Sanskrit-English dictionaries. His "A Sanskrit-English Dictionary" (1872), a massive and comprehensive work, became the standard reference for many years. It is still used today.
It's important to note:
* Many other scholars contributed to the development of Sanskrit-English dictionaries over time, and these works were continually revised and expanded.
* The development of these dictionaries was influenced by the growing interest in Sanskrit language and literature in the West during the 18th and 19th centuries.
Instead of looking for a single "first" dictionary, it's more accurate to acknowledge the gradual and collaborative efforts of numerous individuals and scholars who contributed to the creation and refinement of Sanskrit-English dictionaries.