Education in Colonial Rule
Important points.
1. Pre-British Education System in India
○ Education was provided through pathshalas (Hindu schools), madrasas
(Islamic schools), and gurukuls.
○ The curriculum included religious texts, philosophy, astronomy, medicine, and
mathematics.
○ Education was community-centred, largely informal, and focused on values,
skills, and oral traditions.
2. British Influence and Changes in Education
○ The British aimed to create an educated class to serve administrative needs.
○ They introduced English as the medium of instruction, shifting focus from
indigenous to Western education.
3. Wood's Dispatch of 1854
○ Known as the 'Magna Carta of English Education in India,' it proposed the
establishment of universities in Bombay, Calcutta, and Madras.
○ Emphasized teacher training and vernacular language education in primary
schools.
○ Recommended a hierarchical education structure and set a foundation for
modern education in India.
4. Female Education and Its Development
○ Initially neglected, female education saw progress with initiatives like Bethune
College (1849) for women in Calcutta.
○ Social reformers advocated for girls' education, marking a significant change
in societal attitudes.
5. Gandhiji’s Views on Education (Nai Talim)
○ Mahatma Gandhi criticised Western education, believing it disconnected
Indians from their culture and values.
○ He proposed Nai Talim (Basic Education), focusing on vocational skills and
self-reliance, integrating education with practical work.
6. Indian Initiatives in Education
○ Reformers like Raja Ram Mohan Roy, Jyotirao Phule, and Dayanand
Saraswati pushed for modern education.
○ They promoted education for social reforms, including the upliftment of
marginalised sections.
Exercise Answers
Answer in 10-20 Words
a) Pathshalas, madrasas, and gurukuls were the primary centers of learning in pre-British
India.
b) The establishment of Bethune College in 1849 marked a turning point for female
education in India.
c) Wood's Dispatch (1854) was described as the 'Magna Carta of English Education in
India.'
d) Gandhi felt Western education disconnected Indians from their culture and enslaved them
mentally.
e) Mahatma Gandhi conceptualised Nai Talim, emphasising vocational training and self-
reliance.
Answer in 50-70 Words
a) Traditional Indian education was community-oriented and practical. Pathshalas,
madrasas, and gurukuls focused on religious, moral, and skill-based education through oral
methods. Subjects like philosophy, mathematics, and medicine were taught with an
emphasis on ethical values, making education more accessible and integrated with daily life.
b) Wood's Dispatch recommended universities, teacher training, and primary education in
vernacular languages. It set up a systemised structure, laid the foundation for modern
education, and was crucial in establishing government-funded schools and colleges in India.
c) The Charter Act of 1813 allocated funds for education and allowed missionaries to
promote Western education. This act laid the foundation for British-led educational reforms
and introduced the idea of educating Indians in Western sciences and arts.
d) Reformers like Raja Ram Mohan Roy promoted education as a tool for social reform.
Indians established schools and colleges, advancing education among marginalized
communities and advocating female literacy. These efforts laid the groundwork for self-
sustaining educational development.
Give Reasons
a) English education emphasized Western ideals, alienating Indians from their cultural roots
and making them "strangers" in their homeland.
b) A natural environment fosters creativity, helping students learn more effectively by
connecting to real-life experiences and surroundings.
(Personal views can be added for question 7 )
7. A rigid timetable can provide structure and discipline, helping students stay organized
and focused on achieving their goals. However, flexibility is essential to allow
creativity and address individual learning needs.
