Social Science Education in Assam

Study Notes

Social Science is a compulsory subject in Assam's secondary education, encompassing History, Geography, Political Science, and Economics.
National Policy of Education mandates five compulsory subjects; Assam includes a sixth elective subject from a choice of twenty-two.
Introduction of five vocational subjects under the National Skill Qualification Framework (NSQF) to enhance skill development.
History and Geography are emphasized in the syllabus, with new textbooks introduced in Class IX (2015) and Class X (2016), divided into three sections each.

Students from Ripon College initiated protests against the partition of Bengal on July 18, 1905, marking a significant moment in Indian nationalism.
A central committee formed by these students coordinated various anti-partition movements and rallies, leading to a boycott of British goods.
A public meeting on August 7, 1905, led by Maharaja Manindra Chandra Nandi, resulted in a unanimous decision to boycott foreign goods.

Surendranath Banerjee organized a 'Student Union' to rally against partition, supported by Rabindranath Tagore’s calls for social harmony.
Women played a crucial role, with the Daily Telegraph describing Bengal women as “dangerous antagonists” to British rule by 1907.
Important female leaders like Sarala Devi Choudhurini and Sister Nibedita mobilized women and youth toward independence, fostering the Swadeshi spirit through festivals and indigenous industry involvement.

The Swadeshi Movement cultivated a mindset for self-development and the establishment of national industries in Bengal.
Local goods consumption and the launch of indigenous industries became prominent responses to British exploitation.
The demand for self-rule (Swaraj) became central as the Indian National Congress adopted proposals for independence during its 1906 session.

The movement significantly mobilized women, especially after tragic events like the execution of Prafulla Chaki and police brutality against editor Bhupendra Nath Dutta.
A collective sense of mourning and activism stirred thousands of women to join the national movement.
The Swadeshi policy gave rise to both non-violent and armed resistance, as activists sought to oppose British governance.

The failure of the Cripps Mission in 1942, which aimed to negotiate India's role during WWII, led to the Quit India Movement spearheaded by Gandhi.
The Quit India Movement emerged from national sentiments toward impending Japanese threats and growing disillusionment with British rule.
Gandhi’s rallying cry of “Do or Die” galvanized the Indian populace against British colonialism in August 1942, underscoring the determination for independence.

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