British Educational System in India PDF

# British Educational System in India ## Introduction The British educational system in India was a result of the administration's desire to civilize the people of India through western education. The goal was to generate profit for the British East India Company by changing Indian tastes. ## Ma...

# British Educational System in India ## Introduction The British educational system in India was a result of the administration's desire to civilize the people of India through western education. The goal was to generate profit for the British East India Company by changing Indian tastes. ## Major Changes in British Education Policy - In 1854, Wood’s Despatch issued by Charles Wood outlined a plan for separate departments of education, establishing Universities in Bombay, Calcutta and Madras. - The Despatch also established teacher training institutes and provided assistance for vernacular schools. - In 1882, the Hunter Education Commission was appointed to investigate the lack of progress in implementing Wood’s Despatch. The commission looked into various aspects of education including the status of primary education, secondary education, missionary work and vocational training. - Lord Curzon, the Viceroy of India, revised the entire educational system to address the issue of politically motivated, revolutionary Indians, leading to The Indian Universities Act of 1904 to check the growth of higher education in India. ## The British Neglect of Education in India - Despite the efforts made to implement changes in the system, the British neglected universal education in India until the introduction of the Wardha Education Scheme in 1937. - The Wardha Scheme, introduced by Gandhiji, focused on instilling morality in students through a system of education that encouraged truth, goodness and justice. The aim was to counter the sense of inferiority and master-slave mentality that English education created. - In 1943, John Sargent was appointed to create a comprehensive National System of Education which proposed universal and free education for all children between 6-14 years of age, with a focus on a well-rounded development. ## Positive Impact of British Education System - The English language united people across different regions of India. - A surge of nationalism spread throughout India. - It raised awareness about the ideals of equality, liberty, fraternity and democracy. - Awareness was raised about the need for social and religious reforms. - It inspired participation in the national movement by educated women, such as Sarojini Naidu. ## Negative Impact of British Education System - A division was created between English-educated Indians and the rest of the population. - Indigenous literature and thought were ignored. - British textbooks promoted British administration and philosophy. - Education became a privilege of the wealthy. ## Social Impact of the British Educational System - The British viewed Indians as barbarians and discriminated against their customs and traditions. - Social reform movements, led by reformers like Raja Ram Mohan Roy, Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar and Swami Dayanand Saraswati sought to eliminate societal evils such as: - Sati (widow burning) abolished in 1829 by William Bentinck. - Infanticide (killing of infant girls) banned by law in 1870. - Child Marriage (children below the age of three) banned in 1891 and again in 1929. The age of marriage was fixed by the Sharda Act of 1929 at 18 years for girls and 21 years for boys. - The Widow Remarriage Act was legalised in 1856 due to persistent efforts by Ishwar Chandra Vydasagar. ## Socio-religious Reform Movements - The 19th century witnessed a social transformation in India. Contact with western science, literature, and thought led to a growing awareness of social injustices and discrimination against the lower castes. - Socio-religious reform movements such as: ### Sree Narayana Guru - Campaigned against the caste system and untouchability. - He also challenged Brahmin dominance and discrimination against lower castes. - He advocated for one god, one caste, and one religion, challenging conversion to another religion as a path to escape suffering. ### Jyotiba Phule - Founded the Satya Shodhak Samaj to uplift the lower and oppressed classes. - He viewed education as a means of achieving liberation. - He created awareness about the miserable conditions of the underprivileged class through his campaigns. ### Veeresalingam Kandukuri - Awakened the Andhra society from traditional customs and superstitions. - He was the first to write novels, dramas, and books on history and natural sciences in the Telugu language. - He campaigned for women's education, widow remarriage, and women's rights. ### Periyar E.V. Ramasamy - A rationalist and revolutionist who campaigned for the rights of the Dravidian race. - He championed the principles of nationalism, self-respect, womens' rights and the eradication of the caste system. ### Swami Dayanand Saraswati - A philosopher and social reformer. - He founded the Arya Samaj that promoted the message of back to the Vedas. - He supported the re-conversion of Hindus to Hinduism. - He campaigned against idol worship, child marriage, and the caste system. ### Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar - He dedicated his life to fighting for equality and dignity. - He challenged the caste system by fighting against the oppression and discrimination faced by lower castes. - He emphasized the importance of education. ### Mahatma Gandhi - A leader in India's freedom struggle who advocated for non-violent resistance. - He worked to create a society based on equality. - He worked to overcome poverty, child-marriage, untouchability, and discrimination against women. - He believed that education was vital for women and supported widow remarriage. - He opposed the dowry system and purdah. ## Impact of the Reform Movements - The reform movements had a profound impact on Indian society and religion. - They helped to eradicate social evils and revive the glory of both Hinduism and Islam. - They contributed to a cultural awakening in India, leading to a rapid development in literature, art, and science. - Through the movement, laws were created to curb social ills. ## Role of the Printing Press - The printing press played a significant role in mobilizing public opinion. - It facilitated the spread of reformists' writings. - Through the translation of books into English, it fostered a sense of national pride. - It brought together people from different castes and communities, strengthening the movement for freedom. ## Conclusion - The caste system faced challenges throughout India but the reform movements raised the level of awareness of this oppression. - The printing press enabled the spread of reformist ideas and the rise of nationalist movements. - The reform movements fostered national consciousness and cultural unity in India.