Spectrum Test: Development Of Education - UPSC MCQ

• The Calcutta Madrasah was established by Warren Hastings in 1781 for the study of Muslim law and related subjects 

• The Sanskrit College was established by Jonathan Duncan, the resident, at Benaras in 1791 for study of Hindu law and philosophy 

Wellesley set up • Fort William College in 1800 for training of civil servants of the Company in languages and customs of Indians (closed in 1802)

Both statements are correct.

Explanation:

1. The Calcutta Madrasah was established in 1781 by Warren Hastings, the Governor-General of India under the British East India Company. Its primary purpose was to train Indians in the knowledge of Islamic law and jurisprudence, so that they could assist the British administration in the Company's courts. Similarly, the William College was established in 1800 by Lord Wellesley to provide education in Indian languages, literature, and law to the British civil servants, so that they could better govern the Indian territories under the Company's rule. Both these institutions were designed to produce a steady stream of qualified Indians who could help in the administration of law in the Company's courts.

2. During the British rule in India, the knowledge of classical languages (like Sanskrit and Persian) and vernaculars (like Hindi, Bengali, and Marathi) was crucial for effective communication and correspondence with the local rulers and the Indian population. These languages were used in legal documents, official records, and treaties with Indian states. Learning these languages enabled the British officials to better understand the Indian culture, customs, and legal systems, and thereby helped them in administering the territories under their control. Hence, the knowledge of classical languages and vernaculars was indeed useful in correspondence with Indian states.

• The Act directed the Company to sanction one lakh rupees annually for this purpose. However, even this petty amount was not made available until 1823, mainly because of the controversy raged on the direction of this expenditure. 

• Meanwhile, enlightened Indians such as Raja Rammohan Roy bore fruit and a grant were sanctioned for Calcutta College set up in 1817 by educated Bengalis, imparting English education in Western humanities and Science. 

• The Charter Act of 1813 incorporated the principle of encouraging learned Indians and promoting modern sciences knowledge in the country.

• Wood's Despatch (1854) In 1854, Charles Wood prepared a despatch on India's educational system.

• Considered the "Magna Carta of English Education in India", this document was the first comprehensive man for India's spread of education. 

1. It asked the government of India to assume responsibility for education of the masses, thus repudiating the downward filtration theory', at least on paper. 

2. It systematized the hierarchy from vernacular primary schools in villages at bottom, followed by AngloVernacular High Schools and an affiliated college at the district level, and affiliating universities in the presidency towns of Calcutta, Bombay and Madras. 

3. It recommended English as the medium ofCalcutta'sstruction for higand vernaculars at school level. 

4. It laid stress on female and vocational education, and on teachers' training. 

5. It laid down that the education imparted in government institutions should be secular. 

6. It recommended a system of grants-in-aid to encourage private enterprise.

(i) emphasized that state's special care is extension and improvement of primary education and that primary education should be imparted through vernacular. 

(ii) recommended transfer of control of primary education to newly set up district and municipal boards. 

(iii) recommended that secondary (High School) education should have two divisions- 

• literary-leading up to university. 

• vocational—for commercial careers.

(iv) drew attention to inadequate female education facilities, especially outside presidency towns and made recommendations for its spread.

Here's an explanation of the events in chronological order:

1. Lord Macaulay's Minute (1835): Lord Macaulay was a British politician and historian who played a major role in introducing English education in India. His Minute on Indian Education is a famous document, in which he argued for the promotion of English language and Western education in India, as opposed to the traditional Indian languages and education system.

2. Woods Dispatch (1854): Also known as the Magna Carta of English Education in India, Woods Dispatch was a set of comprehensive proposals prepared by Sir Charles Wood, the President of the Board of Control of the East India Company. It aimed to improve the Indian education system by establishing universities, promoting English education, and encouraging the study of Indian vernacular languages, literature, and arts.

3. Hunter Education Commission (1882): The Hunter Education Commission, led by Sir William Hunter, was appointed by the British government to review the progress of education in India and suggest necessary changes. The commission recommended the expansion of primary and secondary education, as well as the promotion of vocational and technical education to prepare Indians for various professions.

4. Saddler University Commission (1917-1919): Chaired by Dr. Michael E. Saddler, this commission was set up to study and report on the problems of higher education in India. The commission made several important recommendations, such as the establishment of new