Consider the following statements regarding ’Downward filtration theo...
- To make up for the paucity of expenditure on education, the officials had recourse to the so- called "downward filtration theory”. Since the allocated funds could educate only a handful of Indians, it was decided to spend them in educating a few persons from the upper and middle classes who were expected to assume the task of educating the masses and spreading modern ideas among them. Education and modem ideas were thus supposed to filter or radiate downwards from the upper classes. Hence statement 1 is not correct.
- The Wood’s Dispatch (the document dispatched from the Court of Directors and popularly named after Sir Charles Wood, President of the Board of Control) of 1854 was another important step in the development of education in India. The Dispatch asked the Government of India to assume responsibility for the education of the masses. It thus repudiated the "downward filtration" theory, at least on paper. In practice, the Government did little to spread education and spent very little on it. Hence statement 2 is not correct.
Consider the following statements regarding ’Downward filtration theo...
Downward filtration theory refers to a concept in education that aimed to spread modern ideas and educate the masses directly. Wood's Dispatch, a significant educational policy in India during the British colonial period, did not favor the implementation of downward filtration. Therefore, both statements given are incorrect.
Here is a detailed explanation:
1. Downward filtration theory aimed directly to educate the masses and spread modern ideas among them.
- The concept of downward filtration theory in education suggests that modern ideas and education should be disseminated directly to the masses, with the aim of uplifting them and improving their socio-economic conditions. This theory emphasizes the need to provide education to the lower strata of society and bridge the gap between the privileged and the underprivileged.
2. Wood's Dispatch favored the implementation of downward filtration.
- Wood's Dispatch, also known as the Magna Carta of English education in India, was a significant educational policy introduced in 1854 by Sir Charles Wood, the President of the Board of Control for India. However, it did not favor the implementation of downward filtration. Instead, Wood's Dispatch emphasized the establishment of a hierarchical system of education with a focus on the upper and middle classes.
Wood's Dispatch aimed to provide a Western-style education to the Indian elite, who would then act as intermediaries between the British rulers and the rest of the Indian population. The policy recommended the establishment of universities and colleges to cater to the needs of the privileged classes, while primary education for the masses was largely neglected.
Wood's Dispatch focused on creating a class of educated Indians who could assist the British administration and strengthen their rule in India. The policy aimed to produce a small number of educated individuals who would serve as leaders and administrators, rather than providing education for the masses.
In conclusion, both statements given in the question are incorrect. Downward filtration theory aimed at educating the masses directly and spreading modern ideas, while Wood's Dispatch favored the education of the Indian elite rather than implementing downward filtration.