The development of education under British rule in India marks a significant chapter in the country’s history, with far-reaching implications for its society, economy, and culture. The British colonial administration initiated various educational reforms aimed at serving their own interests, yet inadvertently laid the groundwork for modern education in India. In this blog post, we will explore the evolution of education during British rule, tracing its origins, examining the challenges faced, and highlighting the key reforms and their impacts. From the establishment of English-medium schools to the introduction of universities, the British introduced a new educational system that significantly transformed India’s traditional learning methods.
When British rule began in India, many aspects of life changed, including education. The British established the education system in India to justify their rule and fulfill their economic needs. This system was formally established through the Charter Acts.
In 1813, during the renewal of the Charter, the British Parliament instructed the East India Company to allocate Rs 1 lakh annually “for the revival and promotion of literature, the encouragement of the learned natives of India, and for the introduction and promotion of knowledge of the sciences among the inhabitants of the British territories.” As a result, for the first time, official financial arrangements were made by the Queen, and the East India Company was given the responsibility for the education of the natives.
Education Before Britishers
- Before British rule, education in India was primarily imparted by gurus, who taught their disciples to achieve spiritual enlightenment. Education was accessible to all without restrictions, but the content varied based on the caste and associated occupation.
- With the influence of Mughal rule, Islamic ideologies also shaped education. Both Hindus and Muslims were educated in institutions like Pathshalas, Tols, Madrasas, and Maktabs, where they studied religious texts and ancient literature.
- However, there was limited exposure to scientific advancements. The arrival of the British introduced a new educational system to India.
Education Policies During British Rule
| Education Reformer / Policy | Features / Recommendations |
|---|---|
| Warren Hastings | Established ‘Calcutta Madrasa’ in 1781 for Persian and Arabic studies, aiming to foster relations with indigenous elites and understand their culture. |
| William Jones | Founded the Asiatic Society of Bengal in 1784 to encourage Oriental studies and translated Sanskrit works. |
| Jonathan Duncan | Established the ‘Sanskrit College’ in Benaras in 1791 to promote Hindu laws and philosophy. |
| Lord Wellesley | Founded Fort William College in 1801 to train British recruits in Indian culture and languages. |
| Charter Act of 1813 | Marked the first step towards government involvement in education, allocating funds for literature, and encouraging learned natives. |
| Raja Ram Mohan Roy | Advocated for Western education and protested against oriental colleges, leading to the establishment of Calcutta Hindu College. |
| General Committee of Public Institution (1823) | Established to oversee education, mainly promoting Oriental learning. |
| William Bentinck (1828-35) | Accepted Macaulay’s recommendations to promote European literature and sciences through English education. |
| Woods Dispatch (1854) | Emphasized Western education, creating a system of schools, supporting vernacular languages, and promoting vocational education. |
| Hunter Education Commission (1882-83) | Recommended focus on primary education, establishment of two divisions in secondary schools, and encouragement of private enterprise in education. |
| Indian Universities Act, 1904 | Reorganized university administration, emphasized university control over schools, and introduced stricter affiliation requirements. |
| Sadler Commission (1917-19) | Emphasized bifurcation of higher education, establishment of secondary education boards, and promotion of education for women. |
| Wardha Scheme of Education (1937) | Proposed by Mahatma Gandhi, emphasized learning through activity, self-supporting education, and vocational training. |
| Sargent Plan of Education (1944) | Recommended universal and free primary education, establishment of academic and technical high schools, and focus on pre-primary education. |
Impact of British Education System
- Impact on governance: The British Education System In India encouraged teaching English in schools and colleges because they needed people to work in administrative offices as clerks or babus. This created a new class of people who helped in governance and administration.
- English as a link language: Using English provided one language that everyone in the country could understand, making it a common link for Indians.
- Growth of national consciousness: English books and newspapers brought new ideas from the West, like freedom, democracy, equality, and brotherhood, to Indians.
- Neglect of mass education: One of the big weaknesses of the British Education System In India was that most Indians didn’t get a chance to learn. In 1911, 94% of Indians couldn’t read or write, and by 1921, it was still 92%.
- Neglect of female education: The British didn’t care much about educating girls, and they didn’t allocate any funds for it. This was a big problem in their education policy.
- Neglect of scientific and technical education: The British didn’t pay much attention to science and technology education. By 1857, there were only three medical colleges and one engineering college in the entire country.
- Minimal financial support: Money was a big issue in the British education policies in India, which caused many problems.
The British rule had a big impact on how we learn in India. They introduced new ways of teaching, and English and Western education became very important, and they still are. Building universities helped more people learn how to read and write. Because of the British, we now have more focus on technical skills, science, and art in our education. Whether it’s good or bad, Western education has had a huge effect on us.