write a note on woods Despatch of 1854.Long answers questions
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Answer:
Explanation: In Modern Indian History, Charles Wood’s Despatch had an impact on education in British India as it promoted the use of vernacular languages in the primary schools. For IAS Exam, modern Indian history holds valuable significance as the topic, ‘Wood’s Despatch’ is important from the exam perspective. This article will hence talk in detail about the Wood’s Despatch and aspirants can also get the key takeaway points for UPSC exam that can help them to score well in prelims and mains both. As the Wood’s Despatch promoted education rejecting the ‘downward filtration theory‘, aspirants should know all the spheres where the despatch had an impact on:
Primary Education
Vernacular languages were to be promoted
Education Department was to set up in every province
At least one government school be opened in every district
Systematic method of education
Higher Education
Universities on the model of the London university be established in big cities like Bombay, Madras and Calcutta
Systematic method of education
Women’s Education
Promoted female education on all levels
Hierarchy in education was systemised
Primary schools in villages (Bottom)
Anglo-Vernacular High Schools
Affiliated colleges at district level
Affiliating universities in the presidency towns
English Education
English was made the medium of instruction for higher studies
Vernacular Education
Vernacular languages (spoken by the common masses) to be promoted at primary level
Teachers’ training
Promotion and stress on teachers’ training at all levels
Secular Education to be promoted
Grants-in-aid to encourage private enterprise.
Impact of Wood’s Despatch
The following developments were reflected post-Charles Wood’s Despatch:
Bombay, Madras and Calcutta universities were set up in 1857
In all provinces, education departments were set up
Bethune School (founded by J.E.D. Bethune) was started for women education
Agriculture Institute at Pusa (Bihar) and an Engineering Institute at Roorkee were started
British India witnessed rapid westernisation of education system with European headmasters and principals in schools and colleges
Private Indian educators appeared
Answer:
When in 1854 he sent a dispatch to Lord Dalhousie, the then Governor-General of India, Wood suggested that primary schools must adopt vernacular languages, high schools must adopt Anglo-vernacular language and at college-level English should be the medium of education. This is known as Wood's despatch.
Purpose: To hasten the development of education in British India
Author(s): Sir Charles Wood
Commissioned by: President of the Board of Control of India