Question

In which year was Wood's Despatch published?

Hint:

Wood’s Despatch was a key document in the history of Indian education, setting the stage for the spread of Western-style education and the growth of an educated Indian class.

Answer 1

Wood’s Despatch, also known as the "Wood’s Despatch on Education," was published in the year 1854. It was a significant document in the history of education in colonial India. It laid the foundation for the British education policy in India and is considered the first comprehensive statement of education policy by the British government in India.
1. Key Provisions of Wood's Despatch:
- English as the Medium of Instruction: One of the key provisions of the Despatch was the promotion of English as the medium of instruction in schools and universities. This was intended to provide the youth with an education that would help them in understanding modern sciences, literature, and administration. - Establishment of Universities: The Despatch recommended the establishment of universities in major cities like Calcutta (now Kolkata), Bombay (Mumbai), and Madras (Chennai) to promote higher education. These universities were modeled on the educational system of London University. - Promotion of Female Education: It also emphasized the need for female education, though it was not implemented in the same scale as male education during the time. - Expansion of Primary Education: The Despatch stressed the importance of expanding primary education throughout the country to lay the foundation for further learning and progress.
2. Impact of Wood's Despatch:
- The Wood’s Despatch was a turning point in the development of education in India under British rule. It set the stage for the establishment of an organized education system, though it was mainly aimed at serving the needs of the British colonial administration.
- While it did not address the needs of the Indian masses comprehensively, it provided the framework for the spread of Western education in India. The education system introduced through this policy is often regarded as one of the key factors that influenced the rise of the Indian intelligentsia and later the Indian independence movement.
Conclusion:
Wood’s Despatch, published in 1854, played a crucial role in shaping the educational landscape of India during the colonial period. Its recommendations led to the establishment of universities, expansion of primary education, and the promotion of English as a medium of instruction, all of which had lasting impacts on Indian society and its intellectual growth.