Education for commerce by the British

Education for Commerce by the British:

In 1854, the court of directors of the East India Company in London sent an educational dispatch to the Governor - General in India. Issued by Charles Wood, the president of the board of control of the company, it has come to be known as wood’s dispatch.

Outlining the educational policy that was to be followed in India, it emphasized once again the practical benefits of a system of European learning, as opposed to oriental knowledge.

One of the practical uses the dispatch pointed to was economic. European learning, it said, would enable Indians to recognize the advantages that flow from the expansion of trade and commerce, and make them see the importance of developing the resources of the country.

Introducing them to European ways of life, would change their tastes and desires, and create a demand for British goods, for Indians would begin to appreciate and buy things that were produced in European.

Wood’s dispatch also argued that European learning would improve the moral character of Indians. It would make them truthful and honest, and thus supply the company with civil servants who could be trusted and depended upon.

Education in English crippled Indians, distanced them from their own social surroundings ,and made them " Stangers in their own lands" . Speaking a foreign tongue, despising local culture, the English educated did not know how to relate to the masses.

The literature of the East was not only full of grave errors. It could also not instill in people a sense of duty and a commitment to work, nor could it develop the skills required for administration.

Western education, Mahatma Gandhi said , focused on reading and writing rather than oral knowledge, it valued textbooks rather than live experience and pratical knowledge. He argued that education ought to develop a person's mind and soul.

Following the 1854 dispatch, several measures were introduced by the British. Education department of the government were set up to extend control over all matters regarding education. Steps were taken to establish a system of university education. In 1857, while the sepoys rose in revolt in Meerut and Delhi, universities were being established in Calcutta, madras and Bombay. Attempts were also made to bring about changes within the system of school education.

Bombay University in 19th century

Sample Questions

(More Questions for each concept available in Login)

Question : 1

The Wood's Despatch was issued by ________ in ________ .
A. Thomas Wood , 1854	B. William Carey , 1867	C. William Jones , 1856	D. Charles Wood ,1854
Right Option : D
View Explanation

Question : 2

In 1885, the court of Directors sent the Wood's european learning . Select the best option : A. It would introduce indians to european ways of life . B. English education would change the tastes and desire of Indians . C. It would create a demand for british goods . D. It would supply the company with civil servants .
A. A,B,C	B. B,C,D	C. A,C,D	D. A,B,C,D
Right Option : D
View Explanation