Question

Answer the following question:

Describe the recommendations in Wood’s Despatch and its effects.

Answer 1

It declared that the aim to Government’s educational policy was the teaching of Western education “The education which we desire to see extended in India”, wrote Wood in the Despatch, “is that which has for its object the diffusion of the improved arts, science, philosophy and literature of Europe, in short of European knowledge.”

1. As to the medium of instruction, it declared that for higher education. The English language was the most perfect medium of education. It also emphasised the importance of vernacular languages.
2. It proposed setting up vernacular primary schools in villages Anglo-Vernacular high schools and an affiliated college at the district level.
3. It recommended grants-in-aid to encourage private enterprise.
4. A department of public instruction under the charge of a Director in each of the five provinces to review the progress of education.
5. Universities on the model of London University were set up in Calcutta, Bombay, and Madras.
6. The Despatch emphasised the importance of vocational Instruction and the need for establishing technical schools and colleges.
7. Teachers Training institutions on the model then prevalent in England were recommended.
8. The Despatch gave frank and cordial support for fostering the education of women.