Evolution of Technical Education in India: British Legacy and Beyond

British Impact on Technical Education in India

Technical Education in India saw some major advancements when India was ruled by the British. In order to further its administrative and economic interests, the British government saw the necessity of training Indian professionals and technicians.

British Era Technical Education in India: Institutions & Progress

Some of the prominent major developments in Technical Education under British Rule are as follows:

• Engineering Education: In several towns around India, the British founded engineering institutions, such as the College of Engineering in Roorkee (1847) and the Indian Institute of Engineering Science and Technology in Shibpur (1856). To suit the needs of the colonial government and assist with infrastructure development initiatives, these institutes sought to train engineers.
• Technical Schools: Technical colleges were created to offer hands-on instruction in certain trades and talents. Aspects like surveying, drafting, mechanics, and carpentry were the focus of these institutions. The Mayo School of Art in Lahore (1875) and the Thomason Civil Engineering College in Roorkee (1845) are two illustrious technical institutions.
• Industrial Education: To promote the developing industries in India, the British government established industrial education programs. These initiatives attempted to provide employees in industries like agriculture, mining, and the textile industry with useful skills. To prepare people for certain trades, industrial schools, and workshops were formed.
• Technical Education in India: Technical education was formerly primarily available to privileged Indians or British nationals. However, attempts were undertaken to increase Indians’ access to Technical Education when the Indian Industrial Commission was founded in 1916. Indian students were given grants and scholarships to pursue technical education both domestically and overseas.
• Role of Universities: Universities with technical education programs were founded by the British in India. The Universities of Calcutta, Madras, and Bombay all provided technical courses as part of their curricula in 1857, for instance.
• Emphasis on Practical Training: The British understood the value of both theoretical education and practical training. Workshops, labs, and field training were frequently incorporated into technical education institutions to provide students with hands-on experience.

Conclusion

During British rule, Technical Education primarily served colonial administration and industrial interests, rather than indigenous industries or Indian population needs. But these institutions and initiatives laid the foundation for future technical education development in India.

Technical Education in India FAQs

Q1. What was the aim of Britishers in providing technical education in India?

Ans. In order to further its administrative and economic interests, the British government saw the necessity of training Indian professionals and technicians.

Q2. What was the purpose of the Indian Industrial Commission?

Ans. The Indian Industrial Commission was established in 1916 to increase Indians’ access to technical education through grants and scholarships, which are primarily for privileged Indians or British nationals.

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