Development Of Vernacular Education’s Evolution in Colonial India

Development Of Vernacular Education’s Shift in Colonial India

A substantial change in educational policies and practices was brought about by the emergence of vernacular education in India during the British colonial era. Prior to British domination, indigenous education systems were mostly based on conventional teaching and learning techniques, frequently carried out in local languages. However, British colonial policies brought significant changes in the educational environment, notably the encouragement and growth of vernacular education.

Roots of Change: Development Of Vernacular Education’s Rise in Colonial India

Before British colonization, India’s education was predominantly in local languages, centered on indigenous institutions like gurukuls, madrasas, and pathshalas, imparting knowledge and preserving traditional cultural and religious teachings.

• Charter Act of 1813: The Charter Act of 1813 revolutionized British education by enabling English-language schools and promoting vernacular education, laying the foundation for future developments in this field.
• Orientalist and Anglicist Debates: The 19th-century Orientalist-Anglicist debates influenced British education policies in India, favouring English education and promoting indigenous languages, literature, and culture, leading to the development of vernacular education.
• Vernacular Press Act of 1878: The Vernacular Press Act of 1878 aimed to suppress nationalist sentiments but inadvertently boosted vernacular education by promoting vernacular newspapers and publications, disseminating knowledge, raising awareness, and promoting languages.
• Indigenous Efforts: Indian social reformers and educationists, like Raja Ram Mohan Roy, Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar, and Keshab Chandra Sen, advocated for vernacular education and local language empowerment, establishing schools and promoting local language learning.
• Grant-in-Aid System: British introduced a grant-in-aid system for indigenous educational institutions, supporting local languages and vernacular schools, promoting growth and expansion.
• Post-1857 Reforms: The British government implemented educational reforms, including Wood’s Despatch, to improve access to education for a wider Indian population following the Indian Rebellion of 1857.

Chronological Order Of Events That Led To The Development Of Vernacular Education

Conclusion

Under the British administration, vernacular education emerged as a realization of the significance of regional languages and cultures in the educational system. While British programs and regulations were sometimes motivated by their own interests, vernacular education evolved into a tool for the Indian population’s cultural preservation and empowerment. The development of vernacular education paved the way for other educational reforms and had a long-lasting effect on India’s post-independence education system.

Development Of Vernacular Education FAQs

Q. What are the factors responsible for the development of vernacular education?

Ans. The factors responsible for the development of vernacular education during the British era are as follows:

• Pre-British Education
• Charter Act of 1813
• Orientalist and Anglicist Debates
• Vernacular Press Act of 1878
• Indigenous Effort
• Grant-in-Aid System
• Post-1857 Reforms

Q. Was Lord Dalhousie in favour of vernacular education?

Ans. Yes, Lord Dalhousie was in favour of vernacular education.

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