2. Introduction
Through out the nineteenth century, downward filtration theory was the
acknowledged goal of education. It dominated the scene of education throughout
the century. Between 1813 and 1853, there was significant educational progress in
the country. But there was no definite educational policy. When the Charter of East
India Company was to be renewed in1853, the government felt the necessity to
conduct a thorough survey of education prevailing in the country and prescribe, in
the light of this survey, a systematic policy for the future educational development
the country. The Despatch of 1854, popularly known as the Wood’s Despatch
observed the situation and gave a directive for the promotion of mass education.
The recommendations of the committee were positively considered by the Board of
Directors. Wood’s Despatch derives its name from Sir Charles Wood who was the
President of the Board of Control for India.
3. Points To Remember
• This Written Document was a comprehensive plan for the spread of education in
India.
• It holds unique place in the history of Indian Education.
• Charter Act of British Parliament had to renew at every 20 years.
• Wood Despatch is one of the most important topics for UPSC Examination.
• The Wood Despatch was introduced by Charles Wood in 1854.
• He served as a chancellor of the exchequer (From 1846 to 1852) of UK.
• It is known as the “Magna Carta of English Education in India”/ “Corner stone of
Indian Education”.
• He made a big contribution to India’s education reform.
• In 19th July 1854 he sent woods despatch to the Governor general lord Dalhousie
at that time.
4.
5.
6. Objectives
• The goal was to teach Indians about Western culture and culture in the West.
• The goal was to educate native Indians so as to produce a class of public servants/
to produce proper Rebel workers for the East India Company.
• To rise the intellectual standard and mental development of the Indians
• To develop the character and morality of Indians along the Western system of
thought
• To introduce the Western system of education and Science to Indians and to
promote their material prosperity.
• To provide mass Education in India.
7. Major Recommendations
1. It was said to be the first policy for education in British India because there was
no such policy available before.
2. The constitution of separate department for the Administration of education.
3. An Education department was to be set up in every province.
4. At least one government school be opened in every district.
5. Affiliated private schools should be given grant in aid.(First time incorporated)
6. The Indian natives should be given training in their mother tongue also.
7. Provision was made for a systematic method of education from primary level to
the university level.
8. The government should support education for women.
9. Universities on the model of London university be established in big cities such
as Bombay, Calcutta and Madras .
10. The Indian Natives should be given training in the mother tongue.
8. Cont.…..
11. Education departments were established in every province and universities were
opened at Calcutta, Bombay and Madras in 1857 on the model of London
university.(Establishment of Universities)
12. Later more universities were opened in Punjab (1882) and at Allahabad in 1887.
13. The university should have chancellor and Vice- chancellor .
14. Wood’s Despatch gave importance to vernacular languages.
15. The medium of instruction at primary level was to be vernacular but at higher levels it
would be English.
16. The establishment of institutions for training of teachers for all types of school.
European Headmasters and principals were also appointed in the schools and colleges
of India in large numbers, which led to the rapid westernization of the education
system in British India.
17. He neglected/rejected Downward filtration theory.
18. It is a long report of 100 pages.
19. Vocational education was also promoted.
20. Secular education at all levels needs to be promoted.
9. Hierarchy in Education
Primary schools in villages (Bottom)
Anglo-Vernacular High Schools
Affiliated colleges at district level
Affiliating universities in the presidency towns
14. Bethune College , W. B. 1879
Founder :John Elliot Drinkwater Bethune
It was established as a girls' school in 1849, and as a college in 1879
First Women's college in India.
