Overview
In this section, we explore the significant changes that occurred to local schools, especially the traditional pathshalas, in India during British rule.
Historical Context
Before British intervention, education in India was primarily conducted through pathshalas, informal village schools providing flexible, community-oriented learning. The schooling system emphasized oral teaching and was adaptable to the agricultural cycles of the region. Wealthier families often supported these institutions, leading to a significant number of students being educated without formal structures.
William Adam's Report
In the 1830s, William Adam's report revealed the existence of over 100,000 pathshalas in Bengal and Bihar, serving around 20 lakh children. Despite this, the British were primarily focused on higher education, leading to significant changes when they began to regulate and standardize education.
Shift to Standardization
Following the 1854 Wood’s Despatch, the British adopted policies aimed at establishing order in vernacular education. New rules were introduced to pathshalas, including fixed fees, rigorous attendance requirements, and examinations, which often excluded poorer children from accessing education.
Impacts on Traditional Education
The transformation of pathshalas meant that many traditional education practices came under scrutiny and pressure, changing the nature of education from flexible to rigid. This shift was further exacerbated by the emphasis on English and colonial educational practices, thus marginalizing local learning. Ultimately, the education landscape of India changed dramatically, leading to debates on national identity and education that would continue into the independence era.