UPSC Prelims 2003 Q71: Modern History – British Administration & Economic Policies
The aim of education as stated by the Wood’s Despatch of 1854 was
- (a) The creation of employment opportunities for native Indians
- (b) The spread of western culture in India
- (c) The promotion of literacy among the people using English medium of language
- (d) The introduction of scientific research and rationalism in the traditional Indian education
Answer: (b) The spread of western culture in India
Explanation
Aim of education in Wood's Despatch, 1854
| Option | Verdict |
|---|---|
| Spread of western culture in India | Accepted — the Despatch aimed at diffusing European knowledge and Western culture |
| Employment for native Indians | A by-product, not the stated aim |
| Literacy through English medium | English and vernaculars both were to be used |
| Scientific research and rationalism | Not the stated aim |
The Despatch (Charles Wood, 1854) aimed at the diffusion of European arts, science, philosophy and literature, that is, the spread of Western culture in India.
Answer: (b) The spread of western culture in India.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. Employment was a by-product, not the aim.
- (b) CORRECT. The aim was to spread Western knowledge and culture.
- (c) Incorrect. Both English and the vernaculars were envisaged.
- (d) Incorrect. Scientific research was not the stated aim.
Key point
Wood's Despatch: universities (1857), grants-in-aid, vernacular schools, Education Departments.
Remember
Wood's Despatch of 1854 aimed at spreading European knowledge and culture.
Common mistakes
- Treating mass literacy as the stated aim.
- Mixing Wood's Despatch with Macaulay's Minute (1835).
- Forgetting that universities were founded in 1857.
Exam tip
Wood's Despatch: Magna Carta of Indian education.
Sources
- Bipan Chandra — Modern India
- Charles Wood — Education Despatch of 1854 (Wood's Despatch)
- NCERT Class VIII History — Our Pasts III Part 1 — Civilising the "Native", Educating the Nation