Which has been considered as "Magna Carta" of English Education System in India?

Question

Question

This question was previously asked in

UKPSC Combined Upper PCS (Prelims) Exam (General Studies) Official Paper-I (Held On: 14 Jul, 2024)

Answer 1

The correct answer is option 2.

Key Points

The Wood's Dispatch of 1854, also known as the "Magna Carta of English Education in India," was a comprehensive educational policy laid down by Sir Charles Wood, the President of the Board of Control. Hence, option 2 is correct.
It laid the foundation of the modern education system in India.
Key Features of the Wood's Dispatch:
- Establishment of a Department of Education in each province
- Creation of universities in Bombay, Calcutta, and Madras (established in 1857)
- Promotion of secular and vocational education
- Emphasis on teacher training and female education
- Grant-in-aid system introduced for private schools
- Recommended a hierarchical structure: primary, secondary, and higher education.

Additional Information

Macauley’s Minute (1835): Promoted English as the medium of instruction but lacked a structured educational policy
Hunter Commission (1882–83): Focused on secondary education and provincial responsibilities
Hartog Committee (1929): Dealt with quality and efficiency in education, especially primary level