In the pre-British rule days, the education system in the Indian subcontinent was mainly based on teaching the traditional and religious elements. It incorporated Indian religions, Indian Mathematics, Indian logic. The centres for education were mainly the Hindu and Buddhist centres like Takshashila and Nalanda. 

The education system in India during British Rule differed significantly from the traditional education system. Several western-style universities were established in the 19th century under the British Government. Also, in the modern education system in India during British Rule, the medium for instruction was English. The Britishers aimed to create an Indian class that would be Indian by blood and colour but have an English taste. 

The education system before British Rule in India

The early education system in India started under the direction of the Gurus or Prabhus. In the ancient days, education was seen as a way to attain moksha and was open to all. But due to social decentralisation, the education system got divided based on the varna/caste or the work done by the people. 

The Brahmans were taught about the scriptures and the Indian religions, whereas for Kshatriyas, the education system was mainly about the different aspects of warfare. For the Shudras, the teaching included training on skills to carry out the working-class jobs. The Vaishya caste was taught commerce and other vocational subjects. 

During the pre-British rule, education centres were located away from the main population, and the students had to follow strict monastic guidelines directed by their Gurus. These students were asked to stay away from the cities in ashrams. But, with an increase in the population, the Gupta empire centres were converted into urban education centres.

The education system introduced in India during British Rule

Initially, the British East India Company was not interested in how to improve the education system in India. It was because they were centred only on trading and profit-making. But, to rule in India, they invested their time to find some ways to improve the education system in India for the upper and middle-class Indians to create a class of Indian people that have English taste. 

Education system under the British East India Company

  • In 1781, the Calcutta Madrasah was formed to study Muslim law and other subjects. 
  • Jonathan Duncan established Sanskrit college at Benaras in 1791. It was established for the study of Hindu law and philosophy. 
  • In the 1813 charter, the British Parliament added a clause for less than one lakh for education. It allowed the Missionaries to spread the Christian religious ideas in India. 
  • The educated Bengalis sanctioned a Grant to set up Calcutta College in 1817 to convey the education in Western humanities and sciences.
  • Wood’s Despatch (1854): It held the Government of India responsible for the education of the masses. It focussed on education for females and training for teachers. 

British Education System

  • Hunter Education Commission (1882- 1883): This commission highlighted that special care of the state is required to find ways to improve the education system in India, especially for primary education. The commission suggested transferring the primary education control to the district and municipal boards. It also focused on the inadequate facilities to meet female education needs.
  • Universities that were teaching-cum-examining universities were established. Examples of such universities are- the Allahabad University in 1887 and the Punjab University in 1882. 
  • The setting up of the Raleigh Commission focussed on the conditions of the universities and on knowing what the education system in India. The commission suggested ways to improve universities’ conditions and passed the Indian Universities Act in 1904. 
  • In 1906, the state of Baroda made primary education compulsory throughout its territories. 
  • The Saddler University Commission was set up in 1917 to study and give an account of issues at Calcutta University.
  • The fundamental suggestions of the Hartog Committee in 1929 were as follows: a) Emphasis should be given to essential training. However, there need be no hurried extension or impulse in instruction. b) Only meriting understudies must go in for secondary school and intermediate stage, while standard understudies must be redirected to professional courses after the VIII norm. c) For enhancements in guidelines of college education, admissions must be confined. 

Conclusion

In the pre-British period, Hindus and Muslims were educated through Pathshala and Madrasah. Also, they were mainly taught about their religion. But, the education system in India during British Rule completely changed the scenario. Although the British Government was improving the education system to benefit their rule in the country, some English men wished to spread knowledge. Also, the education system in India during British Rule was directed to train people for various administrative jobs.