Q. With reference to Wood’s Despatch of 1854, consider the following statements:
1.It recommended a graded educational structure from vernacular primary schools to universities in presidency towns.
2.It advocated for secular education in government institutions and encouraged private participation through grants-in-aid.
3.It reinforced the downward filtration theory by focusing solely on higher education for elite classes.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
Answer: A
Notes:
Explanation:
- Wood’s Despatch laid down a systematic hierarchy—from vernacular primary schools to district-level colleges and universities in presidency towns.
- It emphasised secular education in government institutions and introduced grants-in-aid to promote private initiative in education.
- Unlike earlier policies, the Despatch repudiated the downward filtration theory and stressed mass education, at least in principle.
Source: Spectrum’s A Brief History of Modern India
