With reference to the development of vernacular education in colonial India, consider the following statements: 1. William Adam’s reports in the 1830s highlighted deficiencies in the vernacular education system in Bengal and Bihar. 2. Wood’s Despatch of 1854 rejected the use of vernacular languages in education and promoted only English-medium instruction. 3. The Hunter Commission of 1882 supported vernacular education as essential for mass instruction. How many of the above statements are correct? |ForumIAS

[A] Only one

[B] Only two

[C] All three

[D] None

Answer: B

Notes:

Explanation:

William Adam’s reports (1835–1838) did indeed point out serious defects in vernacular education in Bengal and Bihar.
Wood’s Despatch of 1854 supported vernacular education. It recommended improving standards, government supervision, and teacher training for vernacular schools.
The Hunter Commission (1882) emphasized vernacular education as necessary for the education of the masses.

Source: Spectrum’s A Brief History of Modern India