Q. Regarding the progress of women’s education in the 19th century, consider the following statements:
1.The Bethune School, founded in 1849 in Calcutta, was the first successful attempt at providing secular education for girls in India.
2.Charles Wood’s Despatch of 1854 explicitly placed a high emphasis on female education, marking the first time the colonial government took a formal interest in the matter.
3.Jyotiba Phule and Savitribai Phule were pioneers in opening schools for girls from the marginalized and depressed classes in Maharashtra.
Which of the statements given above are correct?

[A] 1 and 2 only

[B] 2 and 3 only

[C] 1 and 3 only

[D] 1, 2, and 3

Answer: D
Notes:

Explanation:

  • Statement 1: Correct.E.D. Bethune founded the school to provide a modern, secular curriculum for girls.
  • Statement 2: Correct. Known as the “Magna Carta of English Education in India,” the Despatch of 1854 urged the government to support female education through grants-in-aid.
  • Statement 3: Correct. The Phules opened their first school in Bhide Wada, Pune (1848), focusing on the education of girls and lower castes.
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