UPSC Prelims 2003·GS1·history·modern history

The aim of education as stated by the Wood’s despatch of 1854 was

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Last updated 23 May 2026, 3:31 pm IST
  1. AThe creation of employment opportunities for native Indians
  2. BThe spread of western culture in IndiaCorrect
  3. CThe promotion of literacy among the people using English medium of language
  4. DThe introduction of scientific research and rationalism in the traditional Indian education

Explanation

The Wood’s Despatch of 1854, often called the Magna Carta of English Education in India, explicitly stated that the aim of education was the diffusion of the improved arts, science, philosophy, and literature of Europe. The primary objective was to impart Western knowledge and culture to Indians. While it recommended English for higher studies and vernacular languages for schools, the core intent was to create a class of Indians who were Westernized in their tastes, opinions, and intellect. This would not only provide a supply of loyal public servants but also create a market for British goods by changing the lifestyle and cultural preferences of the native population. Therefore, the spread of Western culture is the most accurate description of its overarching goal.
history: The aim of education as stated by the Wood’s despatch of 1854 was

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