The development of Western education in Bihar was a gradual process influenced by British colonial policies and societal changes. Here’s a detailed overview of its progression from 1857 to 1947.

Early Developments (1857-1860s)

• Charter Act of 1813: The British government allocated funds for education but only for promoting English education.
• 1835 – Macaulay’s Minute: Lord Macaulay’s proposal promoted English as the medium of instruction, which spread rapidly in Bihar. Schools like Zila Schools in Deoghar, Bhagalpur, and Chapra were established.
• 1854 – Wood’s Dispatch: This document laid the foundation for educational reforms, promoting secondary and higher education.

Key Institutions Established

• Patna College (1863): One of the first major educational institutions in Bihar.
• Saddler Commission (1917): The British government aimed at modernizing education through the inclusion of practical sciences and vocational training.
• Patna University (1917): Marked a milestone in higher education with postgraduate departments in Arts, Physics, and Chemistry.

Expansion in Technical and Professional Education

• Agricultural Research Centre (1902): Pusa became a hub for agricultural research.
• Engineering and Medical Colleges (1920s): Patna Engineering College (1924) and Patna Medical College (1925) were established.
• Indian School of Mines (1926): In Dhanbad, focusing on mineral resources.

Education for Social Upliftment

• Women’s Education: The opening of St. Joseph’s School (1847) for girls and the founding of Women’s College in Patna (1940) marked important steps in empowering women through education.
• Role of Social Movements: Organizations like Arya Samaj and Christian Missionaries played significant roles in spreading education, especially among marginalized communities.

Challenges and Limitations

• Limited Reach: The British focused education on elite sections, neglecting mass education. By 1947, literacy in India was only 16%, reflecting the limited impact on the majority population.

Conclusion

The development of Western education in Bihar from 1857 to 1947 was marked by the establishment of key institutions and the spread of English education. While it helped build an educated elite, it largely neglected the masses. The focus on vocational training and higher education paved the way for a new generation that later contributed to India’s freedom struggle.