Yesterdate: This day from Kolkata’s past, July 19, 1854

Wood’s dispatch, a set of recommendations on education from Sir Charles Wood, president of the Board of Control of the British East India Company, sent to Lord Dalhousie, Governor-General of India, is dated July 19, 1854. The dispatch played an important role in shaping the education policy of colonial India.

The recommendations stressed on English language as a medium of education, setting up of government schools in districts, teaching of Indian languages and setting up of universities in Calcutta, Bombay and Madras. Wood’s dispatch spoke about women’s education.The three universities were set up in 1857.For suggestions on dates/events mail us at: yesterdate@abp.in