Following the 1854 Despatch, which of the following measures were introduced by the British? 1. Education departments of the government were set up. 2. A system of university education was established. 3. Universities were established in Calcutta, Madras, and Bombay in 1857. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

The correct option is (d). Explanation Wood’s Despatch of 1854, issued by Charles Wood (President of the Board of Control), is widely regarded as the "Magna Carta of English Education in India." It formulated a comprehensive scheme for the spread of education across the country, shifting the focus from the "downward filtration theory" to mass education. Statement-wise Analysis: - Statement 1 is Correct: The Despatch recommended the establishment of a Department of Public Instruction in each of the five provinces (Bengal, Bombay, Madras, Punjab, and the North-Western Provinces). These departments were tasked with reviewing and reporting on the progress of education. - Statement 2 is Correct: It proposed the creation of a structured system of university education. The universities were to be modeled after the University of London, serving primarily as examining bodies that would confer degrees. - Statement 3 is Correct: Following the recommendations of the Despatch, the first three universities in India were established in Calcutta, Madras, and Bombay in 1857. Key Takeaway: Wood’s Despatch systematized the educational hierarchy in India-ranging from vernacular primary schools to universities-and introduced the system of grants-in-aid to encourage private participation in education.

NCERT Class 8 History — Chapter 5: Civilising the “Native”, Educating the Nation

mcqeasy

Following the 1854 Despatch, which of the following measures were introduced by the British?

Education departments of the government were set up.
A system of university education was established.
Universities were established in Calcutta, Madras, and Bombay in 1857.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Official previous-year question

Verified 1 Aug 2026.

Options

A1 and 2 only
B2 only
C1 and 3 only
D1, 2 and 3

Did you get this right?

Solution

The correct option is (d).

Explanation

Wood’s Despatch of 1854, issued by Charles Wood (President of the Board of Control), is widely regarded as the "Magna Carta of English Education in India." It formulated a comprehensive scheme for the spread of education across the country, shifting the focus from the "downward filtration theory" to mass education.

Statement-wise Analysis:

Statement 1 is Correct: The Despatch recommended the establishment of a Department of Public Instruction in each of the five provinces (Bengal, Bombay, Madras, Punjab, and the North-Western Provinces). These departments were tasked with reviewing and reporting on the progress of education.
Statement 2 is Correct: It proposed the creation of a structured system of university education. The universities were to be modeled after the University of London, serving primarily as examining bodies that would confer degrees.
Statement 3 is Correct: Following the recommendations of the Despatch, the first three universities in India were established in Calcutta, Madras, and Bombay in 1857.

Key Takeaway: Wood’s Despatch systematized the educational hierarchy in India-ranging from vernacular primary schools to universities-and introduced the system of grants-in-aid to encourage private participation in education.

Your note

More from Chapter 5: Civilising the “Native”, Educating the Nation

With reference to the tradition of Orientalism in late 18th-century India, consider the following statements: 1. William Jones arrived in Calcutta in 1783 primarily to set up the Department of Education for the East India Company. 2. Henry Thomas Colebrooke and Nathaniel Halhed were involved in translating Sanskrit and Persian works into English. 3. The Asiatic Society of Bengal was established by William Jones in collaboration with other British officials interested in Indian heritage. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

medium

Which one of the following institutions was established in 1781 to promote the study of Arabic, Persian, and Islamic law?

easy

With reference to the early educational institutions established by the British, consider the following pairs: 1. Calcutta Madrasa : 1781 2. Hindu College, Benaras : 1791 3. Asiatic Society of Bengal : 1783 4. Serampore College : 1818 How many of the above pairs are correctly matched?

medium

With reference to the English Education Act of 1835, consider the following statements: 1. It was introduced following the recommendations of James Mill. 2. It made English the medium of instruction for higher education. 3. It proposed the establishment of new Oriental institutions like the Calcutta Madrasa. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

medium

Thomas Macaulay emphasised the need to teach the English language in India for which of the following reasons? 1. To allow Indians to read the finest literature the world had produced. 2. To make Indians aware of developments in Western science and philosophy. 3. To change the tastes, values, and culture of the people. Select the correct answer using the code given below:

medium

Keep practising Chapter 5: Civilising the “Native”, Educating the Nation

Work through every question from this NCERT chapter.

Browse all NCERT Class 8 History chapters

The correct option is (d).

Explanation

Statement-wise Analysis:

Statement 1 is Correct: The Despatch recommended the establishment of a Department of Public Instruction in each of the five provinces (Bengal, Bombay, Madras, Punjab, and the North-Western Provinces). These departments were tasked with reviewing and reporting on the progress of education.
Statement 2 is Correct: It proposed the creation of a structured system of university education. The universities were to be modeled after the University of London, serving primarily as examining bodies that would confer degrees.
Statement 3 is Correct: Following the recommendations of the Despatch, the first three universities in India were established in Calcutta, Madras, and Bombay in 1857.