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Question

In 1911, who among the following introduced a bill in the Imperial Legislative Council for introduction of compulsory and free primary education in India ?

This question was previously asked in
CDS II 2021 General Knowledge Previous Year Paper (14-Nov-2021)
The correct answer is

Gopal Krishna Gokhale

Understanding the Compulsory Primary Education Bill of 1911

The question asks about the individual who introduced a significant bill concerning compulsory and free primary education in the Imperial Legislative Council in India during the year 1911. This was a crucial period in the history of education in British India, where various leaders advocated for widespread access to education.

Let's analyze the key elements of the question:

  • Year: 1911
  • Forum: Imperial Legislative Council
  • Subject: Introduction of compulsory and free primary education in India

We need to identify the historical figure from the options who is associated with this specific proposal in that year.

Analyzing the Options

Let's consider the options provided:

  1. Dadabhai Naoroji: Known as the 'Grand Old Man of India', Dadabhai Naoroji was a prominent leader who worked for Indian rights and drain of wealth theory. While he was a key figure, the 1911 primary education bill is not primarily associated with him.
  2. Bal Gangadhar Tilak: A prominent nationalist leader, Tilak advocated for 'Swaraj' (self-rule). He played a significant role in the national movement but is not credited with introducing this specific education bill in 1911.
  3. Sir Harcourt Butler: An administrator in British India, Harcourt Butler held various positions, including Lieutenant-Governor of Burma and Uttar Pradesh. While he was involved in administration, he was not the Indian leader who introduced this bill.
  4. Gopal Krishna Gokhale: A moderate leader and social reformer, Gopal Krishna Gokhale was a member of the Imperial Legislative Council. He was a strong advocate for social and educational reforms. He is well-known for his efforts towards making primary education accessible to the masses.

Gopal Krishna Gokhale's Bill in 1911

In fact, it was Gopal Krishna Gokhale who introduced a Private Member's Bill in the Imperial Legislative Council in 1911. The objective of this bill was to make primary education free and compulsory for children in India, particularly for boys aged 6 to 10 initially. Gokhale strongly believed that mass education was essential for India's progress and social upliftment.

Although the bill was eventually rejected by the British government, it generated significant debate and highlighted the demand for widespread primary education in India. Gokhale's efforts in this regard were pioneering and are a notable part of the history of educational reforms in colonial India.

Therefore, the individual who introduced the bill for the introduction of compulsory and free primary education in India in the Imperial Legislative Council in 1911 was Gopal Krishna Gokhale.

Conclusion

Based on the historical context and the actions of the mentioned individuals, Gopal Krishna Gokhale is the correct answer.

Revision Table: Key Facts about Gokhale's 1911 Education Bill

Aspect Detail
Person Introduced By Gopal Krishna Gokhale
Year 1911
Forum Imperial Legislative Council
Purpose Introduce compulsory and free primary education
Outcome Bill was rejected by the Council

Additional Information on Primary Education Efforts in India

Efforts to promote primary education were made by various individuals and groups even before 1911. For example, the Wood's Despatch of 1854 had recommended the establishment of a system of popular education. However, progress remained slow. Gopal Krishna Gokhale's bill was a significant attempt to push for a legislative measure to make primary education compulsory, reflecting the growing demand from Indian nationalist leaders for social reforms and mass empowerment through education.

The Imperial Legislative Council was the legislature of British India from 1861 to 1947. It included a mix of nominated and (later) elected members, including Indian representatives, providing a platform for discussing such issues, although the final authority rested with the British administration.

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