Arrange these Indian Initiatives in education in a chronological order :
(i) Bethune School, Calcutta
(ii) Banaras Hindu University
(iii) M.A.O. College, Aligarh
(iv) Hindu College, Calcutta
Codes :

The correct answer is - (iv) Hindu College, Calcutta → (i) Bethune School, Calcutta → (iii) M.A.O. College, Aligarh → (ii) Banaras Hindu University

Key Points

• Hindu College, Calcutta (1817)
  • Established in 1817, it was one of the first institutions of western-style higher education in India.
  • It played a significant role in the Bengal Renaissance and was later renamed Presidency College.
• Bethune School, Calcutta (1849)
  • Founded in 1849 by John Elliot Drinkwater Bethune, it was the first school for girls in India.
  • Its establishment marked the beginning of formal education for women in India.
• M.A.O. College, Aligarh (1875)
  • Established in 1875 by Sir Syed Ahmad Khan, it later evolved into the Aligarh Muslim University.
  • The institution emphasized modern education along with Islamic studies, promoting social reform among Muslims in India.
• Banaras Hindu University (BHU) (1916)
  • Founded in 1916 by Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya, BHU became a major center for higher education in India.
  • It offered a blend of modern education and traditional Indian values.

Additional Information

• Educational Developments in Colonial India
  • The British introduced western-style education in India to create an educated class that could assist in administration.
  • This led to the establishment of several institutions such as Hindu College, Calcutta, and M.A.O. College, Aligarh.
  • These institutions also became centers of socio-political reform and cultural movements.
• Women’s Education
  • Efforts such as the founding of Bethune School were aimed at overcoming societal resistance to women’s education.
  • This was a significant milestone in promoting gender equality in education.
• Role of Visionaries
  • Individuals like Sir Syed Ahmad Khan and Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya were instrumental in shaping modern education in India.
  • They worked to blend traditional values with modern scientific knowledge.