Development Of Education in India (Major Course) Paper Code: EDNMAJ-201-4
About this ebook
The primary objective of this work is to illuminate the salient features of educational systems across different eras, from the spiritual and philosophical foundations of Vedic and Buddhist education to the transformative policies of modern India. By exploring key milestones—such as the educational activities of missionaries in Assam, landmark commissions, and national policies—this book aims to equip learners with the knowledge to appreciate the dynamic interplay of tradition and modernity in shaping India’s educational landscape.
This book is structured into four meticulously curated chapters, each addressing a distinct phase of educational development. Chapter 1 delves into the ancient and medieval periods, highlighting the aims, methods, and societal roles of education during Vedic, Buddhist, and Islamic times, with a special focus on women’s education. Chapter 2 examines the colonial period, detailing the impact of missionary activities and pivotal British policies like Macaulay’s Minute and Wood’s Despatch. Chapter 3 explores the post-independence era, analyzing the contributions of major education commissions, while Chapter 4 traces the evolution of national education policies from 1968 to the transformative National Education Policy of 2020.
Writing this book has been a journey of discovery, not only of India’s rich educational heritage but also of the resilience and adaptability of its people in fostering learning amidst changing socio-political contexts. I am deeply grateful to the Department of Education at Bodoland University for their support and to the scholars whose works have informed this text. My hope is that this book serves as both an academic resource and an inspiration for students to engage critically with the past and present of Indian education, fostering a vision for its future.
- Khritish Swargiary (2025)
