UPSC Prelims 1996 · General Studies
Question 4: History and Culture
Consider the following landmarks in Indian education: I) Hindu College, Calcutta II) University of Calcutta III) Adam’s Report IV) Wood’s Despatch The correct chronological order of these landmarks is
AnswerThe answer is (a).
Order by date: Hindu College, Calcutta (1817); Adam's Report on vernacular education (1835-38); Wood's Despatch (1854); University of Calcutta (1857). The Despatch, often called the Magna Carta of English education in India, had recommended universities at the presidency towns, and Calcutta's opened within three years. Remember: 1817, 1835-38, 1854, 1857.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Right: 1817, 1835-38, 1854, 1857 gives I, III, IV, II.
- (b) Wood's Despatch (1854) came after Adam's Report, not before it.
- (c) Hindu College (1817) predates Adam's Report (1835-38), so III cannot come first.
- (d) Puts Hindu College last, but it was founded in 1817, the earliest of the four.
Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.
Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 1996, General Studies. UPSC's own paper isn't online; the words are from a published compilation. The paper on upsc.gov.in.