2003 General Studies, all questions

UPSC Prelims 2003 · General Studies

Question 71: History and Culture

The aim of education as stated by the Wood’s Despatch of 1854 was

aThe creation of employment opportunities for native Indians
bThe spread of western culture in India
cThe promotion of literacy among the people using English medium of language
dThe introduction of scientific research and rationalism in the traditional Indian education

AnswerThe answer is (b).

Wood's Despatch of 1854 stated that the aim of education was the diffusion of European arts, science, philosophy and literature in India, that is, European knowledge. The key reads this as the spread of Western culture. The Despatch favoured English for higher education and vernaculars for the masses, and led to universities at Calcutta, Bombay and Madras in 1857. It was not framed as an employment scheme.

Why each option is right or wrong
  • (a) Employment was a by-product, not the stated aim.
  • (b) Correct: the spread of Western learning and culture.
  • (c) It favoured vernaculars for mass education as well as English, so English-only literacy was not the aim.
  • (d) Scientific research was not its aim; it stressed European knowledge.

Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.

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Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2003, General Studies. UPSC's own paper isn't online; the words are from a published compilation. The paper on upsc.gov.in.