1S) CHOE-3rd (17-12-2016) Bharghava Shyam (Arya Samaj women’s education)

 Name: - A.N Bharghava Shyam

Admission Number: - MAE15007 (17-Dec-2016)

Topic selected: - Arya Samaj women’s education in Punjab

 

Question: -

Firstly, who is the author and why is s/he writing the text/ document. Secondly, let us know what the text saying write in your own words is. Thirdly, how will the suggestions of the author help or hinder education of women.

 

Introduction: -

The “Arya Samaj” was founded by Swami Dayananda Sarasvati (Original Name is Mula Shankar) {1824- 1883} in Bombay on 10^th April 1875. Arya Samaj means wisdom people area {Noble Society}. Dayananda established Arya Samaj for making the people unite without any religion, caste, class, etc. discrimination differences in society. He wants to see the society Noble with an Idea of Vedas.

Answer:-

Who is the author?

Most probably Swami Dayananda Sarasvati is the author, other vise any Arya Samaj Member. (These all may be the conversation/interaction between Education commission people & Arya Samaj Members, Later some may translated this into English)

Why s/he writing means, to contribute for the Indian Educational commission 1882. The Indian Education commission members questioned the Lahore Arya Samaj people with the help of questionnaire. They discussed on the content of women’s education in Punjab.

What is there in the document? (Essay of this document)

{Here Mainly the Arya Samaj Members are saying the facts which happened in earlier society. The members are (May not) concluding anything}

The Document is first saying about the indigenous education for girls. From ancient time onwards girl’s education is there in India (Based on religious character only the girls get education), but the people gave very less importance to that. When English education is spreading, the people recognized the value and importance of girl’s education in present context & started educating girls. The parents educate their child (Girls) by keeping them in their private residence only, this happened largely in town and cities (Not more in villages). The girls have syllabus regarding geography, history, athematic, literature, morality etc.

In Muslim context girl’s education was more extensive. The people will educate their child in Mosque by Mullah, the child will go to nearby mosque & learn. But the education is purely and strictly religious. Their syllabus is mostly based on Holy Kurian & morality only. No one went beyond these two Kurian & Morality in Islam.

Educational department had taken some measures to develop the female education, but it is not adequate what they expected, till now the girls primary schools doesn’t exceed 150. The instruction is secular in the schools, the subjects are athematic, history, geography & literature.  The Muslim girls take language education in Urdu & Persian languages; while Hindu & Sikh will take in Hindi & Gurumukhi languages. In Instruction, the educational institution are giving physical knowledge is flowing but moral & duty is instructed to children (Girls). This makes schools valuable with their instruction. The community people is believing that they (British) are trying to spoil the morals of girl’s education & community people argued that this is illogical (Absurd), & that institutions have to taught on the principles of morality. When they taught on the principles she will become the good example to others after life also.

There is weed in some subjects in History they need only the History of Punjab and India will answer their objects, no need of chronological order battles, kings names is useless for them. In geography the children need the knowledge of geographical area of India, Punjab & little knowledge on the world it is adequate for them.

(Arya Samaj Member Opinion which are based on by seeing the society) The system didn’t made adequate preparation for female education. But in future we may see many changes in girl’s education.

They are no remarks to offer to education system (On mixed schools) because the British thought that their thought was verified, but for local people think this mixed schools as morally wrong.  In ancient times also they (girls) get free education with lodging & boarding. But both boy & girls get education in separate places.  & it may be difficult to make mixed schools now.

My Interpretations: -

Help for Girl’s Education: - These arguments will help the women in getting education in India, This is completely support for women’s education. It is trying to remove unnecessary weed in curriculum. It is decreasing the syllabus for them. It is like slightly increasing the curriculum not like putting immediate burden. 

They are saying about Importance of vernacular languages in schools. They already started 162 vernacular primary schools, which helps the child to go far from near, otherwise it is like going near from far, then the child will surely fall down. When we start with vernacular then it help in equilibrium (Balancing assimilation & accommodation) things.

 In olden days there is no that much gender discrimination because the women are dedicated their life to parents/Husband orders & requests. At that time the people don’t have that much liberal thoughts, but they are traditional & cultural thoughts which guide them. At that time it is very suitable for girls. In the above documents they also told about vocational education that is cooking, needle work etc. this will help them in learning some other thing from that they can satisfy themselves & as well as others.

The Arya Samaj people is helping the commission in saying the facts about girl’s education which may clear Idea to make some policies for the betterment of girls education.

Hinder (Delay):-

At that time there is no that much gender discrimination, but in 20^th century onwards may be gender discrimination became high in name of liberty. Now mixed school is not existing means it will become problem.

 

References: -

Document 102- Lahore Arya Samaj discusses the Object & content of Women’s education.

Sakshi Telugu Newspaper (Article on Dayananda Sarasvati & Arya Samaj {Life Story of Him})

Discussions with Friends.