The essence of Calcutta University - Part 1

Two of India's presidents, Three( can be four) Nobel prize winners, many veteran scientists, and philosophers through ages, patriots, artists and famous writers – are engaged either as a student or simply because of work purpose with this historical university. The amount of glory, historical value, and heritage this university possess it will be unwise to compare it with any other university in India. Which university I am talking about? Well, you may guess the name of it. Yes, I am talking about our very 'own' Calcutta University. Don't feel upset because of the recent state of it, especially the anger among the young generation through social media. Though it has been a long long journey for this university it still holds tremendous strength. If you look down at the memory lane of history you will find some real gems produced by this institution. 

   

For this university, Kadambini Ganguly and Chandramukhi Basu became the 1st female graduates not only in India but also in the whole British Empire. Kadambini Ganguly became the 1st Indian female doctor thanks to this university. This was the first university that built India's first university museum in 1937 and also the first business school in 1953. you can find one of the finest libraries here in this institution which has its place just after the National Library. Except for Calcutta University, there is no other university outside the United Kingdom that presented the degree of "Dr Of law" to not one, not two but three kings of the British Empire. These three are – Edward the Third, George the Five and Edward the Eight. These three got their degrees when they were princes. Not only that, they came to Kolkata to sign and receive the award themselves. Not only from Great Britain, the Prince of Prussia, Fredrikh Augustus had also been presented by the same award in 1911. We all know about Scientist Gopal Bhattacharya, who didn't receive any degree for his internationally acclaimed research on insects. Calcutta University gave him the honorary D.Sc for his great contributions to science. Before, this institution the concept of university existed in India, but this was the first university ever which provided teaching to every student by not discriminating them into caste, religion or colour. It created a great paradigm by changing the law against it, which is well known as Act II, 1857.  

• Background of the establishment:

The preparation for the establishment took place throughout the first half of the 19th century. By the endeavour and support of some well known administers and educationalists like- Governor Lord Minto, Governor Lord Moyra, Raja Rammohan Roy, David Hare, William Kerry, Dwarakanath Thakur, Macula, Lord William Bentinck, an urge to learn about the western education had emerged through Bengal at that point of time. Learning English can improve the financial status and also it can open many windows of opportunities- for these reasons people from all over Bengal especially from the Higher class and middle class came forward and show interest to learn English. For this, many schools and colleges were established by the administers throughout Bengal. Considering this situation very urgent F.Millet, C.C. Egerton, Rosomoy Dutta and Prasanna Kumar Thakur held a meeting with the secretary of Education Legislative of that time- Dr Fredric J. Mouat. They proposed to Dr Mouat to build a university as London University in Kolkata(Calcutta). This proposal then passed down to the Board of Directors of East India Company in 1845. But, the higher authority of England declined this proposal. Dr Mouat wanted to build an education system where students can easily properly learn Science, Literature etc. At that point, many colleges were founded all over Bengal as I mentioned earlier. But these colleges have no similarities in their studies and education system. Hindu College, Sanskrit College, Hoogly Mohsin College, Bengal Engineering College ------

created their system and chose various topics to teach but in a very di-organised manner. In this hour of need, when the demand of a University was rising, in England a protest has formed this matter. Leader of the liberal party, Gladstone raised his voice to increase the western educational culture in India to strengthen the communication between the British and the people of India. 

In 1853, When the question arose whether to give a certificate to East India Company or not, two committees were formed ( Lords and Commons) to investigate the results and the occurring problems due to the rule of the British East India Company in India. These two committees received a large number of reports and applications from those who were appointed in a higher position in various departments. Among them, there was an application of utmost importance, which was sent by Charles H. Cameroon, who had a significant influence on English studies in our country. He was the fourth member of Indian Council, President of the Indian Law Commission and also president of the Education Ministry of Bengal. He was aware of the situation that the youth of Bengal no rights to go to England for higher studies as per the discrimination of caste, religion and colour goes. He was also aware the youth of Bengal has a tremendous urge to learn English and has a great interest in English Literature. So, to ensure that these young students can learn in a proper way he passed down three laws which will provide consent to build at least three Universities in India. These laws were covered under the "Wood's Despatch". Under this act, the British Government permitted to build Universities in Calcutta( Kolkata), Bombay( Mumbai) and Madras( Chennai) and also to hand out degrees to the students just like any Europian University. 

So, this was the background hustle for the establishment of "Calcutta University". In my next blog, I will tell you how this university was established, who were the pioneers of the early stages and of course the role of "Lord Curzon".