History of Educational Development in Vidarbha (1882-1923 A.D.)

This book is a creation of scholastic exposition on the theme of the history of educational development in Vidarbha from 1882 to 1923 A.D. highlighting the state of affairs in nine districts of the erstwhile Central Provinces and Berar, alongwith the interpretation of unknown facts, enlarging it from objective empiricism to historicism on the basis of sociological and historical perspectives. This study is quite interesting for P.G./M.Phil./Ph.D. students of all social sciences and education faculty as well, because: it identifies the changeability of the educational pattern from indigenous nature to modern perspectives at all levels, It highlights the emergence of leadership, new values, nationalism and freedom struggle and also shows how education works as condition, instrument and as an effect of social change in the region. It explains the extent of adoption and non-adoption of educational facilities at all levels in the context of socio-cultural conditions, it reveals how English models were initiated too slavishly, students were being crammed with undigested knowledge and teachers obsessed with results. It highlights the Hitavada’s relentless crusade for a separate university, forecast of Jabalur and Amravati Universities and demand for more autonomy in the province, it shows how the period of four decades in question transformed a society. It refers over-all educational backwardness of females, low-castes and aboriginal tribes with a growing assertion of claims to social and political recognition. It reveals how minorities’ interest in education became manifest through conferences and C.P. Legislative Council. It highlights positional and structural changes occurred due to education. In short, this book shows how poor ‘peripheral’ society of Vidarbha could make headway on the guidelines of ‘core’ societies and achieve the objective of ‘sustainable development’ through educational expansion.