The Movers and Shakers of Modern Education in Colonial Punjab

Hardev Singh Virk

Abstract

Punjab was the last province of India to be annexed in 1849. The British Indian government wanted to bring changes in the indigenous education system in vogue in Punjab. An Education Board was created to introduce western system of education. By 1858, 700 primary schools were opened in rural areas of Punjab. In 1864, Government College, Lahore was started, and Dr. GW Leitner was appointed as the first Principal. His aim was to set up an “Oriental University” for promotion of vernacular education and teaching of modern Science and Humanities in the medium of vernacular. Before opening Punjab University, it was envisaged to set up a Punjab University College for promotion of higher education in 1870. Punjab University, Lahore owes its creation in 1882 to the efforts of Dr. Leitner and Anjuman-i-Punjab. The other movers and shakers of modern education in Colonial Punjab were Maharaja Ranbir Singh of Jammu and Kashmir and Maharaja Narinder Singh of Patiala State, and the Nawab of Bahawalpur.