Book Description

Education and the British Empire: cultural imperialism or vital preparation for independence and nationhood? This question lies at the root of the history of the education services in India and the colonial territories. Clive Whitehead, a distinguished educationalist, has brought together these studies of the life and work of leading practitioners, covering over 100 years up to the end of empire, the onset of independence and beyond. He includes both administrators and teachers on the ground, like Sir Hans Vischer, Arthur Mayhew, Eric R. J. Hussey, Sir Christopher Cox, Frank Ward, Freda Gwilliam - the 'Great Aunt' of British colonial education - and the great social anthropologist turned educationalist, Margaret Mead. Leading issues are tackled, including academic education for the future Platonic Guardians who would run the territories after the British departed, provision of technical and scientific training, the need for mass education and literacy in English and local languages, equal opportunities for all and education for women and, perhaps the most vital principal with global implications, how to link Western knowledge with unique indigenous history and culture.