Identify the correct chronological order of the establishment of the following universities:

A. SNDT Women's University
B. Allahabad University
C. Patna University
D. Calcutta University
E. Punjab University

Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

Correct option is D

Introduction:

Understanding the chronological establishment of major Indian universities helps trace the development of modern higher education during colonial and pre-independence India. These institutions played a significant role in shaping the intellectual and political leadership of India.

Information Booster – Year-wise Establishment:

1. D. University of Calcutta – 1857

   • One of the first three universities established in India under the University of Calcutta Act.

   • Modeled on the University of London.

   • Established along with the University of Bombay and University of Madras.

2. E. University of the Punjab – 1882

   • Initially established in Lahore (now in Pakistan).

   • It was the fourth modern university of India.

   • Post-Partition, its Indian counterpart continues in Chandigarh.

3. B. University of Allahabad – 1887

   • Known as the “Oxford of the East.”

   • One of the earliest and most prestigious universities in India.

   • Started as an affiliating and examining body before becoming a teaching university.

4. A. SNDT Women’s University (Shreemati Nathibai Damodar Thackersey Women's University) – 1916

   • First women’s university in India.

   • Founded by social reformer Dhondo Keshav Karve with the goal of promoting women’s education.

5. C. Patna University – 1917

   • Seventh oldest university in the Indian subcontinent.

   • First university in Bihar.

Chronological Arrangement:

• The three oldest universities in India — Calcutta, Bombay, and Madras — were all established in 1857.

• SNDT was the first university exclusively for women.

• Many of these institutions laid the foundation for the Indian independence movement by becoming centers for nationalist thought.