Which of the following recognised for the first time that the government should give 'frank and cordial support to female education and take effective measures for its expansion?

Correct option is C

The Woods Despatch of 1854, often referred to as the "Magna Carta of English education in India," was the first official document that recognized the importance of female education in India. It acknowledged the role of the government in promoting education for women and recommended that female education should be encouraged and supported by the government. The despatch laid the foundation for the establishment of a systematic education system in India and also advocated for the education of girls, which was a significant step forward for female education during the colonial period.
· Women's Indian Association (a): Founded in 1917, this organization advocated for women’s rights and education, but it did not issue the first formal government recognition.
· All India Women's Conference (b): Established in 1927, this group worked for women’s education and social reform, but the formal governmental support for female education was first seen in the Woods Despatch.
· National Council of Women (d): Founded in 1925, this body promoted social reform and women’s rights, but again, it did not represent the earliest official recognition of female education.
Information Booster 1. The Woods Despatch of 1854 laid the foundation for modern education in India, promoting the use of English as the medium of instruction and the establishment of universities.
2. It highlighted the importance of female education, making it one of the first official documents to advocate for governmental support in this area.
3. The despatch also called for the establishment of a Department of Public Instruction in each province to oversee the development of education.
4. Female education in India was largely neglected before this period, and the despatch played a pivotal role in shifting attitudes.
5. Despite the despatch's recommendations, the actual implementation of measures to promote female education was slow and met with resistance in many parts of India.
6. The Woods Despatch is considered a landmark in the history of education in India, especially in the context of modern, Western-style education systems.