Which of these departments did the Wood’s Despatch of 1854 recommend setting up in the universities?

A. Arabic
B. English
C. French
D. Law

Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

Correct option is B

Explanation:
The Wood’s Despatch of 1854, often referred to as the "Magna Carta of English Education in India," laid out a comprehensive plan for modern education in India.
Arabic: The Despatch emphasized the inclusion of classical and vernacular languages, such as Arabic and Sanskrit, to preserve India’s heritage and ensure cultural inclusivity.
English: It strongly recommended English as the medium of higher education, aligning with the colonial administration’s goals of creating a class of English-speaking elites.
Law: Law was recommended to be part of university curricula to train individuals for administrative and legal services under British rule.

Information Booster:
Key Objectives of Wood’s Despatch:
To promote Western education.
To ensure the establishment of universities in Bombay, Calcutta, and Madras.
To provide vocational and professional training.
Medium of Instruction: English was prioritized for higher education, while vernacular languages were promoted at the primary level.
Classical Languages: Emphasis on Arabic and Sanskrit aimed to preserve traditional knowledge systems.
Impact on Law Education: By incorporating law, the Despatch aimed to create a workforce skilled in British legal practices, supporting the colonial administration.

Additional Knowledge:
The recommendations led to the establishment of the universities of Calcutta, Bombay, and Madras in 1857.
Critics argue that it aimed to create a class of clerks loyal to British rule rather than fostering critical education.
The Despatch shaped the foundation of India’s modern education system, influencing the structure and content of university education.

The Despatch did not recommend French as part of the curriculum, focusing primarily on English, regional languages, and classical languages.