The Report of William Adam
1. What was the main purpose of William Adam’s report?
a) To document British missionary activities in India
b) To study and report on vernacular education in Bengal and Bihar
c) To establish English-medium schools in rural India
d) To promote industrial training for Indian students
2. According to William Adam, how were traditional pathshalas in Bengal and Bihar structured?
a) They followed a strict timetable and curriculum
b) They had no fixed fees, no printed books, and no regular timetable
c) They were funded by the British government
d) They were exclusively for the children of wealthy landlords
3. Where were traditional pathshalas usually held?
a) In large school buildings funded by the British
b) In forts and temples controlled by zamindars
c) Under a banyan tree, in village shops, or at the guru’s home
d) In government-approved educational centers
4. How did traditional pathshalas accommodate children from peasant families?
a) They had flexible timetables to allow children to help with agricultural work
b) They provided scholarships funded by the British government
c) They only operated during the monsoon season
d) They required students to pay fixed fees before admission
5. What was a key finding of Adam’s report about the number of pathshalas in Bengal and Bihar?
a) There were very few pathshalas due to British interference
b) There were over 1 lakh pathshalas educating around 20 lakh students
c) Most pathshalas were limited to Brahmin students
d) Only English education was valued in these regions
Answers & Explanations
1. b) To study and report on vernacular education in Bengal and Bihar – Adam was asked to document traditional education in these regions .
2. b) They had no fixed fees, no printed books, and no regular timetable – The system was informal and flexible .
3. c) Under a banyan tree, in village shops, or at the guru’s home – Classes were held in different informal settings .
4. a) They had flexible timetables to allow children to help with agricultural work – The pathshalas paused during harvest seasons .
5. b) There were over 1 lakh pathshalas educating around 20 lakh students – Adam’s survey found a widespread traditional education system .
New Routines, New Rules
1. What change did the British introduce in pathshalas after 1854?
a) They allowed complete autonomy to traditional gurus
b) They introduced regulations, timetables, and inspections
c) They abolished pathshalas and replaced them with missionary schools
d) They made English the only language of instruction
2. What role did government-appointed pandits play in pathshalas?
a) They helped conduct examinations and maintained discipline
b) They acted as tax collectors for the British government
c) They ensured that only British-approved subjects were taught
d) They encouraged students to join British military training programs
3. How did British reforms affect traditional teachers (gurus)?
a) Gurus were given government salaries for teaching
b) Gurus who accepted the new rules received government grants
c) Gurus were forced to abandon their traditional teaching methods
d) Gurus were required to learn English before continuing teaching
4. What consequence did the new British education system have on children from peasant families?
a) They found it easier to attend schools due to scholarships
b) They were forced to abandon education because of strict attendance rules
c) They received direct financial aid from the British government
d) They were allowed to study at home instead of attending schools
5. What was the major difference between the old pathshala system and the British-regulated schools?
a) Pathshalas focused on English education, while British schools focused on Sanskrit
b) Pathshalas had flexible schedules, while British schools required fixed attendance
c) British schools eliminated examinations, while pathshalas emphasized them
d) British schools allowed students to study only during harvest seasons
Answers & Explanations
1. b) They introduced regulations, timetables, and inspections – The British wanted to bring order to vernacular education .
2. a) They helped conduct examinations and maintained discipline – Pandits were responsible for ensuring compliance with new rules .
3. b) Gurus who accepted the new rules received government grants – The British supported those who followed their guidelines .
4. b) They were forced to abandon education because of strict attendance rules – Poor children struggled with the new system as they had to work in fields .
5. b) Pathshalas had flexible schedules, while British schools required fixed attendance – Traditional education accommodated agricultural cycles .
