Growth of Modern Education in Colonial Kashmir: Role of Private Agencies

The present paper discusses the role of private agencies in the development of modern education in the princely State of Kashmir during the end of 19th century and beginning of 20th century, which was ruled by Dogra Maharajas. It finds that, in the absence of government initiative, private agencies particularly the Christian missionaries were primarily responsible for the development of modern education in Kashmir. Contribution of Church Missionary Society (CMS) of London had been pivotal in the dissemination of education in Kashmir. CMS had to face a number of problems on account of the daunting attitude of the early Dogra rulers. Instead of the ambiguous attitude of the society they were successful in introducing the education on modern lines including girl's education in Kashmir. But the participation in the mission schools was limited to the elite section of the society, especially the Pandits. Besides it mentions about the contribution of socio-religious reform movements, in promotion of modern education, which sprang during the early 20th century among the Hindu and the Muslim communities. It concludes that instead of all efforts of private agencies and government, Kashmir was one of the educationally backward states at the end of Colonial rule.