School Education of Girls in Delhi c. 1900-1947

A Historical Perspective

Abstract

Movements for improving women's status all over the world have always emphasized education as the panacea or the most significant instrument for changing women's subjugated position in the society. Indian social reformers of the nineteenth and early 20^th centuries also accept­ed this view. The colonial authorities too supported this limited view of women's education. The expansion of education and health services in the twentieth century, however, precipitated a need for women 'teachers' and doctors and resulted in the incorporation of these two non-familial vocations in the pro­grammes for women's education.

One important development in the history of female education in Delhi was the foundation of Indrapastha School for Girls at the beginning of 20^th century. This school for girls initially named Indrapastha Kanya Shikshalaya started with seven girls on roll and opened on May 21, 1904. The timing of establishment of this school was important as women were secluded in purdah, sati system was prevalent, child marriage was common, and there was a strong prejudice against girls' education in Delhi.