Consider the following statements : 1. Charles Wood’s Despatch of 1854 laid exclusive emphasis on the development of higher education in India and neglected primary and secondary education 2. The Carlyle Circular issued by R.W. Carlyle sought to check the spread of revolutionary activities in educational institutions Which of the statements given above is/ are correct ?

Statement 1 is incorrect because Charles Wood’s Despatch of 1854 was a comprehensive plan that repudiated the 'downward filtration theory' and asked the government to assume responsibility for the education of the masses [2]. While it led to the establishment of universities in 1857 , it specifically recommended a graded system of education from primary schools (vernacular) to high schools and colleges. Statement 2 is correct; the Carlyle Circular was issued in October 1905 (by R.W. Carlyle, Chief Secretary of Bengal) during the Swadeshi movement. Its primary objective was to check the spread of revolutionary activities and political participation among students by threatening to withdraw grants and recognition from educational institutions that failed to prevent their students from joining political agitations. This repressive measure was a direct response to the growing nationalist fervor in schools and colleges.

Sources

1. [2] Modern India ,Bipin Chandra, History class XII (NCERT 1982 ed.)[Old NCERT] > Chapter 9: Administrative Changes After 1858 > Hostility to Educated Indians > p. 160