The first attempt for the enlightenment of the natives of India in the science and literature of Europe was the establishment in 1816 of the Hindu College. This celebrated institution owes its origin to the exertions of Sir Edward Hyde East, David Hare, and Raja Rammohun Roy. When the native community of Calcutta were roused to consider the plan for the establishment of a Maha Bidyálaya (i.e. great seat of learning) as the Hindu College was originally termed, it was found that many of the orthodox Hindus held aloof from the plan, and refused to cooperate in any movement with Raja Rammohun Roy. Rammohun Roy accordingly, with a magnanimity worthy of his noble character, retired from the management of the proposed institution. Self-denial such as this is almost unknown in Calcutta, for he was the earliest advocate of the establishment of the College, and was eminently fitted by the gifts of nature, by his high position, wise discretion, deep learning, and earnest patriotism, to develop and carry out his own project. He was willing nevertheless to be laid aside, if by suffering rather than by acting he could benefit his country.
The Hindu College was for many years under native management. In 1823, the funds were so low that application was made to Government for aid, which was liberally conceded. The capital of the College moreover was reduced to Rupees 21,000, by the failure in 1827 of Baretto’s house in which it was deposited. The income accordingly fell to less than Rs. 100 a month. Government supplemented the rest with ever increasing liberality, but till 1841, when its contribution was Rs. 30,000 a year, took but little share in the management. The Hindu College therefore is seldom mentioned in the controversies which raged in the Committee of Public Instruction concerning the management of Government schools.
This Committee was established in 1823 by the Governor-General in Council, and in the instructions addressed to its members, the object of their appointment is stated to be the “considering and from time to time submitting to Government the suggestion of such measures as it may appear expedient to adopt with a view to the better instruction of the people, to the introduction of useful knowledge, including the sciences and arts of Europe, and to the improvement of their moral character.”
The institutions placed under its charge were the Arabic College at Calcutta, and the Sanscrit College at Benares. The Calcutta College was established in 1,781 by Warren Hastings, who at his own expense supplied a school house. Government gave lands yielding about Rs. 30,000 a year, and designed the
