Education Policy in Punjab During the Reign of Maharaja Ranjit Singh
The Sikh Empire, under the rule of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, was a period of significant progress and reform in many areas, including education. Despite the common misconception that pre-British Punjab lacked a formal education system, Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s policies paint a different picture.
Inclusive Education System
Maharaja Ranjit Singh, who himself had no formal education, recognized the importance of learning and took steps to ensure an inclusive education system. His reign saw the establishment of numerous schools in Amritsar and Lahore, which were open to all segments of the Punjabi population1. These institutions were not limited by religious or social boundaries, offering education to Muslims, Sikhs, and other communities alike.
The Maharaja’s policies promoted religious
freedom and equal access to education. Schools attached to religious establishments like mosques, temples, and dharamsalas were common, and education was often provided free of charge2. This approach allowed for a diverse range of educational opportunities, catering to the different needs of the empire’s populace.
Support for Academicians
Under Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s rule, academicians were supported and encouraged. The Punjab region boasted nearly four thousand schools, reflecting the Maharaja’s commitment to education1. Teachers were held in high esteem, and the upper classes often employed private tutors for their children’s education at home.
Legacy of Educational Reforms
The educational reforms initiated by Maharaja Ranjit Singh had a lasting impact on the region. British scholar Gottlieb Wilhelm Leitner, in his book ‘History of Indigenous Education in Punjab’, highlighted the abundance of educational institutions and the financial support they received from various sources, including the royal treasury2.
The education policy in Punjab during the Sikh rule of Maharaja Ranjit Singh was notably progressive and inclusive. Despite having no formal education himself, Maharaja Ranjit Singh valued education and implemented policies that reflected his liberal and generous attitude towards the people of Punjab, including the Muslim community1.
Under his rule, a significant number of schools were established in cities like Amritsar and Lahore, which were open to all residents of Punjab. The region boasted nearly four thousand schools that catered to the educational needs of every community1. Religious education was provided free of charge and was available to both males and females, though taught separately1.
One of the most comprehensive accounts of the educational practices in Punjab during this time was documented by G.W. Leitner in his book, “History of Indigenous Education in Punjab.” He noted that landlords and the upper-class elites often had private schools, and teachers were hired to educate their children at home. Teachers were held in high regard within society1.
It’s also interesting to note that scholars in 1881 remarked that Punjab was one of the most educated places in the world at that time. The education system in Punjab was considered years ahead of Europe, with every village having access to the Punjabi ‘qaida’, making it compulsory for females to be literate in the ‘lundee’ form of Gurmukhi2.
This period of educational prosperity under Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s rule is a testament to his commitment to education and his understanding of its significance for the personal and professional growth of his people1.
Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s educational policies were progressive for their time. They laid the foundation for an inclusive and comprehensive education system that served as a model for future generations. His vision for an educated populace transcended social and religious barriers, making Punjab one of the most educated regions during his reign.
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