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VIDYASAGAR AS A REFORMER OF EDUCATION
Priyanka Sikder
Guest Lecturer, Dept. of Education
Sri Krishna College, Bagula, Nadia
Dr. Tarini Halder
Assistant Professor, Dept of Education
University of Kalyani
ABSTRACT
Great peoples are born to make an impact on society. When our society was covered
with full of superstitions, illiteracy, unconsciousness, and when British peoples were busy in
their political conquests then Vidyasagar arised like a sun to enlighten our society. He worked
endlessly to transform our society. His contribution towards education and changing the status
of women education and higher education was remarkable. Vidyasagar, who came in the middle
of the 19th century, was a prominent personality among different modernizers. Vidyasagar was a
Bengali Sanskrit Pandit, educator, social reformer, writer and philanthropist. He has a great
contribution in the different aspects of education. He enriched and reforms the education system.
Madhusudan Dutta’ s comment about Vidyasagar was that, - “ He had the wisdom and genius of
a sage, heart of a Bengali mother and energy of an Englishman, is proof of Vidyasagar’ s image
in the 19th century.” In this paper the researcher intends to review and analysis the contribution
of Vidyasagar in the different aspects of education.
KEY WORDS
Enlight, Women Education, Promotion and Contribution.
INTRODUCTION
Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar is remembered today as a great social and educational
reformer of 19th century Bengal. He is an icon in Bengal and great part of India. He was an
Indian Bengali polymath and key figure of the Bengal Renaissance. Vidyasagar was terribly
conscious of his country’ s weaknesses and to correct them. He favoured education according to
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western method. For him, progress would not come from a return to ancient Indian civilization,
no matter how great it had been. On the contrary, he wanted to progress in the domain of
scientific knowledge as well as development of a critical mind. About him, it is impossible to
think of the towering influence that European thinkers would have exercised over his way of
thinking from his youth. His contribution is remarkable in the different aspects of education. He
brought about a revolution in the Bengal education system and refined the way Bengali language
was written and taught. His thinking about women education and higher education was
incredible. He tried to change the society from superstitions, polygamy etc. After his death
Rabindranath Tagore said.’ One wonders how God, in the process of producing forty million
Bengalis, produced a man’ .
PERSONAL PROFILE
Vidyasagar was born on 26 September, 1820 at the village of Birsingha of Midnapur
district. He was born in Bandyopadhyay family. His father’ s name is Thakurdas
Bandyapadhyay and mother’ s name is Vagabati Devi. His full name is Ishwar Chandra
Bandyapadhyay as he well known Vidyasagar. Vidyasagar means ‘ knowledge of ocean’ . He
received the title Vidyasagar for his outstanding academic performance when he graduated from
Sanskrit College. He is very talented from his childhood. One day after finished his preliminary
education in the primary school of his native village, his teacher, Kalikanta came to his father
and said, this boy is very talented, you should take him to Calcutta and placed him in a good
English school’ . A Sanskrit scholar, he also successfully cleared his law examination in 1839.
He learned Vedanta, Vyakaran, Literature, Rhetoric’ s, Smriti and Ethics in Sanskrit College
during 1829-1841. In 1841, at the age of twenty-one years, he joined Fort William College as a
head of the Sanskrit Department. In 1846 he joined Sanskrit College as vice secretary. He had
spent his own money to open clinics both at Birsingha and in some small towns. He took
responsibilities as an Inspector. His ‘ Borno Porichoy’ (introduction to the letter), is still used
as the introductory text to learn Bengali alphabets. He introduced the practice of widow
remarriage and pushed for the widow remarriage Act XV of 1856. In 1891 his colourful life was
ended in Kolkata at the age of 70. In his initiation many schools were established. His
contribution in writing and publishing books is also remarkable.
Review of Related Literature: The review of related literature which the researcher has been
done as follows:
Banu & Alam (2016), worked on “ Influence of Western Knowledge and Culture
upon Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar and his Philosophy of education” . They worked
to find to reveal the philosophy of education of Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar and to reveal
the impact of his philosophy of education on the Bengal society. Lastly, they found
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incredible impact of Vidyasagar’ s thinking on education to the development of Bengal
Society.
Bhattacharjee, (2015), worked on “ Women’ s Issues: Contribution of the Reform and
Reformers in Colonial India.” He worked to analyze the impact of the reform
movement on the Indian society and to identify the social practices that existed in the
colonial India. He found that as a reformer in the aspects of social and educational like
others Vidyasagar has also remarkable contribution.
Biswas, (2012). He worked on “ The Era of Science Enthusiasts in Bengal (1841-1891):
Akshayakumar, Vidyasagar and Rajendralala.” He worked to find out the
contribution of Akshayakumar and Vidyasagar in contemporary education and how they
injected scientific principles in Indian Vernacular Education. He found that they have a
great contribution to inject scientific principles in vernacular education.
Chaudhury (2017), worked on “ Remembrance: A Tribute to Ishwar Chandra
Vidyasagar achievements and Innovations in the field of Education during the 19th
century in Bengal.” He worked to find out various issues about Ishwar Chandra
Vidyasagar in the perspective on education. Finally, he founds that Ishwar Chandra
Vidyasagar has significant contribution on contemporary education.
Ghosh (2018), worked on “ Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar’ s contribution in the
development of Bengali language and literature and its relevance in present
context” . In her study she had been taken three objectives, where she intends to find out
the literary works of the Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar in the period of 19th century and two
more. She found that Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar is the one of the greatest writers of
Bengali literature.
Roy (2018). Worked on “ Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar: The champion Educator of
Bengal” to reveal the philosophy of education of Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar, to reveal
and analyse his thoughts on education and to reveal the impact of his philosophy of
education on then Bengal Society. He found that his ideas in educational reformation is
correlative and he is the key figure of progressive thoughts in education in Bengal
Society.
Sammadar (1989), worked on “ Educational contribution of Pandit Iswar Chandra
Vidyasagar Analysis of humanism materialism and scientism in his educational
philosophy.” She worked to find the contribution of Vidyasagar in education, language
development and to analyse how much he Enlight our society with his educational ideas.
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She found there is a significant contribution of Vidyasagar. He enriched the Bengali
Literature and Enlight education system by his outstanding ideas.
Zafar (2014), worked on “Social Reform in Colonial Bengal: Revisiting Vidyasagar.”
He studied to find out the contribution of Vidyasagar as a social reformer in colonial
Bengal. He found that Vidyasagar has a great contribution to change and reform our
society.
Vidyasagar is a shining star in the development of education in India. He has a great
contribution in the reformation and development of education system. Various research workers
have studied about contribution of Vidyasagar in different aspects like as a social reformer, as an
educational reformer, development of Bengali Literature and Language etc. at different times.
Currently standing in the 21th century, the ideology of Vidyasagar about education is equally
relevant. So on the occasion of his birth anniversary, the researcher paying homage to him
intends to study this work.
OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY
To study the educational ideals of Vidyasagar
To study the role of Vidyasagar to promote education to the masses
To study the role of Vidyasagar in spreading girl’ s education
To study the role of Vidyasagar as an administrator
To study the role of Vidyasagar as a reformer of higher education
To study the role of Vidyasagar as a writer, publisher and editor
Research Questions:
Is there any contribution of Vidyasagar in the field of education?
Is there any contribution of Vidyasagar to promote primary and mass education?
Is there any contribution of Vidyasagar to the development of girl’ s education?
Is there any role of Vidyasagar as an educational administration?
Is there any role of Vidyasagar as a reformer of higher education?
Is there any role of Vidyasagar as a writer, publisher and editor?
Methodology:
The study is Historical in nature. In Historical this study both primary and second sources
are used as sources of collecting data. In this study mainly, secondary sources are used. Data for
this study have been collecting from books articles and Ph.D. thesis. Only qualitative data have
been used in this study. So, the study is qualitative also.
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Educational Ideals of Vidyasagar
Like a real humanist, Vidyasagar always tried to make education more purposive and
enjoyable. The British outlook towards education was to train up a sufficient number of
clerks and administrator who would help in smoothing running of the Government
machinery. But Vidyasagar approach about education was totally different. He wanted to
create a new era for education. He said that students will learn for their practical life.
That’ s why he suggested, the various subjects of Sanskrit will be teaching in the
scientific and logical way.
The idea that Vidyasagar believed in education was that, -" the education of the Indians
would be sufficient knowledge regarding Sanskrit and English which enriched our
mother language by the western civilization and science." He realized that, western
education is very important for the development and progress of Indians. However, this
knowledge is extracted through English language but main objective is development of
native language through Western knowledge. Not only he imparted this knowledge on
English knowledge and western science but also Vidyasagar understood this true fact of
mother language development in education
Vidyasagar suggested including the psychological, scientific and logical aspect of his
proposed curriculum. He favored reading, writing, geography, History, Mathematics,
Natural Philosophy, Mental and Moral Philosophy, geometry, moral science, political
science, physiology, natural science, physiology, English language and western language
etc. He adopted English as a compulsory subject not elective subject. He linked the
education with the vocational aspects.
The NCF- 2005 emphasized on meaningful and joyful learning instead of rote learning.
Vidyasagar had doing it in the long past. He suggested simplified and rationalized syllabus by
eliminating the irrelevant, complex Sanskrit grammar and other contents. According to him
education should be practical and life centric.
He wanted expansion of Western Education because he realized that the progress of the
country and the overall development of the individual could only come through the acquisition of
the knowledge of the latest development of science and materialist philosophy. He was never a
theorist only. He had always tried to translate his ideology into direct action. He was not satisfied
with the prevailing texts like Anandamangal and Bidyasundar. He wrote many books for the
students. Vidyasagar suggested that Sanskrit, Science and Mathematics should be remodeled in
idiomatic Bengali, based on Western knowledge.
When Vidyasagar was student, he noticed that only the rote learning was the way for
teaching. After that when he joined Sanskrit College as a Principal he wanted to change
the teaching system. He suggested life centric and practical teaching. According to him,
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students will learn through experience. Vidyasagar wanted to introduce pleasant readings
of topical interested: about animals, plants, painting, navigation etc. He said that,
classroom will be pleasant and interactive between students and teachers. He emphasized
on logic and scientific method.
According to Vidyasagar mother language will be only medium of instruction. Teacher
can easily present complex contents through mother language. Students also can easily
understand the significance and importance of contents through mother language.
Vidyasagar sharply criticizes mother language's neglect in the education system in that
time. He suggested medium of instruction will be Bengali based on Western Education.
He suggested that the students learn the basic rules of the Sanskrit language in Bengali.
He said English was made compulsory for the first five classes and mathematics was
taught in English. History, Geography and Natural sciences etc. were taught in the
western model.
Regarding examination of the students Vidyasagar had a radical view. The examinations
of the colleges were held annually. Vidyasagar had serious objection of this. For
evaluation, Vidyasagar introduced monthly exam instead of annual examination to make
the students achieve round the year. Because he more emphasized on all round
development of individuals. At present, there are lots of talks about CCE (Continuous
Comprehension Evaluation).
Vidyasagar introduce the scholarship examination. Instead of two junior scholarship
examination (one for ‘ Sahitya’ class and the other for ‘ Alankara’ class), the senior
scholarship test programme was changed significantly.
Vidyasagar’ s View on Moral Education
Vidyasagar supported moral education. He always gave importance in the moral
development of the students. Many of his literature reflect the moral of education. For the
‘ Alankara’ class, he wanted to add readings of essays on ethics. For ‘ Smrti’ class,
Vidyasagar kept ‘ Manu Samhita’ as curriculum and about it he wrote, - ‘ It treats of social,
moral, religious and economical laws.’ He translated 68 tales of English translation of Eshop’ s
Fable by Rev. Thomas James in Bengali. Vidyasagar gave importance on moral philosophy as
curriculum contents. In 1852 he wrote the book ‘ Betal Panchabinsati’ . In the preface of the
book he wrote that, it is a collection of legendary stories of Raja Vikramaditya. The original of
these tales to be found in the Kathasaritasagar by Somdeva Bhatta. For development of morality
among students he suggested to include these books as curriculum and he always added moral
talks at the end of every short story in the books of “ Kathamala” , “ Bodhodaya” etc.
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Development of Primary and Mass Education
Vidyasagar has a great contribution in primary education. Till the time of Vidyasagar, primary
education did not get any importance by the British government. In that time Primary education
was neglected. In 1853 Vidyasagar wrote a report to Halliday to explain the needs for
emphasizing on primary education. ln this report Vidyasagar freed it from the old reforms and
imposed on the formation of primary schools, writing books and teacher’ s training. To improve
the levels of “PATHASALAS” education, he suggested the creation of Model Schools which
would be regularly inspected. He wrote many books in the development of primary or basic
education. 'Varna Porichoy' is the incredible creation of Vidyasagar. In primary education he
suggested mother language as a medium of instruction. Two districts will be under one inspector.
Vidyasagar emphasized on writing, reading, arithmetic, geography, physiology, political science,
history, geometry, moral science etc.as curriculum in primary education. He started circle system
for the school administration. He established normal schools for the teachers training. Burdwan,
Hooghly, Midnapur and Nadia, in each of these four districts five normal schools were
established. For the development of primary education in Hooghly, Burdwan and Midnapur the
model schools where established. Thus, he was spreading the basic education to masses. His
efforts in the field of primary education, both for boys and girls, would have been even a greater
success if the Bengali elite members had stood behind him and helped him more vigorously.
ESTABLISHMENT OF TEACHER S TRANING SCHOOL
In 1866, the Bengal Government had written to the Committee of the Bethune School to acquaint
its members with the interest taken by the authorities in the opening of a Normal Class of Female
Teachers in connection with the Bethune School. Vidyasagar realized the importance of teachers
training. For this he requested to the Government to establish teachers training schools, where
teacher could develop their teaching skills. But the British Government was unwilling to help
financial support for these schools. By his initiation a Normal School was established on 17th
July, 1850. After that in 1855, a Normal School was established where sixty teachers will be
trained in two installments. To implement his teachers training programmed plan twenty-five
schools were established in the districts of Midnapur, Burdwan, Hooghly and Nadia. Now-a-days
there are lots of talk about teachers training programme. Now Different committee, commissions,
Educational policy, NCTE emphasized on teachers training.
EFFORTS FOR DEVELOPMENT OF FEMALE EDUCATION
One of the Vidyasagar's most notable achievements in the context of 19th century women's
progress is the promotion of women's education in Bengal. He has a great contribution in women
education. He stood beside them like a bright sun when women were neglected. Vidyasagar
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believed that education would bring dignity for women into society. By pushing the traditional
superstitions, he began to promote women education. The vigilant icon of modernity has rightly
realized that there is no liberation of women without education.
Vidyasagar & Bethune School: In 1949, Mr. Bethune established a free school for
girl’ s education with helps some Bengali leaders. After that, it was known by
Bethune school. In 1950, Vidyasagar took charges of Bethune School. After that,
he requested to his friends and familiar to send their daughter at Bethune School.
For his kind request pandit Taranath Bachospati, Shambhunath pandit, Haradeb
Chattopadhyay leading royal people sent their daughters at the school.
Debendranath Tagore also sent his daughter Soudamini to the school. According
to Vidyasagar instruction, Bethune School used to write on two sides of the
Bethune school’ s cars- “ kanyapyobog palonia shikshaniyati jatnata” (The
daughters should be cared for and taught as sons).
Helps in establishment of girl’ s school: When the Secretary of the Education
Council, Dr. Mouat came to India, he was interested about women education
in India. Vidyasagar wrote a report to Mouat for spreading and development
of women education. He was particularly active in the promotion of women
education. Vidyasagar agreed with Mr. Mouat and decided that a girl's school
will be set up in the village where the residents can efforts it. According to
this planning in 1858, three schools in the Midnapur district, eleven schools in
the Burdwan district, twenty schools in the Hooghly district, one in the Nadia
district school was established. The students of this school were 3500.
Formation of Nari Shiksha Bhandar: Vidyasagar hoped that he will get
financial help from Indian Govt. for these schools. But even after a year he
realized that Indian Govt.is unwilling to help financial help. Meanwhile, the
teachers of the schools were not getting remuneration. He did a lot of writing
for it. In the end the money was once accepted. Govt. of India has informed
that government cannot afford any permanent money for Vidyasagar girl’ s
school. Then Vidyasagar formed the Nari Shiksha Bhandar to solve the
financial problems of these schools. To maintain these schools and pay the
teachers, he did not hesitate to spend his own money while waiting for the
Government’ s refund.
Spreading of Female education in rural areas: Vidyasagar did not just create
a deep inter connector for women’ s education in the middle-class society of
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Calcutta, the center of Bengal and India. He spread the women education in
the rural areas also. Vidyasagar itself established a girl’ s school at Jougram
village.
Now-a- days there is a lot of discussions on women’ s education, women liberation,
women empowerment, gender discrimination etc. Now we see several schemes initiated by the
governments like Kanyashree Prokalpo, Beti Bachao, Beti Parhao (save girls, educate girls) etc.
That time Vidyasagar established Nari Shiksha Bhander for financial assistance of girl’ s
education. Now different committee, commissions emphasizes on equal education irrespective of
caste, creed, religion, gender etc. Vidyasagar thought about these in that time.
Vidyasagar as an Educational Administrator
To maintain healthy administration system in schools Vidyasagar started circle systems
and inspection system for schools. For inspection he decided, two districts will be under one
inspector. The principal of Sanskrit college will perform additional duties as chief inspector.
Vidyasagar himself played the role of inspector of South Bengal circle to ensure proper
management of the school inspection system. In 1855, Vidyasagar is appointed as special
inspector of schools of South Bengal. At a time Vidyasagar handled the responsibility of Sanskrit
college, normal schools, model schools of four districts, and department of Bengali in Hindu
college.
As an administrative reformist he was an icon. In his administration he opened the
gates of Sanskrit college to all irrespective of caste, creed or religion. Not only had these he also
initiated the acceptance of admission fees and tuition fees. He was very much careful to ensure
punctuality of attendance and disciplines in the classes. He even introduced the weekly holiday
and summer vocation in the sultry months of May and June.
Now-a day, there is a concept of bio-metric attendance and stipulated fixed hour in the
school and college premises. Vidyasagar had done the same thing when he took drastic measures
to ensure punctuality and regularity of attendance for both teachers and students in t5he Sanskrit
college.
Vidyasagar and Development of Higher Education
Vidyasagar has a great contribution in the development and reformation of higher education. He
enriched and reformed Indian higher education system. The contribution of Vidyasagar in
composing textbooks, development of quality of excellence, development of various institutions
is immense. In 1857 he elected as a fellow of Calcutta University.
Metropolitan Institution: He played the major part in the foundation, the
management and the development of this institution. In 1859 when Calcutta training
school established he became its secretary. At first it was named Hindu Metropolitan
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Institution, then Metropolitan Institution and after that it was known by Vidyasagar
College. At this time Vidyasagar formed a committee with the help of Dwarakanath
Mitra and Krishnanath Pal. In their endeavor on January 1872, the institution received
approval from Calcutta University for the arts subjects and two years later, at this,
examination the institution came second of the Colleges affiliated to the Calcutta
University. Such a success for a completely Bengali establishment, without any
European professor, came as a surprise. It became the first Indian higher education
institute run by Indians. Vidyasagar, till his death, assumed the full responsibilities
for the Institution’ s management and the recruitment of the teaching staff. C.E.
Buckland, in his book Bengal under the Lieutenants Governors, wrote: “ The
establishment of the Metropolitan Institution in Calcutta in 1864, and his (Vidyasagar)
successful working under its management as a first grade college, are well known to
the educational history in Bengal; it was the prototype and the pattern of many similar
institutions. The Metropolitan Institution had an attached school of 800 boys, besides
4 or 3 branches in different quarters of the town of Calcutta.”
Fort William College: After completion the college life in 1841, he joined Fort
William College as a head Pandit. During this time, he came to rescue the higher
education system like an angel. Vidyasagar performed his duties with responsibilities
bestowed upon him at this college. Vidyasagar's English language, despite having
acquired enough knowledge, has given great importance to the culture and tradition
of his native country. When he became the College Director, Vidyasagar replaced
these Sanskrit text-books by others that taught Western mathematics. When he was
student, he saw students learnt by rote, and there were never any possibilities for
discussions and no opening on to the rest of the world. Later as the Director,
Vidyasagar will introduce many changes for the better.
Vidyasagar as a Reconstructor of Sanskrit College: In 1846, Vidyasagar joined
Sanskrit College as Assistant secretary. He stayed in this post for a short time only
and, the following year due to some reasons he resigned. As soon as he took the post
and then, he tried to introduce some amount of discipline in the College. In 1851, he
rejoined Sanskrit College as principal. The Pandit was not only aiming at the
preservation of the Sanskrit College and Sanskrit Studies, his ambition was to use the
knowledge of Sanskrit for the progress of the Bengali Language. At that time, he
made some important reforms of the associated Sanskrit college-
For the common people mother language will be medium of instruction.
Emphasizes on Bengali Grammar by reducing excess gravity over Sanskrit grammar. He
suggested that the students learn the basic rules of the Sanskrit language in Bengali. Then
they should study selected texts from Hitopadesa, Ramayana, and Mahabharata etc.
English language will be compulsory through Sanskrit college.
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He divided the College in two sections: junior and senior. Grammar, Literature and
rhetoric classes were in the junior section and Nyaya, Vedanta and Smriti in the senior
one.
He emphasizes on scientific education. The students did not like grammar, they found it
boring, being lazy, and they failed at the examination. He changed the way to teach
subject and introduced monthly examinations. He also modified the way of teaching
arithmetic and algebra in the mathematics and astronomy class.
Vidyasagar opens the door of Sanskrit college for all regardless of caste, colour, race,
gender etc.
Under his supervision, neither the teachers nor the students could play truant without
permission.
Teachers and pupils were expected to arrive in the morning at 10:30. Many senior pandits
always arrived late. Vidyasagar made it a habit to stand every morning at the door of the
College waiting for the teachers. Slowly, the number of late comers diminished.
He emphasizes on Bengali, Sanskrit and English language. For the students of the
Grammar class, Vidyasagar introduced a new method of teaching Sanskrit ‘ Uyakaran’
that shortened the long time previously spent to master Sanskrit grammar.
For Literature class he suggested Kumarasambhava to Kadambari, for Rhetoric class he
recommended Mammata’ s Kavyaprakasa, Visvanath’ s Sahitya Darpana,
Dhananjaya’ s Dasarupaka. Instead, English Arithmetic, Algebra and Geometry
textbooks should be translated into Bengali. For these classes of junior section, he wanted
to introduce pleasant reading of topical interest about animals and plants, printing press,
navigation, earthquakes, the Great Chinese Wall, bees etc. Nyaya class was taught
touches upon subjects relating to Chemistry, Optics, and Mechanics etc.
CONTRIBUTION IN BENGALI LANGUAGE & LITERATURE
Vidyasagar contribution in literature is immense. He also understood the important role
played by newspapers and periodicals, both Bengali and English, for the public enlightenment.
He wrote and published many books. He enriched the Bengali and Sanskrit literature. Nyaya,
Sahitya Darshana is the Sanskrit book written and published by Vidyasagar from his own press
named as’ Sanskrit Press and Depository’ with the partnership of Madan Mohan Tarkalankar.
On November 1858, appeared the first number of the Bengali weekly ‘ Somprakash’ of which
he was the founder. In 1869, Vidyasagar sold two-third of his press to pay off his debts following
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the widow-remarriages that he organized. In 1872, the Pandit was also the initiator of an
insurance scheme, the ‘ Hindu Family Annuity Fund’ . His incredible creations are-
A. Books Written and Compiled by Vidyasagar: Vidyasagar translated many books from
Sanskrit and Hindi to Bengali like Vasudeva- Charit, Betalpanchabingsati, Banglar Itihas,
Jiban- Charit, Bodhodaya, Sanskrita Byakaraner Upakramanika, Byakaran Kaumudi,
Sakuntala, Kathamala, Vrantibilas, and Barno Porichoy etc.
B. Books Written by Vidyasagar in Pseudoname: After the publications his books and
his social work many contemporary padits opposed Vidyasagar. Then Vidyasagar started
writing in pseudoname. These ares- Ati Alpo Hailo, Abar Ati Alpo Hailo, Brajabilas,
Ratnaporikhsa etc.
C. Books Edited by Vidyasagar: Vidyasagar edited many books like- Anandamangal,
Padya- Sangraha, Raghubansam, Kumar Sambhav, Kadambari, Meghduta, Uttacharitam,
Abhignam Sakuntalam etc.
D. Articles written Vidyasagar in Newspapers and Magazines: He wrote many articles in
various articles and magazines like- Tattabodhini Patrika, Sarbasubhakari Potrika, Sakha
etc.
CONCLUSION
Vidyasagar was one of the earliest entrepreneurs of Bengal to bring a new era of Bengal.
It is true that Vidyasagar greatest contribution in his century was his personality. His visions for
a better education are an ideal for even today. Whenever he found that his ideals were not
practicable, he had left the scene immediately. That is why he died a loner, but he has been
remembered for his exceptional contribution. He has a great contribution in the field of social
reform, educational reform and literature. His ideas about nationalism, humanism, and
democratic liberalism had influenced the colonial middle class in 19th century. Reformation of
Sanskrit College, development of women education, Barno Porichoy, widow re-marriage is the
incredible work of Vidyasagar. He enriched our Bengali literature by his written. He opens the
door of education to all. He will forever be remembered for his work to Bengalis and the world.
REFFERENCES
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of the Early Trends and Experiments’ . Bharati Book Stall, Calcutta.
Banu, Akter & Alam, Shafiqul (2016). ‘ Influence of Western Knowledge and Culture
upon Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar and His Philosophy of Education’ International
Journal of Education and Psychological Research.
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Bhattacharjee, Debabrata(2015). ‘ Women’ s Issues: Contribution of the Reform and
Reformers in Colonial India’ ’ , EPRA International Journal of Economic and Business
Review.
Bhattacharya, France. (2019) ‘ Pandit Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar’ the Asiatic Society,
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