Correspondence on the subject of the education of the Muhammadan community in British India and their employment in the public service generally (Calcutta: Government Printing India, 1886)

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From E. C. Bayley, Esq., C.S.I., Secretary to the Government of India, to the Secretary to the Government
of Bengal, General Department,—No. 299, dated Simla, 7th August 1871.
I am directed to acknowledge the receipt of your letter No. 632, dated the 28th February
last, submitting the report of the Committee appointed by the Government of Bengal to
enquire into the condition and management of the Calcutta Madrassah as an educational
institution.
2. The report has been perused by the Governor General in Council with great interest.
It shows that beyond doubt changes are necessary in order to place the Madrassah in its proper
direct relation to the Mahomedan community of Calcutta, and His Excellency in Council is of
opinion that, while some of its suggestions are valuable, there are others which it may be
desirable for the Government of Bengal to modify in order to effect a thorough reform.
3. One of the most essential requisites for success in institutions of this nature is
efficient supervision; and on this point the recommendation made by the Committee, as well
as the arrangement adopted by the Lieutenant-Governor, is calculated to perpetuate the mis-
take that has in no small degree led to the existing unsatisfactory state of things. The Com-
mittee would abolish the office of Principal and place the Madrassah under the control and
management of a Head Professor, subject to the general supervision of the educational
authorities. In accordance with this recommendation, the Lieutenant-Governor temporarily
entrusted - the superintendence of the institution to Mr. Sutcliffe, who is already the Principal
of the Presidency College and Registrar of the Calcutta University, and who is believed to be,
moreover, quite unacquainted with the Arabic language. In the opinion of the Governor
General in Council, the Madrassah wants a resident Principal of high qualifications and
position, who would devote his whole time and energy to the promotion of its interest and
welfare; and the Governor General in Council believes that there should be no difficulty in
providing the requisite funds for the appointment of such an officer on a salary of Rl,000
rising to Rl,250 per mensem by annual increments of R50 a month, such annual incre-
ment to commence after two years of approved service. The Governor General in Council
believes it to be indispensable to the success of the experiment that the services of a European
gentleman of repute as an Arabic scholar, with the power of teaching the upper classes in
English, should be obtained for this appointment. There will be no difficulty in securing such
a scholar by application to the Secretary of State, to whom His Excellency in Council will be
prepared to recommend this measure if the Lieutenant-Governor concurs, and can provide the
means from the Educational Funds at his disposal.
4. Such a Principal secured, it would probably be best to leave the ultimate remodel-
ment of the Native establishment to be settled by him, subject to the approval of the Local
Government. But the proposal to do away with the resident Moonshees appears to be of very
doubtful expediency. The difficulty of maintaining discipline amongst the students is great,
and a European officer may not succeed in this arduous task without some such aid. The old
arrangements as to subordinate appointments might, therefore, the Governor General in
Council thinks, be left untouched pending the arrival of the new Principal, but on the express
understanding that they are temporary and subject to a thorough revision when the new
Principal shall have joined his office, and shall have gained sufficient experience to enable him
to form accurate conclusions in respect of the actual requirements of the Madrassah.
5. As regards the character of the instruction to be given, it will probably be well also
to leave its final settlement till the Principal has gained some experience in the working of the
institution. Meanwhile, the only remark which the Governor General in Council wishes to
make is that great care must be taken not to force too much English education on those whose
chief object is to acquire proficiency in Arabic. We should give an opportunity to learn
English up to a high standard, and offer certain inducements to the study of that language
without making it in any way compulsory on those who are not anxious for it.
6. The proposal for the appointment of a Consultative Committee the Governor-
General in Council approves. As a means of bringing together European gentlemen who are
interested in the education of the Mahomedans and of associating them with Mahomedans of
high position and respectability, it may be a very useful way of promoting high education in
the community. There can, moreover, be no question that the advice and assistance of such a
body will be of material help to the head of the institution and to the Local Government on
points connected with its internal economy and administration.
7. The Governor General in Council has taken this opportunity to consider the real
status and present position of the Hooghly Madrassah. The history of that institution appears
to be briefly as follows : In the year 1806 a Mahomedan gentleman of the Shia sect died,
leaving an estate called Syedpore in trust for “ pious uses/'’ The deed of trust appointed two
trustees, to each of whom a share of the proceeds, amounting to one-ninth, was assigned.
Three shares of the same proportion were assigned to certain specific objects, viz., the performance