INTRODUCTION:

Maharaja Hari Singh, the last Dogra ruler of Jammu and Kashmir, played a pivotal role in the development of the region's education system during his reign from 1925 to 1947. His efforts were focused on making education accessible to all, particularly the underprivileged and marginalized communities. To bring about socio-economic equality Maharaja Hari Singh put in concerted efforts in the drive against illiteracy, knowing very well that education was the biggest factor for social upward mobility. Progress in the field of education was across regions and the Maharaja particularly introduced Urdu as a medium of instruction to make it more attractive to his Muslim subjects.

The Compulsory Primary Education Act of 1930 was put to immediate effect in Jammu, Srinagar, Sopore, Mirpur and Udhampur. The budget for education was raised from over rupees two lakhs in 1907 to nineteen and a half lakhs in 1931. As a result of this, there were 20,728 schools in 1945 as compared to 706 in 1925 when he took over from his predecessor. Modern education and exposure made Maharaja Hari Singh committed to the cause of social equality which included women. He took many steps to remove gender-biased practices and elevated the status of women in the society.

1. Establishment of Educational Institutions:

Maharaja Hari Singh established several key educational institutions across Jammu and Kashmir. Notable among them is the Sri Pratap College in Srinagar, which became a premier higher education institution. He also founded the Amar Singh College in Srinagar, which focused on arts and sciences, further enhancing the educational infrastructure in the region.¹

2. Promotion of Female Education:

Maharaja Hari Singh was a strong advocate for female education, recognizing its importance for societal progress. He established schools specifically for girls and introduced scholarships to encourage female education. This was a progressive step, considering the conservative nature of society at the time.²

3. Introduction of Compulsory Primary Education:

One of Maharaja Hari Singh’s most significant contributions was the introduction of compulsory primary education. This initiative aimed to ensure that all children, irrespective of their social or economic background, had access to basic education, thus laying the foundation for a more literate society.³

4. Scholarships and Financial Aid:

To support students from economically weaker sections, Maharaja Hari Singh introduced a system of scholarships and financial aid. This initiative was crucial in making education more accessible to the underprivileged and promoting educational equity in the state.⁴

5. Reform in Curriculum and Examination Systems:

The Maharaja modernized the curriculum and examination systems to align them with contemporary needs. He emphasized the inclusion of modern subjects like science and mathematics, alongside traditional subjects, to prepare students for the challenges of the modern world.⁵

6. Support for Higher and Technical Education:

Maharaja Hari Singh encouraged higher education by providing support to students who wished to study both within and outside the state. He also promoted technical education by establishing institutions that offered vocational training, thereby addressing the need for skilled labor in the region.⁶

Key Contributions to Technical Education:

1. Establishment of Technical Institutions:

Maharaja Hari Singh was instrumental in setting up technical schools and institutions that focused on vocational training and technical education. These institutions were designed to provide the youth with skills in areas such as engineering, agriculture, and craftsmanship, which were essential for the economic development of the state.⁷

2. Promotion of Industrial Training:

Understanding the need for skilled labor in various industries, Maharaja Hari Singh promoted industrial training. He established training centers that offered courses in trades such as carpentry, blacksmithing, and weaving. These centers aimed to prepare the workforce for employment in local industries and small-scale enterprises.⁸

3. Technical Education in Agriculture:

Recognizing agriculture as the backbone of Jammu and Kashmir's economy, Maharaja Hari Singh emphasized the importance of technical education in this sector. He supported the establishment of agricultural schools that provided training in modern farming techniques, irrigation methods, and crop management, which helped improve agricultural productivity in the region.⁹

4. Support for Engineering Education:

Maharaja Hari Singh also focused on developing engineering education in Jammu and Kashmir. He provided support for the establishment of engineering departments within existing colleges, which offered courses in civil, mechanical, and electrical engineering. These initiatives were critical in creating a cadre of skilled engineers who could contribute to the development of infrastructure in the state.¹⁰

5. Encouragement of Technical Skills among Women:

In a progressive move for the time, Maharaja Hari Singh also encouraged technical education for women. He supported the establishment of institutions that offered vocational training in areas such as tailoring, embroidery, and other crafts, which enabled women to gain economic independence and contribute to their households.¹¹

6. Establishment of Colleges and Universities:

Maharaja Hari Singh played a crucial role in the establishment of key higher education institutions in Jammu and Kashmir. Notably, he founded Sri Pratap College in Srinagar in 1905 (which was later supported during his reign), one of the first institutions dedicated to higher education in the region. This institution provided courses in various disciplines and became a center of learning for many generations.

He also supported the development of Amar Singh College in Srinagar, established in 1942, which focused on arts and sciences, further expanding opportunities for higher education.¹²

7. Expansion of Higher Education to Remote Areas:

Maharaja Hari Singh was committed to making higher education accessible to students from all parts of the state, including remote and rural areas. He promoted the establishment of institutions outside the major cities, ensuring that students from less privileged backgrounds could also benefit from higher education.¹³

8. Promotion of Science and Technology Education:

Recognizing the importance of science and technology in modern education, Maharaja Hari Singh supported the inclusion of these subjects in the curriculum of higher education institutions. He ensured that colleges offered courses in the sciences, engineering, and other technical fields, preparing students for careers in this rapidly growing sectors.¹⁴

9. Support for Women's Higher Education:

In a progressive move for the time, Maharaja Hari Singh also supported higher education for women. He advocated for the establishment of women’s colleges and promoted co-education in certain institutions, which was a significant step toward gender equality in education.¹⁵

10. Modernization of Curriculum and Examination System

Under Maharaja Hari Singh's reign, there were efforts to modernize the curriculum and examination systems in higher education. He emphasized the need for up-to-date educational practices, aligning the region's education system with broader national and international standards.¹⁶

CONCLUSION:

Maharaja Hari Singh’s contributions to the education system of Jammu and Kashmir were instrumental in fostering an environment of learning and growth in the region. His progressive policies, especially in promoting education among women and the underprivileged, had a lasting impact that continued to influence the state's educational landscape long after his reign Maharaja Hari Singh's role in the development of the education system in Jammu and Kashmir, highlighting his significant contributions to the region’s educational infrastructure.

Maharaja Hari Singh played a significant role in the advancement of technical education in Jammu and Kashmir, recognizing its importance for the economic and social development of the region. His initiatives in this area were aimed at equipping the youth with practical skills that could contribute to the state’s industrial and infrastructural growth

Maharaja Hari Singh's role in the development of higher education in Jammu and Kashmir was marked by his vision of expanding access, improving educational quality, and promoting equity. His initiatives were crucial in shaping the state's higher education system, making significant strides toward modernity and inclusivity.

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Received on 20.08.2024 Revised on 14.09.2024

Accepted on 01.10.2024 Published on 05.12.2024

Available online on December 31, 2024

Res. J. of Humanities and Social Sciences. 2024;15(4):310-312.

DOI: 10.52711/2321-5828.2024.00048