Introduction to English Education and Charter Act of 1813

English education was first introduced in India in 18th century through some charity schools in Calcutta, Madras and Bombay for educating European and Anglo-Indian children.

Although the East India Company supported these schools in various ways but it did not take any responsibility for teaching English to the Indian population. The beginning was finally made in the year 1813 through a Charter Act. This Act allowed missionaries to travel to India. These missionaries were always keen to spread western literature and teachings of Christianity through English medium.

More importantly, this Act asked the company to spend one lakh rupees annually for:

1. encouraging Indian educated classes, reviving and improvement of literature.
2. promotion of sciences among Indians. However, this clause was interpreted differently by different people.