IX
COLLECTOR OF MADURA TO BOARD OF REVENUE: 5.2.1823
(TNSA: BRP—Vol.942, Pro.13.2.1823, pp.2402-406 No.21)
- I had previous to the receipt of the instructions of
government made some little inquiry into the state of the schools
in this district and have endeavoured to ascertain, should their
number be increased, if the poorer classes would be induced to
bring their children to them, to be educated amongst the lower
class; I see little hope of such an improvement. They say as they
are poor, their children are better employed in attending bul-
locks, etc., by which they gain a livelihood, than being at school.
In the Fort of Madura and the different Cusbah villages some
schools might be established with advantage. Many people of
caste would, I have no doubt, send their children to such
schools, and as the benefit derivable from education began
gradually to develop itself, the numbers would increase. Five or 6
schools in the Fort of Madura, and 2 or 3 in each of the
Cusbahs, granting the masters a small monthly salary of 30 to
40 fanams* would be sufficient, and I have no doubt the Heads
of Villages would be induced to send their children there, which
would render such establishments most desirable as very few
Nattawkars throughout the district can either read or write, and
are consequently totally dependent on the Curnams.
- From the statement it would seem, that in a population
of nearly 800,000, there are stated to be only 844 schools, and
in them 13,781 children educated. That the number should be
increased must be wished for.
- From the several statements received from the different
divisions, it does not appear that any Mauneom lands are
enjoyed for the purpose of schools; but that the teachers are
paid by the poorer classes of people from ½ to 1 fanam for each
scholar per month, and from 2 to 3 and 5 fanams by those in
better circumstances, and that a teacher derives from 30 to 60
cully fanams** per month in large villages, and from 10 to 30
fanams in small villages—scholars usually first attend school at
the age of 5 and leave it from 12 to 15.
