Teaching of English Language in Baghelkhand: Problems and Prospects

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Historically, Bagheli descends from the spoken Ardhmagadhi Apabhramsa. English was not taught in Baghelkhand before 1865. In 1865, Nav Krishna Bhatacharya was invited to teach Late Raghuraj Singh, the prince, English Language in Rewa fort (cf. Safarnama of the French Traveller, p. 190). For the First time in 1867 and English school was founded in Rewa city. In this school, four English and one Sanskrit teacher were appointed to teach the Students. Unfortunately, the guardians did not seek admission of their wards in this school because they did not realize the value of education. The school was run at the expense of the Durbar and Madrsama tax was imposed for running the school. In 1882-83, The English Department of Rewa School was affiliated to the Calcutta University. In 1884, Rewa High School was started in Rewa and another School in Chandia of Shahdol District In both the Schools English was taught as a second language (cf. DWK Bar: The Administration of Rewa State, p. 294). In Nov. 1883, Maharaja Vyenkat Raman Singh was taught English by Dr. Goldsmith. Gradually, people started taking interest in English.

Since English Language has been made compulsory up to graduation level in Madhya Pradesh province of India, all the undergraduate students are expected to …