Question

Why do you think the literacy rate in Hyderabad state was lower than in other princely states?

Answer 1

Instruction:

1. It should have 4-6 points.
2. We will begin by explaining why the Nizams were slow in establishing schools.
3. Next, we will look into the effects of the Nizam’s actions on the literacy rate of Hyderabad state.

Solution:

When the Nizams ruled over Hyderabad, the infrastructure for education was not developed properly. The Nizams of Hyderabad were slow in establishing schools and suspected that the private schools would become centres for propagation of anti-Nizam ideas. Moreover, the establishment of private Telugu medium schools was discouraged by the state. Students from the private Telugu schools were denied admission to the Osmania University. Many jagirdars did not even allow the establishment of schools in their areas.

During 1941, the rate of literacy of other princely states such as Travancore, Baroda, and Mysore was 47.7%, 23%, and 12.2% respectively. On the other hand, due to the actions of the Nizam, the literacy rate in Hyderabad stood at 9.3%. The literacy rate of women in Hyderabad state was even lower at 4.3%.