Introduction and Expansion of English Education in Patna (1835-1940)

The East India Company's government in its initial phase were     engaged in empire building and as such it did not interfere in the social and educational affairs of the people. Education remained a private concern but some public spirited men, government officials and the Christian missionaries were engaged in the spread of education. That was true of Patna as well. The Christian missionaries working for propagation of their religion felt that starting of schools was necessary for achieving their purpose more effectively. Hence, as the number of Indian converts grew the missionaries opened a school at Bankipur in Patna for the children of the former. The school was under the supervision of a Christian lady teacher. In the beginning 20 students joined the   school where they were taught to read and write and commit to memory selections from the Gospel. As the number of students increased another school was opened by them at Digha in Patna in 1819.