Page:Report on public instruction in the lower provinces of the Bengal presidency (1849-50).djvu/16

 The Council do not deem it necessary to enter into a detailed consideration of the nature and extent of the benefits likely to result to India from the education of Females. Its importance and the vast influence which it has exercised in the Western hemisphere upon the civilization, prosperity, and happiness of European nations are great facts, and so universally acknowledged as to need no demonstration. It is believed that this influence will be even greater, if possible, in Eastern countries, where all the earliest and most lasting impressions of infancy and childhood are now produced and fostered by uneducated and superstitious mothers. The evil influence of the zenana is, in very many instances, never eradicated; and much of the good learnt by a boy at school and college, is neutralized by the habits of his domestic circle, and the absence of educated companions for his hours of leisure and repose. Female education is known not to be opposed to any of the religious doctrines of the Hindus, indeed, in the early days of her prosperity, Hindustan could boast of her learned and virtuous females, whose fame was as far spread as that of any eminent European lady of ancient or modern times. Such being the case, the Council confidently rely on the cordial support of all liberal and enlightened natives of India, in a measure from which they may in a short time, reap the greatest and most enduring advantages.

In connexion with this subject the Council have much gratification in placing on record the fact of a Native Female School having been established at, by certain educated and philanthropic native gentlemen of that district. The circumstances which originated it are so creditable to the parties concerned, as, in the opinion of the Council, to merit being published for general information.

In January last, a communication was addressed to the Hon'ble President of the Council, to the effect that certain native gentlemen at Baraset and in its neighbourhood had