Page:The Imperial Gazetteer of India - Volume 10 (2nd edition).pdf/124



112 MYSORE. while those who remained were better clothed and armed, and the whole force was brought under proper control. The silladárs are employed at outposts for internal security, and do useful work in aiding the police in the pursuit of criminals. The bár are the remains of Haidar Ali's army, now exclusively employed in guarding treasuries and jails, and in escorting treasure. They are a very serviceable and well-conducted body of men. The Bangalore Rifle Volunteer Corps had, in 1880-81, a strength of 415 men, of whom 177 were efficient Missions. — The Roman Catholic population of the Province is estimated at 20,089, of whom 18,062 are natives. The Roman Catholic mission staff comprises 56 parochial churches, besides 2 collegial and 2 conventual chapels. There are 23 European and 6 native missionaries, presided over by a Bishop, subject to the Vicar-Apostolic. The London Missionary Society has 5 Protestant mission stations. Its operations are carried on by 3 European missionaries, 2 native priests, 8 native preachers, and 47 school teachers. There are 15 Wesleyan mission stations. Education.—Little attention was paid to education in Mysore before 1854, although some schools had been opened by the Wesleyans; in 1855, the Government expenditure amounted to only £1650. In 1858, the present Central College was established at Bangalore. In 1861, a normal school, and in the next year an engineering school, were added; while education began to spread through the outlying Districts. In the year 1868, a system of primary education for the masses was introduced, which has attained a great and deserved success. It consisted in the establishment of a school in every one of the 645 hoblis (or minor fiscal units) of the State, the cost of the scheme being met by a contribution of 24 per cent. froin the Local Funds. The teachers were paid Rs. 7 a month, or at the rate of about £8 a year, the people providing school accommodation ; but no fees were levied from the scholars, the result being that the schools became very popular. In 1875-76, the total number of schools of all classes in the State was 724 Government schools, 114 aided schools, and 1350 private schools; grand total, 2188 schools, with 54,191 pupils-exclusive of 7 schools, with 970 pupils, under the military authorities. Latterly, a further educational advance has taken place. Expenditure has been more largely thrown upon Local Funds, which now bear upwards of half the cost of instruction, relieving the State to the extent of over £6000. A satisfactory feature in this advance is the increased receipts from school fees. In 1880-81 the educational income was £18,254, of which £4163 was collected from fees and the sale of books, the remainder representing the contribution from Local Funds and municipal committees. The number of State and aided schools in 1880 was 1087, as against 838 in 1875-76; the number