Question

Proclamation of Free primary education in 1817 is remarkable in the education sector. The proclamation was during the reign of

• A. Sri Chithirathirunal Balarama Varma
• B. Marthanda Varma
• C. Gouri Parvathy Bhai
• D. Regent Setu Lakshmi Bai

Answer 1

Answer:

C. Gouri Parvathy Bhai

• In 1817, Rani Gouri Parvathy Bhai, who ruled Travancore as regent (1815–1829), declared primary education free and compulsory under state responsibility.

• This landmark royal rescript made Travancore one of the pioneer states globally to recognize primary education as a fundamental duty of the government.

• The state established village schools (Grameena Pathasalas) and paid teacher salaries directly from the treasury, laying the early groundwork for Kerala's exceptionally high literacy rate.