International Journal of History

and Research (IJHR)

ISSN 2249-6963
Vol. 3, Issue 2, Jun 2013, 1-16
© TJPRC Pvt. Ltd.

PRIMARY EDUCATION IN CHITTOOR TOWN IN THE MADRAS PRESIDENCY

S. R. SARANYA KUMAR
Assistant Professor, Department of History, R. S. Vidyapetha, Deemed University, Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh, India

ABSTRACT
Since the earliest times, the rulers and the people of India have given much importance to education. The
instruction in those days was imparted in the village schools. There were specialized institutions like ‘Ghnalika’, ‘Sthanas’
and 'Vidyamandapams' and the ‘Ashramas’ of ‘Acharyas’ or ‘Gurudevas’. Schools and other educational institutions were
generally located in temples, monasteries, Mosques and Darghas.

The British Educational policy in India was based on the famous Woods Despatch of 1854 which is considered as
the Magnacarta of English education in India. It recommended the establishment of educational institutions such as
primary schools, high schools, colleges and universities. A Department of Education was formed in each province to
manage these institutions. The landmark of this Dispatch was setting – up of vernacular primary schools in the villages
and encouragement given to women’s education. Grant-in-aid system was introduced in 1857 to aid the private schools.
During the Viceroyalty of Ripon, a commission, under the chairmanship of Sir William Hunter, was constituted in 1884 to
enquire how far the recommendations of Woods Dispatch were implemented. Hunter Commission recommended that the
primary schools should be entrusted to the local bodies like Municipalities. In accordance with the recommendation of the
commission, many schools in various provinces were entrusted to the local bodies. This article focuses the British
Government’s efforts to improve the standards of education in Chittoor municipality in Andhra Pradesh, which was known
as Madras Presidency in British India. It is clear that primary schools and secondary schools maintained by the
Municipality worked satisfactorily. The Educational facilities offered for girls of both the Hindus and Muslim
communities, made commendable progress. The standard of education in all schools improved after the inception of the
Municipality. Thus, the municipality is rendering useful service for the cause of education and public learning in the town

KEYWORDS: Gurudevas, Schools, Magnacarta, Progress, Public Learning

INTRODUCTION

From the earliest times, the rulers and the people of India have given much importance to education. The
instruction in those days was imparted in the village schools. There were specialized institutions like ‘Ghnalika’, ‘Sthanas’
and 'Vidyamandapams' and the ‘Ashramas’ of ‘Acharyas’ or ‘Gurudevas’. Schools and other educational institutions were
generally located in temples, monasteries, Mosques and Darghas.1 The British Educational policy in India was based on the
famous Woods Despatch of 1854 which is considered as the Magnacarta of English education in India. It recommended
the establishment of educational institutions such as primary schools, high schools, colleges and universities. A
Department of Education was formed in each province to manage these institutions. The landmark of this Dispatch was
setting – up of vernacular primary schools in the villages and encouragement given to women’s education. Grant-in-aid
system was introduced in 1857 to aid the private schools. During the Viceroyalty of Ripon, a commission, under the
chairmanship of Sir William Hunter, was constituted in 1884 to enquire how far the recommendations of Woods Dispatch
were implemented. Hunter Commission recommended that the primary schools should be entrusted to the local bodies like
Municipalities. In accordance with the recommendation of the commission, many schools in various provinces were
2 S. R. Saranya Kumar

entrusted to the local bodies.2

In 1913, Government of India urged the provincial governments to take early steps to provide free elementary
education to the poor and more backward sections of the population.2 Accordingly, Chittoor Municipality exempted this
section of the population from the payment of fees in all elementary schools under its management from 1925 onwards. 4
The Sadler Commission in 1917-19 took steps to better the state of female education. Chittoor Municipality sanctioned
scholarship and prizes for girls to encourage efficiency and good attendance even from its inception.

Chittoor Municipality, since its inception in 1917, maintained six elementary schools, four for boys and two for
girls, earlier these institutions were under different managements. There were no secondary schools under the management
of Municipality in 1917. In addition to these schools, there were 14 elementary schools run by private institutions. 5 The
enrolment of students in the elementary schools, maintained by the Municipality, increased due to many steps taken by the
Municipality for better standards in education. On the advice of the District Educational Officer, and the Deputy Inspector
6
of Schools, night schools were started for the children of working class in 1920. Apart from the Children of labourers
even elders also joined these schools. Due to great demand, the number of night schools were increased to 6 by 1928. 7
There were also separate schools for Adi Dravidas and Muslims. There were 15 Higher Grade teachers and 30 lower
elementary grade teachers working in these schools. 8 Though the compulsory primary education was not introduced, the
council considered a proposal to levy Education – Tax, so that free and compulsory education might be introduced at a
9
later date. In 1937, educational levy at 6¼% on the property-tax was collected as per the instructions of the
Government of Madras. The revenue realized from this levy was utilized for the maintenance of primary educational
institutions. 10 In 1950, the levy was enhanced to 21%.11

The Government while reviewing the status of education in 1948, advised the council to take steps to introduce
compulsory education at least for boys. Preliminary steps were taken by the Municipality, addressing the educational
12
authorities to introduce the scheme of compulsory education for the boys in the municipal area. But, the Municipality
expressed its inability to implement the scheme due to its heavy financial commitment and corresponded with the
Government of its readiness to continue the scheme if supported by Government grants. 13 In 1961, as per the orders of the
14
Government, compulsory education was introduced. By 1969, the Municipality maintained twenty two elementary
schools, out of which one was upper primary school and three, secondary schools. Out of twenty two elementary schools,
twelve schools were special elementary schools taken over from the private managements. 15

Primary Education

The primary school is the real centre of elementary education and the primary and fundamental unit in the vast
organization working to achieve the aim of total literacy for all boys and girls of school-going age. An attempt was made
by the Madras presidency to liquidate illiteracy.16 The council, in desiring to realize the objective established and
17
maintained number of primary educational institutions from time to time. As stated earlier the Municipality
obtained/inherited six primary schools from the Local District Board. By 1920, the Municipality established three more
schools raising the number of primary schools to nine. Of these nine schools six for boys including one night school and
three for girls. The total number of pupil in these schools was 1700. 18 By 1924-25, the strength in the primary schools
increased to 2,341. The council granted Rs.5000/- for constructing a building for Mohammedan Elementary School in
1917.19

Owing to the strength and demand for greater facilities for educating pupils beyond primary levels, a seventh
standard in Chittoor girls school and fifth standard in Santhapet school were opened. By 1929-30, the number of
Primary Education in Chittoor Town in the Madras Presidency 3

elementary schools increased to fourteen.20

During 1932-33, the enrolment in the municipal schools declined, since five private aided schools in the town
21
proved to provide better education than the municipal schools. In 1936, the fourteen schools run by municipality were
amalgamated into 11 viable units. The amalgamation resulted in increasing the average strength of the schools to 1260 as
against 1190 in the previous year. However, the percentage of average attendance decreased to 70.15% due to drop-outs.
For, labourers and other weaker sections withdrew their children as they were employed elsewhere so as to support the
family income.22 All the schools provided instruction upto fifth standard.

During 1942-43, the council maintained eleven schools for boys, girls and for Muslims. The total strength in all
municipal schools was 1287, in 1942-43. 23 The total number of boys and girls enrolled in the municipal schools was 836
and 451 in the year 1942-43. 24 The percentage of boys and girls actually attending municipal schools was 49% and 46.9%
respectively. The number of boys and girls attending Municipal schools from outside the town limits were 32 and nil
respectively. 25

During 1946-47, the council continued to maintain eleven schools for boys and girls and non-Muslims as shown
26
below.

1. Hindu Boys Schools …. 3

2. Hindu Girls Schools …. 3
3. Mohammedan Boys School …. 1
4. Mohammedan girls school …. 1
5. Combined & Amalgamated Schools …. 3
-------------
11
-------------
The strength of the several standards and its percentage to the total strength in 1948 were shown below. 27

Boys Girls
Standard
Number Percentage Number Percentage
I 246 24.4 238 36.6
II 181 17.3 119 18.3
III 169 15.6 100 15.4
IV 143 13.6 81 12.5
V & Above 311 29.1 112 17.3
Source: Education Report; Chittoor Municipality, Dated 10-6-1949., P.6.

Twelve Grant-in-aid schools were handed over by the Government to the municipal council in 1960. This was
because of embezzlement of Government grants by the private managements. Thus, the total number of elementary schools
28
increased to twenty three. The take over of the schools resulted in increasing the enrolment of boys in the Municipal
29
schools to 3,000 as against 900 of the previous year and that of the girls to 1355 as against 700 in the previous year. In
1965, one of the eleven schools was amalgamated with the school in Medacoil street, due to heavy dropouts. Thus, the total
number of elementary schools came down to twenty two in 1965 of these twelve were special elementary schools taken
over from the private managements. The number of school going children was 10,369 during 1969. Out of twenty two
elementary schools, one was upper primary school and the rest were with classes 1 to 5. The percentage of pupils attending
the school was 87% in the case of boys 88% in the case of girls during 1970 as against 60.8% and 56.6% in the previous
year. 30
4 S. R. Saranya Kumar

Elementary Schools for Girls

31
During the year 1917-18, the municipality maintained two elementary schools. By 1918-19, the later was
32
increased to three. The Municipal council constructed Santhapet Girls School in 1919. The number of girls attending
33
these schools in March 1919 was 185 as against 150 in 1917. By 1924, there was an appreciable improvement in the
number of pupils receiving the elementary education. The increase is particularly large in the case of girls. 34 Owing to the
strength and a demand for greater facilities for educating pupil beyond primary classes, VII standard in Chittoor girls
school was opened with two additional secondary grade teachers. Council obtained sufficient land for the construction of a
combined boys’ and girls’ school in Santhapet. The public came forward to bear the necessary expenditure in this regard.
35
The council introduced Tailoring, Lace making, Embroidery and Cooking as vocational courses. Introduction of
Vocational courses and providing of better amenities increased the strength of girls in Municipal schools. 36 By 1935, the
total strength of girls in the Municipal Schools increased to 600. 37 The council continued to maintain three Hindu Girls
Schools and one Mohammedan Girls School in 1946. The total number of girls studying was 850 as against 700 in the
previous year. By 1958-59, the strength of the girls increased to 900 and it further increased to 1355 by 1960. Awareness
among parents to educate their female children and the council efforts to provide vocational courses for girls resulted in the
38
increased strength of girls in all schools managed by the council. The council also upgraded Santhapet Girls school to a
39
High School. The council also started Kasuturibai Municipal Girls School upto VI Form in 1970. These two girls
secondary schools for girls served the educational needs of girls in Chittoor town.

School for Muslims

As mentioned earlier, the municipal council established a school for Mohammedan girls in Market Street in 1917.
40 41
. This school was continued until 1969. During 1941, another school for Mohammedan boys was started in Girdly
locality. Urdu was the medium of instruction in these schools. The total strength of Muslim girls and boys in 1970 in these
school was 78 and 150 respectively. 42

School for Harijans

The Resolution of Government of India on 21 February 1913 on Education Policy, urged the Provincial
43
Governments to take early steps to provide free elementary instruction for the poor and back ward classes. Accordingly
44
in 1925, the council exempted the above sections from the payment of fees in all elementary schools. There was an Adi
Dravida School, under the management of Municipality, exclusively for Harijans. This school was established in 1918 in
Harijanwada.45 The working of the school was said to be satisfactory. 46
Gradually, the strength in Harijan School
decreased from 1955 onwards, for, the various government regulations encouraged them to join other elementary and
secondary grade schools. 47

Night Schools

In 1919, a night-school was started by the Municipality48 for the sake of children of daily wage earners, who were,
also, taken to work by their parents during the day. By 1928, the number of night schools increased to 6. This increase
was due to the demand from working class people. But, very soon the strength started dwindling in night school. This was
due to the apathy of working class to send their children to night schools.

Even the children failed to evince any interest in attending night schools as they were tired due to their day’s hard
labour. So, all the six schools were abolished in 1938 on the recommendation of the educational authorities as there was no
sufficient strength.49 The staff members of these schools were transferred to other schools. The Municipality tried to locate
Primary Education in Chittoor Town in the Madras Presidency 5

night schools nearer to the localities of working class to encourage them to send their children to night schools. But, the
response from them was not encouraging. Sufficient strength was not there to start night schools again. 50

Outside Pupil

The educational atmosphere in elementary education of the Municipal Schools of Chittoor attracted students from
neighboring areas. In 1937, the strength of outside students was only ten.51 By 1943, their strength increased to thirty two.
52
The following table shows the strength of boys and girls who came from outside the municipal areas to the Municipal
Schools.

Out Side Pupil

Year
Boys Girls
1937-38 10 NIL
1943-44 32 NIL
1953-54 150 20
1963-64 200 80
1969-70 247 120
Source: Ad.R. of Chittoor Municipality; 1937-38 to 1969-70

The above table shows that the students from outside the municipal limits started joining the municipal schools in
1937 and their strength gradually increased. Even girls from neighboring villages started coming from 1953 onwards and
their strength increased to 120 by 1969-70. These statistics indicate the popularity of the municipal schools of Chittoor. 53

Accommodation

The council took steps to acquire own buildings for elementary schools. By 1924, the Municipality owned four
buildings and seven buildings were taken on rent basis to house seven more schools. 54 All the schools were well lighted
and ventilated. There was a proposal to construct separate buildings for girls & boys; but it did not materialize due to the
55
lack of necessary funds. The council sanctioned Rs.5000/- to construct Mohammedan elementary school in Muslim
56
locality. The Adi Dravida School was housed in a choultry, free of rent. 57

Every year, Municipality used to spend a good amount of revenues for maintenance and repairs to its own
buildings, and payment of rent for the hired buildings. All buildings owned by the Municipality were solid constructions,
properly ventilated and some were provided with play-grounds. 58

Seven schools were housed in rented buildings and four continued to be in their own buildings from 1943. A total
59
amount of Rs.1811/- was spent on house-rent. The following table shows the number of schools maintained by the
Municipality and its cost – in put maintenance.

School Buildings
Number of Maintenance
Owned by Rent Paid for
Year Municipal Charges of
the Rented Column 4
Schools Column 3
Municipality
Rs. Rs.
1 2 3 4 5 6
1941-42 11 4 7 43 1,428
1942-43 11 4 7 145 1,576
1943-44 11 4 7 98 1,811
Source: Ad.R. Chittoor Municipality 1943-44., Statement., Annexure III –4., P.6.

In 1959, twelve special schools came under the control of the Municipality. But, most of the schools did not have
sufficient accommodation and the buildings were dilapidated. So, the Municipality had to shift them to more secure
6 S. R. Saranya Kumar

buildings. 60 The total expenditure on elementary schools was Rs.60,527 in 195961 and it increased to 1,51,960 in 1961-62.
This sharp increase was due to amalgamation of 12 Schools and their maintenance respectively. 62

The ten Municipal elementary schools other than amalgamated schools were housed in the rented buildings. The
council spent Rs.8,550/- towards rent during 196963 as against Rs.5,418.13/- in the year 196864 Out of the twelve
Municipal Special Elementary schools, the following seven schools were accommodated in private rented buildings.

• Jeevakarunyam Municipal Elementary school.

• Girdly Elementary school.

• Shunmuganandha Municipal Elementary school.

• Srinivasa Municipal Elementary School.

• Saraswathi Nilayam Municipal Elementary School.

• National Elementary School, Santhapet and

• S.Y.V.C. Elementary School. 65

The following Municipal Elementary Schools were located in busy localities where no vacant sites were available
for play grounds for the school children :

• Jeevakarunyam Elementary School, Medacoil Street.

• Shunmugananda Elemntary school, Medacoil Street.

• Girdly Girls School, Girdly locality.

• Venkateswara Elementary School, Brahmin Street and

• Saraswathi Nilayam – Brahminstreet. 66

Government issued instructions to the Municipality on 25.4.69 to construct buildings of its own to locate the
schools by earmarking funds every year. These schools could not be shifted to other localities where vacant lands may be
available on the reason that there were a large number of school going children in the locality in which these schools were
located. If there were no vacant sites in these localities, the only alternative was either to acquire suitable buildings in the
locality or to continue to be in the rented buildings. 67 From the above, it is clear that the Municipality took necessary steps
from time to time, to provide all primary schools with buildings of their own.

Staff

Both trained and untrained teachers were employed in the primary schools. For want of trained teachers untrained
teachers were recruited. The trained were given the pay scale of the lower secondary grade teachers, while the untrained
were placed in the primary grade. Untrained teachers were appointed on temporary basis. These untrained teachers were
sent to Karvetinagaram Teacher’s Training Institute for training. All the schools in the Municipality were manned by
68
trained teachers. During 1920-21, there were twenty five trained teachers working in the elementary schools. By 1929-
69
30 the strength increased to 30 trained teachers. The Municipality appointed one woman teacher for music in Santhapet
70
girls school in 1923 and this number increased to three (women teachers) by 1929-30. The teaching staff in the
municipal schools were experiencing hardship due to low pay scales, yet these teachers continued in their jobs for want of
alternative lucrative employment. 71
Primary Education in Chittoor Town in the Madras Presidency 7

From 1936 onwards, the service conditions of the elementary school teachers were governed by the rules framed
72
by the Madras Government as applicable to Municipalities. In 1935-36, the total number of teachers both men and
women were forty one. Of them three were women. Five teachers, three male and two women teachers, were working on
temporary basis. 73 By 1941 the strength increased to fifty three. The following table shows the staff position during these
years. 74

Number of Number of Number of

Year Trained Untrained Total Pupils Per
Teachers Teachers Teacher
1941-42 53 Nil 53 33
1942-43 53 Nil 53 34
1943-44 52 Nil 52 33
Source : Ad.R. of Chittoor Municipality 1941-42 to 1943-'44.

The above table shows that there were no untrained teachers in the Municipal elementary schools. The number of
teachers came down to 52 in 1943-44 due to the retirement of one teacher in Santhapet elementary school. In 1950-51, the
number of teachers in elementary schools increased due to the appointment of sewing mistress.75 By 1960, the strength of
teaching staff doubled as the Municipality took over all the 12 special schools. From that year onwards, the strength of the
teaching staff increased and it stood at fifty. 76

The strength of secondary grade teachers was 40 and of higher-grade teachers was 122 by 1969-70. The strength
of teachers working in the municipal schools increased to 162 phenomenally.77

Staff Training

The Municipality evinced keen interest to promote primary education. So, it deputed some of the untrained
78
teachers, to the College of Education to better their qualifications. In 1932, municipal council resolved to appoint only
79
trained teachers. The same policy has been continued till date.

Provident Fund Scheme

As stated earlier, the pay scales of the teachers were very low and their conditions of service were not attractive.
Only in 1937, all the permanent teachers were brought under provident fund scheme. 80

Elementary Education Fund

The expenditure on elementary education was met by the Municipality from its own funds and by the grant-in-aid
by the Government. The total expenditure on primary education was Rs.17,660/- in 1928-29. 81 The expenditure increased
to Rs.20,637/- in 1942-43 and Rs.56,713.15 in 1969. 82

Play-Grounds

The Municipality provided play grounds for the following elementary schools.

• Municipal Elementary school, Greamspet.

• Municipal Elementary school, Gandhipalli

• Municipal Elementary school, Market Street.

• Municipal Elementary school, Vanniar Block.

The rest of the elementary schools were not provided with playgrounds. 83
8 S. R. Saranya Kumar

Representation in District Educational Council

From its inception in 1917, Chittoor Municipality was represented in the Chittoor District Educational Council by
four members. Of these, three were elected by the council and the other was nominated by the Government. 84

Inspection

The schools were periodically inspected by the Commissioner of the Municipality.

Medical Inspection

Medical inspection of children in primary schools was not in force till 1968. 85 But, woman Medical Officer was
86
appointed in 1969. The Government instructed Municipality to commence medical inspection of pupils of all the
87
schools. So, the Municipality, under the orders of the Government, conducted medical inspection of all pupil in 1969. 88

Nature of Primary Education

Instruction in general was in Telugu, in some schools Tamil as well as Urdu was also offered as medium. By
1968, the medium of instruction in nineteen municipal Elementary schools was Telugu, Urdu and Tamil. They were taught
in the following municipal elementary schools.

• The Municipal Urdu Girls Elementary school – Market Street.

• The Municipal Elementary School, Mittoor – Tamil.

• The Municipal Elementary School – Girdly – Tamil89

In all other schools, Telugu was the medium of instruction.

Secondary Education

The main object of secondary education was to give instruction for the standards above the primary school level,
generally consisted schooling from classes 6 to 11. The Chittoor Municipality took steps to provide secondary education
also. Apat from twenty two elementary schools the Municipality established three secondary schools starting with sixth
class to eleventh class. They are -

• Kasthuribai Municipal Girls High School

• Municipal High School, Greamspet

• Municipal High School, Santhapet.

Besides the Municipality, Secondary education was also provided in Chittoor by other agencies. By 1924, 90 there
are three secondary schools maintained by different managements and another secondary school was established in 1955.
They are -

• Government High School.

• The Sherman's Memorial Girls' High School.

• Bangari Zamindari School.

• B. Subramanyam Kannan High School. 91

Primary Education in Chittoor Town in the Madras Presidency 9

Accommodation
Kasthuri Bai Municipal Girls' High School
K.M.G. High School is located in the Old Taluk Katcheri Building. The District board handed over the building
to the Municipality to continue the school. 92

Play-Ground

The vacant site adjacent to K.M.G.High School, measuring 2852 Sq. Feet was being used as play ground. The
site was enclosed and connected to the main school with a pucca compound wall raised at a cost of Rs.3,400/- Physical
activities and games were conducted in the said play ground. 93

The Municipal High School, Santhapet

The Municipal High School, Santhapet was constituted in 1955 and continued to be located in a rent free choultry
in thatched sheds constructed by the municipality. 94 There was a proposal for a lease of 10 acres plot by C.N.Namberumal
Chetty Charities Trust for a period of 99 years on nominal rent for construction of School building on the plot for the
accommodation of the High School and Municipality was conducting correspondence for the execution of the lease of
95
agreement. Now the said school was housed in its own building. A small piece of land is provided for Municipal High
School, Santhapet, as play ground of the School. 96

The Municipal High School, Greamspet

The municipal High School, Greamspet, was established in 1958. This school was located in the building owned
by the Municipality. 97

Play-Ground

The adjacent Government site, measuring 10.41 acres, in S.No.231 was vacant. The Municipal authorities
approached Revenue Department, Government of Andhra Pradesh, through District Collector, to give the site to the
municipality for utilizing it as a play ground. This request was considered favourably by the Government and handed over
the site to the municipality. 98

Physical Education

There was only one Physical Education Teacher working in K.M.G.H. Secondary School. The other schools
lacked Physical Education Staff. So, the students were unable to make any mark in games and sports. 99

Inspection of Schools

The schools were periodically inspected by the Municipal authorities. District Educational Officer, Chittoor also
inspected the schools. His suggestions regarding recruitment of the staff and purchase of the equipment were scrupulously
100
followed by the Municipality. Generally, the duration of the inspection spread over to three days to cover all aspects of
101
administration, teaching and other co-curricular activities, usually followed by suggestions for improvements. The
102
Municipal Council used to implement the suggestions made by the Inspecting Authorities.

S.S.L.C. Examination

The number of pupil sent for S.S.L.C/S.S.C Public Examinations, the number of people came out successful and
the percentage of passes in each Municipal High School were shown in the following Table.
10 S. R. Saranya Kumar

No. of Students for No. of Successful

Percentage
S.No School Public Exam Students
1967-68 68-69 1967-68 68-69 67-68 68-69
K.M.G.H. School
1. S.S.L.C 30 51 20 32 67 63
S.S.C -- 29 -- 10 -- 34
M.H.School Greamspet
2. 31 74 30 42 96.7 56.7
S.S.L.C S.S.C
-- 63 -- 22 -- 34.9
M.H.School
3.
S.S.L.C 35 40 22 26 62.8 65
S.S.C -- 36 -- 12 -- 33.0
Source: Ad.R. of Chittoor Municipality 1967-68 & 1968-69.
Medical Inspection

The students of K.M.G.H. School had medical examination for the first time in 1969, due to the instructions of
Education Department of Government of Andhra Pradesh. Later, it became an annual mandatory feature. 103

Cost Per Pupil

104
The average cost of educating each pupil was estimated to be Rs.10-8-8 in 1923-24. This was increased to
105
Rs.14-15-3 in 1943 as against Rs.12-15-10 in 1942. This average cost increased to Rs.50-24 in 1969 as against Rs.47.1
106
in 1968. In the year 1956, the Government of India has introduced decimal system under which rupees and paise alone
are used.

Finance

The Municipality levied education tax since 1943. And, it also received grants-in-aid from the Government.

Scouting Activities

The municipal schools conducted scouting activities as extra curricular activity. The scouts took part in public
activities in the town whenever some public functions were organized in which large number of people participated. The
scout masters and cub-masters were paid Rs.5/- and Rs.3/- p.m. respectively as allowance for maintenance of scout troops.
107

Library

Library and Reading rooms of the town and its maintenance was considered to be the important educational
activity of the Municipality. The council and District Board maintained and shared the expenditure of the library in 1917.
108
The Municipality constituted a Joint Committee for the management of the library. This library was located in Kaji
Street. The expenditure incurred by the Municipality was Rs.269/- in 1924. 109 The library subscribed for newspapers, both
English and native languages like Telugu, Tamil and Urdu. The council purchased 800 books in 1935 and the number
110
increased to 1500 by 1943. In addition to the purchases made by the Municipality, many books were presented by the
philanthropic citizens of the town.
111
The District Board handed over the library to the Municipality in 1950 for its maintenance. The council
continued to evince interest in adding books to the library and by 1969 there were 2768 books for the use of public. 112 The
library subscribes 16 dailies, 21 weeklies 4 Bi-monthlies and 15 monthlies. 113 The Government of Andhra Pradesh created
Local Library Authority in 1956. The local library authority started managing libraries in Chittoor District. The local
library authority, Chittoor, maintained a district local library in addition to Municipal library and one public Reading Room
in Sundarayyar Street in ward No.11. 114
Primary Education in Chittoor Town in the Madras Presidency 11

Reading Rooms

Reading rooms played vital role in catering to the needs of the entire town. The Chittoor Municipality started
115
establishing Reading Rooms in Chittoor town since 1942. The council subscribes 3 dailies – one each in English,
116
Telugu and Tamil. The daily average attendance varies from 40 to 50 persons.117 Bhajana Mandirams belonging to
private bodies, were given free of rent, to start Reading Rooms. By 1964-65, there were altogether 13 Reading Rooms
maintained by the Municipality in various localities. The library attender supervised and maintained the accounts of other
Reading Rooms also where dailies were supplied for which a monthly remuneration of Rs.10/- was paid to him in addition
to conveyance allowance of Rs.4/- p.m., for the proper discharge of his duties. An amount of Rs.24,763.62 was collected
under library-cess during 1964. The Reading Rooms subscribed 8 newspapers 4 weeklies and 3 monthlies. From the above
account, it is clear that primary schools and secondary schools maintained by the Municipality worked satisfactorily. The
Educational facilities offered for girls of both the Hindus and Muslim communities, made commendable progress. The
standard of education in all schools improved after the inception of the Municipality. Thus, the municipality is rendering
useful service for the cause of education and public learning in the town.

REFERENCES

1. Luniya, B.N., Life and Culture in Ancient India, (Agra, 1978), P.p.91-98.

2. Bhatt, B.D., and Agarwal, J.C., (Eds.) Educational Documents in India 1813-1968, (New Delhi, 1969), P.p. 18-
28.

3. Government Resolution of Education Policy, dt.21.2.1913.

4. Minutes of Municipal Council, Chittoor, dt.26.2.1925.

5. Ad.R. of Chittoor Municipality 1917-18, p.241.

6. Minutes of Municipal Council, Chittoor, 2.6.1920, p.187.

7. Ad.R. Chittoor Municipality 1927-28, p.3.

8. Minutes of Municipal Council, Chittoor, dt.10.3.1928, p.181.

9. R.D.No.1219-36. Ad.R. of Chittoor Municipality, 1935-36, p.141.

10. Minutes of Municipal Council, Chittoor, dt.18.3.1937, p.155.

11. Supplement of C.Dt. Gazette, March 1950, extraordinary notification, p.61.

12. R.D. No.1518-49., Ad.R. of Chittoor Municipality 1948-49, p.1&6.

13. Minutes of Municipal Council, Chittoor, dt.10.5.1953, P.141.

14. G.O.No.141 M.L.&M; Municipal Administration, 1961.

15. Ad.R. Chittoor Municipality 1969-70, p.9.

16. The Madras Elementary Education Manual : Printed by Govt. Press Madras: 1940, p.53.

17. Ad.R. Chittoor Municipality 1917-18, p.9.

18. R.D.No.1521-21, Ad.R. Chittoor Municipality 1920-21, p.8.

19. Minutes of Municipal Council, Chittoor, dt.22.9.1924, p.495.

12 S. R. Saranya Kumar

20. Ad.R. Chittoor Municipality 1929-30, p.12.

21. R.D.No.1031-33; Ad.R. Chittoor Municipality 1932-33, p.58.

22. E.R. Report, submitted to Education Department, dt 1.5.1936, p.16.

23. R.D.No.1251-43, Ad.R. Chittoor Municipality 1942-43, p.141.

24. Ad.R. Chittoor Municipality 1942-43, p.8.

25. R.D. No.1251-43, Ad.R. Chittoor Municipality 1942-43, p.77.

26. Ad.R. Chittoor Municipality 1946-47, p.18.

27. R.D.No.1518-49, 1949, E.R. Submitted to council, dt.10.6.1949, p.6.

28. G.O.No.1427, Education, dt.8.4.60.

29. R.D.No.1026-61, 1961, Ad.R. of Chittoor Municipality 1960-61, p.68.

30. R.D. No.1290-70, Education supplement, p.8 Ad.R. of Chittoor Municipality 1969-70.

31. Ad.R. of Chittoor Municipality 1917-18, p.1-7.

32. Proceedings of Municipal Council, dt.18.3.1919, p.141.

33. Ad.R. of Chittoor Municipality 1917-18, p.8.

34. Minutes of Municipal Council, Chittoor, dt.10.4.1924 p.189.

35. Minutes of Municipal Council, Chittoor, dt.10.4.1925, p.189.

36. Ad.R. of Chittoor Municipality 1929-30, p.9.

• 4 Girls Schools -- 1930.

• Mohammadan Girls School

• Santhapet girls School

• Greamspet girls School

• Katamanchi girls School.

37. Ad.R. of Chittoor Municipality 1935-36, p.11.

38. Report on Education, Secretary of Education, Government of Madras, dt.11.5.1960.

39. R.D.No.1960-70, Ad.R. of Chittoor Municipality 1969-70, p.141.

40. R.D.No.1832-18, Ad.R. of Chittoor Municipality; 1917-18, p.81.

41. Ad.R. of Chittoor Municipality; 1969-70, p.14.

42. R.D.No.2114-71, 1971, Ad.R. of Chittoor Municipality; 1970-71, p.21.

43. Resolution of Government of India, dt.21.2.1913.

44. C.D.G., Ad.R. of Chittoor Municipality; 1925-26, p.12-13.

Primary Education in Chittoor Town in the Madras Presidency 13

45. C.D.G., 1918, Ad.R. of Chittoor Municipality, p.141.

46. Proceedings of Municipal Council, Chittoor, dt.12.9.1918, p.141.

47. Proceedings of Municipal Council, Chittoor, dt.17.2.1955, p.155.

48. R.D.No.1263-19, 1919, Ad.R. of Chittoor Municipality; 1918-19, p.8.

49. Chittoor Municipal Education Sheet, 13.2.1938, p.18.

50. Chittoor Municipal Sheet, 14.7.1938, p.13.

51. R.D.No.1133-37, dt.18.10.1937, Ad.R. of Chittoor Municipality; 1936-37, p.18.

52. Ad.R. of Chittoor Municipality; 1942-43, p.18.

53. R.D.No.1290-70, dt.6.8.1970, Ad.R. of Chittoor Municipality; 1969-70, p.18.

54. Proceedings of Municipal Council, Chittoor, dt.10.10.1924, p.141.

55. Ad.R. of Chittoor Municipality 1925-26, p.11.

56. Minutes of Municipal Council, Chittoor, Resolution No.13.,dt.22.9.1925, p.495.

57. Ad.R. of Chittoor Municipality 1929-30, p.11.

58. Inspection Report, Deputy Inspector of Schools., dt.14.2.1939, p.3 Para ‘4’ (as preserved in Municipal Records
Office, Chittoor).

59. R.D.No.4252/44, dt.24.5.1943, Ad.R. of Chittoor Municipality 1943-44, p.18.

60. R.D.No.1821/59, dt.10.4.59, Ad.R. of Chittoor Municipality 1958-59, p.14.

61. Minutes of Municipal Council, Chittoor, dt.10.5.1959, p.141.

62. R.D.No.2917/62, dt.9.3.61, Ad.R of Chittoor Municipality 1961-62, p.14.

63. Minutes of Municipal Council, Chittoor,19.6.69, p.141

64. R.D.No.1121/69, 1968, Ad.R. of Chittoor Municipality, 1968-69, p.14.

65. Report on Elementary Education – No.15, 1969-70, p.15.

66. R.D.No.2112-70, 1970, Ad.R. of Chittoor Municipality; 1969-70. p.15.

67. G.O.Ms.No.375, dated 25.4.69, Education Department, Government of A.P.

68. Ad.R. of Chittoor Municipality 1920-21, p.14.

69. Ad.R. of Chittoor Municipality 1929-30, p.15.

70. Ad.R of Chittoor Municipality 1923-24 & 1929-30.

71. R.D.No.1532-32, Ad.R. of Chittoor Municipality 1931-32, p.121. R.D.No.1155-34 dt.19.12.1934. Ad.R. of
Chittoor Municipality,1933-34, p.181.

72. R.D.No.1657/37, dt.18.6.1937, Ad.R. of Chittoor Municipality 1936-37, p.18.

73. R.D.No.1219-36, Ad.R. of Chittoor Municipality 1935-36, p.14.

14 S. R. Saranya Kumar

74. Ad.R. of Chittoor Municipality; 1941-42 Special Annexure on Education., III – G P.6.

75. Minutes of Municipal Council, Chittoor, dt.15.10.1950, p.181.

76. Ad.R. of Chittoor Municipality 1960-61, p.18.

77. R.D.No.3541/70 1969, Ad.R. of Chittoor Municipality 1969-70, p.181.

78. C.Dt.Gazette, Ad.R. of Chittoor Municipality 1930-31, p.9.

79. Minutes of Municipal Council, Chittoor, dt.10.3.1932, p.181.

80. R.D.No.1133-37, Ad.R. of Chittoor Municipality 1936-37, p.9.

81. R.D.No.1011-30, 1930, Ad.R. of Chittoor Municipality 1929-30, p.4.

82. R.D.No.1290-70 1969, Ad.R. of Chittoor Municipality 1969-70, Education Sheet –E-F., p.11.

83. R.D.No.1511-58, 1957 Ad.R. of Chittoor Municipality, 1957-58, p.12.

84. C.Dt.Gazette., 1917, Ad.R. of Chittoor Municipality, 1917-18, p.8.

85. R.D.No.2112-69, 1969, Ad.R. of Chittoor Municipality, 1968-69, p.18.

86. R.D.No.1290-70, 1970 Ad.R. of Chittoor Municipality, 1969-70, p.13.

87. Letter No.36/835/69, Dt.23.8.1969,The Director of Education, Government of A.P.

88. R.D.No.2118-70, !970, Ad.R. of Chittoor Municipality, 1969-70, p.13.

89. Ad.R. of Chittoor Municipality 1968-69, p.12.

90. R.D.No.1347-25, 1925, Ad.R. of Chittoor Municipality 1924-25, p.8.

91. R.D.No.1121-56, 1955, Ad.R. of Chittoor Municipality, Report on Secondary Education, p.8

92. Ad.R. of Chittoor Municipality 1969-70, p.18.

93. Report of Status on play grounds., P.W.I., dated 1.8.1970, submitted to the council, dt.10.8.1970.

94. Ibid., p.2.

95. R.D.No.42-56,8275-46, A.D.R. of Chittoor Municipality 1955-56 & 1945-46.

96. R.F.43/1164/69; Letter of Commissioner to C.M.Namberumal, Dt.23 August 1969.

97. Minutes of Municipal Council, Chittoor, dt.1.5.1958, p.175.

98. Ad.R. of Chittoor Municipality 1970-71, p.18.

99. R.F.16/1080/69, Letter of Commissioner to Revenue Secretary., dt.10.5.1969. Chittoor District Gazetteer,
published by Government of A.P., p.141.

100. R.D.No. 5241-64, dt.13.8.1963, Ad.R. of Chittoor Municipality 1963-64, p.121.

101. Ibid, 1963-64, p.181.

102. R.D.No.52-39, 6527-58, dt.18.2.57, P.141. Ad.R. of Chittoor Municipality 1957-58.

103. Letter Ref.36-835-69, The Director of Education, Government of A.P., dated 23.8.1969.
Primary Education in Chittoor Town in the Madras Presidency 15

104. C.Dt.G., Ad.R. of Chittoor Municipality 1923-24, p.4.

105. Report on Elementary Education Fund., Enclosure III-A 1943., P.5.

106. Ad.R. of Chittoor Municipality 1969-70, p.14.

107. R.D.No.5313-63, dt.10.3.1962. Ad.R. of Chittoor Municipality 1962-63, p.18.

108. C.Dt. Gazette Council Proceedings E.S., dt.19.9.1917, p.181.

109. Education Sheet., E.L.I., Ad.R. of Chittoor Municipality 1923-24, p.8.

110. R.D.No.1137-43, dt.9.8.43, Ad.R. of Chittoor Municipality 1942-43, p.14.

111. Minutes of Municipal Council, Chittoor, dt.18.2.1950, p.185.

112. Ad.R. of Chittoor Municipality 1969-70, p.14.

113. Ad.R. of Chittoor Municipality 1969-70, p.16.

• Name of the Dailies

• English: The Indian Express, The Madras Mail, The Hindu.

• Telugu: Andhra Patrika, Visalandhra, Andhra Prabha, Navasakthi, Andhra Janatha, Northakam.

• Tamil: Dinathanthi, Navamani, Dinamani, Murasli Namba Nadu, Kaditham, Malaimani.

• Weeklies

• English: Illustrated weekly of India, Blitz, Sports & Past time, Shankar's weekly, Time, Screen, link,
current, Home Rock.

• Telugu: Andhra Janata, Andhra Partika, Andhra Pradha, Krishna Vara Patrika, Andhra Jyothi,
Prajamatha.

• Tamil: Kurunja, Ananda Vikatan, Kumudam, Kalki, Kalkandu, Samnidi.

• Bio-Nightly Caravan, Bhavans Journal, Film Fare & Life (English only)

• Monthlies

• English: My Magazine of India, Mother India, Astrological Magzine, Carris Bright, Readers Digest.

• Telugu: Chandamama, Balamitra, Bharathi, Jyoti yuva, Andhra Pradesh.

• Tamil: Ambulimama, Shalai, Manjari, Amudusurabhi.

114. Ad.R. of Chittoor Municipality 1957-58, p.15.

115. Minutes of Municipal Council, Chittoor, dt.10.9.1942. p.167.

116. Ibid., p.155.

117. R.D.No.4252-44, dt.12.5.1944. Ad.R. of Chittoor Municipality 1943-44, p.52.