Higher education for women in India began during the 19th century, when social reformers started promoting women’s education. At a time when girls were rarely allowed to attend school, the establishment of a women’s college marked a major step toward equality. The first women’s college in India played an important role in changing social attitudes and creating opportunities for women to study and build careers.
The first women’s college in India to be established was Bethune College, which is located in Kolkata. It was established in 1879 and grew out of a girls’ school founded earlier in 1849 by John Elliot Drinkwater Bethune.
Historical Facts About The First Women’s College In India
The first women’s college in India was Bethune College, which is located in Kolkata and was established in 1879. Bethune believed that women’s education was important for the progress of society. His efforts were supported by several Indian reformers who also worked to promote education for girls. Given below are some of the historical facts about the Bethune College, the first women’s college in India:-
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Bethune College, the first women’s college in India and Asia, produced the first two female graduates of the entire British Colonial Empire, both of whom made important achievements and encouraged future generations.
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It has served to illuminate the women’s lives since its inception by playing an important part in women’s education and freedom.
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The voyage of Bethune College began on June 16, 1879. As a result, this day has been designated as Bethune College’s Foundation Day.
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Calcutta Female School, the first school for girls in Calcutta, was founded by John Elliot Drinkwater Bethune, with the assistance of Raja Dakshinaranjan Mukhopadhyay, Ramgopal Ghosh, and Pandit Madan Mohan Tarkalankar, and had 21 students on its roll.
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Bethune College received affiliation from the University of Calcutta in 1888 and achieved tremendous progress over the years.
Key Highlights of the First Women’s College in India
Given below are the key highlights of the first women’s college in India,i.e., Bethune College:-
| Highlights | Particulars |
| First Women's College in India | |
| Courses started with only one Student | 1879 |
| First Female Graduates | Kadambini Bose in 1879 and Chandramukhi Bose in 1881 |
| Undergraduate departments | 17 |
What Was the Importance of Bethune College?
Bethune College helped open the doors of higher education for women in India. Many of its students later became teachers, writers, social reformers, and professionals who contributed to society. The college also inspired the establishment of several other women’s colleges across the country. Today, this college remains one of the most respected institutions for women’s education in India.
The creation of Bethune College marked a turning point in Indian history. It showed that women derived equal opportunities in education and played a crucial role in shaping modern India’s educational landscape.