What were the merits and demerits of the system of education prevalent in the pre-British days?

The traditional system of education available in India during the pre- British days, indeed, failed to widen the mental horizon of the learners.

The education imparted in the tols-pathsalas and maktabs- madrassas could neither inculcate individuality nor a rational outlook among the young learners.

In fact, education in the pre- British days made the Hindu and the Muslim pupils the uncritical subscribers to their respective religion.

Despite these limitations it has been admitted on all hands that there had been a general inclination for education in those days.

Besides, a very large section of population used to receive vernacular education in a good number of elementary schools spread all over the country. Under the Company’s rule this indigenous elementary education suffered a decline.