Part of: West Bengal Gk set 44

Study of which of the following was NOT the purpose of setting up Madrasa in Calcutta in 1781?

Category: West Bengal Gk

Hint: Consider the linguistic and religious focus of the Madrasa.

Correct Answer: B) Sanskrit

Exam Relevance: UPSC, SSC, State PSC

Difficulty: Moderate

Explanations:

The Madrasa in Calcutta, established in 1781, was a significant educational institution that played a crucial role in the religious and cultural life of the Muslim community in the region. The primary purpose of the Madrasa was to provide education in subjects that were central to Islamic scholarship and religious practice. This included the study of Arabic, Persian, and Islamic laws.

Arabic was essential because it is the language of the Quran and other important Islamic texts. Understanding Arabic was necessary for the proper interpretation and application of Islamic teachings. Persian, on the other hand, was a language of administration and literature in the region, and it was also used in the translation and interpretation of Islamic texts. Persian was widely used in the courts and administrative systems of the Mughal Empire, and its study was important for the Muslim elite.

Islamic laws, or Sharia, were also a key component of the curriculum. The Madrasa aimed to train scholars who could interpret and apply Islamic law in various contexts, including legal and administrative matters. This was crucial for maintaining the religious and social order within the Muslim community.

Sanskrit, however, was not a part of the Madrasa's curriculum. Sanskrit is the language of Hindu religious texts and scholarship, and it was not aligned with the religious and cultural objectives of the Madrasa. The Madrasa was established to serve the needs of the Muslim community, and its curriculum was designed to reflect the religious and cultural values of that community.

Understanding the historical context and the specific objectives of the Madrasa is essential to comprehending why certain subjects were included in its curriculum while others were not. The Madrasa in Calcutta was a reflection of the religious and cultural dynamics of the time, and its curriculum was tailored to meet the educational needs of the Muslim community in the region.

Option Analysis:
  • Option A: Incorrect. Arabic was one of the primary languages taught in the Madrasa, as it was essential for understanding Islamic texts and religious teachings.
  • Option B: Correct. Sanskrit was not taught in the Madrasa, as it was not aligned with the religious and cultural objectives of the institution.
  • Option C: Incorrect. Persian was taught in the Madrasa, as it was a significant language for administration and literature in the region.
  • Option D: Incorrect. Islamic laws were a core part of the curriculum, as the Madrasa aimed to provide religious education and training in Islamic jurisprudence.

Mnemonic: MAD: Madrasa Arabic, Persian, Dharma (Islamic laws)

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