Caldwell's Educational Service on ‘Karisal Mann’ (Black Soil)

Abstract

The Gurukul system of education was only available in a few places in ancient India. Christian missionaries transformed this condition, establishing the current educational system and bringing education to all people, regardless of caste, creed, colour, or social rank. Robert Caldwell, in particular, made significant contribution in providing education to the poor in South India throughout the nineteenth century. In Idayangudi, Tirunelveli, he undertook various reformatory activities in the areas of gospel, Tamil language, society, medicine, and education. Robert Caldwell was born in Antrim, Ireland, in 1814. He went to Glasgow University to study. He was an expert in English, Tamil, and Religious Texts, as well as art. He was fluent in Tamil, English, Greek, Telugu, and Sanskrit, among other languages. In 1841, he went to Tirunelveli's Idayangudi in South India as a missionary under the London Missionary Society. He revitalised the  boy's school which was begun by Rev. Iranius. In 1842, Caldwell also founded the Girl's School. These schools taught subjects like Tamil, English, Geography, and History. He founded Anglo Vernacular Schools to teach English and Tamil letters to youngsters who did not know English. He established schools in places like Tharuvai, Ramanathapuram, Samugarengapuram, Kulasegaran Pattinam, Azhvar Thirunagari, Tuticorin, Arumangalam, Thenthiruperai, and Thatanpadam. Caldwell stayed in Idayangudi for more than 50 years, bringing about significant changes for the illiterate. Caldwell's legacy lives on in the hearts of the people and has fused with the Chernozem soil, as evidenced by educational institutions and researchers who have benefited from them.