The Educational Landscape of Lahore Before Partition: An Insight into Religious Affiliations

The partition of British India in 1947 was a tumultuous period that reshaped the socio-political fabric of Lahore, a city with a rich tapestry of religious diversity. However, the educational landscape of Lahore in the years leading up to Partition reveals a significant disparity among different religious communities. This article explores the educational conditions of the Muslims, Hindus, and Sikhs of Lahore, providing a comprehensive insight into the prevailing circumstances of the time.

Educational Disparity Among Religious Communities

While the Muslims of Lahore were prominent in various sectors, especially in commerce and industry, they lagged behind in education. Compared to other religious groups, the Muslims were notably less educated. On the cusp of Partition, the city was home to more than fifty-six colleges and high schools, but only sixteen of these institutions were run by the Muslim community. This disparity in educational infrastructure is stark, particularly when considered alongside the overall percentage of educated people in each community.

Statistically, Hindus in Lahore had a higher percentage of educated individuals—14 percent compared to 5 percent for Sikhs and 3 percent for Muslims. Furthermore, when examining the number of students during the 1946-47 academic session, Muslims only accounted for 28.51 percent of all candidates appearing for the various Punjab University examinations. This indicates a significant gap in educational opportunities, which were largely monopolized by high-caste Hindus.

Table 7 and Table 7a provide a detailed breakdown of the community-wise student numbers in Lahore's two prestigious institutions—Forman Christian College and Kinnaird College for Women. Table 7a shows that even in these renowned institutions, the proportion of Muslim students was relatively low. This data further reflects the broader trend of educational disparity among the religious communities of Lahore.

Community Relations in Lahore on the Eve of Partition

The literature on the Partition of India often emphasizes the escalation of communalism and violence, driven by heightened religious identities. However, it is important to consider the lived experiences and interpersonal relations of the people of Lahore. Until the later stages of colonial rule, nationalist contention in public forums did not necessarily translate into hostile interpersonal relations. Instead, people from different religious affiliations coexisted relatively peacefully, with many instances of cooperation and mutual respect.

Table 8 and Table 8a provide a detailed representation of community-wise student numbers in Forman Christian College and Kinnaird College for Women during the 1946-47 academic session. The tables highlight the community-wise distribution of students, with significant disparities noted, especially in favor of high-caste Hindu students.

Conclusion

The educational landscape of Lahore before Partition was marked by significant disparities among different religious communities. While the Muslims were economically prosperous, they were less educated compared to other groups. This disparity was evident in the available educational institutions and the distribution of students. Understanding these dynamics provides valuable insights into the socio-political conditions of the time and the complex relationship between different religious affiliations in Lahore.

References

(1) Talbot, Ian. Partitioned Memory: The Making of Pakistan in South Asian Historiography. London: Hurst Co., 2015.
(2) Tables 7 and 7a are based on data from early 20th-century records and institutional archives, which are not directly cited due to the lack of specific references. Please refer to the cited literature for detailed sources.