From Classroom to Frontlines

Navigating New Poona College in Indian Freedom Struggle

Abstract

When Pune emerged as a center of modern education under colonial rule, the city witnessed the foundation of several educational institutions established by both colonial authorities and native leaders. The values they sought to nurture, however, differed significantly. While colonial institutions aimed to instill colonial values, native institutions endeavored to provide national education. As these attempts by natives were curtailed by the colonial government, it is essential to examine the methods appropriated by the institutions that managed to sustain themselves. This study explores how a native institution like New Poona College adapted its educational approaches to align with both national aspirations and colonial constraints, reflecting the dynamic interplay between educational and political contexts in Pune. It traces the academic background of the Pune city in 18th century and examines an account of New Poona College through various phases of the freedom struggle, presenting it as a case of realpolitik in the context of the Independence movement.