Introduction
BHUBANESWAR: More than a century after his passing, the name of British administrator Thomas Edward Ravenshaw remains at the center of controversy in Odisha. The recent suggestion by Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan to rename Ravenshaw University, formerly Ravenshaw College, has reignited a longstanding debate. This historic institution, which has shaped the educational landscape of Odisha, now faces calls for change that touch on deep emotions, identity, and history.
The Man Behind the Name: Who Was TE Ravenshaw?
Thomas Edward Ravenshaw was born on July 1, 1827, in Bath, England, into a family deeply connected to the British East India Company. His father, John Hurdis Ravenshaw, served the Company, and his grandfather, John Goldsborough Ravenshaw, even held the prestigious position of chairman. With this lineage, Thomas Ravenshaw was primed for a life in service to British colonial interests.
Educated at Haileybury College, a training ground for civil servants in the British Empire, Ravenshaw followed in his father's footsteps. He joined the Indian Civil Service in 1849 and held various administrative posts across India. His most significant role in Odisha began in 1865 when he was appointed as the Revenue Commissioner, a position that would both define his legacy and embroil him in one of the darkest chapters of Odisha's history.
The Great Orissa Famine: A Tarnished Legacy
Ravenshaw's tenure coincided with one of the most catastrophic events in Odisha's history – the Great Famine of 1866, known locally as *Na'Anka Durbhikshya*. The famine decimated a third of Odisha's population, and Ravenshaw's role in the disaster remains a subject of debate to this day.
Upon his arrival in Cuttack, Ravenshaw faced a region on the brink of collapse. Yet, his unfamiliarity with the land and its people, combined with a fatal underestimation of the crisis, led to disastrous decisions. Ravenshaw initially refused to import rice, believing that the province had sufficient reserves. This miscalculation, compounded by other administrative failures, contributed to the famine's deadly toll.
While the 1867 Orissa Famine Commission did not place all the blame on Ravenshaw, it did highlight his inability to manage the crisis effectively. The report criticized the British colonial administration at large, noting that the Board of Revenue in Calcutta and the governor had also failed the people of Odisha.
Ravenshaw's Redemption: Champion of Education and Odia Language
Despite his failings during the famine, Ravenshaw's name remains synonymous with education in Odisha. Determined to leave a positive legacy, Ravenshaw dedicated himself to the promotion of modern education in the region. He was instrumental in the establishment of several key institutions, most notably Ravenshaw College, which began as Cuttack College in 1876.
Ravenshaw's belief in the power of education was rooted in his understanding of the challenges faced by the people of Odisha. He advocated for Odia to be the medium of instruction in schools, opposing efforts by Bengali intellectuals to impose Bengali as the dominant language in the region. Alongside scholar John Beams, Ravenshaw fought for the recognition of Odia as a separate language, ensuring that it remained the primary medium of education in Odisha.
In 1868, Ravenshaw's efforts bore fruit when the Government of Bengal approved the use of Odia as the medium of instruction in schools. This decision was a significant victory for the people of Odisha, preserving their linguistic and cultural identity in the face of colonial pressures.
The Establishment of Ravenshaw College
Ravenshaw's most enduring contribution to Odisha was the founding of Ravenshaw College. In a letter to the Secretary of the Government of Bengal in 1875, Ravenshaw proposed the establishment of a college in Cuttack. He argued that the existing educational infrastructure in Bengal was insufficient to meet the needs of Odisha and that a new institution was essential for the spread of higher education in the region.
The college, initially known as Cuttack College, opened its doors in 1876 with just six students enrolled in the BA program. Thanks to generous contributions from the Maharaja of Mayurbhanj and the people of Odisha, the college flourished. In recognition of Ravenshaw's efforts, the institution was named after him, cementing his legacy in Odisha's educational history.
Beyond Education: Other Contributions to Odisha
Ravenshaw's influence extended beyond the realm of education. He played a key role in the establishment of the Orissa Medical School in 1875, which later became the Sriram Chandra Bhanja Medical College, one of the premier medical institutions in the state. Ravenshaw was also involved in the founding of the Cuttack Survey School, which later evolved into the Orissa School of Engineering.
These institutions, along with Ravenshaw College, continue to serve as pillars of Odisha's educational infrastructure, shaping the lives of countless students over the decades.
The Controversy Today: A Battle Over Identity and Legacy
Despite his contributions, Ravenshaw's legacy remains controversial. The suggestion to rename Ravenshaw University after Utkalamani Gopabandhu Das, a revered Odia nationalist leader, has sparked a fierce debate in the state. Proponents of the change argue that it is time to honor an Odia icon who fought for the state's rights and identity during India's freedom struggle. They believe that renaming the institution would be a step toward decolonizing Odisha's educational heritage.
On the other hand, opponents of the renaming argue that Ravenshaw's contributions to Odisha's education system cannot be erased. They contend that Ravenshaw College has become a symbol of academic excellence and that changing its name would undermine the institution's historical significance.
This debate reflects the broader struggle over how Odisha, and India as a whole, should grapple with the legacy of colonialism. As the state looks to the future, the question remains: How should it honor its past while forging a new identity for the next generation?
Conclusion: A Legacy That Endures
Thomas Edward Ravenshaw's legacy in Odisha is complex and multifaceted. While his role in the Great Orissa Famine casts a long shadow, his contributions to education and the preservation of the Odia language have left an indelible mark on the state's history. As the debate over renaming Ravenshaw University continues, it serves as a reminder that history is never static. The way we remember the past, and the names we choose to honor, reflects not just where we've been, but where we are going.
Whether or not Ravenshaw's name remains on the institution he helped build, his impact on Odisha's educational and cultural landscape will endure. The storm surrounding his legacy may eventually pass, but the lessons of history – both its triumphs and its tragedies – will continue to shape the future of the state.