ABSTRACT
Probably the most significant factor behind Dacca's rejuvenation in the nineteenth century was its emergence as an important seat of education. So great was the spread of education that by the end of the century Dacca had not only become the main centre of English education in East Bengal, but also the second largest centre of education in the province ranking only after Calcutta. Dacca's emergence as an educational centre owed much to its geographical location and to the cultural heritage of its hinterland. The first people to meet the new educational needs of Dacca were the Baptist Missionaries of Serampore. The system of scholarships and free tickets at once created a spirit of emulation and fostered an enthusiasm for English education. Western medical education was initially available only at Calcutta where a Medical College had been training Indian students in European Medicine and Surgery since 1835.
