The Illusions of New India

4"50 ILLUSIONS OF NEW INDIA of lands formerly maintained for pasture and the closing of the mints to the free coinage of silver have also been adduced 1various writers as causes of the gradual impoverishment of the people of India. [...] But whatever the cause urged the extension of the existing system of education is almost universally held to be the principal means of ameliorating the condition of the people. [...] The following remarks which the Superintendent of the Lushai Hills makes in regard to the effect of education on the Lushais apply also to the giajor portion of the mass of the people in other parts.of India especially to the aboriginal section of it :— They are showing a strong tendency to desert agrculture their hereditary occupation and live by their wits. [...] All the children of the family are educated in the vernacular language of the country; and in order to increase the emoluments of the teachers they are allowed to iittroduce as pupils as many respectable children as they can procure in the neighbourhood. [...] It must however be admitted that the effect of the existing schools on the industrial development of the prvince is pr.actically negligible." The ordinary blacksmith supplies the simple needs of the villagers; and of furniture of any kind there is but little demand.