Anna Behari Chatterjee

Pioneer of women's education in colonial India who established the first girls' school in Kolkata

Anna Behari Chatterjee (1850-1914), born to a Bengali aristocratic family, became a trailblazer in women's education during British India. In 1872 she founded the Behari Balika Vidyalaya, Kolkata's first girls' school that pioneered co-educational practices. She developed innovative teaching methods combining Western science with Indian philosophies, educating over 2000 students during her career. Her 1888 publication 'Women's Enlightenment' argued for female literacy as a national imperative. Despite opposition from conservative factions, she expanded her initiatives to include vocational training for women artisans. Her work laid foundations for later feminist movements like the Indian Women's Conference. Explore her educational philosophy.