Sambodhi 1983 Vol 12

Author(s): Dalsukh Malvania, H C Bhayani, Nagin J Shah
Publisher: L D Indology Ahmedabad

Page 89

84
Miss Bhatt Usha G.
imperialism. Maharaja Sayajirao Gaikwad III, the ruler of Baro financially assisted the society. 17 The Society likewise had cont with the Maharaja of Kutch28, Nawab Sher Mohammad Khanji ofl anpur Stalel9 and Maharaja Vakhat Sinhji of Lunawada. 20 When society raised the fund for the building of the society Shri Diwan M akhan Sher Mohammad Khanji of Palanpur paid Rs 651. Mansingh R of Baraily, Pratapsinhji Gulabsinhji of Vasada, Motisinhji of Chota -U pur-they each paid Rs. 500 Manyar Khanji Joiavar Khanji of Wadası paid Rs.300 Thus the native states were incorporated in the activit The society took the initiative and leadership to get the support of various segments of the society.
These instances are sufficient to reveal the point that the soci contained the potentiality to mobilize the processes of decolonizati In a sense the working of the society shows typical Gujarati mmercial Culture. Apparently it was pro-colonization but slowly, gradu: and indirectly the society was working in the direction to piepare decolonized psychology of the people or to strengthen the nationa spirit. Though apparently the image was that of pro-colonization, inner currents were surely those of de-colonization-particularly 'decol ization of the older approach of men towards women.
III
The main thrust of the society while doing the multifarious activi was to bring about change in the social status of women. The study the files of Buddhi Prakash from 1854 to 1915 support this viewpoint.' society took up the slow and gradual process to mobilize public opin in favour of women's education and simultaneously it helped to incre the role of women's education.
In the City of Ahmedabad in 1849 the Gujarat Vainacular Soci took the charge of a school. The following figures 21 of the school help to understand the condition of the girls education.
-Year
Total number
Boys
48
47
85
1949 . at the end of the year 1849
1850 1851
120
100 92
110
1: