On the 25th day of the Malayalam month Makaram in the year M.E 918 (February 1738 CE) — about 288 years ago — it is recorded that a proclamation was issued by the Cochin government.
This may perhaps be the first of its kind in India.
This proclamation was sent by K. P. Padmanabha Menon, B.A., B.L., and published in Rasikarajini.
The reigning king at that time was Rama Varma, who ruled from 1731 to 1746. Historians have described him as a compassionate and benevolent ruler.
Proclamation
We have come to know that the people of this land are facing great difficulties because they lack knowledge of writing, arithmetic, and other skills, and because they have not been educated in these subjects. Therefore, in order to prevent such conditions in the future and to ensure the well-being and prosperity of the people, we hereby issue this proclamation.
That is:
1. Orders have been given to appoint qualified teachers (writing masters) in Kovilakayhumvathukkals (Taluks) and other major and minor establishments across the land, so that all children in this country may be taught writing, arithmetic, astrology, and literature.
2. All people must send their children between the ages of five and twenty to school at six in the morning. They should be brought home at midday for meals and then sent back again, and after studying until six in the evening, they must be returned to their homes.
3. Since orders have been issued to pay salaries from the royal treasury to ensure children receive education for their well-being, growth, and nourishment, teachers have been appointed accordingly. For example, Shankara Menon of Madathuveettil has been appointed in the Ernakulam division, and Ramakuruppu of Kollattu in the Vypeen division. Therefore, no payment whatsoever should be collected from the children.
4. Officials must verify whether children are being properly educated. Reports should be prepared detailing which children from which households have acquired which skills, and these reports must be submitted every eight days to the authorities.
5. Teachers must also submit reports every eight days to both the local officials and the royal court. If it is found that any teacher has taken money or anything else from any tenant beyond the prescribed salary, they shall immediately be handed over to the court and punished accordingly.
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