Which of the following is the first women's university in India as well as in South-East Asia?

Appeared in: DSSSB 13 August 2024

Explanation

SNDT Women's University, established in 1916, is the correct answer as it is the first university exclusively for women in both India and the whole of South-East Asia.
It was founded by the visionary social reformer Maharshi Dr. Dhondo Keshav Karve, who was awarded the Bharat Ratna for his contributions.
The university was inspired by the Japan Women's University in Tokyo and was started with just five students.
Its establishment marked a pivotal moment in the history of women's education and empowerment in India.

Option A: Mother Teresa Women's University was established in 1984, which is 68 years after SNDT University was founded.
Option B: Ramadevi Women's University was established as a university only in 2015, making it a very recent institution compared to SNDT.
Option C: Diamond Harbour Women's University was founded in 2013, nearly a century after SNDT University.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain History of Women's Education in India as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
The establishment of educational institutions for women was a crucial step towards their empowerment and entry into professional fields.
This historical development paved the way for women to pursue higher education and careers in demanding professions like nursing and medicine, which were previously male-dominated.
What if the question asked about the first medical college for women in India? The answer would be Lady Hardinge Medical College, established in New Delhi in 1916, the same year as SNDT University.

How to Approach the Question

This is a factual recall question based on general knowledge about Indian history.
First, identify the core of the question: it asks for the 'first' women's university in a specific region (India and South-East Asia).
Next, review the options provided.
Recall or deduce the establishment years of the universities listed.
Compare the dates to identify the oldest institution, which will be the correct answer.
Even without knowing the exact years, recognizing the historical significance of SNDT and Maharshi Karve in the context of women's education can lead to the correct answer.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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Practise the full DSSSB 13 August 2024

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.