Chandramukhi Basu facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Chandramukhi Bose
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| Born | 1860 |
| Died | 3 February 1944 Dehradun, British India
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| Alma mater | Duff College University of Calcutta |
| Occupation | Educationist |
| Spouse(s) | Pandit Keswaranand Mamgain |
Chandramukhi Bose (Bengali: চন্দ্রমুখী বসু; 1860 – 3 February 1944) was a remarkable woman from Dehradun, India. She made history as one of the very first women to graduate from college in British India. In 1882, she and Kadambini Ganguly earned their Bachelor of Arts (BA) degrees from the University of Calcutta. They officially received their degrees in 1883.
Early Life and Education
Chandramukhi Bose was the daughter of Bhuban Mohan Bose. She completed her First Arts (F.A.) examination in 1880 from Dehradun Native Christian School.
At that time, getting into college was very hard for girls. Bethune School, which she wanted to attend, did not accept non-Hindu girls. So, Chandramukhi had to join Reverend Alexander Duff's Free Church Institution. This school is now known as the Scottish Church College.
In 1876, special permission was needed for her to take the F.A. exam. This was because of unfair rules against girls studying. She was the only girl taking the exam that year and she came in first place! However, the university had many meetings to decide if they should even publish her results.
Chandramukhi Bose had already passed her Entrance Examination in 1876. But the university refused to list her as a successful student. It was only after the university changed its rules in 1878 that she could continue her studies.
After passing her F.A. exam, she moved to Bethune College. She studied there for her degree alongside Kadambini Ganguly. In 1884, she became the first and only woman to earn a Master of Arts (MA) degree from the University of Calcutta. This made her the first woman with an MA in the entire British Empire.
Career as an Educator
Chandramukhi Bose began her career in 1886. She worked as a lecturer at Bethune College. At that time, the college was still part of Bethune School.
In 1888, Bethune College became a separate institution. Chandramukhi Bose was then made the principal. This was a huge achievement! She became the first female head of a college in all of South Asia.
She retired in 1891 due to poor health. She then spent the rest of her life in Dehradun.
Her Sisters' Achievements
Chandramukhi Bose came from a family of accomplished women. Two of her sisters, Bidhumukhi and Bindubasini, also became well-known.
- Bidhumukhi Bose and Virginia Mary Mitra (Nandi) graduated in 1890. They were among the first women to become medical doctors from Calcutta Medical College.
- Bindubasini Bose also graduated from Calcutta Medical College in 1891.
