MISSIONARY EDUCATION: A BOON TO PROSELYTISE OF KORAPUT DISTRICT (1882 A.D. – 1959A.D.)

Education plays a vital role in determining the development of human personality. However, this important branch was neglected in the undivided Koraput district for a long period of time and consequently the people remained ignorant, illiterate and backward. Education for women and lower caste was a reverie. It was the missionaries who for the first time took keen interest to literate them and established number of educational institutions. The prime objectives of the research work was to enlighten the hidden intention of the missionaries to introduce such marvelous steps for the poor tribals and Dalit people of Koraput district who were neglected, suppressed and oppressed tyrannically by the upper caste and the royal officials. The scholar adopted descriptive and analytical methods and library documentation to write this article. The major findings of this research work were that the missionaries were able to set up 48 missionary schools, Besides that they established Theological seminary, training school, Hostels, Boarding Homes. Adult education, Sunday schools, Night schools, and Bible classes for the eradication of illiteracy. Introduction of female education in this neglected, isolated and inaccessible hilly area was one of the outstanding contributions of missionaries.