The Daly College

A Legacy of Modern Education

The history of education in modern India is filled with inspiring chapters that reflect the nation’s journey toward democratic and egalitarian ideals. Interestingly, several pioneering institutions that later contributed to this inclusive vision began as exclusive schools for the princes of Indian princely states, often established with the support of both British authorities and Indian royalty.

The Daly College is one such historic institution that offers a fascinating glimpse into the evolution of modern education in India.

Origins and Early Development

The roots of The Daly College trace back to 1869, when General Henry Daly was appointed Agent to the Governor-General in Central India. At that time, the Indore Residency School operated in the building east of the Indore Residency Post Office. In 1867, it came to be known as the Indore Residency College, with Mr. Aberigh-Mackay serving as Principal.

In 1881, following Henry Daly’s retirement, it was decided to expand the separate classes for princes into a full-fledged institution. In 1882, The Daly College was formally founded, initially known as the Indore Residency Rajkumar College. Although it shared a Principal with the Indore Residency College for some time, it eventually established a distinct identity, with the Principal severing ties with the Residency College in 1906.

Construction and Expansion

The original building was constructed by the Military Works Department and inaugurated on 14 November 1885 by Viceroy Frederick Hamilton-Temple-Blackwood, 1st Marquess of Dufferin and Ava (Lord Dufferin).

In 1903, a proposal was made to educate Central Indian princes at Mayo College, but the decision was reversed in 1905 when Major Hugh Daly assumed office as Agent to the Governor-General in Central India.

Between 1905 and 1906, plans for a grand new building were designed by Colonel Sir Swinton Jacob, RE. The new structure was formally opened in 1912 by Viceroy Charles Hardinge, 1st Baron Hardinge of Penshurst (Lord Hardinge).

Significant Milestones

During World War I, in 1918, the grounds and buildings were temporarily taken over by the Government of India as a training school for Indian cadets, but they were restored in 1919.

On 1 February 1922, the Prince of Wales held a Durbar at the College. In the same year, the school’s constitution was revised to involve princely states more closely in its administration. In 1924, the Holkar Maharaja generously donated Rs. 50,000 for the construction of a science laboratory, which became functional in 1929.

The College achieved academic distinction when Sardar Madho Rao Kibe of Indore became the first prince to pass the matriculation examination of an Indian university and later the first from Daly College to earn a university degree (B.A. in 1899 and M.A. in 1904).

Transition to a Public School

A landmark transformation occurred in 1940, when the institution adopted a new policy and became a full-fledged public school open to students from all backgrounds, irrespective of social status.

In 1956, Mr. R.N. Zutshi was appointed as its first Indian Principal, marking another significant milestone in its history.

Academic Excellence and Vision

Today, The Daly College is affiliated with the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE), New Delhi, and prepares students for the All India Secondary and Senior Secondary School Certificate Examinations under the 10+2 scheme.

The institution is committed to nurturing educated, well-groomed, and patriotic citizens of India. It offers a rich array of academic, cultural, and co-curricular opportunities, attracting students from across the country. Over the years, Daly College has produced many distinguished alumni who have excelled in diverse fields.

Commemorative Postage Stamp: 125 Glorious Years

To celebrate its remarkable journey and enduring contribution to Indian education, the Department of Posts released a commemorative postage stamp marking 125 glorious years of The Daly College. The stamp honours an institution that evolved from a royal academy into a modern public school, embodying India’s progressive educational spirit.