A historical study of Tamil schools in Malaya, pre-independence: 1816–1957

This paper undertakes a historical investigation of Tamil schools in Malaya, examining the periods of British colonisation and the preparation for independence between 1816 and 1957. In the context of Tamil schools in Malaya, there is a limited body of historical studies. Using qualitative historical methodology, we analyse primary and secondary data chronologically to examine the history of Tamil schools in Malaya. The outcome of this historical study is discussed in two sections: the early history of Tamil schools before the Second World War and the post-war period leading up to Malaya's independence in 1957. The study provides comprehensive information on the British government's approach and the plantation owners' attitude towards their labourers' children's education. The findings reveal important history on the Malayan Tamil school that needs to be acknowledged, as it had significant impacts on the future of Tamils in post-independent Malaya.