queen mary's college
Basingstoke
Queen Mary’s College has been in the forefront of the education of women ever
since July 1914, when the Government of Madras instituted the Madras Women’s
College. The initial intake of 33 students was housed in a modest building
called ‘Capper House’. However, by 1915, the college premises were expanded
through the government’s annexure of the area surrounding Capper House. At this
stage it offered only Intermediate courses. In 1916 under graduate courses were
offered in History and Economics. Eventually Intermediate courses in subjects
like Geography, Indian Music, Physics, Chemistry and Home Science were
introduced. Miss De La Hey was the first Principal of the college. The name of
the college was changed to Queen Mary’s College in 1917. This college which was
started on an experimental basis flourished and gained permanent status in 1918.
By this time it had acquired fame and many young women who entered its portals
for education, took wing after completing their courses.