A commemorative postage stamp on the Mayo College, a boys-only independent boarding school in Ajmer, Rajasthan, founded by Richard Bourke, 6^th Earl of Mayo, Viceroy and Governor-General of India (1869-72) in 1875 :

Issued by India

Issued on Apr 12, 1986

Type : Stamp, Postal Used

Colour : Multi colour

Denomination : 100 Paise

Printed at : India Security Press

About : 

• A hundred years old in 1975, Mayo College was founded “to ensure to the sons of the aristocracy of India, a liberal and enlightened education to enable them to keep pace with the ever advancing spirit of the age”. This “Eton” in India threw its doors open to all, regardless of caste, creed or social status in the year 1942 and soon became the premiere residential school in the country. Mayo College combines in its students the cultural values and the rich heritage of India with an analytical mind that has given to the country some of the most eminent personalities, reformers, sportsmen, soldiers and jurists who have made their mark in the international arena.
• Mayo College, Ajmer nestles in a bowl in the Aravalis at a height of 1600 feet. The college campus sprawls over 290 acres of perhaps the best wooded area in Rajasthan and facilities exist for a vast range of activities. At its annual function the boys dress in colourful turbans and Jodhpuris.
• The main building is a white marble edifice in the Hindu Saracenic style, half its present size, and did not include the East Wing which was not built till 25 years later. The Assembly Hall is a master piece of art, and the college museum has a most unique collection.
• The erstwhile states of Rajputana and the Government of India were both associated in the establishment and the maintenance of the college. Various States like Udaipur, Jaipur, Jodhpur, Bikaner, Tonk, Jhalwar and Kotah built Boarding Houses almost immediately.
• The coat of arms of the Mayo College was designed by Mr. Lockwood Kipling, father of the famous novelist Rudyard Kipling.
• The Maharaja of Alwar was the first name on the rolls of the college in 1875. In the following months boys of ages varying from 7 to 18 joined the college from different states. Education was of a very high standard, very selective and esoteric.
• The overall control of the college was placed in the hands of a General Council consisting then of the Viceroy as its president. The present president is the Maharao of Kotah with the Principal of Mayo College as its secretary.
• At present the Mayo College roll is 840 of whom 800 are resident scholars. The college has instituted nearly 80 scholarships and financial assistance is given to boys who come from less privileged homes. The college ultimately aims at 25% of the enrolment being scholars. The computer programme in the college is one of the best in any school or college in the country. A Vocational Guidance Cell helps the students to choose careers.
• Text courtesy : Principal, Mayo College, Ajmer.

Related posts:

Danmal Mathur The Daly College Bishop Cotton School, Shimla The Doon School, Dehradun Rao Gopal Singh St. Joseph’s Boys’ High School, Bangalore