File:Government Normal School at Varanasi (c. 1870).jpg

English: Photograph of the Government Normal School at Varanasi (Benares) in Uttar Pradesh from the Archaeological Survey of India Collections: India Office Series (Volume 46), taken by D. Tresham in c. 1870. This view looks across the gardens towards the main brick building, with pupils grouped in front. Images like this were often exhibited at European Universal Exhibitions and this one is inscribed on the album page, 'Exhibitor H.H. the Maharaja of Benares...Taken by D. Tresham Esquire, Hd Master Govt. Normal School, Benares. After exhibition to be placed at the disposal of H.Exy. the Sec. of State for India.' Normal schools trained teachers and The Imperial Gazetteer of India states, "In the case of primary teachers and the lower masters of secondary schools the courses of study and the examinations are organized by the Local Governments, and central and District schools are maintained for their instruction by the Government, and in some cases by local boards and missionary societies...Stipends are frequently given to the pupils, who then bind themselves to teach for a specified period. The courses include general and technical subjects and practical training."