Criticism of Education By British

“Grave Error of the East” or Criticism of Education By British

From the early nineteenth century many British officials began to criticize the oriental’s vision of learning. They said that knowledge of the East was full of errors and unscientific thought; eastern literature was non-serious and light- hearted. So they argued that it was wrong on the part of the British to spend so much effort in encouraging the study of Arabic and Sanskrit language and literature.

James Mill was one of those who attacked the orientalists became sharper. One of the most outspoken and influential of such critics of the time was Thomas Babington Macaulay. He saw India as an uncivilized country that needed to be civilized. No branch of eastern knowledge, according to him could be compared to what England had produced.

” Who could deny”, declared Macaulay, that “a single shelf of a good European library was worth the whole native literature of India an Arabia”. He urged that the British government in India should stop wasting public money in promoting oriental learning, for it was of no practical use.

With great energy and passion, Macaulay emphasized the need to teach the English language. He felt that knowledge of English would allow Indians to read some of the finest literature the world had produced; it would make them aware of the developments in western science and philosophy. Teaching of English could thus be a way of civilizing people, changing their tastes, values and culture.

Following Macaulay’s minute, the English Education act of 1835 was introduced. The decision was to make English the medium of instruction for higher education and to stop the promotion of oriental institutions like the Calcuta, Madrasa and Benaras Sanskrit College. These institutions were seen as “temples of darkness that were falling themselves into decay”. English textbox now began to be produced for schools.

THOMAS MACAULAY IN HIS STUDY

There are some reason why James Mill and Thomas Macaulay think that European education was essential in India

James Mill thought that the Britishers efforts should meet to teach what the natives wanted , or what they expected in order to please them and win a place in their heart ."

James Mill and Thomas Macaulay thought that European education would enable Indians to recognize the advantages that flow from the expansion of trade and commerce and make them see the importance of developing the resources of the country.

Introducing European ways of life would change Indians taste and desire and create a demand for British goods because Indians would begin to appreciate and buy things that were produced in Europe.

It would also improve the the moral characters of Indians. It would make them truthful and honest and thus supply the company with civil servants who could be trusted and depended upon. It could also instill in people in sense of duty and commitment to work and develop the skills required for administration.

Macaulay felt that knowledge of English would allow Indians to read some of the finest literature , the world had produced. It would make them aware of the developments in Western science and philosophy. Teaching of English could civilize people.

Chapters

How When and Where I

How When and Where II

From Trade to Territory I

From Trade to Territory II

Ruling The Country Side I

Ruling The Country Side II

Tribals Dikus and The Vision of a Golden Age I

Tribals Dikus and The Vision of Golden Age II

When People Revolt I

When People Revolt II

Civilizing The Native Educating The Nation I