Civilising The Native, Educating The Nation Class 8 Notes

Key Policies and Debates

• Orientalists (e.g., William Jones, Henry Thomas Colebrooke) advocated for the promotion of Indian languages and ancient texts, believing it would help the British govern better and gain respect.
• Anglicists (e.g., Thomas Babington Macaulay) argued for the promotion of English language and Western science/literature, believing it would civilize Indians and create a class of Indians loyal to British rule.
• Macaulay's Minute (1835) firmly established English as the medium of instruction for higher education, sidelining Oriental learning.
• Wood's Despatch (1854), known as the 'Magna Carta of English Education in India,' outlined a comprehensive plan for spreading Western education from primary to university level.
• It recommended establishing a hierarchy of schools, universities in Calcutta, Bombay, and Madras, and a system of grants-in-aid to private schools.
• Mahatma Gandhi strongly opposed Western education, viewing it as enslaving and alienating Indians from their own culture; he advocated for practical, vocational education in vernacular languages.
• Rabindranath Tagore established Shantiniketan (Abode of Peace), promoting a holistic education that blended Western learning with Indian traditions, fostering creativity, and living in harmony with nature.
• Local schools (Pathshalas) initially existed but faced decline and structural changes under British administration, with standardized routines and regular inspections.

Key Terms to Remember

Orientalism

A school of thought among early British officials that promoted the study and preservation of Eastern (Indian) languages, literature, and cultures.

Anglicists

A group within the British administration that advocated for the promotion of English language, Western science, and literature as the primary medium and content of education in India.

Macaulay's Minute

A policy document drafted in 1835 by Thomas Babington Macaulay, which effectively made English the medium of instruction for higher education in India, aiming to create a class of 'Indian in blood and colour, but English in taste'.

Wood's Despatch

A detailed despatch on education issued by Charles Wood in 1854, which proposed a comprehensive system of education from primary schools to universities, promoting Western education across India.

Pathshalas

Indigenous schools in India before British rule, characterized by flexible teaching methods, varying fees depending on the family's income, and no fixed timetable or examinations.

Vernacular

The native language or dialect of a specific place or region, as opposed to a foreign language. Gandhi advocated for education in vernacular languages.

The Great Education Debate: Orientalists vs. Anglicists

In the early 19th century, a significant debate emerged among British officials in India regarding the purpose and medium of education for the native population. This debate largely centered around two opposing camps: the Orientalists and the Anglicists.

Orientalists like William Jones, Henry Thomas Colebrooke, and Nathaniel Halhed believed in the value of Indian culture and learning. They argued that promoting Sanskrit and Persian languages, along with ancient Indian texts, would not only gain the respect of the local population but also help the British understand Indian laws and customs, making governance easier. Institutions like the Calcutta Madrasa (1781) and the Hindu College in Benaras (1791) were established to encourage the study of Arabic, Persian, and Sanskrit. Their aim was to ensure a supply of qualified Indians to help the Company administer its territories and to facilitate translation of important texts.

Conversely, the Anglicists, led by figures like Thomas Babington Macaulay and James Mill, vehemently argued for the superiority of Western education. They believed that Indian learning was unscientific and outdated, and that English education would civilize Indians, expose them to modern science and philosophy, and create a class of Indians who would be loyal to the British. Macaulay famously stated that 'a single shelf of a good European library was worth the whole native literature of India and Arabia.' His influential Macaulay's Minute of 1835 effectively tilted the balance, making English the official medium of instruction for higher education. This decision marked a significant shift, as resources were then diverted from promoting Oriental learning to establishing English-medium schools and colleges, fundamentally altering the educational landscape of India.

Educational Philosophies: Colonial vs. Nationalist

Exam Tip: Understanding Perspectives

When answering questions related to this chapter, it's crucial to clearly distinguish between the perspectives of different individuals and groups. For example, if asked about the purpose of education, specify whether it's from an Orientalist, Anglicist, Gandhi's, or Tagore's viewpoint. Use keywords associated with each perspective (e.g., 'civilizing mission' for Anglicists, 'moral development' for Gandhi, 'harmony with nature' for Tagore). Avoid mixing up their ideologies; precise attribution earns more marks.

Quick Revision Check

• Q: Who were the main proponents of Orientalism, and what did they advocate for? A: William Jones and Henry Thomas Colebrooke were key Orientalists. They advocated for the study and promotion of Indian languages (Sanskrit, Persian) and ancient texts to better understand Indian culture and facilitate British governance.
• Q: What was the main recommendation of Macaulay's Minute of 1835? A: Macaulay's Minute recommended that English be made the medium of instruction for higher education in India, aiming to create a class of Indians who were Westernized in their thoughts and tastes.
• Q: How did Mahatma Gandhi view Western education? A: Gandhi viewed Western education as 'sinful' and 'enslaving.' He believed it alienated Indians from their own culture, destroyed their pride, and taught them to admire British rule. He advocated for practical, vocational, and vernacular education.
• Q: What was the significance of Wood's Despatch of 1854? A: Wood's Despatch was a comprehensive plan for spreading English education in India. It proposed establishing a hierarchy of schools, universities in major cities, and a system of grants-in-aid to encourage private schools, making it a landmark policy in Indian education.

Frequently Asked Questions