In colonial India, British education policies aimed at creating a class of Indians who were culturally Indian but embraced English tastes and affiliations.
Agents of Modern Education:
- The British government (East India Company)
- Christian missionaries
- Indian intellectuals and reformers
Role of Christian Missionary Education:
- Missionaries aimed to make schools spiritual and religious centers, promoting Western education and Christianizing natives.
- Their primary motive was to eradicate native practices considered uncivilized, such as idol worship and polytheism.
East India Company’s Educational Initiatives:
- Warren Hastings established Calcutta Madrassa in 1781 and Sanskrit College in 1791 to understand local customs and laws.
- The company sought educated Indians to assist in administration and bridge cultural gaps.
Influence of Indian Intellectuals:
- Ram Mohan Roy advocated for modern education to spread rational thinking and scientific principles.
- He supported the use of English language and Western learning to advance Indian education.
British Education Policy Evolution:
- The Charter Act of 1813 marked the government’s commitment to education, but confusion persisted over the type and language of instruction.
- The General Committee of Public Instruction decided in 1823 to impart oriental education, but in 1835, Lord William Bentinck’s government shifted towards Western sciences and literature through English medium.
- Thomas Babington Macaulay, appointed by Bentinck, proposed English education over traditional Indian learning, aiming to create a class of Indians with English tastes and affiliations.
- Macaulay’s vision led to the establishment of Elphinstone College (Bombay) and Calcutta Medical College in 1835.
Conclusion: British education policies in colonial India, shaped by government initiatives, missionary efforts, and Indian intellectuals’ influence, aimed to foster a class of Indians with English cultural affiliations, leading to the establishment of institutions promoting Western education and values.