“The introduction of English education in India was less about enlightenment and more about establishing cultural hegemony.” Critically examine this statement in the context of British educational policies in the 19th century.

Answer: 

Approach to the answer:

Recognizing the query: There are two primary components to the question. Outlined the reasons for the introduction of English instruction in India, and explained how India’s cultural colonization was the true reason for the introduction.

Introduction: You might write about the several laws and policies that the British passed to bring English to India.

• In order to educate European and Anglo-Indian youngsters, English was brought to India in the 18th century through charity schools. The Charter Act of 1813, which allocated 100,000 rupees annually for educational purposes, was the actual start, nevertheless.

Body: Justifications offered for the introduction of English instruction to India and How “cultural colonialism” of India was a key concept in the introduction of English education.

• You might conclude by pointing out how English education later aided in raising people’s knowledge of the nature of colonial control and exploitation in India and helped to establish a middle class, which was essential to achieving independence.
• They believed that since the Indians were well-versed in English literature, they would praise the great Englishman with the same fervor as the British and reject the teachings of Brahmin priests. They also believed that the indigenous would not rebel against us since we would go to great lengths to uplift them.

Although a class of Indians who were “British in opinions and taste” were produced by English education, Indians selectively absorbed this knowledge and used western concepts of logic, critical thinking, etc. to challenge colonial control.

Practice Question:

Question: “The intent behind English education was to create a loyal administrative class, but it led to unintended democratization of knowledge.” Discuss in light of post-Charter Act developments and rise of educated Indian middle class.

Mains PYQs 

Question: Discuss the economic and political significance of the Charter Act of 1813 in the British administration of India.

MCQs

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Question:Consider the following statements about ‘the Charter Act of 1813’:

1. It ended the trade monopoly of the East India Company in India except for trade in tea and trade with China.
2. It asserted the sovereignty of the British Crown over the Indian territories held by the Company.
3. The revenues of India were now controlled by the British Parliament.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

1. 1 and 2 only
2. 2 and 3 only
3. 1 and 3 only
4. 1, 2 and 3

Answer: a)

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