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Chapter Analysis
Intermediate13 pages • EnglishQuick Summary
The chapter 'Civilising the “Native”, Educating the Nation' explores the British colonial educational policies in India and their implications on Indian society. It discusses the debate between Orientalists and Anglicists on the medium of education, highlighting figures like William Jones and Thomas Macaulay. The chapter also addresses the reaction of Indian intellectuals such as Mahatma Gandhi and Rabindranath Tagore to Western education, emphasizing the struggle for a national educational system that reflected Indian values and traditions.
Key Topics
- •British educational policies in colonial India
- •Debate between Orientalists and Anglicists
- •Influence of Thomas Macaulay and the English Education Act of 1835
- •Mahatma Gandhi and Rabindranath Tagore's educational perspectives
- •Impact of education on Indian social structure
- •The role of vernacular education
- •Cultural implications of Western education
Learning Objectives
- ✓Understand the motives behind British educational policies in India.
- ✓Analyze the debates on Oriental versus Western education.
- ✓Evaluate the contributions and criticisms of key intellectuals like Macaulay, Gandhi, and Tagore.
- ✓Examine the impact of colonial education on Indian society and culture.
- ✓Explore the development and challenges of vernacular education under British rule.
Questions in Chapter
Why did William Jones feel the need to study Indian history, philosophy and law?
Page 69
Why did James Mill and Thomas Macaulay think that European education was essential in India?
Page 69
Why did Mahatma Gandhi want to teach children handicrafts?
Page 69
Why did Mahatma Gandhi think that English education had enslaved Indians?
Page 69
Imagine you were witness to a debate between Mahatma Gandhi and Macaulay on English education. Write a page on the dialogue you heard.
Page 70
Find out from your grandparents about what they studied in school.
Page 70
Find out about the history of your school or any other school in the area you live.
Page 70
Additional Practice Questions
Explain the reasons behind the introduction of the English Education Act of 1835.
mediumAnswer: The English Education Act of 1835 was introduced to promote Western education and make English the medium of higher education in India. It was influenced by Macaulay's belief that English education would civilize Indians and encourage them to embrace Western scientific and technical advancements.
Discuss the impact of colonial education on Indian social structures.
hardAnswer: Colonial education deepened social divisions by favoring English-speaking elites and Western knowledge systems over traditional Indian learning. It created a class of educated Indians who were often alienated from rural and traditional lifestyles, contributing to a cultural and linguistic divide.
What were the arguments presented by Orientalists in favor of traditional Indian education?
easyAnswer: Orientalists like William Jones advocated for preserving and studying ancient Indian texts, languages and culture. They believed that Indian civilisation was at its peak in the past and that understanding this heritage would help both British rulers and Indians.
Analyze the educational ideas of Rabindranath Tagore and their relevance today.
mediumAnswer: Rabindranath Tagore emphasized creativity, freedom, and learning in natural environments, opposing rote learning and rigid discipline. His ideas remain relevant in modern educational reforms that seek to foster holistic and child-centered learning environments.
Mahatma Gandhi had strong opinions on the medium of education. Critically assess his views.
mediumAnswer: Gandhi advocated for education in Indian languages, believing it vital for preserving cultural identity and promoting self-reliance. He argued that English education created an inferiority complex and alienated Indians from their roots. His views highlight the importance of contextual and culturally relevant education.