Unit 1: English in Colonial India

Charles Grant believed that education for Indians should focus on disseminating European literature and sciences through English. He saw this as a way to combat superstition, idolatry, and immorality in India, bringing Indians closer to the British and, in turn, ensuring their loyalty and facilitating trade.

The Anglicists saw imperialism as a transcendent force with a 'civilizing' mission for less developed communities. They believed that these communities needed to be guided by Western knowledge to improve, implying their own inherent inadequacy.

Ram Mohun Roy opposed the establishment of a Sanskrit College in Calcutta, arguing that it would perpetuate outdated and useless learning. He believed that the focus should be on promoting western sciences and arts for the benefit of Indian society.

<p>Macaulay argues that English literature and language, and Western sciences, are inherently superior to Indian learning. He claims that all of the East's literatures are not worth a single shelf of a good European library, denigrating Indian languages as inadequate for conveying useful knowledge.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Rajan argues that the Anglicist approach is not about understanding or engaging with Indian culture, but rather about remaking it in the image of the West. Dialogue or genuine cultural exchange is not the goal, but rather the imposition of Western values and norms.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The Orientalists disagreed with the Anglicists' view of imperial domination, arguing that Western knowledge should be integrated into Indian culture rather than replacing it entirely. They valued Indian traditions and believed that European science and literature could enrich them.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Wilson believed that imposing Western knowledge upon Indians would create dissatisfaction. He argued that Indians held traditional languages like Sanskrit and Arabic in high regard and that simply attempting to assert the superiority of Western learning would only cause resentment.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Macaulay argues that English education is not being imposed, but rather is in response to the Indians' desire for improvement. He claims that English instruction provides opportunities for advancement, while learning Sanskrit or Arabic only leads to unemployment and lack of respect.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Macaulay's educational system aimed to create a class of Indians who were fluent in English, adopted Western values and norms, and would therefore serve as allies and not critics of the colonial regime. This system was designed to reinforce British authority and control by suppressing any potential subversion.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Trevelyan perceives India and its inhabitants as morally and intellectually decadent, needing to be 'rejuvenated' through the adoption of English literature, language, and religion. He sees this as the path away from false beliefs and immoral behavior.</p> Signup and view all the answers