What's New

“The Western Education introduced by the British caused some major irreversible changes in Indian society”. Elucidate this statement.

Introduction:

British introduced the western education in India in the latter part of the 18^th century. The missionaries spread the western education. Some of the Indian reformers also believed that to keep up with the world it was necessary to acuqire western education.

Body:

Major events

1781- Establishment of Calcutta Madrassa by Warren Hastings

1791- Sanskrit college was started by Duncan

1800- Baptist Mission in Serampore, Bengal

1813- Charter Act, Education was an objective

1835- William Bentinck declared English education will be made compulsory

1854- Wood’s despatch

1857- Universities of Madras, Calcutta and Punjab

1882- University of Punjab

1887- Universtiy of Allahabad

Wood’s despatch- Sir Charles Wood headed this committee. It was called as ‘Magna Carta of English Education in India. It was setup to regularise the education system in India. It recommended English and also native languages. Private schools were also given grants. Women education was focussed.

Impact:

The education was westernized just for the concerns of the government. There were huge vacancies being created in the cadre of clerks and administrative officers. To fill this western education was imposed. There was no technical or scientific education system. The literacy rate was also low during these times as Indians could not cope up with the new system of education.

Conclusion:

The system which was brought in wanted to completely replace the Indian education system which had been practices since ages. Most of the literary works were not made available. A selected sector was being targeted to be educated. British had no intention in uplifting the poor by improving their literacy. Thus, the benefits of the system could not reach its full potential causing irreversible changes in India.