Match the following:
- William Jones – Respect for ancient cultures
- Rabindranath Tagore – Learning in a natural environment
- Thomas Macaulay – Promotion of English education
- Mahatma Gandhi – Critical of English education
- Pathshalas – Gurus
2. True or False:
- (a) True – James Mill was a strong critic of the Orientalists and wanted practical education.
- (b) True – The 1854 Despatch promoted English as the medium for higher education in India.
- (c) False – Gandhi believed education should develop the mind and soul, not just focus on literacy.
- (d) False – Tagore advocated for free and creative learning, not strict discipline.
Let’s Discuss
3. Why did William Jones feel the need to study Indian history, philosophy, and law?
William Jones believed that India’s ancient texts held valuable insights into its culture, philosophy, and legal systems. He thought that studying these texts would not only help the British understand India better but would also allow Indians to rediscover their cultural heritage. His goal was to bridge Indian and Western knowledge, fostering mutual respect.
4. Why did James Mill and Thomas Macaulay think that European education was essential in India?
Mill and Macaulay thought that Indian education was outdated and unscientific, and that European education would help modernize India. They believed that Western knowledge, especially in science and technology, was far superior and that educating Indians in these subjects would help them become more efficient workers and better subjects for British rule.
5. Why did Mahatma Gandhi want to teach children handicrafts?
Mahatma Gandhi believed that education should not only focus on literacy but also teach practical skills. By learning handicrafts, children would develop self-reliance, creativity, and discipline. Gandhi felt that working with their hands would help students understand the value of labor and contribute meaningfully to society.
6. Why did Mahatma Gandhi think that English education had enslaved Indians?
Gandhi argued that English education made Indians feel inferior and disconnected from their own culture. He believed that it taught Indians to admire British civilization while looking down on their own traditions. This, he felt, created a mental and cultural dependency on the British, undermining Indian self-respect and dignity.