1. Which of
the following led to the
introduction of English
Education in India?
1. Charter Act
of 1813
2. General Committee
of Public Instruction,
1823
3.
Orientalist and Anglicist
Controversy
Select the
correct answer using
the code given
below:
(a) 1 and
2 only
(b) 2 only
(c) 1 and
3 only
(d) 1, 2
and 3
Ans: (d) 1, 2
and 3
By a liberal interpretation of
introduction of 'English Education' in India, the three statements given in the question are directly
related to it. All three precede the introduction of English Education in
India and played some form on role in adoption of English Education in
India. None of
the above might
have been the
best option but
since it is
not we can assume all the statements as correct.
Explanation:
• The East
India Company began
to adopt a
dual policy in
the sphere of
education. It discouraged the prevalent system
of oriental education
and gave importance
to western education and
English language.
• The Charter
Act of 1813
adopted a provision
to spend one
lakh rupees per
annum for the spread of
education in India.
• Although there
was a prolonged
debate pertaining to
education during the
course of a general discussion
on the Act of 1813
in the British
Parliament, yet the
matter continued to generate debate
for the next
20 years. Consequently,
not even a
single penny out
of the allocated funds
could be spent
on education.
• The contemporary British scholars
were divided into two groups on the issue of development of education in India. One group,
called the Orientalists, advocated the promotion of oriental subjects through
Indian languages. The
other group, called
the Anglicists, argued
the cause of
western sciences and
literature in the
medium of English
language.
• In 1829,
after assuming the
office of the
Governor General of India,
Lord William Bentinck, emphasized on
the medium of
English language in
Indian education.
• In the
beginning of 1835,
the 10 members
of the General
Committee of Public
Instruction were clearly
divided into two
equal groups.
• Five members
including the Chairman
of the committee
Lord Macaulay were
in favour of adopting English
as medium of
public instruction whereas
the other five
were in favour
of oriental languages.
• The stalemate
continued till 2
February 1835 when
the Chairman of
the committee, Lord Macaulay announced
his famous Minute
advocating the Anglicist
point of view.
• Consequently, despite fierce
opposition from all quarters, Bentinck got the resolution passed on
7 March 1835
which declared that
henceforth, government funds
would be utilized
for the
promotion of western
literature and science
through the medium
of English language.