1. Match the following:
2. State whether true or false:
(a) James Mill was a severe critic of the Orientalists.
(b) The 1854 despatch on education was in favour of English being introduced as a medium of higher education in India.
(c) Mahatma Gandhi thought that the promotion of literacy was the most important aim of education.
(d) Rabindranath Tagore felt that children ought to be subjected to strict discipline.
Ans:
(a) True
(b) True
(c) False
(d) False
3. Why did William Jones feel the need to study Indian history, philosophy, and law?
Ans:
William Jones had a deep respect for ancient cultures, including those of India and the West. He believed that Indian civilisation had reached its peak in the ancient past but had declined over time. To truly understand India, he felt it was necessary to study the sacred and legal texts of the ancient period, as these would provide insights into the real ideas, laws, and traditions of Hindus and Muslims. Jones thought that these texts could serve as a foundation for India’s future development.
4. Why did James Mill and Thomas Macaulay think that European education was essential in India?
Ans:
James Mill and Thomas Macaulay believed that European education was crucial for civilising Indians. They argued that teaching English would enable Indians to access the best literature, scientific advancements, and philosophical ideas from the West. According to them, education should focus on practical and useful knowledge, such as Western science and technology, rather than poetry or sacred literature from the East. They thought English education could transform Indian tastes, values, and culture, aligning them with Western ideals.
5. Why did Mahatma Gandhi want to teach children handicrafts?
Ans:
Mahatma Gandhi believed that education should aim for the all-around development of the body, mind, and spirit. He viewed literacy not as the goal of education but as one of its tools. Gandhi felt that children should be taught useful handicrafts from the beginning, enabling them to create something valuable while learning. He argued that this practical education, taught scientifically, would help develop both the mind and the soul. Gandhi insisted that children should understand the reasoning behind every process, making their education meaningful and holistic.
6. Why did Mahatma Gandhi think that English education had enslaved Indians?
Ans:
Mahatma Gandhi believed that colonial education instilled a sense of inferiority in Indians by portraying Western civilisation as superior and devaluing Indian culture. He argued that English education created a mental slavery, where Indians admired British rule and Western ways while losing pride in their own heritage. Gandhi described English education as poisonous and sinful, claiming it cast an “evil spell” on Indians. He called for an education system that would restore Indians’ dignity, self-respect, and cultural pride. During the national movement, he encouraged students to boycott colonial institutions to resist this mental enslavement.