Question

The Wood’s Despatch introduced further changes in the Indian educational system. With reference to the above statement, 

Answer the following questions briefly:

(a) What was the purpose behind the introduction of Western education in India? 

(b) How did the introduction of Western education benefit the British? 

(c) Explain how 

1. Western education and 

2. The English language led to the rise of a spirit of nationalism among the Indians.

Answer 1

(a) The purpose behind the introduction of Western education in India. 

1. The primary motive of the British government was to create a class of persons, Indian in blood and colour, but British in taste, opinions, morals and intellect. The class of Indians could be employed, on low salaries, as clerks in the Civil Service. 

2. This would greatly reduce the heavy expenditure involved in running the administration. Employing theBritish in these posts was very expensive and difficult. 

3. Westernized Indians, it was hoped, would create a demand for British goods and promote the interests of British manufacturers. 

4. Western education would inculcate in the Indians a sense of admiration and respect for British rule. This would strengthen the foundations of the British empire in India. 

(b) The introduction and spread of Western education in India benefited the British like: 

1. The British system of education produced Englishspeaking Indian graduates who helped their British masters to run the empire. 

2. It also created a class of Indians who were Westernized to the extent that they rejected Indian culture and patronized anything and everything that was British including British goods.

(c) Western education, however, impacted Indian society in a way the British could never have imagined. 

1. It aroused in them an awareness of the evil effects of foreign rule. 

2. The teachings of modern European philosophers instilled in them an admiration for democratic institutions.