Question

When was the Western system of education introduced by the British in a number of Indian schools?
A) 1825
B) 1829
C) 1835
D) 1842

Answer 1

Hint: The British rule in India has played a very important role in introducing modernisation and development in India. The impact can be very evidently seen in the changes adopted by the Indians in their education system, culture and lifestyle.

Complete answer: In the 19th century, there was a significant period of transition from the Indian system of education to the Western system of education. The groundwork was laid by the East India Company and Christian missionaries so that it will serve the British colonial interests. The ongoing debate between the Orientalists and Anglicists was resolved by deciding it in Anglicists favour because of Thomas Macaulay, who was the member of the governor-general executive council. His ideas were embraced by Lord William Bentinck, who was the governor-general. The idea of introducing a Western system of education in India was thus adopted on 7th March 1835 as a resolution which will decide the future of higher education in India. Benticks idea of western education gained acceleration when the Freedom of Press Act was passed in the year 1835 which encouraged the printing of English books in a huge quantity and at a cheap rate. English replaced the Persian language as the language of the court. On 10th October, a declaration was issued that the government will prefer only those appointments where the medium would be English. All these measures strengthened the position of the English language in India, strengthening Western education further.
 Therefore, option C is the correct answer.

Note: The Company administration was quite ignorant and did not pay attention to the scientific and technical education, there were only three medical colleges and one engineering college, which was only open for Europeans. The government did not provide proper funding as well which forbid the growth of resources available.