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Unit 3 : Education in India during British Period: Macaulay’s Minutes, Wood’s Despatch and Hunter Commission

3.1.1 Macaulay Comments Notes
Macaulay advanced the following arguments in favour of the education of English literature
and science :
1. English is the key to modern knowledge and therefore, it is much more useful than the
classical language like Sanskrit and Arabic, etc.
2. English language will go a long way in revitalising and rejuvenating the field of knowledge
in the same way as Latin and Greek did for English in the past.
3. English is the main language of the west. In India also it is the language of the rulers and,
therefore, there is a possibility of its being the language of the Far East.
4. Indians themselves are eager to study English literature and science.
5. The study of English language in the best interests of Indian.
3.1.2 Lord Macaulay’s Contributions to Indian Education
Lord Macaulay had no knowledge of oriental culture and literature and his view about the
same had been unjust and uncharitable. He loved everything European and despised everything
Indian. Hence he had based outlook. He was more interested in farthering the British interests
in India than in any thing else. However, it will have to be admitted that he contributed
immensely to the formulation of an educational policy for India which in a way still continue,
i.e., even after 150 years of its initiation. Bentinck’s declaration was actually a declaration of the
acceptance of Macaulay’s views. Macaulay’s view received a mixed reception form the people in
the country. A section of the englightened group criticised him as a person who wanted to tie
the people in the shackles of slavery. On the other, another group regarded his as the guide
and father of modern education in India. According to them Macaulays’ efforts ultimately
brought a regeneration in the educated people and they become aware of the happenings in
literature and sciences in the other parts of the world. This group welcomed English as the
medium of instruction.
3.1.3 Advantage of Macaulay’s Minutes
The advantage of Macaulay’s Minutes can be summarized as under:
1. A clear cut policy of education.
2. Definite purpose of education.
3. Establishment of English schools.
4. English as medium of instruction.
5. Proposition of filtration theory.
3.1.4 Disadvantage of Macaulay’s Minutes
The disadvantage of Macaulay’s Minutes can be summarized as under:
1. Closure of Sanskrit Pathashalas and Arabic Madrasahs.
2. Setback to oriental learning
3. Neglect of Vernaculars.
4. Neglect of Mass education.
5. Opposition of Sanskrit and Arabic languages.
6. Opposition of Indian religions.

3.1.5 Acceptance of Macaulay’s Minutes and Lord William Bentinck’s
Resolution of March 7, 1835
The Minute of Lord Macaulay 1835 was accepted by Lord William Bentinck (1828-1835). He
endorsed it by writing one line beneath it, “I give my entire concurrence to the sentiments
expressed in the minute.” The Resolution of March 1835 eventually determined the aim, content
and medium of instruction in India. Promotion of western sciences and arts was acknowledged
as the avowed object of the British Government in India.

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