The Tradition of Orientalism
This section delves into the British approach to education during colonial rule in India, focusing on the ideals of Orientalism. The narrative begins with William Jones, a junior judge in Calcutta, who, alongside other British officials, sought to understand and respect the ancient cultures of India through the study of languages and texts. This endeavor led to the establishment of the Asiatic Society of Bengal and the translation of significant works from Sanskrit and Persian.
Jones viewed ancient Indian civilization as having once achieved great heights but believed it had declined, thus advocating for a resurgence through education based on its own cultural heritage. Influenced by this Orientalist perspective, several British officials supported the promotion of Indian learning.
However, the late 19th century saw a shift in attitudes, with critics like Thomas Macaulay arguing against Orientalism, deeming it impractical and inferior to Western knowledge. This culminated in the 1835 English Education Act, which established English as the medium of instruction in education.
The section illustrates how educational policies evolved in India, revealing the tension between the respect for local traditions and the push for Westernization, ultimately shaping the cultural landscape of India under British rule.