What is the impact of British rule in Indian Education?

Answer 1

The introduction of modern education was an event of great historical significance for India. It was definitely a progressive act of the British rule. Three main agencies were responsible for the spread of modern education in India: the foreign Christian missionaries, the British government and progressive Indians. Christian missionaries, who did extensive work in the sphere of spread of modern education in India, were inspired mainly by a proselytizing spirit to spread Christianity among the people. These missionaries started educational institutions which along with imparting modern secular education also gave religious instructions in Christianity. The British Government was, however, the principal agent in disseminating modern education in India. It established a network of schools and colleges in India which turned out educated Indians well-versed in modern knowledge. The introduction of modern education in India was primarily motivated by politico-administrative and economic needs of Britain in India. However, they were convinced that the spread of British culture would bring about a social and political unification of the world. The third powerful force spreading modern education in India comprised enlightened Indians. Persons like Raja Ram Mohan Roy, Keshab Chandra Sen, Rabindra Nath Tagore, Ishwar Chander Vidyasagar, Ranade, Dayanand Saraswati, Ramakrishna Vivekanand, etc. worked towards the establishment of modern education. Modern education had fundamentally different orientation and organization as compared to traditional education. Thus, with the introduction of the Western system of education both the meaning and content of education underwent significant changes. Modern education was also the medium for spread of modern science and ideas of equality and liberty. It becomes less religious. Besides, many new branches of learning were introduced. The printing press revolutionized the educational system in that the emphasis shifted from personal, oral communication to impersonal communication of idea through books, journals and other media. It brought the sacred scripture within the reach of many castes who had not been allowed by custom to read them. Modern education was gradually thrown by custom to read them. Modern education was gradually thrown open to all castes, religious groups and to women. Education became the basis of exploiting new economic opportunities which were to a large extent caste-free. Education opportunities helped one to acquire the necessary skills outside caste. Occupations thus become a relatively independent element.

Answer 2

There were many disadvantages to British education in India. For example, such education was arguably ethnocentric and did not take Indian cultural differences into consideration.