An analysis of western education in nineteenth-century British India (1835-1900)‎

Abstract EN

British imperialism in nineteenth century India bore the theories of paternalism and utilitarianism towards the colonized.

The presence of the British therein was strongly associated with and justified by the assumed role of sharing Western civilization and scientific modernity with the Indians.

From 1835, the British officially worked to transplant Western education in their Indian colony, which was a demanding enterprise in terms of planning, money, time, and efforts.

This topic is controversial as the enterprise polarized public opinion when the aims and results of that transplantation are deeply considered.

The metropolis, with the help of the colonial government and indigene followers, could develop an English educative system for the colonized, which was however not commonly applauded by viewers.

While many contemporary or post nineteenth century thinkers defend that system as being regenerative for the Indians, many others discount it as being mostly illusionary towards the Indians and beneficial for their colonizers.

While observers extol the educative enterprise for enlightening the Indian mind and bettering Indian living standards, many others blame it as superficial and conducive to imperial domination.