Civilising the “Native”, Educating the Nation – 2

Why were classes not held during harvest time in pathshala system?

What task was assigned to the pandit by the Company?

How were Oriental institutions like the Calcutta Madrasa and Benaras Sanskrit College viewed by the British?

What different languages did William Jones study?

Why was the Hindu College established in Benaras?

What did Thomas Macaulay urge the British government in India?

How does Mahatma Gandhi view literacy?

Answer explanation

According to Mahatma Gandhi literacy is not the end of education nor even the beginning. It is only one of the means whereby man and woman can be educated. Literacy in itself is not education.

Why was the East India Company opposed to missionary activities in India?

Answer explanation

Until 1813, the East India Company was opposed to missionary activities in India. It feared that missionary activities would provoke reaction amongst the local population and make them suspicious of British presence in India.

What do you mean by wood's despatch?

Answer explanation

In 1854, the Court of Directors of the East India Company in London sent an educational despatch to the Governor-General in India. Issued by Charles Wood, the President of the Board of Control of the Company, it has come to be known as Wood’s Despatch.

Why did William Jones feel the need to study Indian history, philosophy and law?

Answer explanation

William Jones felt the need to study Indian history, philosophy and law because only those texts could reveal the real ideas and laws of the Hindus and Muslims, and only a new study of these texts could form the basis of future development in India.