Civilize

Question 1

What was the British intention behind their rule in India?

Answer 1

To achieve territorial conquest and control over revenues, while also having a cultural mission to ‘civilise the natives’

This included changing customs and values of the Indian population.

Question 2

What were the British debating regarding education in India?

Answer 2

What changes were to be introduced, how Indians were to be educated, and how they could be made into ‘good subjects’

These debates continued for many decades.

Question 3

Who was William Jones?

Answer 3

A junior judge at the Supreme Court in Calcutta and a linguist

He studied Greek and Latin at Oxford and knew several languages including French, English, Arabic, and Persian.

Question 4

What is Orientalism in the context of British education in India?

Answer 4

A tradition that influenced British perspectives on Indian culture and education

It shaped how the British viewed and interacted with Indian customs and learning.

Question 5

What role did pandits play in William Jones’s education?

Answer 5

They taught him the subtleties of the Sanskrit language, grammar, and literature

His interaction with pandits was crucial for his understanding of Indian languages.

Question 6

Fill in the blank: The British aimed to change the customs and values of the Indians in order to ‘______’ them.

Answer 6

civilise

Question 7

True or False: The British found simple answers to their questions about educating Indians.

Answer 7

False

Question 8

What did the British feel was necessary beyond territorial control in India?

Answer 8

A cultural mission to civilise the natives

This reflects the colonial mindset of the British during their rule.

Question 9

What did the British believe was necessary for Indians to become?

Answer 9

‘Good subjects’

This belief influenced their educational policies and practices.

Question 10

What languages did William Jones study?

Answer 10

Greek, Latin, French, English, Arabic, and Persian

His linguistic skills contributed to his role in promoting Indian languages.

Question 11

What was one of the main challenges the British faced regarding education in India?

Answer 11

Determining how to effectively educate and civilise the Indian population

This challenge was compounded by the diverse cultural and linguistic landscape of India.

Question 12

Who was Henry Thomas Colebrooke?

Answer 12

A scholar of Sanskrit and ancient sacred writings of Hinduism

Question 13

What does the term ‘Madrasa’ mean?

Answer 13

An Arabic word for a place of learning; any type of school or college

Question 14

What subjects did Jones study from ancient Indian texts?

Answer 14

Law, philosophy, religion, politics, medicine, and other sciences

Question 15

Which British officials shared Jones’ interests in Indian languages?

Answer 15

Henry Thomas Colebrooke and Nathaniel Halhed

Question 16

What organization did Jones, Colebrooke, and others establish?

Answer 16

The Asiatic Society of Bengal

Question 17

What journal did the Asiatic Society of Bengal start?

Answer 17

Asiatick Researches

Question 18

What attitude did Jones and Colebrooke represent towards India?

Answer 18

A deep respect for ancient cultures, both of India and the West

Question 19

How did Jones and Colebrooke view Indian civilization?

Answer 19

They felt it had attained its glory in the ancient past but had subsequently declined

Question 20

What did Jones and Colebrooke believe was necessary to understand India?

Answer 20

To discover the sacred and legal texts produced in the ancient period

Question 21

What was the believed outcome of studying ancient texts according to Jones and Colebrooke?

Answer 21

It would help the British learn from Indian culture and help Indians rediscover their heritage

Question 22

What did many Company officials argue regarding education in India?

Answer 22

The British ought to promote Indian learning rather than Western learning

Question 23

What was the purpose of the madrasa set up in Calcutta in 1781?

Answer 23

To promote the study of Arabic, Persian, and Islamic law

Question 24

What institution was established in Benaras in 1791?

Answer 24

The Hindu College to encourage the study of ancient Sanskrit texts

Question 25

Fill in the blank: The British believed that only by teaching Hindus and Muslims what they valued could they win a place in the hearts of the _______.

Answer 25

natives

Question 26

True or False: The British aimed to teach subjects that were alien to Hindus and Muslims.

Answer 26

False

Question 27

What does the monument to Warren Hastings represent?

Answer 27

It represents how Orientalists thought of British power in India ## Footnote Hastings is depicted alongside a pandit and a munshi, indicating the collaboration between British officials and Indian scholars.

Question 28

Who was Warren Hastings?

Answer 28

An enthusiastic supporter of the Orientalists and an important figure in British India ## Footnote Hastings played a key role in establishing the Calcutta Madrasa.

Question 29

What was the purpose of the Calcutta Madrasa?

Answer 29

To educate British officials about Indian languages, customs, and ancient texts ## Footnote Hastings believed that Oriental learning should inform British rule in India.

Question 30

What criticism did British officials have about the Orientalists' vision of learning?

Answer 30

They argued that knowledge of the East was full of errors and unscientific thought ## Footnote Critics described Eastern literature as non-serious and light-hearted.

Question 31

Who was James Mill, and what was his stance on Orientalist education?

Answer 31

James Mill was a critic of the Orientalists who believed education should focus on practical and useful knowledge ## Footnote He argued against teaching what the natives respected to win their affection.

Question 32

What did James Mill believe Indians should be familiar with?

Answer 32

Scientific and technical advances made by the West ## Footnote He opposed the focus on poetry and sacred literature of the Orient.

Question 33

Who was Thomas Babington Macaulay, and what was his view on India?

Answer 33

An outspoken critic of Orientalists who viewed India as an uncivilised country ## Footnote Macaulay believed that no branch of Eastern knowledge could compare to what England had produced.

Question 34

Define 'Orientalists'.

Answer 34

Those with a scholarly knowledge of the language and culture of Asia ## Footnote Orientalists played a significant role in interpreting and teaching about Eastern societies.

Question 35

What is a 'Munshi'?

Answer 35

A person who can read, write, and teach Persian ## Footnote Munshis were essential for British officials to understand local languages.

Question 36

What does the term 'Vernacular' refer to?

Answer 36

A local language or dialect as distinct from the standard language ## Footnote In colonial contexts, it marked the difference between local languages and English.