“A single shelf of a good European library was worth the whole native literature of India and Arabia,” Macaulay wrote in the Minute.

Thomas Babington Macaulay said these words.

Explanation:
Thomas Babington Macaulay was a British historian and politician who served as the Secretary of State for India from 1834 to 1838. He played a significant role in introducing English education and legal systems in India during the colonial era.

Macaulay made this statement during a speech in the British Parliament on 2nd February 1835, known as the "Minute on Education." In this speech, he argued for the promotion of English education in India and the replacement of traditional Indian literature with English literature. He believed that English education was superior and necessary for the intellectual and cultural progress of the Indian population.

Here is a breakdown of Macaulay's argument:

1. Introduction of English Education:
Macaulay advocated for the introduction of English education in India, stating that it would create a class of Indians who would be "Indian in blood and color but English in taste, in opinions, in morals, and in intellect." He believed that English education would modernize Indian society and produce individuals who would serve as intermediaries between the British rulers and the Indian population.

2. Criticism of Native Literature:
Macaulay criticized the native literature of India and Arabia, stating that it was of little value compared to European literature. He argued that a single shelf of a good European library contained more knowledge and wisdom than the entire native literature of India and Arabia. Macaulay's view reflected the Eurocentric perspective prevalent during that time, which considered European culture and literature as superior to others.

3. Replacement with English Literature:
Macaulay advocated for replacing native literature with English literature in Indian education. He believed that English literature, philosophy, and science would provide Indians with a broader and more enlightened perspective. Macaulay also argued that English literature would contribute to the moral and intellectual development of the Indian population, making them more receptive to British rule and influence.

4. Impact:
Macaulay's ideas had a significant impact on the Indian education system. English education was promoted, and traditional Indian systems of education were gradually replaced. English became the medium of instruction in schools and colleges, leading to a decline in the study and preservation of native languages and literature.

In summary, Thomas Babington Macaulay, in his speech on education, expressed his belief in the superiority of English education and literature over native Indian and Arabian literature. His ideas shaped the educational policies in colonial India and had a lasting impact on the intellectual and cultural landscape of the country.