The Outlook of the Orientalists and the Anglicists towards the Educational Policies of India

The Orientalists and the Anglicists were two distinct groups of British administrators and intellectuals who had differing perspectives on the educational policies for India during the colonial period. These two groups had contrasting views on the role of education in India and the language of instruction.

Orientalists
The Orientalists were a group of British scholars and administrators who believed in preserving and promoting Indian languages, religions, and traditions. They considered Indian culture and knowledge systems to be valuable and sought to study and understand them. Their outlook towards educational policies in India can be summarized as follows:

1. Preservation of Indian culture: Orientalists emphasized the preservation of Indian languages, literature, and traditions. They believed that education should be a means to revitalize and promote Indian culture.

2. Focus on traditional knowledge systems: Orientalists advocated for the inclusion of traditional Indian knowledge systems like Sanskrit, Persian, and Arabic in the curriculum. They believed that these languages held the key to understanding India's rich heritage and should be given importance in the educational system.

3. Promotion of indigenous education: Orientalists supported the establishment of indigenous educational institutions like Sanskrit colleges and madrasas. They believed that these institutions would help preserve and promote Indian knowledge and cultural traditions.

Anglicists
The Anglicists, on the other hand, were a group of British administrators and intellectuals who believed in the superiority of Western education and the English language. They saw English education as a means to modernize India and create a class of Indians who could assist the British in governance. The outlook of the Anglicists towards educational policies in India can be outlined as follows:

1. Promotion of English education: Anglicists believed that English education was essential for the modernization of India. They argued that English was the language of science, commerce, and administration and that its widespread adoption would enable Indians to participate in the modern world.

2. Western curriculum and values: Anglicists advocated for a curriculum that was based on Western subjects and values. They believed that Western knowledge systems, including science, mathematics, and literature, were superior to traditional Indian knowledge and should form the core of education in India.

3. Creation of a Westernized elite: Anglicists aimed to create a class of Indians who were educated in English and shared Western values. They believed that this Westernized elite would act as intermediaries between the British rulers and the Indian population, facilitating effective governance.

In conclusion, the Orientalists and the Anglicists had contrasting outlooks towards the educational policies of India during the colonial period. While the Orientalists focused on preserving Indian culture and knowledge systems, the Anglicists emphasized the adoption of Western education and the English language. These differing perspectives had a significant impact on the development of the education system in India during the colonial era.