The violent controversies between the Orientalists and Anglicizes was the the objects of the educational policy, the medium of instruction, the agencies for organizing educational institutions and the methods to be adopted to spread education among the people.

The controversy between Anglicists and Orientalists emerged during the 19th century in British India. It revolved around the appropriate educational curriculum for Indian students and the way in which knowledge and culture should be transmitted to them. The disagreement was primarily between two different approaches to education and the study of languages: the Anglicists' emphasis on English education and the Orientalists' focus on traditional Indian languages and literature.


Anglicists were British officials and administrators who believed that English education should be the primary focus in Indian schools. They argued that by teaching English, Indian students would be better equipped to participate in administrative and professional roles within the British colonial system. The Anglicists believed that English education would modernize India and pave the way for its integration into the British Empire. They saw English as a universal language of progress and modernity that would open up opportunities for Indians in various fields.


Orientalists, on the other hand, were scholars who advocated for the preservation and promotion of traditional Indian languages, literature, and culture. They believed that the study of classical Indian texts in Sanskrit, Arabic, Persian, and other languages was essential for understanding India's rich heritage and civilization. Orientalists argued that by neglecting traditional Indian knowledge systems, the British were undermining the cultural identity and intellectual heritage of the Indian people. They believed that a well-rounded education should include the study of Indian languages and literature alongside English.


The controversy between Anglicists and Orientalists was multifaceted and had implications for various aspects of education and governance in British India. Some key points of contention were:

1. Language: Anglicists favored English as the medium of instruction, whereas Orientalists advocated for the use of traditional Indian languages.
2. Curriculum: Anglicists emphasized Western subjects such as science, mathematics, and history, while Orientalists stressed the importance of traditional Indian knowledge systems.
3. Professional Opportunities: Anglicists believed that English education would open up employment opportunities within the British administration, while Orientalists feared that traditional Indian knowledge would be marginalized.
4. Cultural Identity: Anglicists viewed English education as a means of assimilation into British culture, while Orientalists highlighted the importance of preserving and promoting Indian cultural identity.


The controversy between Anglicists and Orientalists was eventually resolved through a compromise. The Indian education system incorporated elements of both approaches, with English education being prioritized but traditional Indian languages and literature also being taught. This compromise aimed to strike a balance between the demands of modernization and the preservation of Indian cultural heritage. It recognized the value of both Western and traditional knowledge systems in shaping the education of Indian students.