What was the controversy between anglicists and orientalists?

Question

Answer

In 1813 the British government in England directed the Company's government in India to spend yearly a sum of rupees 1-lakh towards the spread of education. Despite the directive of the British government, the East India Company's government in India took no initiative to spend the money for the promotion of education in India.

This indifference was largely due to the controversy that reared its head in the official circle regarding the type of education to be introduced in India. The opinion that favored the introduction of western scientific knowledge in India came to be known as the Anglicize while the Orientals view was in favor of promoting and disseminating the traditional oriental learning.

This Anglicize- Orientals controversy continued for quite some time. Ultimately, the two controversies were settled in 1835 under the Governor- Generalship of Lord William Bentinck. Hands of Lord William Benthnck, the then Governor-General of India were strengthened by the coming of Lord Macaulay to India as the Law member of the Governor-General's Council Macaulay was in favor of introducing Western education in India.

On the strength of the opinion Macaulay expressed in his famous Education Minute Lord Bentinck introduced Western education and thus the Anglicize won the day.

Answer

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.

Answer

The Controversy between Anglicists and Orientalists

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

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

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

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.

Resolution

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.

Answer

Anglicists are are the people  who supported English education. orientalists are the people who encouraged Hindu system of education and respected that education system. anglicists thought that the vedas ( the Hindu education) had no sense or understanding in it.on the other hand orientalists used to think that the veds are sensible and have scientific things it .

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