Question

 Explain about the role of western education in the rise of the National Movement in India.

Answer 1

Western Education: The British Government introduced the teaching of English in the schools and colleges mainly with a view to get Indian help in running the administration. Educated Indians were given jobs in various departments. They were not offered high posts, but made to do clerical jobs. The rulers, perhaps, did not realize that the English language would prove a boon to the Indians. The Indians with English knowledge, came closer to one another and exchanged their ideas about the curses of the foreign rule in India when they learned of human freedom, democracy and nationalism of the West. They were inspired and began to work for the freedom of India. They were highly impressed by the teachings of Mazzini, Rousseau, Garibaldi and Thomas Paine. A new wave of nationalism swept through the country. The western education gave a clear idea of democracy and liberty. The people started looking at the problems facing the country under the spirit of nationalism.