NCERT Solutions Class 8 History Chapter 8 - Civilising the "Native", Educating the Nation

1. True
2. True
3. False
4. False

• Willam Jones came to India as a junior law clerk but his interest was in learning the language. He eagerly learnt Arabian, Persian and Sanskrit. 

• Learning ancient texts of India related to history, philosophy, law and religion, in original languages gave him an insight into Indian customs and cultural heritage. 

• He came to realise that India which had a glorious past, somehow declined with time. 

• He felt the need to aid the British in learning about Indian culture and heritage but also support Indians to rediscover their glorious days. 

• He mentioned that the British would become the guardians of India’s culture and gain complete control of the country. This was the reason Willam Jones felt the necessity to study Indian history, philosophy and law.

 James Mill and Thomas Macaulay are two of those British officials who had critical views regarding eastern education and literature. So, they suggested the spreading of European education in India. The actual reasons behind such thought were—

• Indians should be taught about scientific and technological advancements which are far more practical than studying poetry and religious texts. 

• The Indians would be able to see the benefits from trade-related expansion and they will understand the importance of generating resources for the nation. 

• The Indians will become accustomed to European and British culture which will create a market for British goods. 

• European education will improve the morality of the Indians by making them more honest and hardworking. This will supply a fair number of civil servants who will work loyally for the benefit of the British administration. 

• Indians after getting European education, will be able to read the finest literature of the world and will be aware of the scientific and technological advancement of the world. 

Mahatma Gandhi wanted to start the education of children with learning handicrafts because—

• It would expose their mind to learning and evolve their capacity of understanding. 

• The children would be able to understand how different objects operate.

• It would provide practical knowledge and children would gain experience. 

According to Mahatma Gandhi, the Indians were enslaved by English education. The reasons behind such thought were—

• English education promoted the inferiority of Oriental education. Thus an inferiority complex was brought out in Indians by English education.

• The purpose of English education was to create a class of Indians who would admire the British culture and would remain loyal to British rule, eagerly overlooking their enslavement.