Ncert solutions class 8th / History: lesson --- Civilising the "Native ", Educating the Nation.

Chapter 8- Civilising the "Native", Educating the Nation

Page No: 106

Let's Recall

1. Match the following:

William Jones promotion of English education

Rabindranath Tagore respect for ancient cultures

Thomas Macaulay gurus

Mahatma Gandhi learning in a natural environment

Pathshalas critical of English education

Answer

William Jones respect for ancient cultures 

Rabindranath Tagore learning in a natural environment 

Thomas Macaulay promotion of English education 

Mahatma Gandhi critical of English education 

Pathshalas gurus

Page No: 107

2.State whether true or false:

(a) James Mill was a severe critic of the Orientalists.

► True 

(b) The 1854 Despatch on education was in favour of English being 

introduced as a medium of higher education in India.

► True 

(c) Mahatma Gandhi thought that promotion of literacy was the most 

important aim of education.

► False 

(d) Rabindranath Tagore felt that children ought to be subjected to strict 

discipline.

► False 

Let's Discuss

3. Why did William Jones feel the need to study Indian history, 

philosophy and law?

Answer

William Jones felt the need to study Indian history, philosophy and law 

as this will not only help the British learn from Indian culture but it 

would also help Indian to rediscover their own heritage and understand 

the lost glories of their past. This would establish the British as gurdians 

of Indian culture and gain total control. 

4. Why did James Mill and Thomas Macaulay think that European 

education was essential in India?

Answer

→ James Mill and Thomas Macaulay thought that European education 

would enable Indians to recognize the advantages that flow from the 

expansion of trade and commerce and make them see the importance of 

developing the resources of the country. 

→ Introducing European ways of life would change their tastes and 

desires and create a demand for British goods, because Indians would 

begin to appreciate and buy things that were produced in Europe. → It 

would also improve the moral character of Indians. It would make them 

truthful and honest and thus supply the company with civil servants who 

could be trusted and demanded upon. It could also instill in people a 

sense of duty and commitment to work and develop the skills required 

for administration. 

→ Macaulay felt that knowledge of English would allow Indians to read 

some of the finest literature the world had produced. It would make them 

aware of the developments in Western Science and philosophy. 

Teaching of English could civilize peoplesetting. He saw it as an abode 

of peace, where living in harmony with nature, children could cultivate 

their natural creativity. 

5. Why did Mahatma Gandhi want to teach children handicrafts?

Answer

Mahatma Gandhi wanted to teach children handicraft because that would 

develop their minds and their capacity to understand. This would also 

enable them to know how different things operated. This would help 

them to have lived experience and practical knowledge. 

6. Why did Mahatma Gandhi think that English education had enslaved 

Indians?

Answer

English education, according to Mahatma Gandhi, created a sense of 

inferiority in the minds of Indians. It made them see Western civilisation as superior, and destroyed their pride in their own culture. Thus charmed 

by the West and by everything coming from the West, the Indians 

educated under the colonial system would end up being the admirers of 

British rule in India; thus, willingly forgetting their enslavement, and 

enslaving themselves further.