Concept:Western education in India began when the British officially adopted English as the medium of instruction and promoted European knowledge.
Explanation:The dispute between Orientalists (who favoured traditional Indian learning) and Anglicists (who favoured English education) was settled by Lord Macaulay.
In February 1835, Macaulay presented his famous Minute to the Governor-General’s Council.
He argued that the main goal of the British government should be to promote European literature and science among Indians.
All government funds for education should be spent only on English education.
No more money was to be spent on printing Oriental works.
Existing students and professors could continue to receive stipends, but no new stipends would be given for Oriental institutions.
Lord William Bentinck approved the Minute, and a resolution was passed in March 1835.
This decision made English the medium of higher education and marked the real beginning of western education in India.
Answer:Macaulay’s Minute on Indian Education, 1835