, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , Macaulay’s Minute on Education (1835) was a turning point in India’s education system. It strongly supported English as the medium of instruction, favoring Western science and literature over traditional Indian learning. Macaulay argued that English education would create a class of Indians who could bridge Western knowledge and local society. While it opened the path for modern education, it also sidelined indigenous traditions, sparking debates between Orientalists and Anglicists. Its legacy still shapes India’s educational and cultural landscape today.

2. The Minute on Indian Education was written in
1835 by Thomas Babington Macaulay.
It brought a major change in British education
policy in colonial India.
In this document, Macaulay suggested that English
should replace Indian languages like Sanskrit and
Persian in schools and colleges.
He strongly supported the introduction of Western
ideas, science, and literature in Indian education.
The Minute became a very important turning point
in the history of education in India.
Introduction

4. Background
Before Macaulay’s Minute, Indian languages like Sanskrit, Persian, and Arabic
were commonly used in education.
There was a major debate between two groups: the Orientalists and the
Anglicists.
The Orientalists believed
that Indian traditions and
classical learning should
be preserved and
respected.
The Anglicists believed that
English and modern
Western education were
more useful and practical
for India. It is supported by
Macaulay.

6. What Macaulay Said?
Macaulay stated that English should be the main
language used for teaching in Indian schools and
colleges.
He argued that Indian languages were no longer
useful for modern education and progress.
He believed that Indian books and literature were
less valuable than those written in English.
He wanted Indian students to learn Western
science, literature, and rational thinking.
His goal was to train Indians who could work for
the British and help them govern the country.

7. Effects of the Minute
As a result of the Minute, English replaced Indian
languages in schools and became the language of
higher education.
New English-medium schools were opened to teach
Western subjects like science, history, and
literature.
Traditional systems of learning, such as gurukuls
and madrasas, slowly lost support and funding.
A new class of English-educated Indians was
created, who could work in British administration.
These changes had a long-lasting effect on the
Indian education system that can still be seen
today.

8. Macaulay
thought Indian
culture was
useless
He didn’t
respect Indian
knowledge
He made
Indians feel
their own
culture was bad
Education was
for the British
government,
not Indians
It still causes
identity
problems today
Problems and Criticism

9. Why it sill matters today?
English is still important in Indian
schools
People think English = success
Indian languages are often ignored
Debates continue about education
language
Shows how British rule shaped Indian
thinking

10. Macaulay’s Minute vs. Indulekha
• Promoted English education for
Indians
• Aim: Create a class with modern,
rational values
• Wanted Indians to adopt Western
knowledge
• Anglicist vision: English as a tool
of reform
• Shows an English-educated
heroine
• Indulekha is modern, independent,
questions old customs
• Novel critiques feudal traditions
and praises modern thinking
• Literature reflects impact of
English education
Macaulay’s Minute (1835) Indulekha (1889)

11. A major
turning
point in
Indian
education
Promoted
English,
ignored
Indian
culture
Helped
British rule
India more
easily
Good and
bad effects
on society
Still shapes
education
in India
today
Conclusion