Context: Language Policy in Colonial India
During the early 19th century, the British East India Company was debating the medium of instruction and administrative language in India. A major decision point came under Lord William Bentinck, who was the Governor-General of India from 1828 to 1835.
Key Event: Macaulay’s Minute & Bentinck’s Role
In 1835, Thomas Babington Macaulay (not Zachary Macaulay) wrote his famous Minute on Indian Education, strongly advocating for:
- English as the medium of instruction.
- Promoting European literature and science.
- Creating a class of Indians who were "Indian in blood and color, but English in taste, in opinions, in morals, and in intellect."
However, Macaulay was part of the Council of India, and his recommendations were not law until William Bentinck approved them.
William Bentinck formally wrote to the Committee of Public Instruction supporting Macaulay’s Minute and recommending English as the language of instruction and administration.
Official Outcome
Bentinck issued a resolution in March 1835, which:
- Endorsed English as the official language for government and higher education in India.
- Marked the decline of traditional learning in Sanskrit and Persian supported earlier.
- This resolution laid the foundation for English education policy in India, which profoundly shaped Indian society, governance, and educational systems thereafter.
❌ Why the Others Are Incorrect:
Robert Clive: Focused on military and political consolidation post-Battle of Plassey (1757); not concerned with language or education.
Warren Hastings: Promoted Orientalist policies, encouraged study of Sanskrit and Persian; supported traditional education.
Zachary Macaulay: A British philanthropist and abolitionist; not involved in Indian administration or educational policy.
Conclusion:
The correct answer is William Bentinck (Option 3) because:
He formally recommended and implemented the policy of using English as the official language of administration and education.
His endorsement of Macaulay’s Minute gave it legal and administrative effect.
Year-wise PYQs
