Context of the Question:-
The quotation about “the people of Hindustan” being “a race of men lamentably degenerate and base, retaining but a feeble sense of moral obligation” comes from colonial writings that justified British intervention and missionary activity in India.
Different figures in the late 18th–early 19th centuries expressed strong views about Indian society, but their tones and purposes differed:
The Options Examined
(1) Charles Wilkins (1749–1836):
- First translator of the Bhagavad Gita into English (1785).
- Admired Indian literature and philosophy.
- He did not describe Indians as “degenerate” in this way.
➡️ Eliminated.
(2) Thomas Macaulay (1800–1859):
- Famous for the Minute on Indian Education (1835).
- Advocated English education in India, saying Indian literature was inferior to European literature.
- His critique was cultural and educational, not phrased in terms of “a race of men lamentably degenerate.”
➡️ Not the correct match.
(3) Charles Grant (1746–1823): ✅
- An influential East India Company official and evangelical Christian.
- Wrote Observations on the State of Society among the Asiatic Subjects of Great Britain, particularly with respect to morals; and on the Means of Improving It (1792).
- In it, he famously described Indians as morally degraded, base, and degenerate, lacking proper sense of virtue.
- He argued that Christian missionary activity was essential to “reform” Indians.
➡️ This matches the quotation almost word-for-word.
(4) David Hare (1775–1842)
- A Scottish watchmaker who settled in Calcutta.
- Known for promoting Western education (Hindu College, School Book Society).
- Deeply respected Indian reformers and worked with them.
- Never used derogatory language about Indians.
➡️ Not the answer.
Conclusion
The harsh description of Indians as “lamentably degenerate and base” directly reflects the views expressed in Charles Grant’s 1792 tract. This work laid the ideological foundation for missionary activities in India and justified British colonial intervention as a “civilizing mission.”
✅ Therefore, the correct answer is (3) Charles Grant.
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