Interactions between Indian and Western Cultures.pptx

Spread of indian culture abroad

1. Interactions between Indian and Western Cultures: Education and Society Background: The interactions of India with west have been going on since Harappan civilisation . There are numerous evidences of trade and diplomatic relations of India from western regions throughout the history, but these interactions became more influential and intense when India was colonised by Britain. Here, we will study about the interactions between Indian and Western Cultures in Modern period with reference to Education and Society.

2. Interactions between Indian and Western Cultures: Education Native education when British arrived in India included Study of religious scriptures, literature grammar, etc. The focus of education was on religion rather than science& technology

3. Impact of Western culture can be seen in following stages: 1813- East India Company was asked by the Government of Britain to invest Rs.1 lakh per annum in education. 1833- This investment did not become successful as the debates were going about if Indians should be given native or western education and what should be the medium of education. In 1833, Lord Thomas Babington Macaulay gave his famous speech in British parliament in which he indicated that to strengthen the British control on India, Indians must be made ashamed of their own culture and knowledge system. He gave the idea of making Indians ‘Brown Sahibs’, people who were Indians in terms of body but British in taste and mentality. Hence, in 1833, it was decided that Indians will be provided western education. Some schools and colleges were established for this purpose.

4. 1857- First Modern Universities of India- Calcutta University, Madras University and University of Bombay were established on the model of London University (not on those of Oxford or Cambridge) London University Model- This university only conducted examinations and promoted no research. In this way, Indians were given limited syllabus to study and compete for jobs such as clerks, compounders, soldiers, etc. which would facilitate the British Raj but will not make Indians intellectually mature by engaging in research.

5. Positive Impact of west on Education in India Introduction of study of Modern Sciences Indians got introduced with western ideas of Democracy, Nationalism, Socialism, etc. They read about French and American revolutions which inspired them to challenge British rue and achieve independence. Beginning of formal education in India (school, college, university system) which was enriched after independence.

6. Negative Impact of west on Education in India Indians were not given equal opportunity to excel in professional fields (i.e. to become doctor, engineer, scientist, senior civil service or army officer). They were provided limited education which was enough to make Indians assistants of British rulers.

7. Interactions between Indian and Western Cultures: Society Positive impact Social reforms- Many laws and efforts were made by British and Indian reformers to abolish evil practices like Sati, Child marriage, Dowry, prohibition on widow remarriage, untouchability , etc. Recovery of Glorious Past- Many Historical discoveries were made which induced pride in Indians about their heritage. For eg . The Asiatic Society of Bengal translated many ancient texts like Bhagwadgita and Abhigyanshakuntalam in English which gave International recognition to the wisdom of ancient India, James Princep deciphered the Brahmi script and discovered that India had a great ruler named Asoka.

8. Transport and communication- Railways, Telegram, Telephone, Postal system, etc. were introduced in India by British to facilitate their rule and trade but eventually they benefitted Indians also. In present, western technologies like Internet and Artificial Intelligence are being proved as a boon for us. Art- Many artists like Raja Ravi Verma learnt western techniques of art and created artworks on Indian themes. Many monuments like those in New Delhi, Chandigarh, Mumbai were constructed in western style which enrich the Indian heritage.

9. Globalisation - At present, our taste has grown international. We appreciate food, clothing and sports related to various countries. India is successful in many fields of International business. In this way, interaction with west has given India a variety of taste and choices.

10. Negative Impact Communalism- As a result of the ‘Divide and Rule’ policy of British, India still faces struggles among different religions, castes, regions, etc. Diminishing Values- Nearly two centuries of colonisation and the policies of administrators like Lord Macaulay left Indians feeling inferior about their own values and culture. Blind following of western norms is being a challenge for Indian society.

11. Impact of India on Western Culture Impact on Education- New disciplines (subject) like Indology (which studies about the ancient Indian civilisation are formed. Impact on society- West is accepting Indian traditions such as Yoga, meditation, Ayurveda , etc. Indian human resource in western countries is contributing in the development of Science and Technology and Economy worldwide.