The Institutional Evolution of the Educational System in India: A Journey Through its Colonial Past

Abstract

The institution of education is one of the pillars on which the evolution of society rest, the institution is a powerful tool for both the spread of knowledge as well as manipulation. Nowhere is this paradox highlighted more than in colonial states. The paradox of education being used to both liberate states from their shells as well as for the purpose of creating an orient and oxidant relationship; intended to subordinate the colonized. India is no stranger to this form of abuse. Through the course of its colonial history, it fluctuated between having total autonomy to propagate indigenous knowledge to having the British completely take over the system, transforming it into a system that was completely English in taste, immersed in the values of a Christian state, propagating those values, at the expense of vernacular languages and ethnic morals. The Christianization of the education system is seen by many colonizing powers as the way to “civilizing society”. This paper will first look at developments in Britain and assess how they had an impact on India. Secondly, it will delve into British policy and assess how this had an impact on traditional educational systems in India. Finally, it will look at what it claims is a new wave of colonial values that is created by globalization and look at the effects that has on the educational system. This paper will also look into whether the right to education will have any effect on the educational system.