Lord William Bentinck (1774-1839) was the Governor-General of India from 1828 to 1835. He was a major figure in the colonial administration of India and his policies had a significant impact on Indian society and culture.
Bentinck was known for his belief in Western education and the spread of European knowledge and values in India. He was an ardent supporter of the Anglicist view, which held that English education was necessary for the development of India and the spread of British culture and civilization. He believed that English was the key to India's progress and modernization and that Indian languages and traditions were backward and had to be replaced by Western learning.
During his tenure, Bentinck introduced a number of policies aimed at promoting English education and suppressing traditional Indian practices. He abolished the practice of sati (widow burning) and made it illegal. He also passed a law allowing Hindu widows to remarry, which was previously forbidden. Bentinck also introduced English as the language of higher education and made it the official language of the courts and administration.
Bentinck's policies had a profound impact on Indian society and culture. While some of his measures were aimed at promoting social reform and modernization, others were seen as attempts to impose British culture and values on India. His policies were criticized by some Indian leaders, who saw them as a threat to Indian identity and culture. Nonetheless, Bentinck's legacy as an Anglicist continues to be debated by historians and scholars today.
Answers & Comments
Verified answer
Answer:
Lord William Bentinck (1774-1839) was the Governor-General of India from 1828 to 1835. He was a major figure in the colonial administration of India and his policies had a significant impact on Indian society and culture.
Bentinck was known for his belief in Western education and the spread of European knowledge and values in India. He was an ardent supporter of the Anglicist view, which held that English education was necessary for the development of India and the spread of British culture and civilization. He believed that English was the key to India's progress and modernization and that Indian languages and traditions were backward and had to be replaced by Western learning.
During his tenure, Bentinck introduced a number of policies aimed at promoting English education and suppressing traditional Indian practices. He abolished the practice of sati (widow burning) and made it illegal. He also passed a law allowing Hindu widows to remarry, which was previously forbidden. Bentinck also introduced English as the language of higher education and made it the official language of the courts and administration.
Bentinck's policies had a profound impact on Indian society and culture. While some of his measures were aimed at promoting social reform and modernization, others were seen as attempts to impose British culture and values on India. His policies were criticized by some Indian leaders, who saw them as a threat to Indian identity and culture. Nonetheless, Bentinck's legacy as an Anglicist continues to be debated by historians and scholars today.
Explanation: