A Critical Analysis of Educational Imperialism on the Educational System of the Indian Subcontinent

تعلیمی استعماریت کے برصغیر کے نظامِ تعلیم پر اثرات کا تنقیدی جائزہ

Abstract

The imperial educational system launched by the British Government and European Christian missionaries had long-lasting effects on the Indian Subcontinent both in positive and negative ways. On the one hand, it was glamorised by attractive jobs, authority and the development of natural sciences, on the other hand, it damaged indigenous beliefs, ethics and moral values. This imperial educational system promoted a materialist approach that changed the concept that obtaining knowledge is a religious obligation and it is beyond the material needs. So, mostly higher knowledge was not used to earn material things that kept their sanctity. The imperial educational system changed the core ethical values of our educational system which ended in radical changes in society. It promoted rote learning and damaged the deep learning ability of students. Students were trained to regurgitate information rather than engage critically with it. Our literature changed and some texts began to preach atheistic or Christian beliefs, impacting cultural narratives, thus damaging our social integrity. The switch to English as the medium of instruction disrupted students' comprehension and damaged the creativity of students. Indigenous educational systems were neglected, leading to a loss of cultural heritage. The system prioritised exam scores over critical thinking and practical application of knowledge. The imperial educational system perpetuated social class divisions. Lower-income families and marginalised castes were excluded from elite institutions, often compelled to attend missionary schools where they lost their belief system. Traditional Indian systems of education and knowledge were neglected or even denigrated, leading to a loss of cultural heritage and intellectual traditions.