70th B.P.S.C. (Re-Exam) 2024

When did Macaulay issue his famous minute on Indian Education?

a12 February 1835
b12 February 1836
c02 February 1835✓ Correct
d01 February 1835

Explanation

To resolve the Orientalist–Western controversy over the medium of education in India, William Bentinck appointed Macaulay (a law member in his Council) in 1834 as the head of the General Committee of Public Instruction. His task was to present a decision on the language dispute. Macaulay submitted his memorandum/minute on 2 February 1835, in which he sharply criticized Indian languages and literature. Accepting the main recommendations of Macaulay’s Minute, Governor-General Bentinck issued a resolution on 7 March 1835, making English the medium of higher education in India.

indian-history