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Rammohan Roy's advocacy for English education

 Raja Rammohun Roy is often called the "Father of Modern India" precisely because of his unwavering advocacy for English education. He viewed the English language not merely as a colonial tool, but as a "key" to the treasures of Western scientific and rational thought.

Based on historical records and his correspondence with British officials, here is an analysis of his views and contributions:

1. The Rationale: Science over Scholasticism

Rammohun believed that the traditional education system in India, which focused heavily on Sanskrit grammar, Pali, and speculative philosophy, was keeping the country in a state of "medieval darkness."

  • The "Barren" Curriculum: He argued that spending years mastering the nuances of Sanskrit grammar or ancient metaphysical hair-splitting did not prepare a student for the modern world.

  • The Enlightenment Goal: He wanted Indians to have access to Mathematics, Natural Philosophy, Chemistry, Anatomy, and other "useful sciences" that were then flourishing in Europe. He saw English as the most efficient medium to transmit this knowledge.

2. The Famous Letter to Lord Amherst (1823)

The most significant document regarding his views is his letter to the Governor-General, Lord Amherst. At the time, the British government was planning to establish a traditional Sanskrit College in Calcutta. Rammohun protested this move vigorously.

  • The Critique: He wrote that the proposed Sanskrit College would only "load the minds of youth with grammatical niceties and metaphysical distinctions of little or no practical use."

  • The Alternative: He urged the government to instead employ European teachers of talent to instruct Indians in "Mathematics, Natural Philosophy, Chemistry, Anatomy, and other useful sciences." He believed that a society grounded in science would naturally move away from superstitions like Sati and Kulinism.

3. Founding of the Hindu College (1817)

Though he was a Brahmin scholar, Rammohun was a primary mover behind the establishment of the Hindu College (now Presidency University) in Calcutta.

  • He collaborated with the Scottish philanthropist David Hare and the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, Sir Hyde East, to create an institution that provided secular, Western-style education.

  • Due to his radical views on religion, the orthodox Hindu members of the committee refused to let him be a formal member of the board. Characteristically, Rammohun stepped aside so that the project would not fail, proving that he prioritized the spread of education over his own personal recognition.

4. The Anglo-Hindu School

In 1822, Rammohun founded his own school, the Anglo-Hindu School, at his own expense.

  • This school was unique because it provided free education to boys in English, while also teaching them the basics of their own culture.

  • It was here that he demonstrated his "synthesis" model: using English to modernize the mind while remaining rooted in the monotheistic essence of Indian tradition. Famous educator Alexander Duff was significantly assisted by Rammohun in setting up his own educational missionary work based on these principles.

5. Translation and the Press

Rammohun’s contribution to English study extended to his role as a translator and journalist.

  • He translated several Upanishads into English to show the Western world (and educated Indians) that Indian tradition was not inherently polytheistic or "primitive."

  • Through his journals, such as the Sambad Kaumudi and the Persian Mirat-ul-Akbar, he introduced concepts of constitutional law, civil liberty, and scientific discovery to the Bengali public, often using English terminology to explain modern political concepts.

Summary of Impact

Rammohun Roy's advocacy created the template for the "Bhadralok" class of Bengal—an educated elite who were fluent in English and capable of engaging with the British on equal intellectual footing. By championing English, he provided the linguistic infrastructure for the future Indian National Movement, as it allowed leaders from different parts of India to communicate in a common language of rights and democracy.

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