3.2.1 Criticism of Macaulay's Minute

Criticism of Macaulay's Minute

The main points of criticism are:

• It is wrong to believe that Macaulay was responsible for initiating a new educational policy in India. He simply took the tide of opinion at its flood.
• His claim that English was the only medium of instruction for rejuvenating Indian culture cannot be justified.
• Indian languages were neglected. We are still fighting amongst ourselves to give them a due place.
• His downward filtration theory proved to be more a failure than success. Macaulay's Minute is an important landmark in Indian education.

In 1845, English became the official language of India. Anglicisation was complete.