In this letter written by Lord Macaulay to his father, he talks about how English education is making Hindoos (Hindus) move away from Hinduism and some, even embracing Christianity.
This letter was written by Lord Macaulay to his father from Calcutta dated 12th October, 1836.
Source: Page numbers 398-399 from the book ‘The Life and Letters of Lord Macaulay’ written by his nephew ‘George Otto Trevelyan.’
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Coming up: How To Convert A Nation Through Education?
Namaste Friends. My name is 'Shinil Subramanian Payamal' and you are listening to the Historylogy podcast.
This letter was written by Lord Macaulay to his father from Calcutta dated 12th October, 1836.
My Dear Father,
We were extremely gratified by receiving, a few days ago, a letter from you which, on the whole, gave a good account of your health and spirits. The day after tomorrow is the first anniversary of your little grand daughter's birthday. The occasion is to be celebrated with a sort of droll puppet-show, much in fashion among the natives ; an exhibition much in the style of Punch in England, but more dramatic and more showy. All the little boys and girls from the houses of our friends are invited, and the party will, I have no doubt, be a great deal more amusing than the stupid dinners and routs with which the grown-up people here kill the time.
In a few months I hope, indeed, in a few weeks we shall send up the "Penal Code" to (the) Government. We have got rid of the punishment of death, except in the case of aggravated treason and willful murder. We shall also get rid indirectly of everything that can properly be called slavery in India. There will remain civil claims on particular people for particular services, which claims may be enforced by civil action; but no person will be entitled, on the plea of being the master of another, to do anything to that other which it would be an offense to do to a free man.
Our English schools are flourishing wonderfully. We find it difficult indeed, in some places impossible to provide instruction for all who want it. At the single town of Hooghly fourteen hundred boys are learning English. The effect of this education on the Hindoos is prodigious. No Hindoo who has received an English education ever remains sincerely attached to his religion. Some continue to profess it as a matter of policy ; but many profess themselves pure Deists, and some embrace Christianity. It is my firm belief that, if our plans of education are followed up, there will not be a single idolater among the respectable classes in Bengal thirty years hence. And this will be effected without any efforts to proselytize; without the smallest interference with religious liberty ; merely by the natural operation of knowledge and reflection. I heartily rejoice in the prospect.
Source: Page numbers 398-399 from the book ‘The Life and Letters of Lord Macaulay’ written by his nephew ‘George Otto Trevelyan.’
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