Who wrote to the Committee of Public Instruction on introducing English as the official language of the Government and that of education?

Correct option is C

The correct answer is William Bentinck.

In the early 19th century, William Bentinck, the Governor-General of India (1828–1835), took significant steps to promote English as the official language of the British administration in India. The key event is Bentinck's role in 1835, when he approved a policy that introduced English as the medium of instruction in schools and universities, replacing Persian, which was used by the Mughal administration. This decision was made in consultation with key figures like Zachary Macaulay, who was a member of the Committee of Public Instruction.

The context of this decision: Bentinck’s reform was part of a broader vision to modernize India through English education, and it marked the beginning of English being used in official communication and education. Bentinck’s decision was influenced by the belief that English would bring modernity, science, and rational thinking to India, aligning it with Western ideals of governance and education.

Information Booster:

William Bentinck (1774–1839):
Role as Governor-General: William Bentinck served as the Governor-General of India from 1828 to 1835 and is known for his reforms that aimed to improve various aspects of Indian society.

Key Contributions:

English Education: Under his administration, English was introduced as the medium of instruction in schools and universities, especially in Calcutta and other major cities. This was a landmark decision in the colonial education policy in India.

Abolition of Sati: He is also noted for his abolition of Sati (the practice of a widow self-immolating on her husband's funeral pyre) in 1829.

Support for Scientific and Technical Knowledge: He promoted the study of Western sciences, law, and literature through the use of the English language.

Zachary Macaulay (1768–1838):
Role: Zachary Macaulay was a British historian, administrator, and a key advocate for the introduction of English education in India. He was a member of the Committee of Public Instruction and played a pivotal role in encouraging the British government to adopt English as the medium of instruction.

Robert Clive (1725–1774):
Role: Robert Clive, a key figure in British colonial history, is more famous for his role in establishing British control in India after the Battle of Plassey (1757). Clive's policies were focused on consolidating British power and securing military and administrative control in India, rather than reforming education or introducing the English language into governance.

Warren Hastings (1732–1818):
Role: Warren Hastings was the first Governor-General of India. While his administration focused on legal and administrative reforms, he was not as directly involved in the introduction of English as the medium of instruction in education. His policies, including the Regulating Act of 1773, were more concerned with the structure of the British East India Company and the governance of India.