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Civilising the “Native”, Educating the Nation
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28/05/2021 1:12 pm
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Why did William Jones feel the need to study Indian history, philosophy and law?
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28/05/2021 1:13 pm
- William Jones came to represent a particular attitude towards India. He shared a deep respect for ancient cultures, both of India and of the West.
- Jones and Colebrooke felt that India had attained its glory in the ancient past. It declined later on. In order to understand India, it was necessary to discover the sacred and legal texts produced in the past.
- These texts would reveal the ideas and laws of Hindus and Muslims and would form the basis of future development.
- Jones and Colebrooke believed that their project would help the British learn from Indian culture. Indians would also rediscover their own heritage. In this way the British would become guardians and masters of Indian culture.