The Downward Infiltration Theory
Lord Macaulay's Memorandum, 1835 On Education In British Rule In India
Lord Macaulay, a member of the Executive Council of the Governor -General, supported the Anglo-Party. In his important memorandum on February 2, 1835, he wrote that 'In view of the limited resources of the government, the English language is the best medium for the education of Western science and literature'. Macaulay said that "the standard of Indian literature is very low as compared to European literature". Criticizing the Indian education system and literature, he fully supported the English language. After these suggestion of Macaulay, the government soon made English the medium of instruction in schools and colleges and schools and colleges were established on a large scale giving education through English medium. Thus the government started neglecting the education of the common man. The government's plan was to educate a section of the upper and middle classes of the society to create a category that was "Indian in blood and colour, but English in its thoughts, moral standards, intelligence and taste". . This category should be such that it can play the role of interpreters between the government and the general public. In this way the knowledge of Western science and literature will reach the common man.This theory came to be known as the downward infiltration theory.
