Who said, "A single shelf of a good European library was worth the whole native literature of India and Arabia"?

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SSC JE Electrical 06 Jun 2024 Shift 2 Official Paper - 1

Answer 1

The correct answer is Thomas Macaulay

Key Points

Thomas Macaulay made the statement, "A single shelf of a good European library was worth the whole native literature of India and Arabia."
Thomas Babington Macaulay was a British historian and politician.
He is known for his work in promoting English education in India during the British colonial period.
His views on Indian and Arabian literature were part of his broader argument for the introduction of English as the medium of instruction in Indian schools and colleges.

Additional Information

Thomas Macaulay was instrumental in drafting the Indian Penal Code, which still forms the backbone of criminal law in India and Pakistan.
His Minute on Indian Education in 1835 laid the foundation for the British educational policy in India.
Despite his contributions, Macaulay's views have been criticized for being Eurocentric and dismissive of the rich literary traditions of India and Arabia.
Macaulay's legacy in India is a subject of debate, with opinions divided on the impact of his policies on Indian society and culture.