Why did British resort to the ‘Downward Filtration Theory’ till 1854

Q. Why did British resort to the ‘Downward Filtration Theory’ till 1854

(a) To justify their social policy in India

(b) To justify their education policy in India

(c) To justify their industrial policy in India

(d) To justify their commercial policy in India

Ans: (a) To justify their social policy in India

Explanation: The correct answer is (a) To justify their social policy in India.

The British resorted to the ‘Downward Filtration Theory’ until 1854 to justify their social policy in India. The theory suggested that by introducing Western education and modern ideas to the upper classes of Indian society, the benefits would gradually trickle down to the lower classes over time. It was a justification used by the British colonial administration to defend their policy of focusing on educating the Indian elites while neglecting the education and welfare of the general population.

According to this theory, the British believed that if they could educate and influence the higher classes of Indian society, such as the aristocracy and the educated middle class, they would act as intermediaries and spread the benefits of Western civilization to the rest of the Indian population. This approach allowed the British to maintain control and influence over the social structure in India while promoting their own cultural values and ideals.