Macaulay: Pioneer of India’s Modernization

by Zareer Masani

Thomas Macaulay is most famous for having introduced the English language as a medium for learning in India, creating a class of westernized Indians who are sometimes derisively referred to as ‘Macaulay’s children’. Was this an act of cultural imperialism or a modernizing move far before its time? Macaulay has always inspired both admiration and hostility in India. Ever since he served on the Supreme Council of India in the 1830s, his thinking and policies have had a profound, transformative impact on the subcontinent. Today, some Dalit activists even celebrate him as their liberator from caste tyranny. Macaulay is the first biography of this vastly influential figure for the general reader, giving a vivid sense of a brilliant, eccentric, contradictory man and his complex times. In a portrait that is as elegant as it is intriguing, Zareer Masani traces Macaulay’s fascinating journey from child prodigy, historian and parliamentary orator in London to imperial administrator in India, and then a revered elder statesman back in Britain. The reader is allowed a glimpse into what it felt like to be at the centre of power in a global empire, ruling over hundreds of millions of Indian subjects and shaping the destiny of a subcontinent.

Genres: History, India, Biography

269 pages, Hardcover

First published November 16, 2012

Reviews

[Ananya Mathew · Rating 4 out of 5]

Details of the book:

Author- Zareer Masani

Title- Macaulay - Pioneer of Indias Modernization

Publisher- Random House, India


This 228-page non-fiction very skillfully takes the reader on a journey. It offers them the opportunity to be a witness to the different yet profound moments and instances in the life of Thomas Macaulay, a man who was born a prodigy and was engaged in academics and its vast areas since childhood, is credited with the introduction of one of the most used languages across the world – English. He is well-known to have established a group of Indians who have adopted western culture and are sometimes jestingly referred to as "Macaulay's children." He is both loved and hated by many in India. He was an abolitionist, reformer, cabinet member, lawyer, politician, historian, poet, and more. The authors refer Thomas Macaulay as the ‘pioneer of modernisation’. From Macaulay's infancy through his entry into public life, the ascent to power, posting to India, ascent to the top of English politics, and successful literary career, the author, has covered it all in this book. Zareer Masani also writes about Macaulay’s flaws and mistakes. Masani has done his research intensely, which is very well evident in this book. The book provides a treasure of knowledge about Macaulay's life, his contemporaries, 19thcentury India & Europe, and many other related topics. It’s an excellent read for anyone who enjoys history!

[Souvik Khamrui · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book is about Thomas Babington Macaulay, the prime mover in the introduction of westernised education system in India. The cover of the book claims 'If you're an India reading this book in English, it's probably because of Thomas Macaulay.' Enjoyed the book.

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

Usually I don't like biographies. But Zareer Masani has made a wonderful biography that brings Macaulay alive before our very eyes. It is not how he lived, but what he stood for, is the main theme of this book. A must read for every Indian who can read English.

[Ayan Dutta · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very very good book , must read for all those swayed by Marxist historiography

[The Book Outline · Rating 4 out of 5]

Macaulay - Pioneer of India's Modernization is a biography of this influential figure, in which Zareer Masani traces Macaulay's journey from a child prodigy, historian and parliamentary orator in London to imperial administrator in India, and then revered elder statesman back in Britain, giving a vivid sense of a brilliant, eccentric, contradictory man and his complex times at the early days of Raj.

Read the review of Macaulay - Pioneer of India's Modernization at http://www.thebookoutline.com/2013/05...

[Ravi Jain · Rating 5 out of 5]

“If you’re an Indian reading this book in English, it’s probably because of Thomas Macaulay.” Now, how’s that for a blurb? Would you be able to ignore the book on whose cover this statement is written? Probably not; so couldn’t I.

Full review Macaulay: Pioneer of India’s Modernization

[Rahul singh · Rating 5 out of 5]

this was superb book as writer has done extensive research on this influential figure, he was child prodigy and his influence on our educational system is very deep, beside that i was able to see how British ware seeing their role in our modernization. the way writer was able to present whole personality of Macaulay was moving this could develop into one very interesting movie.

[Varun Chadha · Rating 3 out of 5]

Zareer Masani with his lucid writing makes reading a pleasure. Sometimes you start savoring the text as you read along.
Regarding the content of this book, it was witty and precise with authors descriptions intermingled with Macaulay's statements.

[Kaushik Khamrui · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book is a very account of life, beliefs and works of Macauly. A very good read for those who are interested in History as well as in Literature. However, the analysis part I find somewhat superficial.