Study of Language Controversy in Indian Education

Language is not only a medium of imparting education but it is also a subject matter of education. In earlier days due importance was given to language instruction. Earlier the literary language was considered fit for imparting education. There was no place for vernaculars. The language of the common man was considered impure. So, today‟s classical languages were used as a medium of instruction. Education in India can be traced back to 3rd century B.C. At that time education was mostly imparted via Sanskrit language. Also, the education mostly depended on caste hierarchy. Education was only confined to the upper caste people. There were two competing system of education the pathashala and gurukul (homes of teachers) system. It was when Buddhism spread in India, education became available to everyone and this led to the establishment of some world famous educational institutions Nalanda, Vikramshila and Takshashila. There were two stages of education: the primary and the secondary. The language of the common people was given due importance at that time. “The medium of Buddhist education was the common language of the people.” (Jayapalan, 2005:22) During the medieval period, the Muslims had maktabs (primary schools) and madrassas (for higher education) system. The medium was basically Persian and Arabic and even the Hindus adopted Persian in order to get jobs in the Mughal courts.