Lesson eLearning

Which of the following best explains why missionary societies played a key role in establishing the first English schools in India?

hard MCQ 4 marks Class 8 · History · Civilising the Native, Educating the Nation
  1. They wanted to profit from tuition fees.
  2. They were motivated to spread Christianity and believed teaching English would help convert people.
  3. They aimed to develop local industries.
  4. They wanted to promote Sanskrit literature.
Answer
They were motivated to spread Christianity and believed teaching English would help convert people.

The correct answer is They were motivated to spread Christianity and believed teaching English would help convert people. — Step 4: Contrast with other motives such as profit or industrial training, which were not primary.

Step-by-step solution

  1. Step 1: Identify the main motive of missionary societies – religious conversion.
  2. Step 2: Understand that English was a tool to communicate Christian teachings effectively.
  3. Step 3: Recognize that establishing schools was a strategy to reach a wider audience.
  4. Step 4: Contrast with other motives such as profit or industrial training, which were not primary.
Common mistake: Assuming economic motives were primary

Concept tested: Missionary societies’ motives

Published · How this solution was prepared and checked

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