Why did James Mill and Thomas Macaulay think that European education was essential in India?

James Mill and Thomas Macaulay thought that European education was essential in India because they saw India as an uncivilised country that needed to be civilised.

• They felt that knowledge of English would allow Indians to read some of the finest literature of the World.

• It would make them aware of the development of Western science and philosophy.

• The teaching of English could be a way of civilising people, changing their tastes, values, and culture.