How did English/ English Studies gain support and consolidation in post independent India?

Following independence, the Indian publishing industry looked forward to a radical change in policy and vision concerning both publishing and education. But change was slow and unsubstantial. Colonial structures continued to dominate in matters of governance, structures of administration and ilso in the sector of education. The old system continued even after independence. The primacy of the textbook continued unchallenged. So there could be no fundamental change in the nature and quality of publishing in India. The colonial legacy held sway in our selection, formation of curriculum, in attributing disproportionate importance to the textbook and also In retaining state control over the publication of textbooks.

The state wielded enormous control over production of textbooks. It also took under its wings the process of selection and prescription of textbook:. The change from colonial to national government set in motion a process that deviated from fashioning a colonial citizen to the formation of the Indian citizen. The colonialist agenda was substituted by a nationalist agenda. In principle, this was called for- it was a much-needed corrective perspective. But it was put to practice in terms of state policy rather than a process of decolonising the Indian mind. As a result, “foreign” books were thrown out, price of books was subsidised and ideals of nationhood were forged through textbooks. ‘