Explain how British education policy, social laws and courts changed Indian society.

How to lay out the answer. Follow the frame, then write it in your own words.

1 · Open in one line. British rule brought new ideas and some reforms, but its policy served British interests first.
2 · Cautious social policy. Fearing a reaction, the British took only a few, half-hearted social reforms.
3 · English education. It was spread to get cheap, loyal clerks; Wood's Despatch (1854) and the universities of 1857 followed.
4 · New ideas. Western ideas of liberty, equality and democracy inspired reformers, and English and the press united educated Indians.
5 · Laws for women. Sati was banned in 1829, widow remarriage allowed in 1856, and the Sharda Act of 1929 fixed marriage ages.
6 · Middle class and courts. A new English-educated middle class arose; courts had written laws but were costly and unequal.
7 · Close in one line. Changes meant to strengthen British rule also made Indians aware of their rights.

Scoring tip: Balance the good and the bad. Each law with its year earns a mark.