The study of European literature especially of English, gave a strong stimulus to the sentiment of nationalism. English literature abounds in patriotic poems and songs of beauty and power, which extol the love of one’s own country. No one who reads them can remain unaffected. Again, the strong individualism, the appeal to one’s reason, the occupation with joys and sorrows of this world, which are the characteristics of that literature, have exercised great influence in changing the mediaeval outlook of India. As a result of the economic transition and the spread of western ideas, appeared the educated middle class of India, which has exercised a tremendous influence in the reformation of religious, moral, social and political life. In the Middle Age, the Pandits and Moulvis formed the learned class, which exerted much influence on the religious life of the society but very little on the rulers. The modern educated class – professional men, like lawyers, doctors teachers, industrialists, bankers and traders carrying on their business in accordance with modern methods – forms the most powerful group. The Indian Government Officers belong to this group and the efficiency of the administration depends largely on them. English literature helped in bringing India on par with other advanced countries.

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