In the history of education in India, who is often referred to as the 'Father of Modern Western Education' in India for supporting English education and modern schools?

Introduction / Context:
During British rule in India, several governors general played key roles in shaping the educational system. The shift from traditional oriental learning to Western style education in English was a significant policy change. One governor general, in particular, is frequently credited in general knowledge questions as the 'Father of Modern Western Education' in India because of his role in supporting the introduction of English education and new types of schools.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The title in question is 'Father of Modern Western Education in India'.
• Options list Lord Auckland, Lord William Bentinck, Lord Dalhousie, and Lord Hardinge.
• We are focusing on educational policy and the promotion of Western style schooling.

Concept / Approach:
Lord William Bentinck, Governor General of India from 1828 to 1835, is generally associated with major social and educational reforms, including the support for English education in India. His administration accepted Thomas Babington Macaulay's famous Minute on Education, which recommended the promotion of Western literature and science through the English language. As a result, Bentinck is often described in general knowledge as the Father of Modern Western Education in India. Other governors general played important roles in infrastructure and administration, but this specific title is most commonly linked with Bentinck.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that the major policy shift toward English language education and Western curriculum occurred during Lord William Bentinck's tenure. Step 2: Associate Bentinck with Macaulay's Minute and the decision to support English education as a medium of instruction for higher learning. Step 3: Note that Lord Auckland, Lord Dalhousie, and Lord Hardinge are linked with other aspects of British policy such as expansion, railways, and administrative changes rather than the initial major push for Western education. Step 4: Recognise that exam oriented history books often explicitly name Lord William Bentinck as the Father of Modern Western Education in India. Step 5: Select Lord William Bentinck as the correct answer.

Verification / Alternative check:
History notes for competitive exams such as UPSC, SSC, and state services repeatedly highlight Bentinck's role in savings oriented reforms, abolishing Sati, and promoting Western education. The acceptance of Macaulay's recommendations under his administration marks a turning point in India's educational policy, which is why he receives this particular title in many textbooks.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Lord Auckland is more associated with foreign policy issues, especially the First Afghan War. Lord Dalhousie is remembered for the Doctrine of Lapse, railway and telegraph development, and other infrastructural reforms. Lord Hardinge also had his own policy priorities but is not specifically celebrated for initiating Western style education. None of them match Bentinck's distinct role in this field.

Common Pitfalls:
A common error is to mix up different governors general because they all introduced various reforms. Students may recall Dalhousie for his extensive changes and assume he must also be the Father of Western Education. Carefully matching each governor general with their key areas of reform is essential, and for modern Western education, the credit in general knowledge questions goes to Lord William Bentinck.

Final Answer:
The title 'Father of Modern Western Education in India' is commonly given to Lord William Bentinck.