One would wonder how our ancient Indians would have studied, most of us kind of know in thin air that Ancient India had top educational institutions, invented new methodologies in science and mathematics, exported the numeric system to the whole world etc. Our Indian history books never published such articles and strangely the British Indian education system more or less agrees to a fact that "India was never Civilized", the so called Indian intellects of today puts you as backward, uncivilized if you don't speak "English" ,Winston Churchill went a step ahead and called India a "Barbaric nation".
Religion - Religion played a larger role in the education. "Spirit of Piety and Religiousness" was the first and foremost aim of education.
The aim of education was not to induce the student to renounce the world but a sense of religiosity was a mandatory thing in approaching towards life.
The aim of education was not to induce the student to renounce the world but a sense of religiosity was a mandatory thing in approaching towards life.
The direct aim of education whether literary or professional was to make student fit to become a useful and pious member of Society.
Teacher(Guru) played a major role in defining the character not only intellectually but moral behavior too. The role of Guru in student's life is very much significant.
Character - "Character" was the second aim of the education. It reminds me a quote from my childhood - "When character is lost, everything is lost". It is evident that Character building was an important thing.
From the snippet below:
From the snippet below:
Teacher(Guru) played a major role in defining the character not only intellectually but moral behavior too. The role of Guru in student's life is very much significant.
Personality - Personality was the third aim of the education. Student is considered to be a representative of the culture he belonged to.
Uncertainty of the future prospect didn't disturb the student's self-confidence. There was no over-crowding or cut throat competition on the profession, system was well defined. Influence of Self-restraint and simplicity in life and habits is all that insisted upon. Development of personality through liberal education specializing in logic, law, philosophy, poetry and literature. The branches of study bristled with controversies, student has to understand both the side to develop his conscience in defending his judgement(तर्कशास्त्र ).
Social Duties - Social duties was the fourth aim of the education. The goal was not to lead a self centered life, he has to share his knowledge to the rising generation. Responsibility was the key here, he has to perform his duties as a Son, Father, Husband, Guru effectively and efficiently. His wealth was not to be utilized for his own self and family, he should be charitable.
The concept of "वासुदेवा कुटुंबकम" was taught to the students from their childhood.
Here is the interesting snippet.
Social Structure was independent of government, contrast to what we have today.
Social Efficiency and Happiness - The fifth aim of the educational system. Every Individual was given a chance to choose his professions. Society had accepted the division of work. Exceptional talent could choose the profession they like.
From the snippet below:
It was a flexible system, though our history textbooks dont accept this fact because the system we follow today was given by a person called Lord Risley, a British Scholar who defined the existing varna system.
Preservation and Spread of Culture - The sixth and most important aim of Ancient Indian education. Social and Culture continuity will fail its purpose if the knowledge didnt get passed through the rising generations.
From the snippet below:
Theory of 3 debts: Its interesting to know that every individual when born in this world, will incur 3 debts which he can discharge only by performing his duties.
- 1st Debt - Debt to God: He can discharge it by performing services, sacrifices to the God like pooja, offerings etc. Religious traditions are thus to be preserved.
- 2nd Debt - Debt to Rishis/Guru: Can discharge by studying their works to continue the literary and profession.
- 3rd Debt - Debt to Ancestors: Raising Progeny and imparting proper education.
Body, mind, spirit, intellect were the key to the education, not only emphasized social duties but also social happiness.
Note: The above written article is solely for the informational purpose, doesn't reflect anybody views and its purely written as a personal interest.
Sources
Ancient Education in India by A.S.Altekar.
We all have access to information, but we are more interested in reading your views and the way you interpret it. Please add some more views to the content.
ReplyDeleteThank you Trial. I think interpretation is purely personal, i did put my views here but didnt want the information to be mixed completely with my views.
DeleteAnyways, thanks for reading. There is a part 2 coming soon, will try to put my views and information in a balanced way.