The Ancient Education System Of India Flashcards
Why were travelers attracted towards India?
Travelers were attracted to India because they saw it as a land of wonder, with a diversified culture and a great ancient education system.
India’s ancient education system was rich in multicultural and multilingual aspects, which were lacking in today’s modern education systems. The travelers were drawn to India for its rich heritage, culture, traditions, festivals, brotherhood, and the charm of friendship. They also found India’s arts and architecture fascinating and unique.
What were the sources of the ancient education system?
The ancient system of education in India was derived from various sources, including the Vedas, Brahmanas, Upanishads, and Dharmasutras.
Famous teachers like Aryabhata, Panini, Katyayana, and Patanjali were known for their writings, while Charaka and Sushruta contributed medical treatises. Distinctions were made between Shastras (learned disciplines) and Kavyas (imaginative and creative literature).
Other sources of learning included:
Itihas (history)
Anviksiki (logic)
Mimamsa (interpretation)
Shilpashastra (architecture)
Arthashastra (polity)
Varta (agriculture, trade, commerce, animal husbandry)
Dhanurvidya (archery)
What were the features of the education system in ancient India?
The features of the education system in ancient India are as follows:
It focused on the holistic development of the individual, caring for both the inner and outer self.
Education was based on the beliefs of the Vedas and Upanishads, fulfilling duties towards self, family, and society, thus covering all aspects of life.
Gurus and their pupils worked closely, becoming skillful in various aspects of learning.
During this time, gurus and their shishyas stayed together, helping each other in day-to-day life.
The primary objective was to achieve complete learning, lead a disciplined life, and realize one’s inner potential.
What was the role of the guru in pupils’ lives?
The Gurus and their pupils worked together meticulously to become skilled in all aspects of learning. The gurus and shishyas lived together and helped each other in their daily lives. The main objective was to ensure complete learning, lead a disciplined life, and realize one’s inner potential. The relationship between the guru and shishya was further strengthened over time in the gurukul, where the emphasis was on both the external disciplines and the enrichment of the inner dimensions of the student’s personality.
Where did nuns and monks receive their education?
Nuns and monks received their education in monasteries/viharas, which were set up for contemplation, debate, and discussion with learned individuals to pursue knowledge.
What is Panini known for?
Panini is known for being a legendary Indian grammarian. He authored one of the greatest works on grammar, called Ashtadhyayi.
Which university did Xuan Zang and I-Qing study at?
Xuan Zang and I-Qing studied at Nalanda, which was widely known as Nala in the 7th century CE. It was a Centre of Higher Learning for various subjects.
Which subject did Xuan Zang study in India?
Xuan Zang studied logic, grammar, Sanskrit, and the Yogashastra school of Buddhism during his time at Nalanda.
How did society help in the education of students?
At that time, knowledge was revered, and no fee was charged for education. Contributions towards education were considered the highest form of donation. All members of society contributed in some way. Financial support came from wealthy merchants, affluent parents, and the broader society. In addition to gifts of buildings, universities received gifts of land.
