Ancient Education System of India

 Question 1: Why were travellers attracted towards India?

Answer: The fame of Indian culture, wealth, religions, philosophies, art, architecture, as well as its educational practices had spread far and wide. Also, the education system of ancient times was regarded as a source for the knowledge, traditions and practices that guided and encouraged humanity. So to the travellers, India was a land of wonder and they were attracted towards our country.

Question 2: What were the sources of the ancient education system?

Answer: The ancient system of education was the education of the Vedas, Brahmanas, Upanishads and Dharmasutras. Medical treatises of Charaka and Sushruta teachings were the sources of learning.

Question 3: What were the features of education system in ancient India?

Answer: Some of the features of education system in ancient India included the following:

(i) Teaching and learning followed the tenets of Vedas and Upanishads fulfilling duties towards self, family and society, thus encompassing all aspects of life

(ii) Education system focused both on learning and physical development

(iii) Education in India had a heritage of being pragmatic, achievable and complementary to life.

Question 4: What was the role of guru in pupils’ lives?

Answer: The Gurus and their pupils worked conscientiously together to become proficient in all aspects of learning. In order to assess pupils’ learning, shastrartha (learned debates) were organised. Also, pupils at an advanced stage of learning guided younger pupils

Part II

Question 1: Where did nuns and monks receive their education?

Answer: Monks and nuns received their education in monasteries which were the centres of art and learning.

Question 2: What is Panini known for?

Answer: Panini was a Sanskrit grammarian who gave a comprehensive and scientific theory of phonetics, phonology, and morphology. He was an expert in language and grammar and authored one of the greatest works on grammar called Ashtadhyayi.

Question 3: Which university did Xuan Zang and I-Qing study at?

Answer: Nalanda, when Xuan Zang visited it, was called Nala and was a centre of higher learning in various subjects

Question 4: Which subject did Xuan Zang study in India?

Answer: Xuan Zang studied logic, grammar, Sanskrit, and the Yogacara school of Buddhism during his time at Nalanda.

Question 5: How did society help in the education of the students?

Answer: Financial support came from rich merchants, wealthy parents and society. Besides gifts of buildings, the universities received gifts of land. This form of free education was also prevalent in other ancient universities like Valabhi, Vikramshila and Jagaddala.