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Formal Education System in Ancient India

by Sushmita Nath | 2016 | 63,563 words

This page relates ‘Education in the Epic Period� of the study on the (formal) education system in Ancient India with reference to Vedic and Buddhist period, investiging educational institutions and universities which existed during this time. Professional educational methods were found in ancient Sanskrit literature (Brahamanas, Dharma-Shastras, Puranas, Jatakas, etc.), including rules, ceremonies and duties of pupils in ancient India.

Go directly to: Footnotes.

Education in the Epic Period

The 峾ⲹṇa and the Ѳٲ were the two main epics of ancient India. The value of these two epics was considerable indeed because these two epics give us a very clear idea about the highly developed culture of ancient India. But these two epic do not contain much regard to education. These epic mainly deal with action not in the thought. So purely educational evidence of the Epics is however very meager. But when we going through the subject–matter of the 峾ⲹṇa and the Ѳٲ then we find that the two epics also give us some very useful information bearing on educational ideals and institutions.

Admission and Period of Studentship:

During the age the pupils� first introduction to education was started through the վ ceremony. This ceremony was known as ceremony in Epic age. After the performance of this ceremony the pupil started their Vedic studies. In the Ѳٲ ṇḍ started their Vedic studies after the performance of or վ ceremony[1]. But the pupils� actual education was started after the performance of Upanayana ceremony. In the 峾ⲹṇa, and his half brothers started their education after the Upanayana ceremony[2]. In the ŚԳپ parva[3] of the Ѳٲ mentioned that after the performance of Upanayana ceremony the 󳾲ṇa boys started their Vedic education. ṛtٰ, ṇḍ, Vidura also started their education after the performance of Upanayana ceremony[4].

During the age the period of studentship was also spread over the twelve years. The Ѳٲ[5] mentioned that up to the age of twenty five years the 󳾲 could continue his studies.But the ṣṭ󾱰첹 󳾲s devoted their entire life to pursuit the knowledge. For the pursuit of knowledge the ideal student named ٲṅk[6] who spread his major part of life in his preceptor’s house.

Conditions and Duties of studentship:

In the earlier period aforesaid that after the Upanayana ceremony the student used to live under the roof of his preceptor. It was their first condition of studentship. But now situation was something changed. Some students lived with his preceptor and some student under the appointed private teacher after the Upanayana ceremony. In the Ādi parva of the Ѳٲ[7] we get the following account of the education of the Kauravas and the ṇḍ, Ѳٳ īṣm brought to his place the Vedic scholar ٰṇācⲹ and entreated him to educate his grandsons in proper conduct and warfare. So during the age it was not mandatory account that everyone should live with his preceptor’s house. But majority of the students had their schooling under the discipleship of Gurus residing with them in their abodes. This was the general practice. after the Upanayana lived with his preceptor and finished the education[8]. Ѳٳ īṣm, Guru ٰṇācⲹ, King Draupad also lived in the house of his preceptor for proper training[9].

As regards the duties of the students, the Epic period also mentioned that, an ideal student always served for his teacher. He observed all the rules and conduct of his teacher. He always got up early in the morning and slept in after his preceptor. Every morning and evening he had to performed the Ի adoration. With the clean body he started his daily courses. He used to beg alms for his preceptor and look after his house and cattle. He also controlled over his senses and avoided mado, moha and . He used to avoid honey, perfume, garlands. He also avoided the female company. Through the proper ⲹśٲ he purified his soul. These were the some important duties and restrictions of studentship of Epic age. Without these duties and restrictions none can able to receive the proper training or education[10].

Subjects of study:

The 峾ⲹṇa and the Ѳٲ give the detailed syllabus of various subjects. During the age Veda, Ānvīṣikī, ٳ, Dandaṇīti, were the main subjects of study. Besides these many other subjects like ۳ܰپśٰ, Ś岹śٰ, ҲԻ岹śٰ, ʳܰṇa, پ, ĀԲ, and were included in the curriculum[11].

During the age specialization of any subject was compulsory because all the castes groups had their special curricula appropriate to their occupations. The 󳾲ṇas were the priest. They studied all the subjects. But they were specially trained in the Vedas[12].The ṣaٰⲹ were the rulers. They had compulsorily to learn Military education, the art of archery, �Dhanurveda�. The 峾ⲹṇa contains a reference to the military training of King ٲśٲ’s sons during their boyhood[13]. Like that in the Ѳٲ we also find the military training of Kauravas and ṇḍ. Guru ٰṇācⲹ imparts education to Kauravas and ṇḍ in a very short time[14]. The ղśⲹ were studied all the ٳśāstras[15]. But when we discuss about the education of princes then we find that a person is also able to qualify in diverse course of subjects.

In the 峾ⲹṇa we find that and his brothers were well versed in all the Śٰ. Specially was well versed in the Veda, ձṅg, Dhanurveda, īپśٰ, Vartta, پ, ʳܰṇa, Military arts, Poetry, Philosophy, ٳ󲹱岵, riding on horses and elephants. He was also an expert charioteer[16]. He was mastered in the use of all kinds of missiles and weapons that were known as ղ and پ[17]. He was also profoundly proficient in Music[18].

In the Ѳٲ[19] we find that the ṇḍ studied all the Vedas, various Śٰ, Nīiti, پ, ʳܰṇa, Archery, and different types of military arts. Āⲹ ٰṇa taught them Dhanurveda in all its branches[20]. Arjuna taught Abhimanyu and other princes on the same line[21]. So it is clear the Epic introduced the variegated curriculum of studies. But the main emphasis was laid down on the study of Military sciences.

Methods of Study

During the age the methods of study were varied from class to class. But recitation and recapitulation were very popular during this period[22]. Every day students� were required to spend a part of their time in the school in jointly reciting a portion of work they had committed to memory. As a result of this training the memory of average student was very highly developed. During the age ղ貹, , Debate and discussion were still popular[23]. Besides this storytelling and listening the learned person was also very popular during the age. In the Ѳٲ[24], the learned ś went to the Բⲹ, the hermitage of ŚܲԲ첹, where he delivered the lectures in front of ŚܲԲ첹’s disciples about the Brahmatattva. Practical examination was another method which was very popular during the age. We find in the Ѳٲ[25] that ٰṇācⲹ frequently took the practical examination, to test the students� quality of education.

Position and Duties of the teacher:

The teacher also possessed the highest moral and spiritual qualifications during the age. The teachers� were generally called the Āⲹ and Guru. We find the three types of Āⲹ during the age viz., Chandovit Āⲹ, Vedavit Āⲹ, and Vedyavit Āⲹ. The Vedavit Āⲹ was the chief among the two types of Āⲹs[26].

Various descriptions were met with in the 峾ⲹṇa and the Ѳٲ of celebrated Gurus like ղṣṭ, վś峾ٰ, Sandīpani, ٰṇa, Parasurama and ṇv. In the Ѳٲ we find some stories like–the story of Ekalavya, the story of Upamanyu, story of Āṇi and Veda[27]. From these stories we gathered that the teacher received high reverence during the age.

As regards the duties of the teachers� in the Epic also mentioned that the teacher was the guardian of the students� life. He had immense moral responsibility. He builds the life of his student. The Ѳٲ[28] mentioned that that the parents only create the body of his child. But the preceptor gives new birth of his student.

Educational Institution:

The educational institutions during the Epic period were mostly correspondence with earlier period. But during the age hermitage education was very popular. In the hermitage the students used to have very congenial atmosphere for learning. The Epics tell us numerous hermitages where pupils� from distant parts of the country gathered for instructions.

A full-fledged hermitage had several departments, which were enumerated as follows:�

  1. ԾٳԲ—The place of worship.
  2. Brhama ٳԲ—The place of study Veda.
  3. վṣṇ ٳԲ—The place for teaching īپⲹ.
  4. Mehandra ٳԲ—Military section.
  5. Vivasvata ٳԲAstronomy section.
  6. Soma ٳԲ𳦳پDz of Botany.
  7. Ҳḍa ٳԲ𳦳پDz dealing with Transport and conveyances.
  8. پⲹ ٳԲ—Military organization[29].

Some of the famous hermitages during the Epic period were:�

1) The hermitage of ī: The famous hermitage of the ī쾱 was situated in 侱ٰūٲ hill on the bank of the river ղ[30]. Many students resided in this hermitage to become proficient in Śٰ knowledge. The twins sons of 峾, ś and Lava were taught the Vedas, ձṅg and the art of music in this hermitage[31]. The beauty of this hermitage was so admirable that many venerable guests like to come in this hermitage again and again. It was the most famous hermitage during the Epic period.

2) The hermitage of 󲹰屹Ჹ : The hermitage of 󲹰屹Ჹ was situated near the confluence of the river Ganga and Yamuna[32]. Ṛsi 󲹰屹Ჹ was master in śٰ. That is why, his hermitage was basically popular for military education. King Drupada and ٰṇācⲹ, the son of Ṛsi 󲹰屹Ჹ were received education in this hermitage[33].

3) The hermitage of Agastya : The hermitage of Agastya was situated in ٲṇḍṇy[34]. Several students used to live here to study the various Śٰ. The Ѳٲ refers to that king ۳ܻṣṭ󾱰 visited this hermitage[35]. In this hermitage the students performed the different types of ۲ñ and continuously study the Vedas, ձṅg and different other subjects.

4) The hermitage of Ѳṛṣ Kanva: The hermitage of Ѳṛṣ ṇv was situated on the bank of the river ī[36]. There were many small hermitages situated on the bank of the river ī but Ѳ󲹰ṣi ṇv’s hermitage was one of the best among them. The whole environment of the jungle tract around the ī used to be odorous with the blazes of the sacrificial altar and resonant with the chanting of the Veda mantras[37]. In this hermitage there lived eminent scholars of Veda, Jurisprudence, Philosophy, ṛt and so on.

5) The hermitage of ŚܲԲ: The hermitage of ŚܲԲ was situated in ṣa forest[38]. Thousand of disciples lived with Saunak. The presiding personality of ŚܲԲ was called Kulapati. It was his designation because thousand of disciples used to study under the roof of sage ŚܲԲ. The wide ranges of subjects were studied in this hermitage. This hermitage was also the holy spot of pilgrimage.

Besides these hermitages many other hermitages like the hermitage of ղ, Vaiśiṣṭha, վś峾ٰ, ʲśܰ峾, Dhaumya and śⲹ貹 also were held in high esteem during the age.

Education of Women:

The education of women was still extensive but we find divergent views regarding the education of Women. Some authorities expressed that women were not found adequate opportunity during those days. But when we discuss the overall status of women then we find some changes. But with regard to the educational status of women in the 峾ⲹṇa and the Ѳٲ, we find the name of several erudite scholars. This throws light that during the age women also received education. Parents were eager to educate their daughters so that they might emerge as learned scholars. , the wife of was an erudite scholar. After the marriage she continued to have her lessons on Śܳپ from famous 󳾲ṇas. During her exile period she could pride herself on being ʲṇḍ[39]. Like that many other women were highly qualified during the age. They were ś, , Śakuntala, Draupadi, ṇṭī, Gāndārī, 屹ٰī, Ś󾱱, վܱ, Sulavā, Gautami, Arundati, Śāndili, ٲⲹԳī, Śikandī, Gañgā, Satyavati, Իī, 󲹱, Subadrā, Citrāṅgadā, Śī and so on. Some women like ۴Dzṇ� Sula, Sidhi Shiva,Tapasviṇ� Śāndilyaduhitā observed permanent celibacy. They were the ṣṭ󾱰첹 󳾲nis throughout their lives[40].

During the age parents generally appoints private teachers for their daughters. In the Ѳٲ[41] we find that Draupadi along with her brothers received his education from the private teacher. In the վṭa parva of the Ѳٲ[42], we find that as a private teacher Vṛhannalā Arjuna, taught dancing and singing to ٳٲ.

Education of other Castes

In the epic period, the three upper classes, such as, 󳾲ṇa, ṣaٰⲹ and ղśⲹ were entitled to Vedic studies. But there is divergent opinion regarding Śܻ’s right to education. Śܻs had no right to be invested with the sacred thread and therefore, they were debarred from prosecuting the Vedic studies. But in the Ѳٲ we find that dz󲹰ṣa Sauti and Sanjay belonging to charioteer class were very proficient in knowledge[43]. They did not study the Vedas, nevertheless they were acquainted with the essence of the Vedas by means of going through the ʳܰṇas. We find that ۳ܻṣṭ󾱰 appointed Yuyutsa to safe guard Hastinapura. None would appoint an ignorant person in such a strategic position. Certainly Yuyutsa was an intelligent and learned man. In the Rajasuya sacrifice ۳ܻṣṭ󾱰 addressed Śܻ as ‘Venerable�. From the term ‘Venerable� it may be presumed that during those days Śܻs were held in the eye of high esteem[44]. Besides, in the cabinet of ministers there were three persons belonging to Śܻ class. We may also point out the case of high-minded Vidura. He was born from the womb of Śܻ woman. But by means of his paternal introduction Vidura was entitled to the Vedas. Nevertheless, he introduced himself as Śܻ[45]. From the aforesaid references it may be said that during those days there were many doubts regarding Śܻ’s right to education in the society. Almost in all cases Śܻs were engaged in the service of the upper three classes. Hence there were many obstacles and restrictions regarding Śܻs right to education during those days.

End of Studentship:

The studentship terminated with the performance of 屹ٲԲ ceremony. There were no extra innovations and alterations. All the students, offering the proper ܻܰ岹ṣi performed 屹ٲԲ ceremony and thereafter started their family life. But in the Ѳٲ[46] we find an interesting thing that sometime the teachers were satisfied with the unalloyed (pure) devotion of their students, they offered their own daughters in marriage with the students after the 屹ٲԲ ceremony and thereby made the teacher-student relationship more closer. For example, the sage and the sage Gautama offered their daughters to Kahoda and Uttanka respectively in marriage.

To sum up the system of education in Epic age, we find that during the age 󳾲ṇa, ṣaٰⲹ and ղśⲹ received actual education. Military education received special emphasis. The method of learning was also varied from pupil to pupil. The students� finished their education at the age of twentyfive. The status of teachers was also high. We find three types of teachers during the age. The Hermitage education was very popular during the age. Some hermitages were very popular where thousands of students flocked there to study the Vedas and the other Śٰ. But regarding the education of women and Śū there were divergent views in society. It was a matter of fact that Śū status in epic age was much misunderstood. So we find that variegated development of education was the contribution of the Epic age.

Footnotes and references:

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[1]:

ղٲ� ṇḍܳ ṇḍ峾ⲹ…ĦĦĦ�śⲹ貹� ṛt sarvamupākarma ca ٲ…………………vaidikādhyayane sarve samapadyanta Ѳٲ Ā徱.123.32.

[2]:

ٲś sapta ṣāṇ tava jātasya rāgava||峾ⲹṇa Ayoda.20.45;.1.20.

[3]:

Kṛtopanayanastāta bhaved vedaparāyaṇḥ|Ѳٲ ŚԳپ.326.14.

[4]:

Dṛtarāṣṭraśca pāṇḍuśca viuduraśca 峾پ�………………saṃskārai� saṃskṛtāste tu vratādhyansaṃyutā� ||Ibid.Ādi.108.18.

[5]:

Āṣaٲ ٳܰ岵� brahmacāryanasuyakḥ|Ibid. ŚԳپ.242.16. vedavratopavasena catuthai cayuse gate.Ibid. ŚԳپ.242.28.

[6]:

Śatavarṣoṣita� mā� hi na tvamabhyanujānithā| Ibid,ś.56.16.

[7]:

Yutrup� sa hi gururityevamanucintyaca |athainamānīya ٲ svayameva susatkṛtam|| Ѳٲ Ā徱.130.38

[8]:

caritabrahmacaryasya snātayasya īٲ� ||峾ⲹṇa Ayoda..82.11.

[9]:

󳾲ī īٳ jatilo vahulā� …ĦĦĦ�.ٱ� saha saṃgamya vartayan ܳ� prabhau ||Ѳٲ Ā徱.13.41-43.

[10]:

Brāhme muhurte budhyet dharmārtho cānucintayet |utthācamya tiṣṭet ū� saṅdh kṛtañjali� || Ѳٲ Anu.104.16.
tasmāt tiṣṭet ū� 貹ś� caiva vāgyatḥ| Ibid.Anu.104.18-19;
sarvadharmanirato sarvendryato ܲԾ�|guro� priyahito ܰٲ� ٲⲹ󲹰貹� śܳ�|| Ibid.Aswa.46.2;
jitendriy� sarvto vipraܰٲ� |Ibid.Adi.91.5
;
Nāprikṣita cāritram deya kathañcan || Ibid.Shānti.327.46.

[11]:

Trayī cānvikṣikī caiva ٳ ca bharatarṣabha |daṇḍanītiśca ܱ statra nirdirśitā|| Ibid.ŚԳپ.59.33;
yuktiśāstra ca te jeñya� śavdaśāstra� ٲ |Ibid.Anu 104.147.

[12]:

‘Traividyo brāhmaṇo 屹————eṣa smṛto 屹Ჹ�|Ibid.Anu.141.66.

[13]:

Te cāpi manujavgrā vaidikādhyayane ratā | pitṛśuśrupaṇaratā dhanurvede ca niṣṭitāḥ| 峾ⲹṇa 18.35-36.

[14]:

Tatopāṇḍuputrānastrāṇi vividāni ca| grāhamāsa divni mānuṣāṇi ca īⲹԲ|| Ѳٲ Ā徱.131.9;
gadāyuddheo’sicar� tomaraprāsaśaktiṣu | ṇḥ saṃkīrṇayuddhe ca sikṣamāsa kauravān||Ibid.Ādi.131.29.

[15]:

Kṛṣi gorakṣ� vāṇijyam vaiśyam karma svabhāvajam| Ѳٲ īṣm.40.48;
vaisyasya satatam dharmah pasupalyam krsistatha|Ibid.Anu.141.54.

[16]:

Vedavedaṅgatatvajño Dhanurveda ca niṣṭitḥ||峾ⲹṇa .I.14.
Sarvaśrthatatvañj� smṛtimānpratibhānavān|Ibid..15;
ārohe vinaye caiva yukto vāraṇavājinām |Ibid.Ayodha.1.28.

[17]:

Dhārayantyasurā ni dadāmyetāni sarvaś� ||Ibid..27.13;
Mantragrāma� gṛhāṇa tva� valāmativala� ٲٳ |Ibid..22.12
.

[18]:

gāndharve ca bhuvi śreṣṭo vabhuva bharatāgrajḥ||Ibid.Ayodha.2.34.

[19]:

Tato �paṇḍuputrānstraṇi vividhāni ca………�..taṃstu sarvān samaniya sarvastrasikṣitan|Ѳٲ Ā徱.131.9-67.

[20]:

Tato �pāṇḍuputrānastrāṇi vividāni ca| grāhamāsa divni mānuṣāni ca viryavān|| Ibid. Ādi.131.9;
gadāyuddheo’sicar� tomaraprāsaśaktiṣu | �saṃkīrṇayuddhe ca sikṣamāsa kauravān|| Ibid.Adi.131.29.

[21]:

arjunād veda vedajño� sakala� divyamānuṣam|| Ibid.Ādi.221.72;
jagṛhu� sarvamiṣvastramarjunād divyamānuṣam||Ibid.Ādi.221.,88.

[22]:

Ṛco bahvṛcamukyaiśca preyarmāṇāḥ padakramaiḥ| Ѳٲ Ā徱.70.37.

[23]:

Tap� ⲹԾٲ� ٲ貹ī 岵� varam|Ram..1.1; svādhyī aluvdhoniyatavratḥ|Ѳٲ ś.46.6.

[24]:

Tamāśramamanuprāpta� naimiṣāraṇyavāsinām|ٰ� śdzٲ� kathāstatra parivabrustapasvinḥ||| |Ibid.Ādi.1.1.3.

[25]:

ṇḥ praharaṇajñāne jiñāsu� puruṣaṣarbh� || Ibid.Ādi.131.67.

[26]:

Misra,Babulal. Mahabharatkalin siksa pranali,Prathibha Prakasan, Delhi,P.66.

[27]:

Tato niṣādarājasya hiraṇyadhanuṣḥ sut�|ekalavyo mārāj ṇamabhjagāma ha…………………tat� ś� tu naiṣādirañgulībhirvyakarṣata| na ٲٳ ca sa śignro’bhūda ⲹٳ ܰ� Բ󾱱貹 || Ѳٲ Ādi.131.31-51. Etasminnantre kaścidṛṣirdhaumyo nāmāyodastasya śiṣstrayo babhūvurūpamanyurāruṇirvedaścita……�...................tatparitoṣācach śrey� ñ� cāvāpa|Eṣ� taspi 貹īṣ� vedasya |Ibid.Ādi.3.21-80.

[28]:

Sarīramaitau sṛjat� ca ٲ| ācārya ś پ� sat jarāmarā||Ibid.Anu105.18-19.

[29]:

Mookerji, R.K. Ancient Indian Education (Brahmanical and Buddhist), Motilal Banarasi Dass Publishers, Delhi 2011, P.333.

[30]:

侱ٰܳٲ� 貹śⲹ pravṛdvaśikhara� girim………………………abhigamśram sarve vālmīkimbhivādayan||峾ⲹṇa ǻ.56.10-16.

[31]:

Բ� ca vedamadhpaya kiñcidutkrānta–śaiśavau| svikṛti� gāpamāsa kavi-ٳ󲹳貹󲹳پ鲹ܱṃśa.ݳ.33.

[32]:

Ҳṅg屹ś辱 ṃt� bharavājsya darśanam |峾ⲹṇa Bala.3.15; Gaṅgādvara� pratimahān babhuva bhagvānṛsiḥ|bharadvāja iti kht�||Ѳٲ Ā徱.129.33.

[33]:

Sa nitśrama� gtvā ṇena saha pārthiv�| cikīdadāhyayana� caiva kṣatriyarṣabhḥ||Ѳٲ 129.42.

[34]:

峾..1.41.

[35]:

agastsramamādya durjāmuvāsa ha||Ѳٲ Բ.96.1.

[36]:

īmbhito ᲹԲ Բī� puṅṃ sukhodakām…………………�..tastire bhagavat� kāśyapasya mahātman� || Ibid.Ādi.21.

[37]:

.Ā徱.70.19-26.

[38]:

Namiṣāranye śaunakasya kulapatedvādaśavārśike śatre || Ibid.Ādi.1.1.1.

[39]:

Sarkar,S.C. Educational Ideals and institutions in Ancient India, Janaki Parakashan, Patna,1979.P.65.

[40]:

Atraiva brāhamaṇ� 첹ܳ󲹳īDzܰ 徱� tā tap� ٲ貹ī|| Ѳٲ Salya.54.6-8. Atra Ś brāhamaṇ� vedapāragā |adhītya khilān vedān lebhe sva� dehamakṣyam||Ibid.Udyog.109.19.

[41]:

󳾲ṇa� me 辱 ū� vāsamāsa paṇḍitam|so’pi sarvāmitro prāha pitre me bharatarṣabha||īپ� bṛhaspatiproktā� bhrātṛn meo’grāhayat ܰ|teṣām sakāśāda śrauṣamahametā� ٲ gṛhe|| Ibid.Ban.32.60-61.

[42]:

Sa śikṣāmāsa ca gītvāditam ||Ibid.վ�.11.12-13.

[43]:

Lomaharṣaṇputra ugraśravā� ܳپ� paurāṇiko………………………�..vinavanato ūٱ kadācit sūtnandanḥ||Ibid.Ādi.1.1-2.

[44]:

Manna śūdraṃśca| Ѳٲ .33.41; trīṃśca śūdran vinītaṃśca śucīn karmaṇi pūrvake ||Ibid.ŚԳپ.85.8.

[45]:

Śūyonāvaha� jāto …………………||Ibid.Udyog.41.5.

[46]:

Tasmai prādāta sadya eva śrutñca, bhāryañca vai duhitara� svā� sujātām || Ibid.Van.132.9; dadāni 貹ٲī� kanñca svā� te duhitara� dvija ………�...tatastā� pratijagrāha yubā ūٱ yasisvaniīm || Ibid.ś.56.23.

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