Formal Education System in Ancient India
by Sushmita Nath | 2016 | 63,563 words
This page relates ‘Buddhist Vihara or Monastery� 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.
The Buddhist վ or Monastery
[Full title: Education during the Buddhist Period (1): Buddhist վ or Monastery]
In ancient times the Buddhist Monastery–known as �վ� played a very important role in Indian life and thought. The word վ means the dwelling place especially for the Monks. This վ deserve much credit as they gradually turned in the institutes of higher learning. During the life time of Buddha these վ or the dwelling place of the Monks were in vogue. Numerous Pali text and the epigraphically records shows that վs came in to existence in a very early period. During the earlier period the ṣu generally used to live by the side of the tree root in the forest and gradually some վs were established for ṣu. The ṣu used to take rest in these վs[1].
Buddha himself stayed with group of disciples in վs. At first these վs or Monasteries were used during the rainy season. Because in the rainy season, it was difficult for mendicants to travel outside[2]. From the Ѳ屹[3] we learn that King of Magadha offered Veluvana վ to Buddha and followers, and this was the first վ ever presented to the ṃg. But gradually or after the death of Buddha, these Monasteries or վs were transformed in to educational institution. There were many վs or Monasteries developed on Northern and Western part of India. But it is not possible to locate all these վs. Now we shall mention some of the famous Monastic Centres or վs of Buddhist period. Of these Monastic Centres ղṣaś, Ի վ, ղī, Vikraṃśilā Ѳ屹, Odantapuri Ѳ屹 and Jagaddala Ѳ屹 deserve special reference.