The Education System in Ancient India: Philosophy, Pedagogy, and Practice
Aadil Nazir Bhat
Research Scholar, Department of History, Jiwaji University, Gwalior, M.P.
Shahid Javaid
Research Scholar, Department of History, Annamalai University, Annamalainagar, Tamil Nadu.
The study explores the multifaceted education system of ancient India, emphasizing its deep roots in philosophical traditions such as Vedanta, Samkhya, Buddhism, and Jainism. Unlike modern systems focused primarily on vocational outcomes, ancient Indian education aimed at holistic human development, self-realization, and ethical living. The study examines pedagogical methods including oral transmission, experiential learning, debate (shastrarth), and the guru-shishya (teacher-disciple) model. Institutional structures like Gurukulas, Viharas, and universities such as Nalanda and Takshashila are analyzed for their rigorous curricula, teacher qualifications, and discipline. The paper also investigates the roles of religion, caste, and gender in shaping access to education, acknowledging both the inclusivity of Buddhist institutions and the exclusionary practices of Vedic traditions. Finally, it assesses the relevance of ancient Indian educational values in modern contexts, advocating for their integration into contemporary systems to foster ethical reasoning, personalized learning, and holistic development. This synthesis offers valuable insights for reimagining education in today's value-deficient global landscape.
Keywords: Ancient Indian education, Vedanta, guru-shishya, oral transmission, Buddhist Viharas, caste and gender, holistic learning..
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