Changes

Gurukula (Samskrit : गुरुकुलम्) is the place of learning for students after undergoing Upanayana, under the supervision of a learned Guru. Gurukula system was an important unique feature of ancient education system but has now lost its glory owing to the present day educational system brought in by the various rulers of India over the few centuries. Although modern education system has a few advantages, many good features of the ancient education system have been totally eliminated leaving a cultural gap.[[File:Gurukula_Picture.png|thumb|630x630px|                                '''Guru Shishya Parampara''' Courtesy: Cover Image of Book 'Sarwang' Published by Adivasi Lok Kala Evam Boli Vikas Academy, Madhya Pradesh Sanskriti Parishad

Gurukula (Samskrit : गुरुकुलम्) is the place of learning for students after undergoing Upanayana, under the supervision of a learned Guru. Gurukula system was an important unique feature of ancient education system but has now lost its glory owing to the present day educational system brought in by the various rulers of India over the few centuries. Although modern education system has a few advantages, many good features of the ancient education system have been totally eliminated leaving a cultural gap.[[File:Gurukula_Picture.png|thumb|630x630px|                                '''Guru Shishya Parampara''' Courtesy: Cover Image of Book 'Sarwang' Published by Adivasi Lok Kala Evam Boli Vikas Academy, Madhya Pradesh Sanskriti Parishad

]]

]]

== परिचयः ॥ Introduction ==

== परिचयः ॥ Introduction ==

The Gurukula system which necessitated the stay of the student away from his home at the house of a teacher or in a boarding house of an established institution, was one of the most important features of Bharatiya Shikshana vidhana. Sharira (शरीरम् । Body), Manas (मनः । mind), Buddhi (बुद्धिः । intellect) and Atma (आत्मा । spirit) constitute a human being; the aims and ideals of Prachina Bharatiya Vidya Vidhana or Ancient Indian Education system were to promote their simultaneous and harmonious development.<ref name=":0" /> In this article we discuss the Gurukula set up, the aims of such educational system, the persons involved, and the syllabus taught under their guidance.

The Gurukula system which necessitated the stay of the student away from his home at the house of a teacher or in a boarding house of an established institution, was one of the most important features of Bharatiya Shikshana vidhana. Sharira (शरीरम् । Body), Manas (मनः । mind), Buddhi (बुद्धिः । intellect) and Atma (आत्मा । spirit) constitute a human being; the aims and ideals of Prachina Bharatiya Vidya Vidhana or Ancient Indian Education system were to promote their simultaneous and harmonious development.<ref name=":0">Altekar, A. S. (1944) ''Education in Ancient India.'' Benares : Nand Kishore and Bros.,</ref> In this article we discuss the Gurukula set up, the aims of such educational system, the persons involved, and the syllabus taught under their guidance.

 

== गुरुकुलव्यवस्था ॥ Gurukula System ==

== गुरुकुलव्यवस्था ॥ Gurukula System ==

=== उपनयनसंस्कारः ॥ Upanayana Samskara ===

=== उपनयनसंस्कारः ॥ Upanayana Samskara ===

One of the unique Dharmas followed from time immemorial is the performance of [[Upanayana (उपनयनम्)|Upanayana]] samskara for children entering the educational phase of life. Brahmanas, Kshatriyas and Vaishsyas are allowed to perform Upanayana samskara after which the child is referred to as Dvija (द्विजः । twice born). It marks the beginning of the [[Brahmacharyashrama (ब्रह्मचर्याश्रमः)|Brahmacharyashrama]]. The young mind is trained to perform many social as well as personal duties with specific attention to maintaining the fires, sandhyavandana and adhyayana. Respectful behavior towards the Guru and serving him (sushsruta) are foremost duties of a Brahmachari.   

One of the unique Dharmas followed from time immemorial is the performance of [[Upanayana (उपनयनम्)|Upanayana]] samskara for children entering the educational phase of life. Brahmanas, Kshatriyas and Vaishsyas are to perform Upanayana samskara after which the child is referred to as Dvija (द्विजः । twice born). It marks the beginning of the [[Brahmacharyashrama (ब्रह्मचर्याश्रमः)|Brahmacharyashrama]]. The young mind is trained to perform many social as well as personal duties with specific attention to maintaining the fires, perform sandhyavandana and adhyayana (studies). Respectful behavior towards the Guru and serving him (sushsruta) are foremost duties of a Brahmachari.   

=== अन्तेवासिन् ॥ Antevasin or Student ===

=== अन्तेवासिन् ॥ Antevasin or Student ===

=== Admission, Syllabus and Examinations ===

=== Admission, Syllabus and Examinations ===

In vedic times, a student was to enter a Gurukula after initiation by [[Upanayana (उपनयनम्)|Upanayana]]. Prachina shikshana vidhana was not focused on examinations, diplomas and migration or transfer certificates. However, higher education required a testing procedure to prove that the candidate was fit for it. Tests were mostly verbal in nature and required the recitation of Vedas or subject matter from memory. The class size was not too large as the aim was to give personal attention to students. Paper and books, as well as tubelights and continuous lighting facilities were absent so homework or reading after hours was practically impossible. All the work has to be done under the guidance of the teacher or class monitor who was incharge of the younger students.  

In vedic times, a student was to directly enter a Gurukula after initiation by [[Upanayana (उपनयनम्)|Upanayana]], without having to write any entrance test nor does the Guru interview of the child. Admission of the child was a hassle free process, only the parents of the child chose the Guru under guidance they wanted the child. Prachina shikshana vidhana was not focused on examinations, diplomas and migration or transfer certificates. However, higher education required a testing procedure to prove that the candidate was fit for it. Tests were mostly verbal in nature and required the recitation of Vedas or subject matter from memory. The class size was not too large as the aim was to give personal attention to students. Paper and books, as well as tubelights and continuous lighting facilities were absent so homework or reading after hours was practically impossible. All the work has to be done under the guidance of the teacher or class monitor who was incharge of the younger students.  

Chaturdasha Vidyastanas which included the Vedas and their Vedangas were the chief subjects and constituted the study syllabus during the earliest times. Specialized Para Vidya including [[Brahmavidya (ब्रह्मविद्या)|Brahmavidya]], [[Panchagnividya (पञ्चाग्निविद्या)|Panchagni vidya]] etc of the olden days gradually got absorbed into Vedanta system, a broader heading covering all such specialized topics was a higher level course and required years of sadhana. Gradually as studying vedas required more understanding, the study of [[Shad Vedangas (षड्वेदाङ्गानि)|Shad Vedangas]] became important. It is to be noted that the subjects explaining the Vedas themselves gained more significance and subsequently were studied independent of the Vedas themselves.  

Chaturdasha Vidyastanas which included the Vedas and their Vedangas were the chief subjects and constituted the study syllabus during the earliest times. Specialized Para Vidya including [[Brahmavidya (ब्रह्मविद्या)|Brahmavidya]], [[Panchagnividya (पञ्चाग्निविद्या)|Panchagni vidya]] etc of the olden days gradually got absorbed into Vedanta system, a broader heading covering all such specialized topics was a higher level course and required years of sadhana. Gradually as studying vedas required more understanding, the study of [[Shad Vedangas (षड्वेदाङ्गानि)|Shad Vedangas]] became important. It is to be noted that the subjects explaining the Vedas themselves gained more significance and subsequently were studied independent of the Vedas themselves.