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| One can see numerous instances of principles and postulates of the educational practices from the ancient works. [[Vidya (विद्या)]] regarded as general education in common parlance, is the source of that Jnana which leads its recipients to successfully overcome difficulties and problems of life and in the Vedanta terms it is that knowledge which leads one on the path of Moksha. It was therefore insisted to be thorough, efficient with the goal of training experts in different branches. Since printing and paper were unknown, libraries and books did not exist, training essentially focused on developing memory that would stand good stead throughout the student's life.<ref name=":0">Altekar, A. S. (1944) ''Education in Ancient India.'' Benares : Nand Kishore and Bros.,</ref> | | One can see numerous instances of principles and postulates of the educational practices from the ancient works. [[Vidya (विद्या)]] regarded as general education in common parlance, is the source of that Jnana which leads its recipients to successfully overcome difficulties and problems of life and in the Vedanta terms it is that knowledge which leads one on the path of Moksha. It was therefore insisted to be thorough, efficient with the goal of training experts in different branches. Since printing and paper were unknown, libraries and books did not exist, training essentially focused on developing memory that would stand good stead throughout the student's life.<ref name=":0">Altekar, A. S. (1944) ''Education in Ancient India.'' Benares : Nand Kishore and Bros.,</ref> |
| == 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 (Body), Manas (mind), Buddhi (intellect) and Atma (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" /> | + | 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 (Body), Manas (mind), Buddhi (intellect) and Atma (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 tutelage. |
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| + | == Gurukula System == |
| + | Smrtis recommend that the student should begin to live under the supervision of his teacher after his Upanayana. Etymologically Antevasin is the word for the student, denotes one who stays near his teacher and Samavartana, the word for convocation, means the occasion of returning home from the boarding or the teacher's house. Here we describe the different aspects of a Gurukula. |
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| + | === Location of a Gurukula === |
| + | Shri Krishna and Balarama were sent to the Gurukula of Guru Sandipani is a well known example that students were actually being sent to reside with their preceptors. Now, there are various versions about the location of a Gurukula. In earlier times majority of teachers (Seers like Valmiki, Kanva, Sandipani) preferred the sylvan solitudes of the forests to teach in depth philosophies. Gradually as time passed, as supplies became scarce, Gurukulas came to be located near villages and towns chiefly because villagers around would provide their few and simple wants. Care was taken to locate the Gurukula in a secluded place, in a garden and ensured the holy setting. |
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| + | ashramas in a forest (Kanva and Valmiki) |
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| + | outside but close to a village |
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| + | boarding institutions (Nalanda and Takshashila) |
| + | |
| + | agraharas (village consisting only of Brahmana scholars) |
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| == Terminology == | | == Terminology == |