OLDEST EDUCATION IN INDIA 📜 The Oldest Education in India The origin of education in India dates back to the Vedic period (1500–500 BC...
OLDEST EDUCATION IN INDIA
📜 The Oldest Education in India
The origin of education in India dates back to the Vedic period (1500–500 BCE). It was one of the world’s most ancient systems, deeply rooted in spiritual, moral, and practical learning.
1. Gurukul System (Vedic Age)
-
Students (shishyas) lived with their teacher (guru) in his ashram or home.
-
Education was free; students paid through guru dakshina (a service or gift of gratitude).
-
Taught values like discipline, respect, self-reliance, and spirituality.
-
Subjects included:
-
Vedas, Upanishads, philosophy
-
Mathematics, astronomy, medicine (Ayurveda)
-
Warfare, archery, and physical training
-
Ethics, arts, and crafts
-
2. Takshashila (Taxila University) – 5th century BCE
-
Considered the first university in the world.
-
Located in present-day Pakistan.
-
Offered more than 64 subjects including law, medicine, grammar, philosophy, military science, and astronomy.
-
Famous scholars: Chanakya (Kautilya), Panini (grammarian), and Charaka (physician).
3. Nalanda University – 5th century CE
-
Located in Bihar, India.
-
A great Buddhist learning center, with over 10,000 students and 2,000 teachers.
-
Attracted scholars from China, Korea, Japan, Tibet, Mongolia, and Central Asia.
-
Subjects: Buddhist studies, logic, mathematics, medicine, astrology, and philosophy.
4. Other Ancient Universities
-
Vikramshila University (Bihar) – focused on Tantric Buddhism.
-
Vallabhi University (Gujarat) – known for commerce and administration.
-
Odantapuri & Somapura Universities – Buddhist learning hubs.
✨ Key Features of Ancient Indian Education
-
Based on holistic learning (physical, intellectual, and spiritual).
-
Focused on self-discipline, character building, and knowledge for life, not just livelihood.
-
Teachers were highly respected and central to society.
-
Education was often oral (shruti & smriti tradition).
.jpg)
No comments