5 Questions
What was the role of guru in pupils' lives in ancient India?
The role of guru in pupils’ lives was to provide complete learning, help them lead a disciplined life, and make them realize their inner potential.
Where did nuns and monks receive their education?
Nuns and monks received their education in monasteries or viharas.
What subject did Xuan Zang study in India?
Xuan Zang studied yogashastra in India.
How did society help in the education of the students?
All members of the society contributed towards education in some form or the other. Financial support came from rich merchants, wealthy parents, and society. Besides gifts of buildings, the universities received gifts of land.
Why do you think students from other countries came to India to study at that time?
Many monasteries/viharas were set up for monks and nuns to meditate, debate, and discuss with the learned for their quest for knowledge during this period. Around these viharas, other educational centers of higher learning developed. This attracted students from other countries to India to study at that time.
Study Notes
Ancient Education System of India
- Travellers were attracted towards India due to its rich culture, wealth, religions, philosophies, art, architecture, and educational practices.
- The sources of ancient education system included various disciplines such as Itihas (history), Anviksiki (logic), Mimamsa (interpretation), Shilpashastra (architecture), Arthashastra (polity), Varta (agriculture, trade, commerce, animal husbandry), and Dhanurvidya (archery).
- The writings of Aryabhata, Panini, Katyayana, and Patanjali, and the medical treatises of Charaka and Sushruta also served as sources of learning.
Features of Education System
- The education system in ancient India focused on moral, physical, spiritual, and intellectual aspects of life.
- It emphasized values such as humility, truthfulness, discipline, self-reliance, and respect for all creations.
- The system focused on both learning and physical development, aiming for a healthy mind and healthy body.
Role of Guru and Education Centres
- The role of guru was to provide complete learning, help students lead a disciplined life, and realize their inner potential.
- Nuns and monks received their education in monasteries or viharas.
Notable Figures and Institutions
- Panini was a prominent figure in ancient India.
- Xuan Zang and I-Qing studied at Nalanda University.
- Xuan Zang studied yogashastra in India.
Society's Contribution to Education
- All members of the society contributed towards education in some form or the other.
- Financial support came from rich merchants, wealthy parents, and society.
- Gifts of buildings and land were also received by the universities.
Salient Features of Ancient Education System
- The ancient education system focused on holistic development, taking care of both the inner and outer self.
- It emphasized moral, physical, spiritual, and intellectual aspects of life.
- The system focused on values such as humility, truthfulness, discipline, self-reliance, and respect for all creations.
Test your knowledge of the ancient education system of India with these NCERT solutions for Class 8 English Chapter 15. Answer questions related to Indian culture, wealth, religions, philosophies, and educational practices.
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