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Writer's pictureLalit Kishore

ANCIENT SYSTEM OF HIGHER EDUCATION AT UNIVERSITIES OF INDIA: EXCERPTS FROM NCERT TEXTBOOK AND ACROSTIC ON NALANDA


Excerpts from NCERT Textbook

  1. The education system of ancient times was regarded as a source for the knowledge, traditions and practices that guided and encouraged humanity

  2. In the holistic development of the individual by taking care of both the inner and the outer self. The system focused on the moral, physical, spiritual and intellectual aspects of life. It emphasised on values such as humility, truthfulness, discipline, self-reliance and respect for all creations. Students were taught to appreciate the balance between human beings and nature.

  3.  Teaching and learning followed the tenets of Vedas and Upanishads fulfilling duties towards self, family and society, thus encompassing all aspects of life.

  4. Distinction was also drawn heritage - something that is handed down from the past, as a tradition -  and tenets - the main principles of a religion or philosophy.. between Shastras (learned disciplines) and Kavyas (imaginative and creative literature).

  5. Sources of learning were drawn from various disciplines such as Itihas (history), Anviksiki (logic), Mimamsa (interpretation) Shilpashastra (architecture),

  6. Arthashastra (polity), Varta (agriculture, trade, commerce, animal husbandry) and Dhanurvidya (archery)

  7. Ancient education system of India focused on the holistic development of the students, both inner and outer self, thus preparing them for life. Education was free and not centralised. Its foundations were laid in the rich cultural traditions

  8. At that time, knowledge was considered sacred and no fee was charged. Contributions towards education were considered the highest form of donation. All members of the society contributed 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.

  9. In order to assess pupils' learning, shastrartha (learned debates) were organised. Pupils at an advanced stage of learning guided younger pupils. There also existed the system of peer learning, like you have group/peer work For details visit: https://ncert.nic.in/textbook/pdf/heih111.pdf


NALANDA ACROSTIC


N: Native system of  viharas of higher education  and universities with oral and verbal-linguistic intelligence  system of knowledge of ancient scriptures and life-skills  of  self-awareness, social awareness, communication skills and ethical values

A: Ancient system of education through  scriptures and dialogue between the guru and discipline  as well as self-study

L: Learning of self and outer world  based on Vedas and Upanishads to become life-long learner

A: Attentiveness, alertness, concentration, prayers,  self-awareness skills, listening skills, memory skills  and articulation  emphasised as tools for readiness to learning activities

N: Negation the physical and sensual gratifications to live a simple and minimal life to be

D: Development of sound body with exercises yoga, purity of senses  and positive mind emphasized

A: Analytical skills, logic, interpretation, philosophising, ontology, ethics, manners, linguistics, pottery, making implements, agriculture, gardening, cooking and astrology

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