Institutions of Higher Education in ancient India - Higher Education System Notes

Education System in India

The history of higher education in India can be understood as per its growth through certain periods which are mentioned below.

Education in Ancient Period

•  The history of education in India can be traced to the ancient era. Education in ancient India began around 3rd century BC with elements of religious training and impart of traditional knowledge. In ancient India both formal and informal ways of education system existed. Indigenous education was imparted at home, in temples, pathshalas, tols, chatuspadis and gurukuls. Education in India dates back to its early civilisation where teaching and learning processes revolved around the Gurukul system. This system was based on residential concept wherein the students were educated under the tutorship of a teacher in different areas of religion and philosophy. 
• The main source of teaching in the ancient education was Vedic literature which represented the most important and intrinsic part of life of the Indian people. In Vedic period, the teacher or Guru used to give knowledge to their pupil on the basis of Vedic literature which consisted of eight different forms such as, Four Vedas, Six Vedangas, Four Upavedas, Four Brahmanas, One Hundred and Eight Upanishads, Six systems of Philosophy, Bhagwad Gita and Three Smritis. Sanskrit formed the basis of delivering Vedic education. Students were taught in the form of Shruti (listening) and Smriti (memorising). During Vedic period, pupils used to go to Gurukuls (which were the formal institutions of learning) and resided there in order to gain education.
•  In Gurukul system of education majority of the pupils were boys or male, but there was also a provision for the girl’s education. Apart from Gurukula, Parishads (Academies), Viharas and Sammelans (Conferences) were also among many institutions of higher education. 

Objectives of Education:

• To instill a sense of piety and righteousness.
• To develop a strong moral character.
• To preserve and promote ancient culture.
• To teach social and civic responsibilities.
• To focus on the overall development of the student's physical, mental, and intellectual abilities.
• To foster loyalty and integrity.

Examination and Titles

• During the Vedic period, examinations were conducted orally by the guru. 
• The guru would ask questions verbally to assess the disciple's knowledge and understanding. 
• Students were not given formal certificates; their ability and knowledge served as their credentials. 
• Titles were awarded to students based on the duration of their study and the number of Vedas they had mastered: 
• Graduate: Awarded to those who completed a 12-year course or had knowledge of one Veda. 
• Vasue: Given to those who completed a 24-year course or knew two Vedas. 
• Rudra: Conferred upon individuals who completed a 16-year course or were well-versed in three Vedas. 
• Aditya: Awarded to those who completed a 48-year course and had knowledge of all four Vedas. 

Four Vedas:
The four Vedas are ancient texts that form the foundation of Hindu scripture and philosophy. Each Veda has its own unique focus and significance. 

• Rigveda: The oldest and most important of the four Vedas, the Rigveda is a collection of hymns dedicated to Vedic gods such as Agni and Indra. It contains 1,028 hymns and is considered one of the oldest religious texts in the world. 
• Samveda: Known as the Veda of melodies and chants, the Samveda consists of 1,549 verses and is an ancient Vedic text that is part of Hindu scripture. 
• Yajurveda: This Veda is primarily composed of prose mantras used in worship. It contains ritual offering formulae recited by priests during religious ceremonies. 
• Atharveda: The Atharveda contains about 760 hymns, many of which are also found in the Rigveda. It is sometimes referred to as the Veda of magical formulae. The Atharveda provides valuable insights into Vedic culture, customs, beliefs, and the everyday life of people during that time, as well as information related to kingship and governance. 

Types of Teachers in Ancient India 

1. Acharya: An Acharya is a teacher who imparts knowledge of the Vedas without charging any fees from the students. 
2. Upadhyaya: Upadhyayas earn their livelihood by teaching only a portion of the Veda or Vedangas. 
3. Charakas: Charakas are wandering scholars who travel across the country in search of higher knowledge. They are often regarded as a valuable source of knowledge, as mentioned in the Satapatha Brahmana. For instance, Hiuen Tsang acquired knowledge through this means. 
4. Guru:. Guru leads a grihastha (householder) life by imparting education while also maintaining his family. 
5. Yaujanasatika: These teachers were renowned for their exceptional scholarship, attracting students from distant places who sought their education. 
6. Sikshaka: Sikshakas specialize in instructing various arts, such as dancing. 

Methods of Teaching in Ancient India 

1. Oral Teaching: During the Vedic period, oral teaching was the primary method of instruction due to the scarcity of printing and writing materials like paper. Books were handwritten, and there were very few of them. Teachers imparted lessons to students through spoken words, and students listened attentively and memorized the texts. 
2. The Question-Answer Method: This method involved questions and discussions between the pupil and the guru. Students asked questions, and the guru provided explanations, facilitating the learning process. 
3. Agra-Shishya or Pupil Teacher System: In Ashrams and Gurukulas, it was common for intelligent senior pupils to be entrusted by gurus to teach junior students. This system benefited both the pupil-teacher and the students. 

Institutions of Higher Learning

During ancient times, educational institutions gained significant prominence. Some of the most renowned institutions of higher learning include:

Nalanda:

• Time Period: 427 CE to 1197 CE
• Overview: Nalanda was a renowned Buddhist center of learning and is considered one of the first great residential universities in history. Established by Shakraditya of the Gupta Dynasty in modern-day Bihar, Nalanda made significant contributions to the evolution and refinement of Indian culture.
• Subjects: The university offered a wide range of subjects, including fine arts and military strategy.
• Library: Nalanda's library was the largest in the ancient world.
• Decline: The university was destroyed by the Muslim invader Bakhtiyar Khilji in the 12th century.
• Modern Restoration: In 2010, the Indian Parliament approved plans to restore Nalanda University as a modern institution for postgraduate research.

Taxila or Takshashila:

• Time Period: 6th Century BCE
• Overview: Taxila is often regarded as the first university in the world. It was a major center of higher education and Brahmanical learning, offering over 60 courses in various subjects.
• Notable Scholars: Taxila produced renowned scholars such as Panini (a grammarian), Kautilya (a political strategist), and Charaka (the father of medicine).

Vikramshila:

• Time Period: 8th century CE
• Overview: Established by Emperor Dharmapala of the Pala dynasty, Vikramshila was known for its religious teachings. Scholars were appointed as heads of various temples.
• Subjects: The main subjects included Vyakaran (grammar), logic, philosophy, Tantra Shastra, and Karma Kanda, with Tantra Shastra gaining prominence later.
• Decline: The university was destroyed by Bakhtiyar Khilji in 1203 CE.

Vallabhi:

• Time Period: 475 CE to 755 CE
• Overview: Vallabhi was a prominent education center during the Buddhist period and served as the capital of the Maitraka kings. It was known for its training in secular subjects and attracted students from around the world.
• Notable Visitor: The Chinese travelers Hiuen Tsang and I-Tsing visited Vallabhi and noted its educational significance.

Jagaddala:

• Overview: Jagaddala was a monastery and center of Buddhist education established by King Raja Ram Pal of Bengal. It thrived for about 100 years before being destroyed in 1203 CE.
• Notable Scholars: The monastery housed many scholars known for their expertise in various fields.

Mithila:

• Time Period: Upanishadic age and 12th to 15th century CE
• Overview: Mithila, also known as Videha, became a prominent seat of Brahmanical education and culture. It was an important center of learning during this period.
• Subjects: Education included literature, fine arts, scientific subjects, and Nyaya Shastra (a system of logic and jurisprudence).

Odantapuri:

• Overview: Odantapuri was established before the Pala dynasty's rise to power in Magadha. It was a significant center of learning for Buddhism, Jainism, and Hinduism.

Nadia:

• Location: Confluence of Ganga and Jalangi rivers in Bengal
• Overview: Nadia, also known as Navadweep, was an important center for trade, business, learning, and culture. Education was imparted at three centers: Navadweep, Shantipur, and Gopalpura.

Salotgi:

• Location: Karnataka
• Overview: Salotgi was an important center of learning, richly endowed in 945 CE by Narayana, a minister of Krishna III. The college had 27 hostels for students from different provinces.

Ujjain:

• Location: Madhya Pradesh
• Overview: Ujjain was known for its secular learning, particularly in mathematics and astronomy.

Ennayiram:

• Location: Tamil Nadu 
• Overview: Ennayiram provided free boarding and tuition to 340 students and became an important center of learning alongside Sringeri and Kanchi. 

Banaras:

• Time Period: Seventh century BCE 
• Overview: Banaras (Varanasi) emerged as a crucial center of education in Eastern India, offering traditional Vedic education to students.