We’re here to get a better grasp on the present applicability of the ancient Indian educational system. Is it possible to understand the Indian society in light of the current educational ethos. Do we want to reclaim our ability to think creatively or do we want to stay in the status quo, which breeds complacency? India should reflect on the extent to which the educational system in the United States and other countries has benefited her. A return to a higher level of education is long overdue, one that will generate thinkers.
Learning and comprehension have been the foundation of Indian education for a long period of time. After repeated incursions, it was reduced to mere memorization. In ancient times, India was the world’s most rich country. Only as much natural resources as were necessary were exploited by it. Natural resources were not used excessively or encouraged. Nature is revered in India, including vegetation, wind, fire, water, the sun, and so forth. This demonstrates that it held all living organisms in high esteem. “Samudramanthan” is a term used in Hinduism to describe the practise of overfishing the oceans. Teaching was regarded as a noble profession, a solemn duty of the instructor, and students should not expect to pay him for it. In the past, teachers were committed individuals who saw their job as a form of service rather than a job to be performed.
Academics were also instrumental in bringing about social change. A famous economics teacher at Takhashila and Nalanda Universities, Chankaye, saw that for economic growth in the region it was vital to create a unified country: India. Forging the Mauryan Empire, he worked with Chandragupta to encircle India and beyond. In the recent past, this kingdom established a code of ethics that Indians still adhere to now. People travelled from all over the world to study in India because the educational standards were so high. Saraswati, the Hindu goddess of learning, is also revered by Indians. Even today, it is commemorated with a lot of pomp and pageantry.’
In India’s culture, Hindus play a role in introducing children to the concept of education. Education is the foundation of Indian society. Brahmins are the highest-ranking members of society who have achieved a degree in education. In ancient times, becoming a Brahmin required a lot of effort. In those days, it was not a matter of birth. One might only become a Brahmin after pursuing this job. Brahmins were unable to accept donations for educational purposes. In ancient India, education was available to everyone. Education would be supported by the kingdom. Despite its low literacy rate, India boasts a high level of education. People are aware of the existence and significance of life, nature, and vegetation.
The Indian educational system was founded on the notion of holistic development, which included the development of both the mind and the heart as well as the intellect. This practise of brahmacharya was implemented in the Indian system as a way to cultivate a strong sense of morality. A student’s sole responsibility is to learn during this time. The Indian system placed a strong emphasis on practice-based learning. Indeed, religious activities and rituals were a major part of the foundation of it. Remember that religion was merely a way of life back then, thus it didn’t interfere with schooling. To survive, one had to adhere to a rigid set of rules. As detailed as it is in the ancient text Athavveda, it lays out in great detail the system and procedures to be used in the schooling process.
However, there were some flaws. Education was only available to those who had earned it, and not to everyone. For one thing, it was Guru-centric, meaning that the guru’s knowledge was thought to be the absolute best. Education was democratised in Buddhism by making it possible for everyone to learn. As a result of the establishment of universities, knowledge was disseminated and institutionalised. In Buddhism, the system of education was not deviant from Hinduism, but rather broad-based. Educators and pupils were once again required to adhere to rigorous religious guidelines. In this case, the previous Guru System was still present. “Buddham saranam gachchami” was uttered by even Buddha (Come to Buddha to get enlightenment). Remember that the great saints did their own investigation and established a body of knowledge that was contrary to Buddha’s teachings. He, on the other hand, questioned the system of knowledge concentration in a few hands. This might have diluted the quality of knowledge but this improved the understanding of the people in general in India.
This also helped to create a sense of unity among the people of India. This is the secret of unity in diversity of India. As a result of the country’s transformation into a single, homogeneous people, all citizens share the same goal of mokshya (eternal bliss).
Indians always paid great importance to education which would improve the ethical standard of the population. Resilience of ancient Indian education system was proved again and again. Indian ethos and supremacy of our (Arian) culture and beliefs didn’t go away with the country’s material richness during the early stages of foreign invasion. This was made feasible by the educational system in India as a whole. Others talk about ethics, but Indians put it into effect by educating their people.