Education System In Ancient India

Education in India was quite different from the rest of the world.  The gurukul was type of school in ancient Indian education system. In a gurukul, students would reside together as equals, irrespective of their social standing, learnt from the guru and distribute work in themselves to help the guru in his day-to-day life. At the end of studies, pupil would be ready to offer gurudakshina (one time fees) to the guru. The gurudakshina is a traditional gesture of acknowledgment, respect and thanks. Generally, gurukul were situated in the deep part of the forests. Environment plays a crucial role as being surrounding amidst nature, devoid of any out worldly distractions, creates an environment which was most conducive to learn. The main moto of this system were social awareness, intellectual development, preservation of knowledge and culture, self-control and spiritual development.  In this system of education, students studies Vedas and other subjects as well. The gurukul system of education was dedicated to the highest ideals of all round human development. The method of study consisted in listening to the guru, reflection on what has been listened to and its constant revision and discussion. There were mainly three steps of learning according to Vedic system i.e., Sravana, Manana and Niddhyaana.  Sravana was listening to the truths as they fell from the lips of the teacher. Knowledge was technically called Sruti or what the ear heard and not what was seen in writing. Manana means the pupil has to think out for himself the meaning of the lessons imparted to him orally by his teacher so that they may assimilate fully. Niddhyasana refers to complete comprehension by the pupil of the truth that is taught so that he may live the truth and not merely explain it by word. Knowledge must result in realization. The ultimate aim of the education was not to gain only knowledge but for complete realization of self for liberation of the soul from the chains of the life.