Ancient Indian education systems were truly remarkable in that classrooms were often located in forests where students could study under a clear sky. Students were expected to live simple lives during their studies and follow brahmacharya duties such as adhering to numerous niyamas or obligations.
Gurukuls
The ancient gurukul system focused on spiritual, intellectual and academic development through listening, interpretation, reflection and niddhyna. Activities involved listening for truth, interpretation of what had been heard, reflection upon lessons learned as well as sammta teaching from scriptures as well as guest talks, debates, group discussions and experiential learning opportunities.
Gurukuls provided students with an appreciation of nature and its surrounding. Classrooms were constructed within forests to bring nature closer. Furthermore, practical science education and values training was strongly promoted with students encouraged to study various subjects such as languages, yoga, astronomy, economics politics and history among many others.
As opposed to modern schools, students in gurukuls were taught discipline and organization. They were instructed to follow a schedule. Furthermore, meditation techniques were utilized in order to increase concentration. This resulted in greater focus than their modern school peers, making them more confident, calm, composed, rational thinkers with more insightful decisions, as well as having better grades during exams and working harder overall.
Parishads
Parishads in ancient India were schools which focused on the acquisition of knowledge. Specialized in specific fields, their instruction often involved meditation and yoga; classes were typically delivered verbally because paper was rare commodity; students would internalise these teachings for life! At first, India’s schooling system could be divided into two systems – Vedic and Buddhist. Under Vedanta it included learning the Vedas, Vedangas and Upanishads while under Buddhism all major schools of Buddhism were covered.
During the Vedic age, women were also educated to a high standard. There were Sadyodwahas who pursued their studies until marriage, as well as Bramhavadinis who lived as celibates. Both groups were taught music and dancing skills.
Every parishad will maintain a fund, from which will come revenue generated by government grants and loans as well as income generated from local markets and jal mahals as well as taxes levied on cinema, drama and jatra theatres, fairgrounds and ferry ghats. A budget will be prepared two months prior to fiscal year start date and displayed publicly for 15 days to allow people to see it and offer suggestions from others.
Ashrams
Ancient India’s education system not only taught its students to live a pious life but also placed importance on developing inner dimensions of their personality and studying science and philosophy – these lessons could be found at gurukuls, temple colleges or even at home! Furthermore, Vedic school of thought encouraged their pupils to become purohits (priests). Purohits led lives of celibacy as they continued their quest for wisdom through learning.
At Gurukuls, students lived with their teachers until completing their studies – helping strengthen relationships between teacher and pupil. Curriculum included four Vedas, six Vedangas, Upanishads and darshanas which were taught systematically and structured way.
Prior to commencing a class, a guru would conduct tests on his students by asking questions and assessing their understanding of previous lessons. Teachers then would move them onto their next lesson accordingly. This method of testing students was novel compared with current education systems; it provided an effective means of teaching and tracking student progress.
Goshti
Goshthi is an ancient Sanskrit word meaning ‘place where students stay and study”. This concept has inspired modern education systems while offering students a valuable way of learning about India’s rich cultural traditions.
At one time, people in India primarily learned through informal means. Students attended home, temples, pathshalas, chatus and tols for classes that provided vocational education that helped them be successful in their chosen fields. This method served as the main form of education.
Ancient Indian education system focused heavily on human transformation at all levels – soul, body and mind. The goal was to free students from ignorance while unleashing their potentialities; lessons were tailored specifically to an individual student’s aptitudes, interests and tendencies; celibacy was required during studies until completion was reached.
The Gurukul system of education was one of the earliest forms of public school. Students attending these learning centres were exposed to ancient texts such as Vedas, Upanishads and Buddhism’s major schools – initially taught orally up until 1300-1500 BC when Rig Veda was written down and commented upon by its sages of that time.
Vidyapeeth
Ancient Indian education systems placed an emphasis on developing individuals holistically. This included developing both knowledge and ethical traits such as humility, truthfulness, self-reliance and respect for all creatures – this form of instruction being typically delivered within gurukuls, parishads or ashrams.
The curriculum consisted primarily of four Vedas, six Vedangas, Upanishads, Puranas and Tarka Shastra. Students also studied astronomy, mathematics, medicine philosophy religion – although foreign cultures and languages were generally neglected.
Student were expected to live with their teacher until completion of his studies, which meant foregoing all pleasures and luxuries – such as talking with friends, visiting homes or playing certain musical instruments – until this process had been completed. Their teacher served as sole guardian during this period. Students must abide by all school regulations including brahmacharya (strict self-discipline and control measures), including following all rules regarding brahmacharya observance.