The ancient educational system of India was flexible, in that it was not just confined to the 14 vidyas. The 64 kalas, called the “Chausat kalas” were covered in the traditional education, as well. Acquiring the knowledge of the 14 vidyas required the students to possess a minimum level of scholastic abilities. And, not every child had that.

1. Understanding Kala Proponents As Artisans
And Their Skill As Artisanal
Satjit Kumar
Writes informational articles on ancient Indian
artisan vocational education, 64 kalas or chausat
kala, along with others articles on finance, health,
sanathana dharma and wisdom.

2. The ancient educational system of India was flexible, in that it was not just
confined to the 14 vidyas. The 64 kalas, called the “Chausat kalas” were covered
in the traditional education, as well. Acquiring the knowledge of the 14 vidyas
required the students to possess a minimum level of scholastic abilities. And, not
every child had that.
For students not having that aptitude and capabilities, the choice of getting
educated in any of the kalas was there. No child was deprived of the right to
education; such was the uniqueness of the Bharateeya sanatana dharma.
The Chausat Kalas as professions
In that ancient system, individuals receiving education in any of the kalas had an
option. That is, with regard to making a profession out of the knowledge and
skills acquired.

3. These people were expected to have “service” as the primary objective, and not
get carried away purely by commercial motives. They were expected to strike a
balance between “livelihood” and “service to people.” In fact, while undergoing
education in the Kalas, teachers used to impart knowledge about how to arrive at
that balance.
Proponents of kalas as artisans
Quite a number of the 64 kalas also included crafts where the practitioners had to
make use of their hands to make functional and innovative items. Here,
practitioners relied on several techniques that they learned in their schools.
Owing to this very aspect, proponents of the kalas can be termed as artisans, too.
For, an “artisan” refers to a person who uses their hands to execute work that
involves the presence of specialized skills. And, the logical reference then would
be: The competencies of the kala proponents can undoubtedly be categorized as
“artisanal.”

4. The artisanal angle of Chausat Kalas – more details
Many kalas involve skillfully using the hands, to make various products and
items. In this context, a point of utmost importance necessitates special mention.
It needs to be understood that before the world witnessed the Industrial
Revolution, the major chunk of manufacturing activity was attributable to the
efforts of artisans. Thus, it can be said that the economic structure of society was
heavily dependent on artisanal abilities, in those days.
We have to note that beverages, food products, decorative pieces, etc., now being
manufactured in factories were effortlessly made by artisans in ancient India.
This once again emphasizes the glory of ancient Indian education. Students were
transformed into skilled craftsmen who could create beautiful products just by
depending on their hands. In this connection, the terms “artisan” and “craftsman”
can be used synonymously.

5. Respect for craftsmen in Bharatiya and Eastern cultures
In the Colonial re-education and cultural changes, many good things about
Bharatiya and other Eastern Cultures were damaged or destroyed. Even in
Japanese culture, a lot of respect is given to craftsmen who create works of art
and utility items with just their hands. “Shokunin” is the Japanese term that refers
to artisans who use their skills with a sense of social responsibility. Social welfare
is the topmost priority of these artisans.
In this regard, it has to be stated that these are the precise values that were
provided to pupils learning the kalas, in ancient Bharat. It is interesting to know
that on every New Year’s Day in Japan, all the tools related to professional
activity are honored in their traditional way. This is comparable to the “Ayudha
pooja” in India, during the Dussehra festival. To have a day set aside to
remember, respect, and celebrate the tools shows the amount of respect that
Bharatiya civilization had for arts, artisans, and artisanal items.

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