Education

1. EDUCATION SYSTEM IN THE POST-VEDIC PERIOD
(1000 B.C-600 B.C)
Presented By Satyabrata Dash

2. Introduction
India is a spiritual land. Our country is a paradise on this earth. It is recognized all
over the world. It was regarded as a golden bird (Sone ki chidiya). The land with
many traditions, customs, cultures, religions, languages, resources etc. There are so
many diversities still we are united. The thread of love and bond of national
integration hold all the various beads together to make us a strong nation, which we
all are proud of!!!

3. The Period between 1000 BCE to 600 BCE is known as the Later Vedic Age.
There was a well-planned system of education in later Vedic period. The student was initiated
by the ceremony of Upanayana. Student enters a new life which is described as a second birth.
In the life of a Brahmachari the student leads a life of simple living and high thinking. Life is
regulated. The aims of learning are faith, retention of knowledge, progeny, wealth, longevity
and immortality.
The essence of the Education system was that the student had to take up residence in the home
of his teacher. The student wore the skin of antelope, the girdle of Kusa grass and collected fuel
for worshipping Lord Agni. In the Rig Veda women have also composed hymns. The Kshatriya
caste had encouraged learning.

4. Features of Post Vedic Education
 Upanayan Sanskar
Upanayan Samskara was considered important both in the vedic and post vedic periods. This is
evident at several place in Rigveda. But different values were adhered to in two periods. It was
not necessary during the vedic period to have the upanayan ceremony before starting education.
But during the post vedic period. Upanayan ceremony was considered necessary for starting
education. The Upanayan ceremony became so important during the post vedic period, that is was
usually regarded as second birth of the individual. For the Brahmans this became very important.
Brahmans began to be called as Dvij (the twice born or born again). It was after the Upanayan that
a Brahaman boy could be called a Dvij.

5. Varna system and Education in Society
The Varna system in the vedic age was based on one‘s work or duty (karma). During vedic
period one could choose a particular profession as he liked and accordingly his varna was
determined. But during the post vedic period varna came to be determined by birth.
Consequently the whole society was divided in to four varnas – Brahman, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas,
& Shudra. However the position of varnas during the post vedic period had not degenerated so
much as it is found today.

6. AIMS OF EDUCATION
“Swadesh Pujyate Raja, Vidwan Sarvatra Pujyate”
The ultimate aim of education in later Vedic period was the attainment of highest knowledge,
the knowledge of Brahman or Atman as the supreme reality.
Aim was remained intact to attain salvation.
Veda period, Brahminic period, Upanishad period, Sutra (Hymn) period, Smriti period etc. but
all these period, due to predominance of the Vedas, there was no change in the aims and ideals
of educations. That is why, the education of these periods, is studied under Vedic period.
Preservation and Spread of Ancient Culture:
Formation of character .
Inculcation of civic and social duties.

7. ADMISSION SYSTEM
Education was free. Its expenses were borne by the society and the king. Education in the later
Vedic period was strategically limited to the main three upper castes. The guru shishya tradition as
one of the most sacred traditions of India was accepted in the sphere of education in later Vedic
period. The subjects of study during that time included the four Vedas, Grammar, Mathematics,
Mineralogy, Logic, Ethics, Brahma-Vidya, Biology, Military Science, Astronomy, and Medicine.
Dhanur Vidya or war tactics was also a part of education in later Vedic period. Education was
aimed at the knowledge of the Atman (soul) or the absolute or self-realization.
The story of Nachiketas in the Katha Upanishad can be sited as an example.

8. Curriculum
During this period the curriculum included more subject than during the vedic age. Ved Mantras
(hymns and verses) were principally taught in the vedic period. During the post-vedic period
various types of Literatures were produced pertaining to the different Vedas. In addition to
religious subjects, many worldly subjects were also included in the curriculum. It consisted of
Vedas, History, Puranas, Grammar, Mathematics, Braham-Vidya, Nirukti (etymological
interpretation of words), astronomy, dance, music etc. Question answer system prevailed during
his period. Through this system difficult and abstract ideas were made simple. The terse spiritual
elements were explained. Examples, stories and help of certain biographies were also, taken in
one system for elucidating certain points.

9. METHODS OF TEACHING
The medium of education was divine pronouncement.
Sanskrit as the Medium of Instruction.

10. DISCIPLINE
His main duties were to beg for his teacher, to look after the sacrificial fires and
tend the house and his cattle. Day time sleeping was forbidden. The teacher then
initiates him into the various aspects of knowledge. The student as a rule studied
with his preceptor for twelve years.

11. EXAMINATION SYSTEM
The examination was oral one. The student was required to give oral answers in a congregation
of scholars. It he satisfied them, he was given a degree or little. The consensus of the scholars
opinion was essential for obtaining such a title.

12. ROLE OF THE TEACHER
The place of Guru in society remained intact.
No knowledge could come without the assistance from the Guru.
In Bhartiya Darshan ‗Guru‘ has significant place. It consists of two words, Gu-Ru. The word
‗Gu‘ indicated darkness and ‗ru‘ means controller. It means to avoid darkness or ignorance.

13. Conclusion
It was much more refined and advanced compared to today's modern education system.
Aryabhatta has done a huge contribution towards mathematics and astronomy. Ayurveda was the
ancient school of medicine and it's founder Charaka is considered to be the father of medicine.
Nalandha University is one of the greatest learning centres in ancient India which people from all
over the world looked up to. We had the best resources and methods of education.
The ancient education system helped people to lead a better life, both for themselves and the
society.

14. Explore More And Know more
Thank You
All for your Patience listening.