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NCERT Class 8 English Chapter 16 Ancient Education System of India
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Ancient Education System of India
Chapter: 16
IT SO HAPPEN
COMPREHENSION CHECK
Page No – 69
1. Why were travellers attracted towards India?
Ans: Many travelers were drawn to India due to its renowned culture, wealth, religions, philosophies, art, and architecture, as well as its widely recognized educational practices. They were attracted to it due to its rich heritage and culture. it’s traditions and festivals, it’s brotherhood and the charm of friendship. They found Indian culture unique. They are also fascinated by the arts and the architecture of India.
2. What were the sources of the ancient education system?
Ans: The ancient education system focused on the study of the Vedas, Brahmanas, Upanishads, and Dharmasutras. Renowned scholars such as Aryabhata, Panini, Katyayana, and Patanjali were known for their significant contributions, while the medical treatises of Charaka and Sushruta also served as important sources of learning. A distinction was made between Shastras (learned disciplines) and Kavyas (imaginative and creative literature). Education encompassed various fields, including Itihas (history), Anviksiki (logic), Mimamsa (interpretation), Shilpa Shastra (architecture), Arthashastra (polity), Varta (agriculture, trade, commerce, and animal husbandry), and Dhanurvidya (archery).
3. What were the features of education system in ancient India?
Ans: Some features of the education system in ancient India included:
(i) Teaching and learning the principles of the Vedas and Upanishads.
(ii) The education system emphasized responsibilities toward oneself, family, and society, encompassing all aspects of life.
(iii) It prioritized both intellectual growth and physical well-being. Maintaining a balance between a healthy mind and body was considered essential.
(iv) Education in India was practical, accessible, and deeply integrated into daily life.
4. What was the role of a guru in pupils’ lives?
Ans: The gurus and their disciples worked diligently to master all aspects of learning. During that time, they lived together, supporting each other in daily activities. The primary goal was to attain holistic education, lead a disciplined life, and realize one’s inner potential. The gurukul also nurtured a strong bond between the guru and shishya, which deepened over time. Thus, the focus was not only on external discipline but also on enhancing the inner dimensions of one’s personality.
COMPREHENSION CHECK |
Page No – 74
1. Where did nuns and monks receive their education?
Ans: Nuns and monks received their education in monasteries or viharas, which functioned as centers of art and learning. These institutions were primarily founded for meditation, intellectual discussions, and debates, all of which aimed to satisfy their profound quest for knowledge.
2. What is Panini known for?
Ans: Panini was a renowned Indian Sanskrit grammarian, celebrated for his expertise in language and grammar. He authored the monumental work on grammar known as Ashtadhyayi. As a highly esteemed scholar in ancient India, Panini is regarded as the “Father of Linguistics” for his comprehensive scientific theory of phonetics, morphology, and phonology.
3. Which university did Xuan Zang and I-Qing study at?
Ans: Xuan Zang and I-Qing visited India in the 7th century CE. They studied at Nalanda University.
4. Which subject did Xuan Zang study in India?
Ans: Xuan Zang studied Yogashastra, grammar, logic, and Sanskrit at Nalanda University in India.
5. How did society help in the education of the students?
Ans: In ancient times, knowledge was regarded as sacred, and therefore no fees were charged for imparting it, contributions towards education were considered the highest form of donation. Financial support mainly came from rich merchants, affluent parents, and the broader society. Wealthy individuals donated buildings and land to universities. Free education was primarily available in ancient universities like Valabhi, Vikramshila, and Jagaddala.
EXERCISE |
Discuss the following questions in small groups and write your answers.
1. Which salient features of the ancient education system of India made it globally renowned?
Ans: Some of the key features that made the ancient Indian education system globally renowned are:
(i) The ancient Indian education system evolved to promote the overall development of individuals, nurturing both their inner and outer selves.
(ii) It focused on the spiritual, physical, moral, and intellectual growth of a person.
(iii) Essential values like truthfulness, humility, self-reliance, discipline, and appreciation for creative works were emphasized.
(iv) Students were taught to appreciate and maintain a balance between humans and nature.
(v) Teachers adhered to the teachings of the Vedas and Upanishads, which included fulfilling responsibilities towards oneself, family, and society, encompassing all aspects of life.
2. Why do you think students from other countries came to India to study at that time?
Ans: The reasons why students came to India to study at ancient time were as follows:
(i) The subjects of ancient education system included medicine, astrology, music, painting, dance, architecture, sculpture etc.
(ii) The education system was quite strict which helped the students to achieve their goals in the field of technology and science.
(iii) The universities like Nalanda provide excellent education to the students from all over the world.
(iv) Many monasteries/viharas were set up for monks and nuns to contemplate, debate and discuss with the learned for their pursuit for knowledge.
(v) India was considered a land of wonder with rich source of knowledge.
3. Why is education considered ‘a way of life’?
Ans: Education in ancient India was regarded as a way of life, incorporating both formal and informal learning methods. Indigenous education was imparted at home, in gurukuls, tols, temples, pathshalas, and chatuspadis. In homes, villages, and temples, elders and teachers guided young children, instilling virtuous and ideal ways of living.
4. What do you understand by holistic education?
Ans: Holistic education focuses on nurturing both the inner and outer self of an individual, preparing them for life. While the ancient Indian education system was free, it was not centralized. Its core principles emphasized the holistic development of physical, spiritual, artistic, and intellectual aspects of life.
5. Why do you think Takshashila and Nalanda have been declared heritage sites?
Ans: Takshashila and Nalanda have been declared heritage sites due to their immense historical, educational, and cultural significance.
Takshashila, an ancient Indian city, was a renowned center of advanced learning, attracting scholars from across the world. It played a crucial role in shaping early education and was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1980 for its rich archaeological remains and contributions to knowledge.
Nalanda, one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in the world, flourished between the 5th and 12th centuries CE, fostering intellectual growth in various fields such as philosophy, astronomy, and medicine. UNESCO designated the ruins of Nalanda Mahavihara as a World Heritage Site to honor its remarkable legacy in education and culture.

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