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Unit 2 : Education in India during medieval period: Islamic Education

(4) As the educational institutions were attached to the mosques, they mainly remained at Notes
the mercy of the priests and hence failed to stabilise their position properly.
(5) The educational system miserable failed in developing an independent philosophy of
life among the people.
(6) Because of single teacher schools and monitor system education could not be pursued on
healthy lines.
(7) Corporal punishment developed among students hatred for the teacher and education
became burdensome and uninteresting for the students.
(8) Cramming without understanding resulted in artificiality in the system. It lacked free
thinking and originality.
(9) Women education was generally neglected and most of them remained in pardah.
(10) Lack of high ideals of education left people in the indulgence of luxuries.
(11) In this period, education had no separate entity. It solely rested on the sweet will of the
rulers.

What are the herits and demerits of Medieval system of education?

2.8 Relevance of Muslim Ideals in India

Despite the above stated defects, education in medieval times had some high ideals and there is
need to revive them in the modern times in view of the conditions prevailing in the country.
These days, people generally talk of low moral character of the nation. Disobedience and
indiscipline have become the order of the day. It is rampant in almost all walks of life. The
situation can be improved through the revival of the ideals of medieval times. Apart form this,
in the preparation of future life of the students, vocational and technical education is of great
importance. The revival of the education of craft, work-experience and dignity of labour will
go a long way in eradicating the massive problem of educated unemployment from the country.’
At the same time, there is need to establish proper coordination between physical; intellectual
and religious education. This would help to pave the way for the inculcation of moral and
spiritual values among the people and develop them into ideal citizens. In the context of
Muslim system of education, the existing teacher-taught relationship needs special attention. It
should be cordial and intimate. A sense of respect and service should be instilled among the
students towards the teacher.
The above programmes would help to make education much more practical and functional and
thus succeed in the preparation of ideal citizens for leading a happy and properous future life.

2.9 A Critique of Muslim Education

2.9.1 Chief Characteristics of Muslim Education
(i) Patronage of the rulers: The rulers helped in the spread of education. They built
educational institutions and universities. They endowed them with the funds. Big landlord
also provided financial help for the spread of education. The rulers patronized the men
of learning.
(ii) No state control: The rules neither claim any authority over the educational institutions
nor interfered with their management.
(iii) Religion dominated education: In the words of S.N. MUKERJI, "The whole educational
system was saturated with the religious ideals which influenced the aim, the contents of

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