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Development of Education System
Notes
2 LOVELY PROFESSIONAL UNIVERSITY
Buddhism is either silent or does not give importance to philosophical thinking on matters like
God and Transmigration of Soul, etc. Buddhism does not accept the ‘Divinity’ of the Vedas.
Mahatma Budha practised several types of penances for finding out the truth.
1.1 About Vedic Education
The vedas contain 20,358 verses. The Rig veda has the largest number of verses (10,522) followed
by Atharva Veda (5,977), Yajur Veda (1,985) and Sama Veda (1,875). The Rig Veda is the oldest
among all the four vedas.
The language of the vedas is the ancient Sanskrit. The language is of different styles: somewhere
very complex and some where simple and easily understood.
The vedas have come down to us through an elaborate system of oral tradition. They were
passed on from one generation to another through memorisation. The seers held that “living by
the teachings of the vedas” was far more important than their memorisation and recitation.
The vedas have always been held in high esteem and have specially influenced Indian way of
life: its culture, history, literature, philosophy, religion and science, etc. the contents of the vedas
may be categorised under the following three heads:
(i) The “nama” or knowledge and wisdom
(ii) The “karma” or actions or code of conduct
(iii) The “upasana” or dedication and devotion to God.
1.1.1 Sources of the Vedic Age Education: Vedic Literature
No study of the source of Indian culture, education, philosophy and thought is complete without
an adequate acquaintance and understanding of the 'Vedic Literature'.
The Atharva veda mentions all the vedas. It is also known as the “science of medicine.”
A fundamental principle of Vedic education.
The Vedic literature consists of the following
1. Four Vedas 2. Six Vedangas
3. Four Upvedas 4. Four Brahmanas
5. One hundred and eighty Upanishads 6. Six systems of philosophy
7. Bhagwad Gita 8. Three Smritis
1.1.2 Main Features of the Vedic Education
Main features of the vedic Education are as follows:
(i) Free education in Ancient India: In ancient India teaching was considered to be holy duty
which a Brahman was bound to discharge irrespective of consideration of the fee teacher
were expected to devote their lives to the cause of teaching in the missionary spirit of
self-sacrifice, and the society laid down the principal that both the public and state should
help the learned teachers and educational institutions very liberally. Society realized that
"Vidyadana" or the gift in the cause of education was to be the best of gifts, possessing a
higher religious merit than even the gift of land. On the occasion of religious feats,
students and teachers were invited and donations were given liberally.
(ii) No state control on education: Rulers of the country had very little directly to do with
education. It was a private affairs of the people managed entirely by Brahmans.