Traditional Indian Education.

Overview & Synopsis

From the earliest historical period up to the present, Hindus have linked education with religion. This paper examines the evolution of the Hindu educational system from the Vedic period (up to 1000 B.C.) to the present. Topics covered include the historical development of the Hindu education from the earliest period when it consisted of recitation of the Vedas to the Brahmana period which led to the development of the Laws of Manu, the rule of religious and social life for Hindus, and later periods. Other areas discussed are teaching methods and objectives in traditional primary schools, the central position of the student-teacher relationship, higher education from the Vedic period to 1200 A.D., and teaching methods used in an educational system emphasizing memorization. Separate sections also deal with: (1) the evolution of women's education from the earlier period, when women were freer to participate, to the period beginning around 500 B.C. when women's educational opportunities declined; and (2) the philosophy of education, which emphasized the importance of education for illumination, greater piety, and character development. A seven-page list of project research papers concludes the document. (IS)