The Mauryan Polity c7.s2.5

c7.s2.5

A perusal of the daily time-table of princes shows the heavy programme of work before them. The forenoons were devoted to the hearing of *itihāsas* or stories of ancient kings, who had led great and glorious lives.² Listening to chivalrous tales about far-famed ancestors from competent Purāṇa tellers would make a much greater impression on the mind of the young prince than simply reading them for himself. This was to infuse in him the fire of enthusiasm without which no noble work could be undertaken by any person. How it adds to the efficiency of learning is observed thus: "Knowledge arises out of hearing and produces steady application (*yoga*), which ultimately leads on to self-possession (*ātmavattā*)."³ During the rest of the day and the night the prince not only learnt new lessons in other branches but revised the old lessons lest they should be forgotten. If he came across passages which were not clear and intelligible to him then he would enter into a discussion with the teachers and elders and thus free himself from doubts of any kind. Last but not least the prince was instructed to court the awe-inspiring company of the aged professors, the living example of great learning and healthy discipline.¹