Education in Ancient India c5.13

c5.13

Qualifications of the Teacher : Since the teacher was held in high veneration, he was naturally expected to possess several qualifications. The student was to look upon the teacher as the ideal person and regulate his own conduct by the example of his teacher. The latter therefore was expected to be a pious person of very high character. He was to be patient and treat his students impartially. Above all he was to be well grounded in his own branch of knowledge; he was to continue his reading throughout his life.¹ Profound scholarship however was not sufficient for the teacher. He must have a fluent delivery, readiness of wit, presence of mind, a great stock of interesting anecdotes and must be able to expound the most difficult texts without any difficulty or delay.² In a word, he should be not only a scholar but also an adept in teaching; then only he would be a great teacher, as pointed out by Kālidāsa.³ The teacher must further be able to inspire as well as to instruct; his piety, character,