Education in Ancient India c7.s8.12

c7.s8.12

*Tradition of free Education*: It is indeed noteworthy that such tradition of free education should have persisted in spite of foreign rule of several centuries. Learned Brahmanas in India have always been anxious to impart education free to deserving students irrespective of their own financial condition. This tradition exists even today in ancient centres of Sanskrit education like Benares, Nasik, Wai and Nadia. The conclusion therefore seems to be irresistible that in the ancient and medieval periods of Indian history, every student, howsoever poor he may have been, could get the highest education free, provided he was willing, if necessary, to do some manual or menial work for his teacher. Poor parents had not to worry about the educational expenses; their sons could either find admission to free boarding houses or maintain themselves by begging their food daily, which was regarded as the most honorable means of livelihood.