Education in Ancient India c8.s4.20

c8.s4.20

The Place of Debates : Since early times, debates and discussions have always played an important part in the literary training of students. The Vedic literature refers to such literary combats and describes how the victors were suitably honoured (R. V., X. 71). This Vedic tradition continued throughout the later history. Śāstrārthas or learned debates were constantly held in colleges where students of literature, poetics, philosophy and logic were called upon to defend their own propositions and attack those of their opponents. The training in debates made students ready-witted and developed their powers of speech.