Ancient Indian Education: An Inquiry into its Origin, Development, and Ideals c3.3

c3.3

Throughout the long centuries of India's history educational development was taking place. It began away back in the times when the hymns of the Vedas were being composed, and has gone on until the present time. The first beginnings were in connection with the sacrificial ritual, and this system of Brāhmanic education has had a continuous history from that time till now. It is to this that our attention will first be given. The introduction of Buddhism and its growth into a widespread religion under the patronage and favour of powerful monarchs brought a new influence into Indian education; for although Buddhism was closely connected in its origin with the more ancient forms of religion, it was not under Brāhman control. The Muhammadan conquest brought a foreign influence into Indian social life, and the establishment of a form of education which had no connection with that of the Brāhmans. The education of the young nobles, corresponding to the knightly education of the Middle Ages of Europe, and the education of the craftsmen and of women also deserve our attention, as well as the system of popular education which grew up at some time in India and was in full swing when education came under the influence and control of the British Government.