Ancient Indian Education: An Inquiry into its Origin, Development, and Ideals c7.61

c7.61

We learn that it was the practice with young princes when they reached the age of four years, four months, and four days, to perform the ‘*maktab* ceremony.’ The child was seated in the schoolhouse and formally handed over to tutors for his instruction to commence. We read of this ceremony being performed in the case of Humāyūn, and it is also said to have taken place in the case of Akbar, although there is a doubt about his literacy. This custom seems also to have become common amongst other Muhammadan boys, and is still in use in India.¹ The young princes were first taught to read and write their mother tongue. With regard to their education Catrou, following Manucci, says ²: ‘Whilst the princes remain in the harem, under the eye of their father, a eunuch is charged with their education. They are taught to read and sometimes to write in Arabic and in Persian. Their bodies are formed to military exercises, and they are instructed in the principles of equity. They are taught to decide rationally upon subjects of dispute which occur, or on supposititious suits at law. Finally they are instructed in the Muhammadan religion, and in the interests of the nation, which they may be called one day to govern.’ There is an incident in the life of Aurangzīb which throws a valuable sidelight on the education of the young Muhammadan princes, and also gives to us that monarch’s views upon the subject. It is related to us by the French traveller Bernier, who got a report of the incident from one who was present.³