Ancient Indian Education (Brahmanical and Buddhist) c15.35

c15.35

**Praśna ; Vāda.** In (3), there is a reference to various kinds of intellectual competition and competence. The principal sources of the preceptor's property are indicated. They are the presents of pupils and the fees for performing sacrifices paid by a votary. Thus the two normal occupations of a learned Brahmin were teaching and priestcraft. Next, there is a reference to controversial social questions (*praśna*) in the solution of which learned men found opportunities of proving their merit and honourably earning money. According to the *Smṛiti-Chrandikā*, the *Praśna* as a source of the gain of learning is that relating to the determination of the suitable atonement or *prāyaśchitta* for the minor sins (*upapātaka*). This indicates the specialization of some learned men in social legislation. Thirdly, there is a reference to the settlement of doubts of a person regarding the meaning of a particular ordinance or deciding a question of law between two contending parties who apply for an award (*Mitāksharā*). Thus some learned men would specialize in law and serve on the Parishads and find ample means of livelihood from a legal career, either from arbitration or giving "consultations" and opinions (somewhat like the "Chamber practice" of lawyers in modern times). Sometimes again a young scholar would have his learning and ability recognized by others and so would be selected for gifts by the wealthy acting on the public opinion about him. Sometimes victory in a *Vāda* explained as a "contest relative to sacred literature or any other learned controversy" would be amply rewarded.