Ancient Indian Education (Brahmanical and Buddhist) c17.53

c17.53

**Hermitages.** The Mahābhārata tells of numerous hermitages where pupils from distant parts gathered for instruction round some far-famed teacher. A full-fledged Āśrama is described as consisting of several Departments which are enumerated as follows: (1) *Agnisthāna*, the place for fire-worship and prayers; (2) *Brahma-sthāna*, the Department of Veda; (3) *Vishṇusthāna*, the Department for teaching Rāja-Nīti, Arthanīti, and Vārttā; (4) *Mahendrasthāna*, Military Section; (5) *Vivasvata-sthāna*, Department of Astronomy; (6) *Somasthāna*, Department of Botany; (7) *Garuḍa-sthāna*, Section dealing with Transport and Conveyances; (8) *Kārtikeya-sthāna*, Section teaching military organization, how to form patrols, battalions, and army.