Ancient Indian Education (Brahmanical and Buddhist) c28.s1.28

c28.s1.28

Thus the teachers of Takkasilā were as famous for their knowledge of the arts of peace as for that of war. In this connection, we may refer to the story of the Brahman boy of Benares of the name of Jotipāla who was sent at the king's expense for education in archery at Takkasilā. When he had finished his training and was returning home, the teacher presented him with his own sword, a bow and arrow, a coat of mail, and a diamond, and asked him to take his place as the head of 500 pupils to be trained up by him in the military arts, as he was himself old and wanted to retire [v, 127]. The Veda-of-the-bow claimed almost as many students as the sacred triple Veda in those days.