Taxila University - Institutional educational center of ancient India.
Taxila University - Institutional educational center of ancient India.
Write a short note on Taxila University.
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Taxila University.
Although Taxila University started in the Brahmanical era, its stability can be seen till the Buddhist era. It can be said that this university created a link between both the eras. Some important aspects or features of this university are discussed below.
1. Location:-
It is said that King Bharat established this educational center in Taxila, the capital of ancient Gandhara. Taxila was located in an area of about twelve square miles. At present, this area is located near Rawalpindi, Pakistan. Many scholars gathered in Taxila. Students from different places gathered to get education from those scholars. Small self-sufficient schools were established under various gurus.
2. Education system:-
Taxshila was a center of higher education. Students used to come to Taxila for higher education after completing their primary and general education. The age of entry to Taxila was sixteen years. They studied there for about eight years. The number of students in each school was sufficient. Brahmins, Kshatriyas and Vaishyas were entitled to education. Shudras did not have the right to education. There was no distinction between the children of rich and poor families. The education system was not completely residential. One could stay in the Guru's house or separately for education.
3. Cost of education: -
Education in Taxila was not unpaid. The wealthy students paid a fee at the beginning of their education. Others paid a fee at the end of their education. Poor and talented students did various types of physical labor in the Guru's house during the day and took lessons at night in exchange for money. Many times, rich families bore the cost of the education of poor and talented students.
4. Syllabus:-
Chaturveda, history, mythology, philosophy, Hinduism and Buddhism, business, politics, accounting, naval and shipbuilding, sculpture, agriculture, painting, handicrafts, human and animal medicine, military science, etc. are found in the syllabus. Special importance was given to the practical side in the curriculum. Travel was a special part of education for the completion of knowledge.
5. Teaching method:-
Although teaching was done orally, discussion and debate were a special part of teaching. Education was provided both individually and in groups. Princes and common students - all were taught together.
6. Evaluation:-
There was no written examination system. However, there was an oral examination system. Through this, the student's achievements were evaluated. In addition, the student was evaluated by participating in discussions and debates. Practical knowledge tests were a characteristic of Taxila. Practical examinations were very important in medicine and military science.
7. Faculty: -
The faculty in Taxila were well-versed in various subjects. According to Arthashastra, there were different classes among the gurus; such as - shista, dhambhanitik, purohit etc. According to Panini, the classes of teachers were - guru, acharya, upadhyaya - etc. Since upadhyaya, acharya etc. are mentioned, it is believed that women were also engaged in teaching in this ancient university.
8. Discipline: -
In the education system of Taxila, both teachers and students had to follow some rules. As a result, discipline problems were very rare.
9. Special center of excellence: -
Takshila University was an important center of excellence in the study of medicine. Students studied there for seven years. Special teaching was given on surgery. Only at the end of the study of medicine, students were examined. Apart from this, there was also a system of studying and teaching about herbalism.
Taxila is particularly notable as a center of higher education in ancient India. The high quality of education there, especially practical education, is still remembered with respect by educationists today. The glory of this university remained intact until the Kushana era. Later, its glory declined due to the Hun invasion.
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