प्राचीन भारत में शिक्षा (डॉ. ए.एस. अल्तेकर - गुरुकुल एवं बौद्ध विहार शिक्षण इतिहास)

Chapter VI. HIGHER LITERARY EDUCATION.: Curriculum, method of teaching and examinations. Subjects and methods of study in the early Vedic period- And in the later Vedic period-The method of study changes at c. 1000 B. C. New topics of study-Combination of liberal and useful education- Vedic studies in the 1st millennium A D —An age of specialisation- Ascendancy of Sanskrit-Courses in grammar, astrology, literature, Smritis, Purāṇas, logic and philosophy-Courses for laymen and monks in Buddhist colleges-Selection of text-books. Method of teaching and study-Books normally not available, hence the oral method of instruction-Importance of recitation and recapitulation-Texts memorised bnt not crammed-Great importance attached to exposition and debate-Individual attention-Help of monitors-No annual or final examinations-No degrees and diplomas- Competitive element kept within limit. Introductory : The history of ancient Indian education is spread over several millennia and we therefore naturally find considerable changes taking place in the curricula in the course of centuries. This is but natural ; for the curriculum is intimately connected with the achievements and aspirations of a people. When the outlook on life changes or when new branches of knowledge are developed, extensive changes become inevitable in the curriculum followed in schools and colleges. In the present chapter, we shall indicate the main topics of study on the literary side, point out the changes in the curricula that took place in the different ages, discuss the methods of study and teaching and ascertain what importance was attached to examinations. EARLY VEDIC AGE (C. upto 1500 B. C.) Subjects of Study : The Vedic literature naturally