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

140 EDUCATION IN ANCIENT INDIA [Ch. the end of this period the higher education of the cultured classes received a great impetus and en- couragement by the rise of organised public schools and colleges. On account of the liberal support which these institutions received from the state and society, they were able to impart free education. Several colleges for higher education became famous centres of education, which in the course of time began to artract students from abroad as well. The training in practical sciences like sculpture and architecture, medicine and matallurgy was still very efficient, if somewhat narrow. THE AGE OF THE PURĀṆAS AND NIBANDHAS. (C. 500 A. D.—1200 A. D ) Educational Achievements of the Age :—India continued to enjoy the reputation of an international centre of education during this period also. Down to c. 900 A. D. Tibetan and Chinese students continued to flock in her eastern Universities, and her doctors used to be summoned in Western Asia for curing royal patients and organising state hospitals. Education had not become mere book learning ; Indian teachers excited admiration of foreign students by their remark- able powers of explanation and exposition. Graduates of this period were remarkable for their logical acumen and mastery in Sanskrit, though the latter was no longer the spoken tongue. Facilities for free higher education continued to be ample ; if with the decline of Buddhism the number of monastic colleges decreas- ed, the loss was more than compensated by the rise of numerous temple colleges. Brahmacharya discipline no doubt became nominal owing to early marriages ; even married students, however, showed commendable per- severance in pursuing protracted courses of studies. Poor