Question

Explain the Educational Development in Tamil Nadu.

Answer 1

1. The pattern of education in Tamil Nadu was not merely reading and understanding books but listening to learned persons.
2. The Thirukkural stresses the need for education and warns of the dangers of illiteracy.
3. In ancient times, the school was called (Palli) and the teacher was a Kanakkayar.
4. Hiuen Tsang gives a graphic picture of the Kanchi Buddhist centre and Kanchi, which was considered as the main centre of learning.
5. The Chola period was the most brilliant and creative period in Tamil literature.
6. Tamil education enjoyed a greater connection with religion and the temple. Free education was given to people.
7. The curriculum and syllabi had a theoretical background.

• Education Centres flourished in the Cholas period:

1. Rajaraja Chaturvedimangalam was the famous seat of a Vedic College (Ermayiram in Former South Arcot District).
2. Tirubuvanai Vedic College (in Pondicherry).
3. Viravajendra Medical School (in Thiruvaduthurai).

• Education Development in Pandya’s Kings:

1. The Pandya Kings patronized Sanskrit in an exemplary way.
2. It is revealed in the copper plates.
3. The educational institutions of that period were called (Ghatigai, Salai, and Vidhyasathana).
4. Lands were given to the teacher. They were known as Salabhogam (Eg. Vallabha Perunchalai at Kanyakumari).
5. The famous college during the Pandya regime was Kandhalur Salai.
6. Mutts occupied a significant place in the promotion of education.

• Vijayanagar Rule:

1. Learning flourished under the Vijayanagar rule.
2. Many educational institution were established under their patronage.

• Nayak Rule:

1. Thinnappalli Koodam was established during the Nayak Rule.