Question

What was the nature of education during the Early Vedic period?

Answer 1

1. During the Early Vedic period the content of education was based on sacred literature which was written in Sanskrit.
2. The Yajur Veda commands education for all classes including women.
3. To enter Vedic schools it was a prerequisite for students of the first three Varnas to perform the upanayana (thread) ceremony and they had to observe Brahmacharya for as long as they lived at the school to study the Vedas.
4. There was an oral tradition of imparting knowledge, which was through rote-learning. Enunciation and pronunciation were an integral part of the oral was to sharpen the intellect as well as for character formation. Most scholars hold the view that the art of writing was unknown during this period.
5. Value was attached to being truthful, carrying out one's duties (dharma), devotion to the guru and to one's parents, hospitality, faith and generosity.
6. The Kshatriyas learnt the art of warfare and administration. Vaishyas studied trade and commerce and Shudras learnt agriculture and animal husbandry. The Brahmanas probably stayed in the school until they attained mastery of the four Vedas.
7. In this 'Age of the four Vedas', knowledge was created, preserved and transmitted to the subsequent generations through rishis, sages, seers. They were known as Brahmanas - the possessors of Brahman (supreme knowledge).