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What is Gurukul? Understanding the Traditional Education System
The education system in India has witnessed a tremendous change. The Gurukul System, which was quite popular during ancient times, has been transformed into what we know today as the modern education system. Though the teaching forms may have changed, education has remained significant even today. In this blog, we will discuss the Gurukul System, its origins, importance, key features, and compare it with present education systems.
The Origins of the Gurukul System
The Gurukul system roots back to Vedic times. Its mention can be found in Hindu scriptures. Its a unique ancient system of education in which the teachers (called ‘gurus’) coexisted with students (known as ‘shishyas’) in ‘ashrams.’ The emphasis was mainly laid on holistic development. Therefore, the curriculum envisaged a wide range of subjects, from Science and Mathematics to Philosophy and Spirituality. The gurus passed on the wisdom to students through oral transmission. Apart from academics, students were taught life skills through daily chores and community engagement.
Historical Importance of Gurukul Education
The Gurukul System inculcated essential moral values and skills in students that shaped their thinking and personalities. Gurukuls instilled valuable principles and ethics and fostered a sense of community. By creating responsible citizens, it has had a profound positive impact on society. The Gurukul System played a key role in preserving and transferring ancient knowledge. Along with character development, shishyas were immersed in spiritual activities. It has greatly influenced and molded the cultural, intellectual, and moral aspects of Indian society.
Key Features of the Gurukul System
The core aspects of the Gurukul System include:
Role of Guru in the Gurukul System
In the Gurukul System, the guru occupies a superior position. He/she plays a central role in mentoring and directing Shishya on his educational and personal development journey. The guru directs shishyas to carry major tasks for which he/she receives fee in the form of ‘gurudakshina.’
Emphasis on Values and Discipline
The Gurukul System aims to impart well-rounded education to students, covering all significant aspects, namely, spiritual, moral, and physical education. It places greater emphasis on personality development by infusing values like honesty, respect, compassion, and discipline among students.
How the Gurukul System Operated?
The process of learning, including the structure, curriculum, and lifestyle of students, is discussed below:
Learning Environment and Daily Routine
The gurukuls were located in peaceful environments. The knowledge was imparted by gurus in a natural setting, like under the tree or ashram. This method established a relationship with nature. The daily routine of the students included academic learning, meditation, physical exercise, hands-on experiences, and spiritual education.
Subjects Taught in Gurukul
Art, Literature, Vedas, Scriptures, Philosophy, Science, Mathematics, Astronomy, Medicine, Language, Music, Physical Education, and Ethics. Along with this, students gain practical skills through firsthand experience and training in different tasks. Extracurricular activities like sports, dance, martial arts, music, etc. are given equal importance to promote holistic development.
Comparisons Between Gurukul and Modern Education Systems
Key differences between the Gurukul and today’s education system are listed below:
Aspect | Gurukul System | Modern Education System |
| Nature-centric with students living with teachers. | Classroom-based |
| Close with personal and academic guidance and support from teachers. | Formal and limited to only academics. |
| Academics and extracurriculars, with great emphasis on holistic learning. | Standardized, with focus on Maths, Science, etc. |
| Lays strong focus on moral values and community principles. | Less focus on moral education and increased priority to individualism. |
| Hands-on experience and oral transmission of knowledge. | Textbook-based and exam-oriented. |
| The role of technology is almost zero. | Increased integration of technology in learning and teaching methods. |
| Students offered Gurudakshina either in the form of material gifts or service, which was not mandatory. | Standardized and compulsory fee structure for all students. |
Relevance of the Gurukul System in Modern Times
There are many elements of the Gurukul System that still inspire the modern education system, such as:
- The importance laid on skill development can be found in today’s curriculum in the form of labs, government schemes, etc.
- Moral education has been integrated into the curriculum to raise responsible citizens.
- Vocational education has been introduced to provide hands-on experience in the chosen field.
- The personalized attention and mentorship provided to every student can be implemented in the modern education system.
- Sustainable learning, i.e., a nature-centric approach, can be adopted to minimize expenditure and waste.
Revival of Gurukul Concepts in Today’s Education
The current education system needs a revamp, and few schools have incorporated certain beneficial elements like:
- The Art of Living School has included meditation and yoga in the curriculum to foster mental well-being.
- Schools like the New Horizon Gurukul provide personalized care and attention for the development of each child.
- Schools like Ramakrishna Mission lay emphasis on value-based education to encourage holistic development.
Conclusion
In conclusion, both Gurukul and modern education systems have various advantages and disadvantages. Hence, traditional Gurukul values have to be integrated with modern education practices and encourage educators to embrace a balanced approach for holistic student development.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- How did the Gurukul System Shape a Student’s Personality and Values?
The Gurukul System shaped student’s personalities by instilling values like respect, discipline, brotherhood, and compassion. Living amidst mentors and peers, students develop a sense of belonging and a deep connection with nature. - What was the Role of the Guru in the Gurukul Education System?The Guru and Shishya colived in ashrams. Gurus guided students in academics and also for personal growth. They imparted essential knowledge and moral values, fostering personality development.
- What Subjects were Taught in Gurukul besides Spiritual Knowledge?
Philosophy, Astronomy, Science, Mathematics, Vedas, Scriptures, and Physical Education were taught in Gurukul besides spiritual knowledge. - How does the Gurukul System Differ from the Current Education System?
The Gurukul System is nature-centric, with students living closely with gurus. The curriculum focused equally on academics and moral education. Practical skills were imparted with hands-on experience. The current education system focuses more on theoretical knowledge. The curriculum is structured. The teacher-student relationship is more formal and restricted to academics.
