UNIT-X (HIGHER EDUCATION)

CHAPTER-I. Ancient Indian Educa on System.

Features of Vedic Educa on
I. Free & accessible.
II. No Govt. Control - Control by Brahmins only.
III. High Status of Teachers.
IV. Gurukuls (Residen al Schools).
V. Teaching Methods - recita on, repe on, Explana on & discussion.
VI. Decentralised learning
VII. Student - Centric learning
VIII. Importance of Ac on (कम).
IX. Learning Environment.
X. Centres of learning.
XI. Oral Tradi ons : Knowledge was passed down verbally by Guru to student.
XII. Language of Instruc on: Sanskrit is primary knowledge.
XIII. Women Access to Educa on: Women too has access to Educa on during Vedic Period.

Aim of Educa on during Vedic Period

1. Self-Realisa on (Primary goal is to achieve Muk /Moksh)
2. Immediate or Voca onal Aim (to fulfil their prac cal daily needs).
3. Moral Religious & Spiritual Development.
4. Self Control & Self Discipline.
5. Personal Development & Character Forma on.
6. Stress on Social & Civic du es - their duty towards family, society at large.
7. Preserva on & Spreading of Culture.

Sources of Knowledge During Vedic Period.

1. Para Vidya (परा व ा) :- This type of Knowledge is about a aining Higher wisdom &
Spiritual understanding. Goal - helps individuals to realise the connec on with Absolute
God.
2. Apara Vidya (अपरा वधा) : Focused on Prac cal and worldly aspect of life. Includes
science & various disciplines.

Apara Vidya is divided into 2 Categories :-

1. Shru ( िु त) :- means "(what is heard)" Regards as eternal's truth. Heard and Passed orally
by ancient sages.
2. Smri ( मृित) :-"(what is remembered)" Teaching based on principles. Composed by
human authors (sages & Scholars) are more flexible.
  Puranas: 18 Mahapuranas and 46 Upapuranas
 I has: • Ramayana • Mahabharata • Bhagwad Gita
 Darshan Shastra: • Nyaya • Vaiseshika • Sankhya • Yoga • Mimamsa • Vedanta
 Upvedas: • Ayurveda • Dhanurveda • Gandharva Veda • Sthapatya Veda
 Vedangas: • Shiksha • Kalpa • Vyakarana • Chhandas • Nirukta • Jyo sh
 Dharma Shastra: • Manu Smri • Yajnavalkya Smri • Narada Smri

Four Vedas:
• Oldest & most authorita ve Scriptures. • Primary Source of knowledge in Vedic System.
• Veda means "Knowledge". • Vast collec on of literature developed over centuries.
• Also known as "Shru " meaning "what is heard".

1. Rigveda (ऋ वेद):
 Oldest of the four Vedas. Wri en around 4000 B.C.
 Name means "Praise Knowledge".
 Content: 1028 hymns (सू ा:) dedicated to gods Agni, Indra, Soma. People chanted these
hymns during ceremonies to ask for blessings.
 Structure: Divided into 10 books (म डल).

2. Yajurveda (यजुवद):
 Collec on of mantras chanted during yajnas (य ).
 Provides details/instruc ons on how to perform these rituals.
 Content: Divided into 2 main content sec ons: White Yajurveda (शु ल यजुवद) & Black
Yajurveda (कृ ण यजुवद).
 Prac cal use: Acts as guide book to priests.

3. Samveda (सामवेद):
 Acts as musical counterpart of Rigveda.
 Consists of melodies & chants.
 Purpose: O en refers to as "red of melodies". It consists as the root of Indian classical
music & dance.
 Structure: Divided into 2 parts: Earlier one is Purvachika & later one U ararchika.

4. Atharvaveda (अथववेद):
 Includes prayers for health, prosperity & protec on from nega ve forces.
 Deals with Medical Science.
 Content: Provides hymns for healing illness, success in personal endeavours & challenges
in daily life.
 Structure: 20 Books (का ड)
 VEDAS SNAPSHOT

VEDA MEANING CONTENT & PURPOSE APPROX TIME

RIGVEDA PRAISE KNOWLEDGE Hymes to praise Gods 4000 BCE
YAJURVEDA WORSHIP KNOWLEDGE Mantras & Chants for rituals 1100-800 BCE
SAMVEDA VEDAS OF MELODIES Melodies & chants for Musical 1200-800 BCE
ATHARVAVEDA KNOWLEDGE OF Magic spells, incanta ons, 1200-1000
ATHARVANS prac cal hymns for everyday life
(Deals with medical science)

STRUCTURE OF VEDAS
Each of the Vedas is divided into 4 parts:

1) SAMHITAS (सं हता):- These are hymn collec ons within each Veda. Oldest part of Veda.
Samhita means "collec on" concerned with proper performance of rituals & chants.
2) BRAHMANAS ( ा ण थ ं ):- Text that explains the rituals & ceremonies described in
Vedas.
3) ARANYAKAS (आर यक):- Transi onal text between Brahmanas & Upanishads, focusing on
medita on & philosophy.
4) UPANISHADS (उपिनष ):- It is a transi on between ritualis c prac ce to philosophical
inquiry. It delves into philosophical ques ons about the nature, universe and self. It
explores concepts like (कम), (मो ) & (धम).

• Upanishads are referred to as concluding part of Vedas. Some mes referred as "Vedanta"
meaning "end of the Vedas" (वेद + अ त). Each Veda has its own set of Upanishads & there are
total 108 Upanishads.

VEDANGAS (वेदांग) : Essen al guidebooks developed to understand Vedas. Called "Limbs of

Vedas". Six Vedangas are:

I. Science of Phone cs or Orthography (िश ा): This book taught the correct way to
pronounce Vedic words.
II. Metrics (छ दस): Focused on rhythmic pa erns & musical styles used in Vedic hymns.
III. Grammar ( याकरण):- This book explained help scholars to understand meaning of words
& Sentences. Explains the rule of Grammar.
IV. Etymology (िन ):- It explores the meaning & origin of Vedic words.

V. Astronomy ( योितष):- It dealt with astronomy & Study of stars & planet men oned in
Veda’s.
VI. Prac ce (क प):- It provides guideline on how to perform rituals & ceremonies as
described in the Veda’s.

* Vedanga described metaphorically as Person (पु ष)

िश ा SIKSHA PHONETICS NOSE

याकरण VYAKARAN GRAMMAR MOUTH

छ दस CHANDAS VEDIC METER FEET

िन NIRUKTA ETYMOLOGY EARS

योितष JYOTISH ASTROLOGY/ASTRONOMY EYES

क प KALPA VEDIC ACTIONS ARMS

* Important Book associated to Vedanga:

PRATISHAKHYA ( ाितशा य): Oldest text on phone cs.

NIGHANTU (िनघ टु ):- Oldest collec on of difficult words in world.
VNRUKTA (िन ): Oldest dic onary in the world.
ASHTADHYAYI (अ ा यायी): By Panini. Oldest grammar text in world.
CHHANDASUTRAS (छं दसू ): By Pingala. Famous text on Metrics.
VEDANGA JYOTISHA (वेदांग योितष): By Lagadha Muni. Oldest text on Jyo sha
( योितष).

UPAVEDAS (उपवेद)

Supplementary text covering subjects like medicine, archery, music & statecra . Derived from
the Vedas. There are 4 Upavedas.

I. AYURVEDA (आयुवद): Associated with Rigveda. Deals with medicine & health care,
healing, diet, yoga, lifestyle prac ces.
II. DHANURVEDA (धनुवद): Associated with Yajurveda. Deals with Science of warfare &
Mar al arts, military tac cs, combat strategies.
III. GANDHARVAVEDA (गांधववेद): Associated with Samaveda. Deals with Arts & Aesthe cs.
It covers subjects like music, dance, drama & Arts.
IV. ARTHASHASTRA (अथशा ): Associated with Atharvaveda. Deals with economics,
commerce & Social organiza on. Provides guidance on Trade, governance, wealth
management & societal structure.
• Upavedas offers specialized exper se in the specific areas contained within Vedas.

DARSHANA SHASTRA (दशन शा ) OR DARSHANA (दशन)

Provides different perspec ves on life, reality & how to achieve moksha (मो )।

Six main schools of Indian Philosophy:

PHILOSOPHICAL SCHOOL KEY CONCEPT
NYAYA ( याय) Logic & analy cal philosophy

VAISHESHIKA (वैशे षक) Atomic theory & understanding of consciousness

MIMANSHA (मीमांसा) Cri cal interpreta on of Vedas.

VEDANTA (वेदांत) Exploring the essence of Vedas (Philosophical ideas found in Vedas).

SAMKHYA (सां य) Dualis c philosophy of consciousness & physical world.

YOGA (योग) Prac ce of medita on & Contempla on

DHARMA SHASTRA (धमशा )

"Smri ( मृित) are essen al text that provide rules & guidelines for ethical living & Social
Conduct in Hinduism. It provide notes guide to human conduct, societal norms & laws."

 Manu Smri (मनु मृित):- Wri en by Sage "मनु" regards as first law giver in the world. It
is most earliest & most authori ve text law giver texts in Hinduism. Deals with moral,
social & legal principles of human.
 YAJNAVALKYA SMRITI (या व य मृित):- Wri en by Sage "या व य". It focus on
Dharma. & Covers a wide ranges of subject like law, ethics & rituals.
 NARAD SMRITI (नारद मृित):- Wri en by sage "NARAD". Primarily concerned with
"Dharma" and provides guidelines for personal conduct, legal ma ers & social norms.

CURRICULUM DURING VEDIC PERIOD

1. BANABHATTA'S KADAMBARI (कादं बर ):- It is Indian literary work, describes a comprehensive

educa on system that encompassed knowledge in 64 कला(art).

64 Arts (कला) includes varie es of subject & skills:

 PERFORMING ARTS: Pain ng, Singing, dancing

 SCIENTIFIC FIELD: CHEMISTRY & MATHS for logical thinking
 VOCATIONAL SKILLS: Carpentry & clothes-making
 PROFESSIONAL FIELD: Medicine and Engineering
 SOFT SKILLS: Discussion, Communica on & Debates
SUBJECTS IN VEDIC EDUCATION
 HISTORY
 LOGIC (ANVIKSIKI)
 INTERPRETATION (MIMANSA)
  ARCHITECTURE (SHILPASHASTRA)
 POLITY (ARTHASHASTRA)
 AGRICULTURE, TRADE & COMMERCE (VARTA (वाता))
 MARTIAL ART (DHANURVIDYA)
 YOGA PRACTICE (YOGSADHNA)
 DEBATES (SHASTRARTH)

TYPES OF KNOWLEDGE:

 LEARNED DISCIPLINES (शा )

 IMAGINITIVE & CREATIVE LITERATURE (का य)

EDUCATIONAL CENTERS
1. GURUKUL: Students typically studied 12 years in Gurukul.
• Gurukul in Notable Towns: Takshashila, Patliputra, Mithila, Dhar, Kannauj, Kaikay, Kalyani,
Kanchi
• Gurukul Notable Pilgrimage Centres: Prayag, Kashi, Ayodhya, Ujjain, Nasik, Karnataka, Kanchi.

2. PARISHAD (प रष ): It is forums for higher educa on & Scholarly discussions. Ex- Sangam in
Tamil Nadu.

3. GOSHTHI (गो ी): Na onal Conferences Hosted by kings for scholars from diff. schools.

4. ASHRAMAS (आ म): These were hermitages led by Sages. Offering diverse learning Including
Vedic Studies. Ex- Bharadwaj at Prayag.

5. VIDYAPEETH ( व ापीठ): Educa onal Ins tu ons formed by renowned scholars. They were
specialised in spiritual Educa on, Vedanta, Scripture. Ex - Sri Shankara in Srinegeri & Puri.

6. BRAHMAPURI ( पुर ): It is se lements in towns & ci es were learned Brahmins resided.

7. AGRAHARA (अ हारा): Villages or residen al complex given to learned Brahmins by king to

teach & Perform religious du es.

8. GHATIKAS (घ टका): Educa onal ins tu ons o en located near towns were Scholars &
students gathered for discussions, debates (mostly in South India).

9. MATHAS (मठ): Religious ins tu ons associated with Saiva (शैव) & Vaishnava (वै णव) sects;
located near temples.
CEREMONIES (सं कार)

 VIDYARAMBHA ( व ारं भ (5 years old) :- Also known as Akshar swikaran (अ र

वीकारण) or deeksharambh (द ारं भ). Child write their first le er or word during this
ceremony.
 UPANAYANA (उपनयन):- (8-12 years old).

It involves wearing (Yajnopavita (य ोपवीत) before entry into gurukul. Ceremony symbolises
second Birth (Dvija) ( ज). Stage of student - Brahmacharin.

 MEDHA JNANA (मेधा ान) :- (A er 3 days of Upanayana) Known as spiritual birth.

 UTSARJAN CEREMONY (उ सजन समारोह) :- It marked the culmina on of academic
session.
 SAMAVARTAN (CEREMONY) (समावतन समारोह) :- Farewell ceremony making the end
of formal Educa on period.

EDUCATIONAL STAGES :-

 VASU (वसु) :- Completed 24 years course or study any 2 Vedas.

 RUDRA ( ) :- Completed 39 years course or study any 3 Vedas.
 ADITYA (आ द य) :- Completed 48 Years Course or Study any 4 Vedas.

TYPES OF TEACHERS

o ACHARYA (आचाय):- Highly respected teacher specialised in Vedas & other sacred texts.
They taught without fees.
o UPADHYAYA (उपा याय):- Upadhyaya focus specific parts of the Vedas or Vedangas or
limbs of Vedas - grammar, phone cs. They earned their livelihood through teachings with
fees.
o GURU (गु ):- Household teachers who guides students in moral, Spiritual, & Educa onal
within Gurukul.
o SHIKSHIKA (िश का):- The Instructor skilled in Arts like Dance, music, pain ng Etc.
o CHARAKAS (चारक) :- Wandering scholars known for their profound knowledge in specific
subject areas like Educa on or Knowledge.
o YAUJANASATI (यौजनसित):- Yaujanasa s were scholars known for their profound
knowledge in specific subjects.
METHODS OF INSTRUCTION

1. SRAVANA ( वण) 2. MANANA (मनन):- A er listening, students thought deeply about what
they learned. 3. NIDIDHYASANA (िन द यासन):- Highest level of learning.

EVALUATION SYSTEM

o Great Wisdom (महा ाना): Students with excep onal understanding and mastery of
the subject.
o Moderate Wisdom (म यम ाना): Students who had a good grasp of knowledge.
o Limited Wisdom (अ प ाना): Students who showed basic or limited understanding of
the subject.

Women in Vedic Period: Highly respected & had opportuni es for Educa on & important role
similar to men. They studied Vedas. Women Sages called "Rishika" & "Brahmavadinis". They
were educated in the same discipline as men through "Brahmacharya". Rig Vedas –
“Brahmacharinis”

WOMEN SCHOLAR: Apala, Gargi, मै ेय, Devjani, घोषा, Indrani, Ja la, Savitri, Yami, रोमशा, ऊवशी,
Gautami. GARGI Award: Pres gious Award given to recognize outstanding women achievers in
various fields.

JAINISM
Founded by spiritual teachers known as "TIRTHANKARAS". JAINISM has 24 Tirthankaras
(तीथकर) with Rishabnath ( रषभनाथ) as first and Mahavira (महावीर) as final तीथकर।

Mahavir - 599 BC (Born) in Kundangram Bihar

Meaning:- Conqueror of desires, emphasizing overcoming of worldly a achments
Symbol:- lion language:- Prakrit ( ाकृ त) Holy Book:- Angas (अंग) Temple:- Basdi (बसद )
Sacred Place:- Saptabhangi or Saptapuri including Ayodhya, Ujjain, Mathura, Dwarka, Kashi.
Branches of Jainism:- 1. Wearers of white clothes ( ेतांबर):- It shows they are detached from
worldly things. 2. Sky clad / The Naked ( दगंबर):- They give up all the clothes shows total
detachment from material things.

CORE PHILOSOPHIES :-

 NON-ABSOLUTISM. (अनेका तवाद):- Truth is mul faceted & can be understand by only
enlightened beings.
 CONDITIONED PREDICTION ( यादवाद):- Truth is contextual & depend on specific
condi oned & Viewpoint.
  PARTIAL STANDPOINT (नयवाद):- Truth is rela ve and can be perceived from various
standpoints.

*Sevenfold Predic on (स भंग):- Concept associated with PARTIAL STANDPOINT (नयवाद)

States that any statement can be viewed from seven different angles.

PRINCIPLES TAUGHT IN JAIN EDUCATION

 Non- Violence (अ हं सा)

 Truth (स य)
 Non-Stealing (अ तेय)
 Non-Possession (अप र ह) - Non-a achment of material things & worldly things.
 Celibacy ( चय)

JAIN ETHICS: THREE GEMS ( र )

 RIGHT FAITH (स य दशन)

 RIGHT KNOWLEDGE (स य ान)
 RIGHT CONDUCT (स य चा र )

EDUCATION METHOD

 READING (वाचन) - studying scripture like Agamas is fundamental in Jain educa on.
 QUESTIONING ( ा छ न)
 REFLECTION (अनु े ा)
 ANALYSIS (अ झाया)
 PROPAGATION OF TEACHING (धम पदे श)

BUDDHISM
LIFE OF BUDDHA

o GREAT DEPARTURE (महािभिन मण) - Age of 29

o ENLIGHTENMENT (िनवाण) - Age of 35 (Bodhi Tree) Bodh Gaya, Bihar
 o FIRST SERMON (ध मच प रवतन) - Teaching Dharma to 5 disciples only. First
sermon:- deer park in Sarnath introduced four noble Truths & Eigh old Path.
o PASSING AWAY (प रिनवाण) - Age of 80 (Kushinagar)

SYMBOL ASSOCIATED WITH BUDDHA

 LOTUS - symbolises purity & Spiritual awakening.
 BULL - Represents Strength & Steadfastness.
 WHEEL - Symbolises Eigh old Path, cycle of life.
 STUPA - Sacred place where Buddhists go to pray.
CORE TEACHINGS
FOUR NOBLE TRUTH:

i. SUFFERING (दःु ख)
ii. CAUSE OF SUFFERING (समुदय)
iii. END OF SUFFERING (िनरोध)
iv. PATH TO END SUFFERING (माग)

NOBLE EIGHTFOLD PATH: Right Understanding, Right Inten on, Right Speech, Right Ac on, Right
Livelihood, Right effort, Right Mindfulness & Right Concentra on.

NIRVANA (िनवाण): Ul mate goal in Buddhism. Achieved by following Buddhism, prac sing
medita on & mindfulness.

THREE PILLERS:

I. DHAMMA (ध म) Four Noble Truth & Eigh old path.

II. SANGH (संघ) The community of Buddhist.
III. BUDDHA (बु ) The enlightened teacher.

DIAMOND TRIANGLE: It is in Odisha consists of Buddhist site - RATNAGIRI, LALITGIRI &

UDAYGIRI.
BUDDHIST COUNCIL
BUDDHIST TIME PATRONAGE/DYNASTY PRESIDED BY PLACE DETAILS
COUNCIL PERIOD
483/486 BC AJATSHATRU MAHAKASSAPA SAPTAPARNI Compila on of VINAYA
1st (HARYANKA UPALI CAVE, RAJGIR PITAKA by UPALI &
DYNASTY) SUTTAPITIKA by
ANANDA
383/386 BC KALASHOKA SARVAKAMINI VAISHALI Division of SANGHA -
2nd (SHISHUNAGA THERAVADINS &
DYNASTY) MAHASANGHIKA
250 BC ASHOKA (MAURYAN MOGALIPUTTA PATLIPUTRA Compila on of
3rd DYNASTY) TISSA ABHIDHAM PITAKA -
Buddhist Philosophy
in PALI
72/98 AD KANISHKA (KUSHAN VASUMITRA KASHMIR Compila on of
4th DYNASTY) MAHAVIBHASHA
SASTRA & DIVISION
into HINAYANA &
MAHAYANA

HINAYANA (ह नयान):- O en called "Theravada" (थेरावाद) which means (Teaching of Elders or

Lesser Vehicles). → Focus on individual Enlightenment by following the Original Teaching of
Buddhas. → No idol worship. → Uses scriptures wri en in the Pali Language.

MAHAYANA (महायान):- Aims to help everyone become Enlightened. → Introduced the idea of
Bodhisa vas (बोिधस व)

Bodhisa vas:- Enlightened beings who assist others on their path to Enlightenment.
Mahayana:- Prac ces prayers, rituals, Idol worship. →Mahayana Sutra: Sanskrit & other local
Language.
BRANCHES OF BUDDHISM (4th Council):
HINAYANA MAHAYANA
1. VAIBHASHIKA (founded by- VASUBANDHU) 1. MADHYAMIKA (founded by- NAGARJUNA)
2. SANTANTRIKA (founded by- KUMARLATA) 2. YOGACHARYA (founded by- ASANGA)

ANCIENT RULERS CONTRIBUTION TO BUDDHISM & EDUCATION

RULER / EMPEROR PERIOD CONTRIBUTION TO BUDDHISM & EDUCATION
ASHOKA (Mauryan 268-232 BC Establishment of Monas c & Educa onal Centre
Dynasty)
KANISHKA (Kushan 127-150 AD Spreading Buddhism & Establishing Educa on
Dynasty) Centres.
KUMARGUPTA 415-455 AD Flourishing (Nalanda University) during Golden
(Gupta Dynasty) Era.
 HARSHVARDHAN 606-647 AD Buddhism & Hinduism learning centre in Northern
(Pusyabhu ) India.
DHARMAPALA (PALA 770-810 AD Established (Vikramshila University).
DYNASTY)
LANGUAGES USED IN DIFFERENT TYPES OF EDUCATION

 VEDIC EDUCATION - Sanskrit

 JAIN EDUCATION - Prakrit
 BUDDHIST EDUCATION - PALI (Hinayana) AND Sanskrit (Mahayana)

TERMS RELATED TO BUDDHIST EDUCATION

1. NON-VEDIC PHILOSOPHY SCHOOL: Buddhism, Jainism & Charvaka are non-Vedic (Nas k)
school of Indian Philosophy. They do not follow Vedas & Upanishads.
2. EDUCATION ACCESSIBLE TO ALL CASTES: It welcomes people from all Caste &
Backgrounds. Centres around Dhamma (Buddha's teaching) & Vinay ( वनय) (Monas c
Discipline)

TWO FACTORS OF EDUCATION:

• ORAL TEACHINGS (गाथा):- Stories of Buddha & his disciple's past life. Tales of Buddha's
various forms, human & Animals, moral lessons & concept of KARMA.

• WRITTEN TEACHINGS:- Buddha's teaching compiled in Pali - The three Books ( पटक)
form the core Scriptures of Buddhism.

BUDDHIST SCRIPTURES ( पटक) - (All are wri en in Pali)

I. BASKET OF DISCIPLINE ( वनय पटक):- Contains rules & guidelines for monks
(िभ खुस) & Nuns (िभ खुणी) (covers: ethical conduct, stories)
II. BASKET OF DISCOURSES (सु पटक):- Collec on of teachings & discourse given by
Buddha to his disciples. Includes Medita on, Ethical living & philosophical discussions
about life & Suffering.
III. BASKET OF HIGHER TEACHINGS (अिभध म पटक):- Advanced teaching on Buddhist
philosophy & psychology.

• Other Key Texts:- The Divyavadana ( द यावदान) - Stories of divine Event.

Dipavamsa (द पवंश) & Mahavamsa (महावंश) - Chronicles of Sri-Lankan Buddhism.
Milind Panha (िमिलंद प हा) - (Ques ons by kind Milind & answers by Buddhist Sage Nagasena)
 CEREMONY IN BUDDHIST EDUCATION

GOING-FORTH CEREMONY (प ब जा):- Someone leaves home to join Buddhist Monas c

order.
o Age - Usually 7 years but may vary.
FULL ORDINATION CEREMONY (उपसंपदा): - Grants full status as Monk or Nun.
o Age - Typically 20 years, when individual is considered mature.

ANCIENT UNIVERSITIES
Key learning Centres under Buddhist Educa on:-

1. VIHARA ( वहारा):- Buddhist Monasteries where teaching of Buddh & Buddhist

philosophies were imparted.
2. MAHAVIHARAS (महा वहार):- Large Buddhist Monastery. It's like large University.
• Xuan Zang (Hueng Tsang) stayed & for 2 years in Nalanda" & Studied "Yogasastra" under
the guidence of "Sheelbhadra" & known as "Moksh Dev" in India.

HIERARCHY AT UNIVERSITY
DESIGNATION LEVEL OF ROLE
MANAGEMENT
ABBOT (महं त) TOP Head of Monastery, oversees management
& Spiritual guidance.
SCHOLAR (पं डत) MIDDLE Main teaching faculty, conduc ng class &
guiding Students.
PROFESSOR (आचाय) MIDDLE Experienced scholars who supervised teach.
GATE PROTECTOR MIDDLE Scholar who maintains security & assist
( ारपाल) Visitors.
GREAT SCHOLAR MIDDLE Renowned scholar with deep knowledge.
(महापं डत)
RESIDENT MONK (िभ ु) BOTTOM Monas c prac oners maintaining daily
rou nes & Spiritual Prac ce.

ANCIENT THINKERS.

IN THE FIELD OF LANGUAGE & MUSIC

1. PANINI (पा णिन):- Sanskrit Grammarian, Ashtadhyayi (अ टा यायी)
Discoveries in the field of Phone cs, Phonology, Morphology
2. KALDIDAS (कािलदास):- Greatest Sanskrit Poet, Abhigyan Shakuntalam
(अिभ ान शाकुंतलम), Vikramorvashi, Raghuvansan
3. BHARAT MUNI (भरत मुिन):- Amarkosh (अमरकोश) an ancient Sanskrit thesaurus (श दकोश),
NATYASHASTRA.
IN THE FIELD OF PHILOSOPHY & ECONOMICS.
1. KAPIL (क पल):- Known for founding the Samkhya school of Philosophy.
2. RISHI GAUTAM (मह ष गौतम):- Nyaya Sutras ( याय सू ) is founda onal text in the Nyaya
( याय) School of Hindu Philosophy.
3. KAUTILYA/ CHANAKYA / VISHNU GUPTA :- Arthshastra (अथशा )
4. KAMANDAKA (काम दक):- NITISARA (िनितसार), a trea se on poli cal science & ethics.

IN THE FIELD OF MEDICINE

1. PATANJALI (पतंजिल):- Yog sutra (योग सू ), Mahabhashya (महाभा य) a commentary on
Panini's grammar.
2. JIVAKA ( जवक):- Surgical skill & healing methods. contribu on to medicine & surgery.
3. VAGBHATA (वा भ ट):- Astanga Hridayam Samhita (अ ांग दये सं हता)
4. SUSRUTA (सु त
ु ):- "Father of Indian Medicine" & "Father of Plas c Surgery" Wrote Susruta
Samhita (सु त
ु सं हता)
5. VAGBHATA (वा भ ट):- Ashtanga Sangraha & Ashtanga Hridaya.
6. CHARAKA (चरक):- Wrote Charaka Samhita (चरकसं हता) composed by Agnivesa & later
edited by Charaka.

IN THE FIELD OF MATHEMATICS & ASTRONOMY

1. VARAHAMIHIRA (वराहिम हर):- Panchasiddhan ka (प चिस ा तका) Brihat Samhita
(बृह सं हता)covers astrology, architecture, meterology & various subjects.
2. BRAHMAGUPTA ( गु ):- Brahmasphutasiddhant ( फुटिस ा त), Wri en in 628 CE,
introduced mathema cal concept like Zero.
3. BHASKARA-I (भा कर-I):- linked to Ujjain. First to write number in Hindu decimal system with
a circle for the zero. Contribu on to trigonometry.
4. BHASKARACHARYA / BHASKARA II (भा कर-II):- Known for the contribu on to the decimal
system & Gravita onal theory. Siddhanta Siromani (िस ांत िशरोम ण) - major trea es on
mathema cs & astronomy. He wrote Lilawa (लीलावती)
5. PINGALA ( प गल):- Associated with Binary Number. He offered ideas about Fibonacci
number & Pascal's triangle.
6. BODHAYANA (बोधायन):- Shalva Sutra (शालवसू ) is important text on geometry &
Mathema cs.
7. ARYABHATTA (आयभ ट):- Belongs to Patliputra (5th Century AD Gupta Period); author of
"Maha-Siddhanta".
Key Points about ARYABHATTA
1. Value of Pi - 3.14159,
2. Inven on of Zero
3. He referred Algebra to "बीजग णतम".
4. Aryabha yam (आयभ ट यम) / He worked on Surya-Siddhanta (सूयिस ांत), Chakra Yantra
(च यं ), Gola Yantra (गोल यं ) & Shadow instrument.
5. Calculated the length of solar year - 365.8586805 days.
6. Explain solar & lunar Eclipses, Earth's rota on, reflec on of light by the moon. (He wrote all
these in Surya Siddhant)

• Surya Siddhant is generally a ributed to "Latadeva", student of Aryabha .

OTHER PROMINENT THINKERS

1. JAMINI (जैिमिन):- Purva Mimamsa Sutras (पूव मीमांसा सू )
2. VATSYAYANA (वा या यन):- Kama Sutra (काम सू )
3. VISHNU SHARMA ( व णु शमा):- PANCHTANTRA (पंचतं )

IN THE FIELD OF BUDDHISM

1. NAGARJUNA (नागाजुन):- Founder of Madhyamaka (म यमक) Middle Way, School of
Mahayana Buddhism.
His work - Madhyamaka Karika or (म यमका रका)
2. SHILABHADRA (िशलाभ ):- About (मेहेते) of Nalanda University. 7th Century. Contemporary
of Xuan Zang; Master of Mahayana Buddhism.
3. VASHU BANDHU (वसुब धु):- Abhidharmakosa (अिभधमकोश).
4. BHAVIVEKA (भा ववेक):- Known for independent Madhyamaka (म यमक) School called
svatantrika ( वा क), Logical thought.

OTHER IMPORTANT THINKERS OF BUDDHISM

1. DHARMAPALA (धमपाल)
2. DHARMAKIRTI (धमक ित)
3. HARIBHADRA (ह रभ )
4. BODHIDHARMA (बोिधधम)
5. SHANTIDEVA (शांितदे व)
6. KUMARLATA (कुमारलता)
7. PADMASAMBHAVA (प मसंभव)
OTHER IMPORTANT ANCIENT INDIAN BOOKS
AUTHOR BOOKS
अमोघवष (AMOGHAVARASHA) ो रमािलका (PRASHNOTTARMALIKA)
अमष ह (AMARASIMHA) अमरकोष (AMARAKOSA)
अ गोष (ASVAGOSA) बु च र (BUDDH CHARITRA)
बादरायण (BADARAYANA) वेदांतसू (VEDANTA SUTRA)
(भरत) (BHARAT) ना यशा (NATYASHASTRA)
भतृह र (BHARTRHARI) वा यपद य (VAKYAPADIYA)
बृह पित (BRIHASPATI) बृह पित सू (BRIHASPATI SUTRA)
गौतम (GAUTAM) याय सू (NYAYA SUTRA)
हषवधन (HARSHVARDHANA) नागानंद (NAGANAND)
जयदे व (JAYADEV) (NADIA UNIVERSITY) (गीतगो व द) GITA GOVINDA
क हण (KALHANA) राजतरं िगणी (RAJTARANGINI)
महा वर (MAHAVIR) आगम सा ह व (AGAMA SAHITYA)
मेध थनीस (MEGASTHANESE) इं डका (INDICA)
र व कृ ित (RAVI KRITI) ऐहोले श त (AIHOLE PRASASTI)
सोमदे व (SOMDEVA) कथास र सागर (KATHA SARITSAGAR)
सु क (SUDRAKA) मृ छक टका (MRICHHAKATIKA)
िस ाथ गौतम (SIDDHARTA GAUTAM) बु पतक (BUDDHA TRIPITAKA)
वशाखद (VISAKDATTA) मु ारा स (MUDRARAKSHASA)
वरसेन (VIRASENA) नवर (NAVRATNA)
BANABHATTA HARSHACHARITRA, KADAMBARI, NAGNANDA,
RATNAVALI

IMPORTANANT TEACHERS & STUDENTS OF TAKSHASHILA & NALANDA

PARTICULATES NALANDA TAKSHSHILA
Famous Teachers Aryabha a (head of Nalanda) Panini (Sanskrit Grammarian)
Sheelbhadra (Taught Xung Zang) Chanakya (Great Indian Philosopher)
Dharmakir Kumarlata (Founder of Sautran ka
Dipamkara A sha School of Buddhism)
Dharmapala

Famous Students King Harshvardhan Jeevaka (Physician/Doctor of Gautam

Nagarjuna (Founder of Buddha)
Madhyamaka School of Charak (Father of Indian Medicine)
Buddhism) Vishnu Sharma (Author of
Vasubandhu (Associated with Panchtantra)
Mahayana Buddhism) King Chandragupta Maurya