The Indian education system has gone through several stages of evolution which are deeply rooted in the history of the Indian subcontinent. The National Education Policy 2020 has helped to shape the education landscape of the country, which was much needed. As education is the key to nation building, India’s legacy of Gurukuls along with modern policies have created a strong foundation for growth and development that encourages innovation. In this essay, we will focus on the evolution of the Indian education system and the changes brought about by the National Education Policy 2020.
The Gurukul System: The Starting Point of Indian Education
The Gurukul system was the period of Vedic education from 1500 to 500 BCE, the first formal education system in India. As per this scheme –
- Students, known as shishyas, would take refuge in ashrams with their gurus, who would teach them numerous subjects through oratory.
- Education included the Vedas as well as philosophy, mathematics, constellations, war and even medicine. The focus was on overall improvement, including morals, physicality, and intelligence.
- All these subjects were mainly taught to Brahmins and Kshatriyas or upper caste men.
The Influence of Buddhist and Jain Education
In the 6th century BCE, with the rise of Jainism and Buddhism, formal educational institutions were established. The construction of Taxila, Nalanda and Vikramshila, which served as centers of learning for Buddhist monasteries, led to significant progress in the pedagogy of the region. It developed logic, grammar, medicine, art and attracted students from all over Asia.
Middle Ages: The Islamic and Mughal Influence
During the Middle Ages (8th to 18th century), Islamic education had a major impact on the Indian education system due to the construction of madrassas and maktabs. During the Mughal rule, the Persian language was given great importance, which led to the establishment of many institutions like madrasa e nizamia in Delhi. The subjects taught are theology, law, science, literature and more.
British Colonial Education: The Beginning Of Formal Schooling
Britain introduced the education system in India with Lord Macaulay’s English Education Act of 1835. Features of colonial education included:
- English medium schools and universities such as Calcutta, Bombay and Madras Universities were established in 1857.
- Focused on rote memorization and theoretical approaches rather than practical skills.
- The curriculum was focused on producing supervised British administrators, not intellectuals.
- Education was inaccessible to the population at large, concentrated in the elite.
Post-Independence Reforms: Towards Universal Education
After independence in 1947, India focused on the development of education. A number of important reforms were introduced:
- The Right to Education (RTE) Act (2009) made primary education free and compulsory for children between the ages of 6 and 14.
- University Grants Commission (UGC) was established (1956) to provide higher education.
- National Education Policy (NPE) 1968 and 1986 focused on modernization, vocational training and expansion of higher education.
Gurukul Education System: The Foundation of Traditional Education
1. Origins and Structure:
Gurukul system of education which is one of the oldest system of education in India dates back to ancient times. Educational learning in this system was residential whereby the students (shisha) resided in a gurugriha (gurukul) with their teachers. This was the style that focused on the holistic nature of education aimed at academic learning, and developing morally and spiritually.
2. Curriculum and Pedagogy:
The curriculum in the Gurukul system of education was comprehensive, covering subjects as diverse as the Vedas, mathematics, astronomy, music, art and martial arts. Ways in teaching practices involved oral transferring of information, rote-learning and use. At the center of the system was the guru-disciple relationship that created an intense relationship and ensured an individual learning experience.
3. Values and Discipline:
The Gurukul education system emphasizes values such as discipline, respect and humility. Direct observation and direct experience cause students to acquire a responsible attitude and ethical conduct. The system also encouraged physical fitness through activities such as yoga and archery.
