Formal Education System in Ancient India
by Sushmita Nath | 2016 | 63,563 words
This page relates ‘7th century Valabhi university’ of the study on the (formal) education system in Ancient India with reference to Vedic and Buddhist period, investiging educational institutions and universities which existed during this time. Professional educational methods were found in ancient Sanskrit literature (Brahamanas, Dharma-Shastras, Puranas, Jatakas, etc.), including rules, ceremonies and duties of pupils in ancient India.
The 7th century Valabhī university
Valabhī was another famous Buddhist Monastic University. In the seventh century A.D, Valabhī had achieved paramount educational importance. Valabhī was the rival to the University of Nālandā. The University generally provided education in Hinayāna Buddhism[1]. It was situated in Saurastra in Western India. The place is identical with Wala state. It was the capital of Maitraka kings during the period of 475-775 A.D[2].
The first Vihāra of Valabhī was erected by the Princes Duḍḍa, niece of King Dhruvasena. Duḍḍavihara was a large Vihāra and it was called ‘Vihāramandala’[3]. In the inscription it is mentioned that other Vihāras like Yakṣasura Vihāra and Gohaka Vihāra were also built within its boundary. Again in five hundred eighty A.D, King Dharasena I made a grant in favour of another Vihāra called Sri Bappapada, which was founded by Ācāryas Bādanta. It was situated on the Seashore and an important port of International trade. Many wealthy Merchants were dwelling in this place. And these wealthy Merchants patronized education at Valabhī. The Maitraka kings made large donation to the University especially for the library[4].
In the seventh century A.D Valabhī occupied paramount educational importance. But unfortunately we do not have enough information about Valabhī. Hiuen Tsang mentioned that when he visited the place, there were six thousand monks studying in the University and hundred Monasteries or Saṃgharamas provided for them. Like Hiuen Tsang, I-Tsing too had found Valabhī in the western side of India as glorious as Nālandā. Many students from every part of India would flock there for education. Even Brāhmaṇas from the distant Gangetic plain used to send their sons to that place for higher Education. In Kathāsaritsāgar[5] we find that a Brāhmaṇa Vasudatta of Antaravedi sends his son Viṣṇudatta for education in Valabhī. But it is interesting to mention here that the students of Nālandā also visited Valabhī for advance learning. Hiuen Tsang mentioned that Sthiramati and Gunamati, the teachers of Nalanda were once in charge of the Monastery at Valabhī. They were both the disciples of Ācārya Vasubandha. Those students who take admission at Valabhī should reside the place for two or three years to complete their education. After the completion of education, the students of Valabhī used to present themselves at the royal court to prove their capacity. They demonstrate their administrative talent at the Royal court to be employed in the Government services[6]. This point clearly indicates that Valabhī not only provided education in Hinayāna Buddhism but also provided secular subjects such as Arthaśāstra, Law, Politics, Vārtā, Theology, Cikitsāśastra and Accountancy[7].
So, it clearly indicates that, like Nālandā, Valabhī was also a famous seat of learning in Buddhist period. But it is our fault that we do not know too much about Valabhī as we do about Nālandā. But from the Chinese Pilgrims’ accounts, we assumed that Valabhī illuminated our country for centuries.
Footnotes and references:
[1]:
[3]:
Dutta,Sukumar, Buddhist Monks and Monasteries of India: their history and their contribution to Indian culture, Motilal Banarasi Dass Publishers, Delhi 2015, P.226.
[4]:
Mookerji, R.K. Ancient Indian Education (Brahmanical and Buddhist), Motilal Banarasi Dass Publishers, Delhi 2011, P. 586.
[5]:
AntaṚVedayāmabhūtpūṚVaṃ vasudatt iti dvijaḥ | Viṣṇudattabhidhānśca putrastasyopapadyata || Sa viṣṇudatto vayasā pūrṇaṣoḍaśavatsaraḥ| Gaṃtaṃ pravavṛte vidyāprāptaye valbhīpuraṃ || Kathāsaritsāgar,XXXII,42-43.
[6]:
Dutta, Sukumar, Buddhist Monks and Monasteries of India: their history and their contribution to Indian culture, Motilal Banarasi Dass Publishers, Delhi 2015, P.230.