Education in Ancient India: 16 (Handbook of Oriental Studies/Handbuch Der Orientalistik) - Tapa dura

"This is a major book ... anyone interested in the comparative study of education is bound to consult this volume for the Indian part of it. Indologists may have encountered some isolated data on education in their own work, but having the whole range of materials put together and discussed between two covers is a boon." - Ludo Rocher, in: Journal of the American Oriental Society, 2004

This is the first comprehensive survey of all aspects of education in India, both in the oral and written traditions. Chronologically it covers everything from the Vedic period upto the Hindu kingdoms before the establishment of Muslim rule. If relevant, the reader will regularly find sidesteps to modern continuities. The role of the oral tradition and the techniques of memorization are discussed, the education in small private tutorials and the development of large monasteries and temple schools approaching university character. Professional training, the role of the teacher and of foreign languages are dealt with, and the impact of the peculiar features of Indian education on Indian society. The full documentation facilitates quick access to the original sources scholarly literature on Indian education. A true reference work.