NCERT Solutions for Class 8 English Chapter 8: Ancient Education System of India (It So Happened)

Comprehension Check (Page 92)

1. Why were travelers attracted to India?

Ans. Many travelers were drawn to India due to its renowned culture, wealth, religions, philosophies, art, and architecture, as well as its widely recognized educational practices. The ancient Indian education system was seen as a valuable source of knowledge, traditions, and practices that provided guidance and inspiration to humanity. To these travelers, India represented a land of immense fascination and wonder.

2. What were the sources of the ancient education system?

Ans. The ancient education system drew from various sources, including the teachings of the Vedas, Brahmanas, Upanishads, and Dharmasutras. Additionally, the works of Aryabhata, Panini, Katyayana, and Patanjali, along with the medical treatises of Charaka and Sushruta, were significant sources of knowledge. Other disciplines that contributed to learning included Itihas (history), Anviksiki (logic), Mimamsa (interpretation), Shilpashastra (architecture), Arthashastra (polity), Varta (agriculture, trade, commerce, animal husbandry), and Dhanurvidya (archery).

3. What were the features of the education system in ancient India?

Ans. Some features of the education system in ancient India included:

• Teaching and learning the principles of the Vedas and Upanishads. 

• Emphasizing duties towards self, family, and society, thus covering all aspects of life.

• The education system prioritized both intellectual learning and physical development.

• Emphasis was placed on maintaining a healthy mind and a healthy body.

• Education in India was known for being practical, attainable, and integrated into everyday life.

4. What was the role of the guru in pupils’ lives?

Ans. Gurus played a huge role in pupils’ lives:

• In ancient times, Gurus and their students worked diligently together to master all areas of learning.

• Shastrartha (learned debates) were held to evaluate students’ understanding.

• Advanced students guided younger ones, similar to modern peer learning groups.

• Gurus and their shishyas lived together, supporting each other in daily life.

• The main goals were comprehensive learning, a disciplined life, and realizing the student’s inner potential.

• Students lived away from home for many years until they fully achieved their goals.

• The gurukul was where the Guru-shishya bond grew stronger over time.

• Education in various disciplines like history, debate, law, and medicine focused on both the outer knowledge and the inner development of the personality.

Comprehension Check (Page 97)

1. Where did the nuns and monks receive their education?

Ans. Nuns and monks obtained their education from monasteries or viharas, which served as centers for art and learning. These institutions were established primarily for meditation, scholarly discussions, and debates. These activities aimed to fulfill their deep thirst for knowledge during ancient times.

2. What is Panini known for?

Ans. Panini was a renowned Indian Sanskrit grammarian, celebrated for his expertise in language and grammar. He authored the monumental work on grammar known as Ashtadhyayi. As a highly esteemed scholar in ancient India, Panini is regarded as the "Father of Linguistics" for his comprehensive scientific theory of phonetics, morphology, and phonology.

3. Which university did Xuan Zang and I-Qing study at?

Ans. In the 7th century CE, Chinese scholars I-Qing and Xuan Zang visited Nalanda. During Xuan Zang's visit, Nalanda, then known as Nala, was a renowned center for higher learning in various subjects.

4. Which subject did Xuan Zang study in India?

Ans. Xuan Zang studied Yogashastra, grammar, logic, and Sanskrit at Nalanda University in India.

5. How did society help in the education of the students?

Ans. In ancient times, knowledge was regarded as sacred, and therefore no fees were charged for imparting it. Contributions to education from the wealthy were seen as the highest form of donation. Financial support mainly came from rich merchants, affluent parents, and the broader society. Wealthy individuals donated buildings and land to universities. Free education was primarily available in ancient universities like Valabhi, Vikramshila, and Jagaddala.

Exercise (Page 97)

Discuss the following questions in small groups and write your answers.

1. Which salient features of the ancient education system of India made it globally renowned?

Ans. Some of the key features that made the ancient Indian education system globally renowned are:

• The ancient Indian education system evolved to focus on the holistic development of individuals, addressing both the inner and outer self.

• It emphasized the spiritual, physical, moral, and intellectual aspects of life.

• Core values such as truthfulness, humility, self-reliance, discipline, and respect for all creative works were stressed.

• Students were taught to appreciate and maintain a balance between humans and nature.

• Teachers adhered to the teachings of the Vedas and Upanishads, which included fulfilling responsibilities towards oneself, family, and society, encompassing all aspects of life.

2. Why do you think students from other countries came to India to study at that time?

Ans. In ancient times, students from China, Korea, Tibet, Burma, Ceylon, Java, Nepal, and other distant countries were drawn to India for their studies. India was regarded as a land of wonder, offering a rich source of knowledge with educational centers of higher learning. Various monasteries or viharas were established for monks and nuns to meditate, debate, and engage in scholarly discussions to satisfy their thirst for knowledge.

Additionally, Takshashila was a renowned center of learning that included Buddhist religious teachings. For several centuries, it continued to attract students from around the world until its destruction in the 5th century CE.

3. Why is education considered a way of life?

Ans. Education was considered a way of life in ancient India due to the presence of both formal and informal modes of education. Indigenous education was provided at home, in gurukuls, tools, temples, pathshalas, and chatuspadis. In homes, villages, and temples, individuals would guide young children, helping them to adopt pious and ideal ways of living.

4. What do you understand by holistic education? 

Ans. Holistic education focuses on developing both the inner and outer self of an individual, preparing them for life. In ancient India, while the education system was free, it was not centralized. It was primarily rooted in India's rich cultural traditions, which fostered the comprehensive development of physical, spiritual, intellectual, and artistic aspects of life.

5. Why do you think Takshashila and Nalanda have been declared heritage sites?

Ans. Takshashila, an ancient Indian city, was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1980 due to its significance as an archaeological site and a center of advanced learning, renowned for its expert teachers. 

Nalanda, one of the world's oldest universities, was a major center of learning from the 5th to the 12th century CE. UNESCO recognized the ruins of Nalanda Mahavihara as a World Heritage Site, acknowledging its historical importance.

Benefits of NCERT “The Ancient Education System of India” Class 8 Question Answers 

• NCERT Solutions provides detailed explanations for the chapter on The Ancient Education System of India for Class 8, ensuring students grasp the concepts thoroughly.

• By covering all aspects of the ancient education system of India's Class 8 question answer, students gain a clear understanding of the chapter's features and importance.

• The NCERT solutions address the specific needs of Class 8 English Lesson 11 Question Answers, ensuring students are well-prepared for their exams.

• The solutions help students appreciate the features of the education system in ancient India, promoting a holistic understanding of historical educational practices.

• These NCERT Solutions are easily accessible and available in formats that students can refer to at any time, aiding consistent study habits.

• By using these well-structured solutions, students can improve their performance in exams by understanding and answering questions accurately.

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Conclusion

The chapter on the ancient education system of India shows how it focused on overall development, including physical, mental, and moral growth. It emphasized important values and balanced living. This system, rooted in cultural traditions, offers valuable lessons for modern education, creating well-rounded individuals ready for life. You can find and download the NCERT Solutions for FREE in PDF format for the chapter from Vedantu to give yourself your much-needed headstart in your exam preparation.

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