The essentials
In Indian thought, education (vidya, shiksha) was meant to develop the whole person. A well-known saying from the Vishnu Purana is "sa vidya ya vimuktaye" — "that is knowledge which liberates". The Mundaka Upanishad distinguishes apara vidya (lower knowledge: the Vedas, phonetics, ritual, grammar, etymology, metre and astronomy) from para vidya (higher knowledge, by which the imperishable is known).
Education also prepared people for life in society. The four purusharthas — dharma (righteous duty), artha (wealth), kama (desire, enjoyment) and moksha (liberation) — describe the goals of a full life. Learning therefore included practical arts and crafts (the traditional list of 64 kalas), professional skills and ethical training. Character formation, self-control, respect for teachers and service to society were emphasised along with mastery of subjects.
Buddhist and Jain education likewise aimed at right understanding and right conduct, leading to freedom from suffering.
Key points
- Vidya: knowledge; shiksha: instruction, also phonetics as a Vedanga.
- Para vidya: knowledge of the ultimate reality; apara vidya: subjects of study.
- Purusharthas: dharma, artha, kama, moksha.
- 64 kalas: arts such as music, dance, painting, cooking.
- Goals: knowledge, character, social duty and liberation.
Exam tips
- Remember the source of key phrases: "sa vidya ya vimuktaye" (Vishnu Purana); para/apara vidya (Mundaka Upanishad).
Common mistakes
- Thinking traditional education aimed only at religious learning; practical arts and crafts were included.
- Listing moksha as part of apara vidya.