Consider the following statements regarding the ancient Indian education system and the Vedic period:
- 1. In the Vedic period, education began with the 'Upanayana Sanskar', which was called the 'eye-less' or 'second birth' (Dvija), and after this ritual, the student received the title of 'Brahmachari'.
- 2. The 'Samapvartana Sanskar' was performed on the occasion of the completion of education or convocation ceremony, after which the student was called a 'Snatak' (one entering the householder stage).
- 3. In the Vedic education system, it was mandatory for students to strictly observe celibacy (Brahmacharya), and the main medium of education was the Sanskrit language, in which the Vedas, Vedangas, philosophy, and Ayurveda were taught.
- 4. In the Vedic period, women had absolutely no right to obtain education, and learned women like Gargi and Maitreyi are mentioned only in mythology, having no relation to actual education.
Which of the above statements are correct?
Detailed Explanation & Solution
Statements 1, 2, and 3 are correct. In the Vedic period, education started with the 'Upanayana Sanskar' (age determined as 8 to 12 years according to varna) and after this ritual, the boy was called 'Dvija' and 'Brahmachari'. Upon completion of education, the 'Samapvartana Sanskar' took place, after which the student became a 'Snatak' and entered household life. Vedic education was imparted in Sanskrit, and the practice of celibacy was mandatory. Statement 4 is incorrect because the status of women in the Vedic period was very high; they not only received education but learned women like Gargi, Maitreyi, Apala, and Ghosha participated in high-level philosophical debates and also composed Vedic hymns.