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(SECTION III)
EDUCATION OF KHĀRAVELA
Proficiency in polite learning is a-primary condition for a ruler. Here the term 'polite learning' involves the study and practice of various useful sciences and arts. Proficiency in sciences implies the sound theoretical knowledge of the principles and details of the system, and proficiency in arts implies the intelligent and skilful use or application of those principles and details.
In so far as the learning and education of Khāra vela is concerned, there occurs a statement to that effect in the Second line of his edict —’tato lekha rūpå gananā vavahāra vidhi virāradena sava vijāvadātına navavasāni yovarāja pusāsitum' viz. thereafter, for nine years just the office of the crown-prince was administered by him), who became an expert in (matters relating to) writing, coinage, account. ing, administration and procedures, whose self was purified by proficiency in all polite learning.
In regard to the above, a reference may be invited to the Arthasastra’ where Kautilya prescribes the following curriculum for the education of a prince :(a) After the chudākurma (the ceremony of tonsure)
which was, according to Manu, performed probably in the fourth year, a prince was to learn the alphabet and practice writing (lipi) and was to learn counting and arthematic (sankhyāna).
1. As according to the translation of Dr. Sarua (OBI, p. 41). 2. I, 5, 2. 3. JI, 35.
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