Jaina System of Education

Author(s): Debendra Chandra Das Gupta
Publisher: Bharti Mahavidyalaya

Page 20

JAINA SYSTEM OF EDUCATION
monks of mediæval Europe who hept the torch of learning burning in the midst of a surrounding atmosphere of gloomy ignorance and superstition
The School -During the Jaina period education was also impart ed through organised institutions known as schools We have evi dence of it in the Institute of Manu where he describes elaborate rules and regulations for the conduct of the twice-born students during their studentship In the same work the descriptions of the constitution and function of the Parisad we also found from the Jatakas and the Lalitavistara we get distinct references to organised schools under a University imparting instruction to scholars both sacred and secular The Jatalas refer to the famous University of Taxila which offered instruction in the three Vedas eighteen Sciences and seventy two Arts which were mastered by Lord Buddha From the later source we learn that the Lord Buddha joined the winng school maintained by Vasu mitra offering instruction in 3 Rs and Arts or practical Sciences
From the Jaina literatures also we learn of the existence of orga nised schools throughout India with a view to imparting instruction both religious and secular to fit the future atzens for their diverse vocations The religious schools maintained by the Brahmins were designed for the twice born-castes whereas the Art schools were non sectarian in character mcant for the education of all Organised schools were attached to royal palaces for the education of the princes and princesses of the royal family Thus three distinct types of schools viz palace schools Brahmanic schools and Art schools existed side by side in India outside thc pale of Jaina monastic schools cach engaged in the spread of culture and learning among the future citizens as preparation for their manifold civic functions
It is however dificult for us to tell with precision whether it was binding upon all students to reside within the campus of the above types of schools It seems that majority of scholars resided with their teachers We have reference to a princess in the Juna literature resid ing with her teacher during her studentship in the country of Vidharbha there was a city named Kundinapura. In it was a king by name Bhimaratha He had a wife named Pushpadanti they had a daughter born to them
in due course she was sent to a teacher of accomplishments, to learn knowledge and she gradually