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FEMALE EDUCATION AS EVIDENCED IN BUDDHIST LITERATURE *
In every respect, the period of Buddhism is marked with allround development, Buddhistic philosophy and theology had something quite conspicuous and specific in it that gave impetus and encouragement to education. It furnished a dynamic force which is so essential for any civilization if it wants to establish supremacy and gain ground.
We are dumbfound while reading the accounts of Universities like those of Vik. ramasila, Ajanta, Saranātha, Nālonda and the last but not the least Taxila, which poured out a colossal force of Buddhistic culture and civilization. These Universities were so generously conducted that not only Indians but the peoples of Asia and Europe also received instruction on all the branches of literature, art. and science, Damely, philosophy, politics, painting, rhetoric, medicine, astrology, archery, architecture, and also alchemy.
Besides Taxilā and Nalanda, Chinese travellers in their travel accounts have mentioned quite a number of minor institutions which shaped and circulated Aryan Culture and civilization, far and wide. These were exclusively financed by the rich and the reigning princes of India. The most noteworthy feature quite characteristic of India's catholicity was that they imparted tuition free of charge to all and alike without observing distinction in caste, colour, and creed
Prasenajit, the king of Kosala, and Jivakas received instruction sitting together, A prince and a pauper were treated alike. It is written in one of the Jātakagranthas Damed Mahāsūtasoma that hundreds of princes were instructed in the uses of weapons and missiles on the lines of strict equality. All these accounts and the historical records lead us to the conclusion that there were very big Universities in Buddhistic times, which provided ample scope for education to males : but they are comparatively and teasingiy silent as regards female education. To get an adequate idea on the point we will have to fall back upon the Buddhist Capon and the works allied to it because we are not at all prepared to believe that the nuas who wandered in the nook and corner of the country, leaving aside Lakşm; and luxury to scatter the seeds of Buddhism, with a fanatic's zeal, were almost illiterate.
On the contrary, the splendid missionary work which they have so ably put forth is itself a good and reliable commentary on the broad outlook, clear vision, practical wisdom, unfailing foresight, intellectual width and what not. These and a train of merits did neither come to them as mere windfalls, nor were they Nature's
• New Indian Antiquary, Vol. III, No. 11, February, 1941
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