Education system in Ancient India-

In this thread I will try to explain how Education system worked in ancient India.
Objective of education in Vedic times was not only to impart knowledge to students but also development of their character as a whole.

Initiation of Education was with Upnayan Sanskara
In this, they are Given Yajnopavit which is symbol of Vrata and learning (Significance of Yajnopavit will require a separate thread)

a student was taught all the rules of Brahmcharya vrata and how he will study under his Guru what are his duties and responsibilities.

Living with proper hygiene, Sandhya Upasana, proper behaviour all this was taught.

Daily routine in Gurukula is proper time bound, everything has a designated time, time to wake up, time to study, time for physical exercise etc, due to this students were well disciplined.

Students used to ask for alms (Bhiksha), this not only removed any feeling of entitlement and superiority, but also taught the students to appreciate the things they have.
No matter if a person is son of a king or he is son of a learned Brahmin, they all had to ask for alms.

Respect for teachers(Gurus) was utmost, students used to touch feet of Guru before and after lessons, Respecting teachers not only made learning efficient but also taught humility.

In Gurukula, Students were taught- Pronunciation, Grammar, 4 Vedas, History, astronomy, Natural sciences, economics, debate, Law, Nirukta, Brahm vidya, Physics, fighting and warfare with different weapon, Mathamatics, Study of snakes and poisons, metallurgy etc.

All got education according to their capabilities, those who were Intelligent and good natured who could memorize Vedas and understand them were Brahmins they were mainly taught Shastras and Vedas in detail, those who had good body and ability to fight were

Kshatriyas they were taught about weapons and battles etc. Those who had good business sense and ability to do ethical business were Vaiśyas and those who could were not capable to do any of the above were Shudras and they were taught things about ethics and rules of society etc.

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There were Gurukuls for girls too, shastras indicate that women used to wear Yajnopavit (Gobhila Grihya Sutra 2.1.19) and they also used to follow Brahmcharya Aashram before entering Grihasta.

Hence they had Gurukulas for them too that's why we had Rishikas like Lopa Mudra, Indrani etc.

Gurukula education not only ensured education but also ensured overall character development of a student.

We have so many schools colleges these days majority of Indians are educated, still we have high crime rate, well educated people commit crime. The reason behind this is that schools don't teach ethics and moral values as much as they should.

Hence we should try to work for revival of ancient system or at least try to include its elements in present system.