“AN ANALYTICAL OVERVIEW OF THE EVOLUTION OF THE GURUKUL EDUCATION SYSTEM FROM THE VEDIC ERA TO CONTEMPORARY FRAMEWORKS"
Abstract
This study examines the historical evolution and contemporary significance of the Gurukul education system, which traces its origins to the Vedic period of India. The Gurukul model is characterized by students residing in close quarters with their Guru, absorbing knowledge centered on Yoga, meditation, and personalized instruction tailored to individual aptitude and interests. Historically, the Gurukul system emerged from the ashram framework prevalent in the Vedic period and subsequently the Ramayana era, a broader curriculum was adopted that included military training alongside the traditional study of the Vedas. During the Mahabharata period, kings would strategically place princes under the tutelage of esteemed sages, often situating these ashrams near urban centers. The rise of Buddhism and Jainism during the late Vedic and Gupta periods enriched the Gurukul system, leading to prominent institutions like Takshila and Nalanda. However, the advent of Islamic rule and later British colonialism led to the decline of Gurukuls, as education shifted towards Madrasas and Western models. In response, leaders worked to revive and reform Gurukuls, reinstating important cultural values and establishing operational Gurukuls across India today. The NEP 2020 acknowledges the blend of traditional and modern education, emphasizing the relevance of Gurukul-like models and a holistic approach to learning, demonstrating that the concept of Gurukul remains significant from the Vedic period to today.
Keyword : Gurukul education system, various periods, transformation and evolution of Gurukuls, NEP2020
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References
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