Bharat’s legacy of academic excellence has deep roots, tracing back to the ancient Gurukul or Gurukulam system—a residential model of education that thrived for centuries. This distinctive system, where students (Shishyas) lived and learned alongside their teacher (Guru), was at the heart of Bharatiya education. In this esteemed Guru-Shishya tradition, Guru was not merely a teacher but a mentor, playing an essential role in shaping students’ physical, mental, and spiritual development during their formative years. The Gurukul system’s historical significance invokes a profound reverence and respect for our rich educational heritage.
Origins and Influence of Gurukul System
Emerging in the Vedic period, Gurukul system was a bastion of oral tradition and knowledge across various disciplines. However, its influence began to diminish with the introduction of British-style boarding schools and English-medium education. This shift overshadowed the Gurukul system, leaving a significant gap in India’s educational heritage.
Epics Give Insight into Gurukul
During the Vedic era, Gurukul system peaked with clear objectives and a structured approach to holistic education. The Ramayan and Mahabharat provide accounts of this system, with respected teachers like Sage Vishwamitra educating Ram and Lakshman, Maharshi Valmiki instructing Luv and Kush, and Guru Dronacharya teaching Pandavas and Kauravas. The Naimisharanya Ashram, led by Saunaka Maharishi and hosting 10,000 disciples, exemplifies the educational grandeur of that time. Ancient learning centres such as Takshashila, Nalanda, Vikramashila, and Valabhi adhered to the principles of the Guru-Shishya Parampara, attracting scholars from across the globe. Chinese travellers like Xuanzang (Hiuen Tsang) and Faxian (Fa-Hien) documented the influx of foreign students who came to India to pursue studies at these revered institutions.
Current Status of Gurukul
A study by Vediconcepts, an initiative dedicated to advancing the cause of the Gurukul education system by studying ancient literature and establishing new Gurukul institutions, revealed fewer than 5,000 Gurukuls (April 2022) in Bharat than 14,94,052 schools (Sep 2020). However, many of these institutions have diverged from the traditional Gurukul approach, focusing more on modern education. This shift has often reduced emphasis on imparting the core values of Bharatiya culture and tradition. The current educational landscape calls for integrating traditional Gurukul principles with modern learning, equipping students to engage with the contemporary world while retaining core cultural values.
A New Initiative
Introducing the unique UbhayaBharati Kanya Gurukulam initiative under the esteemed guidance of Sringeri Ubhaya Jagadguru Sri Sri Mahasannidhanam Swamigal and Sri Sri Sannidhanam Swamigal, a one-of-a-kind initiative for girls’ education, the Gurukulam, was inaugurated in July 2023 in Sengottai, Tamil Nadu. Managed by Sengottai Sri Sharadamba Charitable Trust (SSSCT) and in partnership with Sri Bharati Tirtha Vedapatashala, this Gurukul for girls is operated primarily by women and offers a fully residential programme. Residents also have a day scholar option with no tuition fees. Boarding and lodging are free to students, making it a unique and accessible educational opportunity.
Anya Gurukulam’s Educational Approach
The Kanya Gurukulam curriculum is modelled after the Samskruta Gurukula of Sringeri, with Samskrutam as its core. “Samskrutam, the lingua franca of ancient Bharat, is integral to our shastras and the backbone of our curriculum,” explains Dr Radha. Open to girls above six years of age and from all backgrounds, the Gurukulam curriculum is designed to enhance memory, logical thinking, and linguistic skills through early Sanskrit learning. The curriculum’s unique blend of tradition and modernity will intrigue and interest the students.
Smt. Gowri Viswanathan, the lead Sanskrit Adhyapika (teacher), brings a wealth of experience, having taught at Madras Sanskrit College for 28 years and volunteering with Samskruta Bharati. She views the Kanya Gurukulam as a mission to rekindle cultural pride through education. “Educating girls in this tradition can create a profound societal impact, returning to our roots,” she says.
Why revival of ancient traditions critical for Bihar?
In a notable step towards restoring its ancient glory in the field of education, the State of Bihar is all set to revive its ancient centre of learning near Antichak in Bhagalpur. Located on the banks of river Ganga, Antichak of Kahalgaon was the very place from where the ancient Vikramshila University flourished as a renowned centre of learning, attracting scholars and students from all over Asia between 8th to 12th centuries. The State Government has recently identified around 205 acres of land just around a few kilometers away from the ancient site of the university to develop a Central University, as mentioned by Prime Minister Narendra Modi when he last visited the district in February this year.
Excavation at ancient Vikramshila
A centre for studying theology, philosophy, metaphysics, Bhartiya logic and more significantly the Tantra Vidya, a study of the occult sciences, Vikramshila was founded by King Dharmpala of the Pala dynasty in the late 7th to early 8th century, marking the establishment of another splendid centre of learning after Nalanda.
The university continued to flourish for the next four centuries, producing eminent scholars who later spearheaded the cultural spread of the Bharatiya knowledge system and philosophy across the boundaries of the modern-day Bharat. At its peak, the university had thousands of students, engaged in studies of manuscripts, grammar, Sanskrit and Tantra Vidya at the centre. The university also had a vast library and a dedicated air-conditioned system (cooling system) possibly for preserving precious manuscripts, before it was destroyed by the invading forces of Bakhtiyar Khilji along with Nalanda in the late 12th century.
Report suggests that the ruins of the ancient university were first revealed by Lakshmikanta Mishra. The description of the university was also featured prominently in the writings of Tibetan monks and historian Taranath.
The site revealed by Mishra was first excavated under B.P Sinha of Patna University (1960-69) and later by the Archeological Survey of India (ASI) from 1972 to 1982.
The excavations led to unearthing of several Buddhist and Hindu temples (108) alongside disclosure of a giant square monastery centred with a cruciform stupa namely the ‘Vikramshila stupa’, a library building and a life size copy of Gaya’s sacred Mahabodhi tree.
The entire area acquires around over 100 acres with 208 cells, each reportedly containing three beds. A few brick arched chambers were also traced beneath the cells, possibly for meditation practices of monks.
The excavation also led to unearthing of idols of Budhha, Marichi, Avalokitesvara, Aparajita Jambala, Bodhisattwa, Lokenath, Tara along images of Shiva, Parvati, Vishnu, Krishna, Ganesh, Kartikeya, Mahisasurmardini, and Surya which are kept at a museum build near the site.
The Government both State and the Union have set plans in motion to revive the ancient glory associated with the Vikramshila by erecting a new central university just kilometers away from the ruins of the ancient centre.
Addressing a gathering in Bhagalpur, Prime Minister Narendra Modi in February this year announced, “We have already fused ancient Nalanda University’s glory with the new Nalanda University and now it’s the turn of Vikramshila University as we are opening a Central University here.” With the identification of land done and State Government led by CM Nitish Kumar allocating a fund of Rs 90 crore for the acquisition process, it is being speculated that the work for the proposed university could begin soon. If reports are to be believed, the PM himself could lay the foundation stone for the proposed university in the months of April/May, marking the commencement of the project after the Union Government approved it with an allocation of Rs 500 crore in the year 2015.
Hinting that the State Government has already started the process, Bihar’s Deputy CM Samrat Choudhary recently remarked, “Project Vikramshila has started. The land acquisition process will complete soon and the time is not far when the new Nalanda and Vikramshila universities will collaborate just the way they did in ancient times.”
Educationists opines that opening of the central university at the site will pave way for bridging the ancient education system with the modern one as the subjects which were pursued by the students at the university in ancient time will likely to be included along with the modern ones in the proposed university. This will provide students an opportunity to pursue excellence of ancient education system in research work. The revival of ancient universities which once illuminated the ‘land of knowledge’ with glorious traditions of Bhartiya knowledge system and culture at its centre, is considered crucial, not only for the restoration of self-belief in the hearts of younger generations but also for the State’s overall journey to match with its glorious ancient heritage.
The comprehensive curriculum of the Kanya Gurukulam for the first 2-3 years is such that, students are introduced to foundational Samskrutam, covering topics such as Shabda, Dhaatu, Vibhakti, Sandhi, and Samasa—equivalent to Levels 1 and 2 of the Surasaraswati Sabha. During years 1 to 5, subjects like Mathematics, Science, and English are taught following the NCERT syllabus. Additionally, students receive training in Sangeeta, Bharatanatyam, and Yoga, providing a well-rounded education.
In the subsequent three years, students study Samskruta Sahityam, comparable to Levels 3 and 4 of the Surasaraswati Sabha. After grade 5, Mathematics and English are taught at the appropriate level for each student. Following this, Shastra studies will be introduced over 2 years, equivalent to the rigorous Tenali Pariksha, one of the most challenging exams in this field. Students preparing for grades 10 and 12 are encouraged to take their examinations through the National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS). The Gurukulam strongly emphasises an Ayurveda- and yoga-centered lifestyle in alignment with traditional practices. Workshops conducted by guest speakers and experts in various Bharatiya arts and skills further enrich students’ learning experience.
Breaking away from the monotony of modern education, the Kanya Gurukulam has faced its share of challenges. The initial months can be difficult as children adjust to the new environment. Smt. Gowri Vishwanathan notes that parental understanding of this concept is essential, and she has gradually observed growing acceptance among parents.
The students follow a busy schedule, beginning with prayers at 6 AM and concluding their day at 8 PM. They engage in learning and various activities in a balanced, non-taxing manner. Dr Radha Ramachandran explains this routine has kept them away from gadgets—an achievement rarely seen among children in conventional educational settings.
When there has been a renewed interest in preserving the Bharatiya parampara, such efforts as this need encouragement and community participation.
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