Vikram Era: 7 Bhadrapada, 1638 (September 2, 1572), Royal Gardens, Prayagraj
The sun shone brightly over the royal gardens of Prayagraj, casting dappled shadows on the ground as it filtered through the lush trees.
The scent of blooming flowers filled the air, mingling with the soft hum of bees. Siddharth sat on a stone bench, enjoying the tranquility, but his mind was occupied with thoughts of the empire's education system and ways to improve it , but first he needs to know this system inside out. So, he had requested a meeting with Aryan Bhatt, a respected scholar and expert in education.
As Siddharth waited, he noticed the meticulous care taken in the arrangement of the garden, a testament to the dedication of the workers.
The sound of approaching footsteps drew his attention, and he saw Aryan, a middle-aged man with a thoughtful expression, walking towards him.
"Namaste, guru ji," Siddharth greeted, standing to offer a respectful bow.
"Greetings , Prince" Aryan replied, his eyes twinkling with warmth. "It's an honor to meet you here in such a serene setting."
Siddharth motioned for him to sit. "Thank you for coming, guru ji. I wanted to learn and discuss our education system in detail."
Aryan settled on the seating, adjusting his robes. "Of course. Our education system is a very vital part of our society. I would help you understand it , in any way I can." He said calmly.
Siddharth nodded, leaning forward slightly. "Let's start from the beginning. How does education typically commence for children in our empire?"
The guru smiled, his face lighting up with passion. "Education begins at a young age in the gurukuls, which are present in every small town and large village. The gurukul system is deeply rooted in our culture and has been the foundation of learning for centuries. These gurukuls are state-funded, ensuring that education is accessible to all, with little to no cost borne by the parents."
Siddharth watched as Aryan spoke, noting the animated gestures he used to emphasize his points. "Can you elaborate on the structure and curriculum of these gurukuls?"
"Certainly," Aryan replied. "In the gurukuls, children are taught by gurus who not only impart academic knowledge but also focus on moral and ethical education. The curriculum includes subjects such as literature, mathematics, science, and philosophy, along with physical education, arts, and crafts. The learning environment is holistic, emphasizing the development of the mind, body, and spirit."
Siddharth leaned back, absorbing the information. "How long do students typically stay in the gurukuls?"
Aryan nodded, appreciating Siddharth's engagement. "Children usually stay in the gurukuls until they reach early pubescence, around the age of 12 or 13. At this stage, they have acquired a solid foundation of knowledge and values."
Siddharth's eyes sparkled with curiosity. "What happens after their time in the gurukuls?"
"After completing their basic education in the gurukuls," Aryan continued, "students move on to the [Yanthravidhyālayas], which are vocational-technical schools. These schools are established in every district and provide specialized training in various trades and crafts. The [Yanthravidhyālayas] are crucial in equipping students with practical skills that are essential for their professional lives."
Siddharth leaned forward slightly, intrigued. "How are these [Yanthravidhyālayas] structured, and what kind of training do they offer?"
"The [Yanthravidhyālayas] are well-organized institutions that offer a range of courses in fields such as carpentry, metallurgy, weaving, pottery, and more," Aryan explained, using his hands to illustrate his points. "Each school has experienced artisans who serve as instructors. The students engage in hands-on learning through apprenticeship programs, working alongside these skilled masters. This system ensures that students not only gain theoretical knowledge but also develop practical expertise."
Siddharth's face showed admiration for the system. "I've heard that these schools also offer freeship and scholarship programs for exceptional students. Is that true?"
"Yes," Aryan confirmed, his eyes gleaming with pride. "We believe in nurturing talent, regardless of a student's background. These programs ensure that brilliance is not stifled by financial constraints."
A gentle breeze rustled the leaves, and Siddharth took a deep breath. "What about those who wish to pursue higher education? What opportunities are available to them?"
Aryan's expression turned serious. "For those who aspire to further their studies, we have universities in our administrative capitals. These institutions are centers of advanced learning and research. They are where the brightest minds come together to push the boundaries of knowledge."
Siddharth's eyes widened with interest. "What fields of study are offered at these universities?"
"At our universities, students can pursue a wide array of disciplines," Aryan explained. "This includes advanced studies in science, mathematics, philosophy, medicine, astronomy, and literature. The universities also emphasize research and innovation, encouraging students to contribute new ideas and discoveries to their respective fields."
Siddharth nodded thoughtfully. "How is the higher education funded?"
Aryan sighed, reflecting on the challenges. "Studying at these universities is self-funded, meaning that students or their families must bear the cost. However, we do provide grants and scholarships to support those who show exceptional promise and need financial assistance. The goal is to ensure that our most talented individuals can access higher education, regardless of their economic background."
Siddharth's brow furrowed slightly as he considered the information. "How do students transition from [Yanthravidhyālayas] to these universities?"
Aryan adjusted his seating slightly, making himself more comfortable as he explained. "The transition is quite structured. Students who show exceptional skill and dedication in their vocational training can apply for entrance exams to the universities. These exams test their knowledge and aptitude in their chosen field. Successful candidates are then admitted to the universities, where they can further their education and research."
The conversation continued on to the details of the system in detail.