Indian literature is generally regarded as one of the oldest forms of literature in the world. Being a country of many languages, the range of Indian literature is truly intriguing. Education in Indian Literature encompasses both oral and written forms. Both these forms are important to trace the origin and progress of literature in India. The Hindu religious tradition is the dominant school of religion in the country. This religious sect has expressed itself in manifold artistic forms and styles, including literature. The root of Education in Indian Literature is deeply seated in the Hindu literary tradition.
When it comes to discuss about Education in Indian Literature, the Vedas come to the forefront. This ancient book of knowledge is acknowledged as the most sacred and authentic of all Hindu texts. The Ramayana and the Mahabharata are two of the other prominent works of literature ever created in India. Treaties such as Vaastu Shastra in town planning and architectural designing and Arthashastra in political science are also acknowledged as indigenous Indian literature.
Education in Indian Literature is not limited to academic disciplines only. The devotional Hindu drama, songs and poetry also form an important part of the education system. These vehicles of education have transcended geographical as well as cultural barriers and have spread to the nook and corner of the globe. The works of the famous Sanskrit pundit Kalidasa and Tulsidas have made their ways into the treasure trove of classic Indian literature. Any attempt to discuss Education in Indian Literature is inevitably going to fall short of the mark without the mentioning of these classics.
South India too is known for literary excellence. Tamil literature belonging to the genre of Sangam poetry is one of the worth mentioning literary forms. It was written around 1st century B. C.
Almost all the literary devices have been used to spread Education in Indian Literature. Poetry, drama, prose and oral literature are the most commonly used vehicles. Oral teaching is one of the effective devices in a country which has a large proportion of illiterate people.
Muslim literary traditions too hold a significant bearing upon Indian literature. Majority of the Muslim literary works were penned down in the medieval times. It was the time when India was under the Muslim dynasty. The gems of Muslim literature flourished through poetic expressions made in Urdu and Persian literature. Education in Indian Literature owes a lot to the Muslim literary tradition.
Education in Indian Literature can be classified into two major categories: education bestowed upon students with the help of dated languages such as Prakrit and Pali, and Indian literature in modern languages the bulk of which has been derived from the major fields.
Glean through some of the important linguistic types of Indian literature.
- Bengali literature
- Hindi literature
- Malayalam literature
- Sanskrit literature
- Assamese literature
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