INTRODUCTION :
Ancient Taxila literally means, 'City of Cut Stone' or 'Rock of Taksha'. It was situated in Northwestern part of India between the rivers Jhelum and Indus. Present taxila is located in Pakistan in Rawalpindi district.
NATURE OF TAXILA UNIVERSITY
- FEES : Students were taught in Asharms by the teachers so they were required to pay the boarding and lodging expenses in the form of cash or services. Poor students were provided free boarding and had to do certain manual work at Asharms. Students were even allowed to pay fees after their education.
- ADMISSION : Students coming to Taxila had to complete their primary education at home and come for secondary education. At the age of 16 Students were admitted to University. Entrance exam was tough for University.
- SACRED NATURE OF EDUCATION : Taxila University was sacred and never bartered for money, stipulation fees were condemned. Use of knowledge for selfish means was condemned.
- GURU DAKSHINA : Guru dakshina was accepted after the completion of education only, but it was only a token of respect.
- EXAMINATIONS : examinations were not given much importance to complete the studies. Process of teaching Was tough and teachers themselves monitor every unit. No written degrees were awarded after the completion of education.
- ABSENCE OF EXTERNAL AUTHORITY : NO external control of any king or any subjects. Teachers had Complete authority of education and institution.
- SUBJECTS IN UNIVERSITY :
- Literary or general studies
- General and scientific
- Industrial education
CONCLUSION :
Taxila was an important city of Punjab. ChandraGupta Maurya made taxila as his provincial capital of Northwestern province. During Ashoka taxila became the centre of learning. It is considered as earliest University of the world and great centre of learning in ancient times.
BOOK REFRENCE ( CLICK TO BUY )
A History of India, Vol. I, Penguin Books, 1966 - Thapar, Romila