GURUKUL SYSTEM OF LEARNING:

“Guru” refers to one who dispels the darkness of ignorance or the

teacher. “Kula” refers to family and clan. “Gurukul” is an ancient
Indian concept of education wherein the pupil learnt by residing with
the teacher as a [part of his family.

In ancient India, after the thread ceremony was performed, at the age
of eight male children used to leave their homes and their loved ones
and live at the GURUKUL for TWELVE years to learn at the feet of their
GURUS.
Life at the GURUKUL was tough, full of discipline, hard work and
concentration, but at the end of their training, the students emerged
as responsibility individuals that were well learned and capable of
facing the toughest challenges of life.

In those times, GURU did not admit anybody and everybody as their
‘disciples’ or “SHISYAS”. The GURU first took test, identified the
capacity of shishya and only then imparted them the relevant
knowledge. The shishyas were in close contact with nature. Apart for
learning the shishya also had to contribute in the household chores
and give all the kind of assistance to “GURUMATA” who took care of
them as their mother.

At the end of their training, the shishya thanked the GURU by them
give a “GURU-DAKSHINA” or a offering to the Revered GURU.

There is a story of the illustrious Son, Eklavya, born to Hiranya Dhanu,

who was the king of “Bhilla” a nomadic tribe.One day, the young
Eklavya saw some of the shisyas practicing Archery and enquired who
their GURU was. They said, It was the Great GURU, DRONACHARYA,
who was expert in Archery. However, Eklavya could not become his
shishya as he was NOT a Kshatriya (WARRIOR)
Hence Eklavya decided to learn the art of archery from GURU
Dronacharya by OBSERVATION as he taught to young. Prince Arjuna.
After mastering the art of Archery, he also gave his right hand thumb
as an offering ti his Guru- DRONACHARYA and become SHISYOTAMA
or the best student. Even though, GURU Dronacharya never taught
Eklavya in person, his learning was complete, only after giving the
GURU-DAKSHINA or offering to his GURU.
The GURU had an excalted position and the necessary of
hiscontinued supervision in rendering guidance through the learning
process, best brought out by examples like in Ramayana, king
Dasharatha had entrusted Ram and Lakshman to the care of Rishi
Vishvamitra. In Mahabharat, Lord Krishna too studied at the GURUKUL
of sandipani Rishi. The Kaurawas and Pandav prince went to the
GURUKUL of Guru Dronacharya.
From then on, there is a GURU- SHISHYA Parampara found in India.
Whether it is learning of scripture, different art forms, like dance,
music etc. even today it is the GURU-SHISHYA Parampara or tradition
that keeps it vibrant and prosperous.
Even today we have the likes of Ustad Allahrah Khan legendary father
and GURU of Ustad Zakhir Hussain who have the GURU- SHISHYA
way of learning. In dance form we have Padmavibhushan Dilu
Maharaj, the Kathak GURU and his shishya Shaswati sen who are both
followers of this tradition. Similarly the sarod Maestro Amjad Ali Khan
and his two talented sons and shishyas Amaan and Ayam belive tha it
is this Tehzeeb (way of llife) which will sustsin for time immemorial
This exalted position of a GURU is brought out by Verse,
“GURU BRAHMA, GURU VISHNU, GURU DEVO MAHESHWARA, GURU
SHAKSHAT PARA BRAHMA TASMAYE SHREE GURUVE NAMAHA”

ADVANTAGES OF GURUKUL SYSTEM:-

1. Shishyas received knowledge in all subjects and hence had an all
round personality. At the end of the 12 year training.
2. They got practical knowledge.
3. Children were taught to live in the Gurukul with meager things
and thus. “SIMPLE LIVING and HIGH THINKING” was practiced.
4. They were close to nature- classes were held below trees, in the
jungle where the children felt more comfortable.
5. They were imparted various skills like singing, dancing, archery
etc.
6. It was a complete and comprehensive Learning Center.
7. They were taught important values and ideas, manners and
sanskars which would help them in their future life.

DISADVANTAGES OF GURUKUL SYSTEM:

1. Children left their homes and near and dear ones at the
tender age of eight and stayed away from their parents for
over 12 years. This was a great penance.
2. There used to be discrimination at the entry level about the
admission in GURUKUL. As we have seen that EKLAVYA was
not given admission by GURU DRONACHARYA as he was not
Kshatriya (WARRIOR CASTE).
3. Females were not admitted to the GURUKUL.
4. The Guru’s words were final and the shishya could not argue
or put across his point to the GURU.
5. There was no standard syllabus and conventional evaluation
and examination system.
6. They led a sheltered life at Gurukul and could not know much
about the outside world.