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Gurukul Education in Ancient India (800 BCE): Student Life, Values & Daily Routine

  Education in Ancient India – The Gurukul System Around 800 BCE Education in ancient India was not just about reading scriptures or learning discipline—it was a way of living . Around 800 BCE , the Gurukul system flourished across forests, small settlements, and hermitages, offering a rare blend of knowledge, spirituality, skills, and character-building . While modern education focuses on degrees, Gurukul focused on life , turning children into responsible, emotionally grounded, and wise adults. Let’s walk into a Gurukul and live one day as a student of 800 BCE… Living With the Guru — A Family Beyond Blood Students (called shishyas ) lived in the hermitage of their teacher, the Guru . There were no school buildings, benches, or classrooms. Instead, there were: mud huts open courtyards sacred fire altars (yajna kunda) libraries of palm-leaf manuscripts and forests filled with birds and the fragrance of sandalwood The Guru was not just a teacher—he was a p...
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The Rise of British Power in India

 


1. Background and Geographical Discoveries

India was globally renowned for its wealth and cultural heritage. Trade with Europe passed through Constantinople until its capture by the Turks in 1453 closed the route. This pushed Europeans to search for a new sea passage. With Portuguese support, explorers like Vasco da Gama finally reached Calicut in 1498, opening direct trade with India.

2. Arrival of the British

The Portuguese first dominated trade, followed by the Dutch and Danes. In 1600, the British East India Company was formed. After initial struggles, Mughal Emperor Jahangir granted them trading rights, and their first factory was set up in Surat in 1608.

3. The Battle of Plassey (1757)

The Company clashed with Nawab Siraj-ud-Daulah, who opposed their fortification in Bengal. Robert Clive conspired with Mir Jafar, leading to the Nawab’s defeat. The victory gave the Company control of 24 parganas and marked the start of political dominance.

4. The Battle of Buxar (1764)

Mir Qasim, Shuja-ud-Daula, and Shah Alam II allied against the Company. The British victory at Buxar expanded their control over Bengal, Bihar, and Orissa, cementing their rule.

5. Development of Company Governance

The Regulating Act of 1773 brought the Company under British Parliament oversight. Warren Hastings became the first Governor-General. His rule saw major wars against the Marathas and Mysore, expanding British influence.

6. Economic Effects of Company Rule

  • India shifted from a manufacturer of fine goods to a supplier of raw materials.

  • Bengal’s textile prosperity collapsed.

  • Heavy taxation ruined farmers.

  • Traditional artisans and weavers lost livelihoods.

  • Villages that were once self-sufficient fell into poverty.

  • Infrastructure such as railways, ports, and steamboats emerged, benefiting British trade.

7. Social and Educational Impact

  • Reformers like Raja Ram Mohan Roy fought against sati, child marriage, and superstitions.

  • English education, introduced under Macaulay and Charles Wood’s plan, created a new middle class.

  • The educated class later demanded social reforms and political rights, sowing seeds of nationalism.

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