Vol. 3, Issue 7, Part F (2017)

Abstract
The main concept of education of Early India has been that it is a source of illumination that gives a correct lead in various spheres of life. Knowledge is thus the third eye of man, which provides insight into all affairs and teaches him how to act. As per classical tradition “sa vidya ya vimuktaye” (that which liberates us is education). He, who is possessed of supreme knowledge by concentration of mind, must have his senses under control, like spirited steeds controlled by a charioteer. Infusion of spirit of a piety and religiousness, formation of character, development of personality, and inculcation of civic and social duties, promotion of social efficiency and preservation and spread of national culture were the basic aims and ideals of Early Indian Educational system. The ideal of education has been grand, noble and high in early India. Its purpose according to Herbert Spencer is the proper training of completeness of life and the mouldering of character of man and woman for the battle of life. The history of educational institution in Early India shows how old is her cultural history. It points to a long historical tradition, the early age being rural not urban. The realization of the ultimate reality was the ideal of India. Material progress was never the end in itself but was considered as a mean to the realization of the end. Apara vidya dealing with material progress could never bring peace. It appears that the aim of education in Early India was not only `material progress but also spiritual growth’ (Para vidya).