GURUKUL
The word gurukul is derived from guru (teacher) and kula (extended family). This system was residential in nature with the shishya and the Guru living in proximity in the same house. The students resided together irrespective of their social standing, learning from the guru and helping him in his day-to-day life.
A samskar ceremony ‘Upanayana’ was done for students before the age of 8 or latest by 12. From initiation until the age of 25 all students had to remain unmarried. The teachers imparted education to their students according to the latter's interests, tendencies and nature. Besides the pronunciation of the Vedas and their implication, phonology, metrics,
elementary grammar, and etymology were also taught. The gurukula was supported by public donation.The guru did not receive any fees from the shishya. At the end of studies, a shishya offers the gurudakshina - a traditional gesture of acknowledgment, respect and thanks to the guru.
The ancient universities of Nalanda, Takshashilla, Vikramshilla, Kanchipuram were based on gurukul system of education. The students imbibed noble qualities under the Guru's guidance, became aware of the responsiblities towards the society and applied the learnings in the subsequent stages of their lives. Knowledge and culture was preserved well through the Gurukula tradition.
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