UGC -NET Paper 1 [Higher Education]Ancient Scholars and their Books, Ancient Education Centers & Ancient Universities

 UGC -NET Paper 1 [Higher Education]

Ancient Scholars and their Books, Ancient Education Centers & Ancient Universities

Ancient Indian Scholars and Their Works, Ancient Centers of Education, and Ancient Universities, for UGC NET Paper 1 preparation.

Ancient Indian Scholars and Their Works

1. Pāṇini: Renowned for his work Aṣṭādhyāyī, a comprehensive treatise on Sanskrit grammar.

2. Chanakya (Kauṭilya): Authored the Arthashastra, a seminal text on statecraft, economics, and military strategy.

3. Charaka: Known for the Charaka Samhita, a foundational text in Ayurveda focusing on internal medicine.

4. Sushruta: Wrote the Sushruta Samhita, detailing surgical techniques and procedures, laying the foundation for surgery in Ayurveda.

5. Vyasa: Credited with composing the Mahabharata, one of the longest epic poems, and compiling the Vedas.

Ancient Centers of Education and Universities

1. Takshashila (Taxila):

   • Located in present-day Pakistan, it was a prominent center for learning, attracting students worldwide.
   • Subjects taught included Vedas, grammar, philosophy, medicine, and military science.
   • Notable scholars like Pāṇini and Chanakya were associated with Takshashila.
   • Operated from at least the 5th century BCE until its destruction in the 5th century CE.

2. Nalanda University:

   • Situated in present-day Bihar, India, it was a major Buddhist center of learning from the 5th to 12th centuries CE.
   • Offered studies in various fields, including theology, grammar, logic, astronomy, and medicine.
   • At its zenith, housed over 10,000 students and 2,000 teachers from various countries.
   • Renowned for its vast library, Dharmaganja, comprising hundreds of thousands of volumes.

3. Vikramashila University:

   • Established in the 8th century CE in present-day Bihar, India, by King Dharmapala.
   • Known for its specialized training in Tantric Buddhism (Vajrayana).
   • Had a rigorous admission process, ensuring high academic standards.
   • Destroyed in the 12th century CE during invasions.

4. Valabhi University:

   • Located in present-day Gujarat, India, it flourished between the 6th and 12th centuries CE.
   • Recognized for studies in secular subjects like law, economics, and politics, alongside religious teachings.
   • Attracted students from various regions, contributing to its diverse academic environment.

5. Odantapuri University:

   • Situated in present-day Bihar, India, founded in the 8th century CE.
   • Served as a significant center for Buddhist learning and was considered a precursor to Nalanda.
   • Destroyed in the late 12th century CE during invasions.

Key Points for UGC NET Preparation

• Curriculum: Ancient Indian universities offered a holistic curriculum, including Vedic studies, philosophy, medicine, astronomy, and arts.

• Pedagogy: Emphasized oral transmission of knowledge, debates, and discussions to foster critical thinking.

• Global Influence: These centers attracted international students, facilitating cultural and knowledge exchange.

• Libraries: Institutions like Nalanda had extensive libraries, serving as repositories of vast knowledge.

• Decline: Many of these centers faced decline due to invasions and changing political scenarios, leading to the loss of invaluable manuscripts and knowledge.

Previous Years Questions 

Here are some previous UGC NET Paper 1 questions related to Ancient Indian Scholars, Their Works, and Ancient Educational Institutions, along with their answers and explanations:

Question 1:

Which ancient Indian university was located in modern-day Bihar and was an important center of Buddhist studies?

A) Vikramashila

B) Nalanda

C) Takshashila

D) Mithila

Answer: B) Nalanda

Explanation:

Nalanda University, situated in present-day Bihar, India, was a renowned center for Buddhist studies and attracted scholars from various parts of the world.

Study of Education

Question 2:

Which Indian emperor is credited with founding Nalanda University?

A) Harsha

B) Ashoka

C) Chandragupta Maurya

D) Kumaragupta I

Answer: D) Kumaragupta I

Explanation:

Kumaragupta I of the Gupta dynasty is traditionally credited with establishing Nalanda University in the 5th century CE.

Study of Education

Question 3:

In the ancient Indian education system, learners were given training in which of the following?

A) Vocational skills

B) Spiritual and moral values

C) Civic responsibilities

D) All of the above

Answer: D) All of the above

Explanation:

The ancient Indian education system emphasized holistic development, imparting vocational skills, spiritual and moral values, and civic responsibilities to learners.

Testbook

Question 4:

Which of the following ancient Indian scholars is known for authoring the 'Arthashastra'?

A) Pāṇini

B) Chanakya

C) Charaka

D) Sushruta

Answer: B) Chanakya

Explanation:

Chanakya, also known as Kauṭilya, authored the 'Arthashastra', an ancient Indian treatise on statecraft, economic policy, and military strategy.

Question 5:

Which ancient Indian university was renowned for its specialized training in Tantric Buddhism (Vajrayana)?

A) Nalanda

B) Takshashila

C) Vikramashila

D) Valabhi

Answer: C) Vikramashila

Explanation:

Vikramashila University, established in the 8th century CE in present-day Bihar, India, was known for its specialized training in Tantric Buddhism (Vajrayana).

Ancient Indian Education - UGC NET Questions

Question 1:

Match List I with List II and select the correct answer using the codes given below:

List I (Scholars)	List II (Works)
a) Pāṇini	1) Arthashastra
b) Chanakya	2) Charaka Samhita
c) Charaka	3) Aṣṭādhyāyī
d) Sushruta	4) Sushruta Samhita

Codes:

	a	b	c	d
A)	3	1	2	4
B)	1	3	4	2
C)	2	4	3	1
D)	4	2	1	3

Answer: A) a-3, b-1, c-2, d-4

Pāṇini is known for Aṣṭādhyāyī, Chanakya authored the Arthashastra, Charaka is associated with the Charaka Samhita, and Sushruta wrote the Sushruta Samhita.

Question 2:

Which of the following ancient Indian universities was renowned for its specialized training in Tantric Buddhism (Vajrayana)?

• A) Nalanda
• B) Takshashila
• C) Vikramashila
• D) Valabhi

Answer: C) Vikramashila

Vikramashila University was established in the 8th century CE and specialized in Tantric Buddhism (Vajrayana).

Additional Resources:

For more information and additional practice questions, visit: Apni University - Ancient Universities