HITOPADEŚA AS AN ANCIENT SOURCE OF VALUE-BASED EDUCATION

Abstract

This study investigates the classical Sanskrit text Hitopadeśa (हितोपदेशः) as a pioneering source of value-based education in ancient India. Recognized for its narrative richness and didactic purpose, Hitopadeśa occupies a vital position in the moral and intellectual formation of Indian civilization. This falls into the category of fable story of Sanskrit Literature. This explores how the text conveys ethical principles, civic values, and life-oriented wisdom through fables and maxims, and how its pedagogical strategies align with modern educational frameworks. By critically examining its thematic structure, method of instruction, and enduring relevance, the study proposes pathways to integrate Hitopadeśa within the modern education system—particularly under India’s National Education Policy (NEP). The findings affirm that Hitopadeśa not only imparts timeless moral values but also offers a sustainable model for narrative-based learning suited to contemporary needs.