THE UNIFYING PRINCIPLE: A STUDY OF DHARMA IN EDUCATIONAL SYSTEM OF ANCIENT INDIA

Abstract

This paper explores the central and multifaceted role of Dharma in the educational system of ancient India. Going beyond the conceptualization of education as mere acquisition of knowledge, this paper argues that Dharma serves as the foundational philosophy and ultimate purpose and guiding principle for the entire educational process. Through an analysis of primary textual sources such as the Vedas, Upanishads and Dharma Sutras as well as secondary scholarly works, this paper describes how the concepts of Dharma - duty, righteousness, moral law and cosmic order - were intricately woven into the aims, curriculum, student-teacher relationships and lifestyle of educational institutions, especially the Gurukul. This paper examines the fourfold aim of life (Purasartha) with Dharma as its foundation and shows how education was designed to equip individuals to pursue Artha (wealth) and Kama (desire) without violating this principled foundation, which ultimately leads them to moksha (liberation). It further analyses educational methods, including sacred initiation (Upanayana), holistic curriculum and guru-shishya Parampara (teacher-discipline tradition) as processes of internalization of Dharma. This latest paper examines the enduring relevance of this integrated model in contemporary educational discourse, which often grapples with the dichotomy between intellectual and moral development.