HOLISTIC EDUCATION IN ANCIENT INDIA WITHIN THE FRAMEWORK OF INDIAN KNOWLEDGE SYSTEM

Abstract

In ancient India, holistic education is deeply interconnected with the framework of Indian Knowledge System (IKS) that focused more on comprehensive approaches of learning. It integrates values, ethics, real-life experiences, spiritual knowledge and community engagement to nurture overall personality development of the individuals that helps to balance their lives. This framework of education which evident in the ancient institutions such as Nalanda, Vikramshila and Takshashila aimed to foster not only cognitive development of the individuals but also inculcate ethical and moral values reflecting the all-encompassing character of education at the time. These institutions provided diverse disciplines like philosophy, science, mathematics, and astronomy and arts education for promoting well-rounded education. Ancient texts like Vedas, Upanishads and Bhagavad Gita emphasizes that education as a transforming process that goes beyond knowledge acquisition to the awareness of self and universal truth. The Indian Knowledge System is rooted in the belief that knowledge is interconnected, encompassing spiritual, intellectual, and practical dimensions. The goal of holistic education was to develop the overall personality of the individual while encouraging a sense of belonging and accountability towards society. NEP 2020 aims to revitalized Indian Knowledge Systems by integrating traditional knowledge with contemporary teaching methods to improve students' holistic development. Addressing the ethical gap in modern education requires a focus on moral principles and cultural heritage. Yoga, meditation and moral values were incorporated to cultivate self-discipline, critical thinking, and inner awareness. This chapter examines how holistic educational objectives specifically the development of 21st-century skills and sustainable living was aligned with comprehensive education in ancient India. The study highlights the importance of Indian Knowledge System, contemporary educational systems and promotes its integration to support inclusive, value-based, and learner-cantered education in the current period by re-examining these conventional paradigms.