Britannica AI Icon

gurukula

Indian system of education
Also known as: gurukul

Quick Summary

The gurukula system was a traditional form of education in ancient India where students lived with their teacher, known as a guru. This tutorial method was crucial for transmitting knowledge, particularly of the Vedas, from guru to pupil. The pupil served the guru with devotion, and in return, received free education, boarding, and lodging.123

This system emphasized oral teachings and personal guidance from the guru, who was considered a spiritual teacher and sometimes even identified with the deity. The curriculum included Vedic hymns and auxiliary sciences like grammar and phonetics. The gurukula system was a significant part of the Hindu tradition of education.143

Summary created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

Ask Britannica AI about this topic

Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.