How Was Ancient Indian Education Better Than The Current Education System In India, Influenced By The British And Western Education System?

Ancient Indian education is characterized by its holistic, value-based, and individualized nature and, in many respects, was superior to the modern style of education in India, which is strongly colored by British and Western education influences. Some of the reasons are enumerated in this article.

1. Holistic Development and Moral Foundation
   The Gurukul-based ancient Indian system placed its main focus on the all-around growth of human beings: intellectual, physical, moral, and spiritual. Education did not confine itself to scholarly-related studies; education also involved morality on humility, discipline, truthfulness, self-sufficiency, respect for life (all living beings) and responsibility to self, family, and society. Values of morality and ethics were also incorporated, and teachers (gurus) acted as academic and ethical advisors. Conversely, the contemporary system has put more focus on academic attainment, standardized tests, and skills favored by employers, and in many cases, moral and ethical instruction takes a backseat. Although they continue to talk about values, they are not as central to the curriculum.
2. Personalized and Deep Learning
   The Indian education in ancient times was individualistic. The students lived with the teachers, studied at their own pace, and were able to get guidance in areas and subjects that they were interested in or which piqued their interest. Instructors used techniques of storytelling, debating, discussing, chanting, and everyday rehearsal to promote critical thinking and in-depth comprehension. Vocational knowledge was as highly appreciated as scientific knowledge, and personal observations were emphasized much more than in theoretical knowledge. The present system, which was influenced by Western and colonial powers, is more institutionalized and standardized.
3. Broad Curriculum and Integration of Physical, Artistic, and Vocational Skills
   The early-age syllabus was broader and multi-dimensional, included Vedas, mathematics, sciences, medicine, astronomy, philosophy, art, music, war mobilization and even physical-education. Yoga, games, and archery were some of the activities engaged in daily to promote mental and physical well-being. There were also other skills such as animal husbandry and crafts which were taught in order to ensure the students were ready to face life in the real world. The modern system, however, leans towards the compartmentalization of subjects, and fewer arts, physical education, and vocational skills are now integrated into core subjects.
4. Free and Accessible Education
   Ancient Indian education was primarily a community-based, free educational system by society. Students of all kinds were welcomed in gurukuls and ashrams, and teachers were loved and honored by goodwill and charity. Though there were certain social constraints, the concept was to enable learning to become affordable and non-profit-based. Conversely, the contemporary system has frequently been associated with high expenditure, whereby the private schooling and coaching classes have become the norm. Economic or social barriers can also limit access.
5. Teacher-Student Relationship and Community Living
   The teacher-student bond was the main focus and was marked with mutual respect and affection, and a feeling of family. Teachers lived among the students, creating strong and ongoing relationships, learning throughout. It was common to find peer learning and mentoring where advanced students would mentor juniors. The current system has a more formal and transactional relationship, and there is less personal interaction beyond the classroom.
6. Emphasis on Self-discipline and Character Building
   The ancient education was a process that instigated self-discipline, self-control, and moral ideals of high character. And the purpose of this was to train students to lead a simple and disciplined life, often in the form of work and service, which in turn brought about a sense of responsibility and humility. Contemporary education, although it does not neglect discipline, tends to concentrate more on external discipline (school rules, uniform, schedule) than on internal character-building.

Conclusion
Ancient Indian education achieved tremendous success in molding wholesome, morally competent, and practically proficient individuals by means of personal edification, value-based, and practical learning within the community. Although the present system is so evolved in terms of technology and scientific knowledge, the current system lacks the depth of personal attention, moral focus, and the holistic development that was the hallmark of the ancient system.