17, February 2025

Teacher-Student Relationship in The Ancient Indian Education System: A Historical Perspective

Author(s): Dr. Reetu Sharma

Authors Affiliations:

 Associate Professor, Leelawati Munshi College of Education

HOD, Department of Commerce, Management & Economics

Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan College, Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, K.G. Marg, New Delhi

DOIs:10.2015/IJIRMF/202502005     |     Paper ID: IJIRMF202502005


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The guru-shishya tradition, a hallmark of ancient Indian education, represents a profound and comprehensive approach to learning that integrates intellectual, ethical and spiritual development. This paper explores the multifaceted dynamics of the guru-shishya relationship, which was central to the educational framework of ancient India. Through an examination of historical texts and scholarly interpretations, the study highlights the roles and responsibilities of both the guru (teacher) and the shishya (student), as well as the methods of instruction employed within this tradition. The guru’s role as a mentor and spiritual guide, combined with the shishya’s responsibilities of reverence, dedication and service, reflects the reciprocal nature of this educational relationship. Key instructional methods, such as oral transmission, debates and practical application, were integral to the holistic development of students. Despite challenges such as limited access and hierarchical rigidity, the guru-shishya tradition has left an enduring legacy, continuing to influence contemporary educational philosophies and practices. This paper aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the guru-shishya tradition, its philosophical foundations and its impact on the cultural and educational landscape of ancient India.
Guru-Shishya Tradition, Ancient Indian Education, Teacher-Student Relationship, Vedic Education,

Dr. Reetu Sharma (2025); Teacher-Student Relationship in The Ancient Indian Education System: A Historical Perspective,  International Journal for Innovative Research in Multidisciplinary Field, ISSN(O): 2455-0620, Vol-11, Issue-2, Pp.24-29.          Available on –   https://www.ijirmf.com/

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