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{{Short description|ancient Indian education system}}
{{Short description|Traditional Indian religious education system}}
{{Italic title}}
{{Italic title}}
{{More citations needed|date=July 2017}}
[[File:Parmarth4.jpg|thumb|upright 1.2|[[Guru]] teaching students in a gurukul]]


[[File:Parmarth4.jpg|thumb|upright 1.2|Guru teaching students in a gurukula]]
A '''{{lang|sa-Latn|gurukula}}''' ({{langx|sa|गुरुकुलम्|gurukula}}) is a traditional system of religious education in [[India]] with {{lang|sa-Latn|[[Shishya|śiṣya]]}} ('students' or 'disciples') living near or with the [[guru]].<ref>{{cite book |editor1=Yin Cheong Cheng |editor2=Kwok Tung Tsui |editor3=King Wai Chow|editor4=Magdalena Mo Ching Mok | year=2002| title=Subject Teaching and Teacher Education in the New Century: Research and Innovation | publisher=[[SpringSikhism|Sikh]]}}</ref>


A '''{{lang|sa-Latn|gurukula}}''' or '''{{lang|sa-Latn|gurukulam}}''' ({{lang-sa|गुरुकुल|gurukula}}) is a type of education system in [[ancient India]] with {{lang|sa-Latn|shishya}} ('students' or 'disciples') living near or with the [[guru]], in the same house.<ref>{{cite book |editor=Yin Cheong Cheng |editor2=Kwok Tung Tsui |editor3=King Wai Chow|editor4=Magdalena Mo Ching Mok | year=2002| title=Subject Teaching and Teacher Education in the New Century: Research and Innovation | publisher=Springer |isbn=978-962-949-060-7 |page=194}}</ref> The [[guru-shishya tradition]] is a sacred one in [[Hinduism]] and possibly appears in other [[Dharma|dharmas]] in India, such as [[Jainism]] and [[Buddhism]]. (In the [[Sikhism|Sikh]] tradition by contrast, the word [[Guru Granth Sahib|Guru]] has a very restricted use and not generally applied to individual teachers, while the institution of [[Gurdwara]] has a major social role instead of a monastic one.) The word {{lang|sa-Latn|gurukula}} is a combination of the Sanskrit words {{lang|sa-Latn|guru}} ('teacher' or 'master') and {{lang|sa-Latn|[[Kaula (Hinduism)|kula]]}} ('family' or 'home').<ref name=ITGurugram/><ref name=Edu1>{{Cite journal|url=https://www.academia.edu/4378166/Gurukula_A_Family_with_Difference_An_Exposition_of_the_Ancient_Indian_System_of_Education|title=Gurukula: A Family with Difference - An Exposition of the Ancient Indian System of Education|first=Kurian|last=Kachappilly|via=www.academia.edu}}</ref> The term is also used today to refer to residential monasteries or schools operated by modern gurus.<ref>{{Cite news |url= https://www.jagran.com/uttar-pradesh/varanasi-city-14292578.html |title=नित्यानंद ने 70 लोगों को दी दीक्षा |trans-title=Nithyananda initiated 70 people |work=Dainik Jagran |access-date=7 April 2018 |language=hi |quote=... [C]hildren of Swami Nithyananda's gurukul school demonstrated ....]}}</ref>  The proper plural of the term is {{lang|sa-Latn|gurukulam}}, though ''gurukulas'' and ''gurukuls'' are also used in English and some other [[Western world|Western]] languages.
==Etymology==
The word Gurukulam is a classical Sanskrit compound. Its etymology is straightforward, formed by a [[tatpuruṣa]] (determinative) compound of two distinct elements: guru (गुरु) and kula (कुल).<ref name="Edu1">{{Cite web|url=https://www.academia.edu/4378166|title=Gurukula: A Family with Difference – An Exposition of the Ancient Indian System of Education|first=Kurian|last=Kachappilly|via=academia.edu}}</ref>


The students learn from the guru and help the guru in his everyday life, including carrying out of mundane daily household chores. However, some scholars suggest that the activities are not mundane and very essential part of the education to inculcate self-discipline among students.<ref name=":0">{{Cite journal|last=Joshi|first=Ankur|last2=Gupta|first2=Rajen K.|date=July 2017|title=Elementary education in Bharat (that is India): insights from a postcolonial ethnographic study of a Gurukul|url=http://www.inderscience.com/info/inarticle.php?artid=85390|journal=International Journal of Indian Culture and Business Management|volume=15 |issue=1|pages=100–120}}</ref> Typically, a guru does not receive or accept any fees from the {{lang|sa-Latn|shishya}} studying with him as the relationship between a guru and the shishya is considered very sacred.<ref>{{Cite journal|last=Joshi|first=Ankur|last2=Bindlish|first2=Puneet|last3=Verma|first3=Pawan Kumar|date=2014-12-01|title=A Post-colonial Perspective towards Education in Bharat|journal=Vision|volume=18|issue=4|pages=359–363|doi=10.1177/0972262914552171|issn=0972-2629}}</ref>
The first part, guru (गुरु), is a noun meaning "teacher," "master," or "preceptor".<ref>{{cite encyclopedia |title=Guru |encyclopedia=Encyclopædia Britannica |url=https://www.britannica.com/topic/guru-Hinduism |access-date=27 February 2026}}</ref><ref>{{cite encyclopedia |year=2006 |title=guru |encyclopedia=The Brill Dictionary of Religion |publisher=Brill |url=https://referenceworks.brillonline.com/entries/brill-dictionary-of-religion/guru-SIM_00030 |access-date=27 February 2026 |quote=Derived from the Sanskrit root for 'heavy,' 'mighty,' guru denotes an outstanding religious personality and teacher}}</ref> In the context of ancient Indian traditions, it specifically denotes a spiritual guide or a venerable teacher of sacred knowledge.<ref>{{cite encyclopedia |title=Guru |encyclopedia=Encyclopædia Britannica |url=https://www.britannica.com/topic/guru-Hinduism |access-date=27 February 2026}}</ref>


At the end of one's education, a {{lang|sa-Latn|shishya}} offers the guru {{lang|sa-Latn|[[dakshina]]}} before leaving the gurukula.<ref name=Edu1/> The {{lang|sa-Latn|gurudakshina}} is a traditional gesture of acknowledgment, respect and thanks to the guru, which may be monetary, but may also be a special task the teacher wants the student to accomplish.<ref name=Edu1/> While living in a {{lang|sa-Latn|gurukula}}, the students would be away from their home from a period of months to years at a stretch.
== History ==
[[File:Arya Samaj Gurukul School boys performing Homa ritual 1915.jpg|thumb|Arya Samaj Gurukul School boys performing [[Homa (ritual)|Homa ritual]] (1915)]]
{{See also|Sanskrit and Vedic learning}}
 
===Ancient times===
The {{lang|sa-Latn|gurukula}} system of education has been in existence since ancient times. The [[Upanishads]] (1000-800 BCE) mention multiple {{lang|sa-Latn|gurukulas}}, including that of guru [[Drona]] at [[Gurgaon]].<ref name=ITGurugram>{{Cite web|url=https://www.indiatimes.com/news/did-you-know-the-true-story-behind-gurugram-253390.html|title=Did You Know The True Story Behind Gurugram?|date=April 13, 2016|website=IndiaTimes}}</ref> The {{lang|sa-Latn|Bhrigu Valli}} (a discourse on the [[Brahman]]) is said to have taken place in Guru Varuni's {{lang|sa-Latn|gurukula}}. The vedic school of thought prescribes the {{lang|sa-Latn|[[Upanayana]]}} (sacred rite of passage) to all individuals before the age of 8 at least by 12. From initiation until the age of 25 all individuals are prescribed to be students and to remain unmarried, as celibates.
 
{{lang|sa-Latn|Gurukulas}} were supported by public donations. This was followed by the many following Vedic thoughts making gurukul one of the earliest forms of public school centres.


== History ==
===18th century and colonial period===
{{Main article|Dharampal#Relevance}}


[[File:Arya Samaj Gurukul School boys performing Homa ritual 1915.jpg|thumb|Arya Samaj Gurukul School boys performing [[Homa (ritual)|Homa ritual]] (1915)]]
[[Dharampal]] was instrumental in changing the understanding of pre-colonial [[Education in India|Indian education system]].<ref>{{cite web |last=Kakkar|first=Ankur|date=2019-02-19|title=Remembering Dharampal's Seminal Contribution|url=https://indiafacts.org/remembering-dharampals-seminal-contribution/|access-date=2020-12-27|website=IndiaFacts|language=en-US}}</ref><ref name=":0" /> Dharampal primary works are based on documentation by the [[British Raj|colonial government]] on Indian education, agriculture, technology, and arts during the period of colonial rule in India.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.indictoday.com/reviews/dharampals-the-beautiful-tree-indigenous-traditional-indian-education-in-the-eighteenth-century/|title=Dharampal's 'The Beautiful Tree: Indigenous Indian Education in the Eighteenth Century|date=22 December 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal |url=https://www.journals.uchicago.edu/doi/abs/10.1086/446501?journalCode=cer|title=Comparative Education Review Volume 29, Number 1 Feb. 1985|journal=Comparative Education Review|date=February 1985|volume=29|issue=1|pages=137–140|doi=10.1086/446501|last1=Basu|first1=Aparna|url-access=subscription}}</ref> His pioneering historical research, conducted intensively over a decade, provides evidence from extensive early British administrators’ reports of the widespread prevalence of indigenous educational institutions in Bombay, Bengal and Madras Presidencies as well as in the Punjab, teaching a sophisticated curriculum, with daily school attendance by about 30% of children aged 6–15.<ref>{{cite book |title=The Beautiful Tree: Indigenous Indian Education in the Eighteenth Century |date=1995 |publisher=Keerthi Publishing House |language=en}}</ref>


The {{lang|sa-Latn|gurukula}} system of education has been in existence since ancient times. The [[Upanishads]] (1000-800 BCE) mention multiple {{lang|sa-Latn|gurukulam}}, including that of guru [[Drona]] at [[Gurgaon]].<ref name=ITGurugram>{{Cite web|url=https://www.indiatimes.com/news/did-you-know-the-true-story-behind-gurugram-253390.html|title=Did You Know The True Story Behind Gurugram?|date=April 13, 2016|website=IndiaTimes}}</ref> The {{lang|sa-Latn|Bhrigu Valli}} (a discourse on the [[Brahman]]) is said to have taken place in Guru Varuni's {{lang|sa-Latn|gurukula}}. The vedic school of thought prescribes the {{lang|sa-Latn|gurukula|[[Upanayana]]}} (sacred rite of passage) to all individuals before the age of 8 at least by 12. From initiation until the age of 25 all individuals are prescribed to be students and to remain unmarried, a celibate.
=== Revival of the {{lang|sa-Latn|Gurukul}} system ===
By the colonial era, the  system was on a steep decline in India. [[Dayananda Saraswati]], the founder of [[Arya Samaj]] and [[Swami Shraddhanand]], were the pioneers of the modern {{lang|sa-Latn|gurukula}} system, who in 1886 founded now-widespread [[D.A.V. College Managing Committee|Dayanand Anglo-Vedic Public Schools and Universities]].<ref name=arya1>Gurukula Patrika, April–July, 1940-41, Ank 10, (12 June 1940), P.1</ref><ref name=arya2>Madalsa Ujjwal, 2008, "Swami Dayanand Saraswati Life and Ideas", Book Treasure Publications, Jodhpur, PP.96-97</ref><ref name=arya3>Gunjun H. Shakshi, 1971, "Social and Humanistic Life in India", Abhinav Publications, Delhi, PP.122-124.</ref>


{{lang|sa-Latn|Gurukulam}} were supported by public donations. This was followed by the many following Vedic thoughts making gurukula one of the earliest forms of public school centres.
In 1948, Shastriji Maharaj Shree Dharamjivan das Swami followed suit and initiated first Swaminarayan {{lang|sa-Latn|gurukul}} in [[Rajkot]] in [[Gujarat]] state of [[India]]. Recently, several {{lang|sa-Latn|gurukulam}} have opened up in India as well as overseas with a desire to uphold tradition.


== Revival of the {{lang|sa-Latn|gurukula}} system ==
Various {{lang|sa-Latn|gurukulas}} still exist in India, and researchers have been studying the effectiveness of the system through those institutions.<ref name=":0" /> With the advent of new means of [[mass communication]], many [[guru]]s and [[Vedanta|Vedantic]] scholars are opening E-gurukul. These gurukuls are operating online and are now imparting knowledge about different [[Hindu texts|Hindu scriptures]] using the internet.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/allahabad/online-drive-promoting-vedas-vedic-education/articleshow/78414983.cms|title=Online drive promoting Vedas, Vedic education &#124; Allahabad News - Times of India|website=The Times of India|date=October 2020 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=GRD Iyers Home|url=https://grdiyers.weebly.com/|access-date=2021-03-16|website=GRD IYERS GURUCOOL|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Gurukul Online – Learn Vedic knowledge at your own place|url=https://gurukulonline.net/|access-date=2021-03-16|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Sharma|first=Yatendra|date=2020-06-03|title=RSS affiliate starts online Vedic Mathematics course for students|url=https://thedailyguardian.com/rss-affiliate-starts-online-vedic-mathematics-course-for-students/|access-date=2021-03-16|website=The Daily Guardian|language=en-US}}</ref>


By the colonial era, the {{lang|sa-Latn|gurukula}} system was on a steep decline in India. [[Dayananda Saraswati]], the founder of [[Arya Samaj]] and [[Swami Shraddhanand]], were the pioneers of the modern {{lang|sa-Latn|gurukula}} system, who in 1886 founded now-widespread [[D.A.V. College Managing Committee|Dayanand Anglo-Vedic Public Schools and Universities]].<ref name=arya1>Gurukula Patrika, April–July, 1940-41, Ank 10, (12 June 1940), P.1</ref><ref name=arya2>Madalsa Ujjwal, 2008, "Swami Dayanand Saraswati Life and Ideas", Book Treasure Publications, Jodhpur, PP.96-97</ref><ref name=arya3>Gunjun H. Shakshi, 1971, "Social and Humanistic Life in India",  Abhinav Publications, Delhi, PP.122-124.</ref>
In 1990, Shrii Shrii Anandamurtiji founded Ananda Marga gurukula with its headquarters at Anandanagar, Dist Purulia, [[West Bengal]], India and its branches all over the globe. {www.gurukul.edu} He nominated Acharya Shambhushivananda Avadhuta as its kulapati (chancellor) and formed a skeletal structure for spreading "neohumanist education" all over the globe.


In 1948, Shastriji Maharaj Shree Dharamjivan das Swami followed suit and initiated first Swaminarayan {{lang|sa-Latn|gurukula}} in [[Rajkot]] in [[Gujarat]] state of [[India]]. Recently, several {{lang|sa-Latn|gurukulam}} have opened up in India as well as overseas with a desire to uphold tradition.
==Education==
The students learn from the guru and help the guru in his everyday life, including carrying out of mundane daily household chores. However, some scholars suggest that the activities are not mundane and very essential part of the education to inculcate self-discipline among students.<ref name=":0">{{Cite journal|last1=Joshi|first1=Ankur|last2=Gupta|first2=Rajen K.|date=July 2017|title=Elementary education in Bharat (that is India): insights from a postcolonial ethnographic study of a Gurukul|url=https://www.inderscience.com/info/inarticle.php?artid=85390|journal=International Journal of Indian Culture and Business Management|volume=15 |issue=1|pages=100–120|doi=10.1504/IJICBM.2017.085390|url-access=subscription}}</ref> Typically, a guru does not receive or accept any fees from the {{lang|sa-Latn|shishya}} studying with him as the relationship between a guru and the shishya is considered very sacred.<ref>{{Cite journal|last1=Joshi|first1=Ankur|last2=Bindlish|first2=Puneet|last3=Verma|first3=Pawan Kumar|date=2014-12-01|title=A Post-colonial Perspective towards Education in Bharat|journal=Vision: The Journal of Business Perspective|volume=18|issue=4|pages=359–363|doi=10.1177/0972262914552171|s2cid=144782215|issn=0972-2629}}</ref>


Various {{lang|sa-Latn|gurukulas}} still exist in India, and researchers have been studying the effectiveness of the system through those institutions.<ref name=":0" /> With the advent of new means of [[mass communication]], many [[guru]]s and Vedantic scholars are opening E-Gurukula. These gurukulas are operating online and are now imparting knowledge about different [[Hindu texts|Hindu scriptures]] using the internet. Most of these gurukulas are breaking traditional bounds by allowing women to get access to knowledge about the scriptures and [[Vedas]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/allahabad/online-drive-promoting-vedas-vedic-education/articleshow/78414983.cms|title=Online drive promoting Vedas, Vedic education &#124; Allahabad News - Times of India|website=The Times of India}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=GRD Iyers Home|url=https://grdiyers.weebly.com/|access-date=2021-03-16|website=GRD IYERS GURUCOOL|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Gurukul Online – Learn Vedic knowledge at your own place|url=https://gurukulonline.net/|access-date=2021-03-16|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Sharma|first=Yatendra|date=2020-06-03|title=RSS affiliate starts online Vedic Mathematics course for students|url=https://thedailyguardian.com/rss-affiliate-starts-online-vedic-mathematics-course-for-students/|access-date=2021-03-16|website=The Daily Guardian|language=en-US}}</ref>
At the end of one's education, a {{lang|sa-Latn|shishya}} offers the guru {{lang|sa-Latn|[[dakshina]]}} before leaving the gurukula.<ref name=Edu1/> The {{lang|sa-Latn|gurudakshina}} is a traditional gesture of acknowledgment, respect and thanks to the guru, which may be monetary, but may also be a special task the teacher wants the student to accomplish.<ref name=Edu1/> While living in a {{lang|sa-Latn|gurukula}}, the students would be away from their home from a period of months to years at a stretch.
Through Gurukul, students used to learn self discipline, politeness, good humanism and spirituality that would assist them to be an enlightened person in the future.


== Scholarly works on Gurukul ==
== Scholarly works on Gurukul ==
 
* [[Dharampal]] a Gandhiain Scholar authored a book titled The beautiful tree: Indigenous Indian education in the eighteenth century<ref>{{Cite book|author=DHARAMPAL|url=https://archive.org/details/TheBeautifulTree-Dharampal|title=THE BEAUTIFUL TREE - DHARAMPAL|language=English}}</ref>
* [[Dharampal]] a Gandhiain Scholar authored a book titled The beautiful tree: Indigenous Indian education in the eighteenth century<ref>{{Cite book|author=DHARAMPAL|url=http://archive.org/details/TheBeautifulTree-Dharampal|title=THE BEAUTIFUL TREE - DHARAMPAL|language=English}}</ref>
* Prof. Marmar Mukhopadhayay compiled a book titled Total Quality Management in Education deriving insights from ancient education system.<ref>{{Cite book|last=Mukhopadhyay|first=Marmar|url=http://dx.doi.org/10.4135/9789353885977|title=Total Quality Management in Education|date=2020|publisher=SAGE Publications Pvt Ltd|isbn=978-93-5388-281-5|location=New Delhi |doi=10.4135/9789353885977|s2cid=107904632}}</ref> He also devised concept of Multi-Channel Learning based on Gurukul Pedagogy.<ref>{{Cite journal|last1=Mukhopadhyay|first1=Marmar|last2=Parhar|first2=Madhu|date=November 2001|title=Instructional design in multi-channel learning system|url=http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/1467-8535.00224|journal=British Journal of Educational Technology|volume=32|issue=5|pages=543–556|doi=10.1111/1467-8535.00224|issn=0007-1013|url-access=subscription}}</ref>
* Prof. Marmar Mukhopadhayay complied a book titled Total Quality Management in Education deriving insights from ancient education system.<ref>{{Cite book|last=Mukhopadhyay|first=Marmar|url=http://dx.doi.org/10.4135/9789353885977|title=Total Quality Management in Education|date=2020|publisher=SAGE Publications Pvt Ltd|isbn=978-93-5388-281-5|location=B1/I-1 Mohan Cooperative Industrial Area, Mathura Road New Delhi 110 044}}</ref> He also devised concept of Multi-Channel Learning based on Gurukul Pedagogy.<ref>{{Cite journal|last=Mukhopadhyay|first=Marmar|last2=Parhar|first2=Madhu|date=November 2001|title=Instructional design in multi‐channel learning system|url=http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/1467-8535.00224|journal=British Journal of Educational Technology|volume=32|issue=5|pages=543–556|doi=10.1111/1467-8535.00224|issn=0007-1013}}</ref>
* Ankur Joshi authored a research papers titled - Elementary education in Bharat (that is India): insights from a postcolonial ethnographic study of a Gurukul,<ref>{{Cite journal|last1=Joshi|first1=Ankur|last2=Gupta|first2=Rajen K.|date=2017|title=Elementary education in Bharat (that is India): insights from a postcolonial ethnographic study of a Gurukul|url=http://dx.doi.org/10.1504/ijicbm.2017.085390|journal=International Journal of Indian Culture and Business Management|volume=15|issue=1|pages=100|doi=10.1504/ijicbm.2017.085390|issn=1753-0806|url-access=subscription}}</ref> A post-colonial perspective towards education in Bharat,<ref>{{Cite journal|last1=Joshi|first1=Ankur|last2=Bindlish|first2=Puneet|last3=Verma|first3=Pawan Kumar|date=December 2014|title=A Post-colonial Perspective towards Education in Bharat|url=http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/0972262914552171|journal=Vision: The Journal of Business Perspective|volume=18|issue=4|pages=359–363|doi=10.1177/0972262914552171|s2cid=144782215|issn=0972-2629|url-access=subscription}}</ref> and Delivering holistic education for contemporary times: Banasthali Vidyapith and the Gurukula system.<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Sukhada |first1=N.A. |last2=Dhital |first2=Vishwanath |last3=Joshi |first3=Ankur |last4=Nandram |first4=Sharda S. |date=2021 |title=Delivering holistic education for contemporary times: Banasthali Vidyapith and the Gurukula system |url=http://dx.doi.org/10.1504/ijbg.2021.10041910 |journal=International Journal of Business and Globalisation |volume=29 |issue=2 |pages=222 |doi=10.1504/ijbg.2021.10041910 |s2cid=239219043 |issn=1753-3627|url-access=subscription }}</ref>
* Ankur Joshi authored a research papers titled - Elementary education in Bharat (that is India): insights from a postcolonial ethnographic study of a Gurukul<ref>{{Cite journal|last=Joshi|first=Ankur|last2=Gupta|first2=Rajen K.|date=2017|title=Elementary education in Bharat (that is India): insights from a postcolonial ethnographic study of a Gurukul|url=http://dx.doi.org/10.1504/ijicbm.2017.085390|journal=International Journal of Indian Culture and Business Management|volume=15|issue=1|pages=100|doi=10.1504/ijicbm.2017.085390|issn=1753-0806}}</ref> and  A post-colonial perspective towards education in Bharat.<ref>{{Cite journal|last=Joshi|first=Ankur|last2=Bindlish|first2=Puneet|last3=Verma|first3=Pawan Kumar|date=December 2014|title=A Post-colonial Perspective towards Education in Bharat|url=http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/0972262914552171|journal=Vision: The Journal of Business Perspective|volume=18|issue=4|pages=359–363|doi=10.1177/0972262914552171|issn=0972-2629}}</ref>


== Out of India ==
== Out of India ==
The Gurukulam system of education is available outside of India as well.   
The gurukula system of education is available outside of India as well.   
They are known as Gurukula.
They are known as gurukul.


=== In Belgium ===
=== In Belgium ===
At the [[Jain Culture Center of Antwerp]], children between the ages of 8 till 16 study [[Indian mathematics#Vedic period|Vedic mathematics]], [[Art]], [[Music]], as well as [[Jyotishi|Vedic Astrology, Jyotishi]], [[Sanskrit]] and [[Yoga]].
At the [[Jain Culture Center of Antwerp]], children between the ages of 8 till 16 study [[Indian mathematics#Vedic period|Vedic mathematics]], [[Art]], [[Music]], as well as [[Jyotishi|Vedic Astrology, Jyotishi]], [[Sanskrit]] and [[Yoga]].


Children participate in this Gurukula during holiday times at the traditional schools, for a week in October / November, 2 weeks during Easter break, and 1 month during summer break.
Children participate in this gurukul during holiday times at the traditional schools, for a week in October / November, 2 weeks during Easter break, and 1 month during summer break.{{Citation needed|date=July 2025}}


==See also==
==See also==
Line 46: Line 57:
* [[Akhara]]
* [[Akhara]]
* [[Akshaya Patra Foundation]]
* [[Akshaya Patra Foundation]]
* [[Ananda Marga Gurukula Teacher's Training College]]
* [[Convent school]]
* [[Education in India]]
* [[Education in India]]
* [[Ekal Vidyalaya]]
* [[Ekal Vidyalaya]]
Line 60: Line 73:
==External links==
==External links==
*{{commonscatinline}}
*{{commonscatinline}}
* [https://vediconcepts.com/gurukul-list/ List of Gurukuls in India] (State-wise)


{{DEFAULTSORT:Gurukul}}
[[Category:School types]]
[[Category:School types]]
[[Category:Hindu education]]
[[Category:Hindu education]]
[[Category:Vedic period]]
[[Category:Vedic period]]

Latest revision as of 13:53, 27 February 2026


Guru teaching students in a gurukul

A gurukula (Script error: The function "langx" does not exist.) is a traditional system of religious education in India with śiṣya ('students' or 'disciples') living near or with the guru.[1]

Etymology[edit | edit source]

The word Gurukulam is a classical Sanskrit compound. Its etymology is straightforward, formed by a tatpuruṣa (determinative) compound of two distinct elements: guru (गुरु) and kula (कुल).[2]

The first part, guru (गुरु), is a noun meaning "teacher," "master," or "preceptor".[3][4] In the context of ancient Indian traditions, it specifically denotes a spiritual guide or a venerable teacher of sacred knowledge.[5]

History[edit | edit source]

Arya Samaj Gurukul School boys performing Homa ritual (1915)
See also: Sanskrit and Vedic learning

Ancient times[edit | edit source]

The gurukula system of education has been in existence since ancient times. The Upanishads (1000-800 BCE) mention multiple gurukulas, including that of guru Drona at Gurgaon.[6] The Bhrigu Valli (a discourse on the Brahman) is said to have taken place in Guru Varuni's gurukula. The vedic school of thought prescribes the Upanayana (sacred rite of passage) to all individuals before the age of 8 at least by 12. From initiation until the age of 25 all individuals are prescribed to be students and to remain unmarried, as celibates.

Gurukulas were supported by public donations. This was followed by the many following Vedic thoughts making gurukul one of the earliest forms of public school centres.

18th century and colonial period[edit | edit source]

Main article: Dharampal § Relevance

Dharampal was instrumental in changing the understanding of pre-colonial Indian education system.[7][8] Dharampal primary works are based on documentation by the colonial government on Indian education, agriculture, technology, and arts during the period of colonial rule in India.[9][10] His pioneering historical research, conducted intensively over a decade, provides evidence from extensive early British administrators’ reports of the widespread prevalence of indigenous educational institutions in Bombay, Bengal and Madras Presidencies as well as in the Punjab, teaching a sophisticated curriculum, with daily school attendance by about 30% of children aged 6–15.[11]

Revival of the Gurukul system[edit | edit source]

By the colonial era, the system was on a steep decline in India. Dayananda Saraswati, the founder of Arya Samaj and Swami Shraddhanand, were the pioneers of the modern gurukula system, who in 1886 founded now-widespread Dayanand Anglo-Vedic Public Schools and Universities.[12][13][14]

In 1948, Shastriji Maharaj Shree Dharamjivan das Swami followed suit and initiated first Swaminarayan gurukul in Rajkot in Gujarat state of India. Recently, several gurukulam have opened up in India as well as overseas with a desire to uphold tradition.

Various gurukulas still exist in India, and researchers have been studying the effectiveness of the system through those institutions.[8] With the advent of new means of mass communication, many gurus and Vedantic scholars are opening E-gurukul. These gurukuls are operating online and are now imparting knowledge about different Hindu scriptures using the internet.[15][16][17][18]

In 1990, Shrii Shrii Anandamurtiji founded Ananda Marga gurukula with its headquarters at Anandanagar, Dist Purulia, West Bengal, India and its branches all over the globe. {www.gurukul.edu} He nominated Acharya Shambhushivananda Avadhuta as its kulapati (chancellor) and formed a skeletal structure for spreading "neohumanist education" all over the globe.

Education[edit | edit source]

The students learn from the guru and help the guru in his everyday life, including carrying out of mundane daily household chores. However, some scholars suggest that the activities are not mundane and very essential part of the education to inculcate self-discipline among students.[8] Typically, a guru does not receive or accept any fees from the shishya studying with him as the relationship between a guru and the shishya is considered very sacred.[19]

At the end of one's education, a shishya offers the guru dakshina before leaving the gurukula.[2] The gurudakshina is a traditional gesture of acknowledgment, respect and thanks to the guru, which may be monetary, but may also be a special task the teacher wants the student to accomplish.[2] While living in a gurukula, the students would be away from their home from a period of months to years at a stretch. Through Gurukul, students used to learn self discipline, politeness, good humanism and spirituality that would assist them to be an enlightened person in the future.

Scholarly works on Gurukul[edit | edit source]

  • Dharampal a Gandhiain Scholar authored a book titled The beautiful tree: Indigenous Indian education in the eighteenth century[20]
  • Prof. Marmar Mukhopadhayay compiled a book titled Total Quality Management in Education deriving insights from ancient education system.[21] He also devised concept of Multi-Channel Learning based on Gurukul Pedagogy.[22]
  • Ankur Joshi authored a research papers titled - Elementary education in Bharat (that is India): insights from a postcolonial ethnographic study of a Gurukul,[23] A post-colonial perspective towards education in Bharat,[24] and Delivering holistic education for contemporary times: Banasthali Vidyapith and the Gurukula system.[25]

Out of India[edit | edit source]

The gurukula system of education is available outside of India as well. They are known as gurukul.

In Belgium[edit | edit source]

At the Jain Culture Center of Antwerp, children between the ages of 8 till 16 study Vedic mathematics, Art, Music, as well as Vedic Astrology, Jyotishi, Sanskrit and Yoga.

Children participate in this gurukul during holiday times at the traditional schools, for a week in October / November, 2 weeks during Easter break, and 1 month during summer break.[citation needed]

See also[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]

  1. ↑ Yin Cheong Cheng; Kwok Tung Tsui; King Wai Chow; Magdalena Mo Ching Mok, eds. (2002). Subject Teaching and Teacher Education in the New Century: Research and Innovation. Sikh.
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 Kachappilly, Kurian. "Gurukula: A Family with Difference – An Exposition of the Ancient Indian System of Education" – via academia.edu.
  3. ↑ "Guru". Encyclopædia Britannica. Retrieved 27 February 2026.
  4. ↑ "guru". The Brill Dictionary of Religion. Brill. 2006. Retrieved 27 February 2026. Derived from the Sanskrit root for 'heavy,' 'mighty,' guru denotes an outstanding religious personality and teacher
  5. ↑ "Guru". Encyclopædia Britannica. Retrieved 27 February 2026.
  6. ↑ "Did You Know The True Story Behind Gurugram?". IndiaTimes. April 13, 2016.
  7. ↑ Kakkar, Ankur (2019-02-19). "Remembering Dharampal's Seminal Contribution". IndiaFacts. Retrieved 2020-12-27.
  8. ↑ 8.0 8.1 8.2 Joshi, Ankur; Gupta, Rajen K. (July 2017). "Elementary education in Bharat (that is India): insights from a postcolonial ethnographic study of a Gurukul". International Journal of Indian Culture and Business Management. 15 (1): 100–120. doi:10.1504/IJICBM.2017.085390.
  9. ↑ "Dharampal's 'The Beautiful Tree: Indigenous Indian Education in the Eighteenth Century". 22 December 2019.
  10. ↑ Basu, Aparna (February 1985). "Comparative Education Review Volume 29, Number 1 Feb. 1985". Comparative Education Review. 29 (1): 137–140. doi:10.1086/446501.
  11. ↑ The Beautiful Tree: Indigenous Indian Education in the Eighteenth Century. Keerthi Publishing House. 1995.
  12. ↑ Gurukula Patrika, April–July, 1940-41, Ank 10, (12 June 1940), P.1
  13. ↑ Madalsa Ujjwal, 2008, "Swami Dayanand Saraswati Life and Ideas", Book Treasure Publications, Jodhpur, PP.96-97
  14. ↑ Gunjun H. Shakshi, 1971, "Social and Humanistic Life in India", Abhinav Publications, Delhi, PP.122-124.
  15. ↑ "Online drive promoting Vedas, Vedic education | Allahabad News - Times of India". The Times of India. October 2020.
  16. ↑ "GRD Iyers Home". GRD IYERS GURUCOOL. Retrieved 2021-03-16.
  17. ↑ "Gurukul Online – Learn Vedic knowledge at your own place". Retrieved 2021-03-16.
  18. ↑ Sharma, Yatendra (2020-06-03). "RSS affiliate starts online Vedic Mathematics course for students". The Daily Guardian. Retrieved 2021-03-16.
  19. ↑ Joshi, Ankur; Bindlish, Puneet; Verma, Pawan Kumar (2014-12-01). "A Post-colonial Perspective towards Education in Bharat". Vision: The Journal of Business Perspective. 18 (4): 359–363. doi:10.1177/0972262914552171. ISSN 0972-2629. S2CID 144782215.
  20. ↑ DHARAMPAL. THE BEAUTIFUL TREE - DHARAMPAL.
  21. ↑ Mukhopadhyay, Marmar (2020). Total Quality Management in Education. New Delhi: SAGE Publications Pvt Ltd. doi:10.4135/9789353885977. ISBN 978-93-5388-281-5. S2CID 107904632.
  22. ↑ Mukhopadhyay, Marmar; Parhar, Madhu (November 2001). "Instructional design in multi-channel learning system". British Journal of Educational Technology. 32 (5): 543–556. doi:10.1111/1467-8535.00224. ISSN 0007-1013.
  23. ↑ Joshi, Ankur; Gupta, Rajen K. (2017). "Elementary education in Bharat (that is India): insights from a postcolonial ethnographic study of a Gurukul". International Journal of Indian Culture and Business Management. 15 (1): 100. doi:10.1504/ijicbm.2017.085390. ISSN 1753-0806.
  24. ↑ Joshi, Ankur; Bindlish, Puneet; Verma, Pawan Kumar (December 2014). "A Post-colonial Perspective towards Education in Bharat". Vision: The Journal of Business Perspective. 18 (4): 359–363. doi:10.1177/0972262914552171. ISSN 0972-2629. S2CID 144782215.
  25. ↑ Sukhada, N.A.; Dhital, Vishwanath; Joshi, Ankur; Nandram, Sharda S. (2021). "Delivering holistic education for contemporary times: Banasthali Vidyapith and the Gurukula system". International Journal of Business and Globalisation. 29 (2): 222. doi:10.1504/ijbg.2021.10041910. ISSN 1753-3627. S2CID 239219043.

External links[edit | edit source]

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