Free Bihar Board Class 8 English Reader Chapter 8 Solutions are available here. You will get written answers for all questions asked in chapter 8 – “Ancient Education System of India”, from the English Reader book – It So Happened.
This chapter tells us about how education worked in ancient India. Students used to live with their teachers in places called gurukuls or ashrams. They learned not just subjects like math and science, but also how to be good people. Teachers were highly respected and students had to do household work along with studying. The focus was on building character and gaining wisdom, not just passing exams.
Bihar Board Class 8 English Reader Chapter 8 Solutions
Contents
| Chapter | 8. Ancient Education System of India |
| Subject | English Reader (It So Happened) |
| Class | 8th |
| Board | Bihar Board |
COMPREHENSION CHECK
From Page No 69
1. Why were travellers attracted towards India?
Ans: Travellers came to India because it was famous for its rich culture, traditions, and festivals. They loved India’s unique way of life, including its art, architecture, and friendly people. The country was also known for its wealth, religions, philosophies, and excellent education system, which made it very attractive to visitors from all over the world.
2. What were the sources of the ancient education system?
Ans: The ancient education system in India was based on important texts like the Vedas, Brahmanas, Upanishads, and Dharmasutras. Great scholars like Aryabhata, Panini, Katyayana, and Patanjali wrote books that were used for learning. Medical books by Charaka and Sushruta were also important. Students studied subjects like history, logic, architecture, politics, farming, trade, and archery, along with creative works like poems and stories.
3. What were the features of education system in ancient India?
Ans: The education system in ancient India had these main features:
(i) It taught important ideas from the Vedas and Upanishads.
(ii) It focused on duties towards oneself, family, and society, covering all parts of life.
(iii) It helped students grow both their minds and bodies, keeping them healthy and smart.
(iv) Education was practical, easy to access, and connected to everyday life.
4. What was the role of a guru in pupils’ lives?
Ans: In ancient India, a guru was like a guide and teacher who lived with their students in a gurukul. They worked together to learn important subjects and life skills. The guru helped students live a disciplined life, grow their inner strength, and understand their true potential. Over time, the guru and student built a strong bond, like a family, which helped students become better people.
COMPREHENSION CHECK
From Page No 74
1. Where did nuns and monks receive their education?
Ans: Nuns and monks got their education in monasteries or viharas. These were special places for learning, meditation, and discussions. They were built to help monks and nuns gain deep knowledge through debates and study.
2. What is Panini known for?
Ans: Panini is famous for being a great scholar of Sanskrit grammar. He wrote a book called Ashtadhyayi, which explained the rules of the Sanskrit language. Because of his work, he is called the “Father of Linguistics” for creating a clear and scientific way to understand language.
3. Which university did Xuan Zang and I-Qing study at?
Ans: Xuan Zang and I-Qing studied at Nalanda University in India during the 7th century.
4. Which subject did Xuan Zang study in India?
Ans: Xuan Zang studied Yogashastra, grammar, logic, and Sanskrit at Nalanda University in India.
5. How did society help in the education of the students?
Ans: In ancient India, education was considered very special, so no fees were charged. Rich merchants, parents, and other people in society gave money to support schools and universities. Wealthy people donated buildings and land for places like Valabhi, Vikramshila, and Jagaddala. This made it possible for students to study for free at these ancient universities.
EXERCISE
Discuss the following questions in small groups and write your answers.
1. Which salient features of the ancient education system of India made it globally renowned?
Ans: The ancient Indian education system was famous worldwide because of these key features:
- It helped students grow in all ways—mentally, physically, and spiritually.
- It taught important values like truth, humility, discipline, and respect for creative work.
- It encouraged a balance between people and nature.
- It included teachings from the Vedas and Upanishads, focusing on duties to oneself, family, and society.
- It offered practical knowledge that was useful in everyday life.
2. Why do you think students from other countries came to India to study at that time?
Ans: Students from other countries came to India to study because:
- India offered a wide range of subjects like medicine, astrology, music, dance, and architecture.
- The education system was strict and helped students excel in science and technology.
- Famous universities like Nalanda provided top-quality education to students from all over the world.
- Monasteries and viharas were great places for deep learning and discussions.
- India was seen as a land full of knowledge and wisdom.
3. Why is education considered ‘a way of life’?
Ans: In ancient India, education was a way of life because it was part of everything people did. Children learned not just in schools but also at home, in temples, and in gurukuls. Elders and teachers taught them how to live well, be kind, and follow good values. Education included practical skills and moral lessons, making it a guide for living a meaningful life.
4. What do you understand by holistic education?
Ans: Holistic education means teaching students to grow in every way; physically, mentally, spiritually, and creatively. In ancient India, it wasn’t just about books but also about becoming a better person. Students learned skills, values, and how to live in harmony with others and nature. This helped them be ready for all parts of life.
5. Why do you think Takshashila and Nalanda have been declared heritage sites?
Ans: Takshashila and Nalanda are heritage sites because they were important centers of learning in ancient India. Takshashila was a famous city where scholars from many countries studied subjects like medicine and philosophy. It was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1980 for its historical value. Nalanda was one of the world’s oldest universities, teaching subjects like astronomy and philosophy from the 5th to 12th centuries. Its ruins were also declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its huge impact on education and culture.
