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History of the Banaras Hindu University by S L Dar (2007)

Benaras Hindu University, Varanasi, UP
The Ashrams of the Vedic Rishis functioned as the main seats of learning during the Vedic period. Each Ashram was a little university under the control of the presiding rishi, a holy man with a dedicated life. Education is aimed at the acquisition of highest knowledge and wisdom and not of ordinary knowledge for purposes of worldly life. The ideal was wisdom with knowledge—Jyana Vijnana Sahitam—to aid an individual to achieve his expansion into the Absolute, his self-fulfilment. And it was pursued through tapas of various kinds, viz., austerities, sacrifices, penances, etc. The whole life of the Ashram was regulated by Rita, the Eternal law which upholds the cosmic order ; and Satya, accord between thought, word and deed, which could translate Rita in life. The realization of the highest and ultimate truths, Rita and Satya was through tapas—inhibition of senses through a discipline involving purity of body and mind, and meditation sustained by a life of austerities—and through yajna, sacrifice or complete dedication of one’s cherished things to Higher powers.

The student lived in the house or ashram of the teacher as a member of his family. The Guru regarded him as his own son. The teacher and the pupil shared a common life. They shared the same simple food. A close relationship between the teacher and the pupils was thus established and this relationship was considered sacred and permanent. Through his character, devotion to learning, and the spirit of dedication, the teacher developed the spiritual nature and higher qualities of head and heart in his pupils. The period of studentship was normally twelve years. Studentship for a longer period also existed. A period of thirty-two years is mentioned in the Chhandogya Upanishad. There were others who chose to consecrate themselves to lifelong studentship and celibacy in quest of learning and truth. Such students were called Naishtika Brahmacharis. 

The subjects of study during the Vedic period included, besides the Vedas, Vedangas (Phonetics, Ritualistie knowledge (kalpa), GrammarGrammar It is the study of the rules governing the use of a language. That set of rules is also called the grammar of the language, and each language has its own distinct grammar. Grammar is part of the general study of language called linguistics., Exegetics, Metrics and Astronomy), the systems of Philosophy, Kshatra Vidya (the Science of the bow etc), other Sciences, music, dancing, fine arts etc. A passage in the Chhandogya UpanishadUpanishad Sitting nearby the Fire (उप + नि + सद् + क्विप्). Isaopanishad is the 40th Chapter of Yayur Veda. Brihadaranayaka Upanishad is the 14th Kanda of Satapath Brahman. Most of the 108+ Upanishads are fake books. Shankar Commented on only 10 Books. throws light on the subjects of study then existing. Narada approached Sanatkumara and requested him to teach. Sanatkumara asked him to state all that he (Narada) knew.!
Addressing Sanatkumara, Narada said :

Most revered Sir, I have studied the RigvedaRigveda Rig Veda First Mandala-ऋग्वेद- in Devanagari Script Rigveda: A Historical Analysis by Shrikant G. Talageri (2000) Rigveda is at least ninety thousand years old, perhaps more: OSHO वेदपारायणविधिः-The method of reciting the Vedas List of the Vedic Rishis ऋग्वेद भाष्यम् – Rig Veda Bhashyam by Sayanacharya Core Hinduttva Philosophy in Rig Veda, Yajurveda, Samaveda, the fourth Atharvaveda, the epics and Puranas as the fifth Veda, Grammar, Necromancy (Pitrya), Arithmetic (Rasi), Divination (Daiva), Chronology
(Nidhi), Dialectics (Vakoyakyam), Politics (Ekayanam), TheologyTheology Biology, Sociology, etc are the same type of English construction. Theos (gods) and logos (talking/chatting). Talking about gods and goddesses. Not having perfect knowledge about Olympian gods was a Greek 'mystery'. In the Christian sense theology is the understanding of Trinitarian 'mystery'. Most of the Christian people study theology to become church executives or employees. Dharma Tattva (धर्मतत्त्व>Gopath Brahman) is not Theology. धर्मतत्त्व is possiblele without god/s. धर्मतत्त्व is Philosophy (दर्शन) without school affiliation. Read more (Deva Vidya) or Exegetics (Nirukta), the Doctrine of Prayer or Vedangas (Brahma Vidya), Biology (Bhuta Vidya), Military Science (Kshatra Vidya), Astronomy (Nakshatra Vidya), study of snake venoms (Sarpa Vidya), the Fine Arts (Devajana Vidya which is explained by Sankara as dancing (Nritya), vocal and instrumental music (Gita, Vadya) and other arts (Silpadi).

Though the ultimate aim of education was the knowledge, of self, Atmajnana leading to SalvationSalvation σωτηρίας (σωτηρᾱ), Moksha in Sanskrit, Moksha can not be achieved without performing Dharma, acquiring Artha ( money and meaning in life), enjoying Kama (fulfilling desires according to Dharma). αἴτιος σωτηρίας (Philo) - Delivery from molestation. Σωτηρίας- Safety money. paying the cost to the Father God for worldly safety and delivery from slavery.  (MokshaSalvation σωτηρίας (σωτηρᾱ), Moksha in Sanskrit, Moksha can not be achieved without performing Dharma, acquiring Artha ( money and meaning in life), enjoying Kama (fulfilling desires according to Dharma). αἴτιος σωτηρίας (Philo) - Delivery from molestation. Σωτηρίας- Safety money. paying the cost to the Father God for worldly safety and delivery from slavery. ), it need not be concluded that the ancient rishis disregarded all worldly concerns. Salvation (Moksha) was yanked as only one of the great aims of human life. The other three aims were (1) Dkarma—Discharge of duties (2) Artha-Attainment of material prosperity (3) Kama-Enjoyment of lawful pleasures.

Having finished his studies in the Gurukula, the student returned to his home after performing a ceremony called Samavartana. It includes a number of acts signifying the end of the stage of Brahmacharya. He then becomes a Sndtaka, At the timeTime Where any expression of it occurs in any Rules, or any judgment, order or direction, and whenever the doing or not doing of anything at a certain time of the day or night or during a certain part of the day or night has an effect in law, that time is, unless it is otherwise specifically stated, held to be standard time as used in a particular country or state. (In Physics, time and Space never exist actually-“quantum entanglement”) of parting, the teacher delivered a valedictory address, a type of which we find in the Taittiriyopanishad.

The Vedic Rishis developed the Vedic knowledge by discussions at Assemblies. Then they formed Sanghas where the more successful students flocked together and discussed various problems. The method of discussion in Seminars and academies and organising conferences for the promotion and diffusion of learning was first evolved by the Vedic rishis.

First Edition: 1966
Reprinted =: 2007

PREFACE

Four years ago, when the birth centenary of Mahamana Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya was celebrated, a suggestion was made that the history of the Banaras HinduHindu A geographical name given by non-Hindus, who came to visit Bharatvarsha (Hindusthan). Sanatan Dharma is the actual Dharmic tradition of the Hindus. People who live in Hindusthan are Hindu, whether they Follow Islam, Chris, Buddha, Mahavira, or Nanaka. In this way, Tribals are also Hindu. University may also be published during the second phase of the celebrations in July, 1962. The major portion of this book was written at that time and it was also sent to the press. But the book was destined to be published only now.

We decided to publish this book in two volumes: one dealing with the history of the University as a whole from 1904, and the other dealing with the growth of the various constituent colleges and the contribution
made by them in the academic field.

We consider it our great privilege in presenting this book to our Alma Mater on the auspicious occasion of the Golden Jubilee. We propose to bring out the second volume during the course of the coming year, We take this opportunity to thank all those who have helped us in this work, We are thankful to Shri Ram Krishna Dave and Shri. Jyotibhushan Gupta who have been very helpful to us in securing some of the photographs of the old members of the Hindu University Society. We are also thankful to Dr. (Mis.) P. C. Dharma who supplied us with some rare photographs.

Our thanks are also due to Shri D, L, Bohra and Shri M. V. Krishnan for preparing the book jacket.

It would not have been possible for us to bring out the book but for the enthusiastic cooperation of the staff of the Banaras Hindu University Press and its Manager, Shri Lakshmi Das. Our sincere thanks are due to them.

Despite our best efforts some mistakes and omissions might have crept in. We crave the indulgence of our readers for all our shortcomings and we would request them to let us have their suggestions so that they may be incorporated if at all this book runs into another edition,

B. L. DAR
Banaras Hindu University
February 4. 1966.