प्राचीन भारत में शिक्षा (डॉ. ए.एस. अल्तेकर - गुरुकुल एवं बौद्ध विहार शिक्षण इतिहास)

VI] HIGHER LITERARY EDUCATION 149
Vedic idiom and thus created a new difficulty in the
Vedic studies. As a combined consequence of all
these factors, Vedic studies fell into background
towards the end of this period and greater attention
began to be paid to the cultivation of the new
branches of learning referred to above.
Combination of Liberal and Useful Education :
Several references in the contemporary literature
indicate that an attempt was made in this period to
combine liberal with professional or useful education.
Graduates of this age are usually described as well
versed in the Vedas as well as in eighteen sippas, i. e.
practical arts and sciences.¹ These latter included
archery, military art, medicine, magic, snake charming,
conveyancing, administrative training, music, dancing,
painting, engineering, etc². It is of course clear that
no graduate could get mastery in all the Vedas as
well as in all the sippas as is suggested by some
passages; it is however clear from some references
in Jātakas that literary education was combined with
one of the useful professions referred to above in the
famous centres of education like Taxila. This practice
enabled the average literary student to stand on his
own legs.
THE AGE OF THE SMṚITIS, PURĀṆAS AND
NIBANDHAS.
(1st century A. D. to c. 1200 A. D.)
Vedic Studies : The Vedic studies fell further into
background during this period. A sufficient number of
Brahmanas however was always available to preserve

1. Chh. Up., VII. 1. 2. Mil. P. Vol. I. p ; 247
2. See Appendix IV