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

VIII] PROFESSIONAL AND USEFUL EDUCATION 201
the apprentice, we shall give here the different stages
in the training of the painter. The apprentice was
first given a practice in drawing lines and curves.
When the hand, eye and memory were trained in the
use of fundamental curves in this fashion, traditional
ornaments and decorative motifs were taught. Then
followed a training in the drawing of the mythical
animals and designs with men and beasts in them. The
master would then take his apprentice to assist him in
his work at the temple. At first the student would
help the teacher only in grinding colours, then in
priming the surfaces, then in applying ground colours
and finally in filling the outlines sketched by his master.
Experience was thus given in practical work. In
the course of time when the teacher was satisfied about
the sincerity, devotion and ability of the apprentice, he
would impart the trade secrets. Throughout the course
the technique of the profession was taught in relation
to real things and problems.¹
**Theoretical and Moral Training :—**Nor was theo-
retical and moral training neglected. A working
knowledge of Sanskrit was imparted to advanced
workers in sculpture, painting and architecture, as
most of the theoretical works on the subjects were
written in that language. A knowledge of Purāṇas
and works on iconography was necessary both for the
sculptor and the painter in order to chisel or paint
properly the various themes of the Pauranic history
and mythology. Architects and engineers used to
receive the necessary grounding in mathematics also.
The apprentice was always asked to remember that he
was expected to be a pious and honest person abiding
by the rules prescribed for the artists by sacred texts
1, Coomaraswami, The Indian Craftsman, pp. 88-90.