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

244 EDUCATION IN ANCIENT INDIA [Ch.
in moulding and forming character was also very
remarkable, as proved by the testimony of a number
of foreign observers, belonging to different centuries,
creeds and countries, who had no particular reason to
pass flattering remarks about Indian character.
Testimony of Greeks : Among these foreign
observers, the Greeks are chronologically the earliest
(c. 300 B. C.). Politically they were not the allies
but the opponents of the Hindus. They have made
a few caustic remarks about some aspects of their
culture, but they have candidly noted the high
impression that the Hindu character and veracity
produced on their mind. 'Indians have never been
convicted of lying. Truth and virtue they hold in high
esteem' says Megasthenes in one place$^1$. This state-
ment could not have been literally true, but it shows
that the cases of cheating and swindling must have
been comparatively few in society. Strabo and
Megasthenes have further pointed out that law suits
among the Indians were rare owing to their frank
dealing. "They are not litigous. Witnesses and
seals are not necessary when a man makes a deposit,
he acts in trust. Their houses are usually unguarded$^2$."
A Chinese Tribute : Yuan Chwang pays an equally
high compliment to the Indian character during the
7th century A.D. He has carefully noted the weak
and strong points in the character of the peoples of
different districts ; but while summing up his impressions
of the Indian character as a whole, he says "They
(i.e. Indians) are of hasty and irresolute temperament,
but of pure moral principles. They will not take
anything wrongfully and they yield more than fairness

1. Megasthenes, Fragment 35.
2. Ibid.