Gedam Kamalakar, Kandi Kamala
(2023) Vol. 01, No. 01, pp. 47-64
ABSTRACT
Higher Education has an important role in the task of rebuilding a nation and it paves
the way for overall development of a nation. The twentieth century has witnessed several
revolutions like Green revolution, White revolution, I.T revolution etc; transforming human
civilization in to new heights. At the start of 21st century, there is a lot of importance given to
higher education. Every country realizes the value of higher education and the benefits accrue
from it. There is a greater importance attached to higher education. “The social demands for
higher education continue to increase. Indian higher education has a rich and complex history
that spans millennia. This abstract provides an overview of the key developments in Indian
higher education, highlighting its evolution from ancient times to the modern era. The history
of Indian higher education is marked by the establishment of ancient centers of learning, the
influence of various empires and dynasties, colonialism, and post-independence reforms. This
abstract also touches upon the challenges and opportunities that have shaped the landscape of
higher education in India.The history of Indian higher education can be divided into several
distinct periods. In ancient India, centers of learning such as Takshashila and Nalanda
emerged as renowned seats of knowledge, attracting students and scholars from across the
world. These institutions laid the foundation for a tradition of rigorous intellectual inquiry
and scholarship. During the medieval period, the influence of various empires and dynasties,
including the Mauryas, Guptas, and Mughals, played a crucial role in shaping higher
education in India. Persian and Arabic traditions of learning were assimilated, leading to the
development of a diverse and vibrant educational landscape. The colonial era witnessed
significant changes in Indian higher education, as British colonial rulers introduced a
Western-style education system. The establishment of universities such as the University of
Calcutta (1857) and the University of Bombay (1857) marked the formalization of higher
education in India under British rule. However, this period also saw the marginalization of
traditional Indian knowledge systems. With India gaining independence in 1947, there was a
renewed focus on higher education as a means of nation-building and development. The
government established new universities and initiated policies to expand access to education.
The IITs (Indian Institutes of Technology) and IIMs (Indian Institutes of Management) were
established to promote technical and management education. Despite these strides, Indian
higher education faces several challenges, including issues related to quality, access, and
equitable distribution of resources. There is an ongoing debate about the role of private
institutions and the commercialization of education. Additionally, efforts are being made to
align higher education with the needs of a rapidly changing job market and global economy.
Keywords: Ancient,Gurukul,holistic,Buddhist,Takshashila andNalanda.