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Concept and Evolution of Military Studies Module - I

Military Studies
(d) The Guru also taught Military subjects such as use of weapons, physical training
and art of warfare.
(e) Military subjects were compulsory for all students including sons of kings.

(f) Life in a Gurukul was tough and a strict disciplined routine was followed.
(g) Education was free and it included boarding and lodging at the Gurukul. It was
possible to give free education in those days because the king and other wealthy Note
people gave money to run gurukuls.
(h) The concept of Gurukul was living with the teacher and helping the teacher with

daily activities. This included farming, cleaning, woodcutting etc. The students
therefore learnt practical aspects of living. By doing this, students learnt theory
and practicals together so that every student could become a person with good

character.

2.1.1 Types of Schools

Apart from Gurukul system there were other types of schools. In South India, temples
were the centres of all cultural activities and educational institutions formed part of
temple establishments. There were schools and colleges in important temples. In certain
place there were post -graduate institutions to impart higher education in special
subjects.

The educational institutions attached to the temples were known as Salais. These
were endowed Schools of a residential type, where scholars received free tuition as
well as free boarding and lodging, clothing and other amenities till they completed their
studies. Chera King Ay first established the system of 'Salais' in Kerala around 8 A.D.
The syllabus and method of teaching were similar to the Gurukul system. Along with
the Salais was the Kalari School which specialised in martial arts and training of soldiers.

2.1.2 Kalari and Physical Education
Kalari was one of the most important educational institutions of South India.

Fig. 2.1 : Kalaripayattu

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MILITARY STUDIES 7