Educational System In Pre-Colonial Assam Under The Ahoms With Special Reference To The Vocational Education

Abstract

Assam as a part of greater north-eastern India has had always maintained
the educational legacy in one way or other. Formal and informal, both
forms of education were practiced. Literary evidences show how the
penetration of Aryan rituals and practices into this part of India helped in
shaping artistic and literary activities. It actually started in the early period
of the history of Assam which continued its journey in the medieval period
finally reaching the colonial scene. Education brings about substantial
changes in the socio-economic and cultural life of the people. One of the
important objectives of education is to equip people with knowledge and
skill. The kind of education imparted through the educational institutions
and authorities during the medieval period was mainly vocational in
nature, concerned with occupation, employment or in the present context,
job creation. Apart from religious teachings people were also taught to be
skilled and proficient in various public-private activities. The paik system
of the Ahoms can be viewed from this lens.