Ancient Indian Arts to be taught at new Private University

A new private university in Karnataka will provide education on ancient Indian arts with a modern twist.

The institution, Vishnugupta Vishwa Vidyapeetha, claims to be modelled on the lines of the ancient university of Takshashila.

It will be based in Karnataka’s temple town Gokarna and was first announced in 2020. The formal inauguration will take place on Monday, April 26, 2021.

Students attending the university will gain knowledge on ancient India, the four Vedas, the four Upavedas and the six Vedangas.

The institution will also teach epics and feasible art forms from the 64 ancient arts, as well as agriculture, modern languages and self-defence.

Raghaveshwara Bharathi, of the Ramachandrapura mutt that set up the university, said:

“There is a need to emphasise the rediscovery of ancient Indian knowledge and other aspects of Indian culture that have vanished today.

“For instance, many believe the Samaveda has a thousand segments. But only three exist as of today.

“There is an urgent need to rediscover, learn and preserve our ancient knowledge for future generations.”

According to university officials, Vishnugupta Vishwa Vidyapeetha will be a modern-day Takshashila.

Sanskrit will be the primary medium of instruction. However, teaching will also take place in languages such as Kannada, Tamil and Telugu.

The Vidyapeetha will offer a two-year course, and admission is open to all ages, castes and religions.

The university will begin with seven departments, teaching combined courses on the Shastras and Vedas.

However, the developers hope that the institution will eventually grow to have 80 departments and 280 courses.

Raghaveshwara Bharathi also spoke about the relevance of the courses and teachings that the university will provide.

Giving an example, he said that a student would be in great demand in society if he was to pass a course such as Vaastushashtra.

The inauguration of the new university follows a discussion regarding the quality of education in private institutions.

In February 2021, Karnataka Legislative Council passed four Bills on establishing private universities.

During the discussion, MLC KT Srikantegowda said:

“Instead of strengthening the government universities, the government is encouraging private universities, which are lowering the quality and sanctity of universities.

“In some universities, people join as VCs and retire as VCs.

“Why shouldn’t the government appoint registrars in private varsities, which has become a business?”

The Bills passed by the Karnataka Legislative Council establish four new private institutions.

They are the Atria, Vidyashilp, New Horizon and Sri Jagadhguru Murugarajendra.