Higher Education.—The Brahmans are the only educated class, although warriors attend their schools for the purpose of such study as is necessary in connection with their calling. The farmer caste, too, may attend the Brahman schools to learn the studies pertaining to their caste. They pursue in their schools the study of grammar, mathematics, astronomy, philosophy, medicine, law, literature, and religion. Many of them still speak their classic language, the Sanskrit. As their religion is based on philosophy, this study takes precedence over all others.
"The Hindus are believed to have originated the decimal system of arithmetical notation which has been transmitted to us through Arabian channels."[9]
The end of Hindu wisdom is to rise above all human suffering through knowledge. Wuttke says, "Christians pray, 'Thy Kingdom come'; the Chinese, 'Thy Kingdom remain'; the Hindus, 'Let whatever thou hast created pass away.'"
Criticism of Hindu Education.—1. It is not universal, a large part of the people being excluded from its benefits.
2. It is based on castes and the promulgation of the caste system, which is baneful.
3. It depends too much upon the cultivation of the memory.
4. It has no philosophy of education, and, therefore, is non-progressive.
5. It does not properly honor woman, and excludes her from its advantages.
6. It produces a dreamy, self-satisfied, indolent, selfish, and non-progressive people.
7. It makes the people self-reflective, which doubtless accounts for their profound philosophical and mathematical discoveries.