Posts Tagged ‘Sabha Mathams’
The state of Kerala has the highest literacy rate in India. Due to the strong foundation laid by its educational patrons, who institutionalized education, people in Kerala place a higher focus on education. In earlier days, Sabha Mathams were set up to impart traditional education. These educational conclaves or systems were an abode for quality education and discourse of the Vedas and Upanishads.
The villages were the epicenters of martial art and formal education. The Ezhuthachans were the pioneers in starting the process of formal education in Kerala. Ezhuthachan was an honorary usage associated with erudite people who imparted education. This usage was not applicable for teachers of all castes though. Teachers belonging to the Nair or Menon castes were mostly chosen to belong to the Ezhuthachan category.
Astronomy and mathematics had its roots in Kerala as early as the 14th century. In Trichur district of Kerala, a school was established in the 14th century. This was the Kerala School of Astronomy and Mathematics. Most institutions established during this time followed the Gurukula method of imparting education. Under this method, students resided in the home of a teacher. Most of the exams were oral and seldom written. The students would memorize the answers of the subjects, and recite them in the form of a poem. The Kerala School of mathematics and astronomy has made numerous contributions to the world. Some of the noteworthy achievements were in the sphere of calculus, and infinite series.
The Kerala Literacy Mission is an educational initiative taken up by the Kerala government to provide a platform to promote the cause of education in Kerala. The LEAP (Lifelong Education and Awareness Programme) initiative comes under the aegis of the State Education Department, and focuses on providing education that can be applied directly to matters of survival, and livelihood. LEAP was formed because of the lack of focus youth have when taking up education that they can put to use.