Which of the ancient places of higher learning developed in connection with temples and became centres of community life in the places where they were situated?

A. Benaras

B. Navadeep

C. Odantapuri

D. Kanchi

E. Jagaddala

Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

The correct answer is A, B and D.

In ancient India, both formal and informal ways of education system existed.

 Key Points

• Indigenous education was imparted at home, in temples, pathshalas, tols, chatuspadis and gurukuls.
• There were people in homes, villages and temples who guided young children in imbibing pious ways of life.
• Temples were also the centres of learning and took interest in the promotion of knowledge of our ancient system.
• Students went to viharas and universities for higher knowledge.

Viharas and Universities:

• The Jataka tales, accounts given by Xuan Zang and I-Qing (Chinese scholars), as well as other sources tell us that kings and society took active interest in promoting education.
• As a result many famous educational centres came into existence.
• Among the most notable universities that evolved during this period were situated at Takshashila, Nalanda, Valabhi, Vikramshila, Odantapuri and Jagaddala.
• These universities developed in connection with the viharas
• Those at Benaras, Navadeep and Kanchi developed in connection with temples and became centres of community life in the places where they were situated.