Figure 1.--We note Hindus private schools that look just like secular schools. There are also some very traditional Hindu schools attascjed to temples. These Brahmin boys attend the school at the Thirupparamkunram Murugan Temple, near Madurai, Tamil Nadu, India. They are wearing yellow dhotis as only clothing.

The Hindu schools vary as to the caste group they serve. Some of the Hindu schools look similar to the secular schools. Others look like the schools that existed centuries earlier. We do not know a great deal about the curiculum. One source tells us that learn Hindu chants in the ancient language of India, Sanskrit. They are taught strict dietary rules, abstaining from eating meat and strictly vegetarian foods. History is an important part of the curiculm. The children are regaled with the legends of brave Hindu warriors and saints and learn about the ravages of the Muslim emperor, Babur, and subsequent repression by his discendents. We are not sure to what extent secular subjects are included in the curiculum or how state authorities may or may not regulate what is taught. A reader writes, "I suspect that the Indian Government requires some teaching about secular subjects, but the principal subject is the religion and especially the worship. The Brahmins are not monks and this is not an Ashram. They are priests and lead the worship." Here we hope to obtain some detailed information from our Indian readers. Some observers believe that religion in India has become more militant in recent decades with religious identities becoming more divided and strident. As a result, the concern has been expressed that the religious schools are stoking the flames of Hindu nationalism and Islamic militancy.

Related Style Pages in the Boys' Historical Web Site
[Long pants suits] [Knicker suits] [Short pants suits] [Socks] [Eton suits] [Jacket and trousers] [Blazer] [School sandals]

Navigate the Boys' Historical Clothing Web Page
[Return to the Main Indian private school page]
[Return to the Main Indian educational system page]
[Return to the Main Indian school page]
[Return to the Main Indian Hindu page]
[Introduction] [Activities] [Biographies] [Chronology] [Cloth and textiles] [Clothing styles] [Countries] [Topics]
[Bibliographies] [Contributions] [FAQs] [Glossaries] [Images] [Links] [Registration] [Tools]
[Boys' Clothing Home]

Created: 6:32 AM 1/29/2013
Last updated: 6:56 AM 1/29/2013