informal Bengali school of instruction, usually in grammar, law, logic, and philosophy. Ṭols were usually found at places of holiness and learning, such as Vārānasi (Benares), Nadia, and Nāsik.

The teacher was a Brahman who taught orally and boarded a circle of pupils living in the simplest conditions. The teachers, who were held in great respect by the Hindu community, lived on gifts given at Hindu festivals and on allowances from neighbouring landholders.