Shadyantra Pariksha
Shadyantra Pariksha (Sanskrit: षड्यंत्र परीक्षा) was a higher examination system in ancient Mithila for testing knowledge of the scholars in the region. It was more tough level of examination than the Shalaka Pariksha.[1]
| Type | Examination |
|---|---|
| Skills tested | Logic and Argument |
| Regions | Mithila region |
| Languages | Sanskrit |
| Annual number of test takers | Public |
| Prerequisites | Well versed in every types of arguments and questions in any subject |
| Examination System of ancient Mithila | |
Etymology
[edit]The literal meaning of Shadyantra is conspiracy. It refers to a secret planing by a group or public to defeat. And Pariksha means test or examination. Therefore, the literal meaning of Shadyantra Pariksha is a secret planing to defeat a candidate in test, examination or Shastrartha.
Background
[edit]In the early Mithila, scholars were examined by different types of examination. In the King Janaka period Shastrarthas were organised at the court of the King Janaka. The scholars participating in the Shastrarthas had to win the debates among the scholars to prove his scholarship. In the later period examination like Shalaka and Shadyantra Pariksha were introduced to examine the scholarship of the candidate scholars. Shadyantra Pariksha was more tough and higher level of examination than the Shalaka Pariksha. The candidates who were able to qualify the examination were awarded by different types of Upadhis like Upadhyaya, Mahopadhya and Mahamahopadhya according to the level of knowledge of the scholars.[1][2][3][4]
Description
[edit]It is said that to combat with Buddhist scholars sophistry, the Vedic scholars of Mithila had done very hard work in the protection of Sanatana Dharma. They had to be prepared to answer every types of arguments and questions. In this process a new system of Shastrartha developed in Mithila, called as Shadyantra Pariksha. In this examination any one can ask questions on any subject to the candidate scholars and the candidate scholars had to answer the questions for passing the examination. Gokulnath Upadhyaya was one of the notable scholar of Nyaya Shastra in Mithila who passed this examination.[5]
References
[edit]- ^ a b Choudhary, Radhakrishna (1976). Mithilā in the Age of Vidyāpati. Chaukhambha Orientalia. p. 224.
- ^ Mishra, Shiva Kumar (1998). Educational Ideas and Institutions in Ancient India: From the Earliest Times to 1206 A.D. with Special Reference to Mithilā. Ramanand Vidya Bhawan. p. 93. ISBN 978-81-85205-71-7.
- ^ Jha, Arun Kumar (2005). Some Aspects of the Cultural History of Mithila: The Janaka Dynasty, the Karnātas & the Oinwāras. University Department of History and A.I.H.C. & Archaeology, T.M. Bhagalpur University. p. 57.
- ^ Journal of Historical Research. Department of History, Ranchi University. 1995. p. 77.
- ^ "पंडितों की परीक्षा में धोती का प्रमाणपत्र!". Prabhat Khabar (in Hindi). 2014-01-18. Retrieved 2024-07-24.