Shalaka Pariksha
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Shalaka Pariksha (Sanskrit: शलाका परीक्षा) or (Romanised: Śalākāparīkṣā) was an examination system for graduation degree in the ancient Mithila. It was later adopted by other ancient universities in the Indian Subcontinent.[1][2]
| Type | Examination |
|---|---|
| Administrator | Dvara Pandits |
| Skills tested | Knowledge of Manuscripts |
| Purpose | Graduation Degree |
| Regions | Mithila |
| Languages | Sanskrit |
| Annual number of test takers | Dvara Pandits |
| Prerequisites | Well versed in manuscripts |
| Examination System for Graduation degree in the ancient Indian Subcontinent | |
Etymology
[edit]Śalākāparīkṣā is a compound Sanskrit word made of two terms Shalaka and Pariksha.[3] Shalaka means needle or pin and Pariksha means examination.
Description
[edit]It is said that the graduation examination system in the ancient Mithila was very strict. This examination system was called as Shalaka Pariksha. In this examination a needle was pierced in manuscripts then the student had to explain the page where the needle was stopped. It was done so that the student should be well versed and prepared thorough with the whole manuscripts or books.[1] This examination was examined by the Dvara Pandits of the university. The examination system was reflourished during the 13th century CE in Mithila. The similar type of examination was also adopted by Nalanda and Vikramshila.[4]
Modern Era
[edit]In the modern era, the examination system of Shalaka Pariksha have been revived by some traditional education institutions in India. In the recent years Central Sanskrit University has started Shalaka Pariksha in seven subjects. These subjects are literature, grammar, Nyaya Shastra, Theory of Astrology, Vedanta, History of Puranas and Mimansa Shastra.[2]
In 2023, Ramanreti Ashram at Mahavan in Mathura district conducted All India Sanskrit Bharati Shalaka Pariksha in nine subjects at its campus. In this examination 286 students from different parts of the country were registered but only 125 students took part in the examination.[4] In 2024, Shalaka Pariksha was organised jointly by Sanskrit Bharati Uttar Pradesh Trust and Guru Karshni Vidya Bhavan Kashi on 25th February at Shree Karshni Ashram, Ramanreti Mahavan. The present National Convener of All India Sanskrit Shalaka Pariksha is Professor Dr Shivshankar Mishra of Shri Lal Bahadur Shastri National Sanskrit University.[5]
References
[edit]- ^ a b Jayapalan, N. (2005). History of Education in India. Atlantic Publishers & Dist. p. 37. ISBN 978-81-7156-922-9.
- ^ a b "शलाकापरीक्षा". Central Sanskrit University, New Delhi.
- ^ www.wisdomlib.org (2018-08-31). "Shalakapariksha, Śalākāparīkṣā, Shalaka-pariksha: 2 definitions". www.wisdomlib.org. Retrieved 2024-07-21.
- ^ a b www.wisdomlib.org (2021-05-13). "Examination, Registration and Convocation [Chapter 12]". www.wisdomlib.org. Retrieved 2024-07-21.
- ^ "Mathura News: अभा संस्कृत शलाका परीक्षा कल, तैयारियां पूरी". Amar Ujala (in Hindi). Retrieved 2024-07-22.