The Doctoral Steles at the Temple of Literature – Imperial Academy are invaluable monuments in Hanoi, marking over 300 years of Vietnam’s educational history under feudal dynasties. This site honors those who excelled in the Đình examination – the final exam in the feudal examination system. These steles were recognized by UNESCO as a world documentary heritage in 2010 as part of the “Memory of the World” program.
1.History and Development
The construction of the doctoral steles began during the reign of King Lê Thánh Tông (1442) and continued through the Lê, Mạc, and Nguyễn dynasties. A total of 82 steles memorialize the names of doctoral laureates from 82 examinations between 1442 and 1779. Each stele lists the scholars who passed the exams and were honored by the dynasties. These steles serve as a testament to Vietnam’s feudal education system, emphasizing the importance of learning and the selection of talented individuals to serve the country.
2. Structure and Layout of the Steles
The doctoral steles are set atop stone turtles, symbolizing longevity, resilience, and wisdom in Vietnamese culture. Each stele has an inscription written in Classical Chinese, often penned by contemporary scholars such as Nguyen Truc and Ngo Thi Si. The inscriptions not only record the names of the laureates but also reflect educational ideals, reverence, and moral lessons for future generations.
3. Stele Carving Art
Each stele is crafted from blue stone, a durable and easily carved material. The artisans responsible for the steles required exceptional skills to carve each character with precision, retaining the solemnity of the inscriptions. Through their artistry, the stone carvers expressed the delicate and refined craftsmanship of the Vietnamese.
All the steles feature turtles as their bases. In Vietnamese culture, the turtle symbolizes longevity and stability. The image of the turtle bearing the steles signifies society’s reverence for knowledge and ethics, giving it an eternal value.
4. Content and Cultural Significance
Each stele is not merely a stone slab recording names; it carries spiritual and philosophical value. The inscriptions remind future generations of the importance of education, loyalty to the court, and virtuous qualities. Emperors and court officials emphasized in the inscriptions that those who passed should not only possess talent but also virtue and a spirit of service to the country and its people.
The content of the steles also reflects Confucian and Mencian philosophies, the foundations of feudal education in Vietnam. The steles honor successful scholars and serve as lessons to future generations, representing the nation’s deep appreciation for learning and ambition.
5. Historical Importance and Significance
UNESCO’s recognition of the Doctoral Steles at the Temple of Literature – Imperial Academy as a world documentary heritage affirms the exceptional value of this cultural site. The steles serve as a valuable resource for researchers and younger generations, providing insights into Vietnam’s historical examination system, culture, and customs. Additionally, the steles stand as a symbol of Vietnamese respect for education and appreciation for talent.
