THE NATIONAL UNIVERSITY UNDER THE LÝ DYNASTY THROUGH DISPLAYED ARTIFACTS
Currently, Đông Vu House in Đai Thanh area is utilized as a location to showcase Quốc Tử Giám - the first national university. The exhibited artifacts here aid visitors in gaining a deeper understanding of the history of the National University during the Lý Dynasty. Various reconstructed versions of the original historical book "Khâm định Việt sử thông giám cương mục" record events such as in 1070, when King Lý Thánh Tông ordered the construction of Văn Miếu to the south of the Imperial Citadel of Thăng Long to honor the Sage Kings and Sages of Confucianism, also serving as the learning place for Prince Lý Càn Đức; in 1075, King Lý Nhân Tông opened the examination session "Tam trường Nho học" to select "Masters of National Classics," marking the first examination session in Vietnamese history; in 1076, King Lý Nhân Tông established the National University behind Văn Miếu, a school for royal offspring with a formal education system based on Confucianism.
A map of Thăng Long during the Lý Dynasty (from the 8th year of Nam Phong Hán văn magazine, 1924) indicates the location of Văn Miếu –Quốc Tử Giám during the Lý Dynasty, constructed to the south of the imperial citadel.
Evidence that Văn Miếu –Quốc Tử Giám was built during the Lý Dynasty is supported by artifacts excavated from the former National University area, including decorative roof tiles with lotus patterns, mandarin duck statues, roof tiles shaped like lotus leaves decorating phoenix pairs, decorated tower bricks... These are characteristic architectural materials of the Lý Dynasty.
In this exhibition area, visitors also encounter images of Dien Huu Pagoda and Quán Thánh Temple, reminding them of Buddhist and Taoist philosophies, aiding visitors in envisioning Lý Dynasty society. Stemming from Confucian ideals and with a spirit of openness and harmony with Buddhism and Taoism, the Lý Dynasty aimed to disseminate ethical principles, organize and stabilize the country through the essential teachings of Confucianism: teaching future generations filial piety, avoiding social moral confusion. This was demonstrated in the examination system; the Lý Dynasty organized the Triple Religion examinations, requiring candidates to have knowledge of all three religions.
The display of the National University is a permanent exhibition at the Eastern Garden House in the Đại Thành area, a special national relic of Văn Miếu –Quốc Tử Giám. We invite you to come and experience and learn more about Quốc Tử Giám - the first national educational institution of Vietnam.
LH
