Chinese imperial examination system
Also called: Chinese imperial examination, Civil service examination · Topic: Paths to Modernisation: Japan, China, Korea · NCERT: Class 9, Ch 4 "Early Humans and Beginning of Civilisation"; Class 10, Ch 5 "Print Culture and the Modern World"; Class 11, Ch 7 "Paths to Modernisation"
Meaning
For centuries, China chose its officials through the imperial examination system. Candidates had to write an "eight-legged essay" (pa-ku wen), a fixed-format essay in classical Chinese. Only about 1–2 per cent passed the first level, and those who did were called "beautiful talent". The exams tested only literary skill, so they blocked the study of science and technology. The Qing abolished the system in 1905.
Example
In the late Qing period, the exams produced huge numbers of degree-holders, but there were only about 27,000 government posts for them. This waste of talent was one reason reformers wanted the system ended. It was abolished in 1905.
Related concepts
- Qing dynasty
- Triangular trade
- Opium Wars
- Treaty of Nanking 1842
- Semi-colony
- Taiping Rebellion
- Self-Strengthening Movement
- Hundred Days' Reform 1898
- Kang Youwei
- Liang Qichao