Patna: When President Droupadi Murmu awarded degrees to scholars of modern Nalanda University at its convocation on Tuesday, some historians pointed out that the original Nalanda University (5th-13th centuries) also held ‘dikshant’ samaroh (convocation ceremonies), though in a very different manner.Former head of the ancient Indian history and archaeology department at Patna University, Jayadeo Mishra, said that convocations in ancient Indian universities such as Nalanda and Vikramshila were momentous scholarly events that marked the completion of rigorous studies. These ceremonies featured formal debates, conferment of titles based on merit and the painting of portraits of top graduates. The events recognised the proficiency of scholars in subjects such as philosophy, logic and medicine, he said.Mishra added that graduating students often had to participate in or lead high-level intellectual debates before scholars, masters and sometimes visiting royalty or foreign dignitaries. Convocations at Nalanda were notable for bringing together scholars from across Asia, including China, Tibet and Korea, often in the presence of thousands of observers.“The focus was on acknowledging the mastery of knowledge (Vidya) and the wisdom gained rather than merely awarding a certificate,” he said.Shiv Kumar Mishra, former official of the Bihar Research Society, said in smaller monastic learning centres — often considered precursors to large universities — the ‘Samavartan’ ceremony marked the completion of studies and the students’ return from the teacher’s home.He said the ceremony often included a ritual bath symbolising purification and completion of learning. Exceptional students also had their portraits painted on the walls of the university, displaying their accomplishments to the wider community.Upendra Jha, a researcher at Kameshwar Singh Darbhanga Sanskrit University, said that Vikramshila University honoured outstanding students with titles such as ‘Pandit’, ‘Mahapandit’, ‘Upadhayay’ or ‘Mahamahopadhyaya’, depending on their performance in scholarly debates.
