Daigaku-ryō

Daigaku-ryō (大学寮^?) was the former Imperial university of Japan, founded at the end of the 7th century. The Daigaku-ryō predates the Heian period, continuing in various forms through the early Meiji period. The director of the Daigaku-ryō was called the Daigaku-no-kami.

The Daigaku-ryō was located near the Suzaku Mon at southern border of Kyoto's grid. In the 12th century, the original structure was destroyed by fire; and it was not rebuilt.

The Daigaku-ryō was reorganized in 701. It became part of the Ministry of the Civil Services (式部省,, Shikibu-shō^?); also known as the "Ministry of Legislative Direction and Public Instruction". Among other duties, this ministry collected and maintained biographical archives of meritorious subjects, and those who would carry out the functions of the ministry were trained at the Daigaku-ryō.

The Director or head of the academy (大学頭, Daigaku-no-kami^?) was responsible for the examination of students and the celebration of festivals associated with Confucius and his disciples.

Educational authorities associated with the Daigaku-ryō included:

Prince Yamabe was Daigaku-no-kami in 766 (Tenpyō-jingo 2). The institution had become a hollow shell by the Engi era (901-923), but its fortunes revived somewhat under the patronage of Emperor Daigo.

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