Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University

Founder of the University: His Majesty King Rama V

His Majesty King Chulalongkorn (King Rama V) was born on 20th September 1853 into the royal family
of King Mongkut (Rama IV) and Somdej Phrathep Sirindhraboromarajini (Phra-ongchao Rampuiepamarapirom).
His original name was Somdej Phrachaolukyather Chaofa Chulalongkorn. He was the favorite son of King Rama IV
and always joined both long and short trips away with King Rama IV. Once he grew up he was responsible for
all assigned missions throughout his Kingdom.

He was first educated by Kromluang Worasethasuda, who was highly qualified in general knowledge and royal customs and traditions. He studied everything required for a crown prince i.e. Pali Language taught by
Phra ariyattidhammadhada (Pium) from the Scholar Society. He learnt shooting sports from Phraya Apaisornplerng (Sri), wresting and artistery from Luang Pholyothanuyok (Rung), horse riding from Momchao Singhanart and
elephant riding from Krompraya Bamrabporapak. However, King Rama IV gave him personal training in administration, classical Thai traditions and archaeology.

In 1861, King Rama IV bestowed on him the higher title of 'Somdej Phrachaolukyather Chaofaa Chulalongkorn'.
He was then taught English by a native English speaking teacher, Mrs. Anna Leonowens, until he ordained as a
novice monk.

In 1866, after having disrobed, he was taught by Dr. Chandalay, an American missionary. Meanwhile, he was also trained in general affairs - every night and day - in matters of emergency, so that he could gain hands-on experience in real life issues. For example, he listened to King Rama IV's discussion with Senior Ministers such as Somdej Chaopraya Borommahasrisuriyawong. Thus he learned about good government from childhood. In 1851, King Rama III died and the status of Chaofa Chulalongkorn was raised to that of Crown Prince. This prompted him to prepare
for the role of future king. He then was given an even higher title, 'Kromkhunphinitprachanart' and took control of the Departments of the Royal Guard's, Palace Security and the Treasury.

In 1868, after the demise of King Rama IV, all senior ministers and royal noblemen agreed that Chaofaa hulalongkorn should ascend the Throne. He was granted the throne on 1st October 1868 with the title of 'King Rama V' of the Chakri Dynasty. But it wasn't until the 11th November 1868 that King Rama V officially ascended the Throne. As he was only 15 years old, he reigned under the guidance of the Regent, Somdej Chaophraya Borommahasrisuriyawong, the
foremost nobleman. He regularly presided over royal ceremonies and events and also chaired administrative meetings to learn further state matters from the Regent. His skillful management, appropriate execution, consistency and positive attitude brought him great acceptance, high cooperation, and wholehearted gratitude throughout the 42 years of his reign. In 1873, at the age of 20, he was ordained as a monk for 15 days. Thus His Majesty King Rama V was the first king of the Rattanakosin Period to become a monk.

On the 12th November 1873 he was officially crowned as King Chulalongkorn and immediately abolished the act of
prostration during the ceremony, as he saw that it was no longer practical because of the changing nature of Thai society. King Rama V also conferred on Chaophraya Borommaha Srisuriyawong the higher title of 'Somdej Chaophraya Borommahasrisuriyawong'. His Majesty reigned the country for 42 years and became the longest reigning monarch. He passed away on 23rd October 1910 at the age of 58. It is well worth mentioning that he succeeded peacefully to abolish slavery in 1905. His Majesty King Rama V initiated enormous reforms in state law, civil organization, education and religion.

Promotion of Buddhism

He had strong faith in Buddhism and supported education for monks. He saw this as necessary for security, prosperity and peace in Siam: he issued the following statement During my reign I intend to consistently support Buddhism and monks. I want to make some commitments that, as long as I live, I will always support Buddhism.

In 1873 he became a monk and he held higher ordination ceremonies every year to show his strong faith in Buddhism.
In 1898 he had the Tipitaka revised and printed 1000 copies using the Thai alphabet. This was the first printing of the Tipitaka in Thai and is called 'The Printed Tipitaka Edition'. He sponsored this printing costing 1000 chang (old currency) and had the copies distributed to local Buddhist temples and abroad.

Later in 1902, His Majesty King Rama V issued the Sangha Administration Act of B.E. 2445 (1902) to systemize Sangha administration across the country. According to the Act, the Sangha Supreme Council was granted authority to settle all disputes and conflicts, and was divided into hierarchical levels: Regional, provincial, district and subdistricts respectively. Besides, the Sangha Administration Act shows the King's vision of equal opportunity for all in education; both laymen and monks. The Act states that abbots and higher-ranking monks are responsible for supporting education. This also synchronized with the announcement of formal education for children up-country in 1898. It required that education be started at various temples and monks were to be in charge of teaching. School textbooks were also printed on Dhamma and other subjects.

History of Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University

Although it sustains an ancient tradition, Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University, in the pursuit of academic excellence, continually updates its curriculum in order to keep up with emerging new ideas and technology. Today, for example, information technology is used to disseminate the Buddha's teachings both in Thailand and
abroad. The University also serves as a center for the study of Buddhist arts and culture.

In the nineteen century, King Chulalongkorn (Rama V) of the Chakri Dynasty initiated the modernization of the social, political and educational spheres of Thailand. Despite the many demands on his time, King Rama V was genuinely devoted to promoting the study of Buddhism and he instituted a programme for teaching Dhamma to the monks at the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. The program was so successful that it was moved to the
neighboring Wat Mahathat, to accommodate a greater number of students.

Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University was established by King Chulalongkorn, Rama V the Great, in
B.E. 2430 (C.E 1887) for the higher education of Buddhist monks, novices and laypeople, emphasizing Buddhist Studies.

Over a thousand years ago, the world's first Buddhist university, the University of Nalanda, was founded in Northern India. Although the University of Nalanda
no longer exists, the educational tradition continues, presently, including at Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University in Thailand.

Here, 2432 (1889), Mahathat College a religious school for monks was established. Classes officially began on 8 November 2432 (1889).

On 13 September 2439/1896, King Chulalongkorn graciously raised Mahathat College to University status, and
Mahachulalongkornrajavidhyalaya University was born.

Following the initiative of King Rama V (1868-1910),
Phra Phimonlatham (Choi ThanadattaThera), Lord
Abbot of Wat Mahathat convened 57 senior monks
of Mahanikaya sect to draft the curriculum to unite the policy of the newly established university.

This curriculum included the study of Buddhist scripture (the Tipitaka) and related subjects. The first faculty, the Faculty of Buddhism, initiated the Bachelor's degree programme on 18 July 2490 (1947). Since then, Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University has registered more than 10,000 students at the undergraduate and post
graduate levels, and currently has 121 students in doctoral programmes.

At undergraduate level, students can choose to study for a Bachelor degree in the following faculties :
1. The Faculty of Buddhism
2. The Faculty of Education
3. The Faculty of Humanities
4. The Faculty of Social Sciences.
The education programmes offered by Mahachulalongkornrajavidhyalaya University have been well received and the increasing demand for higher education has prompted a great deal of expansion. The University now maintains 10 campuses, 5 Sangha colleges, 12 extended classrooms, 4 academic service units, and 5 affiliated institutes. The Bachelors degree is a four year programme. All students need to obtain at least 140 credits, and must study several required Buddhist subjects. At the post-graduate level, the University offers Masters degree programmes in Buddhist Studies, Pali Studies, Philosophy, Dhamma Communication, Vipassana Meditation,
Educational Administration, Public Administration, and Life and Death Studies. The International Programme, with English as the language of instruction, offers the Masters degree in Buddhist Studies. The University also offers a doctoral degree in Buddhist Studies in both Thai and English.

University Status

During its long history, Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University has made much progress and has gained
acceptance from both the public and private sectors and indeed the monastic community itself as an institute worthy of recognition.

In 1969 (B.E. 2512), the university's education was officially accepted by the Sangha Supreme Council to be an education of the Thai Sangha.
In 1984 (B.E. 2527), the Thai government passed a legal Act to accept the academic status of monks and lay people with Bachelor Degrees from Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University as being equal to regular government education.

In 1997 (B.E. 2540), the National Assembly enacted the Act of Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University. According to this Act, the university is a legal entity supervised by the state and under the Ministry of Education.