মধ্যযুগের ইউরোপের বিশ্ববিদ্যালয় গড়ে ওঠার পটভূমি | The Background of the Rise of Universities in Medieval Europe
মধ্যযুগের ইউরোপে বিশ্ববিদ্যালয় গড়ে পটভূমি
The Background of the Rise of Universities in Medieval Europe
The period from the 10th to the 13th century was one of progress in European history. With the expansion of commerce, urbanization began in Europe, and as a part of this urban development, multiple universities were established. Although the emergence of universities primarily took place in the 12th century, their origins can be traced back to the Carolingian era. A progressive intellectual movement had already begun in the Carolingian period. It was during this time that Charlemagne established a university in Aachen. Thus, the foundation for the spread of knowledge was laid during the Carolingian era. However, the fundamental consciousness required to establish universities was not yet present at that time.
During the 11th and 12th centuries, European society faced three major challenges. First, there was opposition to the Church’s superstitions, authority, and corruption. Second, an intellectual awakening took place, which came to be known as the 12th-century Renaissance. Third, there was a surge in commercial activity. The combination of these factors created a new environment that necessitated the establishment of a new institution—the university.
By the 7th century, the prevailing education system in Europe was of a very low standard and had a narrow purpose. The cathedral and monastic schools kept the light of education burning. Charlemagne provided financial support to these schools and also established some state-run schools in France. As a result, the spread of education received state patronage and conscious attention. This trend continued after Charlemagne, with Louis the Pious and Charles the Bald also providing similar support. Moreover, during this period, multiple guilds emerged in urban centers, requiring educated individuals. Feudal lords also needed people with knowledge of mathematics. Consequently, the desire for education grew among the people, creating the necessity for universities in Europe.
The role of feudal lords in the establishment of universities was significant. They donated land to build institutions where Latin language and law would be taught. Since knowledge of Latin and legal studies was essential for feudal administrative work, these institutions saw an increase in the study of Latin, law, and rhetoric.
Local urban administrators also contributed to the establishment of universities. They sought independence and often clashed with the king on various matters. To resolve these disputes, they required individuals knowledgeable in law, leading to the inclusion of legal studies in university curricula. Meanwhile, as trade expanded, the number and influence of merchants and artisans grew. To ensure their well-being, the development of medical science became essential. Consequently, during this period, medical studies were included in two major universities.
The Spanish scholar Tarago identified the influence of the Arab education system on medieval European institutions. According to him, this influence was made possible due to the Muslim conquest of Spain. During the 11th century, under the patronage of various Muslim rulers, a vibrant and diverse culture flourished in Spain. Cities such as Toledo, Cordoba, Malaga, Valencia, and Zaragoza emerged as centers of learning. Toledo, in particular, became an unparalleled example of intellectual pursuit, demonstrating that the pursuit of knowledge should not be constrained by narrow-mindedness or discrimination. Inspired by this example, an atmosphere of openness, liberalism, and tolerance developed in various parts of Europe. Later, due to the invasion of Africa’s fierce warriors, numerous Jewish and Christian scholars sought refuge in France, Germany, and Italy. Along with them, they carried a rich cultural heritage, much of which had been nurtured with the support and patronage of Muslims. This knowledge subsequently spread across different European countries.
Gradually, universities emerged in various parts of Europe. Cities such as Milan, Pisa, Salerno, Naples, and Palermo quickly gained fame as vibrant centers of intellectual exchange and discussion. Initially, the Church viewed the expansion of education with suspicion, as much of the knowledge being taught was secular in nature. However, as the Church grew in power and influence, it required educated individuals for roles such as legal advisors, accountants, and estate managers. Consequently, the Church itself began taking initiatives to establish universities, though it maintained significant control over these institutions.
Thus, although intellectual pursuits had begun during the Carolingian period, the material necessities required for shaping them into universities emerged in the 12th century. By this time, a wide range of social groups—including conservative institutions like the feudal lords and the Church, as well as urban administrators, merchants, artisans, and their guilds—began hiring educated individuals, leading to the gradual establishment of universities.
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