Burmese Sketches - Khamkoo

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subscriptions all over the Province. The smallest mite should
be received, and all classes should be invited to contribute, so
that the Burma University shall be a fitting monument raised
by his loyal and devoted subjects to King Edward VII, whose
solicitude for their welfare and prosperity was well-known and
highly appreciated.
PALI EXAMINATIONS IN BURMA (1903).
Under the Burmese 7'egime^ competitive exarninatioils in
P3li were held annually just before the beginning of Buddhist
Leriti They consisted of two parts, viz^ '—(a) the written, and
(b) the oral. The principal text-books prescribed were Kaccayana's
Grammar, Abhidhammattha Sangaha, AbhidhSnappadipika,
Chanda and Alank^ra. The WTittefl portion was
conducted by the officials, and the oral by the Council of
Thudhamrria Sadaws (Mahatheras of the Sudhamma Sabha).
The lamp of classical and religious learning was thus kept
burning, and a healthy spirit of emulation was maintained
throughout the country.
The written portion of the examinations was revived by the
British Government in 1895 > ^^"^^> ^^^ that a Thathanabaing
or Buddhist Archbishop and a Council of Thudhamma Sadaws
tvill shortly be recognised, there is a prospect of the oral portion
being revived also. Under the rules framed by the Education
Department, the examinations are held annually about June at
Mandalay, Ratlgoon, Moulmein and Akyab, and are open to
irionks arid laymen as well as to nuns and other fetnale
candidates. The travelling expenses of successful carididates
for the journey from their home to the examination centres and
back ar6 paid by Government. To every successful candidate,
except the one who passes highest, a certificate is given
signed by the President of the Examination Committee ; and
to the FatamagyaWi Or the candidate who gains the highest
ftUmber of marks, is presented a certificate signed by His
Honour the Lieutenant-Governor. To laymen, rewards, in
money, are giveri ; and to monks an option is given to choose
the form of their reward.
About 400 candidates competed at the last examinatioflS)
which have become very popular through the energy and tact
of Mr* J. Vansomeren Pope, M. A., Director of Public Instruc*
tion.