Innovation of the Imperial Examination Systems of the Liao, Jin, and Yuan Dynasties and Their Political and Cultural Influences

Abstract

The imperial examinations of the Liao, Jin, and Yuan, as ethnic minority regimes, were not perfect, compared with those in the Tang and Song dynasties. Scholars in these political systems did not enjoy high status. However, we cannot completely deny or ignore the historical position and influence of imperial examinations during the Liao, Jin, and Yuan periods. The rulers of the Liao, Jin, and Yuan dynasties not only extended the imperial examination system to the vast nomadic areas in the north, but also constantly innovated the system, combining it with the characteristics of ethnic minority regimes and the rulers’ demand. Thereby, the imperial examination system represented unique characteristics of ethnic minority groups, and also laid a foundation for the improvement of imperial examinations in the Ming and Qing dynasties. The imperial examination system is an important power that pushed the Liao, Jin, and Yuan dynasties to transform from soldier politics or military politics and aristocratic politics to civilian politics. Besides, it is an effective means to guide and urge scholars, including ethnic minority scholars, to learn Confucian classics, history, and literature. It played a key role in promoting the

Keywords

Liao, Jin, and Yuan dynasties / imperial examinations / civilian political model

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2023 Higher Education Press