Nalanda University, History, Key Facts, Significance

Nalanda University is widely regarded as the world's first residential university, attracting up to 10,000 students and scholars from across Asia. Founded around the 5th century CE, it was primarily a Buddhist monastic university, which also included teachings of Hinduism, logic, grammar, medicine, mathematics, astronomy, and philosophy. Nalanda University was revived by the Indian government in 2010, and a new campus was built in 2024.

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All About Nalanda University

Nalanda University is one of the oldest and most respected learning centres in the world. It was a global seat of knowledge long before modern universities were built and was originally founded in 427 CE by Emperor Kumaragupta I of the Gupta dynasty in Bihar, India. It attracted students from countries like China, Korea, Japan, Tibet, Sri Lanka, and more. 

Nalanda was not just a centre of Buddhist learning; it also taught philosophy, medicine, mathematics, logic, astronomy, and literature. Famous scholars like Aryabhata (mathematician), Nagarjuna (Buddhist philosopher), and the Chinese traveller Xuanzang attended the university. Today, it is celebrated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Nalanda University History

Nalanda University was established in the 5th century CE during the Gupta Empire. It is believed that Kumaragupta I founded the university around 427 CE. It reached its peak under the rule of Harshavardhana and the Pala dynasty.

Nalanda was a fully residential university with over 10,000 students and around 2,000 teachers. The education system followed here was well-structured and advanced. Students had to pass tough entrance exams to gain admission. The curriculum covered Buddhist scriptures along with secular subjects.

Unfortunately, Nalanda faced destruction in the 5th century by the Huns, by the Gaudas in the 7th century, and finally by Bakhtiyar Khilji's forces in the 12th century. It was burned down by Khilji, a Turkish invader. Thousands of scholars were killed, and valuable manuscripts were lost forever. This marked the tragic end of one of the world’s most iconic learning centres.

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Key Facts About Nalanda University

Here are some important and interesting facts about Nalanda University for the UPSC exam:

• Founded around 427 CE by Kumaragupta I of the Gupta dynasty.

• Recognised as the world’s first residential university, accommodating over 10,000 students and 2,000 teachers at its peak.

• Students from over 30 Countries came to study, including China, Tibet, Korea, Japan, and Sri Lanka.

• Featured stucco, stone, and metal art reflecting evolution in Buddhist iconography from Mahayana to Vajrayana Buddhism.

• Ruins included 11 viharas (monasteries) and 14 temples, built along a north-south axis.

• A Massive Library Complex called "Dharma Gunj" had nine million manuscripts in a nine-storey building called Ratnodadhi.

• Alumni and teachers included Nagarjuna, Dharmapala, Dharmakirti, Dinnaga, Silabhadra, Candrakirti, Atisa, Xuanzang and Yijing and others.

• Subjects offered included Buddhism, Vedas, medicine, astronomy, grammar, mathematics, logic, and literature.

• Flourished under the patronage of the Gupta Empire, Harshavardhana, and the Pala dynasty, reaching its zenith during the 5th to 12th centuries.

• The university was attacked thrice, mostly destroyed in 1193 AD by Bakhtiyar Khilji, a general of the Turkish ruler Qutbuddin Aibak.

• Library Burnt for Months after the invasion, due to the vast amount of manuscripts.

• Rediscovered in 1812 by Francis Buchanan-Hamilton and later identified as Nalanda by Sir Alexander Cunningham in 1861.

• In 2016, it was given the status of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognising its importance. 

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Significance of Nalanda University

Nalanda University holds deep historical, educational, and cultural value. The importance of Nalanda University lies in its being the:

• Ancient Global Education Hub: It was among the first international universities. Scholars from different cultures and regions came to learn and share knowledge.

• Centre of Buddhist Philosophy: Nalanda was a key centre for Mahayana Buddhism. It helped spread Buddhist teachings across Asia.

• Symbol of Indian Knowledge System: The university reflected India’s rich knowledge traditions. It promoted logic, reasoning, and scientific thought.

• Inclusive Curriculum: Nalanda didn’t limit itself to religious teachings. It covered subjects that are still part of modern education.

• Inspirational Model: Modern universities have been inspired by the structure and spirit of Nalanda. It showed how education could be organised around debate, critical thinking, and discipline.

• Peaceful Learning Environment: Nalanda stood for harmony. It welcomed students and teachers regardless of nationality or belief, promoting a universal brotherhood through education.

Present Status of Nalanda University

The modern Nalanda University was re-established in 2010 through an act of the Indian Parliament. It is located near the ruins of the ancient Nalanda Mahavihara in Rajgir, Bihar. This step was taken to revive India’s ancient education legacy. The new university is supported by 17 countries, including India, China, Australia, Thailand, and Singapore. 

It admitted the first batch in 2014, and currently offers postgraduate and doctoral programmes in subjects like Historical Studies, Buddhist Studies, Philosophy and Comparative Religions, Languages and Literature, and International Relations and Peace Studies etc. The campus design reflects the values of ancient Nalanda while addressing modern global challenges.

In essence, Nalanda University is a timeless symbol of learning and peace. Its ruins speak of India’s glorious past, while its revival shows the country’s commitment to knowledge in the 21st century. The university now serves as a bridge between India’s past glory and its future promise.

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