The Legacy of Nalanda Vishwavidyalaya: A Beacon of Ancient Wisdom

Nalanda’s establishment around the 5th century CE marked the beginning of a transformative era in the Indian subcontinent’s educational landscape. Kumaragupta I of the Gupta Empire is credited with founding Nalanda, with substantial contributions and expansions from later rulers, notably the Buddhist king Harsha in the 7th century and the Pala dynasty between the 8th and 12th centuries.

The university’s name, “Nalanda,” meaning “insatiable in giving,” aptly captured its spirit of limitless dissemination of knowledge. Located near the ancient city of Rajagriha (modern Rajgir) and the trade hub of Pataliputra (modern Patna), Nalanda’s strategic location made it accessible to scholars from various regions.

Architectural Grandeur

Nalanda was not just an academic institution but a marvel of architectural ingenuity. Spread over an expansive campus of around 14 hectares, it included:

• Monasteries (Viharas): Living quarters for monks and students, often two to three stories high, built around central courtyards.
• Temples (Chaityas): Worship sites, including the grand stupa of Sariputta, a revered disciple of Buddha.
• Classrooms: Where scholars engaged in rigorous studies and debates.
• Meditation Halls: Spaces dedicated to introspection and spiritual practice.
• Libraries: The famed Dharmaganja, housing a vast collection of manuscripts.

Intellectual Pursuits

Nalanda’s curriculum was diverse and comprehensive, extending beyond Buddhist philosophy to embrace a wide array of disciplines:

1. Buddhist Studies: Emphasizing Mahayana and Vajrayana traditions, as well as comparative studies with other schools of Buddhism.
2. Logic and Philosophy: Including Nyaya and Samkhya schools, and extensive studies in the Vedas.
3. Grammar and Linguistics: Detailed examinations of Sanskrit grammar, as epitomized by Panini’s work.
4. Medicine (Ayurveda): Knowledge of medicinal practices, surgery, and wellness.
5. Mathematics and Astronomy: Covering algebra, geometry, and the study of celestial bodies.
6. Arts and Literature: Focus on classical literature, poetry, and various art forms.

Notable Personalities

Nalanda’s alumni and scholars made significant contributions across various fields:

• Aryabhata: The renowned mathematician and astronomer who studied at Nalanda and introduced the concept of zero, place value system, and the heliocentric theory.
• Xuanzang (Hsuan-Tsang): The Chinese monk whose detailed accounts provide invaluable insights into Nalanda’s academic environment, student life, and curricula.
• Dharmapala: A key figure in Buddhist philosophy and one of Nalanda’s distinguished abbots.
• Shantarakshita: A profound scholar whose work helped establish Buddhism in Tibet.

The Libraries of Nalanda

The libraries at Nalanda, collectively known as Dharmaganja, were renowned across the ancient world for their extensive and diverse collection of manuscripts. These libraries were central to the university’s reputation as a premier center of learning. Here’s a detailed exploration of the libraries at Nalanda:

-> Structure and Organization:

Dharmaganja comprised three main libraries, each with its unique repository of knowledge:

1. Ratnasagara (Ocean of Jewels)
2. Ratnadadhi (Sea of Jewels)
3. Ratnaranjaka (Jewel-adorned)

These libraries were monumental both in terms of physical size and the volume of texts they housed. They were designed to facilitate the preservation, study, and copying of manuscripts.

-> Collection of Manuscripts:

The libraries of Nalanda contained an enormous collection of texts across various subjects:

• Buddhist Texts: Including the vast collections of Mahayana, Hinayana, and Vajrayana scriptures, commentaries, and treatises by renowned Buddhist scholars.
• Philosophy: Manuscripts on various schools of Hindu and Buddhist philosophy, including works on logic, metaphysics, and ethics.
• Grammar and Linguistics: Texts on Sanskrit grammar, especially those based on the works of Panini.
• Medicine (Ayurveda): Detailed manuscripts on medical practices, surgical techniques, pharmacology, and wellness.
• Mathematics and Astronomy: Works on algebra, geometry, trigonometry, and astronomical calculations.
• Arts and Literature: Classical literature, poetry, drama, and texts on various art forms.

-> Preservation and Scribing:

The manuscripts at Nalanda were meticulously preserved using methods that ensured their longevity. They were often written on durable materials like palm leaves and birch bark, and stored in conditions that protected them from moisture and pests.

The university employed skilled scribes and calligraphers who were responsible for copying texts. This not only helped in preserving the original manuscripts but also facilitated the spread of knowledge as copies were made available to visiting scholars and other institutions.

-> Role in Scholarly Exchange:

The libraries of Nalanda played a crucial role in the intellectual exchange between India and other parts of the world. Scholars from regions as far as China, Korea, Japan, Tibet, Mongolia, Turkey, Sri Lanka, and Southeast Asia came to Nalanda to study and access its vast repositories of knowledge.

Xuanzang (Hsuan-Tsang), the famous Chinese monk and scholar, spent several years at Nalanda and extensively studied the texts in its libraries. He later translated many of these works into Chinese, significantly influencing the development of Buddhism in China.

-> Intellectual Hub

The libraries were more than just repositories of texts; they were active centers of intellectual activity. Scholars engaged in debates, discussions, and lectures, often referring to the manuscripts in the libraries. The libraries provided a foundational base for the curriculum and the scholarly work that defined Nalanda.

The Decline

Nalanda’s decline began in the 12th century with the rise of Turkic Muslim invasions. The final blow came in 1193 CE when Bakhtiyar Khilji’s forces attacked the university, leading to the destruction of its buildings and the massacre of monks and scholars. The fires that consumed its libraries obliterated thousands of invaluable manuscripts, marking the end of an era.

The Modern Revival

In recognition of Nalanda’s historical significance, efforts to revive its legacy culminated in the establishment of a new Nalanda University in 2010. Situated near the ancient site, this modern institution aims to rekindle the spirit of interdisciplinary learning and global knowledge exchange that defined its predecessor.

Conclusion

Nalanda Vishwavidyalaya’s historical narrative is a powerful reminder of India’s enduring legacy of scholarship and cultural synthesis. Despite its destruction, the ideals and intellectual pursuits that Nalanda embodied continue to inspire modern educational philosophies. The university’s ruins, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, stand as a testament to a bygone era of unparalleled academic excellence and international collaboration, urging us to cherish and pursue knowledge with the same vigor and dedication.