Nalanda was an ancient center of learning located in present-day Bihar, India. It was one of the world’s first residential universities and flourished during the Gupta Empire in the 5th to 12th centuries CE. Nalanda attracted scholars and students from all over Asia, making it a renowned hub of education and intellectual pursuit.
The history of Nalanda dates back to the 5th century CE when it was founded under the patronage of the Gupta Empire, a powerful dynasty that ruled over much of northern India. The exact details of its founding are unclear, but it is believed that the ruler Kumaragupta I or his successor, Sakraditya, played a significant role in its establishment.
Initially, Nalanda was a small monastery and educational center, but it gradually grew in size and reputation. It gained prominence during the reign of the Pala dynasty, which ruled the region from the 8th to the 12th centuries CE. The Palas were great patrons of Buddhism and supported the growth of Nalanda as a major center of learning.
Under Pala's patronage, Nalanda University thrived and expanded, becoming a sprawling complex spread across a vast area. It consisted of numerous monastic buildings, lecture halls, libraries, and residential quarters for students and teachers. The university attracted scholars and students from all over Asia, including India, China, Korea, Tibet, and Central Asia.
Nalanda became renowned for its rigorous academic curriculum and the depth of its teachings. It offered various subjects, including Buddhist philosophy, logic, grammar, medicine, mathematics, astronomy, and arts. The curriculum emphasized debate, discussion, and critical thinking.
The university’s library, known as the Dharma Gunj (Mountain of Truth), was a treasure trove of knowledge. It housed an immense collection of manuscripts and texts on various subjects. Scholars estimate that the library contained millions of volumes, making it one of the most significant repositories of knowledge in the ancient world.
Nalanda’s intellectual reputation attracted renowned scholars and thinkers, both from within India and abroad. One of the most famous figures associated with Nalanda is the Buddhist philosopher Nagarjuna, who is considered one of the greatest exponents of Mahayana Buddhism. Another prominent visitor to Nalanda was the Chinese traveler Xuanzang (also known as Hsuan Tsang), who spent several years studying at the university and documented his experiences in his travelogue.
Despite its intellectual achievements and international fame, Nalanda faced a significant setback in the 12th century. In 1193 CE, an army led by the Turkish general Bakhtiyar Khilji attacked the university, ransacking and destroying it. The invading forces burned the libraries, massacred monks and scholars, and left the once-thriving institution in ruins.
Following the destruction, Nalanda University fell into decline and remained abandoned for centuries. Its ruins were gradually covered by vegetation, and its memory faded into obscurity. It was in the 19th century that British archaeologists rediscovered the site.
In recent times, efforts have been made to revive Nalanda as a modern international institution. In 2006, the Nalanda University Act was passed by the Indian Parliament, paving the way for the establishment of a new Nalanda University. The revived institution, located near the original site, aims to promote interdisciplinary research and academic excellence, echoing the spirit of the ancient Nalanda University.
