Nalanda - Famous Universities of Ancient India - Art and Culture Notes

Nalanda was one of the famous universities of ancient India and historic center of higher learning in Bihar, India. It was founded in AD 427 in northeastern India, close to what is now Nepal's southern border, and it lasted until AD 1197. It was primarily dedicated to Buddhist studies, but it also provided education in fine arts, medicine, mathematics, astronomy, politics, and the art of battle. Here we will discuss Nalanda University, which will be helpful for UPSC IAS Exam preparation.

Nalanda University

Nalanda University - Background

• Kumaragupta (Shakraditya) of the Gupta dynasty founded Nalanda University in modern Bihar in the early 5th century, and it flourished for 600 years until the 12th century.
• It was constructed during the Gupta dynasty's reign of Kumaragupta.
• During the era of Harshavardhana and the Pala monarchs, it rose to popularity.
• Until the 12th century 1193 AD, when Turkish ruler Qutbuddin Aibak's general Bakhtiyar Khilji demolished Nalanda University, the university remained a hub of intellectual activity.
• It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• In 2010, the Government of India passed a resolution to revive the famous university, and a contemporary institute, Nalanda University, was established at Rajgir.
• It has been listed as an "Institute of National Importance" by the government.

Nalanda University - Features

• It's also been referred to as "one of the first great universities in recorded history."
• It is a large Buddhist monastery in India's ancient kingdom of Magadha (modern-day Bihar).
• The major monks are reported to have been Mahayana monks such as Asnaga and Vasubandhu.
• Even though it taught about all sects of Buddhism, Mahayana Buddhism was the primary subject of instruction, although other secular disciplines like grammar, logic, epistemology, and science were also covered.
• The University had ten temples, meditation centers, and the world's largest library, which was divided into three buildings: Ratnasagara (nine-story building), Ratnadadhi, and Ratnaranjaka, and housed not only religious manuscripts but also a vast collection of books on literature, astrology, philosophy, science, warfare, and other subjects.
• Famous scholars of Nalanda are Nagarjuna (Madhyamika Shunyavad) and Aryabhatta, the astronomer.
• There were lively arguments and debates going on. Harsha is supposed to have invited a thousand educated Nalanda monks to attend the Kanauj philosophical meeting.
• During King Harsha's reign, Chinese traveler Hiuen Tsang visited Nalanda University and wrote a detailed account of the university.
  • Hiuen Tsang attended university for two years.
• I-Tsing, a Chinese scholar, stated that Nalanda housed 2,000 students and was supported by money from 200 villages.
• A large number of students had come to study from China, Mongolia, Tibet, Korea, and other Asian countries.
• Archaeological evidence also indicates contact with the Indonesian Shailendra dynasty, one of whose kings built a monastery in the complex.
• In 1915, systematic excavations began, revealing eleven monasteries and six brick temples neatly arranged on grounds measuring 12 hectares (30 acres).
• A treasure trove of sculptures, coins, seals, and inscriptions have also been discovered in the ruins, many of which are now on display at the nearby Nalanda Archaeological Museum.

Remnants of Nalanda University

Conclusion

Since the teachers were persons of exceptional aptitude and intelligence, Nalanda was a unique Buddhist learning center. The monastery's regulations were stringent, and everyone had to abide by them. Throughout the day, there were discussions, and the old and young assisted one another.