Nalanda University: Revival of Ancient learning centre

The ancient Nalanda University was established in the 5th century and attracted students from all over the world. The ancient University flourished for 800 years before it was burnt down by invaders in the 12th century. Read here to learn more about the revival of the ancient university.

The Prime Minister on June 19 2024 inaugurated the new campus of Nalanda University, an international University, close to the site of the ancient ruins of Nalanda in Rajgir, Bihar.

The Parliament of India established the Nalanda University through the Nalanda University Act, 2010.

The Act formed the basis for implementing the decisions arrived at the second East Asia Summit (EAS) (Philippines, 2007) for the establishment of the university as an “international institution for the pursuit of intellectual, philosophical, historical and spiritual studies” and at the fourth East Asia Summit (Thailand, 2009).

It started functioning in 2014 from a makeshift location with 14 students, the construction work started in 2017.

History of Nalanda University

• Foundation and Early Years (5th Century CE)
  • Nalanda University, located in the Indian state of Bihar, was established in the 5th century CE during the Gupta Dynasty, specifically under the patronage of Gupta emperor Kumaragupta I.
  • The university was initially founded as a Buddhist monastic centre of learning and later evolved into a full-fledged residential university.
  • It became one of the earliest examples of a residential university complex, accommodating students and faculty within its premises.
• Golden Era (5th to 12th Century CE)
  • Nalanda University reached its zenith during the reigns of emperors like Harsha (606-647 CE) and the Pala kings, particularly Dharmapala and Devapala, who were major patrons.
  • The university attracted scholars, monks, and students from various parts of the world, including China, Korea, Japan, Tibet, Mongolia, Turkey, Sri Lanka, and Southeast Asia.
  • Renowned scholars such as Xuanzang (Hsuan-Tsang) and Yijing from China visited Nalanda University and documented their experiences, providing valuable insights into the academic environment and curriculum.
  • In 670 CE, another Chinese pilgrim I-Tsing visited Nalanda. He stated that Nalanda housed 2,000 students and was supported by money from 200 villages.

Academic Structure and Contributions

• Curriculum and Courses
  • Nalanda offered a wide range of subjects including Buddhist scriptures, Vedas, logic, grammar, medicine, mathematics, astronomy, and philosophy.
  • It was particularly renowned for its advanced studies in Buddhist philosophy and theology, with courses on Mahayana Buddhism and the teachings of the Buddha.
• Library and Manuscripts
  • Nalanda had a vast library called “Dharmaganja,” consisting of three large buildings: Ratnasagara, Ratnadadhi, and Ratnaranjaka.
  • The library housed thousands of manuscripts and texts, covering various fields of knowledge, making it one of the most important centres for learning and scholarship in ancient India.

Decline and Destruction

• Initial Decline
  • The decline of Nalanda began in the 12th century, attributed to the weakening of the Pala Dynasty and the rise of regional kingdoms.
  • The university faced attacks from invading armies, and its influence gradually diminished.
• Destruction by Bakhtiyar Khilji (1193 CE)
  • The final blow came in 1193 CE when the Turkish Muslim invader Bakhtiyar Khilji sacked Nalanda.
  • Khilji’s forces burned the library and killed many monks and scholars, leading to the university’s eventual abandonment and decay.

Revival and Modern Era

• Rediscovery and Archaeological Excavations
  • Nalanda remained in ruins for centuries until its rediscovery in the 19th century by British archaeologists, notably Alexander Cunningham and Francis Buchanan-Hamilton.
  • Systematic excavations in the 20th century revealed the layout of the ancient university, including its stupas, monasteries, temples, and classrooms.
• Modern Re-establishment
  • In 2010, the Government of India, along with several East Asian countries, initiated efforts to revive Nalanda University as a modern centre of learning.
  • Nalanda University was re-established as an international university in 2014, with a focus on interdisciplinary research and fostering global cooperation.

Institutions of learning in Ancient India

Ancient India was home to several prominent centres of learning that attracted students from various parts of the world. These institutions were renowned for their scholarly pursuits, diverse curricula, and contributions to various fields such as philosophy, mathematics, astronomy, medicine, and literature.

1. Takshashila (Taxila)
   • Location: Present-day Pakistan
   • Period: Flourished between 6th century BCE and 5th century CE
   • Notable Scholars: Panini (grammarian), Kautilya (author of Arthashastra), Charaka (physician)
   • Subjects Taught: Vedas, grammar, philosophy, medicine, surgery, politics, warfare, astronomy, and commerce
   • Features: Considered one of the earliest universities, attracting students from across the Indian subcontinent and beyond.
2. Nalanda
   • Location: Present-day Bihar, India
   • Period: 5th century CE to 12th century CE
   • Notable Scholars: Aryabhata (mathematician and astronomer), Xuanzang (Chinese traveller and scholar)
   • Subjects Taught: Buddhism, Vedas, logic, grammar, medicine, mathematics, astronomy, and fine arts
   • Features: One of the first residential universities with dormitories for students, famous for its extensive library, and a center for Buddhist studies.
3. Vikramashila
   • Location: Present-day Bihar, India
   • Period: Established in the 8th century CE, flourished until the 12th century CE
   • Founder: Dharmapala
   • Subjects Taught: Buddhist philosophy, logic, grammar, metaphysics, and tantric texts
   • Features: Known for its rigorous academic environment and significant contributions to Buddhist scholarship.
4. Valabhi
   • Location: Present-day Gujarat, India
   • Period: 6th century CE to 12th century CE
   • Subjects Taught: Vedas, philosophy, law, medicine, economics, and politics
   • Features: Known for its contributions to Buddhist and Jain literature and thought, and attracted scholars from across India.
5. Odantapuri
   • Location: Present-day Bihar, India
   • Period: 8th century CE to 12th century CE
   • Founder: Gopala I
   • Subjects Taught: Buddhism, various branches of science, and arts
   • Features: Served as a major Buddhist learning centre before being destroyed by invaders.
6. Mithila
   • Location: Present-day Bihar, India
   • Period: Flourished in the 12th century CE
   • Notable Scholars: Vachaspati Mishra, Vidyapati
   • Subjects Taught: Nyaya (logic), Mimamsa (interpretation of Vedic texts), law, and grammar
   • Features: Known for its emphasis on logic and Vedic scholarship.
7. Kanchi (Kanchipuram)
   • Location: Present-day Tamil Nadu, India
   • Period: Flourished during the early medieval period
   • Notable Scholars: Dignaga (logician), Bodhidharma (Buddhist monk)
   • Subjects Taught: Vedas, Buddhism, Jainism, and various branches of Hindu philosophy
   • Features: Renowned for its diversity in teachings and contribution to both Hindu and Buddhist studies.

Conclusion

The institutions of learning in ancient India were remarkable for their comprehensive and inclusive approach to education.

They played a pivotal role in the advancement of knowledge and the development of various fields of study.

The legacy of these ancient centres continues to inspire modern educational practices and underscores the importance of a holistic and integrated approach to learning.

Nalanda University holds a significant place in the history of education and Buddhist scholarship.

Its ancient legacy as a premier institution of higher learning continues to inspire modern efforts to revive its spirit and academic excellence.

The modern Nalanda University aims to build on this heritage, promoting global academic collaboration and contributing to contemporary knowledge and research.

Related articles:

• Education in India
• UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India

-Article by Swathi Satish