1. Introduction
- What is Nalanda University?: Nalanda University was an ancient Buddhist center of learning, considered the world’s first residential university.
- Location: Nalanda district, Bihar, India.
- Founded By: Kumaragupta I (Gupta Dynasty) in 5th Century CE.
- Significance: Attracted students & scholars from China, Korea, Tibet, Persia, and Central Asia.
- UNESCO World Heritage Site: Declared in 2016.
2. History of Nalanda University
✔ Gupta Period (5th Century CE)
- Founded by Kumaragupta I (415–455 CE) of the Gupta Empire.
- Flourished under Buddhist patronage, supported by Gupta rulers.
✔ Harsha’s Reign (7th Century CE)
- Harshavardhana (606–647 CE) expanded the university.
- Hiuen Tsang (Xuanzang), a Chinese scholar, studied at Nalanda during this period.
✔ Pala Dynasty (8th–12th Century CE)
- Pala kings, like Dharmapala and Devapala, further enriched Nalanda.
- Built more monasteries and libraries.
- Atisha Dipankara (Bengal scholar) studied here.
✔ Destruction (12th Century CE)
- Nalanda was destroyed in 1193 CE by Bakhtiyar Khilji (Turkish invader).
- The library burned for months, and many scholars were killed or exiled.
✔ Modern Revival (21st Century CE)
- Nalanda University was re-established in 2014 as a modern university.
- Supported by India and international Buddhist nations.
3. Key Features of Nalanda University
✔ Residential University:
- Hosted over 10,000 students and 2,000 teachers at its peak.
- Provided hostels, temples, lecture halls, and meditation centers.
✔ Library (Dharma Gunj – “Mountain of Knowledge”):
- Contained thousands of manuscripts on Buddhism, philosophy, medicine, astronomy, and arts.
- Had three main buildings: Ratnadadhi, Ratnaranjaka, and Ratnagunj.
✔ Buddhist & Secular Studies:
- Taught Buddhist Mahayana and Theravada philosophies.
- Also covered logic, medicine, mathematics, astronomy, and Sanskrit grammar.
✔ Influence on Foreign Scholars:
- Attracted scholars like Xuanzang and Yijing from China.
- Spread Buddhist knowledge to Tibet, China, and Southeast Asia.
4. Importance of Nalanda University
✔ First-ever Residential University in the World.
✔ Major center for Buddhist learning and research.
✔ Influenced Buddhist education across Asia.
✔ Preserved and spread Indian knowledge and philosophy.
✔ Symbol of India’s ancient academic excellence.
5. MCQs on Nalanda University
- Who founded Nalanda University?
a) Ashoka
b) Kumaragupta I
c) Harshavardhana
d) Kanishka
➤ Answer: b) Kumaragupta I - Which Chinese scholar studied at Nalanda in the 7th century CE?
a) Faxian
b) Xuanzang (Hiuen Tsang)
c) I-tsing (Yijing)
d) Bodhidharma
➤ Answer: b) Xuanzang (Hiuen Tsang) - Who destroyed Nalanda University in 1193 CE?
a) Mahmud of Ghazni
b) Bakhtiyar Khilji
c) Alauddin Khilji
d) Muhammad Ghori
➤ Answer: b) Bakhtiyar Khilji - In which state is Nalanda University located?
a) Uttar Pradesh
b) Bihar
c) Madhya Pradesh
d) Gujarat
➤ Answer: b) Bihar - What was the name of Nalanda University’s library?
a) Bodhi Vriksha
b) Dharma Gunj
c) Ashoka Path
d) Ratna Mandala
➤ Answer: b) Dharma Gunj
6. Subjective Questions for Exams
- Discuss the rise and fall of Nalanda University.
- What were the main features of Nalanda University that made it unique?
- Explain the role of Nalanda University in spreading Buddhist education.
- Describe the contributions of Xuanzang and Yijing in preserving Nalanda’s legacy.
- How is Nalanda University relevant in modern times?
7. Conclusion
Nalanda University was a global center of learning, influencing Buddhist education in Asia. Its destruction in the 12th century CE was a great loss to Indian heritage, but its modern revival symbolizes India’s historical academic excellence. 🚀
This structured format ensures easy recall for competitive exams like UPSC, SSC, and State PSCs. Let me know if you need modifications! 😊