More than 1500 years ago, in the ancient kingdom of Magadha (present-day Bihar), a large centre of learning or Mahavihara was established. This centre of learning was the great Nalanda University, the world’s first residential university.
It’s no secret that Nalanda was an acclaimed centre of learning, not only in India, but also in the world. During its heyday, Nalanda was located near the city of Rajagriha or the present-day Rajgir, not too far away from Pataliputra or the present-day Patna.
Nalanda University, an ancient centre of higher learning, was founded in the 5th century CE and became one of the most renowned universities in the world, attracting scholars from all over India, China, Tibet, Persia, and other parts of Asia.
Though the exact age of Nalanda University is still a subject of debate, some historians are of the opinion that it might be even older than what is known today. What we know for sure is that Nalanda University reached the peak of its fame and glory during the reign of the Pala dynasty in the 8th and 9th centuries CE. It was during this period that the university saw global exposure.
Today, the ruins of Nalanda University are a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most respected and visited historical sites in India. The simple fact the great scholars and thinkers once taught in this university is definitely a humbling knowledge.
Did you know that Nalanda not only played a key role in the development of Buddhism, but also Indian philosophy, religion, logic, grammar, mathematics, astronomy, and medicine?
One of the star teachers who taught at Nalanda University was Aryabhata. Yes, the astronomer and mathematician who gave the world the concept of Zero back in the 5th century CE.. How’s that for an impressive faculty?
When you visit the ruins of the ancient Nalanda University, now a UNESCO World Heritage site, you will see what’s left of an impressive campus with multiple buildings, lecture halls, libraries, and other facilities, all designed to promote learning and research.
1.Founders: While the exact founder is debated, it is widely attributed to Kumaragupta I and his minister, Shilabhadra. Later, during the reign of Emperor Harshavardhana in the 7th century, it received significant imperial support.
2.Scholars and Teachers: Nalanda boasted a faculty of renowned scholars and teachers, including figures like Nagarjuna, Aryadeva, Vasubandhu, and Dharmapala, among others. These scholars contributed significantly to the development and dissemination of knowledge.
3.Decline: Nalanda reached its zenith in the 7th century CE but began to decline around the 12th century. Several factors contributed to its decline, including the decline of Buddhist patronage, invasions by Turkic invaders, and the eventual destruction of the university complex by Bakhtiyar Khilji in the 12th century.
