Information
Nalanda University is one of the ancient Indian residential universities with an area of 14 hectares, presently it is located in the city of Rajgir, and the state of Bihar. It is a Buddhist Monastery as well as a point of enlightenment and emerged during the 5th Century CE.
According to Hieun Tsang who visited Nalanda in the 7th century, KumaraGupta I is the founder of University.
At that time in Nalanda there were around 10000 students and 2000 teachers. Scholars from all over the world were part of the illustrious vedic learning. In Nalanda the food and the education was free. Few alumni of Nalanda were Harshvardhana, Dharmpal, Hieun Tsang and Aryabhatta.
The Library of Nalanda had a collection of around 90 lakhs of books such as literature, astrology, philosophy, logic, astrology, and medicine. Which is famously known as Dharmaganja, which consisted of three large buildings called Ratnasagar, Ratnodadhi, and Ratna Ranjak.
It is believed that the original manuscripts of Upanishads were present here. University primary focus was on Buddhist studies, covering Mahayana and Hinayana teachings, but the university also taught Vedas, logic, grammar, medicine, mathematics, astronomy, and philosophy. These studies made Nalanda a premier institution for higher learning.
Nalanda faces three major invasions by Mihirkula, Gaudas Rajvansh and Bakhtiyar Khilji. The 3rd invasion was the most brutal attack. Thousands of students and scholars were brutally massacred. According to minhaj Siraj, it took 3 months to burn all the books of Nalanda during khilji’s invasion.
Former President of India Lt. Dr. A.P.J Abdul Kalam proposed an idea to develop Nalanda as an educational hub with the Nalanda University Act. In 2010, the Indian government, in collaboration with countries like China, Japan, Singapore, and others, initiated the establishment of a new University near the site of the ancient one. The modern University was inaugurated in 2014 and aims to revive the spirit of the ancient institution by studies involving the combination of multiple academic disciplines into one activity.
Nalanda University Map
The layout of the ancient Nalanda University was quite advanced and included a series of temples, monasteries, lecture halls and a huge library.
Here is a brief description on it
Main Gate: The main entrance of the university campus.
Monasteries Maths: Residential quarters for students and monks consisting of about 10 such structures around open courtyards, each with its own well.
Temple Chaityas: Religious structures used for Meditation and Teaching that were often decorated.
Lecture Hall: Large hall where scholars and teacher lectures were conducted.
Library Complex (Dharma Ganja):
- Ratnasagar: One of the three main library buildings.
- Ratnodadhi: Another major library building.
- Ratna Ranjak: The third large library structure.
Stupas: Structures containing relics, typically found scattered throughout the campus.
Gardens and Ponds: Beautifully maintained green spaces and water bodies for relaxation and reflection.
The modern University has a distinct layout designed to meet contemporary educational needs while restricting the building and heritage of the ancient site. It comprises academic buildings, administrative offices, residential quarters and recreational facilities.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Nalanda University
What is Nalanda University?
Nalanda is one of the ancient Indian residential universities, originally established as a Buddhist Monastery and center of learning during the 5th Century CE. It is located in the city of Rajgir, in the state of Bihar, India.
Who founded Nalanda University?
According to the Chinese traveler Hieun Tsang, who visited Nalanda in the 7th century, KumaraGupta I is credited as the founder of University.
How large was the original Nalanda University?
The ancient University covered an area of 14 hectares.
What was the student and teacher population at Nalanda University?
At its peak, University housed around 10,000 students and 2,000 teachers.
Were there international scholars at Nalanda ?
Yes, scholars from all over the world were part of the illustrious Vedic learning at Nalanda University.
Was education free at Nalanda University?
Yes, both food and education were provided for free at University.
Can you name some notable alumni of Nalanda ?
Notable alumni include Harshvardhana, Dharmpal, Hieun Tsang, and Aryabhatta.
What was the library at Nalanda University like?
The library of University, known as Dharmaganja, housed around 90 lakh (9 million) books covering subjects like literature, astrology, philosophy, logic, medicine, and more. It consisted of three large buildings: Ratnasagar, Ratnodadhi, and Ratna Ranjak.
What subjects were taught at Nalanda University?
While the primary focus was on Buddhist studies (covering Mahayana and Hinayana teachings), the university also taught Vedas, logic, grammar, medicine, mathematics, astronomy, and philosophy.
What major invasions did Nalanda face?
Nalanda faced three major invasions by Mihirkula, the Gaudas Rajvansh, and Bakhtiyar Khilji. The third invasion by Bakhtiyar Khilji was the most devastating, resulting in the massacre of thousands of students and scholars and the burning of the university’s extensive library.
How long did it take for the library to burn during Khilji’s invasion?
According to Minhaj Siraj, it took three months to burn all the books of Nalanda during Khilji’s invasion.
What is the modern Nalanda ?
The modern Nalanda was inaugurated in 2014, following an initiative by the Indian government, in collaboration with countries like China, Japan, Singapore, and others. The new university aims to revive the spirit of the ancient institution by combining multiple academic disciplines into one educational activity.
Who proposed the idea to develop a new Nalanda University?
The idea to develop a new Nalanda University as an educational hub was proposed by the former President of India, Dr. A.P.J Abdul Kalam, through the Nalanda University Act.
Where is the modern Nalanda University located?
The modern University is located near the site of the ancient one, in Rajgir, Bihar, India.
What are the objectives of the modern Nalanda University?
The modern Nalanda aims to revive the spirit of the ancient institution by focusing on interdisciplinary studies, promoting intellectual exchanges, and fostering a global learning environment.
