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.
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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.
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| Odantapuri | Takshila |
| Vikramshila | Malkhed fort |
| Jaggadala | Lalitgiri Odisha |
| Valabhi | Sharada Peeth |
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.
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.
FAQs
Question: When was Nalanda University established, and by whom?
Answer: Nalanda University was established in the 5th century CE during the reign of Kumaragupta I of the Gupta dynasty.
Question: What subjects were taught at Nalanda University?
Answer: Nalanda University offered a wide range of subjects including Buddhist studies, mathematics, astronomy, medicine, grammar, and logic.
Question: Which famous Chinese travelers visited Nalanda University?
Answer: The famous Chinese travelers Xuanzang (Hiuen Tsang) and Yijing visited and studied at Nalanda University.
Question: What was the name of Nalanda University’s library complex?
Answer: The library complex of Nalanda University was called Dharmaganja, which was said to house hundreds of thousands of manuscripts.
Question: How did Nalanda University decline?
Answer: Nalanda University declined after the invasion of Bakhtiyar Khilji in the 12th century, who destroyed the university and burned its vast library.
MCQs
1. Who was the founder of Nalanda University?A) Harsha
B) Kumaragupta I
C) Chandragupta Maurya
D) Ashoka
Answer: (B) See the Explanation
Kumaragupta I of the Gupta dynasty is credited with the establishment of Nalanda University in the 5th century CE.
A) Ibn Battuta
B) Marco Polo
C) Xuanzang
D) Megasthenes
Answer: (C) See the Explanation
The Chinese traveler Xuanzang (Hiuen Tsang) visited Nalanda University and left detailed accounts of the university’s functioning, academic environment, and its role in Buddhist learning.
A) Vikramshila
B) Dharmaganja
C) Ratnasagara
D) Sarnath
Answer: (B) See the Explanation
The vast library of Nalanda University was called Dharmaganja, and it housed a massive collection of manuscripts.
A) Gupta
B) Maurya
C) Pala
D) Ghurid
Answer: (D) See the Explanation
The destruction of Nalanda University is attributed to the invasion by Bakhtiyar Khilji in the 12th century, a commander of the Ghurid dynasty.
A) Astronomy
B) Medicine
C) Buddhist Studies
D) Military Science
Answer: (D) See the Explanation
Nalanda University did not focus on military science, but rather on subjects like astronomy, medicine, and Buddhist philosophy.
GS Mains Questions and Model Answers
Q1: Discuss the role of Nalanda University in the development of education and culture in ancient India.
Answer: Nalanda University played a crucial role in shaping the intellectual and cultural landscape of ancient India. Established in the 5th century CE, it became a prominent center of learning, attracting students and scholars from all over Asia. Nalanda’s multidisciplinary curriculum included subjects like Buddhist studies, astronomy, medicine, and mathematics, making it one of the earliest models of a residential university. The institution also fostered cross-cultural exchanges, with travelers like Xuanzang and Yijing documenting their experiences. Nalanda’s contribution to the spread of Buddhist philosophy and Indian knowledge systems across Asia is considered unparalleled, and its legacy continues to be revered.
Q2: Analyze the reasons behind the decline and destruction of Nalanda University.
Answer: The decline of Nalanda University can be attributed to a combination of political instability and invasions. By the 12th century, the university had already faced challenges due to the changing political landscape in India. However, its final blow came with the invasion of Bakhtiyar Khilji, a general of the Ghurid dynasty, who sacked the university and destroyed its vast library. The destruction of Nalanda marked the end of one of the greatest centers of learning in the ancient world, and it highlighted the vulnerability of Indian institutions during periods of foreign invasions.
Q3: Explain the significance of Nalanda University as an international center of learning in ancient India.
Answer: Nalanda University was not only a prestigious institution in India but also an international center of learning. It attracted scholars from across Asia, including China, Tibet, Korea, and Southeast Asia, making it a hub of cross-cultural exchange. The university’s multidisciplinary approach and the presence of scholars from diverse backgrounds contributed to the development of a rich academic environment. The accounts of travelers like Xuanzang and Yijing further attest to its importance as a global center of knowledge. Nalanda played a vital role in spreading Buddhist philosophy and other Indian knowledge systems throughout Asia, influencing intellectual traditions across the continent.
Previous Year Questions on Nalanda University
1. UPSC CSE Mains 2019 (GS Paper 1)
Question: Nalanda University was a major center of education in ancient India. Discuss its role in the spread of Buddhism and its international impact.
Answer: Nalanda University was instrumental in the spread of Buddhism both within India and abroad. As a major center of Buddhist studies, it attracted scholars from countries like China, Tibet, and Korea, who carried Buddhist teachings back to their homelands. The presence of scholars like Xuanzang at Nalanda facilitated the exchange of ideas and texts, contributing to the growth of Buddhist philosophy. Nalanda’s curriculum included subjects like Buddhist logic, metaphysics, and ethics, which shaped Buddhist scholarship for centuries. Its influence extended beyond India, making it a critical institution in the spread of Buddhism across Asia.
2. UPSC CSE Prelims 2020
Question: Which of the following travelers is known for documenting his visit to Nalanda University?
A) Ibn Battuta
B) Xuanzang
C) Marco Polo
D) Megasthenes
Answer: (B) See the Explanation
Xuanzang (Hiuen Tsang), a Chinese traveler, is famous for documenting his visit to Nalanda University, where he studied and later wrote extensively about the academic environment and Buddhist teachings at the institution.
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