I-Jing's Account of Nalanda Monastery Maintenance

The question asks about the specific provision made for the upkeep and functioning of the Nalanda monastery, as recorded by the Chinese traveler I-Jing.

Understanding Nalanda's Funding Sources

I-Jing, a notable Chinese Buddhist monk and scholar, visited India during the 7th century CE and spent considerable time studying at Nalanda University. His writings provide valuable insights into the structure, administration, and daily life of this ancient monastic institution.

I-Jing's Observation on Maintenance

According to I-Jing's detailed records, Nalanda monastery was supported by a significant provision granted by the rulers and patrons of that era. Specifically, he documented that:

• The monastery was endowed with more than 200 villages. The revenue generated from these villages was dedicated entirely to covering the expenses associated with the monastery's maintenance. This included costs for food, lodging, clothing for the monks, and the general upkeep of the extensive monastic complex.

This large grant of villages ensured a stable and substantial financial resource base, enabling Nalanda to function as a premier center of learning for centuries. The other options, such as student fees, donations from lay devotees, or the monks' agriculture income, were likely supplementary sources or did not represent the primary, officially sanctioned provision for the monastery's large-scale maintenance as documented by I-Jing.