Gupta Ruler and Nalanda University Founding

The question asks to identify the Gupta ruler who is credited with establishing the renowned Nalanda University.

Kumaragupta I: Founder of Nalanda University

Historical evidence strongly suggests that Kumaragupta I, a ruler of the Gupta Empire, was the founder of Nalanda University. He reigned from approximately 415 to 455 CE.

Significance of Nalanda University

Nalanda University was one of the world's first great residential universities and a major centre of learning in ancient India. Its key aspects include:

• It was a Mahayana Buddhist centre of learning.
• It attracted scholars and students from across the Buddhist world, including China, Korea, and Tibet.
• The university offered advanced studies in various subjects like philosophy, literature, medicine, astronomy, and mathematics.
• Its establishment by Kumaragupta I highlights the Gupta period's significant contribution to the promotion of education and culture in India.

Analyzing the Options

Let's look at the given options in the context of Nalanda's founding:

• Kumaragupta II: While a Gupta ruler, historical records do not credit him with founding Nalanda.
• Sri Gupta: He was the founder of the Gupta dynasty but lived much earlier, and Nalanda was founded much later.
• Kumaragupta I: This ruler is widely accepted by historians as the founder of Nalanda University.
• Skandagupta: A later and capable ruler of the Gupta Empire, known for defending against the Hunas, but not the founder of Nalanda.

Therefore, Kumaragupta I is the correct answer.