Nalanda University | An ancient centre of learning

  • June 23, 2024
  • Posted by: OptimizeIAS Team
  • Category: DPN Topics
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Nalanda University | An ancient centre of learning

Sub: History

Sec: Art and Culture

About Nalanda University:

  • Founded in the 5th century CE by Emperor Kumaragupta (Gupta Dynasty), Nalanda University, originally known as ‘Nalanda Mahavihara’, was the world’s first international residential school, predating Oxford University by approximately 500 years.

Features:

  • It is a large Buddhist monastery in India’s ancient kingdom of Magadha (modern-day Bihar).
  • Buddhist Foundations: Linked to the times of the Buddha, it thrived for 700 years, promoting diverse learning under esteemed scholars like Nagarjuna, Aryabhatta, Asnaga, Vasubandhu and Dharmakirti.
  • 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 centres, 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 traveller 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 have 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.
About Ancient Nalanda University:

  • Foundation and Early Years (5th Century CE)
    • Establishment: Founded during the Gupta Dynasty in the 5th century CE, under the patronage of Gupta emperor Kumaragupta I.
    • Initial Purpose: Started as a Buddhist monastic center of learning.
    • Evolution: Transitioned into a residential university, one of the earliest examples of its kind.
  • Golden Era (5th to 12th Century CE)
    • Zenith under Pala Rule: Reached its peak during the reigns of emperors like Harsha (606-647 CE) and the Pala kings, notably Dharmapala and Devapala.
    • International Appeal: Attracted scholars, monks, and students from across Asia, including China, Korea, Japan, Tibet, Mongolia, Sri Lanka, and Southeast Asia.
    • Visiting Scholars: Renowned figures like Xuanzang and Yijing from China visited and documented Nalanda’s academic excellence and cultural richness.
    • Size and Support: Described by Chinese pilgrim I-Tsing in 670 CE as accommodating 2,000 students and supported by contributions from 200 villages.
  • Academic Structure and Contributions
    • Curriculum: Offers a diverse curriculum including Buddhist scriptures, Vedas, logic, grammar, medicine, mathematics, astronomy, and philosophy.
    • Specialization: Particularly renowned for advanced studies in Buddhist philosophy, Mahayana Buddhism, and the teachings of Buddha.
  • Library and Manuscripts
    • Dharmaganja: Had a famous library known as Dharmaganja, consisting of three main buildings: Ratnasagara, Ratnadadhi, and Ratnaranjaka.
    • Collection: Housed thousands of manuscripts covering various fields of knowledge, making it a hub of scholarship in ancient India.
  • Decline and Destruction
    • Initial Decline: Began in the 12th century due to the weakening of the Pala Dynasty and the rise of regional powers.
    • Destruction by Bakhtiyar Khilji (1193 CE): Turkish Muslim invader Bakhtiyar Khilji sacked Nalanda in 1193 CE.
    • Impact: The library was burned, and many scholars and monks were killed, leading to the university’s abandonment and gradual decay.

This structured outline provides a comprehensive overview of Nalanda University, highlighting its founding, peak, academic contributions, and eventual decline and destruction.

Rediscovery and Revival:

  • The ruins were rediscovered in 1812 by Francis Buchanan-Hamilton and officially identified in 1861 by Sir Alexander Cunningham.
  • Proposed by former President Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam in 2006, the revival gained momentum with support from the Singapore government and East Asia Summit leaders.
    • The Nalanda University Act was passed in 2010, and the first batch of students enrolled in 2014.

New Campus and Master Plan:

  • Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the new campus on June 19, 2024.
  • 17 countries including Australia, China, Singapore, and South Korea have contributed to its establishment.
  • The campus is designed by B.V. Doshi’s Vastu Shilpa Consultants, the ₹1,800 crore ($210 million) campus spans 485 acres with sustainable features like solar plants, water treatment, and recycling facilities.
    • It includes extensive green cover, water bodies, a Yoga Center, auditorium, library, and sports complex.

Governance and Academic Programs:

  • The President of India serves as the Visitor, with Prof. Arvind Panagariya as Chancellor and Prof. Abhay Kumar Singh as Vice-Chancellor.
  • Programs: Offers postgraduate and Doctoral programs in Buddhist studies, philosophy, literature, environmental studies, sustainable development, and international relations. Students from over 20 countries are currently enrolled.

Challenges and Controversies:

  • Initial controversies included the appointment of Gopa Sabharwal as Vice-Chancellor and the subsequent resignation of Nobel laureate Amartya Sen and his successor George Yeo over autonomy concerns.
  • The narrative of its decline is debated; some argue it was destroyed by Bakhtiyar Khilji, while others claim it suffered from long-term decline due to funding cuts and persecution by the Sena dynasty.
  • Disputes over renaming Baktiyarpur Railway station, near the university, have arisen, with Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar opposing changes, citing his birthplace.

Source: TH

History Nalanda University | An ancient centre of learning