History of Nalanda
Nalanda Mahavihara (university) was founded in the 5th century CE by the Gupta king Kumargupta. Today, it is a UNESCO world heritage site. During its prime Nalanda hosted around 10,000 students along with 2,000 teachers and monks. Subjects like astronomy, medicine, Buddhist scriptures, and mathematics were taught here. Students worldwide came here in pursuit of knowledge. But only the candidates who passed a rigorous entrance examination were admitted.
The exam started at the grand entrance itself by gatekeepers called ‘Dwar Pandits’ who were highly learned scholars and the examiners. They asked questions on subjects like mathematics, nyaay (logic) and grammar. Only the most learned ones could get the chance to step inside the prestigious university.
Xuanzang (Hsüan-tsang), a Chinese pilgrim and scholar, visited Nalanda in the 7th century. His writings are among the most important sources of information about the university’s greatness. In his travel journal “Great Tang Records on the Western Regions” he describes Nalanda as a residential university with magnificent monasteries and temples inside its lush green campus that spread across acres of land.
The university housed the Dharmaganj library, a nine-story treasure of knowledge that contained nearly 9 million manuscripts. The pillars, walls, and doors were intricately carved and the roof of those sky touching buildings were decorated with tiles and ornaments. The architecture of Nalanda left a royal impression on all.
Fall of Nalanda
After 7 centuries of glory, Nalanda was attacked and looted by King Bakhtiyar Khilji. Legend says that once when Bakhtiyar Khilji fell severely ill, his royal hakims (doctors) were unable to cure him. Upon suggestion, he called a scholar from Nalanda to treat him, but he challenged the scholar saying he'd not take any medicine orally. The scholar accepted and the next day bought him a Quran.
He asked Khilji to read a few pages daily and after some days the king recovered. The secret behind the magical healing book was that the scholar had applied medicine on the pages of the Quran which entered his body through respiration and touch when he read it. When this secret was revealed to Khilji he got furious and attacked Nalanda.
The legend ends here but the destruction, the pain, and the loss was real. Thousands of students and monks were mercilessly killed, and the castle-like monument was brutally put ablaze. The biggest tragedy was the loss of the great Dharmaganj library. It is said that the fire burned for months. An ocean of knowledge and wisdom lost to tyranny. Nalanda’s ruins stand today not as stones, but as a symbol of intellect, glory, and brutality.
Modern Nalanda
To revive the legacy of ancient Nalanda, modern Nalanda university was founded by the Bihar Government under The Nalanda University Act in 2010. Just like the ancient forerunner, the modern Nalanda is also an international hub for education, it welcomes students from all across the world, especially across Asia.
The 450 acre campus is a beautiful blend of learning and nature. It is surrounded by Rajgir hills and equipped with a helipad, yoga centre, lakes, trees, and aesthetic surroundings. The modern Nalanda resembles the ancient one. From the colour of the buildings to the lush green campus. It echoes the historic aura of ancient Nalanda. As you step inside the carbon-neutral, zero waste campus you will find EV vehicles that will take you on a campus tour. The calm breeze and beautiful view of lakes and greenery inside make the visit memorable and extraordinary.
