LEARN ABOUT THE FASCINATING HISTORY OF NALANDA UNIVERSITY

Did you know that the word Nalanda is derived from the Sanskrit words 'Na, Allam, Da'? Which means 'where the gift of knowledge never ends'. It was founded in the 5th century AD by Emperor Kumaragupta I of the Gupta dynasty and later received patronage from subsequent Gupta emperors, including Harsha, as well as the Pala kings.

Nalanda University was a world-renowned residential university of ancient India, located in Bihar. It was founded by Buddhist monks to provide free education. In that era, in ancient Nalanda, there were more than 10,000 students, some of whom came from countries such as China, Korea, Tibet, Indonesia, Mongolia, Japan and Turkey.

Knowledge of history not only shapes identity but also plays a crucial role in critical thinking and nation-building. Analyzing historical facts develops the ability to think and evaluate in young people.

Our younger generation should learn about the history of Nalanda University. This is essential for them as it connects them to their cultural roots and helps them understand the gradual evolution and transformations of society. Some historical facts are given below:

• Nalanda University was located near Rajgir in ancient Magadha (modern-day Bihar).
• Here, students were provided with free education and accommodation. It was a major center of learning.
• Until the 12th century, it remained a major center of education.
• Here, over 10,000 students and 2000 teachers from around the world studied Buddhist philosophy, medicine, and astronomy.
• It was a global center for the study of Buddhism, particularly Mahayana Buddhism, as well as logic, grammar, medicine, and philosophy.
• The Chinese traveler Xuanzang received his education here.
• Here stood a massive nine-story library called 'Dharmaganj', which housed over 9 million books.
• This region is imbued with the positivity bestowed by spiritual figures like Lord Buddha and Lord Mahavira, who meditated in this area.
• This place is also enriched by the scholarly traditions developed by great masters such as Nagarjuna, Aryabhata, and Dharmakirti, who taught at the ancient university of Nalanda.
• This university flourished for more than 800 years. In 1193 AD, the Turkic invader Bakhtiyar Khilji set fire to this university, causing it to burn for several months and ultimately destroying it.

 THE IDEA OF REVIVING NALANDA UNIVERSITY

Now, a new international university is operating here under the name 'Nalanda University'. After more than 800 years, Nalanda University has been revived as a new international institution near the ancient heritage site in Rajgir, Bihar, and was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on June 19, 2024.

In March 2006, while addressing a joint session of the Bihar State Legislative Assembly, former President of India Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam proposed the revival of ancient Nalanda. Spread across 455 acres, this modern and 'net-zero' green campus has been built with the cooperation of East Asia Summit countries and aims to revive ancient knowledge traditions. The President of India serves as the Chancellor of the university.

The idea of ​​reviving Nalanda University was supported by sixteen member countries at the Second East Asia Summit in 2007. In 2009, during the Fourth East Asia Summit, ASEAN member states, including Australia, China, Korea, Singapore, and Japan, pledged further support. It began its first academic session on September 1, 2014, with 15 students in the School of Historical Studies and the School of Ecology and Environmental Studies.

 

It is located near the historical ruins of Rajgir. Its new campus is designed to be sustainable and eco-friendly. This is an international project supported by 17 countries. The university emphasizes higher education and research in Buddhist studies, historical studies, the environment, and sustainable development. It is functioning as a major center of learning, much like ancient Nalanda, with students enrolled from more than 20 countries.

 

CURRENT COURSES AND PROGRAMS

Nalanda is primarily a graduate school, currently offering master's courses and a Doctor of Philosophy program.

Nalanda University currently has five functional schools:

School of Historical Studies

School of Ecology and Environmental Studies

School of Buddhist Studies, Philosophy and Comparative Religion

School of Language and Literature/Humanities

School of Management Studies

The following schools are planned to be launched in a phased manner at a later stage:

School of International Relations and Peace Studies

School of Information Science and Technology

School of Business Management (Public Policy and Development Studies)

Three centers will soon become operational:

The Bay of Bengal Center,

The Conflict Resolution and Peacebuilding Center,

and the Common Archival Resources Center.

The School of Language and Literature/Humanities commenced its operations in 2018 with one-year postgraduate diploma programs in Pali, Sanskrit, Tibetan, Korean, and English. Master's and doctoral programs were launched in 2021.  There are plans to gradually expand the school to include other programs in Indian and foreign languages.

This new Nalanda University revives India's rich educational legacy and global knowledge traditions, standing as a proud UNESCO World Heritage Site and a testament to India's lasting intellectual influence.