Nalanda - Indian University , Oldest University Of World

Nalanda: The Historic Luminary of Wisdom in India

Introduction

Centuries before modern education systems emerged, at a time when much of the globe was still navigating primitive forms of schooling, India boasted one of the most remarkable educational establishments of the ancient era—Nalanda University. Situated in the core of what is now Bihar, Nalanda was far more than merely an educational site. It served as an international nexus of intellectual exchange, where wisdom was cultivated, contested, and shared throughout Asia. This article delves into the inception, evolution, importance, and sorrowful demise of this archaic institution of knowledge.

Historical Background and Founding

The roots of Nalanda University extend back to the 5th century CE, during the reign of Gupta emperor Kumaragupta I (circa 415–455 CE). While it's believed that educational pursuits in the area may have begun before the Gupta Empire, it was under Kumaragupta's patronage that Nalanda transformed into a formal residential institution with a comprehensive curriculum.

The term "Nalanda" is thought to signify "provider of wisdom" or "continuous generosity." Located close to Rajagriha (now Rajgir), the region had deep associations with Buddhism. Historical documents indicate that the Buddha allegedly visited Nalanda numerous times, and it later became a significant center for Mahayana Buddhism. The initial monastery is said to have been constructed by a devoted layperson under the mentorship of Shakraditya, a person frequently connected with Kumaragupta I.

Academic Life and Curriculum

Nalanda operated as a fully residential institution, housing more than 10,000 students and over 2,000 instructors at its zenith. The magnitude and sophistication of this establishment were unmatched in its era.

The curriculum at Nalanda was extensive and diverse. While Buddhist studies formed the cornerstone of its objectives, the university also offered courses in:

- Logic (Nyaya)

- Grammar (Vyakarana)

- Medicine (Ayurveda)

- Mathematics

- Astronomy

- Metaphysics

- Philosophy

- Arts and Literature

Students hailed from all corners of Asia, including China, Tibet, Korea, Japan, Mongolia, and Sri Lanka. Gaining admission to Nalanda was a formidable challenge. Aspiring students underwent stringent oral assessments to evaluate their knowledge and intellectual preparedness.

Teaching was primarily conducted in Sanskrit, although other languages such as Pali and regional dialects were also employed. Educational methods consisted of lectures, debates, question-answer sessions, and meditation, fostering a comprehensive learning atmosphere.

Architecture and Library System

Nalanda’s grounds spanned several square kilometers. Chinese traveler Xuanzang (Hsuan Tsang), who dedicated years to learning and teaching there during the 7th century CE, noted that the university consisted of eight expansive compounds, ten temples, meditation areas, along with numerous classrooms and dormitories. The buildings were made of red bricks and showcased intricate carvings and stupas.

One of Nalanda’s most striking attributes was its magnificent library complex, referred to as Dharmaganja. This vast repository of wisdom was divided into three multi-storied structures:

- Ratnasagara (Ocean of Jewels)

- Ratnodadhi (Sea of Jewels)

- Ratnaranjaka (Delighter of Jewels)

These housed an estimated nine million manuscripts covering a wide range of topics. Many works were inscribed on palm leaves and birch bark, preserving scriptures and treatises by eminent scholars such as Nagarjuna, Aryabhata, Dignaga, Dharmakirti, and Chandrakirti.

Cultural and Global Influence

Nalanda was far from an isolated institution. It functioned as a global center of wisdom and diplomacy. International students and scholars routinely journeyed to Nalanda, often sponsored by their home nations. Notable Chinese pilgrims like Xuanzang and Yijing are among its distinguished visitors. Their detailed accounts provide invaluable insights into Nalanda’s operations, cultural dynamics, and academic rigor.

These narratives illustrate vibrant debates, compassionate instruction, and a profound sense of community and discipline. They also emphasize Nalanda’s role in propagating Buddhism to East and Southeast Asia, playing a crucial role in shaping spiritual and philosophical perspectives across the continent.

Decline and Destruction

Despite thriving for over 700 years, Nalanda's prominence ultimately waned in the 12th century CE, as India faced successive invasions from the northwest.

The fatal blow struck in 1193 CE when the Turkic Muslim general Bakhtiyar Khilji, acting on behalf of the Ghurid Empire, raided Nalanda. Mistaking it for a fortress due to its towering structures and walls, Khilji purportedly commanded the annihilation of the university. Monks were killed, and the immense library was set ablaze.

According to legend, the library blazed for several months, such was the vastness of texts contained within its halls. Invaluable manuscripts on Buddhist philosophy, science, medicine, and literature were lost irretrievably.

This heart-wrenching event marked not just the fall of Nalanda but also the erosion of Indian Buddhist scholarship. The destruction of Nalanda heralded a shift in Indian academia, where many centers of learning were either decimated or marginalized in the ensuing centuries.

Heritage and Contemporary Resurgence

For ages, Nalanda remained in desolation—its heritage relegated to the tales of wanderers and myths. Yet, its historical importance never waned. During the 19th century, archaeologists embarked on a mission to excavate the location, revealing the remnants of temples, monasteries, sculptures, and inscriptions that provided a window into its magnificence.

Acknowledging Nalanda's significance as a site of global heritage, the contemporary Nalanda University was revived in 2010 under the auspices of the Government of India, receiving backing from various East Asian countries. It was officially inaugurated in 2014, in close proximity to the ancient site, aiming to rekindle the essence of international scholarship and cultural interchange.

In 2016, UNESCO recognized the ruins of Nalanda Mahavihara as a World Heritage Site, solidifying its role in the chronicles of human civilization.

Final Thoughts

Nalanda University represented more than just a center of learning; it was the pinnacle of wisdom, acceptance, and intellectual exploration in ancient India. Its inclusive educational philosophy, global outreach, and philosophical richness exemplify the peak of India's scholarly legacy.

Despite its sorrowful obliteration, Nalanda's impact lingers on. Its narrative serves as a compelling reminder of the extraordinary achievements of human civilization—and the repercussions of intolerance and strife on cultural heritage. In an era where worldwide learning and cooperation are paramount, Nalanda endures as a timeless emblem of the transformative essence of knowledge.