Nalanda University Bihar - 10 things to know with detail
- 1. Nalanda University is an ancient center of learning located in the Indian state of Bihar. It was founded in the 5th century AD during the Gupta dynasty.
- 2. The university was a renowned center of learning in ancient India and attracted scholars and students from all over the world. It was known for its excellence in the fields of Buddhist studies, philosophy, logic, medicine, and mathematics.
- 3. Nalanda University was established by Kumaragupta I, a ruler of the Gupta dynasty. It was later patronized by other rulers, including Harsha of the Vardhana dynasty.
- 4. The university had a vast campus with numerous buildings, including lecture halls, dormitories, libraries, and meditation halls. It also had a large collection of manuscripts and books.
- 5. Nalanda University was destroyed by an invading army led by Bakhtiyar Khilji in the 12th century. The library was burned, and many scholars and students were killed.
- 6. The ruins of Nalanda University were rediscovered in the 19th century and have since been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- 7. In 2010, the Indian government announced plans to revive Nalanda University as a modern center of learning. The new university was officially inaugurated in 2014.
- 8. The revived Nalanda University offers postgraduate programs in various disciplines, including Buddhist studies, philosophy, ecology, and historical studies.
- 9. The university has an international faculty and student body, with students from countries such as Japan, China, Korea, and Sri Lanka.
- 10. Nalanda University is committed to promoting intercultural dialogue, sustainable development, and social justice. It aims to carry on the legacy of the ancient university by fostering academic excellence and global cooperation.