INTRODUCTION OF NALANDA

UNIVERSITY

Nalanda is an ancient center of higher learning in Bihar, India from

427 to 1197. Nalanda was established in the 5th century AD in
Bihar, India. Founded in 427 in northeastern India, not far from what
is today the southern border of Nepal, it survived until 1197.

Ancient Takshashila University Takshashila, was an early Buddhist centre of learning. According to
available references it is dated back to at least the 5th century BC. Some scholars date Takshashila's
existence back to the 6th century BC. Takshashila is described in some detail in later in Jātaka tales,
around the 5th century AD. It became a noted centre of learning at least several centuries before
Christ, and continued to attract students until the destruction of the city in the 5th century AD.
Takshashila is perhaps best known because of its association with Chanakya. The famous treatise
Arthashastra (Sanskrit for The knowledge of Economics) by Chanakya, is said to have been composed
in Takshashila itself. Chanakya (or Kautilya), the Maurya Emperor Chandragupta and the Ayurvedic
healer Charaka studied at Taxila. Generally, a student entered Takshashila at the age of sixteen. The
Vedas and the Eighteen Arts, which included skills such as archery, hunting, and elephant lore, were
taught, in addition to its law school, medical school, and school of military science. The ruins of Taxila
contain buildings and buddhist stupas located over a large area. The main ruins of Taxila are divided
into three major cities, each belonging to a distinct time period. The oldest of these is the Hathial
area, which yielded surface shards similar to burnished red wares (or 'soapy red wares') recovered
from early phases at Charsadda, and may date between the 6th century BCE and the late 2nd
millennium BCE. Bhir Mound dates from the 6th century BCE. The second city of Taxila is located at
Sirkap and was built by Greco-Bactrian kings in the 2nd century BCE. The third and last city of Taxila is
at Sirsukh and relates to the Kushan kings. In addition to the ruins of the city, a number of buddhist
monasteries and stupas also belong to the Taxila area. Some of the important ruins of this category
include the ruins of the stupa at Dharmarajika, the monastery at Jaulian, the monastery at Mohra
Muradu in addition to a number of stupas. Legend has it that Takṣa, an ancient king who ruled a
kingdom called Takṣa Khanda the modern (Tashkent) founded the city of Takṣaśilā. However Sanskrit
Takṣaśilā, appears to contain the suffix śilā, "stone" with the prefix Takṣa, alluding to Takṣa, the son of
Bharata and Mandavi, as related in the Ramayana. In the Mahābhārata, the Kuru heir Parikṣit was
enthroned at Takṣaśilā. According to tradition the Mahabharata was first recited at Takṣaśilā by
Vaishampayana, a disciple of Vyasa at the behest of the seer Vyasa himself, at the sarpa satra yajna,
"Snake Sacrifice ceremony" of Parikṣit's son Janamejaya. According to one theory propounded by
Damodar Dharmanand Kosambi, Takṣaśilā is a related to Takṣaka, "carpenter" and is an alternative
name for the Nāgas of ancient India. According to scattered references which were only fixed a
millennium later, it may have dated back to at least the 5th century BCE. There is some disagreement
about whether Takshashila can be considered a university. While some consider Taxila to be an early
university or centre of higher education, others do not consider it a university in the modern sense,
in contrast to the later Nalanda University. Takshashila is described in some detail in later Jātaka
tales, written in Sri Lanka around the 5th century CE. Takshashila is considered a place of religious
and historical sanctity by Hindus and Buddhists. The former do so not only because, in its time,
Takshashila was the seat of Vedic learning, but also because the strategist, Chanakya, who later
helped consolidate the empire of Emperor Chandragupta Maurya, was a senior teacher there. The
institution is very significant in Buddhist tradition since it is believed that the Mahāyāna sect of
Buddhism took shape there. Some scholars date Takshashila's existence back to the 6th century BCE.
It became a noted centre of learning at least several centuries BCE, and continued to attract students
from around the old world until the destruction of the city in the 5th century CE. Takshashila is
perhaps best known because of its association with Chanakya. The famous treatise Arthashastra
(Sanskrit for The knowledge of Economics) by Chanakya, is said to have been composed in
Takshashila itself. Chanakya (or Kautilya), the Maurya Emperor Chandragupta and the Ayurvedic
healer Charaka studied at Taxila. Generally, a student entered Takshashila at the age of sixteen. The
Vedas and the Eighteen Arts, which included skills such as archery, hunting, and elephant lore, were
taught, in addition to its law school, medical school, and school of military science.

HISTORY
The establishment of ancient Nalanda as an undisputed seat of learning was a historical
consequence of its context. Ancient Magadha was characterized by an intellectual ferment
unlike any known to humanity. The ability to meld multiple discourses and embrace
knowledge in its entirety is what made Nalanda uniquely attractive for all seekers of
knowledge.
 
Historical sources indicate that the University had a long and illustrious life which lasted
almost continually for 800 years from the fifth to the twelfth century CE. It was a completely
residential university believed to have 2,000 teachers and 10,000 students. The Nalanda ruins
reveal through their architectural components the holistic nature of knowledge that was
sought and imparted at this University. It suggests a seamless co-existence between nature
and man, and between living and learning.
The profound knowledge of Nalanda’s teachers attracted scholars from places as distant as
China, Korea, Japan, Tibet, Mongolia, Turkey, Sri Lanka, and South East Asia. These
scholars have left records about the ambience, architecture, and learning at this unique
university. The most detailed accounts have come from Chinese scholars and the best known
of these is Xuan Zang who carried back many hundred scriptures which were later translated
into Chinese.
Thus, when the former President of India, the Hon’ble Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam mooted the
idea of reviving the ancient Nalanda University while addressing the Bihar State Legislative
Assembly in March 2006, the first step towards realizing the dream of reinventing the old
Nalanda had been taken. Almost simultaneously, the Singapore government presented the
“Nalanda Proposal” to the Government of India
suggesting the re-establishment of ancient Nalanda to make it as the focal point of Asia once
again. In the same spirit, the State Government of Bihar was quick to adopt the visionary idea
and consulted with the Government of India on the way ahead. At the same time, it began its
search for a suitable location for the new Nalanda University. A stretch of 450 acres of land
at th base of the picturesque
Rajgir Hills was identified and acquired to house its campus. A high degree of cooperation
between the State of Bihar and the Government of India, thus, marked the establishment of
Nalanda University in its new avatara right from the outset.
As the hallmarks of the ancient Nalanda were its diversity, a knowledge ecosystem thriving
on shared creation of new knowledge and an international outlook, these remain as the
essence of the new Nalanda University as well. Thus, leaders of sixteen member states of the
East Asia Summit (EAS) endorsed the proposal to re- establish Nalanda, when they met in
the Philippines in January 2007. The chief inspiration was the historical Nalanda, of course.
Yet, the proposal was as at once futuristic, for the ideals and standards of the ancient seat of
learning have proven to be universal in their relevance as well as utility. We may even
consider those to be the feasible solutions to a shared and sustainable future for all, not just
Asia. This also tells us why the regional initiative for the revival of Nalanda University was
unanimously and enthusiastically welcomed the world over. The idea garnered greater
support subsequently. At the fourth EA Summit held in October 2009, at Hua Hin, Thailand,
more members affirmed the merit of establishing the Nalanda University and encouraged the
idea of regional networking and collaboration between the University and existing centers of
excellence in East Asia. Finally, the project took off, when the Nalanda University Act 2010
was passed in both the Houses of the Indian Parliament. In September 2014, the University
opened its doors for the first batch of students, a historic development after a gap nearly eight
hundred years!
Member Countries
Structure and architecture
Nalanda was regarded as an architectural masterpiece. Enveloped by a lofty
wall and a huge gate, the institution comprised of several temples, viharas
(educational and residential buildings), compounds, stupas, classrooms and
meditation halls. Parks and lakes also adorned the institution’s grounds. The
excavated ruins of the institution indicate that bright red bricks were used in
its construction.

One of the highlights of Nalanda was its well-equipped and colossal library
housed in three large multi-storied buildings called the Ratnasagara (Ocean of
Jewels), the Ratnaranjaka (Jewel-adorned), and the Ratnodadhi (Sea of
Jewels). Ratnodadhi was where the most sacred manuscripts of the institution
were kept and this building was nine stories high. 
 Interim Campus
Until the University constructs its main campus, we function from an alternate campus in
Rajgir, which has been made available to the University by the Bihar State Government to
facilitate in commencing the operations immediately. This 4.5 acres campus is surrounded by
lush greenery and consists of a large building in the front, which serves as the academic hub –
housing all the academic offices, classrooms and the library. The campus also has faculty
housing and an administration centre. The cafeteria and SEES laboratory are all located here.
All the administrative offices including the finance and engineering wings are also situated
within the Interim Campus.
Students are expected to respect the privacy of the residential quarters and not access the
housing zone on the Interim Campus.
The Interim Campus is at a distance of three kilometers from the Tathagat Residence Hall.

Access to Campus
The Campus is open from 9:30 AM to 6:00 PM, 5 days a week. Individuals who wish to enter
the University campus should have a valid identity proof and legitimate purpose for their visit
or be an invited guest of a student, staff, faculty member or University. The entrance of the
interim campus will remain closed from 9:30 p.m. until 8 a.m. the following morning for
visitors. However, faculty, staff and students with valid IDs will be permitted to enter the
campus.

The University Library

The Nalanda University Library is open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. (Monday to Sunday). It is a
fully air-conditioned library with Wi-Fi connectivity. It is fully automated with KOHA ILM
software and also has locker facilities for the students. Though at a nascent stage, it is
evolving at a great pace and is envisioned to become the hub of student activity in future.
Library facilities are intended to help students in their academics and research work. (The
facilities are primarily for the use of those holding University IDs.) All visitors to the
Nalanda University Library must comply with rules and regulations of the University Library
that are specified in the Library Rule Book.

Cafeteria
Students can grab a quick bite between classes at the University Cafeteria situated in the main
building. It provides healthy and sumptuous food. The cafeteria is open on weekdays between
9 am to 7 pm.

Laboratory
The University has a well-equipped Laboratory for its students in the School of Ecology and
Environment Studies to help them perform their research work with ease.

Nalanda University Nalanda Facilities

In total, the university has acquired five residence halls: Ajatshatru, Ananda, Maitreya,
Nagarjuna and Tathagat, out of which 5 are for boys and one is for girls. These residence
halls have been acquired from the Government of Bihar to meet the accommodation needs of
students. The university has labs that are equipped with the latest version to help the students
with their research work. All the students admitted at Nalanda University are covered under
group medical coverage and group personal accident policy. Furthermore, the Nalanda
University facilities list includes modern classrooms, a cafeteria, sports facilities, a library,
and a cafeteria.

Medical Facilities
The University takes measures to keep its students safe and tries to make available the best
medical assistance it can. Students also have the facility of seeing a visiting doctor at the
Campus for their medical needs. The University Doctor visits the Tathagat Residence Hall
every Tuesday from 5.30 pm to 6.30 pm. This is a free of charge service.
All admitted students are also covered under Group Medical Coverage and Group Personal
Accident Policy. The terms of Policy are listed below:

 Sum insured is on individual basis for GMC/GPA – 100,000/300,000

 Corporate buffer of 500,000 is additionally provided

 Pre-existing disease is covered from day 1

 1st year/2nd year exclusions are waived off from day 1

 Room rent entitlement is single AC Room & there is no limit on ICU Rent

 OPD expenses are covered up to 15,000 per student per year. OPD expenses covers
everything except cosmetic treatment

 Ambulance Charges are covered up to 10,000 per incidence

 Death + Disability is covered under GPA

 Medical Expenses are covered on Fixed basis on OPD/IPD basis for sum up to

 Loss of belonging is covered up to 25,000

 Adventure sports included, cost of clothes covered, cost of external devices covered

Special Medical requirements

Students with special medical needs must inform the Student Affairs Office of any
condition that requires the University to be aware of their special requirements or any
necessary treatments.
Moreover, students who are on regular medication for any condition are advised to carry a
prescription of their medication and also carry a supply of the same.

Sports and Games

The University has made arrangements for recreation, sports and games at various Residence
Halls.

Campus Dining Facilities

The dining area in the Residence Hall ensures a balanced meal for its students, keeping in
mind their varied cultural backgrounds and food habits. For more details about the rules and
regulations related to Dining Halls, kindly refer to the Residence Hall Handbook.

Residence Hall
The University currently has residence halls spread across the town of Rajgir. The facilities at
the Residence Halls and the rules and regulations are specified in the Residence Hall
Handbook.

International Convention Centre

In addition to the University’s own facilities, the University also uses the Rajgir International
Convention Centre – an impressive facility with auditoria of various sizes, seminar rooms, an
art gallery, film theatre and a cafeteria. This facility is adjacent to the University Residence
Hall.

On-Campus Shuttle
A shuttle service is provided to all Nalanda University community members from the Interim
Campus to the Residence Halls daily from 8:40 a.m. till 9:15 p.m.
All students have the permission to bring bicycles if they wish to cycle from the Residence
Halls to the Interim Campus and also to generally move around Rajgir.

Weekend Shuttle Service to Patna

Students can comfortably travel to and from Campus to Patna and Gaya on first and third
Saturdays of every month respectively, with our Shuttle .

The greatness of Nalanda University

The facts which have come out from the excavations of
the ruins of Nalanda University, it is known that Nalanda
University was spread over an area of about one mile
long and half a mile wide. The viharas, buildings, stupas,
etc. built in this complex were all constructed with the
scientific method. We do not believe it, but it is
absolutely true that there were eight big rooms and 300
small rooms in this complex. This university had a huge
library which was in three buildings named ‘Dharmanja’.
The main buildings of Nalanda were high and multi-
storeyed.
Huensang’s biographer Wei-Li has given a very interesting description of the
buildings of Nalanda – According to Whi-Li, ‘the whole complex was
surrounded by brick walls. Towards the Vidyapeeth, there is a gate from which
eight more halls (of the Sangharam) are separated from it. The finely
decorated ornate minarets and the fairy-like domes of the heavens stand in
sync with each other like the sharp peaks of the mountain.

The Man Mandir (early morning) seems to be merged in smoke and the upper
rooms seem to be seated above the clouds. From the windows, one can clearly
see how the wind and the clouds take on new forms, and the radiance of the
sun and the moon can be seen over the high eaves. Above the deep and
defined ponds are blooming Nile lotus, which is interspersed with deep red-
colored Kanaka flowers, and in between, the mango groves scatter their
shadows all around.

All the outside classrooms in which the Shramana residence is there are four
stories each. Their capricious barges, colorful eaves, decorated and painted
pearl-like red pillars, ornate miniature pillars, and roofs covered with pillars
that reflect the sun’s light in thousands of forms – all add to the splendor of
the vihara.’

The above Chinese description is also corroborated to some extent by the

stone inscription obtained from Nalanda of King Yashovarman of Kanauj of
the eighth century, which states that ‘the monasteries like the skyscraper
mountain peak of Nalanda are like a beautiful garland created by Brahma
above the earth’. It was getting beautiful. Nalanda had not only Viharas, apart
from Viharas there were also many stupas in which statues of Buddha and
Bodhisattvas were kept. Thus the University of Nalanda was spread over a
wide area amidst all these buildings.
The greatness of Nalanda University
The facts which have come out from the excavations of the ruins of Nalanda University, it is
known that Nalanda University was spread over an area of about one mile long and half a
mile wide. The viharas, buildings, stupas, etc. built in this complex were all constructed with
the scientific method. We do not believe it, but it is absolutely true that there were eight big
rooms and 300 small rooms in this complex. This university had a huge library which was in
three buildings named ‘Dharmanja’. The main buildings of Nalanda were high and multi-
storeyed.

Huensang’s biographer Wei-Li has given a very interesting description of the buildings of
Nalanda – According to Whi-Li, ‘the whole complex was surrounded by brick walls.
Towards the Vidyapeeth, there is a gate from which eight more halls (of the Sangharam) are
separated from it. The finely decorated ornate minarets and the fairy-like domes of the
heavens stand in sync with each other like the sharp peaks of the mountain.

The Man Mandir (early morning) seems to be merged in smoke and the upper rooms seem to
be seated above the clouds. From the windows, one can clearly see how the wind and the
clouds take on new forms, and the radiance of the sun and the moon can be seen over the high
eaves. Above the deep and defined ponds are blooming Nile lotus, which is interspersed with
deep red-colored Kanaka flowers, and in between, the mango groves scatter their shadows all
around.
All the outside classrooms in which the Shramana residence is there are four stories each.
Their capricious barges, colorful eaves, decorated and painted pearl-like red pillars, ornate
miniature pillars, and roofs covered with pillars that reflect the sun’s light in thousands of
forms – all add to the splendor of the vihara.’
The above Chinese description is also corroborated to some extent by the stone inscription
obtained from Nalanda of King Yashovarman of Kanauj of the eighth century, which states
that ‘the monasteries like the skyscraper mountain peak of Nalanda are like a beautiful
garland created by Brahma above the earth’. It was getting beautiful. Nalanda had not only
Viharas, apart from Viharas there were also many stupas in which statues of Buddha and
Bodhisattvas were kept. Thus the University of Nalanda was spread over a wide area amidst
all these buildings.
Nalanda’s fame in the field of education
Nalanda’s reputation as a well-known educational center began to gain momentum from the
fifth century onwards and by the sixth century it was gaining fame not only in India but also
outside India. Faxian, a Chinese traveler who visited India in the 4th century, made no
mention of Nalanda in his travelogue, in contrast to Huensang and Itsing, another Chinese
traveler who came two centuries later, praising it freely. Huh. This means that during the
reign of Harshavardhana, Nalanda received state patronage, due to which it was established
as a world-famous university.
Harshavardhana gave the income of 100 villages of his empire for the maintenance of
Nalanda University. Chinese evidence shows that 200 families living in these villages
donated several hundred Pakal (one Pakal = 133 lb) of ordinary rice and several hundred katti
(one katti = 160 lb) of ghee and butter to Nalanda University every day. Thus, the students
studying in Nalanda were available in abundance for the items of daily life and did not have
to go anywhere to ask for them.

Students in which countries were studying in Nalanda?

Nalanda University was not only famous in India, but outside India, students from countries
like China, Mongolia, Tibet, Korea, Central Asia, etc. came to get an education. According to
Whee-Lee, ten thousand students used to receive education here. The teaching at Nalanda
was of a very high standard. The students who came to study here were able to get admission
to the university only after passing a difficult entrance exam. The graduates here were highly
respected. Due to all this, there was a crowd of students coming to study here.

Major Subjects Taught at Nalanda University Although Nalanda University was famous for
the education and philosophy of Buddhism,but other subjects were also taught here. In
addition to the texts of eighteen sects of Mahayana and Buddhism, the education of Vedas,
Litavidya, Yogashastra therapy, Tantra Vidya, texts of Samkhya philosophy, etc., was
imparted through oral lectures. The expert Acharyas of various subjects used to give
hundreds of lectures to the students every day. Attendance of every student was mandatory.

The Chinese traveler Huan Tsang, who lived and studied here for 18 months, describes in his
verse that ‘there were a thousand persons who could explain the meaning of twenty
collections of sutras and scriptures, 500 persons who could teach 30 collections, There were
ten such Acharyas of Dharma who could explain 50 collections. In all this, Shilabhadra was
the only one who was the knower of all the collections. Thus establishing harmony in various
disciplines, ideas and beliefs was the main feature of Nalanda University. Here education was
imparted in the spirit of freedom of thought and beliefs and tolerance.

At the time when Huensang came to Nalanda to study, then Shilabhadra was the Vice
Chancellor of the university. Shilabhadra’s character and scholarship have been highly
praised by all Chinese travelers. He was a great scholar of all subjects. Huensang himself did
his studies sitting at his feet.

He calls them a storehouse of truth and dharma. Other prominent scholars here include
Dharmapala (who was the guru of Shilabhadra and his predecessor as the patriarch). The
names Chandrapal, Gunamati, Sthiramati, Prabhamitra, Jinmitra, Gyanchand, etc. are
prominent. All these were eminent scholars. All these scholars were not only cable teachers
but also the authors of many high-quality texts. His works were highly respected at that time.
Apart from these scholars, there were other scholars in Nalanda who illuminated the whole
country with the knowledge of their high coats.

Famous Library of Nalanda University

The library of Nalanda University had a huge collection of different types of texts. A huge
collection of texts ranging from ancient manuscripts was stored in this library. The main
center of attraction for Chinese travelers was the manuscripts related to Buddhist texts that
drew them to India. Itsing had prepared copies of 400 Sanskrit texts while staying here. The
library here named Dhanganj was located in three huge grand buildings – Ratnagar,
Ratnodadhi, and Ratanranjak. There were two councils to run the university administration –
intellectual and administrative.

The Vice-Chancellor was over both of them. The expenses of the university were met by the
donations given by the patron rulers and other donors and the money received from the
revenue of the villages. At the time of Itsing, it had revenue of 200 villages in its possession.
The seals and letters of some villages have been found in the excavation which have been
written by addressing the university.

FIRST; DISTRUCTION OF NALANDA UNIVERSITY

Nalanda University was destroyed three times by different invaders. The first destruction
was caused by the Huns under the reign of Mihirakula. The second destruction came during
the 7th century by the Goudas. This time, the Buddhist king Harshavardhana then restored the
university.
Why and where he belong ?
Mihirakula (Gupta script: , Mi-hi-ra-ku-la, Chinese: 摩 酰 逻 矩 罗 Mo-hi-lo-kiu-lo),
sometimes referred to as Mihiragula or Mahiragula, was the second and last Alchon Hun king
of northwestern region of the Indian subcontinent between 502 and 530 CE.He was a son of
and successor to Toramana of Huna heritage. His father ruled the Indian part of the
Hephthalite Empire. Mihirakula ruled from his capital of Sagala (modern-day Sialkot,
Pakistan).
In around 520 CE, the Chinese monk Song Yun met with Mihirakula. According to the 7th-
century travelogue of the Chinese Buddhist pilgrim and student Xuanzang, Mihirakula ruled
several hundreds of years before his visit, was initially interested in Buddhism, and sought a
Buddhist teacher from monasteries in his domain. They did not send him a learned Buddhist
scholar. Feeling insulted, he became anti-Buddhist and destroyed the monasteries in his
kingdom.
Mihirakula is believed to have patronized Shaivism tradition of Hinduism. However, except
for rare texts such as Rajatarangini, he is hardly acknowledged and never praised in Hindu
texts. The Rajatarangini calls him cruel, "a man of violent acts and resembling kala (death)",
who ruled "the land then overrun by hordes of mlecchas (foreigners)." According to the
Chinese Buddhist pilgrim Song Yun, Mihirakula "does not believe in any religion", the
Brahmins who live in his kingdom and read their sacred texts do not like him, his people
were unhappy.
The Buddhist texts record Mihirakula as extremely cruel and bad mannered,the one who
destroyed Buddhist sites, ruined monasteries, killed monks. The Hindu kings Yashodharman
and Gupta Empire rulers, between 525 and 532 CE, likely by 530 CE, reversed Mihirakula's
campaign and ended the Mihirakula era.

Nalanda University was revived by Dharmpala.

Dharmpala was the ruler of Pala Dynasty. Pala Dynasty was founded by Gopala. Nalanda
University was built by Kumaragupta of Gupta Dynasty in the 5th Century AD. He was
repair the first time by Nalanda university.