The Ancient University of Nalanda | It Happens Only in India | National Geographic

Summary

The script highlights the historical significance of Nalanda, one of the world's oldest universities, founded in India over 1500 years ago. Known for its vast library and comprehensive curriculum covering literature, theology, medicine, philosophy, and more, Nalanda attracted students from around the world, including Chinese traveler Xuanzang. Despite thriving for 700 years, it was destroyed in the 12th century by Bakhtiyar Khilji, with its library reportedly burning for months. Today, efforts have been made to revive Nalanda as a modern international university, symbolizing India's rich legacy of knowledge and education.

Takeaways

• 🏫 Nalanda University is one of the world's oldest universities, established around 1500 years ago in India.
• 📚 The name 'Nalanda' comes from three words: 'Na', 'Alam', and 'Da', meaning 'a gift with no boundaries'.
• 🎓 The university offered a wide range of subjects, including literature, theology, logic, medicine, and philosophy.
• 📖 Nalanda had a nine-story library with over 9 million books and manuscripts.
• 🕰️ The university flourished for 700 years but faced multiple attacks throughout its history.
• 🔥 In the 12th century, Bakhtiyar Khilji attacked and burned Nalanda, with its library reportedly burning for three months.
• 🧱 Nalanda was part of a grand Buddhist monastery known as Mahavihara, whose ruins still spread over acres today.
• 🌳 According to some records, Nalanda was built on a mango grove gifted by 500 merchants to Gautama Buddha.
• 👨‍🏫 Great teachers like Nagarjuna, Buddha Palita, Shantarakshita, and Aryadeva taught at Nalanda during different eras.
• 🌍 Students from across the world, including China, Myanmar, and Sri Lanka, came to Nalanda to study.

Q & A

What is the significance of Nalanda University in history?

Nalanda University is one of the world's oldest universities, dating back around 1500 years. It was a center of learning in ancient India, offering a wide range of subjects and attracting students from various parts of the world.

What does the name 'Nalanda' signify?

The name 'Nalanda' is derived from three words: 'Na', 'Alam', and 'Da', meaning 'a gift with no limits'. This reflects the vast knowledge and learning that the university represented.

What subjects were taught at Nalanda University?

Nalanda University offered education in various subjects, including religious scriptures, literature, theology, logic, medicine, and philosophy.

How large was Nalanda’s library, and what was its importance?

Nalanda had a nine-story library that housed over 9 million books and manuscripts. It was a massive center of knowledge that provided resources for deep learning in various disciplines.

What ultimately led to the destruction of Nalanda University?

Nalanda University was destroyed in the 12th century by an invasion led by Bakhtiyar Khilji. It is believed that its library burned for three months, leading to the loss of vast knowledge.

What was the role of Nalanda as a ‘Maha Vihara’?

Nalanda functioned as a 'Maha Vihara', which means a great Buddhist monastery. It was not only a center of learning but also a place for religious and spiritual activities, especially for Buddhist monks.

Who were some of the notable teachers at Nalanda University?

Some of the notable teachers at Nalanda included great scholars like Nagarjuna, Buddhabhadra, Shantarakshita, and Aryadeva, who made significant contributions to Buddhist and philosophical teachings.

Who were the students at Nalanda University, and where did they come from?

Students from all over the world, including China, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, and other regions, came to Nalanda University to gain knowledge and education.

What role did the Chinese traveler Xuanzang (Hiuen Tsang) play in Nalanda’s history?

Xuanzang was a famous Chinese traveler who studied at Nalanda University and documented his experiences. His records provide valuable insights into the functioning and prestige of the university.

What was the role of Dr. Abdul Kalam in reviving Nalanda University?

Dr. Abdul Kalam initiated efforts to revive Nalanda as a modern international university, allowing it to once again become a center of learning and education in India.

What is the broader significance of Nalanda University for India’s educational history?

Nalanda University is a testament to India’s rich history of knowledge and education, highlighting the country’s contributions to global learning and scholarship for centuries.