Did HINDUS Burn NALANDA UNIVERSITY? | The Untold Truth EXPOSED

Gaurav Thakur

28 Jun 202413:45

Summary

TLDRThe script narrates India's historic re-entry into the golden age of education with the re-establishment of the ancient Nalanda University, once a prestigious institution attracting students globally. It discusses the university's past glory, its destruction by Bakhtiyar Khilji, and the modern revival efforts, including PM Modi's recent inauguration. The script also explores debates around the university's burning, its multidisciplinary curriculum, and the potential for India to regain its status as an educational hub, while questioning if the new Nalanda can reclaim its past splendor in today's competitive world.

Takeaways

📚 India is set to re-enter its Golden Age of education with the revival of Nalanda University, once considered the world's oldest and most prestigious institution.
🌏 The original Nalanda University was a global educational hub, attracting students and scholars from as far as China, Mongolia, Tibet, and Korea.
🔥 A mysterious illness led Bakhtiyar Khilji to Nalanda University, where he was cured but later destroyed the university out of a mix of fascination and insecurity.
🏛 The new Nalanda University campus is being built with modern infrastructure, aiming to become a sustainable and world-class institution.
👨‍🏫 The ancient Nalanda University was known for its high teacher-to-student ratio and its multi-lingual and intellectual gatekeepers.
🎓 The university offered a wide range of subjects from science and medicine to philosophy and literature, emphasizing a broad educational curriculum.
🏛️ The new campus, inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, will have academic buildings, classrooms, and facilities that support sustainable development.
🌐 The revival of Nalanda University is seen as a step towards India re-establishing itself as an educational hub, potentially attracting international students.
🗓️ The process of reviving Nalanda University began in 2006 and has seen various stages of development, with the foundation stone laid in 2016 and full operational status expected by March 2025.
🤔 The script also delves into historical debates and controversies surrounding the destruction of the original Nalanda University and the role of different historical figures.
🌟 The script highlights the potential benefits of the new Nalanda University for India's soft power and international relations, as well as its contribution to the country's knowledge economy.

Q & A

What significant event is India re-entering after 827 years?
-India is re-entering its Golden Age of education with the re-establishment of the ancient Nalanda University.
Why is Nalanda University considered prestigious historically?
-Historically, Nalanda University was considered the largest and most prestigious university in the world, attracting students from both India and abroad, and earning India the title of an educational hub during that period.
Who is inaugurating the new campus of Nalanda University and where is it located?
-The Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, is inaugurating the new campus of Nalanda University located in Rajgir.
What is the historical significance of Nalanda University's destruction by Bakhtiyar Khilji?
-The destruction of Nalanda University by Bakhtiyar Khilji marked a significant loss to the world's educational and cultural heritage, as it was an institution of immense intellectual and academic value.
What is the story behind Bakhtiyar Khilji's illness and his connection to Nalanda University?
-Bakhtiyar Khilji was suffering from an illness that could not be cured by any of his physicians. He was advised to seek treatment at Nalanda University, where he was healed by reading the Quran infused with certain herbs, a treatment only available at the university.
Why did Bakhtiyar Khilji destroy Nalanda University despite being healed there?
-After being healed, Bakhtiyar Khilji developed a sense of insecurity and fear that the vast knowledge and intellectual capacity present at Nalanda University could undermine his rule and power, leading him to destroy it.
What are the infrastructural and academic plans for the new Nalanda University?
-The new Nalanda University is being built with sustainable development in mind, featuring solar power, a water treatment facility, and plans for an extensive library, world-class amenities, and auditoriums.
How many students and teachers were there at the peak of the original Nalanda University?
-At its peak, the original Nalanda University had approximately 10,000 students and around 2000 teachers.
What is the current status of the new Nalanda University in terms of enrollment and facilities?
-As of the script's timeline, the new Nalanda University has already enrolled students from over 20 countries and has 40 classrooms ready for use, with facilities to accommodate 300 students in a single classroom.
What is the vision for the future of the new Nalanda University?
-The vision for the new Nalanda University is to become a full-fledged operational institution by March 2025, aiming to be a hub for global students and to enhance India's soft influence as a knowledge hub.
How does the establishment of the new Nalanda University impact India's international relations and influence?
-The establishment of the new Nalanda University is expected to strengthen India's international relations by attracting students from neighboring countries, thereby increasing its global influence and soft power.

Outlines

00:00

🏛️ Revival of Ancient Nalanda University

The script discusses India's historical connection to Nalanda University, renowned as the world's oldest and most prestigious educational institution. It mentions the university's re-establishment on June 19, which is a significant event for India's golden age of education. The Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, is set to inaugurate the new campus building in Rajgir, symbolizing the revival of this historic center of learning that once attracted students and scholars from around the world.

05:00

🔍 The Mystery of Nalanda's Destruction and Controversies

This paragraph delves into the controversial accounts of Nalanda's destruction, traditionally attributed to Bakhtiyar Khilji, a 12th-century general. However, the script introduces a lesser-known narrative that suggests Khilji had received treatment at the university for an illness that could not be cured elsewhere. Despite recovering, Khilji is said to have burned down the university out of a mix of awe for its knowledge and a sense of insecurity. The paragraph also touches upon alternative theories that claim Hindus themselves might have destroyed Nalanda due to its Buddhist origins, and it invites a critical examination of these historical accounts.

10:03

🌟 The Legacy and Rebirth of Nalanda University

The script outlines the historical significance and legacy of Nalanda University, which was a hub of intellectual and academic excellence. It highlights the university's self-sustaining financial model, its detachment from political influence, and the renowned scholars it produced. The narrative then shifts to the modern revival efforts, starting with the vision of former President APJ Abdul Kalam in 2006, followed by the collaborative efforts of various stakeholders, including the Bihar government and international partners. The paragraph concludes with the current status of the new Nalanda University, which has been operational since 2014 and is set to become fully operational by March 2025, with state-of-the-art facilities and a focus on sustainable development.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Nalanda University

Nalanda University was an ancient center of higher learning in India, renowned as one of the world's first great universities. It is central to the video's theme as it discusses the university's historical significance and its revival in modern times. The script mentions its past prestige and the recent reinauguration by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

💡Education Hub

The term 'Education Hub' refers to a place that attracts students from around the world for its academic excellence. In the video, ancient India, particularly Nalanda University, is described as the 'Education Hub' of the world, indicating its importance in the global academic landscape during its time.

💡Inauguration

Inauguration is the act of opening or initiating something for the first time. The script discusses the reinauguration of Nalanda University, signifying the recommencement of its educational legacy in contemporary India.

💡Bakhtiyar Khilji

Bakhtiyar Khilji was a Turkish ruler known for his conquests in India. In the script, he is mentioned in the context of destroying Nalanda University, which is a significant historical event tied to the university's narrative.

💡Intellectual

An intellectual refers to a person who engages in deep thinking and has a profound understanding of various subjects. The video emphasizes the intellectual legacy of Nalanda University, where scholars and students from different parts of the world came to study and teach.

💡Revival

Revival implies the act of bringing something back to life or use after a period of decline or disuse. The script discusses the revival of Nalanda University, indicating the efforts to restore its former glory and academic excellence.

💡Global Influence

Global influence refers to the capacity to affect or change things on an international scale. The video mentions how the revival of Nalanda University could potentially enhance India's soft power and global influence by attracting international students and scholars.

💡Sustainable Development

Sustainable development is a key principle in modern infrastructure projects, emphasizing the balance between economic growth and environmental protection. The script mentions that the new campus of Nalanda University is being built with sustainable development in mind, including solar power and water treatment facilities.

💡Cultural Heritage

Cultural heritage encompasses the traditions, values, and historical artifacts that shape a society's identity. The video script discusses Nalanda University as part of India's cultural heritage, highlighting its historical importance and its role in shaping India's past as a center of learning.

💡International Students

International students are those who leave their home country to study abroad. The script refers to the historical presence of international students at Nalanda University, emphasizing its global appeal and the potential for attracting such students in its revived form.

💡Soft Power

Soft power is the ability to persuade others to do something without force or coercion, often through cultural or ideological appeal. The video discusses how the revival of Nalanda University could enhance India's soft power by showcasing its commitment to education and intellectual pursuits.

Highlights

India is set to re-enter its Golden Age with the revival of the ancient Nalanda University, considered the world's oldest and most prestigious institution.

Nalanda University was a hub of education during its time, attracting students and scholars from both within India and abroad.

The university's re-establishment on 19th June marks the beginning of India's Silver Age, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurating the new campus building in Rajgir.

Nalanda's legacy is tied not only to India but also to the cultural heritage of several countries around the world.

The question arises whether the new Nalanda University can regain its old glory in a world that has significantly advanced since its original existence.

The story of Bakhtiyar Khilji's illness and his treatment at Nalanda University, which led to the burning of the university, is a fascinating historical account.

Controversies surround the destruction of Nalanda, with some claiming it was burnt by Hindus due to its Buddhist origins.

The university's foundation dates back to 427 CE, during the Gupta Empire, under the reign of Kumar Gupta, showcasing India's advanced educational system.

Nalanda University had a rigorous selection process, with gatekeepers knowledgeable in various languages to assess students in their native languages.

The university housed up to 10,000 students and 2000 teachers, making it a colossal center of learning in its time.

Nalanda offered a wide range of subjects, from science and medicine to philosophy and literature, emphasizing a holistic education system.

The education system at Nalanda was kept independent of political influences, with teachers sourced from the surrounding villages.

Many illustrious scholars, including Aryabhata the astronomer and Nagarjuna, the founder of Madhyamaka philosophy, were associated with Nalanda University.

The burning of Nalanda University by Bhaktiyar Khilji in 1193 is believed to have been motivated by a complex mix of admiration and insecurity regarding the university's knowledge.

The revival of Nalanda University in modern times began with an initiative by former President APJ Abdul Kalam in 2006 and has since seen significant progress.

The new Nalanda University campus, inaugurated on 19th June 2024, aims to be a sustainable development model, with solar power and water treatment facilities.

The new university is expected to foster international relationships and enhance India's soft power as a global knowledge hub.

India's return to its roots with the revival of Nalanda University signifies a broader effort to reclaim its historical role as an educational center.