Situated beside the Rajgir hills, Nalanda University calls out, “Learning is being here.” This intellectual landscape seamlessly blends nature and learning, empowering students. The region’s rich history vibrates with positivity from spiritual figures like Lord Buddha and Lord Mahavira, who meditated here. Great masters such as Nagarjuna, Aryabhatta, and Dharmakirti, who taught at ancient Nalanda, enriched its scholarly traditions. Ancient Magadha was a hub of intellectual activity, rarely seen in human history. This environment made Nalanda’s academic approach unique and attractive to knowledge seekers.
The Origins of Nalanda University
Nalanda University was the world’s first residential university, founded by Emperor Kumaragupta in 427 CE. It thrived for over 800 years, sustained by learned monks and teachers. At its peak, Nalanda hosted 2,000 teachers and 10,000 students. Scholars from distant lands like China, Korea, Japan, Tibet, Mongolia, Sri Lanka, and Southeast Asia were drawn to its campus. They documented Nalanda’s ambiance, architecture, and the profound knowledge of its teachers. Chinese scholars provided the most detailed accounts, with Xuan Zang being the most notable. He carried back hundreds of scriptures, later translated into Chinese.
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The Decline and Rebirth
Nalanda’s decline began in the 12th century, leading to its eventual destruction. However, the legacy of Nalanda University persisted through the centuries. In March 2006, Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, former President of India, proposed reviving the ancient university. This idea gained support from the Singapore government and leaders of the East Asia Summit (EAS) member states. The fourth EAS in 2009 further endorsed this initiative.
The Revival of Nalanda University
The Indian Parliament passed the Nalanda University Act in 2010. By September 2014, the first batch of students was enrolled. The Bihar State Government, under Chief Minister Shri Nitish Kumar, allocated 455 acres for the new university campus. Celebrated architect Padma Vibhushan [late] Ar. B.V. Doshi designed the eco-friendly campus, reflecting the Vaastu of ancient Nalanda while integrating modern amenities. This large carbon footprint-free, net-zero campus sprawls over acres of greenery and includes 100 acres of water bodies.
Modern Nalanda: A Blend of Past and Future
Nalanda University today is a futuristic institution. It upholds the ideals and standards of the ancient seat of learning, proving their universal relevance. These ideals offer feasible solutions for a shared and sustainable future, not just for Asia but for the entire world. The initiative to revive Nalanda University has been enthusiastically welcomed worldwide.
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The history of Nalanda University is a testament to its enduring legacy. From its origins as the world’s first residential university to its modern revival, Nalanda has always been a beacon of knowledge. Its unique blend of past and future continues to attract scholars from around the world. By understanding Nalanda University history, we appreciate the timeless pursuit of knowledge and its power to transform societies. The university stands as a symbol of India’s rich educational heritage and its commitment to fostering global intellectual growth.