Source: TH
Context: The article discusses the historical and modern significance of Nalanda, as recently, the PM inaugurated the New Nalanda University Campus in Rajgir, Bihar.
About Nalanda University:
- Nalanda, an ancient centre of learning and a revered Buddhist site was rediscovered in the 19th century.
- Founded around 427 AD by Emperor Kumaragupta-I of the Gupta dynasty, it flourished with the support of the Pala kings and the monks of Nalanda, who were patronized by the Pithipatis of Bodh Gaya.
- The university offered studies in various fields such as music, Sanskrit, astronomy, yoga, Ayurveda, and philosophy, and was home to renowned scholars of Hinayana and Mahayana Buddhism, including Aryabhata and Hiuen Tsang.
- Hiuen Tsang documented Nalanda’s rigorous admission tests and scholarly environment during his five-year stay in the 7th century.
- Nalanda faced decline and was reportedly attacked and ransacked by Bakhtiyar Khalji around 1200 AD, resulting in the destruction of its vast collection of books.
