“In the ashes of burnt books, where words once danced and ideas took flight, lie embers of thought, undying, unyielding to the flames of time.
Buildings crumble, monuments to human endeavour reduced to dust, yet the essence of wisdom, etched in the minds of the seekers, remains.
People perish, their mortal forms fading into the whispers of history, but their insights, the sparks of their understanding, endure.”
In the flickering shadows of a thousand flames, where once stood halls of wisdom and whispers of ancient minds, there lies a truth undying. Books may turn to ash, their words consumed by fire’s embrace. Buildings may crumble, their grandeur reduced to dust. People may perish, their voices silenced by the winds of time. Yet, knowledge, that ethereal flame, endures. It dances in the minds of the young, passed from lips to eager ears, etched in the hearts that seek and the souls that yearn. For knowledge is a phoenix, rising from the ruins, reborn in every curious thought, in every questing spirit. It is the immortal echo, a testament to humanity’s ceaseless pursuit, living forever in the eternal continuum of learning and legacy.
In a significant move to revive an ancient centre of learning, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the new campus of Nalanda University at Rajgir, Bihar. This modern iteration of Nalanda, conceived through a collaboration between India and East Asia Summit (EAS) countries, stands as a testament to India’s commitment to showcasing its educational capabilities globally. The inauguration ceremony was graced by eminent personalities, including the Heads of Missions from 17 countries. Symbolically, the Prime Minister planted a sapling to mark the occasion, reaffirming the commitment to nurturing this historic institution.
The revival of Nalanda University, located near its ancient ruins, underscores India’s dedication to preserving its historical and cultural heritage. The new campus is designed with modern sustainability and self-sufficiency in mind, featuring a ‘Net Zero’ Green Campus with solar plants, water recycling systems, and extensive water bodies to minimize environmental impact. The campus boasts two academic blocks with 40 classrooms accommodating 1,900 students, two auditoriums seating 300 each, a hostel for 550 students, an international centre, an amphitheatre for 2,000, a faculty club, and a sports complex.
Nalanda University in Bihar is a cornerstone of ancient education and scholarship.
Here are ten intriguing aspects of this prestigious institution, celebrated as the guardian of knowledge, with a library that once housed nine million books:
- World’s First Residential University: Founded in 427 CE, Nalanda University is hailed as the world’s first residential university. It functioned as a pivotal centre of learning for over seven centuries, attracting 10,000 students from across Eastern and Central Asia. Known as a medieval Ivy League, Nalanda’s library housed nine million books and manuscripts, making it an unparalleled repository of knowledge.
- A Haven for Multidisciplinary Learning: Nalanda’s curriculum was a unique synthesis of Buddhist teachings and various disciplines, including medicine, logic, mathematics, and philosophy. The university’s liberal cultural and religious traditions, influenced by the Gupta Empire, supported Buddhist intellectual pursuits, creating a rich academic environment that blended intellectual Buddhism with other fields of study.
- A Centre for Buddhist Knowledge: As the Dalai Lama eloquently stated, “The source of all the [Buddhist] knowledge we have, has come from Nalanda.” The university was renowned for its exhaustive study of Buddhist scriptures and principles. It served as a crucial hub for the propagation of Buddhism across Asia, with its scholars journeying to China, Korea, Japan, Indonesia, and Sri Lanka.
- Influence on Mathematics and Astronomy: Nalanda was home to Aryabhata, often called the father of Indian mathematics, who is believed to have led the university in the 6th Century CE. Aryabhata’s contributions to mathematics include the concept of zero, advancements in algebra, calculus, and trigonometry, and the understanding that the moon’s radiance is due to reflected sunlight. His work significantly influenced mathematics and astronomy, impacting both southern India and the Arabian Peninsula.
- Architectural Legacy and Design: The architectural design of Nalanda inspired other Buddhist institutions and cultures. Its layout, featuring open courtyards surrounded by prayer halls and lecture rooms, influenced the construction of monasteries across Asia. The campus’s design and the production of stucco influenced ecclesiastical art in Thailand, while metalwork techniques spread to Tibet and the Malayan peninsula.
- A Hub for Intellectual Exchange: Nalanda’s reputation attracted scholars from diverse backgrounds, fostering a vibrant intellectual environment. The university’s library, described as a nine-storey structure soaring into the clouds by Tibetan scholar Taranatha, was a treasure trove of knowledge. Only a few manuscripts survived the devastating fire set by Bakhtiyar Khilji’s troops, now housed in museums in the US and Tibet.
- Destruction and Decline: In the 1190s, Nalanda faced its downfall at the hands of Turko-Afghan invader Bakhtiyar Khilji, who set the campus ablaze, reportedly causing fires that burned for three months. This invasion marked the end of Nalanda’s glory, reducing its vast campus to ruins. The site now extends over 23 hectares, offering a glimpse into its ancient splendour.
- Xuanzang’s Contribution to Buddhism: The famed Chinese monk Xuanzang studied and taught at Nalanda. In 645 CE, he returned to China with 657 Buddhist scriptures, significantly contributing to the spread of Buddhism. His translations and teachings influenced Buddhism in East Asia, earning him the title “the monk who brought Buddhism East.” His work laid the foundation for the widespread acceptance of Buddhist philosophy in China, Japan, and beyond.
- The Great Stupa – A Monument of History: The Great Stupa, built by Emperor Ashoka in the 3rd Century CE, predates the university itself. This massive structure, rebuilt and remodelled over centuries, served as a key spiritual monument. It housed numerous votive stupas containing the ashes of monks who dedicated their lives to the study and propagation of Buddhism. Xuanzang’s descriptions of Nalanda mention this stupa, highlighting its historical and religious significance.
- Rediscovery and Preservation: After centuries of neglect, Nalanda was rediscovered by Scottish surveyor Francis Buchanan-Hamilton in 1812. Sir Alexander Cunningham later identified the site as the ancient Nalanda University in 1861. Today, the site is a UNESCO World Heritage site, with an onsite museum displaying over 13,000 artefacts, including stucco sculptures, bronze statuettes, and ancient manuscripts.
Nalanda University’s legacy is not merely a relic of the past but a living symbol of the enduring power of knowledge and learning. Its contributions to education, philosophy, mathematics, and the spread of Buddhism continue to resonate worldwide, reminding us of the profound impact ancient civilizations have had on the modern world.
