Nalanda and Vikramshila: Bihar has not only been the land of ancient empires, but it also witnessed the oldest centers of world education. Nalanda and Vikramshila universities were institutions where education was not just a means of knowledge but a way of life. Students from not only India but also from countries like China, Tibet, Korea and Sri Lanka came to study in these universities. Let us know the glory and contribution of these two historical institutions.

Also Read: – The Ancient Glory of Bihar – Magadh, Maurya & Gupta Empires – Day -1

Establishment and History of Nalanda University

Nalanda University was established by Kumargupta I in the 5th century AD. It was a center of study of Buddhism, but subjects like philosophy, medicine, mathematics, logic, grammar, astronomy etc. were also studied in depth here.

1. This university remained active for 17 centuries.
2. It has been called the “Ocean of Knowledge” in Buddhist texts.
3. Its library system was divided into three parts – Ratnasagar, Ratnodadhi, and Ratnaranjan.

Establishment and Features of Vikramshila University

Vikramshila University was established by King Dharmapala of the Pala dynasty in the 8th century. Its main objective was to revive Buddhist education.

1. More than 100 teachers and more than 1000 students studied here.
2. The structure of the university was in a square campus with 6 entrance gates.
3. It was the main center for the study of the “Vajrayana” sect of Buddhism.

Education System and Curriculum

The education system in both the universities was highly organized. The entrance examination was difficult and only deserving students got admission.

Main subjects:

1. Buddhist philosophy
2. Yoga and meditation
3. Logic and grammar
4. Ayurveda
5. Astronomy
6. Language study – Sanskrit, Pali, Tibetan

Education was in both oral and written forms. Teachers and students lived together, which created a spiritual and intellectual environment.

International Students and Cultural Exchange

Nalanda and Vikramshila were a centre of attraction not only for Indian students but also for foreign students.

1. Chinese travellers like Hiuen Tsang and Fa-Hien praised Nalanda highly.
2. Students from countries like China, Korea, Tibet, Sri Lanka, Java Island used to come here.
3. Along with students, these places also became centres of propagation of culture and religion.
4. This was an ancient example of India’s soft power.

Library and Research System

Nalanda and Vikramshila had huge libraries which stored millions of handwritten manuscripts. The library of Nalanda was divided into three sections and it is said that this library burned for three months when the invader Bakhtiar Khilji destroyed it.

Research and Discussion:

1. Students were encouraged not only to read but also to discuss and research.
2. Education based on debate was given on every subject.

Administration and Structure of the University

1. The administration of these institutions was extremely well organised.
2. The vice chancellor, teachers, monks, and student community worked like a union.
3. Food, residence, library, temples, auditorium – everything was within the campus.
4. The Nalanda campus had 10 temples, 8 large auditoriums and 300 rooms.

Cause of Destruction and Historical Loss

Nalanda University was burnt down by Bakhtiar Khilji in 1193 AD. It was a dark chapter in the intellectual history of India.

1. Similarly, Vikramshila University was also destroyed by Muslim invaders.
2. Millions of texts, inscriptions, statues were destroyed.
3. This invasion was a blow to India’s education system which took centuries to recover from.

Modern Revival and Reconstruction of Nalanda University

In 2006, the Indian government announced the reconstruction of Nalanda University. The Nalanda University Bill was passed in 2010 and classes began in 2014.

Basic Objectives: To keep the tradition of Nalanda alive in the modern education system and to promote educational cooperation among Asian countries.

Conclusion – Nalanda and Vikramshila

Nalanda and Vikramshila were not just educational institutions, but they were the intellectual soul of India. These universities gave education a global form by taking it above boundaries. Today, when India is again moving towards a knowledge-based society, the legacy of Nalanda and Vikramshila inspires us – education is that which changes lives.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. Who founded Nalanda University? Kumaragupta I founded Nalanda University in the 5th century.

Q2. What was the main objective of Vikramshila University? To promote the study of the Vajrayan sect of Buddhism.

Q3. Why was Nalanda University famous? It was the world’s first residential university where international students came.

Q4. Which foreign traveler wrote the description of Nalanda? Chinese traveler Hiuen Tsang gave detailed information about Nalanda University.

Q5. Who destroyed Nalanda? Muslim invader Bakhtiyar Khilji burnt it in 1193 AD.

✍️What will be the next part?

Tomorrow in this blog series, we will learn about the legacy of Bodh Gaya – The Land of Buddha’s Enlightenment.

Also Read: – The Ancient Glory of Bihar – Magadh, Maurya & Gupta Empires – Day -1