Nalanda, one of the world’s oldest centers of higher learning, stands today in majestic ruins—its silent courtyards and crumbling monasteries whispering tales of India’s ancient intellectual glory. It is located about 90 km southeast of Patna, Bihar.
A Glorious Past
Although Nalanda’s roots trace back to the time of the Buddha, the renowned Nalanda University was formally established in the 5th century CE during the Gupta period. For nearly 700 years, it thrived as the greatest seat of Buddhist scholarship in Asia, attracting students and teachers from distant lands like China, Korea, Japan, Tibet, and Central Asia.
Subjects taught at Nalanda covered a wide range—from Buddhist scriptures (both Mahayana and Hinayana) and philosophy, to logic, grammar, medicine, astronomy, and metaphysics. The university housed thousands of monks and scholars within its extensive red-brick monasteries, lecture halls, libraries, and stupas.
Visitors Who Chronicled Its Glory
The Chinese pilgrims Hiuen Tsang (Xuanzang) and I-Tsing (Yijing) visited Nalanda in the 7th century CE and left detailed accounts of its curriculum, discipline, and architectural brilliance. Their writings serve as invaluable records of the university’s organization and prestige.
Decline and Destruction
Nalanda’s decline began in the late Pala period, as royal patronage waned. The final devastation came around 1200 CE, when Bakhtiyar Khilji, a Turkish invader, attacked and set fire to the complex. The vast libraries—said to contain hundreds of thousands of manuscripts—burned for months, erasing centuries of accumulated knowledge.
A Living Heritage
Today, the Ruins of Nalanda—a UNESCO World Heritage Site—remain a powerful symbol of India’s ancient pursuit of wisdom. The layout of lecture halls, dormitories, temples, and stupas reveals a sophisticated architectural design, reflecting both academic rigor and spiritual devotion.
Archaeological excavations continue to uncover new layers of history, offering fresh insights into the world’s first great residential university.
Visitor Information
- Best Time to Visit: September to April
- Entry Regulations: Permission required from the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) for electronic gadgets
- Nearby Attractions: Nalanda Archaeological Museum, Rajgir, Pawapuri