Why Did Bhaktiyar Khilji Nalanda Attacks Again | Uncovering The Ancient Secret Of Nalanda University
Nalanda Mahavihara: Ancient India's Renowned Center of Learning
Located in present-day Bihar, Nalanda Mahavihara was a revered Buddhist monastery and one of the greatest centers of learning in ancient India. Operating from 427 CE to the 13th century, it played a pivotal role in promoting arts and academics during India's "Golden Age" (5th-6th century CE).
History
Founded by Emperor Kumaragupta I of the Gupta Empire, Nalanda flourished under the patronage of various Indian and Javanese rulers, including the Pala Empire. The university was established in three chapters: Ratnasagar, Ratnoday, and Ratnaranjak. Despite being attacked by Muhammad Bakhtiyar Khilji in the 12th century, it continued to function for several decades. Khilji's attack was particularly devastating, as he ordered the burning of the renowned Dharmaganj library, which housed over millions of religious texts, manuscripts, and books. The library, a staggering nine stories high, was the first of its kind in the world. The fire raged for nearly three years, consuming the entire collection and reducing it to ashes.
Faculty and Curriculum
Nalanda's faculty included illustrious scholars like Aryabhata, Nagarjuna, and Vasubandhu. The curriculum encompassed major Buddhist philosophies (Madhyamaka, Yogachara, and Sarvastivada), as well as subjects like the Vedas, medicine, logic, mathematics, astronomy, and alchemy. The mahavihara's library was a key source for Sanskrit texts transmitted to East Asia.
Significance and Legacy
Nalanda's influence on Mahayana and Vajrayana Buddhism was profound, with texts composed there playing a crucial role in their development. The site is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and in 2010, the Government of India established a contemporary institute, Nālandā University, to revive the ancient university's legacy.
Notable Visitors
Chinese pilgrims like Faxian, Xuanzang, and Yijing visited Nalanda, with Xuanzang spending two years studying there. Korean and Tibetan monks, including Hyon-jo and Thonmi Sambhota, also came to Nalanda for studies.
In Conclusion
Nalanda Mahavihara was an iconic center of learning that nurtured scholars, philosophers, and spiritual leaders for over 750 years. Its legacy continues to inspire and influence the world, making it an integral part of India's rich cultural heritage. The destruction of its vast library, including the burning of millions of religious texts, manuscripts, and books, remains a significant loss to human knowledge and culture.
---------------------------------
1. "Uncovering the Ancient Secrets of Nalanda University"
2. "The Forgotten Knowledge of India's Oldest University"
3. "Nalanda University: The Birthplace of Buddhism"
4. "Exploring the Ruins of Nalanda: A Journey Through Time"
5. "The Lost Library of Nalanda: A Treasure Trove of Knowledge"
6. "Nalanda University: Where Scholars and Sages Once Roamed"
7. "Unraveling the Mysteries of Nalanda: An Ancient Indian University"
8. "From Aryabhata to Nagarjuna: The Illustrious Faculty of Nalanda"
9. "Nalanda University: A Beacon of Learning for Over 750 Years"
10. "The Resurgence of Nalanda: Reviving India's Ancient Intellectual Heritage"
-----------------
ancient nalanda university
ancient nalanda university entrance exam
history hunter nalanda the ancient university
history hunter nalanda the ancient university trailer
videos on ancient nalanda university
ruins of nalanda university
old nalanda university drone view
the ancient university of nalanda
the history of nalanda university
documentary on nalanda university
history of nalanda university in english
founder of nalanda university
destruction of nalanda university
old nalanda university history in hindi
ancient history of nalanda university
history of nalanda university in hindi
history of nalanda university in telugu
history of nalanda university in kannada
history of nalanda university in tamil
remains of nalanda university
what is nalanda university history
where is takshila university located at present
ancient university of nalanda
what is nalanda university
nalanda university ruins
who built nalanda university
xuanzang nalanda university
nalanda and takshila university
ancient nalanda
history of nalanda university
the ancient university of nalanda national geographic
Tags :
nalanda university, nalanda, nalanda history, nalanda opening, nalanda news, bihar, news, live news, gaurav thakur, education, india, history, indian history, hindus destroyed nalanda, brahmin destroyed nalanda, khilji, buddhism in india, ancient indian education, gurukul, who destroyed nalanda university, who destroyed nalanda, world facts, India, pm modi, aryabhatta, ancient indian education system, pm modi nalanda university live news, nalanda university new campus, getsetflyscience