### Nalanda University: 10 Interesting Facts About the 1600-Year-Old Institution
1. **Ancient Establishment**:
Nalanda University was established in the 5th century CE by Kumaragupta I of the Gupta dynasty. It is one of the earliest universities in the world.
2. **Large Campus**:
The university covered an area of 14 hectares, featuring multiple monasteries and temples. The entire complex was surrounded by a high wall, protecting the extensive residential and academic buildings.
3. **Diverse Curriculum**:
Nalanda was renowned for its diverse range of subjects including Buddhism, Vedas, mathematics, medicine, logic, astronomy, and grammar. It attracted students from different parts of the world.
4. **International Students**:
Students and scholars from countries like Korea, Japan, China, Tibet, Indonesia, Persia, and Turkey traveled to Nalanda for higher education. The most famous student was Xuanzang from China, who studied and taught there in the 7th century.
5. **Library System**:
Nalanda had a massive library known as Dharma Gunj (Mountain of Truth) or Dharmaganja, consisting of three large buildings: Ratnasagara, Ratnodadhi, and Ratnaranjaka. It housed thousands of manuscripts and texts.
6. **Monastic Learning**:
The university operated as a Mahavihara, a large Buddhist monastery, where monks not only studied but also lived a disciplined life of contemplation and debate. The monastic discipline was an integral part of the educational system.
7. **Architectural Marvel**:
The architectural design of Nalanda included impressive stupas, viharas, and chaityas. The buildings were constructed using red bricks, and the layout was designed to facilitate both residential and academic needs.
8. **Royal Patronage**:
Nalanda received extensive patronage from various rulers, including Harshavardhana, the Emperor of North India, and Pala kings such as Dharampala and Devapala, who significantly contributed to the university's growth and development.
9. **Destruction and Decline**:
The university faced destruction during the invasion of Bakhtiyar Khilji in 1193 CE. The library was set ablaze, leading to the loss of countless manuscripts. The university never fully recovered from this devastation.
10. **Revival Efforts**:
In recent years, there have been significant efforts to revive Nalanda University. In 2010, the Indian government passed a bill to establish a new Nalanda University near the ancient site, aiming to restore its legacy as a center of global learning and research.
Nalanda University remains a symbol of India's ancient educational heritage, reflecting the country's historical emphasis on knowledge, scholarship, and cultural exchange.
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