Nalanda University Returns: India's 1600-Year-Old Learning Hub Explained

On June 19, 2024, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the campus of the revived Nalanda University, ushering in a new era for India's ancient centre of learning that once attracted scholars from across the globe. This historic event marks the resurrection of a 1600-year-old legacy, as the university aims to reclaim its position as a beacon of knowledge and wisdom.

It’s a very special day for our education sector. At around 10:30 AM today, the new campus of the Nalanda University would be inaugurated at Rajgir. Nalanda has a strong connect with our glorious past. This university will surely go a long way in catering to the educational needs… pic.twitter.com/sJh6cndEve

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 19, 2024

Nalanda University: History Explained

As per the Indian Express, Nalanda University, established in the fifth century, is believed to be the first residential university in the world. Located in Rajgir, Nalanda district of Bihar, this designated Institute of National Importance (INI) is an international postgraduate university offering Masters and PhD courses.

It attracted scholars from across the globe and taught subjects like medicine, Ayurveda, Buddhism, mathematics, grammar, astronomy, and Indian philosophy. The university thrived under the Pala dynasty's patronage during the 8th and 9th centuries CE, achieving international acclaim. As per media reports, Aryabhata, the pioneer of Indian mathematics and the inventor of zero, was among the esteemed educators at Nalanda during the 6th century CE.

Reviving Nalanda University Campus

Ram Mandir rebuilt after 500 years!

Nalanda University rebuilt after 800 years!

As PM Modi inaugurates new campus of Nalanda University today, here is a beautiful video about the university.

This is a momentous occasion in our civilisational journey, celebrate it. pic.twitter.com/20MHFxj9cd

— The Uttar Pradesh Index (@theupindex) June 19, 2024

According to the Economic Times, the campus of Nalanda University, spread across 455 acres in Rajgir, is located merely 12 km away from the ruins of the eponymous ancient Buddhist monastery, considered one of the greatest centres of learning in Antiquity. The idea of 'reviving' Nalanda was officially proposed by former President APJ Abdul Kalam in 2006, and the proposal was endorsed at the East Asia Summits in 2007 and 2009.

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International Collaboration

In total, 17 countries other than India, including Australia, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, China, Indonesia, Laos, Mauritius, Myanmar, New Zealand, Portugal, Singapore, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Vietnam, have contributed to the establishment of the university, as reported by the Indian Express.

Nalanda University Library

The Economic Times states that admission to Nalanda University was as rigorous as today's top colleges, with students facing interviews and mentorship by esteemed Buddhist masters. The university's library, known as 'Dharma Gunj' or the 'Mountain of Truth,' had nine million handwritten palm-leaf manuscripts, making it the world's richest repository of Buddhist knowledge.

Nalanda University Destruction

According to the Economic Times, in the 1190s, the institution fell victim to arson by Bakhtiyar Khilji, a Turko-Afghan military general, destroying a valuable collection of Buddhist wisdom. After six centuries of obscurity, the university was rediscovered in 1812 by Scottish surveyor Francis Buchanan-Hamilton and officially identified in 1861 by Sir Alexander Cunningham.

The Modern Nalanda University

The Indian Express reports that the idea to re-establish Nalanda University gained momentum with the passing of the Nalanda University Bill in 2010, leading to its operational launch in 2014 from a temporary location. The foundation stone for the permanent campus was laid in 2016, and construction commenced in 2017, culminating in the inauguration of the new campus today.

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Nalanda University Features

The new campus, spread across 100 acres, integrates eco-friendly architecture with ancient Vaastu principles, ensuring a net-zero carbon footprint. Key features include residential and academic zones, libraries, and state-of-the-art facilities, reflecting Nalanda's legacy as a global centre of knowledge, as per the Economic Times.

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