Nalanda University: Difference between revisions

|title=Nalanda University Biography – Ancient Center of Learning in India

|description=Nalanda University, located in Bihar, India, was an ancient center of higher learning and one of the world’s first residential universities. It attracted students from across Asia and was renowned for its Buddhist studies, philosophy, and sciences.

|keywords=Nalanda University Biography, ancient university India, Nalanda, Buddhist university, higher education India, ancient learning center, India history, Nalanda archaeology

|image=https://knowlepedia.org/images/Nalanda University.jpg

|og:type=article

|og:description=Learn about Nalanda University, its history as an ancient educational institution, its contributions to philosophy, Buddhism, and global learning.

|og:image=https://knowlepedia.org/images/Nalanda University.jpg

}} {{Infobox university

| founder          = Kumaragupta I (original), [[Government of India]] (modern)

| city              = Rajgir

| affiliations      = UGC

}}'''Nalanda University''' is an ancient center of higher learning located in [[Rajgir]], [[Bihar]], [[India]]. Originally founded in the 5th century CE during the reign of Gupta emperor [[Kumaragupta I]], it became one of the most significant Buddhist learning centers in the world. The modern revival of the university was initiated in 2010 by the [[Government of India]] in collaboration with several East Asian countries.

Nalanda was established around 427 CE and remained a prominent academic hub for over 700 years. It attracted scholars from Tibet, China, Korea, and Central Asia. The library, Dharma Gunj (Mountain of Truth), was considered one of the largest in the ancient world.

The university declined after repeated invasions and was eventually destroyed by [[Bakhtiyar Khilji]] in the 12th century CE. Its ruins were rediscovered in the 19th century and later declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2016.

In 2006, former President Dr. [[A. P. J. Abdul Kalam]] proposed reviving Nalanda as an international institution. In 2010, the Nalanda University Act was passed by the Parliament of India. The university became operational in 2014 with temporary facilities.

The modern campus spans over 455 acres in Rajgir and is designed with sustainability and energy efficiency in mind. The architecture reflects Buddhist principles and ancient Nalanda’s layout.

The university is governed by an international board of trustees. [[Prof. Arvind Panagariya]] currently serves as the Chancellor, and [[Prof. Abhay Kumar Singh]] as Acting Vice-Chancellor.

In 2016, the ruins of ancient Nalanda Mahavihara were declared a [[UNESCO World Heritage Site]] due to their historical, cultural, and architectural significance.