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Nalanda University
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.[1]
| Type | Public International University |
|---|---|
| Motto | Neti Neti (Not this, Not this) |
| Established | Ancient (5th century CE), Revived (2010) |
| Founder | Kumaragupta I (original), Government of India (modern) |
| Chancellor | Prof. Arvind Panagariya |
| Vice-Chancellor | Prof. Abhay Kumar Singh (Acting) |
| Location | Rajgir, Bihar, India |
| Campus | Rural, 455 acres |
| Affiliations | UGC |
| Website | [Official Website Official Website] |
History
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.[2]
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.[3]
Revival
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.[4]
Academics
Nalanda offers postgraduate and doctoral programs in disciplines such as:
- Buddhist Studies, Philosophy and Comparative Religion
- Historical Studies
- Ecology and Environmental Studies
- Sustainable Development and Management
- Languages and Literature
- International Relations and Peace Studies
Campus
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.[5]
Governance
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.[6]
International Collaboration
Countries like Japan, China, Singapore, and Thailand have extended support and are part of the East Asia Summit's initiative for Nalanda’s development.
UNESCO World Heritage
In 2016, the ruins of ancient Nalanda Mahavihara were declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to their historical, cultural, and architectural significance.[7]
Legacy
Nalanda remains a symbol of India’s ancient intellectual tradition and multicultural exchange. It is often cited as one of the world’s first residential universities.
See Also
References
- ↑ https://nalandauniv.edu.in/about-us/history/
- ↑ https://www.britannica.com/place/Nalanda
- ↑ https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/1502/
- ↑ https://nalandauniv.edu.in/about-us/revival/
- ↑ https://nalandauniv.edu.in/about-us/campus/
- ↑ https://nalandauniv.edu.in/about-us/governance/
- ↑ https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/1502/