Nalanda University

Nalanda University
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

Nalanda University is regarded as one of the world’s first residential universities, located in Rajgir, Bihar, India. Established in the 5th century CE during the reign of Gupta emperor Kumaragupta I, it became a premier seat of Buddhist studies, philosophy, mathematics, astronomy, medicine, and other sciences. At its peak, Nalanda housed over 10,000 students and 2,000 teachers, attracting scholars from China, Tibet, Korea, Mongolia, and Central Asia.

The university declined after repeated invasions and was destroyed by Bakhtiyar Khilji in the 12th century CE. Its ruins were rediscovered in the 19th century and were inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2016. In modern times, Nalanda University was revived through the Nalanda University Act, 2010 and continues as an international institution of higher learning.

History

Nalanda was founded around 427 CE under the Gupta dynasty. Its vast library, Dharma Gunj (Mountain of Truth), held hundreds of thousands of manuscripts. Famous Chinese monk Xuanzang studied and taught here, recording valuable accounts of ancient India. The university remained active for nearly 700 years until its decline due to political instability and invasions.

Revival

In 2006, former President Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam proposed reviving Nalanda as an international institution. The Parliament of India passed the Nalanda University Act in 2010, and the university became operational in 2014. The revival was supported by the East Asia Summit countries, including Japan, China, Singapore, and Thailand.

Academics

Nalanda University currently offers postgraduate and doctoral programs in:

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 new eco-friendly campus spans 455 acres in Rajgir, designed with sustainable architecture inspired by Buddhist principles and the layout of ancient Nalanda.

Governance

Nalanda is governed by an international board of trustees.

Chancellor: Prof. Arvind Panagariya
Vice-Chancellor (Acting): Prof. Abhay Kumar Singh

International Collaboration

Several Asian countries actively support the university’s academic and cultural programs. Japan funded major infrastructure projects, while China and Thailand contributed to academic exchanges.

UNESCO World Heritage

In 2016, the ruins of ancient Nalanda Mahavihara were declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site for their historical, cultural, and architectural significance. The site includes monasteries, temples, sculptures, and inscriptions that showcase India’s ancient educational excellence.

Legacy

Nalanda is often described as the **“Oxford of Ancient India”**. It symbolizes India’s intellectual traditions, intercultural dialogue, and global impact on education. The university’s heritage continues to inspire scholars, policymakers, and students worldwide.

References

UNESCO World Heritage Centre. Archaeological Site of Nalanda Mahavihara.
Government of India. Official Website of Nalanda University.
Xuanzang (Hsüan-tsang). Great Tang Records on the Western Regions (7th century).
Amartya Sen (2005). The Argumentative Indian. Penguin Books.
Sinha, B.P. (1995). Nalanda: Its History and Ruins. Archaeological Survey of India.