Nalanda University: Bridging Ancient Wisdom and Modern Innovation

Recent Development

 The Prime Minister recently inaugurated the new campus of Nalanda University in Rajgir, Bihar. This modern campus aims to serve as a center for inter-civilizational dialogue, embodying the legacy of its ancient predecessor while integrating sustainable and advanced technologies.

About Modern Nalanda University

• Sustainability: The new Nalanda University is a 'Net Zero Green Campus,' featuring:
• Kamal Sagar Ponds: Over 100 acres of water bodies.
• On-Grid Solar Plant: For renewable energy.
• Advanced Water Treatment Facilities: To ensure sustainability and efficient use of resources.
• Location and Historical Context:
• Near Ancient Ruins: The university is situated close to the ruins of the original Nalanda University.
• Destruction and Rediscovery:
• Destruction: The ancient Nalanda University was destroyed by Bakhtiyar Khalji in 1205 AD.
• Rediscovery: In the early 19th century, Sir Francis Buchanan reported the site’s discovery. Subsequent systematic excavations by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) in the 20th century revived interest in its revival.
• International Involvement: The project involves 17 participating countries, including Australia, China, Singapore, and Vietnam.

About Ancient Nalanda University

• Historical Significance:
• Founding: Established by Kumargupta I of the Gupta dynasty in the 5th century CE, Nalanda was one of the world's earliest residential universities.
• Patrons: Supported by various rulers including King Harshavardhana and the Pala dynasty.
• Notable Personalities:
• Buddha: Visited Nalanda according to Pali Buddhist literature.
• Mahavira: Spent fourteen rainy seasons in Nalanda as per Jaina texts.
• Aryabhatta: Renowned mathematician who studied and taught at Nalanda.
• Nagarjuna, Dinnaga, Dharmpala, Abhayakaragupta, and Naropa: Prominent scholars and teachers associated with Nalanda.
• Foreign Scholars:
• Xuan Zang and I-Qing: Chinese scholars who visited Nalanda in the 7th century CE. Xuan Zang studied yogashastra and carried back many scriptures, which were later translated into Chinese.
• Recognition: The ruins of Nalanda were designated a UN World Heritage Site in 2016.

Academic Excellence and Curriculum

• Admission and Learning:
• Merit-Based Admission: Entry was based on a rigorous oral examination.
• Curriculum: Covered a wide range of subjects including Vedas, Buddhist doctrines (Theravada, Mahayana, Vajrayana), fine arts, medicine, mathematics, astronomy, politics, and military science.
• Library: The library, known as "Dharma Gunj" or "Mountain of Truth," housed over nine million books across nine floors.

Architectural Features

• Excavation Discoveries:
• Structures: Includes stupas, monasteries, hostels, meditation halls, lecture halls, and more.
• Layout: Built in the Kushan architectural style with axial planning, featuring Viharas (residential-cum-scholastic buildings) and Chaityas (temple-like structures).
• Architectural Significance:
• Planning: Recognized as the earliest planned university in the Indian subcontinent.
• Art Influence: Influenced art practices in Southeast Asia and Nepal through its stucco and metal art.

Sculptural Art of Nalanda Mahavihara

• Origins and Evolution:
• Sculptural Art: Evolved from Buddhist Gupta art of Sarnath with influences from Bihar and Central Indian styles.
• Styles:
• Stone: Characterized by distinctive facial features, ordered appearance, and three-dimensional forms.
• Metal: Nalanda bronzes date from the 7th to 12th centuries, initially influenced by Sarnath and Mathura Gupta traditions. Later, the art featured Vajrayana deities.

Conclusion

Nalanda University represents a bridge between ancient wisdom and contemporary advancements. Its vision as a center for civilizational dialogue and inter-faith understanding resonates deeply in today's interconnected world, reinforcing its role as a symbol of historical and cultural significance.