Daily News Analysis

Nalanda University: Bridging Ancient Wisdom and Modern Innovation

stylish_lining

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.

Fake News

The Standing Committee on Communications and Information Technology in India has recently proposed several measures aimed at tackling the pervasive issue of fake news and misinformation, acknowled
Share It

Vembanad Lake

Vembanad Lake, the largest lake in Kerala, is facing significant ecological stress due to unchecked tourism, the proliferation of luxury houseboats, and decades of encroachment. About Vembanad
Share It

National Co-operative Exports Limited (NCEL)

The recent Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between National Co-operative Exports Limited (NCEL) and the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) is a signifi
Share It

World Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy Day

The Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, Government of India, observes World Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) Day every year on 7th September to raise awareness about this rare and serio
Share It

Kerala Urban Policy Commission (KUPC)

Kerala has become India’s first state to establish an Urban Policy Commission (KUPC) — a landmark step to reimagine urbanisation as climate-resilient, inclusive, and data-driven. The
Share It

Startup India Initiative

The Startup India initiative, launched in 2016, has significantly reshaped India’s innovation landscape. By facilitating a conducive environment for startups, India has transitioned from a j
Share It

India-Japan 15th Annual Summit

The 15th India-Japan Annual Summit marked a significant step in the strengthening strategic partnership between the two countries, reflecting their shared goals in the face of global geopolitical
Share It

EU-India Agenda

The European Union (EU) has recently unveiled a New Strategic EU-India Agenda aimed at strengthening bilateral relations and building a comprehensive framework for cooperation in several crucial a
Share It

Stubble Burning in India

What is Stubble Burning? Stubble burning is the practice of setting fire to the leftover straw or crop residue (mainly from paddy and wheat) after harvesting. This practice is common in states
Share It

Kakori Train Action

The Kakori Train Action, which took place on August 9, 1925, marks one of the most iconic acts of resistance against British rule in India. It was a daring revolutionary act orchestrated by the Hi
Share It

Newsletter Subscription


ACQ IAS
ACQ IAS