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Situated in modern-day Bihar, Nalanda University is an Indian architectural marvel. Interesting facts about Nalanda University state that it was established around the 5th century CE. From its devastating tale of destruction to academic contributions and attracting scholars from around the world, Nalanda University holds great significance for India. It has always been an interesting topic for history buffs and scholars, making it important for students to know more about the university, its history, destruction, and revival. In this blog, you will read interesting facts about Nalanda University in English. So, if you are ready to teach your students or friends information about Nalanda University ruins, let’s get started right away!
Table of Contents
Historical Facts About Nalanda University
1. It was established during the reign of the Gupta Empire by Emperor Kumaragupta in 427 CE.
2. Its campus included meditation centres, libraries divided into three wings, and temples.
3. It was one of the world’s first residential universities with a capacity to house over 10,000 students and 2,000 teachers during its peak.
4. The ancient university offered various subjects including medicine, theology, grammar, philosophy, and astronomy.
5. The ancient Nalanda University attracted students from all over the world including Asia, China, Korea, Mongolia, Japan, and Tibet.
6. Nalanda’s library, known as Dharma Gunj (Mountain of Truth), was one of the largest libraries in the ancient world.
7. The ancient Nalanda University campus was spread over 14 hectares. It included various temples, stupas, and monasteries.
8. The structures inside Nalanda University were built using red bricks.
Interesting Facts About Nalanda University
1. In 2006, Dr A.P.J Abdul Kalam proposed the revival of ancient Nalanda while addressing a joint session of the Bihar State Legislative Assembly.
2. PM Narendra Modi inaugurated the new campus of Nalanda University in Rajgir, Bihar on June 19 2024.
3. The new campus spans over 450 acres.
4. The Parliament of India passed the Nalanda University Act, 2010, leading to the enrollment of the first batch of students in September 2014.
5. Padam Vibhushan (late) Ar. B. V. Doshi is the architect behind the eco-friendly architecture of Nalanda University.
Who Destroyed Nalanda University?
1. Some historians are of the opinion that Nalanda University flourished for about 800 years before being attacked and destroyed by Bakhtiyar Khilji in the 12th century CE.
2. It is believed that the university was attacked three times by Gaudas, Huns, and lastly, Bhaktyar Khilji.
3. During these attacks, the university lost much of its great treasure of knowledge in Ayurveda and Buddhism.
4. It is believed that Minhaj-e-Siraj witnessed the destruction of the university. He was one of the scholars studying at the university at that time.
5. The university remained closed for around 800 years after being destroyed.
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FAQs
Some interesting facts about Nalanda University are that it was built during the reign of the Gupta Dynasty, it had numerous temples, monasteries, and meditation centres, it offered various subjects like theology, grammar, and medicine, it remained closed for about 800 years and lastly, the structures inside the complex were built using red bricks.
Nalanda University is famous as one of the world’s first residential universities. During its peak, it had a capacity to house over 10,000 students and 2,000 teachers.
Historians believe that it took around three months for books inside the library of Nalanda University to burn down and become ash. Similarly, Bakhtiyar Khilji not only destroyed the library but also killed the monks and scholars inside.
Hope you had fun reading these interesting facts about Nalanda University. If you want to know more about topics like this, then visit our Interesting Facts and General Knowledge page!