Who Founded the Nalanda University?

The correct answer is B. Guptas. Nalanda University was founded by Kumaragupta I of the Gupta dynasty in the 5th century CE. It flourished as a centre of learning and attracted scholars from all over the world.

Explanation

Nalanda University, located in present-day Bihar, India, was one of the world’s first residential universities. It played a crucial role in shaping ancient education and was considered the greatest centre of Buddhist learning.

Key Features of Nalanda University

• Established by Kumaragupta I (Gupta dynasty) in the 5th century CE
• Became a renowned Buddhist learning centre
• At its peak, it had over 10,000 students and 2,000 teachers
• Attracted scholars from China, Korea, Japan, Tibet, Mongolia, Sri Lanka, and Persia
• Subjects taught: Buddhist philosophy, logic, medicine, astronomy, mathematics, and the Vedas

Famous Scholars of Nalanda

Many scholars studied and taught at Nalanda, including:

• Xuanzang (Hiuen Tsang), a Chinese traveller, who studied and documented life at Nalanda in the 7th century
• Dharmapala and Shilabhadra, famous Buddhist teachers
• Aryabhata, the great mathematician-astronomer, was believed to be associated with Nalanda

Nalanda University thrived for centuries but was destroyed in the 12th century by Bakhtiyar Khilji, a Turkish invader. The vast library, said to contain thousands of manuscripts, burned for months. In 2010, the Government of India re-established Nalanda University as a modern educational institution near the ancient site. It continues to symbolise India’s rich educational heritage.