Reviving Nalanda: India’s Historic Equivalent of Ivy League, Nurturing Pioneers such as Aryabhata

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on June 19 unveiled a new campus adjacent to the historic Nalanda University, located near the ancient ruins of Rajgir in Bihar. The varsity, which thrived over 1,600 years ago, is expected to capture the interest of diplomats and scholars alike.

It was established in the 5th century CE in the kingdom of Magadha (modern-day Bihar). While there is not a singular founder attributed to it, it grew under the patronage of various rulers and benefactors of that era.

Subjects taught at Nalanda encompassed medicine, Ayurveda, Buddhism, mathematics, grammar, astronomy and Indian philosophy. The university flourished under the patronage of the Pala dynasty in the 8th and 9th centuries CE, gaining global renown.

Nalanda’s enduring legacy is notably evident in its significant contributions to mathematics and astronomy. Notably, Aryabhata, the trailblazer of Indian mathematics and the originator of the concept of zero, served as one of the esteemed educators at Nalanda during the 6th century CE.

Admission to the university rivaled the rigorous selection processes of contemporary top institutions such as IITs, IIMs or Ivy League colleges. Prospective students underwent demanding interviews, and those accepted were mentored by a cadre of scholars under the guidance of revered Buddhist masters like Dharmapala and Silabhadra.

The university’s library, known as ‘Dharma Gunj’ or the ‘Mountain of Truth’, housed nine million meticulously handwritten palm-leaf manuscripts, establishing it as the world’s most extensive repository of Buddhist knowledge.

The Destruction of Nalanda University

In the 1190s, the Nalanda University met its tragic end when it was set ablaze by Bakhtiyar Khilji, a Turko-Afghan military general. The destructive fire continued unabated for three months, resulting in the loss of what was arguably the world’s most valuable collection of Buddhist wisdom.

Some manuscripts that miraculously survived the devastation are now safeguarded in the Los Angeles County Museum of Art and the Yarlung Museum in Tibet. After lying dormant for six centuries, the university was rediscovered in 1812 by Scottish surveyor Francis Buchanan-Hamilton. Later, in 1861, it was formally recognized as the ancient seat of learning by Sir Alexander Cunningham.

Revival of Esteemed Legacy

To resurrect its esteemed legacy, the initiative to re-establish Nalanda University was first put forth by former President Dr APJ Abdul Kalam in 2006. This vision gained traction with the passage of the Nalanda University Bill in 2010, paving the way for its operational launch in 2014 from a temporary site near Rajgir.

The foundation stone for the permanent campus was laid by former President Pranab Mukherjee in 2016 at Pilkhi village, Rajgir. Construction began in 2017, leading to the official inauguration of the new campus today.

Features of the New Nalanda University Campus

Spanning 100 acres, the new campus harmonizes eco-friendly architecture with ancient Vastu principles, aiming for a net-zero carbon footprint. Noteworthy elements include:

- Two blocks housing 40 classrooms to accommodate nearly 1,900 students

- Two auditoriums with a combined seating capacity exceeding 300

- Hostels accommodating up to 550 students, complemented by 197 faculty housing units

- Facilities such as a sports complex, medical center, commercial center, and faculty club

- Planned completion of a library capable of housing 300,000 books and serving 3,000 users by September

Schools and Centers at Nalanda University

Currently, the university operates six schools focusing on Buddhist studies, historical studies, ecology, sustainable development, languages, literature and international relations.

Additionally, it hosts four specialized centers: Bay of Bengal Studies, Indo-Persian Studies, Conflict Resolution and a Common Archival Resource Center.

The Nalanda University offers a diverse array of programs, including postgraduate and doctoral research courses, short-term certificate courses and scholarships for international students — underscoring its dedication to fostering global academic excellence.