History of Nalanda Vishwavidyalaya

### History of Nalanda Vishwavidyalaya

**Introduction**

Nalanda Vishwavidyalaya, located in Bihar, India, is one of the world's oldest and most renowned centers of higher learning. Established in the 5th century CE, Nalanda was not merely a university but a vast educational complex that attracted scholars from various parts of Asia.

**Origins and Establishment**

Nalanda's origins are rooted in the Gupta Empire, which promoted education and learning. The university was established during the reign of Emperor Kumaragupta I, around the 5th century CE. It is believed that Nalanda started as a Buddhist monastic institution and gradually evolved into a prominent center for learning.

**Architecture and Structure**

The university complex covered approximately 14 hectares and included several temples, monasteries, and lecture halls. It housed around 10,000 students and 2,000 teachers, offering a wide range of subjects including philosophy, medicine, mathematics, astronomy, and grammar.

**Curriculum and Academic Life**

Nalanda's curriculum was diverse. Students were taught various subjects, with a strong emphasis on Buddhist philosophy, logic, and metaphysics. Notable texts such as the "Mahayana Sutras" and "Abhidhamma" were central to the studies. Scholars from different traditions, including Hinduism and Jainism, were also welcomed.

**Notable Scholars**

Nalanda attracted some of the most brilliant minds of the time. Famous scholars included:

- **Buddhaghosa**: A 5th-century scholar known for his commentaries on Buddhist texts. - **Xuanzang (Hsuan-tsang)**: A Chinese monk who traveled to Nalanda in the 7th century and documented his experiences, providing invaluable insights into the institution and its teachings. - **Dignaga and Dharmakirti**: Renowned for their contributions to logic and epistemology.