Difference between revisions of "Nalanda" - New World Encyclopedia

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[[Image:Nalanda.jpg|300px|right|thumb|The [[Stupa]] of Sariputta at Nalanda.]]  
 
[[Image:Nalanda.jpg|300px|right|thumb|The [[Stupa]] of Sariputta at Nalanda.]]  
In ancient [[India]], '''Nālānda''' ([[Sanskrit]]: meaning "giver of knowledge") was a once thriving monastic-[[university]] renowned both as a center of learning and for its large library of sacred texts. Established in 427 CE, Nalanda flourished for seven hundred years until its destruction in 1197 CE  at the hands of Muslim invaders.<ref name="Altekar1965">Altekar, Anant Sadashiv (1965). ''Education in Ancient India'', Sixth, Varanasi: Nand Kishore & Bros.</ref> The ruins of the monastery are located about 55 miles south east of the modern Indian city of Patna (coordinates: 25.135766 N 85.444923 E).
+
In ancient [[India]], '''Nālānda''' ([[Sanskrit]]: meaning "giver of knowledge") was a once thriving monastic-[[university]] renowned both as a center of learning and for its large library of sacred texts. Established in 427 C.E., Nalanda flourished for seven hundred years until its destruction in 1197 C.E. at the hands of Muslim invaders.<ref>Anant Sadashiv Altekar, ''Education in Ancient India,'' 6th ed., (Varanasi, India: Nand Kishore & Bros., 1965). </ref> The ruins of the monastery are located about 55 miles south east of the modern Indian city of Patna (coordinates: 25.135766 N 85.444923 E).
  
Nalanda has been called "one of the first great universities in recorded history."<ref name="New York Times">"Really Old School," Garten, Jeffrey E. New York Times, December 9, 2006.</ref> In ancient times, Nalanda was particularly known as a center of [[Buddhism|Buddhist]] learning and many of its Buddhist teachings were transmitted to other parts of Asia, including [[China]] and [[Tibet]] where Buddhism continueed to flourish after its wane in India.
+
Nalanda has been called "one of the first great universities in recorded history."<ref>Jeffrey E. Garten, "Really Old School," ''New York Times,'' December 9, 2006.</ref> In ancient times, Nalanda was particularly known as a center of [[Buddhism|Buddhist]] learning and many of its Buddhist teachings were transmitted to other parts of Asia, including [[China]] and [[Tibet]] where Buddhism continueed to flourish after its wane in India.
  
 
==Etymology==
 
==Etymology==
The origin of the name Nalanda is disputed. It may derive from ''nalam'' ("lotus" -a symbol of knowledge and ''da'', (''to give'').<ref>{{cite web | last=Tharoor | first=Shashi | title=Reconstructing Nalanda | publisher=The Hindu | accessdate=February 5, 2007 | url=http://www.hinduonnet.com/mag/2006/12/24/stories/2006122400060300.htm}}</ref> The Chinese pilgrim-monk [[Xuanzang]]<ref>Beal: op. cit., ii.167f</ref> gives several explanations of the name Nālandā in his writing. He remarks that the origin of the word may come from the "Naga" (semi-divine serpent beings) who lived by a pool of water in the middle of a mango grove. Another hypothesis, accepted by him, is that the [[Bodhisattva]] once had his capital here and gave "alms without intermission," hence the name.
+
The origin of the name Nalanda is disputed. It may derive from ''nalam'' ("lotus" -a symbol of knowledge and ''da,'' ''(to give).'' <ref>Shashi Tharoor, Reconstructing Nalanda, ''The Hindu,'' December 24, 2006. </ref> The Chinese pilgrim-monk [[Xuanzang]]<ref>Samuel Beal, ''Buddhism In China.'' (Kila, MT: Kessinger Publishing, 2006 ISBN 1428651462), ii.167f. </ref> gives several explanations of the name Nālandā in his writing. He remarks that the origin of the word may come from the "Naga" (semi-divine serpent beings) who lived by a pool of water in the middle of a mango grove. Another hypothesis, accepted by him, is that the [[Bodhisattva]] once had his capital here and gave "alms without intermission," hence the name.
  
==Nalanda in the time of the Buddha (500 BC)==
+
==Nalanda in the time of the Buddha (500 B.C.E.)==
  
The Buddha is mentioned as having several times stayed at Nalanda. When he visited Nalanda he would usually reside in Pāvārika's mango grove, and while there he had discussions with Upāli-Gahapati and Dīghatapassī,<ref>S.ii.110; M.i.376ff.</ref> with Kevatta,<ref>D.i.211ff.</ref> and also several conversations with Asibandhakaputta.<ref>S. ii. 311 23</ref>
+
The Buddha is mentioned as having several times stayed at Nalanda. When he visited Nalanda he would usually reside in Pāvārika's mango grove, and while there he had discussions with Upāli-Gahapati and Dīghatapassī,<ref>Samyutta Nikaya ii.110; Majjhima Nikaya i.376ff.</ref> with Kevatta,<ref>Digha Nikaya i.211ff.</ref> and also several conversations with Asibandhakaputta.<ref>Samyutta Nikaya ii.311–23</ref>
  
The Buddha visited Nālandā during his last tour through Magadha, and it was there that Sariputta uttered his "lion's roar," affirming his faith in the Buddha, shortly before his death.<ref>D.ii.81f.; iii.99ff.; S.v.159ff.</ref> The road from Rājagaha to Nālandā passed through Ambalatthikā,<ref>D.ii.81; Vin.ii.287</ref> and from Nālandā it went on to Pātaligāma.<ref>D.ii.84</ref>  
+
The Buddha visited Nālandā during his last tour through Magadha, and it was there that Sariputta uttered his "lion's roar," affirming his faith in the Buddha, shortly before his death.<ref>Digha Nikaya ii.81f., iii.99ff.; Samyutta Nikaya v.159ff.</ref> The road from Rājagaha to Nālandā passed through Ambalatthikā,<ref>Digha Nikaya ii.81; Vinaya Pitaka ii.287</ref> and from Nālandā it went on to Pātaligāma.<ref>Digha Nikaya ii.84</ref>  
  
According to the Kevatta Sutta,<ref>Digha Nikaya.i.211</ref> in the Buddha's time Nālandā was already an influential, prosperous, and populated town, though it was not untill later that it became the centre of learning for which it became famous. There is a record in the ''Samyutta Nikaya'',<ref>S.iv.322</ref> of the town having been the victim of a severe famine during the Buddha's time. [[Sāriputta]], the right hand disciple of the Buddha, was born and died in Nālandā.<ref name="Altekar1965"/>
+
According to the ''Kevatta Sutta,'' <ref>Digha Nikaya, ''Kevatta Sutta,'' .i.211</ref> in the Buddha's time Nālandā was already an influential, prosperous, and populated town, though it was not untill later that it became the centre of learning for which it became famous. There is a record in the ''Samyutta Nikaya, ''<ref>Samyutta Nikaya iv.322</ref> of the town having been the victim of a severe famine during the Buddha's time. [[Sāriputta]], the right hand disciple of the Buddha, was born and died in Nālandā.<ref>Altekar, ''Education in Ancient India.''</ref>
  
In the religion of [[Jainism]], [[Mahavira]] is several times mentioned as staying at Nālandā, which was evidently also a centre of activity of the [[Jainism|Jains]]. [[Mahavira]] is believed to have attained [[Moksha]] at Pavapuri, which is located in Nalanda. The [[Digambara|Digambar]] sect of Jainism also teaches that Mahavira was born in the nearby village of Kundalpur.
+
In the religion of [[Jainism]], [[Mahavira]] is several times mentioned as staying at Nālandā, which was evidently also a centre of activity of the Jains. Mahavira is believed to have attained [[Moksha]] at Pavapuri, which is located in Nalanda. The [[Digambara|Digambar]] sect of Jainism also teaches that Mahavira was born in the nearby village of Kundalpur.
  
King [[Ashoka]] (250 BC) is said to have built a temple in Nalanda.<ref name="Altekar1965"/> According to Tibetan sources, [[Nagarjuna]] also taught there.<ref name="Hopkins">Hopkins, Jeffrey (1996). ''Meditation on Emptiness'', Wisdom Publications.</ref>
+
King [[Ashoka]] (250 B.C.E.) is said to have built a temple in Nalanda.<ref>Ibid. </ref> According to Tibetan sources, [[Nagarjuna]] also taught there.<ref>Jeffrey Hopkins, ''Meditation on Emptiness,'' (Somerville, MA: Wisdom Publications, 1996).</ref>
  
 
==Description of Nalanda University==
 
==Description of Nalanda University==
Nalanda was one of the world's first residential universities as it had dormitories for students. Historical studies indicate that the University of Nalanda was established 450 CE under the patronage of the Gupta emperors, notably Kumaragupta.<ref name="Altekar1965"/> In its heyday, it accommodated over 10,000 students and 2,000 teachers. The university was considered an architectural masterpiece, and was marked by a lofty wall and one gate. Nalanda had eight separate compounds and ten temples, along with many other meditation halls and classrooms. On the grounds were lakes and parks. The library was located in a nine storied building where meticulous copies of texts were produced. The subjects taught at Nalanda University covered every field of learning, and it attracted pupils and scholars from Korea, Japan, China, Tibet, Indonesia, Persia and Turkey.<ref name="New York Times">"Really Old School," Garten, Jeffrey E. New York Times, December 9, 2006.</ref> The [[Tang Dynasty]] [[China|Chinese]] pilgrim [[Xuanzang]] left detailed accounts of the university in the 7th century.<ref>Sally Hovey Wriggin, ''The Silk Road Journey With Xuanzang.'' (Westview Press, 2003).</ref>
+
 
 +
Nalanda was one of the world's first residential universities as it had dormitories for students. Historical studies indicate that the University of Nalanda was established 450 C.E. under the patronage of the Gupta emperors, notably Kumaragupta.<ref>Altekar, ''Education in Ancient India.''</ref> In its heyday, it accommodated over ten thousand students and 2,000 teachers. The university was considered an architectural masterpiece, and was marked by a lofty wall and one gate. Nalanda had eight separate compounds and ten temples, along with many other meditation halls and classrooms. On the grounds were lakes and parks. The library was located in a nine storied building where meticulous copies of texts were produced. The subjects taught at Nalanda University covered every field of learning, and it attracted pupils and scholars from Korea, Japan, China, Tibet, Indonesia, Persia and Turkey.<ref> Garten, "Really Old School."</ref> The [[Tang Dynasty]] [[China|Chinese]] pilgrim [[Xuanzang]] left detailed accounts of the university in the seventh century.<ref>Sally Hovey Wriggin, ''The Silk Road Journey With Xuanzang.'' (Westview Press, 2003).</ref>
  
 
[[Image:Nalanda seal.jpg|thumb|left|150px|The seal of '''Nalanda University''' set in terracotta on display in the [[Archaeological Survey of India|ASI]] Museum in Nalanda]]
 
[[Image:Nalanda seal.jpg|thumb|left|150px|The seal of '''Nalanda University''' set in terracotta on display in the [[Archaeological Survey of India|ASI]] Museum in Nalanda]]
  
 
===Influence on Buddhism===
 
===Influence on Buddhism===
A vast amount of what is considered to be [[Tibetan Buddhism]] ([[Vajrayana]]) actually stems from the late (9th-12th century) Nalanda teachers and traditions. Other forms of Buddhism, like [[Mahayana]] found in [[Vietnam]], [[China]], [[Korea]] and [[Japan]], found part of their genesis within the walls of this ancient university.  
+
A vast amount of what is considered to be [[Tibetan Buddhism]] ([[Vajrayana]]) actually stems from the late (ninth-twelfth century) Nalanda teachers and traditions. Other forms of Buddhism, like [[Mahayana]] found in [[Vietnam]], [[China]], [[Korea]] and [[Japan]], found part of their genesis within the walls of this ancient university.  
  
 
[[Theravada]] Buddhism was also taught at Nalanda University although it seems that Nalanda was not a strong center of Theravada.
 
[[Theravada]] Buddhism was also taught at Nalanda University although it seems that Nalanda was not a strong center of Theravada.
  
 
==Decline and end==
 
==Decline and end==
Due to the disappearance of Buddhism from India during the 12th century, the university was in decline. In 1193 C.E., Nalanda University suffered a final blow after the complex was sacked by [[Islam|Muslim armies]]<ref name = Scott>{{cite journal
+
 
  | last = Scott
+
Due to the disappearance of Buddhism from India during the twelfth century, the university was in decline. In 1193 C.E., Nalanda University suffered a final blow after the complex was sacked by [[Islam|Muslim armies]]<ref> David Scott, "Buddhism and Islam: Past to Present Encounters and Interfaith Lessons," ''Numen'' 42(2) (May, 1995)</ref> under Bakhtiyar Khilji; this event is seen as a milestone in the decline of Buddhism in India. When the Tibetan translator Chag Lotsawa later visited the site in 1235, he found it damaged and looted, but still functioning with a small number of monks. Ahir blames the destruction of the temples, monasteries, centers of learning at Nalanda and northern India for the demise of ancient Indian scientific thought in mathematics, astronomy, alchemy, and anatomy.<ref>D. C. Ahir, ''Buddhism Declined in India:  How and Why?'' Delhi: B. R. Publishing, 2005.</ref> Ling and Scott, however, point out that centres of learning were already declining, before the presence of Muslims armies.<ref>Scott, "Buddhism and Islam."</ref> Fortified Sena dynasty monasteries along the main route of the invasion were destroyed, and being off the main route both Nalanda and Bodh Gaya survived. Many institutions off the main route such as the Jagaddala Monastery in northern Bengal were untouched and flourishing.
  | first = David
 
  | title = Buddhism and Islam: Past to Present Encounters and Interfaith Lessons
 
  | journal = Numen
 
  | volume = 42
 
  | issue = 2
 
  | pages =
 
  | date = May, 1995
 
}}
 
</ref> under Bakhtiyar Khilji; this event is seen as a milestone in the decline of Buddhism in India. When the Tibetan translator Chag Lotsawa later visited the site in 1235, he found it damaged and looted, but still functioning with a small number of monks. Ahir blames the destruction of the temples, monasteries, centers of learning at Nalanda and northern India for the demise of ancient Indian scientific thought in mathematics, astronomy, alchemy, and anatomy.<ref name="Ahir">D. C. Ahir, ''Buddhism Declined in India:  How and Why?'', Delhi: B. R. Publishing, 2005.</ref> Ling and Scott, however, point out that centres of learning were already declining, before the presence of Muslims armies.<ref name = Scott/> Fortified Sena dynasty monasteries along the main route of the invasion were destroyed, and being off the main route both Nalanda and Bodh Gaya survived. Many institutions off the main route such as the Jagaddala Monastery in northern Bengal were untouched and flourishing.
 
  
 
==Ruins==
 
==Ruins==
 
[[Image:nalanda-sariputta.jpg|thumb|right|300px|Wide view of the other (back)side of Sariputta's Stupa.]]
 
[[Image:nalanda-sariputta.jpg|thumb|right|300px|Wide view of the other (back)side of Sariputta's Stupa.]]
A number of ruined structures in Nalanda still survive today. The excavated ruins extend over an area of about 150,000 square metres, although if [[Xuanzang]]'s account of Nalanda's extent is correlated with present excavations, almost 90% of it remains unexcavated.
+
A number of ruined structures in Nalanda still survive today. The excavated ruins extend over an area of about 150,000 square meters, although if [[Xuanzang]]'s account of Nalanda's extent is correlated with present excavations, almost 90 percent of it remains unexcavated.
  
Nālandā is no longer inhabited. Today the nearest habitation is a village called Bargaon.  
+
Nalanda is no longer inhabited. Today the nearest habitation is a village called Bargaon.  
  
In 1951, a modern centre for Pali ([[Theravada|Theravadin]]) [[Buddhist]] studies was founded nearby by Bhikshu Jagdish Kashyap, the Nava Nalanda Mahavihara. Presently, this institute is pursuing an ambitious program of satellite imaging of the entire region.
+
In 1951, a modern center for Pali ([[Theravada|Theravadin]]) [[Buddhist]] studies was founded nearby by Bhikshu Jagdish Kashyap, the Nava Nalanda Mahavihara. Presently, this institute is pursuing an ambitious program of satellite imaging of the entire region.
  
 
The Nalanda Museum contains a number of manuscripts, and shows many examples of the items that have been excavated.
 
The Nalanda Museum contains a number of manuscripts, and shows many examples of the items that have been excavated.
Line 56: Line 48:
 
In the twenty-first century, ambitious plans for the revival of Nalanda University have been announced with wealthy patrons:
 
In the twenty-first century, ambitious plans for the revival of Nalanda University have been announced with wealthy patrons:
  
*On December 9, 2006, the ''New York Times'' detailed a plan in the works to spend $1 billion to revive Nalanda University near the ancient site. A consortium led by [[Singapore]] and including [[China]], [[India]], [[Japan]] and other nations will attempt to raise $500 million to build a new university and another $500 million to develop necessary infrastructure.<ref name="New York Times">"Really Old School," Garten, Jeffrey E. New York Times, December 9, 2006.</ref>
+
*On December 9, 2006, the ''New York Times'' detailed a plan in the works to spend $1 billion to revive Nalanda University near the ancient site. A consortium led by [[Singapore]] and including [[China]], [[India]], [[Japan]] and other nations will attempt to raise $500 million to build a new university and another $500 million to develop necessary infrastructure.<ref> Garten, "Really Old School."</ref>
 
 
*On May 28, 2007, ''Merinews'' reported that the revived university's enrollment will be 1,137 in its first year, and 4,530 by the fifth.  In the 'second phase', enrolment will reach 5,812.  <ref name="Merinews">"[http://www.merinews.com/catFull.jsp?articleID=125171 Nalanda Int’l University: A commendable initiative]", K.jha, Ashok, Merinews, May 28, 2007.</ref>
 
  
*On June 12, 2007, ''News Post India'' reported that the Japanese diplomat Noro Motoyasu said that "Japan will fund the setting up an international university in Nalanda in Bihar".  The report goes on to say that "The proposed university will be fully residential, like the ancient seat of learning at Nalanda. In the first phase of the project, seven schools with 46 foreign faculty members and over 400 Indian academics would come up." ... "The university will impart courses in science, philosophy and spiritualism along with other subjects. A renowned international scholar will be its chancellor."<ref name="News Post India">"Japan Eager To Invest In Nalanda University," News Post India, June 12, 2007<sup>[http://www.indiaenews.com/education/20070612/55820.htm]</sup>.</ref>
+
*On May 28, 2007, ''Merinews'' reported that the revived university's enrollment will be 1,137 in its first year, and 4,530 by the fifth. In the "second phase," enrollment will reach 5,812. <ref>Ashok K. Jha, [http://www.merinews.com/catFull.jsp?articleID=125171 Nalanda Int’l University: A Commendable Initiative,] ''Merinews,''May 28, 2007. Retrieved October 16, 2007.</ref>
  
*On August 15, 2007, ''The Times of India'' reported that Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam has accepted the offer to join the revived Nalanda International University sometime in September 2007."<ref name="The Times of India">"Kalam to join Nalanda University soon," The Times of India, August 15, 2007.<sup>[http://www.hindustantimes.com/StoryPage/StoryPage.aspx?id=ab3c76de-f6fe-4fd9-a2f8-c977552ffce4&&Headline=Kalam+to+join+Nalanda+Univ+soon]</sup></ref>
+
*On June 12, 2007, ''News Post India'' reported that the Japanese diplomat Noro Motoyasu said that: "Japan will fund the setting up an international university in Nalanda in Bihar." The report goes on to say that "The proposed university will be fully residential, like the ancient seat of learning at Nalanda. In the first phase of the project, seven schools with 46 foreign faculty members and over 400 Indian academics would come up." … "The university will impart courses in science, philosophy and spiritualism along with other subjects. A renowned international scholar will be its chancellor."<ref>''India eNews,'' [http://www.indiaenews.com/education/20070612/55820.htm Japan Eager To Invest In Nalanda University,] June 12, 2007. Retrieved October 16, 2007. </ref>
  
 
==Notes==
 
==Notes==
Line 68: Line 58:
  
 
==References==
 
==References==
* Ahir, D.C. ''Buddhism Declined in India: How and Why?'' Delhi: B. R. Publishing, 2005.
+
* Ahir, D.C. ''Buddhism Declined in India: How and Why?'' Delhi: B. R. Publishing, 2005. ISBN 8176464473
* Chauley, G. C. "Art and Architecture of Nalanda" Sandeep Prakashan, 2002. ISBN 978-8175741218
+
* Chauley, G. C. "Art and Architecture of Nalanda" Sandeep Prakashan, 2002. ISBN 9788175741218
* Hopkins, Jeffrey ''Meditation on Emptiness.'' Wisdom Publications, 1996. ISBN 978-0861711109
+
* Hopkins, Jeffrey ''Meditation on Emptiness.'' Wisdom Publications, 1996. ISBN 9780861711109
* Kumar, Jainendra. "Land Use Analysis: A Case Study of Nalanda District, Bihar" Stosius Inc/Advent Books Division, 1986. ISBN 978-8121000635
+
* Kumar, Jainendra. "Land Use Analysis: A Case Study of Nalanda District, Bihar," Stosius Inc./Advent Books Division, 1986. ISBN 9788121000635
* Paul, Debjani. "Art of Nalanda" South Asia Books, 1995. ISBN 978-8121506281
+
* Paul, Debjani. ''Art of Nalanda.'' South Asia Books, 1995. ISBN 9788121506281
* Misra, Bhaskaranatha. "Nalanda" B.R. Pub. Corp, 1998. ISBN 978-8176460163
+
* Misra, Bhaskaranatha. ''Nalanda'' B. R. Pub. Corp., 1998. ISBN 9788176460163
* Mullick, C. C. "Nalanda Sculptures: Their Bearing on Indonesian Sculptures" South Asia Books, 1991. ISBN 978-8185268101
+
* Mullick, C. C. ''Nalanda Sculptures: Their Bearing on Indonesian Sculptures.'' South Asia Books, 1991. ISBN 9788185268101
* Nath, B. "Nalanda Murals" Cosmo, 2003. ISBN 978-8170201182
+
* Nath, B. ''Nalanda Murals.'' Cosmo, 2003. ISBN 9788170201182
* Sastri, Hiranand. "Nalanda and its epigraphic materialIndian Book Centre, 1986. ISBN 978-8170300137
+
* Sastri, Hiranand. ''Nalanda and its epigraphic material.'' Indian Book Centre, 1986. ISBN 9788170300137
* Stewart, Mary L. "Nalanda Mahavihara" British Archaeological Reports, 1989. ISBN 978-0860546740
+
* Stewart, Mary L. "Nalanda Mahavihara," British Archaeological Reports, 1989. ISBN 9780860546740
*Wriggin, Sally Hovey. ''The Silk Road Journey With Xuanzang.'' Westview Press, 2003. ISBN 978-0813365992
+
*Wriggin, Sally Hovey. ''The Silk Road Journey With Xuanzang.'' Boulder, CO: Westview Press, 2003. ISBN 9780813365992
  
 
[[Category: Philosophy and religion]]
 
[[Category: Philosophy and religion]]

Latest revision as of 02:42, 11 March 2023

The Stupa of Sariputta at Nalanda.

In ancient India, Nālānda (Sanskrit: meaning "giver of knowledge") was a once thriving monastic-university renowned both as a center of learning and for its large library of sacred texts. Established in 427 C.E., Nalanda flourished for seven hundred years until its destruction in 1197 C.E. at the hands of Muslim invaders.[1] The ruins of the monastery are located about 55 miles south east of the modern Indian city of Patna (coordinates: 25.135766 N 85.444923 E).

Nalanda has been called "one of the first great universities in recorded history."[2] In ancient times, Nalanda was particularly known as a center of Buddhist learning and many of its Buddhist teachings were transmitted to other parts of Asia, including China and Tibet where Buddhism continueed to flourish after its wane in India.

Etymology

The origin of the name Nalanda is disputed. It may derive from nalam ("lotus" -a symbol of knowledge and da, (to give). [3] The Chinese pilgrim-monk Xuanzang[4] gives several explanations of the name Nālandā in his writing. He remarks that the origin of the word may come from the "Naga" (semi-divine serpent beings) who lived by a pool of water in the middle of a mango grove. Another hypothesis, accepted by him, is that the Bodhisattva once had his capital here and gave "alms without intermission," hence the name.

Nalanda in the time of the Buddha (500 B.C.E.)

The Buddha is mentioned as having several times stayed at Nalanda. When he visited Nalanda he would usually reside in Pāvārika's mango grove, and while there he had discussions with Upāli-Gahapati and Dīghatapassī,[5] with Kevatta,[6] and also several conversations with Asibandhakaputta.[7]

The Buddha visited Nālandā during his last tour through Magadha, and it was there that Sariputta uttered his "lion's roar," affirming his faith in the Buddha, shortly before his death.[8] The road from Rājagaha to Nālandā passed through Ambalatthikā,[9] and from Nālandā it went on to Pātaligāma.[10]

According to the Kevatta Sutta, [11] in the Buddha's time Nālandā was already an influential, prosperous, and populated town, though it was not untill later that it became the centre of learning for which it became famous. There is a record in the Samyutta Nikaya, [12] of the town having been the victim of a severe famine during the Buddha's time. Sāriputta, the right hand disciple of the Buddha, was born and died in Nālandā.[13]

In the religion of Jainism, Mahavira is several times mentioned as staying at Nālandā, which was evidently also a centre of activity of the Jains. Mahavira is believed to have attained Moksha at Pavapuri, which is located in Nalanda. The Digambar sect of Jainism also teaches that Mahavira was born in the nearby village of Kundalpur.

King Ashoka (250 B.C.E.) is said to have built a temple in Nalanda.[14] According to Tibetan sources, Nagarjuna also taught there.[15]

Description of Nalanda University

Nalanda was one of the world's first residential universities as it had dormitories for students. Historical studies indicate that the University of Nalanda was established 450 C.E. under the patronage of the Gupta emperors, notably Kumaragupta.[16] In its heyday, it accommodated over ten thousand students and 2,000 teachers. The university was considered an architectural masterpiece, and was marked by a lofty wall and one gate. Nalanda had eight separate compounds and ten temples, along with many other meditation halls and classrooms. On the grounds were lakes and parks. The library was located in a nine storied building where meticulous copies of texts were produced. The subjects taught at Nalanda University covered every field of learning, and it attracted pupils and scholars from Korea, Japan, China, Tibet, Indonesia, Persia and Turkey.[17] The Tang Dynasty Chinese pilgrim Xuanzang left detailed accounts of the university in the seventh century.[18]

The seal of Nalanda University set in terracotta on display in the ASI Museum in Nalanda

Influence on Buddhism

A vast amount of what is considered to be Tibetan Buddhism (Vajrayana) actually stems from the late (ninth-twelfth century) Nalanda teachers and traditions. Other forms of Buddhism, like Mahayana found in Vietnam, China, Korea and Japan, found part of their genesis within the walls of this ancient university.

Theravada Buddhism was also taught at Nalanda University although it seems that Nalanda was not a strong center of Theravada.

Decline and end

Due to the disappearance of Buddhism from India during the twelfth century, the university was in decline. In 1193 C.E., Nalanda University suffered a final blow after the complex was sacked by Muslim armies[19] under Bakhtiyar Khilji; this event is seen as a milestone in the decline of Buddhism in India. When the Tibetan translator Chag Lotsawa later visited the site in 1235, he found it damaged and looted, but still functioning with a small number of monks. Ahir blames the destruction of the temples, monasteries, centers of learning at Nalanda and northern India for the demise of ancient Indian scientific thought in mathematics, astronomy, alchemy, and anatomy.[20] Ling and Scott, however, point out that centres of learning were already declining, before the presence of Muslims armies.[21] Fortified Sena dynasty monasteries along the main route of the invasion were destroyed, and being off the main route both Nalanda and Bodh Gaya survived. Many institutions off the main route such as the Jagaddala Monastery in northern Bengal were untouched and flourishing.

Ruins

Wide view of the other (back)side of Sariputta's Stupa.

A number of ruined structures in Nalanda still survive today. The excavated ruins extend over an area of about 150,000 square meters, although if Xuanzang's account of Nalanda's extent is correlated with present excavations, almost 90 percent of it remains unexcavated.

Nalanda is no longer inhabited. Today the nearest habitation is a village called Bargaon.

In 1951, a modern center for Pali (Theravadin) Buddhist studies was founded nearby by Bhikshu Jagdish Kashyap, the Nava Nalanda Mahavihara. Presently, this institute is pursuing an ambitious program of satellite imaging of the entire region.

The Nalanda Museum contains a number of manuscripts, and shows many examples of the items that have been excavated.

Plans for revival

In the twenty-first century, ambitious plans for the revival of Nalanda University have been announced with wealthy patrons:

  • On December 9, 2006, the New York Times detailed a plan in the works to spend $1 billion to revive Nalanda University near the ancient site. A consortium led by Singapore and including China, India, Japan and other nations will attempt to raise $500 million to build a new university and another $500 million to develop necessary infrastructure.[22]
  • On May 28, 2007, Merinews reported that the revived university's enrollment will be 1,137 in its first year, and 4,530 by the fifth. In the "second phase," enrollment will reach 5,812. [23]
  • On June 12, 2007, News Post India reported that the Japanese diplomat Noro Motoyasu said that: "Japan will fund the setting up an international university in Nalanda in Bihar." The report goes on to say that "The proposed university will be fully residential, like the ancient seat of learning at Nalanda. In the first phase of the project, seven schools with 46 foreign faculty members and over 400 Indian academics would come up." … "The university will impart courses in science, philosophy and spiritualism along with other subjects. A renowned international scholar will be its chancellor."[24]

Notes

  1. Anant Sadashiv Altekar, Education in Ancient India, 6th ed., (Varanasi, India: Nand Kishore & Bros., 1965).
  2. Jeffrey E. Garten, "Really Old School," New York Times, December 9, 2006.
  3. Shashi Tharoor, Reconstructing Nalanda, The Hindu, December 24, 2006.
  4. Samuel Beal, Buddhism In China. (Kila, MT: Kessinger Publishing, 2006 ISBN 1428651462), ii.167f.
  5. Samyutta Nikaya ii.110; Majjhima Nikaya i.376ff.
  6. Digha Nikaya i.211ff.
  7. Samyutta Nikaya ii.311–23
  8. Digha Nikaya ii.81f., iii.99ff.; Samyutta Nikaya v.159ff.
  9. Digha Nikaya ii.81; Vinaya Pitaka ii.287
  10. Digha Nikaya ii.84
  11. Digha Nikaya, Kevatta Sutta, .i.211
  12. Samyutta Nikaya iv.322
  13. Altekar, Education in Ancient India.
  14. Ibid.
  15. Jeffrey Hopkins, Meditation on Emptiness, (Somerville, MA: Wisdom Publications, 1996).
  16. Altekar, Education in Ancient India.
  17. Garten, "Really Old School."
  18. Sally Hovey Wriggin, The Silk Road Journey With Xuanzang. (Westview Press, 2003).
  19. David Scott, "Buddhism and Islam: Past to Present Encounters and Interfaith Lessons," Numen 42(2) (May, 1995)
  20. D. C. Ahir, Buddhism Declined in India: How and Why? Delhi: B. R. Publishing, 2005.
  21. Scott, "Buddhism and Islam."
  22. Garten, "Really Old School."
  23. Ashok K. Jha, Nalanda Int’l University: A Commendable Initiative, Merinews,May 28, 2007. Retrieved October 16, 2007.
  24. India eNews, Japan Eager To Invest In Nalanda University, June 12, 2007. Retrieved October 16, 2007.

References
ISBN links support NWE through referral fees

  • Ahir, D.C. Buddhism Declined in India: How and Why? Delhi: B. R. Publishing, 2005. ISBN 8176464473
  • Chauley, G. C. "Art and Architecture of Nalanda" Sandeep Prakashan, 2002. ISBN 9788175741218
  • Hopkins, Jeffrey Meditation on Emptiness. Wisdom Publications, 1996. ISBN 9780861711109
  • Kumar, Jainendra. "Land Use Analysis: A Case Study of Nalanda District, Bihar," Stosius Inc./Advent Books Division, 1986. ISBN 9788121000635
  • Paul, Debjani. Art of Nalanda. South Asia Books, 1995. ISBN 9788121506281
  • Misra, Bhaskaranatha. Nalanda B. R. Pub. Corp., 1998. ISBN 9788176460163
  • Mullick, C. C. Nalanda Sculptures: Their Bearing on Indonesian Sculptures. South Asia Books, 1991. ISBN 9788185268101
  • Nath, B. Nalanda Murals. Cosmo, 2003. ISBN 9788170201182
  • Sastri, Hiranand. Nalanda and its epigraphic material. Indian Book Centre, 1986. ISBN 9788170300137
  • Stewart, Mary L. "Nalanda Mahavihara," British Archaeological Reports, 1989. ISBN 9780860546740
  • Wriggin, Sally Hovey. The Silk Road Journey With Xuanzang. Boulder, CO: Westview Press, 2003. ISBN 9780813365992

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