State PCS - Bihar (BPSC)

• 26 May 2025

Nalanda University

Why in News? 

The economist Sachin Chaturvedi became the Vice-Chancellor of Nalanda University of Bihar on 21st May 2025.  

Key Points About Nalanda University 

• Founding and Early Flourishing:  
  • Nalanda University was founded in 427 CE by Gupta Emperor Kumaragupta in present-day Bihar. 
  • It flourished for around 800 years until the 12th century. 
  • The university gained prominence under rulers like Harshavardhana and the Pala dynasty. 
• Notable Visitors and Scholars: 
  • Xuanzang (Hsuan Tsang), a 7th-century Chinese Buddhist monk, studied at Nalanda for about five years and brought back many scriptures to China. 
  • Another Chinese pilgrim, I-Tsing, visited in 670 CE and documented Nalanda’s large student population (around 2,000 students) and funding from 200 villages. 
  • Nalanda attracted students from across Asia, including China, Mongolia, Tibet, and Korea. 
  • Scholars like Nagarjuna, Aryabhatta, and Dharmakirti made significant intellectual contributions. 
  • The region is also spiritually significant, as Buddha and Mahavira meditated nearby. 
• Attacks and Decline: 
  • Nalanda suffered attacks by the Hunas (5th century) and the Goudas (7th century), both causing destruction but followed by restoration efforts. 
  • The final blow came in 1193 CE when Bakhtiyar Khilji destroyed the university. 
  • It was rediscovered in the 19th century by British surveyors Francis Buchanan-Hamilton and Sir Alexander Cunningham. 
• Revival Efforts: 
  • The idea to revive Nalanda gained momentum in the early 2000s, with support from former President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, the Singapore government, and East Asian Summit leaders. 
  • The revival is envisioned as a regional knowledge hub emphasizing collaboration between India and East Asian countries. 
• Legal and Institutional Framework: 
  • The Nalanda University Act was passed by the Indian Parliament in 2010, providing the legal basis for the new institution. 
  • The Bihar government allotted a 455-acre site near the ancient ruins for the university campus. 
• Campus Design and Features: 
  • The campus was designed by eminent architect B.V. Doshi, blending eco-friendly principles with modern amenities. 
  • It is a ‘Net Zero’ Green Campus, with features including: 
    • Solar power plant 
    • Water treatment and recycling systems 
    • Extensive water bodies covering 100 acres 
• Academic Programs: 
  • Nalanda University now offers postgraduate courses in fields such as Buddhist Studies, Historical Studies, Ecology and Environmental Studies, and International Relations. 
• Recognition:  
  • The ruins of ancient Nalanda University were declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2016, highlighting its global cultural significance.