Nalanda University was one of the most prestigious and ancient universities in the world, located in the present-day state of Bihar, India. It flourished between the 5th and 13th centuries CE and attracted scholars and students from various regions of Asia and beyond. It was a center of learning in various fields such as Buddhism, philosophy, mathematics, astronomy, medicine, grammar, logic, art and literature. It also had a rich cultural and religious diversity, with different schools of thought and practices coexisting peacefully.
However, Nalanda University declined after the invasion of Mahmud of Ghazni in 1025 CE and was eventually destroyed by the Tibetan army in 1259 CE. The exact fate of the university is still unknown, but some relics and manuscripts have been discovered by archaeologists and historians. The legacy of Nalanda University has inspired many generations of scholars and seekers who have tried to revive its spirit and values.
Today, there is a new Nalanda University being established in Rajgir, Bihar, with the support of 18 member countries of the East Asia Summit. The new university is a public central university that aims to be an international institution of national importance and excellence. It offers postgraduate, doctoral and diploma programs in various disciplines such as historical studies, ecology and environmental studies, Buddhist studies, philosophy and comparative religion, languages and literature/humanities, management studies and others. It also has a vision to foster inter-civilizational dialogue and harmony among different cultures.
The new Nalanda University was established by an Act of the Indian Parliament in 2010. It began its first academic session on September 1st 2014 with 15 students in two schools: School of Historical Studies and School of Ecology and Environmental Studies. It started functioning from its new campus on January 1st 2020. The campus spans over 455 acres (160 hectares) with modern facilities such as libraries, laboratories, hostels, auditoriums etc.
The new Nalanda University is inspired by the academic excellence and global vision of its historic predecessor but also seeks to meet the current challenges and opportunities in higher education. It has a diverse faculty that includes eminent scholars from India as well as other countries such as China, Japan, Korea etc. It also has collaborations with various national and international institutions for research projects. It organizes various events such as seminars, workshops, conferences etc to promote academic exchange and innovation.
The new Nalanda University is not only a place for learning but also a place for living. It follows the principles of “man living in harmony with man”, “man living in harmony with nature” and “man living as part of nature” that are enshrined in its logo. These principles reflect the core values of Nalanda University that have guided its history for over two millennia.
Nalanda University is a symbol of India’s rich cultural heritage as well as its modern aspirations. It is a testament to India’s role as a leader in Asia as well as a bridge between Asia and the rest of the world. It is also a source of inspiration for all those who seek knowledge for life’s journey.
Nalanda University: A Legacy Reborn!
