Nalanda

Definition

Nalanda was an ancient center of higher learning located in Bihar, India, that flourished from the 5th to the 12th centuries CE. It is regarded as one of the world's first residential universities, attracting scholars from various regions, including China, Tibet, Korea, and Mongolia, and playing a significant role in the development of Indian philosophical traditions, especially Buddhism.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Nalanda was established in the 5th century CE under the patronage of the Gupta Empire and became a leading institution for Buddhist studies.
2. The university had an extensive curriculum that included subjects like philosophy, logic, medicine, mathematics, and grammar.
3. Notable scholars associated with Nalanda include Nagarjuna and Dharmakirti, who made significant contributions to Buddhist philosophy and logic.
4. Nalanda housed thousands of students and teachers, with facilities like dormitories, libraries, and prayer halls, creating a vibrant intellectual community.
5. The university was destroyed in the 12th century by invaders led by Bakhtiyar Khilji, marking a significant decline in Buddhist scholarship in India.

Review Questions

• How did Nalanda contribute to the spread of Buddhist philosophy across Asia?
  • Nalanda played a pivotal role in the dissemination of Buddhist philosophy by attracting scholars from various regions such as China and Tibet. These scholars studied under prominent teachers at Nalanda, engaging in rigorous debates and exchanging ideas. The texts and teachings developed there were then carried back to their homelands, significantly influencing the development of Buddhism across Asia.
• Evaluate the impact of Nalanda's curriculum on Indian philosophical traditions during its peak period.
  • The curriculum at Nalanda was comprehensive, covering diverse subjects like philosophy, logic, medicine, and mathematics. This interdisciplinary approach fostered a culture of critical thinking and intellectual rigor that influenced Indian philosophical traditions. Scholars could engage with various schools of thought, including Buddhist and Jain philosophies, facilitating dialogue that enriched Indian philosophy as a whole.
• Synthesize the reasons behind the decline of Nalanda and discuss its implications for Indian philosophy in subsequent centuries.
  • The decline of Nalanda can be attributed to several factors including political instability, invasions by foreign powers such as Bakhtiyar Khilji, and shifts in patronage away from Buddhist institutions. The destruction of this academic hub resulted in a significant loss of scholarly resources and continuity in Buddhist studies. As a result, Indian philosophy saw a shift towards more localized traditions and less interaction with global philosophical developments until the resurgence of interest in these traditions in later centuries.

Related terms

Buddhism:

A major world religion founded by Siddhartha Gautama (Buddha) that emphasizes the path to enlightenment through practices such as meditation, ethical conduct, and wisdom.

University: An institution of higher education and research that provides academic degrees in various disciplines and promotes the pursuit of knowledge.

Mahavira:

The 24th Tirthankara in Jainism, Mahavira is known for his teachings on non-violence, truth, and asceticism, which also influenced philosophical discussions at Nalanda.