THE ANCIENT SEAT OF LEARNING - The Ruins of Nalanda University

Towards the Southeast of Patna is a village called the 'Bada Gaon', in the vicinity of which, are the world famous ruins of Nalanda University. Housing about 10,000 students and 2,000 teachers, this university attracted pupils from all over the world. A Walk in the ruins of the university, takes you to an era, that saw India leading in imparting knowledge, to the world - the era when India was a coveted place for studies.The university flourished during the 5th and 12th century.

The ruins of Nalanda university is spread over an area of 14 hectares.This university was totally built in Red clay bricks.The Nalanda university attracted scholars from all over the world.Even Chanakya or Kautilya was once a student of this university.This university was seat of knowledge for the world, the light of knowledge spread all over the world from Nalanda.Today only the memories of those glorious days are refreshed in the ruins. Whatever remains of the great university has been well preserved. Among the ruins one still recognizes the different sections of the place.Particularly the place of worship and the hostels are very distinct. The whole area is surrounded by beautiful lawns.

                                     Nalanda University Complex    

                                         A world Heritage site    

At the excavation site, Visitors going in for the monasteries and temples stand at the Eastern gate.The tourists going in for university ruins enter the site from the Western gate.The main temple area no. 3 is situated on the southern side of the site.The temple is surrounded by many small Stupas in a courtyard.The Vihar area no. 1 is the most important at this place.This Vihar has 9 storeys.The various levels are identified by the concrete courtyards and the walls & drains which are built one over the other. It is believed that the lower most Vihar was built by Devapal, the third king of the Pala dynasty.

                                       Some view on Nalanda ruins

This place saw the rise and fall of many empires and emperors who contributed in the development of Nalanda.Many monasteries and temples were built by them.King Harshwardhana gifted a 25m high copper statue of Buddha and Kumargupta endowed a college of fine arts here. Nagarjuna- a Mahayana philosopher, Dinnaga- founder of the school of logic and Dharmpala- the Brahmin scholar, taught here.

The famous Chinese traveller and scholar, Hieun-Tsang stayed here and has given a detailed description of the situations prevailing at that time.Careful excavation of the place has revealed many stupas, monasteries, hostels, stair cases, meditation halls, lecture halls and many other structures which speak of the splendour and grandeur this place enjoyed, when the place was a centre of serious study.

                Hieun Tsang 5th century Chinese traveller and him memorial

Hieun Tsang Memorial Hall:

Hieun Tsang was a Chinese traveller, who came to India in around 5th century. He has given a very detailed and vivid description of the Indian political and social conditions at that time. His writing is considered to be one of the most authentic sources of information of that period.Hieun Tsang was also attracted by the glory of Nalanda University.He came and stayed here, both as a student and as a teacher.As a student, he studied Yoga for six years under Acharya Shil Bhadra.He was in Nalanda for twelve years.The memorial Hall has been built in his memory.