Nalanda

Nalanda refers to an ancient Buddhist monastic and scholastic center located in the state of Bihar, India. The ruins lie near the modern village of Nalanda, about 95 kilometers southeast of Patna, and close to Rajgir. The site comprises the remains of monasteries, temples, dwellings, and the great library.

Nalanda flourished between the 5th and 12th centuries CE during the Gupta and post-Gupta eras. It functioned as a residential university, hosting scholars and students from across Asia, including regions that are now parts of China, Tibet, Korea, and Southeast Asia. Its curriculum covered Buddhist philosophy, logic, grammar, astronomy, and other disciplines. It is widely regarded as a leading center of learning in ancient India.

The university declined after a period of disruptions and was ultimately damaged by an invasion in 1193 led by Bakhtiyar Khilji, which contributed to the end of its operations. In 2016, UNESCO inscribed Nalanda as part of the Buddhist Monuments of Nalanda-Gauda region World Heritage Site.

Reestablishment: In 2010, the Indian government passed the Nalanda University Act to revive Nalanda as an international center of learning. The new Nalanda University is located near Rajgir in Bihar and aims to offer programs in humanities, social sciences, science and technology, environment, and Buddhist studies, with participation from international partner institutions.