Nalanda University

Current Context : The Prime Minister of Bhutan visited Nalanda University in Bihar.

ABOUT NALANDA UNIVERSITY

• Founded: 5th Century by Gupta Emperor Kumaragupta.
• Type: World’s first residential university.
• Location: Rajgir, Bihar. Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Patrons: King Harshavardhana (7th century), Pala rulers (8th–12th century).
• International Scholars: Came from China, Japan, Korea, Tibet, Mongolia, Sri Lanka, Southeast Asia.
  • Chinese scholar Xuanzang gave detailed account of Nalanda’s learning traditions.

DECLINE

• Decline started in 9th century with changes in Buddhism.
• Finally destroyed around 1200 CE by Bakhtiyar Khilji.