Feb 25, 2024, 08:02 PM IST
Multidisciplinary Curriculum: Nalanda was not solely focused on Buddhist studies. It offered a wide range of subjects including secular subjects like medicine, mathematics, astronomy, logic, and even subjects like metaphysics and philosophy from different traditions.
International Student Body: The university attracted students from all over the world, including China, Korea, Japan, Tibet, Mongolia, Sri Lanka, Southeast Asia, and even from as far as Greece, Persia, and Turkey. This cosmopolitan environment enriched the academic and cultural atmosphere of the university.
Housing and Accommodation: Nalanda had extensive residential facilities for students, with separate dormitories for scholars from different regions. These accommodations provided a conducive environment for learning and exchange of ideas.
Library System: The university boasted a vast library called Dharmaganja, which reportedly had three main buildings and nine floors. It housed millions of manuscripts, making it one of the largest libraries in the ancient world.
Teaching Methodology: Nalanda employed a system of education that encouraged debate, discussion, and critical thinking. Professors would engage students in Socratic dialogue, encouraging them to question and challenge ideas.
Architectural Marvels: The university campus was a sprawling complex with numerous temples, lecture halls, meditation halls, and monasteries. The architecture of Nalanda reflected a blend of Indian and foreign architectural styles.
Decline and Destruction: While the exact reasons for Nalanda's decline are debated among historians, factors such as invasions by foreign powers, including the Turkic invasions led by Bakhtiyar Khilji in the 12th century, are believed to have contributed to its downfall. The destruction of the university and its library resulted in a significant loss of ancient knowledge.
Cultural Exchange Hub: Nalanda served as a hub for cultural exchange between India and other regions. The diverse student body and faculty from different parts of the world facilitated the exchange of ideas, languages, and cultural practices, contributing to the enrichment of civilizations beyond the Indian subcontinent.
This information is not DNA's opinion but obtained from media reports