Nalanda University, once a beacon of knowledge and learning, stood as a testament to the intellectual prowess of ancient India. Founded in the 5th century CE, it flourished for centuries, attracting scholars from across Asia. However, its decline and eventual destruction remain subjects of intense historical debate. This article delves into the possible reasons and key figures behind the fall of this iconic institution.
The Glory of Nalanda University
Nalanda University was established by Kumaragupta I during the Gupta Empire, around 427 CE. It quickly rose to prominence as a center for higher learning, offering a vast curriculum that included theology, grammar, logic, astronomy, and medicine. At its zenith, Nalanda housed over 10,000 students and 2,000 teachers and boasted an extensive library with millions of manuscripts.
Nalanda University Architectural Grandeur and Academic Excellence
The university’s campus was an architectural marvel featuring grand stupas, temples, and lecture halls. Its library, known as Dharmaganja, consisted of three multi-storied buildings, including the famous Ratnasagara (Ocean of Jewels), Ratnadadhi (Sea of Jewels), and Ratnaranjaka (Delight of Jewels).
The curriculum at Nalanda was rigorous, fostering an environment of intellectual debate and inquiry. It attracted scholars like Xuanzang and Yijing from China, who documented their experiences and the university’s splendour.
Nalanda University Early Threats and Resilience
Nalanda faced numerous threats over the centuries, yet it managed to survive due to the resilience and dedication of its scholars and patrons.
Huns Invasion
In the 5th century, the Huns, led by Mihirakula, invaded India. Their destructive campaigns threatened many centres of learning. However, Nalanda survived this period thanks to the support from the Gupta Empire and subsequent rulers who recognized the university’s value.
Patronage and Revival
The Pala dynasty, which ruled from the 8th to the 12th centuries, was crucial in reviving and supporting Nalanda. Under their patronage, the university flourished, with kings like Dharmapala and Devapala providing extensive grants for its maintenance and expansion.
The Final Blow: The Destruction of Nalanda University
Bakhtiyar Khilji, a Turkic Muslim general of the Delhi Sultanate in the late 12th century, is widely credited with the ultimate destruction of Nalanda University.
Bakhtiyar Khilji’s Invasion
In 1193 CE, Bakhtiyar Khilji, leading his army, attacked Bihar and targeted Nalanda. Historical accounts suggest that Khilji, unfamiliar with the value of the knowledge preserved at Nalanda, saw it as a Hindu and Buddhist learning symbol. The attack was swift and brutal, resulting in the burning of the library and the massacre of monks and scholars.
The Burning of the Nalanda University Library
The library of Nalanda was said to have burned for months as the vast collection of manuscripts and texts fed the flames. This tragic event marked the loss of invaluable knowledge, much of which had been accumulated over centuries. The extent of this loss is often emphasized in historical accounts, underlining the cultural and intellectual void left by this destruction.
Impact on Indian Scholarship
The fall of Nalanda dealt a severe blow to Indian scholarship and learning. It marked the end of an era of academic prosperity and the beginning of a period of intellectual decline. The surviving scholars dispersed, and many sought refuge in neighboring countries, spreading Indian knowledge traditions to Tibet and other regions.
Debates and Controversies
While the narrative of Bakhtiyar Khilji’s role in Nalanda’s destruction is widely accepted, other perspectives and theories merit consideration.
Alternative Theories
Some historians argue that Nalanda’s decline was a gradual process influenced by multiple factors, including the weakening of Buddhist patronage, economic decline, and the rise of Hinduism and Islam in the region. They contend that the university may have faced challenges long before Khilji’s invasion.
The Role of Internal Strife
Internal strife and changing political dynamics within India may have also contributed to Nalanda’s decline. The weakening of the Pala dynasty, which had been the university’s primary patron, left it vulnerable to external threats and reduced the resources available for its upkeep.
Archaeological Evidence
Archaeological excavations at Nalanda have provided insights into its destruction and raised questions. Some evidence suggests that parts of the university continued to be used after Khilji’s invasion, indicating a more complex decline.
Nalanda University Legacy and Revival Efforts
Despite its destruction, Nalanda’s legacy endured through the centuries. Its contributions to education and culture remain a source of pride and inspiration.
Nalanda University Revival in Modern Times
In recent years, positive results have been made to revive the spirit of Nalanda. The Nalanda University Act was passed by the Indian Parliament in 2010, leading to the establishment of a new Nalanda University near the original site. This modern institution aims to emulate the ancient university’s emphasis on multidisciplinary learning and international collaboration.
International Collaborations
The new Nalanda University has garnered support from countries like China, Japan, and Singapore, reflecting its historical significance as a global learning Centre. It offers courses in various disciplines, including historical studies, ecology, and Buddhist studies, striving to rekindle the spirit of intellectual inquiry.
UNESCO World Heritage Site
In 2016, the ruins of Nalanda Mahavihara were declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This recognition underscores its historical and cultural importance, ensuring its preservation for future generations.
Conclusion
The destruction of Nalanda University remains a poignant chapter in the history of education. While Bakhtiyar Khilji is often cited as the primary agent of its demise, the university’s decline was likely influenced by external invasions, internal strife, and changing socio-political dynamics. Nevertheless, Nalanda’s enduring legacy and recent revival efforts highlight the timeless value of knowledge and the resilience of human intellect. By understanding the factors that led to Nalanda’s fall and celebrating its contributions, we honour the memory of one of the world’s most excellent centres of learning.
