As part of the Government of India's 'Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat' initiative, a 15-member delegation comprising 13 journalists and 2 officials from the Press Information Bureau (PIB), Chennai, embarked on an enlightening week-long educational tour to Bihar to explore the state's profound heritage, developmental milestones, and timeless antiquity.
ARRIVAL AT THE HISTORIC RUINS OF NALANDA
On the third day of the itinerary, the delegation visited the legendary ruins of ancient Nalanda. Guiding our team through the sprawling archaeological site was Mr. Kedar Prasad, an authorized veteran guide recognized by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).
Mr. Kedar Prasad, Archaeological Tour Guide
Mr. Kedar Prasad, AS-approved veteran tour guide who has dedicated 39 years to sharing Nalanda's legacy
Mr. Prasad's connection to Nalanda runs deep. Residing in Barkan village, located merely half a kilometer from the ruins a place he fondly describes as "Barkan, an old village, a big village"-he formerly served as the Panchayat President of Nalanda. Since 1986, he has served as a tourist guide at Nalanda for nearly 39 years, illuminating the minds of millions of visitors from around the world with the majestic history of this ancient seat of learning.
ETYMOLOGY AND HISTORICAL CHRONOLOGY
Explaining the etymology of the university's name, Mr. Prasad noted that "Nalanda" is a compound of two Sanskrit words: "Nalam", meaning lotus flower (the ultimate symbol of divine wisdom), and "Da", meaning to bestow or give. Thus, Nalanda translates poetically to "The Giver of Knowledge".
Temple No. 3 at Nalanda.
The imposing structure of Temple No. 3, showcasing multi-layered construction across the Gupta, Harsa, and Pala dynasties.
Archaeological excavations reveal three distinct structural strata built directly on top of one another without demolishing earlier foundations:
- First Foundation (Gupta Period - 5th Century CE): Established by Kumaragupta I of the Gupta dynasty.
- Second Phase (7th Century CE): Restored and expanded by Emperor Harsha Vardhana following natural disasters.
- Third Phase (9th to 12th Century CE): Flourished under the patronage of the Pala dynasty kings, notably Dharmapala and Devapala, remaining active until the late 12th century.
Tragically, around 1193 or 1202 CE, the university was sacked and devastated by Bakhtiyar Khilji, a military commander of the Delhi Sultanate. Its legendary grand library, Ratnasagara, was set ablaze, reportedly burning continuously for six months and reducing countless invaluable manuscripts to ashes, alongside violent persecutions of Buddhist monks. Today, the surviving brick structures are meticulously preserved and maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India.
The primary and most iconic monument at the ancient Nalanda Mahavihara Archaeological Site is the Sariputra Stupa. Originally built in the 3rd century BCE by the Mauryan emperor Ashoka. Built to honor Sariputra, the chief and wisest disciple of Lord Buddha.
Excavated ruins of Nalanda University
Panoramic view of the excavated monastic cells and brick structures at the ancient university sile
GURUKUL SYSTEM, INFRASTRUCTURE, AND SCHOLARLY EXCELLENCE
The layout of Nalanda reflects a highly organized residential university campus. Within a one-kilometer radius, archaeologists have uncovered approximately 11 massive monasteries (viharas). Each monastery featured a long, symmetrical design comprising around 30 student rooms where resident scholars lived and studied.
Monastic courtyard and student cells
The interior courtyard of a monastery complex with brick celts that housed resident scholars
At the center of each monastery, a raised platform served as the dais where the teacher imparted knowledge following the traditional Gurukul educational system. Near the entrance of the complexes, large deep wells provided ample drinking water for the academic community.
Ancient water well
An ancient deep brick well situated near the entrance for drinking water supply
EMINENT ACHARYAS AND CURRICULUM
The professors and scholars of Nalanda possessed profound spiritual and intellectual mastery, earning the revered title of "Acharya". Legendary luminaries such as Nagarjuna, Vasubandhu, Dharmakirti, Padmasambhava, Shilabhadra, and Atisha Dipankara taught monastic students across diverse disciplines including Arts, Architecture, Ayurveda, Astrology. Philosophy, and Medicine. Instruction was predominantly conducted in Pali. Furthermore, every three monasteries shared a dedicated kitchen and a prayer hall housing statues of Lord Buddha.
INTERNATIONAL ACCLAIM AND ILLUSTRIOUS SCHOLARS
Nalanda attracted seekers of knowledge from across the globe. The famed Chinese traveler Faxian visited during its earlier developmental phase, while Xuanzang (Hiuen Tsang) spent five remarkable years studying at the university. Initially entering as a student, Xuanzang's extraordinary intellect and scholarship so impressed the Chancellor Shilabhadra and fellow professors that he was soon elevated to a lecturer, teaching students and gaining renown as one of the university's most distinguished scholars.
Ancient Artifact in Nalanda Museum
An exposute large terracotta slovage vessel preserved in the ASi museum at Nalanda
Witnessing these monumental remnants makes it resoundingly clear that as early as the 5th century CE, India pioneered international higher education through an advanced residential Gurukul system that enlightened the entire civilized world.
P. Velmurugan
Central Bureau of Communication
Tirunelveli