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Nalanda
Numerous historical studies suggest that Nalanda as a University had flourished during the reign of Sakraditya, a prominent King in the Gupta Dynasty. Apart from this, a seal found hidden within the ruins of the university states that Sakraditya was the original founder of the University.
According to Sukumar Dutt, the University consisted of two major divisions. Growth and development of the University which led to the completion of its final stage belong to the first division that took place from 6th to 9th century. The second division, on the other hand, includes the decline as well as the termination of Nalanda that took a slow pace from 9th century and finally, took its form by the end of 13th century. However, the first division entails within itself the culture of Gupta period along with the liberal traditions followed at that point of time. The second division helped in the improvement as well as development of Buddhism tantric.
It was during the epoch of the Palas that monasteries came into being in the major provinces of Bengal and Magadha. As per Tibetan sources, the Five Mahaviharas, which include Vikramshila, Nalanda, Somapura, Odantapura, and Jaggadala, were the most prominent buildings of the time. A network was believed to have been formed by these monasteries which had excellent coordination among themselves. However, the monasteries were under the strict supervision of the state and scholars as well as several learners came to these monasteries in order to perceive and learn the knowledge as well as education imparted by these monasteries.
As per literary evidence, it was in 1193 that the center of higher learning was attacked and raided by a fanatic Turk named Bakhtiyar Khilji. Infact, Muslim invasion is often considered to be a reason behind the decline or downfall of Buddhism as a sect in the country. Certain eminent historians claim that it was during the Mughal invasion that many monks faced atrocities and many were even burnt alive. Other than this, there were several attempts made by the Mughals to remove the roots of Buddhism completely from India. However, it was only after receiving a large number of attacks that the popularity of the University started showing signs of decline and finally ended with a complete setback.
Nalanda University Ruins - Archaeological Complex
The ruins of Nalanda cover a total area of 14 hectares of the land provided to it in its prehistoric era. The entire construction was made up of red bricks and its bygone gardens were beautiful. The ruins tell us that the buildings were divided by a central walking path that extended from north to south. The “Viharas” or monasteries on the University were laid towards the eastern side of its north-south path while the “Chaityas” or prayer halls were built and established towards the western side of the walk way. Vihara-1 is generally understood to be one of the most interesting sections of the University. This is because the Vihara has a number of compartments on its two floors that surround the University. This structure also consisted of a central courtyard that included steps which led to a platform that might have been used by the teachers of the time to preach and impart knowledge to their students. However, although these constructions are not present in their totality, a small chapel with a half-broken statue of Lord Buddha still exists.
The large pyramidal accumulation of the ruins of Temple no.3 is somehow impressive as it commands a marvelous view of the beautiful area in its entirety to its totality. This mass or accumulation of ruins is surrounded by several small stupas, some of which are studded with both big as well as small statues of Lord Buddha in an assortment of poses often known as “Mudras”.
How to Reach
Air
The nearest airport is located at Patna which is around 89 km away from this spot. The Indian Airlines Connects the airport at Patna with several other domestic airports. This even included the airports of Kolkata, Ranchi, Mumbai, Lucknow, and Delhi.
Rail
The nearest and the most convenient rail head is located at Gaya which is 95 km away from the ruins of the University. Apart from this, the rail route through Rajgir, which is 12 km away from Nalanda, can be considered to be the nearest railway route.
Road
Nalanda has excellent road connections with Bihar Sharif, Pawapuri, Patna, Gaya, Bodh Gaya, Rajgir and several other such places located within the state of Bihar itself.
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