Nalanda University, Rajgir, Bihar, India

Nalanda University is located in Rajgir city in the Indian state of Bihar. It was established in the 5th century AD during the reign of the Gupta ruler Kumaragupta I. After him, Emperor Harshavardhana and the Pala rulers provided protection to this university. At that time, there were over 10,000 students and 2,000 faculty members. It was the world's first residential university. Not only Indian students studied here, but also students from Korea, Japan, Tibet, China, Indonesia, Turkey, Persia, and other countries.

History of Nalanda University

This university had international fame from the 9th to the 12th century. It was built in a proper manner and had a magnificent structure. The university was enclosed by a large boundary wall, and there was an entry gate. There were also magnificent stupas and temples in front of the monasteries, which were arranged in a row from north to south inside the university. There was a huge library that had a collection of more than 3 lakh unique books. The library was nine-storeyed, and both students and teachers studied there. Almost all subjects' books were available. For students staying on campus, there were 300 rooms in the university at that time.

Who set fire to Nalanda University?

The Turkish invader Bakhtiyar Khilji attacked Nalanda University, and the entire university was destroyed. He set fire to the university, and after setting the library ablaze, the books continued to burn for three months.

Re-Establish of Nalanda University

Nalanda University in Bihar is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In the year 2006, a plan was made to re-establish Nalanda University. Former President of India, Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam, proposed the idea while addressing the Joint Session of the Bihar Vidhan Mandal for the revival of Nalanda University. In 2007, the Bihar Legislative Assembly passed a bill for the creation of a new university.

Nalanda University Bill, 2010

The Nalanda University Bill, 2010, was passed by the Rajya Sabha on 21 August 2010 and by the Lok Sabha on 26 August 2010. It received the President's assent on 21 September 2010. The university officially came into existence on 25 November 2010.

PM Modi Said during inaugurating the new campus of Nalanda University

'Flames of fire cannot extinguish knowledge,' Prime Minister Narendra Modi said this to the world while inaugurating the new campus of Nalanda University. This new campus is located about 20 kilometers away from the ruins of the ancient Nalanda University.