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Nalanda is a historical place in central Bihar,
India, 90 km south-east of the state capital of Patna. It is famous for
the ancient International Monastic University. It Established in 5th century
BC by the Gupta Emperors, it was a famous learning centres in ancient times.
The university had centres for studies in Buddhism, Vedas, Logic, Grammar,
Medicine, Meta-Physics, Prose Composition and Rhetoric. Lord Buddha and Lord
Mahavira have also taught here. The university library had a mammoth
collection of 9 million volumes. The university remains are scattered around
an area of 14 hectares. Though a large part of the university has been
explored, a huge portion remains unexcavated. It is believed that the
university could accommodate 10,000 students and 2,000 teachers easily.
Hsuan Tsang, the renowned Chinese traveler was also involved with the
university foe 12 years. There is a monument built here in his memory. In
12th century AD, the whole university complex was destroyed by Bakhtiar
Khilji, a Turkish Invader. There is a museum where the rare collections of
the glorious days can be seen. In 1951 an international center for Buddhist
studies was founded. Another modern institution is the Nava Nalanda Mahavir
Research Centre treasuring many rare manuscripts.
Nalanda University complex was sacked by Turkish Muslim invaders under
Bakhtiyar Khalji; this event is seen as a milestone in the decline of
Buddhism in India. Fortified Sena monastaries along the main route of the
invasion were destroyed and being off the main route both Nalanda and Bodh
Gaya survived. It is said that Khalji asked if there was a copy of the Koran
at Nalanda before he sacked it. When the Tibetan translator Chag Lotsawa
visited them in 1235, he found them damaged and looted, but still
functioning with a small number of monks. The destruction of the
universities at Nalanda as well as the destruction of many temples and
monasteries throughout northern India which housed centers of learning, is
considered by many historians to the responsible for the sudden demise of
ancient Indian scientific thought in mathematics, astronomy, alchemy, and
anatomy. However many institutions off the main route such as the Jagaddala
Monastery in northern Bengal were untouched and flourishing.
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HOW
TO REACH
By Air : The nearest airport is Patna, 99 km away.
By Rail : The nearest railway station is Bhakhtiyarpur, 38 km away
connecting Delhi-Howrah mainline.
By Road : Nalanda is 90 km southeast of Patna and only 11 km from
Rajgir. It is 80 km from Bodh Gaya and is easily accessible by
well-maintained highways.
WHEN TO GO
The best time to visit this place is October to March.
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WHAT TO SEE |
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The Nalanda University Archaeological Complex :-
Total excavated area of the nalanda university archaeological complex is
about 14 hectares. The university was built in Kushana style of
architecture. There are huge gardens, bronze statues and red-brick
edifices all around. There are various temples here, of which temple
no.3 is most interesting, as it has the statues of lord Buddha in
various Mudras (poses).
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The Nalanda Archaeological Museum : The Nalanda
Archaeological Museum was established in 1971, the museum has a
beautiful collections bronze statues of Buddha, Hindu Gods and
Goddesses. The collections here were found during excavation of the
university site. The museum has rare manuscripts, copper plates, stone
inscriptions, coins, pottery and a 12th century AD sample of burnt rice.
Opens at 10 am till 5 pm. It is closed on Friday.
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Hieun Tsang Memorial Hall : Hieun Tsang was a
famous Chinese traveler, who came India during 5th century AD to study
the social and political conditions. He devoted 12 years in the ancient
university as a teacher as well as student. The memorial hall was bulit
in his memory. |
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Nava Nalanda Mahavihara : Nava Nalanda Mahavihara
is devoted to study and research of Pali Literature and Buddhism. This
is a new institute, where students from foreign countries also
study.This new international study centre was set up in 1951. |
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WHERE TO EAT
You can try the special restaurant at the luxury hotels.
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