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Nalanda University: Reviving the World's First Global Classroom
29 Oct
Summary
- Nalanda, a 5th-century university in India, was the world's first residential university
- It attracted scholars from across Asia and offered 64 subjects beyond just theology
- Nalanda's library was burned down in the 12th century, but its legacy lives on
In 2025, the ancient ruins of Nalanda University in Bihar, India, stand as a testament to the country's rich intellectual past. Founded in the 5th century CE, Nalanda was the world's first residential university, attracting scholars from across Asia to study subjects ranging from astronomy to grammar.
At its peak, Nalanda boasted 10,000 students and 2,000 teachers, who debated and discussed their ideas in open courtyards under the shade of Bodhi trees. The university's curriculum was revolutionary, offering 64 subjects far beyond just theology, reflecting India's belief that all knowledge was interconnected.
Nalanda's legacy as a global center of learning is well-documented. Chinese travelers Xuanzang and Yijing, who studied there in the 7th century, left vivid accounts of its scale and scholarship, describing the university's eight sprawling compounds, 427 halls, and three great libraries whose manuscripts "glowed like jewels."
Tragically, Nalanda's story met a devastating end around 1193 CE when it was burned down by invaders. The great library, Dharmaganja, is said to have burned for months, with an entire civilization's knowledge going up in smoke. Yet, Nalanda's spirit endured, as its scholars carried its teachings to Tibet and beyond.
In a poetic turn of history, Nalanda University was revived in 2014 near the original ruins, with support from 17 countries. The new campus's design mirrors the Mandala, representing the cosmic pursuit of knowledge - a nod to the past, reimagined for the future.
