Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the newly reconstructed campus of Nalanda University, an iconic symbol of India’s ancient educational heritage. The project, valued at Rs 1700 crore, marks a significant milestone in the revival of this legendary institution, drawing on its storied past while embracing the future.
Situated roughly 90 kilometers from Patna and just 12 kilometers south of Bihar Sharif, the ruins of Nalanda University stand as a testament to its grandeur as a global center of learning. Founded around 450 CE by Gupta Emperor Kumaragupta I, Nalanda University was celebrated as the world’s second-oldest university after Takshashila and the first residential university. Scholars from across the world flocked to its halls, and it remained a beacon of knowledge for nearly 800 years.
During its golden era, Nalanda thrived under the patronage of illustrious rulers like Harshavardhana and the Pala kings. The university boasted over 300 rooms, seven grand halls, and Dharmagunj, a nine-story library renowned for housing over nine million books. This treasure trove of knowledge was so vast that when the Turkish Muslim ruler Bakhtiyar Khilji set it ablaze, the fire reportedly burned for three months.
In its prime, Nalanda was an unparalleled seat of learning, offering courses in a wide array of subjects, including Hindu and Buddhist studies, literature, astrology, psychology, law, astronomy, science, military strategy, history, mathematics, architecture, linguistics, economics, and medicine.
Today, the new Nalanda University campus honors this rich legacy while positioning itself as a hub for contemporary education. The revitalized institution now includes specialized schools for Buddhist studies, philosophy, comparative religion, history, environmental and ecological studies, and management studies.
The modern campus features two academic blocks equipped with 40 state-of-the-art classrooms and a seating capacity for 1900 students. Additionally, it boasts two auditoriums, an International Center, an amphitheater with a 2000-person capacity, faculty clubs, and a comprehensive sports complex, ensuring a holistic environment for learning and growth.
“Nalanda University has been a cornerstone of global academic and cultural exchanges for centuries. The new campus is not just a revival of a historical institution, but a beacon for future generations,” Prime Minister Modi said.
