Paper Details

Nalanda University stands as one of the most remarkable institutions in the history of ancient Indian education and is widely regarded as one of the earliest residential universities in the world. Flourishing between the fifth and twelfth centuries CE in present-day Bihar, Nalanda emerged as a premier centre of higher learning under the patronage of Gupta, post-Gupta, and Pala rulers. This study examines the major factors that contributed to the rise and decline of Nalanda University by analysing its political, religious, intellectual, and socio-economic foundations. The rise of Nalanda was closely linked to sustained royal patronage, economic stability, and the widespread popularity of Buddhism across Asia. As a Mahavihara associated primarily with Mahayana Buddhism, Nalanda attracted students and scholars from China, Korea, Tibet, and Southeast Asia. Its multidisciplinary curriculum, which included philosophy, logic, grammar, medicine, astronomy, and mathematics, reflects the advanced and systematic nature of ancient Indian education. The presence of extensive libraries, organised residential facilities, and a merit-based admission system further strengthened its reputation as a global centre of knowledge exchange. However, Nalanda’s decline was the result of multiple interacting factors. The gradual decline of Buddhism in India, shifts in patterns of royal patronage, growing political instability, and internal institutional rigidity weakened its foundation over time. The final destruction during the late twelfth century invasions marked the abrupt end of an already vulnerable institution. By situating Nalanda within the broader context of ancient Indian educational traditions, this study highlights both its pioneering achievements and structural limitations. The history of Nalanda offers valuable insights into the conditions necessary for sustaining centres of higher learning and underscores the importance of adaptability, intellectual openness, and stable institutional support in preserving knowledge across generations.

Nalanda University, Royal Patronage, Mahayana Buddhism, Residential University, Gupta Dynasty, Pala Dynasty, Dharmaganja Library, Transnational, Scholarship, Political Instability, Institutional Decline