Nalanda University – UPSC History Notes | Ancient Indian Education System

1. Historical Background

Established: 5th century CE (c. 427 CE)

Founder: Kumargupta I (Gupta Dynasty)

Patronage: Gupta emperors, later Harshavardhana & Pala kings

2. Location

Present-day Bihar, near Rajgir

Ancient Magadha region

3. Structure & Administration

Residential university: Housed 10,000 students & 2,000 teachers

Subjects: Buddhism (Mahayana), Vedas, logic, medicine, mathematics, astronomy, philosophy

Gatekeeper of knowledge: Only those who passed entrance interviews were admitted

4. Famous Scholars

Chandragupta II patronized it

Xuanzang (Hiuen Tsang) – Chinese pilgrim & student

Dharmapala, Silabhadra – Renowned scholars and rectors

5. Destruction

Destroyed by Bakhtiyar Khilji (c. 1193 CE)

Set on fire – library burned for months (millions of manuscripts)

6. Modern Revival

Re-established: 2010 (Nalanda University Act)

Supported by 17 countries including India, Japan, Singapore

Campus: Rajgir, Bihar (near ancient ruins)

Mnemonic to Remember Key Facts: "NALANDA"

N – Nalanda’s origin (5th century, Gupta king Named Kumargupta)

A – Astronomy, Ayurveda, Arts – subjects taught

L – Location in Bihar, near Legendary Rajgir

A – Academic hub – 10,000 students, 2,000 teachers

N – Noted visitors – Xuanzang, Dharmapala

D – Destroyed by Bakhtiyar Khilji in 1193

A – Again revived in 2010 as International University

Common Mistakes to Avoid (UPSC Pitfalls)

Mistake Correction

Saying it was founded by Harshavardhana Founded by Kumargupta I (Gupta dynasty)

Believing it only taught Buddhist philosophy Taught multiple subjects including Vedas, medicine, and logic

Thinking it declined during Gupta era It flourished till 12th century, destroyed by Khilji

Confusing with Takshashila Takshashila: in present-day Pakistan, older than Nalanda

Here are UPSC-level objective (MCQ) questions on Nalanda University, including answer keys and brief explanations for clarity:

Nalanda University – Objective Type Questions

Q1. Nalanda University was founded during the reign of which Gupta ruler?

A) Samudragupta

B) Chandragupta I

C) Kumargupta I

D) Skandagupta

Answer: C

Explanation: Kumargupta I (c. 415–455 CE) is credited with founding Nalanda.

Q2. Which Chinese traveler stayed at Nalanda and studied Buddhist texts?

A) Faxian

B) Ibn Battuta

C) Xuanzang (Hiuen Tsang)

D) Al-Biruni

Answer: C

Explanation: Xuanzang stayed at Nalanda for several years and wrote detailed accounts.

Q3. The destruction of Nalanda University is attributed to which invader?

A) Mahmud of Ghazni

B) Muhammad Ghori

C) Bakhtiyar Khilji

D) Alauddin Khilji

Answer: C

Explanation: Bakhtiyar Khilji burned down the university around 1193 CE.

Q4. Which of the following subjects was not taught at Nalanda?

A) Astronomy

B) Logic

C) Medicine

D) Architecture

Answer: D

Explanation: There’s no evidence that architecture was a major subject at Nalanda.

Q5. Nalanda University was located near which of the following ancient cities?

A) Pataliputra

B) Taxila

C) Rajgir

D) Vaishali

Answer: C

Explanation: Nalanda was close to Rajgir in Bihar.

Q6. Which Indian king provided patronage to Nalanda University in the 7th century CE?

A) Chandragupta II

B) Harshavardhana

C) Ashoka

D) Pulakeshin II

Answer: B

Explanation: Harshavardhana extended support and patronage to Nalanda.

Q7. Which of the following statements is correct about Nalanda?

A) It was a non-residential university

B) It only admitted monks from India

C) It had a structured admission process

D) It was destroyed by Mongol invaders

Answer: C

Explanation: Admission involved strict interviews/tests for students.

Q8. The modern revival of Nalanda University took place in which year?

A) 2006

B) 2010

C) 2014

D) 2016

Answer: B

Explanation: The Nalanda University Act was passed in 2010.