Nalanda
EasternBuddhistmonasterySouth Asia427 CE - 1197 CE
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Location
Country
India
Region
South Asia
Coordinates
25.1362, 85.4430
Era
427 CE - 1197 CE
Site Type
Monastery
About
Ruins of the world's first residential university and greatest Buddhist monastic learning center, housing up to 10,000 monks and scholars at its peak.
Significance
The intellectual heart of Mahayana Buddhism for over 700 years, producing figures like Nagarjuna, Dharmakirti, and Shantarakshita.
History & Historical Arc
Founded in the 5th century CE under Gupta patronage; destroyed by Bakhtiyar Khilji's forces around 1197 CE; UNESCO World…
Archaeological Notes
Excavations have uncovered 11 monasteries and 6 brick temples in strict alignment; only about 10% of the total complex h…
Key Features & Structures
- Stupa of Sariputra
- Vihara ruins (11 monasteries)
Visitor Information
Archaeological site open Tuesday–Sunday; a modern Nalanda University has been re-established nearby (2014).
Related Figures
NagarjunaXuanzangDharmakirtiShantarakshitaAtisha
In the Bible
Source References
- UNESCO World Heritage List #1502
- Xuanzang, 'Great Tang Records on the Western Regions'