The correct answer is: a) Nalanda University
Nalanda University was a Mahavihara, a large Buddhist monastery in the ancient kingdom of Magadha (modern-day Bihar, India). The site is located about 95 kilometers (59 mi) southeast of Patna near the city of Rajgir. Nalanda flourished from the 5th to the 12th century CE, and was one of the greatest centers of learning in the world.
Nalanda was a center of Buddhist learning, and attracted students from all over Asia. The university was home to a large library, which was said to contain over 9 million manuscripts. Nalanda was also a center of Buddhist art and architecture.
The university was destroyed by the Muslim invaders in 1197 CE. However, the ruins of Nalanda have been excavated, and the site is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The other options are incorrect because:
- b) Takshashila University was located in Taxila, Pakistan. It was a center of learning for both Buddhist and Hindu students.
- c) Vikramshila University was located in Bihar, India. It was a center of Buddhist learning, and was founded by King Dharmapala in the 8th century CE.
- d) Odantapuri University was located in Bihar, India. It was a center of Buddhist learning, and was founded by King Harshavardhana in the 7th century CE.