Nalanda was a Mahavihara, a large Buddhist monastery in the Indian subcontinent. Established in the 5th century, it was a center of learning until it was destroyed by the Turkic army of Bakhtiyar Khilji in 1197. Nalanda was one of the most important centers of learning in the world, and it 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 scholarship, and it produced many important texts on Buddhism.
History of Nalanda
Nalanda was founded in the 5th century by the Gupta emperor Kumaragupta I. The monastery was built on the site of a previous Buddhist monastery, which had been destroyed by fire. Nalanda quickly became a major center of learning, and it 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 scholarship, and it produced many important texts on Buddhism.
Destruction of Nalanda
Nalanda was destroyed by the Turkic army of Bakhtiyar Khilji in 1197. Khilji was a Muslim ruler who was trying to conquer India. He attacked Nalanda because it was a center of Buddhist learning, and he believed that it was a threat to his religion. Khilji’s army killed many of the monks at Nalanda, and they destroyed the monastery.
Legacy of Nalanda
Nalanda was one of the most important centers of learning in the world. It attracted students from all over Asia, and it produced many important texts on Buddhism. The destruction of Nalanda was a major loss to the world of learning. However, the legacy of Nalanda lives on, and it continues to inspire people around the world.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was Nalanda?
Nalanda was a Mahavihara, a large Buddhist monastery in the Indian subcontinent. Established in the 5th century, it was a center of learning until it was destroyed by the Turkic army of Bakhtiyar Khilji in 1197.
Where was Nalanda located?
Nalanda was located in the Indian state of Bihar. It was situated on the banks of the Ganges River, about 95 kilometers (59 miles) southeast of Patna.
What was the purpose of Nalanda?
Nalanda was a center of Buddhist learning. It attracted students from all over Asia, and it produced many important texts on Buddhism.
Who founded Nalanda?
Nalanda was founded in the 5th century by the Gupta emperor Kumaragupta I.
When was Nalanda destroyed?
Nalanda was destroyed by the Turkic army of Bakhtiyar Khilji in 1197.
What was the impact of the destruction of Nalanda?
The destruction of Nalanda was a major loss to the world of learning. It was one of the most important centers of learning in the world, and it attracted students from all over Asia.
What is the legacy of Nalanda?
The legacy of Nalanda lives on. It continues to inspire people around the world, and it is a reminder of the importance of education and learning.
Multiple Choice Questions
- Nalanda was a:
(a) Buddhist monastery
(b) Hindu temple
(c) Muslim mosque
(d) Jain shrine - Nalanda was located in the Indian state of:
(a) Bihar
(b) Uttar Pradesh
(c) Madhya Pradesh
(d) Rajasthan - Nalanda was founded in the:
(a) 5th century
(b) 6th century
(c) 7th century
(d) 8th century - Nalanda was destroyed by the:
(a) Turkic army of Bakhtiyar Khilji
(b) Mongol army of Genghis Khan
(c) British army of Robert Clive
(d) Portuguese army of Afonso de Albuquerque - The legacy of Nalanda lives on as a reminder of the importance of:
(a) Education
(b) Learning
(c) Religion
(d) Culture