Ancient Nalanda University
Nalanda University was one of the world’s first residential universities and a prominent center for learning and intellectual pursuits in ancient times. Its origins can be traced back to the Gupta period, around the 5th century CE, although it reached its zenith during the reign of the Palas in the 9th to 12th centuries. Founded by King Kumaragupta of the Gupta dynasty, Nalanda emerged as a renowned seat of learning, attracting scholars, students, and teachers from various parts of the world. It flourished as a Buddhist center of education and played a pivotal role in the development and dissemination of knowledge in fields such as philosophy, theology, logic, medicine, astronomy, and linguistics. The decline of Nalanda University began in the 12th century, with factors such as the Turkish invasions led by Bakhtiyar Khilji in 1193. The invading forces set fire to the university, destroying its magnificent structures and invaluable manuscripts.