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Nalanda's roots trace back to a learning center established near Rajgir, Bihar, India. It predates the Gupta Empire.
Under Kumara Gupta of the Guptas, Nalanda blossomed into a Buddhist monastery and university. Royal support fueled its growth.
Over the century, Nalanda expanded with eight monasteries, housing thousands of students. It became a global center for Buddhists.
Emperor Harsha of Kannauj further supported Nalanda, attracting scholars from across Asia. The traveler Xuanzang documented its wonders.
Nalanda offered a vast curriculum – Buddhist philosophies, logic, medicine, astronomy, and more. It fostered debate and intellectual exchange.
The three-building library housed meticulously copied manuscripts on diverse subjects. It was a treasure trove of knowledge for students.
Students from Korea, China, Tibet, and beyond flocked to Nalanda. It became the first international university, promoting cultural exchange.
The Pala Empire continued Nalanda's legacy, ensuring its prosperity and attracting renowned scholars like Dharmakirti.
Invasions and political instability weakened Nalanda. In 1193, the army of Muhammad Bakhtiyar Khalji destroyed the university.
Though destroyed, Nalanda's legacy lives on. A modern Nalanda University was established in 2010, inspired by its ancient spirit of global learning.