Nalanda lies about 100 kms south-east of Patna.

The name of Nalanda has been derived from Sanskrit word that means ‘giver of knowledge’.

Nalanda was a major centre of Buddhist learning from 427 AD to 1197 AD. Nalanda was known for the university, where 10,000 pupils and 2,000 scholars from Buddhist world lived and studied. Also referred to as “one of the first great universities in recorded history of world”, In the excavation of the place a number of structures have revealed that include stupas, monasteries, staircases, lecture halls, hotels, meditation halls and many other structures.

According to the Kevatta Sutta, during Buddha’s time Nalanda was a prosperous town and densely populated. Nalanda was also the residence of Sonnadinna. Nalanda is also considered a centre of activity for Jains, Mahavira had stayed at the town several times. It is believed that Mahavira had attained Moksha at Pawapuri which is located in Nalanda.

Nalanda’s prime attraction, the world famous Nalanda University is located in a village called the ‘Bada Gaon’, which is in ruins now. Established in the 5th century A.D, Nalanda University is renowned as the ancient seat of learning. Nalanda was the first residential international university of the world, around 2000 teachers and 10,000 students from […]