Sample · Nalanda University: Reviving an Ancient Seat of Learning
From the ancient Mahavihara to the new net-zero campus at Rajgir — what Nalanda’s revival means for Bihar and India’s soft power.
Key Highlights
- The new campus of Nalanda University at Rajgir was inaugurated in June 2024.
- The ruins of ancient Nalanda Mahavihara are a UNESCO World Heritage Site (2016).
- The revived university was set up under the Nalanda University Act, 2010, with support from East Asia Summit countries.
Detailed Insights
Ancient Nalanda
Founded in the 5th century CE under the Guptas, Nalanda drew students from across Asia, including the Chinese pilgrim Xuanzang. It flourished under the Palas and declined after it was sacked around the end of the 12th century.
The revival
The idea of reviving Nalanda was backed at the East Asia Summit, and Parliament passed the Nalanda University Act in 2010. Classes began in 2014, and the new campus near the ancient site is designed as a net-zero campus.
Why it matters
Nalanda is a symbol of India’s knowledge traditions and its ties with Asia. The university can strengthen Bihar’s place in higher education and in Buddhist heritage tourism along with Bodh Gaya and Rajgir.
Key Concepts Involved
- Mahavihara: A large Buddhist monastery that was also a centre of learning.
- Soft power: Influence that comes from culture, values and ideas rather than force.
- Net-zero campus: A campus that produces as much energy as it uses and balances its emissions.