Nalanda reputed as India’s one of the earliest universities was a large Buddhist monastery in the ancient kingdom of Magadha which is located in 95 km southeast of Patna. It was a centre of Vedic learning under the patronage from Gupta empire to the empire of Harsha from the 5th century CE to 12th Century.
The Old Structure:
Due to International reputation a large number of Students had come from different countries of China, Mongolia, Tibet, Korea and some other Asian countries. Also called Mahavihar this university was the Leading Centre of Teaching of Mahayana Buddhism. It was a completely residential university believed to have 2,000 teachers and 10,000 students. Historic sources indicate that the university had a long illustrious life with 800 years from 5th to 12th century. On 12th Century invader Bakhtiyar Khilji demolished the monastery, killed the Monks and burned valuable library. At present in view of the fact that this place was a symbol of Asian Unity and Strength, the Nalanda International University is being established nearby.
The New Structure :
The idea of its resurrection is addressed by the former president of India Dr A.P.J. Abdul Kalam in 28th March 2008. An act was passed regarding this in 2010. Finally Nalanda University launched its Architectural Design Competition in 2012. In 2014 the University opened its door for the first time. The model campus to create that will replicate in its relevance for 800 years by embracing environmental strategies that are simple, efficient and appropriate. Another important thing that attracts global attention is for adopting a sustainable method to achieve social and economic integration with the local community. Nalanda university at present offers Buddhist studies, Philosophy and Comparativ Religions, School of Ecology and Environment Studies, School of Historical Studies, School of Language and literature, School of Management Studies.
