New Delhi: On Independence Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has vowed to revive Nalanda University, once the world’s greatest center of learning. During his Independence Day speech from the Red Fort, he referred to the historical significance of Nalanda, which was burned by invaders over 800 years ago. The PM emphasized the effort to resurrect this symbol of knowledge, inaugurating a new campus just 20 kilometers from the ancient ruins in June. He asserted that “flames cannot destroy knowledge” as he linked this revival to India’s rich heritage.
Nalanda’s Glorious Past
Nalanda University, established by Emperor Kumar Gupta in 427 AD during the Gupta dynasty, was the world’s first residential university. The Gupta rulers who were devout Hindus, contributed significantly to the university’s development, as did later dynasties like the Palas. By the 6th century, Nalanda had become a global learning hub, attracting scholars from across Asia, including China, Korea, Japan, and Tibet. The university flourished for 800 years, renowned for its massive library, ‘Dharmagunj’, which housed over 9 million manuscripts.
Great minds like Aryabhata, Nagarjuna, and Shilabhadra led Nalanda in various periods. Chinese traveler Hiuen Tsang’s detailed accounts from the 7th century praised Nalanda’s architecture, scholarly environment, and rigorous admission process, where only 20% of applicants gained entry. The university played a crucial role in developing Buddhist philosophy and other sciences.
The Destruction of Nalanda: A Contested History
The destruction of Nalanda is shrouded in controversy, with various theories competing for historical legitimacy. Traditionally, most historians attribute the university’s downfall to the Turk-Afghan military general Bakhtiyar Khilji. In 1193 AD, Khilji is believed to have attacked the university, setting it ablaze after mistaking it for a fort. According to historian Minhaj-i-Siraj, Khilji killed many Brahmins and razed the institution. His attack on Bihar and its monasteries was reportedly so severe that Nalanda’s libraries burned for three months.
Tibetan monk Dharmaswamin’s travelogues from 1234 AD also describe the destruction of monasteries in Bihar by Muslim invaders, with stones and manuscripts thrown into the Ganga. By 1235 AD, Nalanda had been devastated. Nobel laureate Amartya Sen echoed this mainstream version, writing that Khilji’s forces destroyed the institution, ending a chapter of intellectual history.
Alternative Theories: Brahmins or Accidental Fire?
While Khilji’s role in the destruction is widely accepted, some Buddhists challenge this narrative. Tibetan Lama Taranath, writing in the 17th century, claimed that two Brahmin monks, angered by a perceived insult during a Buddhist banquet, practiced austerities for 12 years and attained magical powers. They then conducted a fire ritual, burning Nalanda’s libraries to ashes. Sumpa Khan Po’s writings corroborate this account, adding a supernatural dimension to the event.
Medieval historian Dr. Ruchika Sharma offers another perspective. In a recent viral video, she argued that Khilji may not have destroyed Nalanda, but instead the nearby Odantapuri monastery. She contended that Nalanda’s downfall was gradual, caused by a combination of accidental fires, weakening patronage from royal families, and competition with other universities like Vikramshila.
During the excavation of Nalanda, archaeologists uncovered evidence of a massive fire dated to 1003 AD, supporting the theory of accidental fire rather than an external attack. Historical records also suggest that by the 9th and 10th centuries, economic challenges and political instability had already led to the university’s decline.
The Complex Legacy of Nalanda
The destruction of Nalanda was not a singular event, according to historians. The institution faced three major attacks over the centuries: first by the Huns in the 5th century, then by the Gauda kings of Bengal during the 7th century, and finally by Bakhtiyar Khilji’s forces in the 12th century. The Gauda attack is particularly significant as it points to religious conflict between Shaiva Hindus and Buddhists, highlighting the internal divisions within Indian society that also contributed to Nalanda’s vulnerability.
By the time of Khilji’s attack, the Buddhist Pala dynasty had fallen, and Buddhism in India was in decline. With royal protection waning, Nalanda was left vulnerable to external raids and internal dissent. Religious competition, particularly between Hindu and Buddhist sects, further exacerbated the situation. Moreover, the departure of scholars and the gradual decline in student enrollment weakened the institution from within.
The Road to Revival
Today, efforts to rebuild Nalanda University symbolize a broader attempt to reconnect with India’s ancient intellectual traditions. The new campus is an embodiment of this vision, striving to revive the spirit of the original Nalanda while fostering modern academic excellence. However, the legacy of Nalanda’s destruction continues to spark debates among scholars, with various historical perspectives offering different interpretations of its decline.
Mahi Saha
Mahi Saha, from Ranchi, reports for Neo Politico.
