• Know information in brief on these centres of learning. It covers who made them, what were they known for and who destroyed them. Lastly, why do Indics take to education so naturally? 267 kms vikram, odan puri 12kms bgaya 86 kms

Author and social worker Khemlata Wakhlu wrote in A Kashmiri Century, “Schools were targeted and set ablaze. So was the school run by Rupa Devi Sharda Peeth Trust. With the burning of the school, some of the world's rarest books and manuscripts - in Pali, Persian, Hindi, Urdu and English all went up in smoke! The greatest treasure in Kashmir - the ideas and words of wise and erudite seekers over the ages - which had been kept in the premises of the school, were gone.” Pg 292

Centuries ago monasteries were destroyed in Nalanda, Vikramshila, Odantapuri also called Odantapura or Uddandapura (in what is now Bihar Sharif in Bihar) and Valabi in Gujarat.

This compilation provides brief information on these centres of learning. It covers who made the, what were they known for and who destroyed them.

                              Bihar Universities Snapshot

While looking at these universities we must realize they existed and or peaked at different points of time even though their ending was by the Turks for e.g. Nalanda started declining from around the 7^th century while Vikramsila came up in the 8^th century.

The following is based on Volumes 3, 4, 5 of The History and Culture of the Indian People published by the Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan. The entire credit goes to the volume authors and editor. I have only compiled.

1. About Vikramashila

King Dharmapala (a Buddhist) is remembered in Tibet because he was a great patron of Buddhism and founded the Vikramasila monastery which was a centre of Buddhist learning and second only to Nalanda. It was named after the great emperor who had a second name Vikramasila and was located on the top of a hill, on the banks of the Ganga, in Magadha. Most probably hill is near modern day Bhagalpur. 1 Pg 49 Period 750 to 1000 A.D.

It had 108 chambers. 108 monks (Panditas) were in charge of this monastic institution. These Panditas and students were maintained by the state. This monastery attracted students from Tibet and other foreign countries. It was here that Sanskrit texts were translated into Tibetan. 1 Pg 272

Further, Vikramasila was an advanced centre of learning like Nalanda and Valabhi in the 7^th century a.d. “We also have sufficient evidence to prove that there existed at this Age organised educational institutions which were founded and maintained by the people from the king down to humble individuals.” So also “at Kanchipuram there lay to the east of Rajasimhesvara temple a college (kalluri) which is referred to in the inscriptions of Rajendra Chola I.” 1 Pg 369

Atisa or Dipankara (born 980 A.D.) accepted the post of High Priest of Vikramasila at the request of king Nayapala. 1 Pg 448 He reformed Buddhism in Tibet. To read about Atisa  

About 10 century A.D. Vikramasila became a famous academic centre with its six renowned dvara-panditas, whose function was also to enter into a controversy with the teachers of other religious faiths. 1 Pg 273

The Buddhist viharas attracted a lot of students from Tibet. Vikramsila University was destroyed by Bakhtiyar Khilji (General of Qutubuddin-Aibak) in the 12-13^th century.

According to this Indian Express report, “Vikramshila was the only university that specialised in tantric and occult studies. In fact, during Dharmapala’s reign, Vikramshila reigned supreme and is known to have controlled Nalanda’s affairs as well,” said ASI Superintending Archaeologist (Patna Circle) Sujit Nayan.”

“At its peak, subjects such as theology, philosophy, grammar, metaphysics and logic were taught at Vikramshila. But the most important branch of learning were the tantras because Vikramshila flourished in the days of tantricism, when occult sciences and magic were subjects of study both in Buddhism as well as Hinduism.”

2. About Nalanda University

Monks quarters.

Nalanda was the place of birth of Sariputra, one of the famous disciples of Buddha. As per the ASI board, Nalanda Mahavir was founded by Kumaragupta (413-455 a.d.) of the great Gupta dynasty, Harshvardhana of Kanauj (606-647) and the Pala Kings of East India (8-12^th century). Pala ruler Mahipala (988 A.D.) repaired the Nalanda.

The decline of the institution started in the later Pala period but the final blow was by B Khilji around 1200. According to author Abhay K in the 13^th century 2 monasteries were operational but the institution was limping.

According to Volume 3, “The munificence of the Imperial Guptas in the cause of learning is proved by the foundation of a number of monasteries at Nalanda by a succession of rulers and princes of this line.” 3 Pg 352 (period 320-750).

Owing to its foundations to six successive generations of Gupta kings, it housed a population of several thousands who were maintained out of the revenues out of a hundred (or more) villages specially endowed for its upkeep.” 3 Pg 585  The only rival Nalanda had as a centre of learning was Valabhi in Kathiawar, Gujarat. 3 Pg 586

According to booklet that I bought from Nalanda, the university flourished between the 5-12^th centuries. It housed about 10,000 students and 2,000 teachers. The courses of study included scriptures of Budddhism (both Mahayana and Hinayana Schools), Vedas Logic, Grammar, Medicine etc. Nagarjuna, the famous Mahayana philosopher, is said to have studied at Nalanda in 2^nd century A.D. Hieun Tsang’s account says studied philosophy, logic, grammar, medicine and Atharvaveda at Nalanda. Sariputra’s Stupa, a few minutes from the main gate, is the most imposing structure. 

In 930 A.D. Dharmadeva, a monk from Nalanda was received by the emperor of China with great honors.

ASI board outside Nalanda says Bakhtiyar Khilji destroyed Nalanda around 1200.

Was Nalanda destroyed by Khilji?

The ASI board says it was destroyed by Khilji. However note, “Far more damaging to Nalanda than the fire (repaired by Mahipala I) was the rise of Vikramasila, which at this time surpassed Nalanda in fame and renown. Taranatha hints that the professional board of Vikramsila kept a watch over Nalanda’s affairs (see report below). Like Vikramsila, the University of Somapuri occupied a position of pre-eminence In Bengal since the days of Dharmapala.”  2 Pg 415 (period 1000-1300 A.D.) As I said earlier, Nalanda started declining from the 7^th century onwards for a host of reasons i.e. beyond the scope of this article.

Contents of the preceding para are contrary to the common narrative. So I first spoke to a senior professor in Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan Delhi who said Nalanda was indeed destroyed by B Khilji. Thereafter, had a very interesting chat with Abhay K author of Nalanda: How it changed the world

According to him Bakhtyar Khilji destroyed Odantapura University i.e. just 12 kms from Nalanda. The Turks destroyed Bodh Gaya i.e. 86 kms away from Nalanda. Based on circumstantial evidence it is reasonable to say that Khilji destroyed Nalanda. He wished to invade Tibet but failed to reach there.

To see album of Nalana Ruins

Manik Roy wrote, “The first destruction was caused by the Huns under the reign of Mihirakula. The second destruction came during the 7th century by the Goudas. The third attack on the Nalanda University by the Turkish leader Bakhtiyar Khilji during the year 1193 was the most destructive and lethal which the Nalanda University could not bear its damages and ruined into the pieces as well. The total lifespan of Nalanda University was from 427 to 1197. Source

Why is Nalanda is given much more importance than other universities?

There are various reasons. One it was close to Bodh Gaya 86 kms. Two, Nalanda is where one of Buddha’s foremost disciples Sariputra was born. Three, it was funded by about two hundred villages close by so was always well funded. Four, in its hey days it was like the Harvard University of its time. Five, royal patronage helped. Six, because of these reasons it attracted the best teachers and students from numerous countries.    

3. About Odantapura

Dargah at University ruins. 

“It is said that during the reign of Gopala (Pala king of Bengal, a Buddhist) an upaska built the towering Odantapuri.” 1 Pg 270 Period 750 to 1000 A.D.

Bakhtyar Khilji invaded Odantapuri (monastic University town in Bihar) around 1200 A.D. Feeble resistance was offered by helpless shaven headed Buddhist monks whom Bakhtyar mistook for Brahmin priests and slaughtered. 2 Pg 123

4. About Valabhi (in Saurashtra, Gujarat)

Of all the states that arose out of the ruins of the Gupta Empire Valabi (start around 465 A.D.) was the most durable. It was established by the Maitraka dynasty.

Valabhi was an advanced centre of learning in the 7^th century a.d. 1 Pg. 369

“The only rival to Nalanda as a centre of learning in India in the 7^th century was Valabhi in Kathiawar. These were the two places in India where advanced students prepared to complete their education.” 3 Pg 586 (period 320-750)

“Grammar formed a major part of the course of studies in the 7^th century a.d. During the same period advances courses were provided in centres of learning like Nalanad and Valahi. At Nalanda the course of studies comprised the 18 schools of Buddhism, but also the Vedas, logic, grammar, medicine, the Atharvavidya, the Sankhya etc.” 3 Pg 588

“In the 8th century, Arab invaders laid siege to Vallabhi, destroying its infrastructure and halting centuries of educational progress. Although the university struggled for a few hundred years with repairs, its glory days had long faded, and the center of learning was never fully revived.” Source N Here 

Food for thought

When in power or a position why do some destroy places of learning? Think. 

What about Arabic numerals! “During the 8^th and 9^th centuries Indian became the teachers in arithmetic and algebra to the Arabs, and though them of the nations of the West. Thus, though we call the latter science by an Arabic name, it is a gift by India.” 1 Pg 451 Read   Impact of Hindu science on ancient and modern worlds

Why do Indics give so much importance to education?

Kriyacharya Jyoti wrote, “This thirst for knowledge has its roots deep in the ancient philosophy of this land and its people. The word Vidya is derived from the Sanskrit root Vid meaning to know, to perceive, to understand. Vidya means correct knowledge of the subject at hand and Vidyarthi is the student or scholar. Since ages the people of this land have been engaged in this 'seeking' of knowledge both internal and external.” To read full article

References

1. The History and Culture of the Indian People, Vol 4 (period750-1000 A.D.)

2. The History and Culture of the Indian People, Volume 5 (period 1000-1300).

3. The History and Culture of the Indian People, Volume 3 (period 320-750).

Also read

1. Another Bihar University set to rise from the ruins

2. Five Indian Universities destroyed by invasions

3. Destruction of Nalanda University  

4. Did Khilji destroy Nalanda

5. Nalanda.nic.in

6. About Valabhi University, Gujarat  

7. Famous Universities of Ancient India

8. Odantapuri university

9. To see Bodhgaya album