Nalanda University History
Situated in the ancient kingdom of Magadha (modern-day Bihar), Nalanda University was established in the fifth century CE. It was located near Rajagriha city (present-day - Rajgir), close to Patliputra (present-day - Patna). Nalanda University is considered the world's first residential university where scholars came from all over the world, including Korea, Japan, China, Mongolia, Sri Lanka, Tibet and Southeast Asia.
The university received international acclaim and thrived under the patronage of the Pala dynasty during the 8th and 9th centuries. Subjects taught at Nalanda University were medicine, Ayurveda, Buddhism, mathematics, grammar, astronomy, and Indian philosophy.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the new campus of Nalanda University in Bihar's Rajgir on Wednesday. Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and other dignitaries were present at the event. While addressing the event, PM Modi praised ancient Nalanda University, saying the new Internationa University will reintroduce the soft power of India.
The emergence of the new Nalanda University shows that books can be burnt but not knowledge, he said referring to the attack on the ancient University by the invaders in the 12th century. Invaders had burnt the rich libraries of the University.
" I am happy that I got the opportunity to visit Nalanda within 10 days after swearing in as PM for the 3rd time...Nalanda is not just a name, it is an identity and respect. Nalanda is a value and mantra...fire can burn books but it can't destroy knowledge," the PM added.
The University which has a historical link was built under the Nalanda University Act, 2010. The Act provided for implementing a decision arrived at the second East Asia Summit held in the Philippines in 2007 for the establishment of the university.
No comments:
Post a Comment