Nalanda: The Cradle of Ancient Learning**

 **Nalanda: The Cradle of Ancient Learning**

Nalanda is an ancient seat of learning located within present-day Bihar, India, and is one of the most revered schools in the past. It was regarded as one of the earliest residential colleges in the world, to which many scholars and students would travel from regions such as Asia, including China, Korea, Japan, and Tibet. Nalanda epitomizes the culmination of ancient Indian education, remaining an indispensable and significant historical and cultural landmark today.

## The Glorious History of Nalanda University

Nalanda University was established in the 5th century CE during the Gupta period. The university flourished for centuries as a center of knowledge and learning. Thousands of students and teachers were housed here, studying subjects like Buddhist philosophy, astronomy, mathematics, medicine, and logic at advanced levels. Scholars such as **Xuanzang** and **Yijing**, who came from China, described the grandeur of Nalanda in their writings, where they spoke about the comprehensive curriculum and rigorous academic environment.

## Nalanda's Architectural Wonders

Today, as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the remains of Nalanda University are enough to reveal a glimpse of the beauty that had once adorned the building. This complex contains **monasteries, stupas, temples, and meditation halls** which symbolize the splendor of architecture during ancient Indian periods. The Great Stupa is an expression of its richness and is beautifully covered with smaller stupas carved out with high-order intricacies around it.

## Nalanda's Collapse and Revival

Nalanda continued to prosper up until the 12th century when it was ravaged by the Turkic invader **Bakhtiyar Khilji**. The huge library of the university, consisting of numerous manuscripts, was consumed by flames; hence, an enormous loss in terms of knowledge. Yet the memory of Nalanda never really disappeared from human minds and, as is often said, "old habits die hard"; hence, new efforts to rejuvenate its learning values in a **new Nalanda University** have started since 2010.

## The New Nalanda University

 The **new Nalanda University**, established under international collaboration, is an effort to recreate the spirit of the original institution. It focuses research in history, ecology, philosophy, and Buddhist studies, with scholars from across the world attracted to it. This initiative shows India's seriousness in reviving its historical role as a center of learning at the global level.

## Best Time to Visit Nalanda

The best time to visit Nalanda is during the months of **October to March**, when the climate is pleasant. Here one can see the university ruins, visit the **Nalanda Archaeological Museum**, and get the gigantic history which still hovers in the air.

## Conclusion

Nalanda is not just a historical site but a symbol of India's glorious academic and cultural heritage. Whether you are a history enthusiast, a scholar, or a traveler seeking inspiration, Nalanda offers a fascinating journey into the past and a renewed hope for the future of education. Its legacy continues to inspire and shape intellectual pursuits across the world.