Nalanda: The centre of learning
9:10 pm
Nalanda Mahavihara, a largest Buddhist monastary, is an
architectural marvel as well as was most publicly acknowledged centre of
learning for centuries, that spread the teachings of Buddha to the world
especially the Southeast Asia.
Many a time categorised as one of the early universities of world along with other institutions like ‘Vikramashila’ and ‘Taxila’, It remained a learning centre from 7th century BCE through
1200 CE.
The travelogue by imminent pilgrim monks like Xuan-Zang and
I-tsing, who visited the area in 7th century gives an insight about the humble
beginning of the University and how successive kings continued patronages
provided to make it one of the most revered institution of its time.
The excavated ruins of Mahavihara, measuring an area of
around 12 hectares, comprises of 10 temples, 8 individual compounds,
classrooms, meditation halls, parks and wells. It is believed that, this residential school having more than 2,000 scholars and 10,000 students from far off places
including China, Japan, Turkey, Persia, Korea, Tibet and Indonesia attended the
Mahavihara.
Archaeological evidences & contemporary literary
verifications suggests that various subjects like Mahayana, Hinayana, Samkhya,
Atharvaveda, Shabda-Vidya, Chikitsa-Vidya and Vedas with others were taught
there.
It is said Nalanda housed a big library called ‘Dharmaganja’
(Piety Mart) that encompassed three multi-storied edifices called
‘Ratnaranjaka’ (Jewel-adorned), ‘Ratnadadhi’ (Sea of Jewels) and ‘Ratnasagara
(Ocean of Jewels). Collections of the library included religious manuscripts
and texts on medicine, astronomy, logic, astrology and literature among
others. Various subjects like theology, sabda-vidya (grammar), hetu-vidya
(logic), astronomy, metaphysics, chikitsa-vidya (medicine), philosophy and
various schools of thoughts of Buddhism were taught here.
Archaeological excavations suggest that besides being a hub of academic activities, art was also promoted by the University. Beautiful bronze, stone, pottery and
terracotta work of the University students & scholars has been decorating the museums all over the
world. The distinct style of art, architecture and the beautiful pieces of stuccos, terracotta, metal, bronze work spread throughout the campus conglomerates to tell an exclusive story of probably one of the best archaeological site in world representing the Nalanda School of art.
At the heart of the campus there is a most iconic structure of Nalanda
Mahavihara (temple number 3 as per ASI excavation records), known as Sariputta
Stupa. The Sariputta stupa is surrounded by numerous votives stupas, some of
which have been built with bricks inscribed with passages from sacred Buddhist
texts.
These remains were deserted about 700 years ago and then
buried under the earth for almost 500 years still the moments seem to be frozen
in time and things are intact. The exposed structure is a small part of a very
large heritage still buried under hundreds of villages, therefore it needs
conservation and proper interpretation, so that we can tell the world what
these seemingly inanimate structures represent.
Seeing its importance, it has been rightfully nominated
for the world heritage status, to protect and conserve the long-lived
culture and traditions and maintain its authenticity.
Happy Travelling !!
Happy Travelling !!
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