#library of nalanda

[academiaandarson]

The library of Alexandria, the library of Nalanda, the various Tamil Scriptures that were burnt and destroyed, the various books burnt, author's killed, scientists murdered, poet's forgotten i will never stop thinking about them. Mourning them.

I'll never stop seething over the fact that foolish fanatics have the privilege of ignorance. The privilege of never knowing guilt or remorse for the damages they've inflicted on the rest of the world. The way these people never really face any consequences..

If there's anything unfair about this world, it's the hatred that crowns the ignorant head. The hatred that somehow makes him gain gullible followers.

[baby-its-freezing-outside]

Not to say that the burning of the Library of Alexandria was in any way less tragic or devastating, but I'm kinda tired about the way it's all presented. Sure it was something horrible that Caesar did, but can we talk about a different thing that doesn't even get mentioned? Can we talk about Nalanda with its 9 million books that burnt for three entire months? Can we talk about the scope of this cruelty that the western world just seems to be ignorant of? It happened in the 1190s when invader Bakhtiar Khilji ordered the whole place be set on fire, enraged that Buddhist monks possessed more knowledge about medicine than his own doctors.

[tiet1234]

Discover the exceptional Nava Nalanda Central Library at TIET Thapar University. With its stunning architecture and state-of-the-art infrastructure, it's a haven for knowledge seekers. Step into a world of digital resources, including an impressive collection of over 2 lakh e-books.

[daaft-prick-69]

These desert cult mofos love burning up books.

[collegetour2]

Nalanda University Distance Education

A university with no barriers Nalanda University distance education offers limitless possibilities. Get the edge to reach the top with flexible timings and excellent faculty. Explore the courses offered by Nalanda University Distance Education to find the perfect program for you. You are just a step away from success.

[hindupunk]

Barbaric islamic invaders who burnt hindu books.

tw: communists please don't get hurt while reading this.

It was the common policy of Islamic invaders to destroy & BURN Hindu/Buddhist/Jain books & libraries to decimate Dharmic knowledge systems. From Allauddin Khilji who burnt the famous library at Anhalwara Pattan to Firoz Shah Tughluq who burnt the library at Kohana down to Aurangzeb who burnt Hindu books wherever he got the chance.

We know Nalanda's 9-storied Ratnadadhi library was reduced to rubble by Bakhtiyar Khalji. But an even bigger library existed at the Odantapuri Vihara which contained a vast amount of Hindu & Buddhist manuscripts. Odantapuri is specifically mentioned as being destroyed & burnt by Khalji's general Mohammed Bin Sam in Islamic primary source Tabaqat e Nasiri of Minhaj ul Siraj. Odanatpuri's library & complex was much bigger than even Nalanda or Bodh Gaya.

The legacy of Islamic invaders in India is full of violent destruction, decimation & horror designed to uproot the entire foundation of Indic civilization. The J!h-ad1 Ghazi mode of operation was always to destroy knowledge never embrace it.

[room-surprise]

So cool! Excerpts:

Founded in 427 CE, Nalanda is considered the world's first residential university, a sort of medieval Ivy League institution home to nine million books that attracted 10,000 students from across Eastern and Central Asia. They gathered here to learn medicine, logic, mathematics and – above all – Buddhist principles from some of the era's most revered scholars.

Monarchs of the Gupta Empire that founded the Buddhist monastic university were devout Hindus, but sympathetic and accepting towards Buddhism and the growing Buddhist intellectual fervour and philosophical writings of the time. The liberal cultural and religious traditions that evolved under their reign would form the core of Nalanda's multidisciplinary academic curriculum, which blended intellectual Buddhism with a higher knowledge in different fields. 

Aryabhata, considered the father of Indian mathematics, is speculated to have headed the university in the 6th Century CE. "We believe that Aryabhata was the first to assign zero as a digit, a revolutionary concept, which simplified mathematical computations and helped evolve more complex avenues such as algebra and calculus," said Anuradha Mitra, a Kolkata-based professor of mathematics. "Without zero, we wouldn't have computers," she added. "He also did pioneering works in extracting square and cubic roots, and applications of trigonometrical functions to spherical geometry. He was also the first to attribute radiance of the moon to reflected sunlight." 

The library's nine million handwritten, palm-leaf manuscripts was the richest repository of Buddhist wisdom in the world, and one of its three library buildings was described by Tibetan Buddhist scholar Taranatha as a nine-storey building "soaring into the clouds".

History is so fucking cool. I love stumbling across articles that teach me incredible details about things I only knew about in a very general sense (there were important centers of learning in India!). Learning mundane things like "universities have always had students sharing rooms" is just fascinating to me.

One of the small rooms that lined the courtyard where students from as far away as Afghanistan lived. Two alcoves facing each other were meant to hold oil lamps and personal belongings, and Singh explained that the small, square-shaped hollow near the entrance of the cell served as each student's personal letterbox. 

How cool is that!!!

[esmeraywrites]

'Cause we need Indian Dark Academia (though this is more chaotic academia)

*Imagine sitting by window with a good book on Indian myths (krishna? ramayan?) ad draped in a good shawl while its raining outside

*Imagine browsing through you history and past on a wooden bench that belonged to your grandfather with your laptop and loads of old writings from your grandfather's notes wearing a woolen sweater

*Imagine getting annoyed by your uniform so yu try different haristyles and stickers(tikli) each time.

*Imagine getting tea in those tea cups from the tiny tea shop and going to a part watching kids play badminton and you can smell the dried leaves.

*Imagine wearing payal and long skirt with desi style blouse and having bangles along with a bag made from home as you go to a library but you need to be over 18 to borrow so you sit there and finish reading and its midnight by the time you are done so you run back home with messy notes and pen marks on your face.

*Imagine wanting to learn sanskrit or prakrit but hindi or telugu or your own mother tongue is enough of a headache as it is and your parents tell you to get good marks in those first so you pretend like you are learning sanskrit or prakrit while practicing for your tests.

*Imagine you have an exam tomorrow so you stay up till midnight thinking and dreaming of going to all these western dark academia themes and then think 'imagine if nalanda still existed' and an impromptu searching up which ends past midnight.

*Imagine you have strict parents so you write your boyfriend secrets letters since you can't meet him while trying to feel like a class heroine and behave pretentiously all day (bonus: parents get mad because you are searching for dark academia cloths but find none and end up with all these mismatched go on nothing ones)

*Imagine going to streetside stores and buying small trinklets from there because walking or going to shops isn't allowed all that much in your society

*Imagine going to the same old one local museum (for me Salar Jung ) so many times you can be appointed a tour guide at this point (bonus:making a list of all the other museums you wish and swear to yourself you will go to when you grow up and if lucky before)

[h0bg0blin-meat]

YOU BETTER

The throuple 🗿💅

I got one better

Library of Alexandria x Nalanda x Takshashila

Shared trauma trope

ENOUGH I'M ASCENDING WITH THESE SHIPS

[momentsandmusingsbyjanaki]

Travelling Around Northern India Aboard a Special Train

Our adventure began at the Safdarjung railway station, from where the Buddhist Circuit Special Train, an exclusive air-conditioned train for Buddhist circuit destinations organized by the IRCTC (Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation Limited), commenced.

The unexpected highlight of our departure was the warm red-carpet welcome. We were greeted with flowers, snacks, and the melodious tunes of Indian musicians playing the tabla, flute, and organ.

Our first destination was Gaya, 1089 km from Delhi, which we covered in approximately 18 hours. Our full journey took us across Northern India and into Nepal, encompassing all the prominent locations connected to the life of Gautama Buddha. These destinations included Bodhgaya, Nalanda, Rajgir, Varanasi, Sarnath, Lumbini, Kushinagar, and Sravasti, with our final stop in Agra to witness the breathtaking Taj Mahal. In total, we traversed over 2600 kilometers.

Another enchanting experience awaited us during our boat ride on the holy Ganga River in Varanasi, where we observed the Aarti festival. On the riverbanks, thousands of people paid their respects to Mother Ganga through music and prayer.

Complementing this incredible journey, the train itself offered a unique experience with its clean berths, a multi-cuisine restaurant (the masala tea being a particularly memorable highlight), a mini-library, and even a foot massager on board.

I am delighted by the exceptional on-board and off-board services, the superb hotel accommodations, quality transportation facilities, a meticulously planned itinerary, and an English-speaking tourist guide who was always ready and eager to assist us. The safety and security we experienced throughout the journey were equally commendable and reassuring. I wish to express my deepest gratitude to IRCTC for providing us with this once-in-a-lifetime experience.

[chaos-utopia]

QOTD: If you could go back in time to any period in recorded human history (no prehistoric) as an observer who can't interact with anyone (think spectator mode in Minecraft), when would you pick?

Actually i have thought about this. I don't remember the years, but I want to go back around the time where chandragupta maurya was the ruler in India, and chanakya was still alive. Honestly the last bit is just because I watched the tv show and he seems cool but it still stands

They say that taxila and nalanda were the greatest universities, with libraries like that of Alexandia, but they all burned when the khiljis invaded so I'd like to see what it was really like back then.

Edit: Around 279 BCE

[buddhabeings]

In the annals of India's illustrious past, there emerged a revered seat of wisdom known as The Nalanda University. Like a radiant sun, it illuminated the minds of countless seekers who flocked to its hallowed halls.

Established during the Gupta Dynasty in the 5th century, its foundations were laid under the benevolent patronage of King Shakraditra. For six centuries, Nalanda flourished, nurtured by the Pala Dynasty, until a dark hour befell it in 1203, when Islamic invader Bakhtiyar Khilji brought devastation upon its sacred grounds. At the time, Nalanda University is said to have contained nine million text of knowledge.

Yet, amid the ashes of destruction, Nalanda's legacy endured. Its revered master, Shakyashribhadra, sought refuge in distant Tibet, preserving the wisdom of generations. What we know today as Tibetan Buddhism, is actually this preserved tradition of the Great 17 Masters of Nalanda University. So Tibetan Buddhism can also be referred as The Nalanda Tradition.

During its active days and over the centuries, this esteemed institution attracted scholars from distant lands, beckoning minds from Greece, Persia, China, and Tibet. While Buddhism remained at its core, Nalanda embraced a comprehensive array of disciplines, from astronomy and medicine to grammar and metaphysics.

Its vast library, adorned with three majestic nine-story buildings, housed an astonishing wealth of knowledge, with millions of titles and volumes spanning an array of profound subjects.

The tales of Nalanda's grandeur live on through the accounts of Chinese pilgrims who witnessed its intellectual splendor in the 7th century. Their travelogues depict a bustling institution teeming with enlightened pursuits, a sanctuary where scholars and seekers could explore the profound depths of knowledge and transcend cultural boundaries.

In the realm of wisdom, Nalanda shone as a beacon, uniting minds from diverse lands in a quest for enlightenment and intellectual growth. Though its physical form may have crumbled, its influence and contribution to humanity's intellectual tapestry endure, forever etched in the annals of history.

[aditya7707]

Nalanda University: The Ancient Beacon of Learning and Knowledge

Nestled in the fertile plains of Bihar, India, Nalanda University was one of the ancient world’s greatest seats of learning. Founded in the 5th century CE, it became a global center for knowledge, attracting scholars and students from across the Indian subcontinent, China, Korea, Japan, Tibet, Mongolia, Sri Lanka, and Southeast Asia. In its heyday, Nalanda was not just a place of learning but a beacon of intellectual exchange, where subjects like Buddhist philosophy, logic, medicine, mathematics, astronomy, and the arts were taught with great rigor.

The Origins of Nalanda University

The story of Nalanda University begins in the reign of King Kumaragupta I, who founded the institution in the 5th century CE, during the Gupta Empire. It is said that the university began as a small Buddhist monastery and slowly expanded over the centuries into a sprawling complex with grand temples, libraries, lecture halls, and dormitories. The exact origins of the university are somewhat unclear, but the Gupta period is marked by a flourishing of science, philosophy, and religion, which laid the foundation for Nalanda to rise to prominence.

While initially a center for Buddhist studies, the university soon became a hub for intellectual exchange that transcended religious boundaries. Scholars from all over the world came to Nalanda to pursue their studies, and the institution was highly regarded for its open-mindedness, cosmopolitan nature, and its emphasis on academic freedom.

The Scope of Knowledge at Nalanda

Nalanda University was a vast center of learning that offered a wide variety of subjects beyond Buddhist philosophy. Scholars at Nalanda studied a range of disciplines, both religious and secular, making it an inclusive and multidisciplinary institution. It is estimated that at its peak, Nalanda housed over 10,000 students and 2,000 teachers, making it the largest academic institution of its time.

Buddhism: The university is most famous for its deep engagement with Buddhist teachings. Nalanda became a leading center for Mahayana Buddhism, and its scholars contributed significantly to the development of Buddhist philosophy and monastic life. Scholars at Nalanda engaged with texts like the Tripitaka, the Mahāyāna Sūtras, and various commentaries, studying topics such as the nature of reality, enlightenment, and ethics. Nalanda was also the birthplace of various Buddhist philosophies. One of its greatest scholars, Dharmakirti, contributed to Buddhist logic, while others like Aryadeva and Nagarjuna made seminal contributions to the development of Buddhist metaphysics and ethics.

Philosophy and Logic: Nalanda’s curriculum was extensive and included the study of logic, philosophy, and epistemology. The university was known for its robust debate system, where scholars rigorously tested ideas through structured discussions. This intellectual environment cultivated critical thinking, which was central to Indian philosophical traditions. Texts on Nyaya (logic), Vaisheshika, and Samkhya philosophies were studied and interpreted by the scholars here.

Mathematics and Astronomy: Nalanda was also a center for scientific studies, particularly mathematics and astronomy. Indian mathematicians, such as Aryabhata and Brahmagupta, contributed significantly to the fields of algebra, trigonometry, and the understanding of zero, which were taught at Nalanda. Students learned to calculate time, measure the movement of celestial bodies, and predict astronomical phenomena. Nalanda’s emphasis on precise observation and intellectual inquiry played a significant role in the development of ancient Indian science.

Medicine: The study of medicine was also an essential part of the curriculum. Ayurveda, the ancient Indian system of medicine, was taught in great detail at Nalanda. Students learned about herbal treatments, surgical practices, anatomy, and the principles of holistic healing. The famous physician Sushruta, often regarded as the father of surgery, is believed to have been associated with Nalanda, and his works were likely taught at the university.

Literature and Grammar: Nalanda University’s curriculum was also rich in literature, language, and grammar. Scholars were well-versed in classical Sanskrit and Prakrit languages and studied epic texts like the Mahabharata and the Ramayana. The university also produced a large body of poetry, plays, and philosophical texts, making significant contributions to the cultural landscape of ancient India.

The Life of a Nalanda Scholar

Life at Nalanda was rigorous, and the students and teachers followed strict disciplines. Scholars came to Nalanda at a young age and studied for years, often spending decades at the university. The teachers were renowned for their expertise, and the students were required to demonstrate intellectual prowess before being admitted. The academic schedule included lectures, debates, and written exercises, with an emphasis on discourse and dialogue.

One of the most distinctive features of Nalanda’s academic culture was its debate system. Students were often put through public debates, where they would defend their ideas against others in a highly structured and formalized manner. This method of learning, combining rigorous study with lively intellectual exchanges, ensured that the scholars of Nalanda were well-prepared for a life of critical thought and teaching.

The Scholars of Nalanda

Some of the most famous scholars of Nalanda include Aryadeva, Dharmakirti, Vasubandhu, and Shantarakshita, among many others. However, one of the most celebrated figures in the history of Nalanda is the Tibetan scholar Atisha. Atisha, a Buddhist monk from Bengal, was invited to Tibet in the 11th century to help revitalize Tibetan Buddhism. His teachings, rooted in the intellectual traditions of Nalanda, played a pivotal role in the transmission of Buddhism to Tibet.

Another notable figure is Xuanzang, a Chinese scholar and Buddhist monk who traveled to Nalanda in the 7th century. His detailed accounts of his time at the university provide valuable insights into the institution’s academic life. Xuanzang’s extensive records offer glimpses into the complex structure of Nalanda, the subjects it taught, and the interactions between scholars from different parts of the world.

The Decline of Nalanda

Despite its academic brilliance, Nalanda University began to decline around the 12th century CE. This decline was precipitated by a series of invasions, including that of the Turkish general Bakhtiyar Khilji in 1193. Khilji's forces destroyed the university, burning down its buildings and libraries. According to historical accounts, the fire in Nalanda's massive library burned for months, consuming countless manuscripts and texts. This marked the end of an era for one of the most influential centers of learning in the world.

The fall of Nalanda was a devastating blow to the intellectual traditions of India. With its destruction, many of the texts, manuscripts, and knowledge preserved at Nalanda were lost, and the transmission of Buddhist scholarship to other parts of the world was severely disrupted.

Nalanda Today: A Revival of Knowledge

The ruins of Nalanda were rediscovered in the 19th century, and since then, archaeological efforts have shed light on the grandeur of this ancient institution. Today, Nalanda University is being revived, with the establishment of a new academic institution near the ruins, which aims to continue the legacy of Nalanda as a center of knowledge. The modern Nalanda University was founded in 2010 with the goal of promoting global learning, much like its ancient predecessor.

The revival of Nalanda symbolizes a return to the ideals of intellectual inquiry, cultural exchange, and education that transcends borders. As an institution, Nalanda University continues to honor the contributions of its ancient scholars while embracing contemporary global challenges. The new Nalanda aims to be an international hub of knowledge, attracting students and scholars from all over the world, continuing the tradition of intellectual engagement and dialogue that Nalanda University has represented for over a millennium.

Conclusion

Nalanda University stands as a beacon of intellectual achievement, symbolizing the power of knowledge to unite people across borders and cultures. For over 700 years, it was a shining example of scholarly excellence, nurturing some of the greatest minds in philosophy, science, medicine, and literature. Despite its destruction, Nalanda’s legacy continues to inspire contemporary education and academic inquiry. As the new Nalanda University strives to revive this ancient tradition, it serves as a reminder of the timeless value of learning, dialogue, and the pursuit of knowledge.

[newsriveting]

NTPC Lara lends support for Nalanda Library in Raigarh

Chhattisgarh Finance Minister O P Choudhary (third from right) along with NTPC and Raigarh district administration officials Team News Riveting Raigarh, October 28 NTPC- Lara signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the district administration of Raigarh for providing the financial support for the Construction of Nalanda Library cum Cafeteria and Suspension Bridge (Nalanda Library Campus)…

[innumerableinterestsofmei]

"Within infinite myths lies an eternal truth. Who knows it all? Varuna has but a thousand eyes, Indra a hundred, You and I, only two."

Devdutt Pattanaik in Devlok

It breaks my heart to accept that there are some truths forever lost. It is believed that the knowledge at Nalanda University took three months to burn. Then i found out that the Alexandria library was also burnt down, though accidentally. SO many architectural wonders were destroyed by invaders.

It is also so hard to accept that there are so many things I'll never know. So many languages that I will never be able to learn. So many books that I'll never be able to read. SO many places that I will never be able to visit.

I don't know why but these words, for some reason calmed me down. Made me feel like its fine if i don't know things, if i don't know the "truth" of things. If i remain a bit ignorant.

[ikno-io]

Explore the enigmatic Library of Nalanda, one of the greatest centers of knowledge in ancient times, and unravel the secrets of its vast collection and scholarly influence. read the full article: https://bit.ly/3XRxBz2 #LibraryOfNalanda #NalandaUniversity #AncientIndia #BuddhistTexts #HistoricalTexts read more: what kind of library did nalanda possess