Nalanda University was the world's greatest centre of learning in ancient times, attracting students from across Asia and the world.
Founder: Kumaragupta I (Gupta Empire), ~5th century CE.
Location: Bihar, India.
Peak: 10,000 students, 2,000 teachers.
Destroyed: By Bakhtiyar Khilji (~1193 CE).
Revived: Modern Nalanda University re-established in 2014.
Nalanda University was established by Kumaragupta I (also known as Mahendraditya), a ruler of the Gupta Empire, in the 5th century CE (around 427 CE).
Nalanda reached its peak during the reign of Harsha Vardhana (7th century CE). The famous Chinese traveller Xuanzang (Hiuen Tsang) visited Nalanda and left detailed accounts of its grandeur.
Nalanda was destroyed and burned by the forces of Bakhtiyar Khilji (a Turkish commander) around 1193 CE. The library burned for months. This was one of the greatest losses of knowledge in human history.
Nalanda University was established by Kumaragupta I of the Gupta Empire in the 5th century CE. It was located in Bihar and was one of the greatest centres of learning in the ancient world, housing over 10,000 students.
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