Ruins of Nalanda Mahavihara
The Ruins of Nalanda Mahavihara are the remains of an ancient Indian university in Mohanpur, Bihar, with visible lecture halls, dormitories, temples, and stupas. The complex displays careful planning with structures of stone and brick built across multiple phases over several centuries.
The university was founded in the 5th century and reached its peak under Gupta and Pala rulers, drawing thousands of monks and students from across Asia. The site was severely damaged by invasion around 1200 and gradually declined afterward.
The ruins reveal a place where monks and scholars from across Asia gathered to exchange religious and philosophical ideas. The architecture and carved stonework suggest a site where Buddhist practices and artistic traditions flourished.
The site is easy to explore on foot with signs marking the main temples and monasteries, best visited with a local guide to understand the inscriptions and carvings fully. The grounds are most pleasant to visit from September to April, and visitors should wear comfortable shoes and avoid climbing on the ruins.
Chinese travelers such as Xuanzang and Yijing spent years at this place and left detailed accounts that help us imagine the vibrant academic life of that time. These historical records reveal that Nalanda was one of the most influential learning centers of the ancient world.
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