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56th to 59th B.P.S.C. (Pre) 2015

Ancient Seats of Learning

Authentic Past Paper Standard Evaluation

Who was the founder of Nalanda University?

Solution & Analysis

Answer: B

Concept Nalanda was the premier global university of the ancient world, specializing in Mahayana Buddhism and logic.

Explanation Epigraphic and literary evidence (including accounts by Hsuan Tsang) attribute the foundation of the first monastery at Nalanda to 'Shakraditya', identified as King Kumargupta I (415–455 CE).

Logical Breakup
Kumargupta (B): The initial founder during the 5th century.
Dharmapal (C): A Pala king who revived and expanded the university in the 8th century.

Active Recall

Question

What was the main subject taught at Nalanda?

Answer

While it was a Buddhist monastery, it taught a wide curriculum including Logic (Hetuvidya), Grammar (Shabdavidya), Medicine, and Sanskrit.

Core Insight

Nalanda's international prestige under the Guptas and Palas made it the 'Lighthouse of Asia' for centuries before its destruction in 1193 CE.

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