42nd B.P.S.C. (Pre) 1997

Ancient Educational Institutions

Authentic Past Paper Standard Evaluation

Why was Nalanda University famous in the world?

Solution & Analysis

Answer: C

Concept Nalanda was the world's first residential university, acting as a global magnet for scholars seeking the 'inner' science of Buddhism.

Explanation Accounts from Chinese travelers like Hiuen Tsang and I-Tsing highlight that Nalanda’s primary draw was its advanced instruction in Mahayana Buddhism and logic (Hetuvidya).

Logical Breakup
Logic 1: While it taught grammar and medicine (A/B), its global identity was synonymous with Buddhist scholasticism.
Logic 2: It served as the fountainhead for Buddhist missions to Tibet, China, and Southeast Asia.

Active Recall

Question

Which Gupta emperor is credited with founding Nalanda?

Answer

Kumargupta I is traditionally recognized as the founder of the Nalanda Mahavihara in the 5th century CE.

Core Insight

Nalanda represents the 'Golden Age' of Indian education, where intellectual rigor met spiritual inquiry in a cosmopolitan environment.