[Solved] Who destroyed Nalanda University? | Bakhtiyar Khalji

Nalanda Vihar was destroyed by:

[60th to 62nd B.P.S.C. Prelims 2016]

Detailed Solution & Historical Context

Concept

The destruction of the great Buddhist centers of learning in Bihar marked the effective end of organized Buddhism in its Indian heartland.

Authentic Source Evidence

Chronicler Minhaj-us-Siraj records that Bakhtiyar Khalji, a Turko-Afghan general, attacked and burned the Nalanda University around 1193-1200 CE, mistaking it for a fortified military post. He also destroyed the libraries, which reportedly burned for months.

Analytical Breakdown

Logic 1: Option A is correct. Bakhtiyar Khalji spearheaded the conquest of Bihar and Bengal under the nominal authority of Muhammad Ghori.

Logic 2: His raids also resulted in the destruction of Vikramshila and Odantapuri monasteries.

Conceptual Deep Dive & Logic

"What was the immediate consequence of the destruction of Nalanda?"

It led to a massive exodus of Buddhist monks and scholars to Tibet and Southeast Asia, permanently shifting the center of Buddhist learning out of India.

Examiner's Mindset & Pro-Tip

"The fall of Nalanda signifies the final collapse of the classical Indian educational system under the pressure of the Turko-Afghan invasions."

Topic Clusters (click to see related topic questions)

Nalanda 10 Vikramshila 5 Sena Dynasty 4

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