Ancient Seats of Learning
Who founded Nalanda University? | Gupta Empire
Nalanda University was founded by King Kumargupta I of the Gupta dynasty in the 5th century CE.
Primary Reference: NCERT Class 11 - Ancient India (R.S. Sharma)
Archived:
Updated:
Exam Year
2015
Evidence Source
Link ↗Who was the founder of Nalanda University?
[56th to 59th B.P.S.C. (Pre) 2015]
Detailed Solution & Historical Context
Concept
Nalanda was the premier global university of the ancient world, specializing in Mahayana Buddhism and logic.
Authentic Source Evidence
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).
Analytical Breakdown
Conceptual Deep Dive & Logic
"What was the main subject taught at Nalanda?"
While it was a Buddhist monastery, it taught a wide curriculum including Logic (Hetuvidya), Grammar (Shabdavidya), Medicine, and Sanskrit.
Examiner's Mindset & Pro-Tip
"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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