World Philosophy Atlas
Nalanda
- Nalanda
Nalanda, in what is now Bihar, was a major centre of Buddhist monastic learning in India. Britannica dates the foundation of its monasteries to the Gupta period in the fifth century CE, and the seventh-century ruler Harshavardhana is reported to have supported them. The Chinese pilgrim Xuanzang became a disciple of the master Silabhadra here in 636 and left a detailed account of its studies. Later Tibetan traditions linked Nagarjuna, Dharmakīrti and Śāntideva with Nalanda, though historians treat these stories with caution. It was probably sacked around 1200 and never recovered.
When
- 400–1200 Monastic university Founded in the Gupta period (fifth century CE); probably sacked about 1200.
Schools and institutions
- 400–1200 Nalanda monasteries Founded in the fifth century CE according to Britannica; probably sacked during raids about 1200.
Thinkers
- Xuanzang c. 602 – 664studied here, 636 CE (Became Silabhadra's disciple at Nalanda in 636, during his journey of 630-645.)
- Nagarjuna c. 150 – c. 250 CEstudied here (Reported only by a later Tibetan source, which says he began his studies at Nalanda.)
- Dharmakīrti c. 6th – 7th century CEstudied here (Tradition says he went to Nalanda; his life is mostly known through hagiography.)
- Śāntideva fl. early 8th centurystudied here (Tibetan hagiographies say he joined Nalanda; most historians doubt their details.)
Sources: Britannica: Nalanda · IEP: Xuanzang · IEP: Śāntideva · SEP: Dharmakīrti