The Ancient Universities of India: Nalanda, Takshashila, and Beyond

When we think of great centers of learning, our minds often go to Oxford, Harvard, or Cambridge. But long before these institutions came into existence, India had already built some of the world’s greatest universities, attracting students and scholars from across Asia.

The names Nalanda and Takshashila are legendary in Indian history, but they were not the only ancient universities. India had several centers of learning that flourished for centuries, shaping intellectual traditions in subjects as diverse as philosophy, medicine, mathematics, astronomy, and the arts.

Today, as we look back at these remarkable institutions, we realize that education in ancient India was far ahead of its time—deeply connected to wisdom, discipline, and the pursuit of knowledge.

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Takshashila: The World’s First University

Located in present-day Pakistan (then part of ancient India), Takshashila (Taxila) is believed to be the world’s first university, dating back to at least the 6th century BCE.

Key Highlights of Takshashila:

It was not a single institution but a collection of schools where scholars and teachers offered specialized education.

It attracted students from India, Persia, China, and Greece.

More than 64 subjects were taught, including Vedic literature, mathematics, astronomy, medicine, law, and military strategy.

Some of the greatest minds of history studied or taught here, including Chanakya (the author of Arthashastra), Panini (the great Sanskrit grammarian), and Jivaka (a renowned physician of the time).

Admission required a high level of intelligence, and students typically joined at the age of 16.

Takshashila was unique because it focused on practical knowledge rather than rote learning. Whether it was politics, surgery, or warfare, students were trained for real-world application.

Unfortunately, Takshashila was destroyed in the 5th century CE by the Huns, bringing an end to one of the greatest centers of learning.

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Nalanda: The Jewel of Indian Education

If Takshashila was the world’s first university, Nalanda (in present-day Bihar, India) was its greatest successor. Founded in the 5th century CE during the Gupta Empire, Nalanda flourished for over 700 years, making it one of the longest-running educational institutions in the world.

Key Highlights of Nalanda:

It had a massive library called Dharma Gunj (Mountain of Knowledge), which had hundreds of thousands of manuscripts on a vast range of subjects.

More than 10,000 students and 2,000 teachers lived on the campus, coming from China, Korea, Japan, Tibet, Mongolia, Sri Lanka, and Central Asia.

The curriculum covered Buddhism, Hindu philosophy, logic, grammar, medicine, mathematics, and astronomy.

Chinese traveler Xuanzang (Hsuan Tsang) studied here in the 7th century and wrote detailed accounts of its glory.

It was known for its strict admission process, where only the brightest minds were allowed to enroll.

The Tragic End of Nalanda

In 1193 CE, Nalanda was brutally destroyed by the Turkic invader Bakhtiyar Khilji. The massive library was set on fire, and it is said that the flames burned for months because of the sheer number of manuscripts.

With the fall of Nalanda, a great era of Indian education came to an end.

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Other Great Universities of Ancient India

Vikramashila University (Bihar, 8th Century CE)

Established by King Dharampala of the Pala dynasty as a rival to Nalanda.

Special focus on Buddhist philosophy and tantric studies.

Hosted thousands of monks and scholars until its destruction in the 12th century.

Valabhi University (Gujarat, 6th Century CE)

A famous center for Buddhist and secular education.

Known for teaching administration, law, and literature.

Flourished alongside Nalanda but declined after the 12th century.

Pushpagiri University (Odisha, 3rd Century BCE)

Mentioned in Chinese and Tibetan texts as a major center of Buddhist learning.

Believed to have been active for over 1,000 years.

Sharada Peeth (Kashmir, Ancient Era - 13th Century CE)

Located in present-day Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, this was a major center of learning for Hindu and Buddhist scholars.

It had one of the largest libraries of ancient India, preserving Sanskrit texts and knowledge on mathematics, astronomy, and medicine.

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What Made These Universities So Special?

Unlike modern universities, where education is often exam-oriented, these ancient Indian institutions followed a gurukul system—where students learned under the guidance of great teachers (gurus), often living in ashrams or university premises.

Some of the key features that made these universities exceptional were:

1. Diverse Subjects: Unlike today’s specialized courses, students were exposed to a broad range of subjects, from logic and philosophy to mathematics and medicine.

2. Interdisciplinary Learning: A student could study mathematics alongside music, philosophy with astronomy, and medicine with ethics.

3. International Influence: Scholars from China, Persia, Greece, and beyond traveled to India to learn from these universities.

4. Knowledge Preservation: These institutions didn’t just impart education—they preserved knowledge through manuscripts, oral traditions, and libraries.

5. Holistic Education: The focus was not just on career-building but on personal development, ethics, and enlightenment.

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Final Thoughts: A Legacy Worth Reviving

Today, India is home to some of the world’s best universities, but the spirit of Nalanda and Takshashila is something that modern education often lacks. These ancient institutions were not just centers of learning but symbols of India’s intellectual power.

In recent years, efforts have been made to revive Nalanda University, with a new campus established in Bihar. However, the true essence of these institutions lay in their holistic and interdisciplinary approach, something we still need to rediscover.

Perhaps, in reviving the ancient wisdom of Nalanda, Takshashila, and other universities, we can create a new educational model—one that blends tradition with modern innovation. After all, our ancestors understood that education was not just about acquiring degrees but about seeking wisdom, understanding the world, and becoming better human beings.

The question is—can we bring back that lost legacy?