Why was Nalanda destroyed?

Introduction

Nalanda University, once a beacon of knowledge and learning, was one of the greatest ancient universities in the world. Located in the northeastern part of India, in present-day Bihar, Nalanda was a renowned center for learning from the 5th century AD until its destruction in 1193 AD. The university attracted scholars from various parts of the world, including China, Korea, Japan, Tibet, Mongolia, Turkey, Sri Lanka, and Southeast Asia. However, this esteemed institution met a tragic end when it was destroyed by Bakhtiyar Khilji, a Turkish Muslim invader. The reasons behind this destruction are multifaceted, involving military conquest, cultural and religious conflict, and the symbolic significance of the university.

Historical Background of Nalanda University

Nalanda was established in the 5th century AD during the Gupta Empire and flourished under the patronage of successive Indian dynasties, including the Guptas, Harsha, and the Pala kings. The university was a residential learning center with a sprawling campus, which included stupas, temples, monasteries, classrooms, and libraries. It housed thousands of monks and students who studied various subjects, including theology, logic, grammar, astronomy, mathematics, and medicine. The curriculum was comprehensive, covering both religious and secular topics, with a significant emphasis on Buddhist teachings.

The university’s libraries, known as Dharmaganja, were legendary, comprising three main buildings: Ratnasagara, Ratnadadhi, and Ratnaranjaka. These libraries contained millions of manuscripts, including rare and valuable texts. Scholars like Xuanzang and Yijing from China visited Nalanda and documented their experiences, highlighting the university’s rigorous academic environment and extensive literary collections.

The Rise of Bakhtiyar Khilji

Bakhtiyar Khilji was a Turkish Muslim commander who rose to prominence in the late 12th century. Initially a soldier in the Ghurid army, Khilji soon gained a reputation for his military prowess and strategic acumen. By the late 12th century, he had become a prominent leader in the Ghurid territories in northern India, eventually establishing his own rule in Bengal and Bihar.

Khilji’s rise to power was marked by a series of successful military campaigns. His ambitions extended beyond mere territorial expansion; he sought to establish his dominance and spread Islamic rule in the region. This period in Indian history was characterized by significant conflict between the established Hindu and Buddhist kingdoms and the emerging Muslim sultanates.

The Attack on Nalanda

In 1193 AD, Bakhtiyar Khilji launched an attack on Nalanda University. The exact motivations behind this assault are complex and multifaceted:

1. Military Conquest: Khilji’s primary goal was to expand his territory and consolidate power. Attacking prominent centers of learning and culture was a strategic move to demoralize the local population and weaken their resistance. Nalanda, being a significant institution in the region, was a prime target.
2. Cultural and Religious Conflict: Khilji, like many other Muslim invaders, viewed the propagation of non-Islamic knowledge and beliefs as contrary to their religious values. Nalanda was a major center for Indian civilization, and its destruction was seen as a way to suppress these beliefs and promote Islamic dominance.
3. Symbolic Destruction: Nalanda was not just an educational institution; it was a symbol of intellectual and religious achievement in the Indian world. Destroying such a symbol was intended to demonstrate Khilji’s power and commitment to Islamic expansion.

During the attack, Khilji’s forces set fire to the vast libraries of Nalanda. It is said that the manuscripts burned for several months, resulting in the loss of countless invaluable texts. The university’s buildings were destroyed, and many monks and scholars were killed or fled.

Impact of the Destruction

The destruction of Nalanda University had profound and far-reaching consequences:

1. Loss of Knowledge: The burning of Nalanda’s libraries resulted in the loss of a vast repository of knowledge. Manuscripts that contained centuries of accumulated wisdom, scientific research, and literary works were irretrievably lost. This was a significant blow to Indian scholarship and the broader intellectual heritage of the world.
2. Decline of Indian Civilization: Nalanda was a major center of Indian civilization and scholarship. Its destruction dealt a severe blow to the intellectual community in India. The decline of Nalanda contributed to the overall decline of Indian civilization in the subcontinent, as many scholars and monks were killed or forced to flee to other regions, particularly Tibet and Southeast Asia.
3. Cultural Impact: The destruction of such a prominent institution marked a significant cultural shift. It symbolized the end of an era of Indian history characterized by religious tolerance and intellectual diversity. The rise of Islamic rule in northern India brought new cultural and religious dynamics, which significantly altered the region’s historical trajectory.

Legacy and Rediscovery

For centuries, the site of Nalanda lay in ruins, forgotten by the world. It was only in the 19th century that British archaeologists rediscovered the ruins of Nalanda and began excavations. These excavations revealed the grandeur and scale of the ancient university, providing valuable insights into its structure and functioning.

In recent years, there have been efforts to revive the legacy of Nalanda. In 2010, the Indian government established the Nalanda University near the site of the ancient institution, with the aim of reviving its spirit of academic excellence and international collaboration. The new Nalanda University seeks to build on the historical legacy of its predecessor, focusing on interdisciplinary research and promoting intellectual exchange across cultures.

Conclusion

The destruction of Nalanda University by Bakhtiyar Khilji in 1193 AD was a pivotal moment in history. It marked the end of one of the world’s greatest centers of learning and symbolized a significant cultural and religious shift in the Indian subcontinent. The loss of knowledge and the decline of Indian civilization were among the many profound consequences of this tragic event. Today, efforts to revive Nalanda’s legacy remind us of the enduring importance of knowledge, tolerance, and cultural exchange. The story of Nalanda is a testament to the resilience of human intellect and the enduring quest for wisdom.