MAJOR ANCIENT UNIVERSITIES OF INDIA

PRERNA FOR IAS

MAJOR ANCIENT UNIVERSITIES OF INDIA

1. Takshashila University

Takshashila was one of the world's earliest centres of higher learning, located in present-day Taxila, Pakistan. Established around the 6th century BCE, it attracted students from India, Central Asia, and beyond. Unlike modern universities, it had no central campus; students studied under renowned teachers in various disciplines. Subjects included medicine, politics, military science, philosophy, law, astronomy, and arts. Famous scholars such as Chanakya (Kautilya), Panini, and Charaka were associated with Takshashila. The university played a vital role in spreading knowledge and culture across Asia. It declined after repeated invasions, particularly by the Huns in the 5th century CE.

2. Nalanda University

Nalanda University, located in present-day Bihar, was one of the greatest centres of learning in ancient India. Founded by Gupta ruler Kumaragupta I during the 5th century CE, it flourished for nearly 700 years. Thousands of students and teachers from India, China, Korea, Tibet, and Southeast Asia studied here. The university specialised in Buddhist philosophy, medicine, astronomy, mathematics, grammar, and logic. It had an enormous library called Dharmaganja, containing thousands of manuscripts. Chinese traveller Xuanzang studied and taught at Nalanda. The university was destroyed in the 12th century during the invasion of Bakhtiyar Khilji, ending its glorious legacy.

3. Vikramashila University

Vikramashila University was an important Buddhist learning centre established by the Pala king Dharmapala during the 8th century CE in present-day Bihar. It became famous for advanced studies in Vajrayana Buddhism, philosophy, logic, grammar, and meditation. The university attracted scholars from India, Tibet, Nepal, and Southeast Asia. It maintained high academic standards and trained many Buddhist monks who spread knowledge across Asia. The renowned scholar Atisha Dipankara was associated with Vikramashila. The university had magnificent monasteries, temples, and libraries. It flourished until the 12th century, when it was destroyed during the invasion of Bakhtiyar Khilji.

4. Vallabhi University