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Imtikokba Jamir

Updated on 13th December, 2023 , 8 min read

First University In India: Oldest University (Nalanda University), Role, Achievements, Courses, Admission Process, and Fee Structure

First University in India Overview

The First University of India, i.e., the renowned Nalanda University, was known to be an intellectual stronghold that served as a beacon of knowledge and enlightenment for centuries. It is located in the archives of history, tucked away in the lush landscape of ancient Bihar, India. The revered Nalanda University, considered the first university in India, was the breeding ground for generations of thinkers, philosophers, and scholars who enlightened the globe with their knowledge. The illustrious Gupta dynasty ruled India in the fifth century CE, which is when Nalanda University was founded. Its foundations are firmly planted in a strong devotion to the pursuit of knowledge, and it embraces a comprehensive educational philosophy that cuts across national boundaries. 

First University in India

What is Nalanda University?

Nalanda, situated in ancient Magadha (now Bihar), eastern India, was a renowned Mahavihara Buddhist monastic university (the first university in India). According to historians, it was the first residential university and one of the most significant educational institutions in antiquity. During the fifth and sixth centuries CE, Nalanda, which thrived from 427 to 1197 CE, was crucial in establishing patronage of the arts and academia. Because of India's enormous cultural and intellectual achievements, this time is known as the "Golden Age of India" by academics.

First University in India Highlights

The following table shows the details of Nalanda University-

Parameters

Details

Establishment Year

5th Century AD

Location

Bihar

Founded in

427 (north-eastern India)

New Establishment Year

2010

Type of University

Public Central

Address

299M+4MC, Pilkhi, Bihar, 803116

Contact No.

06112 255 330

Official Website

https://nalandauniv.edu.in/ 

First University in India: Description of Nalanda University

The following table gives details about the first university in India-

Parameters

Description

Foundation and location

Nalanda University was situated in ancient Magadha (now Bihar). It was located in Nalanda, around 88 kilometers southeast of the modern city of Patna.

Infrastructure and design

The university's sprawling campus allegedly measured 14 hectares (about 35 acres) in size. The campus was divided up into many structures, including lecture halls, libraries, teacher and student housing, meditation centers, and temples.

Residential system.

It is believed that thousands of students and teachers lived on the site of Nalanda, a residential university, at its height. The residential arrangement made the academic community's ongoing flow of ideas and information possible.

Teaching methods. 

At Nalanda, the majority of education was imparted orally, and the bond between teachers (acharyas) and students (shishas) was highly revered. To deepen their comprehension of the topics, teachers encouraged their students to participate in debates and discussions.

Achievements of the First University In India: Nalanda University

In ancient India, Nalanda University (the first university in India) was a renowned center of study with many accomplishments that added to its stature and historical significance. Nalanda University has made some significant accomplishments, which are as follows-

Parameters

Description

Academic Excellence

Nalanda (the First university in India) was a leading university in its era being one of the first universities of the world, offering a variety of courses in Buddhist philosophy, logic, grammar, medicine, metaphysics, astronomy, and other fields. It drew academics and learners from all around the world.

Reputation Abroad

The university being the first university in India as well as one of the first universities in the world, its standing went much beyond the Indian subcontinent. It attracted researchers from Central Asia, China, Southeast Asia, and other places, serving as a key hub for international students. This multicultural setting facilitated a rich interchange of information.

World's First Residential University

Nalanda, not only being the first university in India but also was the world’s first residential university in the world which provided housing for tens of thousands of students and teachers and is regarded as the first residential university in history. This residential arrangement promoted a culture of lifelong learning by enabling students to participate in scholarly conversations and debates both within and outside of the classroom.

Large Library

The city of Nalanda had a sizable library that had a sizable number of manuscripts and texts. It served as a clearinghouse for knowledge, drawing scholars who wished to access its enormous literary contents. The library contributed to Nalanda’s success in producing India's first university as well as one of the first universities in the world.

Advancing Buddhism

The growth and spread of Buddhism were strongly related to Nalanda. This organization conserved and disseminated a large number of Buddhist scriptures, which aided in the development of Buddhist philosophy and thought.

Notable scholars

Numerous well-known academics and thinkers who made substantial contributions to numerous subjects came from the university. At Nalanda, notable individuals like Nagarjuna, Aryadeva, Dharmakirti, and Atisha both studied and taught. 

Architectural Marvel

The university's campus was a wonder of traditional Indian architecture, complete with imposing structures, temples, classrooms, and places for meditation. Its expansive and spectacular design revealed the magnificence of early Indian engineering and architecture.

Courses provided by First University in India: Nalanda University

Nalanda University (the first University in India), a historic institution, provided a broad range of programs encompassing many topics. The below table outlines some of the notable courses that Nalanda University may have given, based on the information that is currently available to us- 

Courses

Description

Buddhist Studies

Exploration of Buddhist philosophy and teachings.

Astronomy

Observational and theoretical study of celestial bodies.

Medicine

Principles of ancient Indian medical practices.

Logic

Critical thinking and reasoning.

Grammar

Study of ancient Indian linguistic principles.

Literature

Appreciation and analysis of ancient texts.

Vedas and Scriptures

Study of ancient Indian religious texts.

Philosophy

Examination of various philosophical schools.

Politics

Study of ancient political systems and governance.

Dissipation of  the First University in India: Nalanda University

Unfortunately, Nalanda University (The First University In India) declined and eventually faced destruction in the 12th century due to various historical factors, which included an invasion at the end of the 12th Century by Bakhityar Khilji, who demolished the monastery, Killed The monks, And Burned The Valuable Library. However, its legacy and achievements continue to be revered and remembered as a symbol of India's rich cultural and educational heritage.

Re-establishment of Nalanda University in 2010

Now that it has been restored, Nalanda University is recognized as a cutting-edge, international institution of higher education. In order to preserve the tradition of the former Nalanda institution (the First University in India), the Indian government and East Asian partners founded the new Nalanda University in 2010. The newly revived Nalanda University is committed to advancing multidisciplinary research and the study of Asian philosophy, history, and culture. In addition to providing a forum for collaboration and interaction among experts from around the world, its aim is to promote intellectual and cultural exchange among Asian nations.

First University in India

Location of the re-established Nalanda University

The university is located close to the original location of the historic Nalanda University in Rajgir, Bihar. The Nalanda University Act 2010, which was approved by the Indian Parliament, governs how it is run. The campus was built to house contemporary academic facilities and foster an atmosphere that is favorable to cutting-edge research and education. Nalanda University has been designated as an “institution of national importance” (Act). This university places a special emphasis on this philosophy, which distinguishes it from all other universities in the area.

Aims of Nalanda University

The following are the aims of the First University in India-

  1. The idea aims to restore the broken alliances and partnerships that formerly existed in Asia.
  2. These deep historical connections are prevalent throughout Asian nations and can be seen in a variety of shared cultural traits.
  3. In terms of both design and bearing, Nalanda University considers its Library to be the main focus of its master plan as the Old Nalanda University (i.e. the first university in India). 
  4. It is also committed to creating an intellectual hub that will guarantee that teachers and students have access to excellent resources in a variety of convenient formats for their entire development. 
  5. Koha integrated library management software has completely automated the Nalanda University Library.
  6. Nalanda University hopes and strives to reach the pinnacle of the early Nalanda University, i.e. the oldest university in India and one of the oldest universities in the world, to reach its former days of being one of the most sought-after and prestigious universities in the world.

Role in the "Golden Age of India

The intellectual and cultural flowering of ancient India in the fifth and sixth centuries CE, referred to by historians as the "Golden Age of India," was significantly inspired by Nalanda.  The sharing of knowledge and ideas at Nalanda helped a number of fields advance as a whole.

First University of India Courses

  1. MA in World Literature (EQUIVALENT to MA in English)
  2. Master’s in Santana Hindu Studies
  3. MBA in Sustainable Development and Management in the School of Management Studies
  4. Master’s and Ph.D. in Historical Studies
  5. Master’s and Ph.D. in Ecology and Environment Studies
  6. Master’s and Ph.D. in Buddhist Studies, Philosophy, and Comparative Religion
  7. Diploma and Certificate in Languages

MBA Fee Structure of the re-established Nalanda University (Indian Students)

The following table shows the MBA fee structure at the First University of India-

 

 

Details of fee structure

INR

Year-1

Year-2

Sem 1

Sem 2

Sem 3

Sem 4

Admission Fees (one time)

6000

-

-

-

Tuition fees

50000

50000

50000

50000

Miscellaneous

2500

2500

2500

2500

Security deposit

(one-time refundable)

6000

-

-

-

Total (Semester wise)

64500

52500

52500

52500

Total (Year wise)

117000

105000

Fees for Master’s Programmes for the batch of 2023-2025 (Indian Students)

The following table shows the fee structure for Master's Programs at the First University of India-

 

 

Details of fee structure

INR

Year-1

Year-2

Sem 1

Sem 2

Sem 3

Sem 4

Admission Fees 

(one time)

6000

-

-

-

Tuition fees

28000

28000

28000

28000

Miscellaneous

2500

2500

2500

2500

Security deposit

(one-time refundable)

6000

-

-

-

Total (Semester wise)

42500

30500

30500

30500

Total (Year wise)

73000

61000

Also read: Top MA Colleges in Bihar

MDDM College, MuzaffarpurNava Nalanda Mahavihara
Amity University - PatnaDr Ram Manohar Lohia Smarak College, Muzaffarpur
Maharani Janki Kunwar College (MJK)Dr Zakir Husain Institute (ZHI), Patna
Munshi Singh College - MotihariLND College - Motihari, East champaran

 

Fee for Doctoral Program (Ph.D.) for Indian Students at Nalanda University

The following table shows the fee structure for the Doctoral program (Ph.D.) at the First University of India-

 

 

Details of fee structure

INR

Year - 1

Year - 2

Year - 3

Year - 4

Sem 1

Sem 2

Sem 3

Sem 4

Sem 5

Sem 6

Sem 7

Sem 8

Admission Fee 

(one time)

6000

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

Tuition fee

40000

40000

40000

40000

40000

40000

40000

40000

Misc fee

2500

2500

2500

2500

2500

2500

2500

2500

Security Deposit

(one Time-refundable) 

6000

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

Thesis Submission/ Evaluation fee

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

15000

Total

54000

42500

42500

42500

42500

42500

42500

57500

Year wise total

97000

85000

85000

100000

Grand Total

INR 3,67,000

Admission Process of the First University of India

Master’s and Ph.D. Programs

The whole admissions application process is online, in keeping with the University's commitment to sustainability. The Statement of Purpose (SoP), self-introduction letter, and supporting papers must be sent along with the application form, which must be filled out completely.

Conclusion

The new Nalanda University strives to become a center for knowledge exchange on a global scale by forming alliances with esteemed organizations all over the world. It is not constrained by geographical boundaries. Because of this interconnection, its effects on the world are felt beyond national boundaries, spurring scientific advancement and societal change. The brand-new Nalanda University, just like the Nalanda University of Old i.e. the First University of India, invites us all to join in on this inspiring tale of rebirth and revitalization as it unfolds its chapters. It invites enquiring minds, truth-seekers, and change agents to take part in a fascinating trip where traditional knowledge meets cutting-edge research. Let's celebrate the knowledge-bearing phoenix that has emerged from the ashes to blaze the way to a better, more enlightened future. 

 

 

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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the oldest university in India's history?

Nalanda University: Between the fifth through the twelfth centuries CE, the ancient city of Nalanda served as a center of learning. Nalanda, one of the world's oldest universities, was situated in the modern Indian state of Bihar; UNESCO designated the ruins of Nalanda Mahavihara as a world-historic site. It is considered the first university in India.

Who destroyed Nalanda University?

During his conquest of northern and eastern India in the 1190s, Turko-Afghan military general Bakhtiyar Khilji led a roaming army of invaders that destroyed the university in an effort to put an end to the Buddhist center of learning.

Why did Khilji burn Nalanda?

The Indian philosopher and educator Bakhtiyar Khilji was well-known for the medical professionals in his court. With Buddhism and Ayurveda, he made the decision to obliterate the foundations of knowledge. He started a fire in Nalanda's massive library which also brought an end to the first university in India.

Why is Nalanda University famous?

One of the first universities in the world was Nalanda University. It was founded in the fifth century and is located not far from Rajagriha (now Rajgir) in Bihar. It flourished throughout the reigns of the Pala kingdom, the Gupta king Kumaragupta, and Harsha, the emperor of Kannauj.

Does Nalanda University still exist today?

Yes, in the present day, Nalanda University has been restored. The Nalanda University Act passed in 2010, made it possible for it to be re-established as an international center for learning and research. Now operating, the new Nalanda University seeks to carry on the heritage of its ancient predecessor i.e. the First University of India.

How significant is Nalanda University's influence on modern education?

Nalanda University's( the first university in India) influence on modern education is profound, as it represents a historic model of organized and specialized higher education. It inspires the contemporary educational landscape by emphasizing holistic learning, global collaboration, and the pursuit of knowledge across disciplines.

Was Nalanda University only for Buddhist studies?

No, Buddhist studies were not the exclusive focus of Nalanda University. The university had a broad curriculum that covered a variety of fields, including mathematics, astronomy, medicine, and literature, though Buddhism was one of the main subjects taught.

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