Nalanda was famous for its University, which was founded in the 5th century by the Gupta Emperors. Once a home of thousands of teachers and students from distant place, Nalanda offered scriptures of Buddhism, Vedas, Hetu Vidya (logic), Shabda Vidya (grammar), chikitsa Vidya (medicine) etc. the university recieved royal patronage from the illustrious king Harshavardhana of Kannaui and also from Pala kings. It was a great center of learning and students from foreign countries were also attracted to this university. Nalanda acquired a celebrity spread all over the east as a center of Buddhist theology and educational activities. its importance as a monastic university continued until the end of the 12th century. The ruins extend over a large area and represent only a part of the extensive establishment.

A row of monastery sites lies from south to north. By and large all of them followed the same pattern. But most important of them is site no 1, entrance of which lies in the west wall through a large portico of which the roof rested on pillars. At a later period this portico was converted into a porch with an ante-chamber by the addition of two walls. Flanking this door there existed stucco figures,w hich having been badly damaged by fire in ancient days fell to pieces as soon as there exposed. In the courtyard, there used to be Lord Buddha’s shrine and a well in each monastery.

Sights And Activities

The Nalanda University Archaeological Complex
The total area of the excavation is about 14 hectares. All the edifices are of red brick and the gardens are beautiful. The buildings are divided by a central walkway that goes south to north, the monasteries are east of this central alley and the temples of “Chaiyas” to the west. The monastery 1 is perhaps the most interesting with its cells on two floors built around a central courtyard where steps lead up to what must have been a dais for the professors to address their students. A small chapel still retains a half broken statue of the Lord Buddha. The huge pyramidal structure of the temple no 3 is impressive and from its top commands a splendid view of the entire area. It is surrounded by smaller stupas, many of which are studded with small and big statues of the Lord Buddha in various poses.

The Nalanda Archaeological Museum
The Nalanda museum preserves small but rare collections of Buddhist and Hindu bronzes and a number of undamaged statues of the Lord Buddha that were found in the area. It is located opposite the entrance to the ruins of the university and houses. Two enormous terracotta jars of the first century stand intact behind the museum in a shaded enclosure. The collection includes copper plates and stone inscriptions, coins, pottery and samples of burnt rice (12th century AD). It is closed on Friday.

Nava Nalanda Mahavira
Nava Nalanda Mahavira is a school that is devoted to study and research in Pali literature and Buddhism. This is a new institute, where students from foreign countries also study.

Hien Tsang Memorial Hall
A new construction in memory at the memory great Chinese traveler Hieun Tsang.

Silao
Silao is a small village lies in between Nalanda and Rajgir. There is nothing special in this village but the cultural life and local sweet “Khaja”, which is popular in whole Bihar can be savored.

Surajpur Baragaon
The lake with its temple to Surya, the God Sun is a pilgrim destination twice a year in the month of April and May and in the month of October and November.