Ancient Universities of India: List and facts

India’s history of higher education goes back to ancient times. In earlier times, people established a few ancient universities in India. They played a major role in the country’s culture, literature, and scientific advancements. This article talks about the history of ancient universities of India and how they helped India’s growth and identity.

Top 7 Universities in Ancient India   

India has been known for its standard of higher education since the 6th century BCE. India’s universities were centres of learning, culture, and innovation. In this article, we will explore the top seven ancient Indian universities, their location, history, and achievements.

Names of Universities	Location
Takshashila University	Taxila, Gandhara (Pakistan)
Nalanda University	Rajgir, Bihar
Odantapuri University	Bihar
Vikramshila University	Bhagalpur, Bihar
Jagaddala Mahavihara	Rajshahi, Bangladesh
Vallabhi University	Bhavnagar, Gujarat
Somapura Mahavihara	Naogaon, Bangladesh

Famous Universities of Ancient India

Some of the old universities of India, are established in India, attracting scholars from different regions and religions. Some of the famous universities are:

• Takshashila University: This is one of India’s oldest universities. It is located in Taxila, Gandhara. It was the first university in India.
• Nalanda University: This is one of the largest ancient universities in the world. It is located in Rajgir, Bengal.  It had over 10,000 students and 1,500 teachers from different countries and religions.
• Odantapuri University: This was also one of the oldest universities in ancient India. It was located in Bihar.  It had over 12,000 students and 500 teachers from different countries and religions.
• Vallabhi University: This is one of the prominent universities in India. It is in Bhavnagar, Gujarat.  It had more than 6000 students and 400 teachers.
• Pushpagiri University: This was an ancient university of Buddhism. It was located in Odisha. It started in the 3rd century CE till the 11th century CE.

Takshashila University 

Takshashila University was the first university of India. Some renowned people in Indian history were students of this ancient Indian university, namely Chanakya, Panini and Charaka.

Some of the facts about Takshashila University were:

• It was situated at the junction of three major trade routes of Asia and was influenced by Persian, Greek, Scythian, and Buddhist cultures.
• Takshashila University known for post-graduation. The minimum admission age was 16 years.

Nalanda University 

In the 5th century CE, people established the ancient Nalanda University. It lasted until the 12th century CE.

• The name of the university derived from he name of a nearby village called Nalanda, which means “giver of lotus stalks. Lotus means wisdom and knowledge in Buddhism.
• Many Chinese pilgrims, such as Faxian, Xuanzang, and Yijing, visited it. These pilgrims gave detailed notes on the university’s syllabus.
• Bakhtiyar Khilji destroyed the ancient Nalanda University in 1193 CE. He burned the university’s library and killed many monks and scholars.

Odantapuri University  

Odantapuri University was one of the oldest and most celebrated Buddhist centres of learning in the ancient university of India. Establishing itself in the 7th century CE.

Some of the facts about Odantapuri University are:

• Odantapuri University situated on a hill called Hiranya Parbat, it means “the golden mountain.” It had a magnificent temple and a large stupa on its summit.
• Considering it a rival of the ancient Nalanda University, it was also a center of Mahayana Buddhism.
• Bakhtiyar Khilji destroyed it in 1193 CE. He burned down the library and killed many monks and scholars.

Vikramshila University

In ancient India (783 to 820 AD), they established Vikramshila University. There was another outstanding center of learning in the Indian state of Magadha (now Bihar). Vikramshila and Nalanda comprised the formidable pair of knowledge and education in that era. Around the end of the eighth century, King Dharmapala is credited with founding it. In contrast to other historic centers of learning, only those desiring to become Buddhist monks were admitted to Vikramshila. Following their education, these monks set out to propagate Buddhism in distant regions.

Some of the facts about Takshashila University were:

• According to reports, the Vikramshila campus housed six distinct colleges, each offering a unique specialization. The rage included topics like Sanskrit grammar, logic, metaphysics, philosophy, Buddhism, Tantra, and ritualism.
• According to the stories of the Tibetan pilgrim monks, the practice of conferring degrees and recognition originated at Vikramshila.
• Based on their merit, they awarded the titles of Mahapandit and Pandit to those who finished their education.
• The university painted portraits of these remarkable alumni on its walls.
• In 1203 AD, Vikramshila suffered the same fate as Nalanda. Both universities’ futures intertwined in numerous ways.
• Not only were both outstanding universities, but they also had amazing libraries, received substantial royal support during their respective eras, and were completely destroyed by the same Turkic invader, Bakhtiyar Khilji.

Jagaddala University

Early in the eleventh century, another significant hub of learning was the Jaggadala Vihara in Varendrabhumi (now Bangladesh). King Kampala, who ruled from 1084 to 1130 A.D., founded it.
According to Tibetan works, translators at Jagaddala rendered numerous sacred Sanskrit texts into Tibetan. Although the reason for the university’s closure is unclear, there is evidence that suggests Jagaddala may have also been the target of an invasion at some point in the early 13th century.

Vallabhi University 

Vallabhi University was an ancient university of India located in the town of Vallabhi in Gujarat, India. It was also a centre of Vaishnavism and had a close relationship with the ancient Nalanda University.

Some of the facts about Vallabhi University are:

• Derived from the name of Vallabha, the son of King Dharasena II of the Maitraka dynasty, who founded the university.
• They built it on the side of the Shetrunji River. This river was an important trade route. It connected Gujarat with other regions.
• It had over 6,000 students and 400 teachers and offered over 60 courses in various fields.
• Chinese pilgrims, such as Xuanzang and Yijing, visited it. These pilgrims spoke very well about the syllabus followed by the university.
• The Arab invaders destroyed the university in 12th century CE. The invaders looted and burned the university and its library.

Pushpagiri University 

Pushpagiri University is a prominent institution of higher learning that holds a significant place in the academic landscape. It was one of the first universities of India. Here are some key facts about this esteemed university:

• Pushpagiri University excels in its commitment to academic excellence. Its faculty comprises accomplished scholars and experts dedicated to providing students with a top-notch education.
• Pushpagiri University has modern, well-equipped campuses. They have good labs and libraries.
• The university encourages research and innovation. It gives plenty of opportunities for students to attempt research projects.

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Ancient Indian universities and their founders

Ancient Indian University	Founder (Individual or Dynasty)
Takshashila	Unknown
Nalanda	Sakraditya
Odantapuri	Gopala, Pala King
Vikramashila	Dharmapala, Pala King
Jagaddala	Rampala, Pala King
Vallabhi	Maitraka Dynasty
Somapura Mahavihara	Dharmapala, Pala King

Summing Up

This article explored the ancient Indian universities of India. These universities were academic hubs, cultured and innovative. These universities offered courses in philosophy, religion, medicine, astronomy, mathematics, law, and art. Not only are these institutions an inspiration for Indians, but they are also a part of our rich and priceless heritage.

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