Short Questions with Answers
1. Who delivered the speech on Nalanda?
- Dr. Rajendra Prasad.
2. When was the speech delivered?
- On November 20, 1951.
3. Where is Nalanda located?
- In Bihar, India.
4. What was the aim of the Magadh Research Institute?
- To study Pali, Prakrit, and Buddhist literature and philosophy.
5. With which two religious teachers is Nalanda associated?
- Lord Buddha and Lord Mahavira.
6. What does Nalanda symbolize?
- The most glorious period of Indian history.
7. Who was Sariputra?
- A disciple of Lord Buddha born in Nalanda.
8. Which Chinese pilgrim visited Nalanda in the 4th century AD?
- Fa-Hien.
9. When did Hieun Tsang visit Nalanda?
- In the 7th century AD during Emperor Harshavardhan’s reign.
10. What does “Na-alam-Da” mean?
- Peace of mind.
11. How was Nalanda University originally funded?
- By 500 traders who donated land.
12. What did Nalanda’s viharas contain?
- Rich ornamentation, sculptures, and beautiful idols.
13. How many students and teachers were at Nalanda during Hieun Tsang’s visit?
- 10,000 students and 1,500 teachers.
14. What made the teaching at Nalanda unique?
- It welcomed ideas from all religions and philosophies.
15. What subjects were compulsory at Nalanda?
- Grammar, logic, medical science, and handicrafts.
16. Which Emperor supported Nalanda from Swarna Dwipa?
- Emperor Balputra Deva.
17. What did Balputra Deva construct at Nalanda?
- A large vihara.
18. What happened to Nalanda’s library in the 12th century?
- It was destroyed.
19. Where did many manuscripts from Nalanda find refuge?
- Nepal and Tibet.
20. Who was the Chancellor of Nalanda during Hieun Tsang’s visit?
- Acharya Shila Bhadra.
21. What was Acharya Kamal Shila known for?
- Tantra Vidya.
22. What contribution did Nalanda scholars make to Tibet?
- They translated Buddhist and Sanskrit texts into Tibetan.
23. What is a significant feature of Nalanda’s syllabus?
- Its practical and utilitarian approach.
24. Which Emperor enlarged Sariputra’s samadhi?
- Emperor Ashoka.
25. What legacy does Nalanda leave for education today?
- A model of liberal, inclusive, and practical education.
Medium Questions with Answers
1. Why was Nalanda an important center of learning?
- Nalanda was a global hub for knowledge, attracting scholars from countries like China, Korea, and Tibet. Its inclusive academic attitude embraced various religions and philosophies. The university’s vast library and structured syllabus made it unique.
2. What do copper plates reveal about Nalanda’s international relations?
- Copper plates show that Emperor Balputra Deva of Swarna Dwipa supported Nalanda. He donated five villages and constructed a vihara, symbolizing global respect for Nalanda. These plates reflect Nalanda’s influence across Asia.
3. What facilities did Nalanda provide for students and teachers?
- Nalanda’s trust managed revenue from 200 villages, ensuring financial stability. Teachers and students were free from economic worries, allowing them to focus on academics. Gifts of land and buildings supported the university’s operations.
4. What role did Emperor Harshavardhan play in Nalanda’s history?
- During Emperor Harshavardhan’s reign, Nalanda reached its peak. Hieun Tsang visited Nalanda in this era and documented its glory. Harshavardhan supported the university, enhancing its reputation as a center of learning.
5. What made Nalanda’s syllabus unique?
- Nalanda’s syllabus balanced theoretical and practical knowledge. Subjects like grammar, logic, and medical science were compulsory, alongside religion and philosophy. This approach ensured students’ intellectual and practical success.
6. How did the architectural beauty of Nalanda impress visitors?
- Nalanda’s viharas had high spires, lotus-filled tanks, and shaded mango groves. The halls featured intricate sculptures and ornaments, inspiring awe among visitors. Archaeological excavations confirm these descriptions.
7. What role did Hieun Tsang play in preserving Nalanda’s legacy?
- Hieun Tsang studied at Nalanda for five years, learning law, yoga, and Buddhist texts. He documented Nalanda’s glory in his writings, which serve as valuable historical records today.
8. How did Nalanda influence the art of other countries?
- Nalanda’s fine arts influenced Nepal, Tibet, and Indonesia. Bronze statues and sculptures from Nalanda exhibit its artistic excellence, with traces found in places like Kurkihar.
9. How were manuscripts from Nalanda preserved despite its destruction?
- Scholars ensured the preservation of manuscripts by copying and storing them in Nepal and Tibet. These efforts saved many rare texts from being lost forever after the library’s destruction.
10. What does “Na-alam-Da” signify about Nalanda’s philosophy?
- “Na-alam-Da” means peace of mind, symbolizing Nalanda’s pursuit of inner tranquility. This philosophy attracted scholars worldwide and made Nalanda a center of spiritual learning.
11. How did Nalanda promote cultural exchange?
- Nalanda welcomed scholars from across Asia, fostering cultural exchange. It shared Buddhist and Sanskrit texts with Tibet and influenced Korean and Chinese literature.
12. What were the living conditions like at Nalanda?
- Students and teachers lived in well-maintained viharas with economic support. They had access to resources, a peaceful environment, and a supportive community.
13. Why was the library at Nalanda significant?
- Nalanda’s library, the largest in Asia, housed countless manuscripts. It served as a treasure trove of knowledge, preserving texts in various languages and disciplines.
14. What does Dr. Rajendra Prasad suggest about reviving Nalanda?
- Dr. Prasad emphasized reviving Nalanda as a global learning center. He called for preserving its ideals of inclusive education and academic excellence.
15. What can modern education learn from Nalanda?
- Modern education can adopt Nalanda’s holistic approach, emphasizing practical skills and inclusive philosophies. Its legacy inspires the creation of institutions that value knowledge and cultural harmony.
Long Questions with Answers
1. Describe Nalanda’s role as a global center of education.
- Nalanda attracted scholars from countries like China, Korea, and Tibet. It offered a diverse syllabus, including Buddhist and Brahmanical texts, grammar, logic, and medical science. The university fostered cultural exchange, with its scholars spreading knowledge abroad. Its vast library preserved rare manuscripts and inspired intellectual growth. Nalanda’s liberal academic approach made it a symbol of harmony and learning.
2. What contributions did Emperor Balputra Deva make to Nalanda?
- Emperor Balputra Deva of Swarna Dwipa supported Nalanda by donating five villages and constructing a vihara. His actions symbolized Nalanda’s global reputation and influence. Balputra’s devotion to Buddhist philosophy showcased the cultural ties between India and Southeast Asia. The copper plates documenting these contributions highlight the international esteem for Nalanda.
3. What does Hieun Tsang’s account tell us about Nalanda?
- Hieun Tsang described Nalanda as a flourishing university with 10,000 students and 1,500 teachers. He highlighted its structured syllabus, skilled teachers, and diverse student body. He studied under Acharya Shila Bhadra and documented Nalanda’s rich cultural and academic life. His writings provide invaluable insights into Nalanda’s historical significance.
4. How did Nalanda maintain its financial stability?
- Nalanda’s operations were supported by revenue from villages managed by a trust. Gifts of land, buildings, and donations from patrons ensured teachers and students were free from economic worries. This financial security allowed uninterrupted academic activities and contributed to Nalanda’s success as a global learning center.
5. Why does Dr. Rajendra Prasad emphasize reviving Nalanda?
- Dr. Prasad believed Nalanda symbolized India’s intellectual and cultural glory. Reviving it would reconnect India with its heritage and promote global knowledge exchange. He urged modern scholars to adopt Nalanda’s ideals of inclusive education and academic rigor. Reviving Nalanda could inspire a cultural and intellectual renaissance.
6. What contributions did Nalanda make to the spread of Buddhism?
- Nalanda scholars like Acharya Shanti Rakshit and Acharya Kamal Shila traveled to Tibet and other regions to spread Buddhism. They translated Buddhist and Sanskrit texts into Tibetan, creating a new body of literature. Nalanda also trained scholars from distant lands, ensuring the global reach of Buddhist teachings. Its vihara in Tibet, established in 749 AD, exemplified its efforts to promote Buddhism.
7. Describe the role of Nalanda’s library in preserving ancient knowledge.
- Nalanda’s library housed an extensive collection of manuscripts, serving as Asia’s largest repository of knowledge. It preserved Buddhist texts and literature from various disciplines. Although destroyed in the 12th century, many manuscripts survived in Nepal and Tibet due to the efforts of scholars. The library’s importance lay in its role as a center of intellectual preservation and dissemination.
8. What does the architecture of Nalanda reveal about its glory?
- Nalanda’s viharas had towering spires, lotus-filled tanks, and shaded mango groves, showcasing architectural excellence. The intricate sculptures and ornamented halls impressed visitors like It-Sing and Hieun Tsang. Archaeological excavations confirm these descriptions, revealing a blend of functionality and artistic beauty that symbolized Nalanda’s glory.
9. How did Nalanda foster an inclusive academic environment?
- Nalanda’s academic attitude embraced ideas from various religions and philosophies. It welcomed Buddhist, Brahmanical, and even secular studies, creating a platform for dialogue and understanding. Students studied diverse subjects like logic, grammar, and medical science alongside religion. This inclusivity contributed to its reputation as a global center of learning.
10. How can modern education benefit from the ideals of Nalanda?
- Modern education can adopt Nalanda’s balanced approach, integrating theoretical knowledge with practical skills. Its emphasis on cultural exchange and inclusivity provides a model for fostering global understanding. By valuing interdisciplinary studies and holistic learning, institutions can draw inspiration from Nalanda to create well-rounded students equipped for contemporary challenges.
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