Why are people recalling Nalanda University, after the Library was set ablaze in France?

In addition to greatly damaging the academic and cultural history, the recent terrible fire that destroyed the library at the University of Strasbourg in France also sparked recollections of a bygone period. The incident has made people think of Nalanda University, a historic university in India that met a similar demise centuries ago.

In this article, we examine the significant significance of these ancient institutions as well as the reasons why the burning of a library in France has drawn comparisons to the burning of Nalanda University.

Nalanda University’s Ancient Legacies

Between the third and fifth centuries CE, under the patronage of Emperor Kumaragupta I, the Gupta period saw the founding of Nalanda University. The university, which covered an area of 14 hectares, included eight distinct complexes that housed lakes, parks, monasteries, meditation halls, classrooms, and temples. Nalanda University, which had a capacity for more than 10,000 students and 2,000 faculty, was essential in spreading knowledge among diverse fields of study.

Bakhtiyar Khilji’s Terrible Invasion

Nalanda University was attacked by the Turkish Muslim conqueror Bakhtiyar Khilji in 1193 AD. Khilji destroyed the university’s temples, monasteries, and educational institutions because he wanted to eradicate Buddhism and impose Islam. The fires of the invaders destroyed the library at Nalanda, which was renowned for its extensive collection of manuscripts. The damage was so severe that the library is said to have burnt for three months as smoke covered the nearby hills.

Symbolic Importance of Nalanda’s Destruction

The destruction of Nalanda University, a symbol of worldwide intellectualism and a remarkable repository of knowledge, left an irreparable stain on history. As centuries of accumulated knowledge were turned to ashes, the destruction of its library was considered a blow not only to India but to humanity as a whole.

A Painful Reminder: French Library Fire

Although unrelated to the historical events at Nalanda, the recent library fire at the University of Strasbourg in France serves as a sad reminder of the irreparable loss endured by Nalanda. For academics, historians, and anyone who cherishes the preservation of cultural legacy and the quest of knowledge, it revives the communal memory of a horrific incident.

The Global Importance of Cultural Heritage

The comparison made between Nalanda University and the French library fire highlights the value of cultural heritage is held in high regard worldwide and the significance of safeguarding old educational institutions. The fact that these places hold the collective knowledge of humanity and serve as a starting point for future intellectual endeavours emphasises the common obligation of nations to preserve and appreciate them.

Inspiring Rebuilding and Resilience

The remembrance of Nalanda University offers a reminder of the resilience and tenacity that civilizations have displayed in the face of hardship. After Nalanda was destroyed, efforts were made to reconstruct and rekindle the pursuit of knowledge. Similar to this, the aftermath of the French library fire presents a chance for community resolve to rebuild what was destroyed and reaffirm commitment to cultural heritage preservation.