Question

How did nalanda become a unique centre of buddhist learning?

Answer 1

Nalanda was the seat of Buddhist learning. It was built largely by Buddhist disciples, but Guptas, the orthodox Hindus also patronised it. The university had a plan of its own. Monastic buildings and stupas were arranged in a regular fashion round the central college which had 7 halls.It has 300 smaller rooms for lecturing work. The building was exceptionally high. The very name Nalanda has been derived from the word Na-alam-da insatiable in giving, implying that the university education in those days did not cram the mind with knowledge but created an insatiable thirst for it.