Ancient Universities Of India: Nalanda To Takshashila

Centuries before modern universities, India was the world’s knowledge hub, attracting students from Asia and beyond.

[{"selector":"#anim-d5dc0149-2e12-48d2-857a-6e2dd6ea1319 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate(-3.552713678800501e-15%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"forwards"}]

Located in present-day Pakistan, Takshashila (600 BCE) taught 64 subjects, from medicine and mathematics to politics and philosophy.

[{"selector":"#anim-9a0e1afb-5ee3-414c-bec1-b0f5949158fa [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(-31.9999998907767%, 0, 0) translate(-25%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0) translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"fill":"forwards"}] Takshashila: World’s 1st University

Founded in the 5th century CE, Nalanda hosted over 10,000 students and 2,000 teachers. Its vast library was the pride of Asia.

[{"selector":"#anim-c08c44c4-3f2e-4ff7-a404-5620aec3d09e [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate(0%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"forwards"}]

Built by King Dharmapala, Vikramashila in Bihar trained monks and scholars in Buddhist philosophy, logic, and meditation.

[{"selector":"#anim-8e865e48-323c-4e6a-81ec-66fc1fd3ff00 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(-31.29687488651016%, 0, 0) translate(-25%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0) translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"fill":"forwards"}]

In Gujarat, Valabhi University thrived between the 6th and 12th centuries, known for its courses in law, administration, and Buddhist studies.

[{"selector":"#anim-f4889d88-9a36-48a7-9297-2cea7b804add [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate(0%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"forwards"}]

These ancient universities preserved India’s intellectual heritage and inspired global learning systems that continue to this day.

[{"selector":"#anim-d05c83fa-1f4e-4f99-9592-8bd8c32afe61 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(-30.320142543626865%, 0, 0) translate(-25%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0) translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"fill":"forwards"}]