Revisiting Nalanda

Recent scholarship has brought about a shift in the way Nalanda, the world’s most ancient university, is seen. It appears to have had larger geo-cultural connections than were previously realised, and the monastery complex may have been twice the size of the present excavated site.

Site 3 or Temple 3, popularly known as the Great Stupa or Sariputra’s Stupa, is the most iconic of all the monuments at the Nalanda site in Bihar.

 

The plinth of Temple 2, which was once a huge, imposing structure.

Carved stone panels of deities and figures, belonging to the late 7th century, that once adorned the plinth of Temple 2.

One of the minor shrines in the Temple 3 complex.

Monastery 1, the largest of the monastic dwellings at the site, went through at least nine phases of construction.

The remains of Monasteries 1A and 1B in the background, which are connected to the Temple 3 complex (in the foreground).

Monastery 6. These ruins give one a rough idea of the arrangement of monk cells around a central courtyard.

Monastery 8.

Monastery 9.

Monastery 10.

Monastery 11.

The gallery leading to the excavated-enclosed site.

Miniature shrines and votive stupas in the Temple 12 complex.

The remains of the stucco images that once adorned the base of the structures in the Temple 3 complex.

The Nalanda Museum, which was established in 1917.

A pushkarni, one of the waterbodies lying outside the excavated-enclosed site.

The famous black Buddha, now enshrined at a temple in Bargaon, is popularly known as the Teliya Baba.

Temple 12. It comes across as the largest and most complex of the temples in the enclosed area.

The Xuanxang Memorial Hall, which also houses a museum.

The new art and craft centre village that lies close to the Xuanzang Memorial Hall.

1 / 0
Site 3 or Temple 3, popularly known as the Great Stupa or Sariputra’s Stupa, is the most iconic of all the monuments at the Nalanda site in Bihar.
Sign in to Unlock member-only benefits!
  • Bookmark stories to read later.
  • Comment on stories to start conversations.
  • Subscribe to our newsletters.
  • Get notified about discounts and offers to our products.
Sign in

Comments

Comments have to be in English, and in full sentences. They cannot be abusive or personal. Please abide to our community guidelines for posting your comment