Abstract

The quest to know the wonders of nature, the material world, and later the increasing desire for knowledge led humanity to build learning centres at each age in history. The specific qualities of each of the educational institution can largely be accounted in terms of the date of its establishment; the conditions under which it was found; the political situation of the location; and the cultural context in which it was installed, which was a chance or an intended design. The paramount aim of this paper is to analyse the mahāvihāra of Nālandā as an institution of learning. We will undertake a critical examination of its objectives, method of teaching, curriculum, teachers, students and administrative system. The Buddhist religion and philosophy was intimately connected with Nālandā Mahāvihāra from its origin to decline. It was the high profile centre for the research and study of Buddhist religion and philosophy to propagate Buddhism in and out of ancient India. This fact must be kept in mind while studying about this noteworthy educational institution.