The ruins of ancient Nalanda Mahavihara also known as Nalanda University in Bihar’s Nalanda district has been included in the list of UNESCO’s World Heritage Site.
The world cultural organisation UNESCO accorded this status on July 15. Now, Nalanda University ruins located at Nalanda district has become the second World Heritage Site in Bihar after Bodhgaya’s Mahabodhi temple. The ruins comprise the archaeological remains of monastic and scholastic institutions dating from the 3rd century BC to the 13th century AD.
It has large number of remains of stupas, shrines and viharas and important art works in stucco, stone and metal. After the sustained efforts of the Archaeological Survey of India and Government of Bihar, the site has got this coveted status. It will help in conservation and protection of the site in better way, with increased funds from the UNESCO.
Expressing his happiness, the Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his message on Twitter said this is a matter of immense joy. Mr. Modi said the Nalanda University is a place associated with India’s rich and glorious history
The Nalanda Mahavihara comprises the archaeological remains of a monastic and scholastic institution dating from the 3rd century BCE to the 13th century CE. It includes stupas, shrines, viharas (residential and educational buildings) and important art works in stucco, stone and metal. Nalanda stands out as the most ancient university of the Indian Subcontinent. It engaged in the organized transmission of knowledge over an uninterrupted period of 800 years. The historical development of the site testifies to the development of Buddhism into a religion and the flourishing of monastic and educational traditions.