Choose the correct statement regarding Nalanda University at the time of Harshavardana :

Key Points

• Silabhadra was a renowned Buddhist scholar and the Chancellor of Nalanda University during the time of Harshavardana.
• Nalanda University was a prominent center of learning in ancient India, attracting scholars from all over Asia.
• Silabhadra played a crucial role in the administration and academic activities of the university.
• His teachings and leadership contributed significantly to the university's prestige and scholarly reputation.

Additional Information

• Nalanda University:
  • Established during the Gupta Empire in the 5th century CE, Nalanda University was one of the world's first residential universities.
  • The university was known for its diverse range of subjects including Buddhist studies, logic, grammar, medicine, and mathematics.
  • It attracted students and scholars from regions such as China, Korea, Japan, Tibet, Mongolia, Turkey, Sri Lanka, and Southeast Asia.
  • The university had a vast library called "Dharmaganja," which consisted of three large buildings, one of which was nine stories high.
• Harshavardana:
  • Harshavardana, also known as Harsha, was a 7th-century Indian emperor who ruled North India from 606 to 647 CE.
  • He was a patron of arts and learning, and during his reign, Nalanda University flourished as a center of education and culture.
  • Harsha's court was known for its scholars, poets, and artists, and he himself was an accomplished writer and playwright.
• Silabhadra:
  • Silabhadra was a prominent Buddhist monk and scholar who served as the Chancellor of Nalanda University.
  • He was a disciple of Dharmapala, another great Buddhist scholar, and played a significant role in the propagation of Mahayana Buddhism.
  • Silabhadra's teachings had a profound influence on the students and scholars of Nalanda, including the famous Chinese traveler Xuanzang.
• Medium of Instruction:
  • The primary medium of instruction at Nalanda University was Sanskrit, although Pali and other local languages were also used for teaching and scholarly activities.
  • Sanskrit was the language of scholarship and intellectual discourse in ancient India, facilitating communication among scholars from different regions.