‘Nalanda: How It Changed the World’ book review: Compelling and deeply researched account
Nalanda: How It Changed the World by Abhay K., a diplomat and acclaimed poet, is a compelling and deeply researched account of one of the world’s most influential ancient centres of learning, Nalanda Mahavihara. Spanning 224 pages and structured into eight chapters along with an extended introduction, bibliography, and index, the book meticulously explores Nalanda’s historical trajectory, intellectual contributions, and enduring legacy.
Abhay K., deputy director general, ICCR, embarks on a scholarly yet poetic journey to unravel the mysteries surrounding Nalanda: its origin, founders, the scholars it nurtured, and the array of disciplines it fostered. He addresses key questions about whether Nalanda can truly be regarded as a University in the modern sense, highlighting its unique structure and intellectual framework that set it apart from contemporary institutions.
The book opens with a detailed introduction tracing Nalanda’s roots to the era of King Bimbisara of the Haryanka dynasty and follows its development through the Gupta and Pala dynasties. It emphasizes the pivotal role of royal patronage, especially that of Emperor Kumaragupta-I, in the establishment and flourishing of Nalanda. The narrative is interwoven with the author’s own poetic reflections, lending the historical account an emotional and artistic dimension that enriches the reader’s engagement.
One of the book’s key strengths is its contextualisation of Nalanda within its geographical and historical setting, situated near Rajagriha, the first capital of Magadha. This location became a melting pot of intellectual discourse and spiritual debate, attracting minds from across Asia. The author delves into the philosophical legacy of figures like Sariputra and Maudgalyayana, two disciples of the Buddha, whose teachings laid the groundwork for Nalanda’s rich academic tradition.
Abhay K. charts Nalanda’s rise as a hub of multidisciplinary education, offering studies in Buddhist philosophy, astronomy, medicine, mathematics, literature, and the arts. Through detailed research, he captures the rigor of its academic standards and the vibrancy of its scholarly community. The intellectual dynamism of Nalanda is further brought to life through accounts of iconic thinkers such as Nagarjuna, Aryabhata, and Dharmakirti, whose contributions helped shape global thought in their respective fields.
A significant portion of the book is dedicated to foreign scholars, particularly from China, Korea, Tibet, and Central Asia, who journeyed to Nalanda and documented its scholarly life. The travelogues of Faxian, Xuanzang, and Yijing offer invaluable first-hand insights, portraying Nalanda as a beacon of knowledge and cross-cultural exchange. Xuanzang’s pilgrimage, in particular, receives special attention, with his journey poetically portrayed and emotionally resonant, serving as a narrative anchor within the book.
Equally compelling is the exploration of Nalanda’s decline. Abhay K. examines the confluence of political and social forces that led to the institution’s downfall, notably the waning of Buddhism in India and the destructive invasion by Bakhtiyar Khilji in the late 12th century. The heartbreaking account of the burning of Nalanda’s vast library, allegedly smoldering for months, serves as a stark symbol of the tragic erasure of centuries of accumulated wisdom.
In the concluding chapters, the author reflects on Nalanda’s lasting legacy. He draws connections between Nalanda’s interdisciplinary approach and the foundation of modern universities, arguing that its influence transcended national borders. This is exemplified by institutions inspired by Nalanda’s name and ethos in countries like Sri Lanka, the US, Brazil, and Singapore. The recent revival of Nalanda University in Bihar stands as a modern tribute to this ancient marvel.
Abhay K. also draws from his personal roots near Nalanda’s ruins, which adds authenticity and heartfelt reverence to his narrative. His dual expertise as a poet and historian allows him to blend lyrical storytelling with academic rigor, making the book accessible yet intellectually enriching. Particularly noteworthy are the short poems scattered throughout the text, which encapsulate major events, Xuanzang’s odyssey, the rise of Nalanda, and its tragic destruction, in a manner that is both artistically evocative and emotionally powerful.
Overall, Nalanda: How It Changed the World is a luminous tribute to a lost treasure of human civilization. It is not just a chronicle of a historical institution but a celebration of intellectual freedom, spiritual exploration, and cultural dialogue. Through this book, Abhay K. invites readers to rediscover India’s ancient knowledge systems and their global relevance today. For anyone interested in the history of education, Indian civilisation, or Buddhist heritage, this book is an essential and transformative read. It fills a vital gap in historical scholarship while evoking a deep emotional connection to Nalanda’s timeless legacy.
Nalanda: How It Changed the World by Abhay K.
Published by: Penguin Random House India Pvt. Ltd.
Year of Publication: 2025
Dr Arvind Kumar Singh is Assistant Professor, Buddhist Studies, Gautam Buddha University.
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