Nalanda University excavated site

The history of Nalanda goes back to the days of Mahavira and Buddha in the 6th century BCE. It was the place of birth and nirvana of Sariputra, one of the famous disciples of Buddha. The place rose into prominence in the 5th century CE as a great monastic-cum-educational institution for oriental art and learning in the whole Buddhist world, attracting students from distant countries including China.