10 greatest Ancient Indian (Akhand Bharat) Universities

India is known to be one of the oldest civilizations in the world. In fact, India was a center for higher learning in ancient times. It contributed immensely to the field of Mathematics, Astrology, Astronomy, and other sciences. Vedic science was so advanced that it could be compared with the present day’s scientific inventions.

 

Education held great prominence in Indian society since the Vedic period with gurukuls and ashrams being the main centers of learning. In fact, many universities flourished in ancient India, including the world-famous Takshashila and Nalanda universities.

 

Students from far-off regions (including foreign lands) came to study in India’s old universities. These universities in ancient India are true examples of our glorious past. Let’s begin with some of the greatest universities in ancient India-

 

This was a world-famous university in India. It was located in the ‘Gandhara’ region of ancient India, presently in Pakistan’s Rawalpindi district. This region finds mention in the great Indian epics.

 

 

Many great Indian physicians, astronomers, grammarians, politicians, rulers, and authors studied at the Taxila University of ancient India.

 

 

Nalanda University is regarded as one of the oldest universities in ancient India. It was one of the leading centers for higher learning in ancient India. Nalanda was established during the Gupta Empire era. Nalanda University was located in the ancient kingdom of Magadha. Its ruins can be found seven miles north of Rajgriha in Bihar.

 

 

Historical sources indicate that the University had a long and illustrious life which lasted almost continually for 800 years from the fifth to the twelfth century CE. It was a completely residential university believed to have 2,000 teachers and 10,000 students.

Vikramshila University was founded by Pala king Dharmapala in the later 7th century BCE. It was located in the northern Magadha region that is 50 km east of Bhagalpur in Bihar.

Students from all across the country and even foreign lands came to study at this ancient University of India. More than 100 teachers taught over 1000 students in this ancient Indian University. It housed several temples. About 108 scholars were appointed as the in-charge of these temples.

 

 

Pushpagiri University was located in ancient Kalinga, covering districts such as Cuttack and Jajpur of present Odisha It flourished between 3rd and 11th centuries CE.

 

Many different subjects were taught at this center of learning. The University attracted students from all across the world. But, this ancient University in India perished during the Muslim rule due to a lack of patronage.

 

 

This temple university was was located in Kashmir and fell under the Kashmir jurisdiction of Pakistan. It is one of the 51 Shaktipeethas where Sati’s right hand fell at this place.

 

 

It is believed that this University dated back at least 2500 plus years. Some scholars say that this learning center must have been several thousand years old.

 

Vallabhi University was founded by the kings of the Maitraka dynasty about 2000 years ago. It was set up in line with the Nalanda University. It was located at Vallabhi in the Saurashtra region of Gujarat. This ancient University of India flourished until the 12th century CE.

 

Many different subjects were taught at Vallabhi University, including Law, Economics, Literature, Medical Science, Book-keeping, Grammar, and Hinayana Buddhism. Students who got a degree from this University were honored high posts in kings’ courts’ administrative departments.

Odantapuri University was founded by Pala king Gopala during the 7th century CE. It was located in the Magadha region of Bihar. Students from all across the country came to study at this University. However, this University failed to attain fame like Nalanda or Vikramshila Universities.

 

It has been claimed that this University accommodated around 12,000 students. Various subjects were taught at this University that included Vedic scriptures and even Buddhism.

Somapura University was almost as big as Nalanda University. It was established by the Pala king Dharmapala in the later 7th century. Here students learned subjects pertaining to Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism.



The buildings here exhibit the influence of these three traditions. It flourished until the 12th century. It remained an important center of learning for more than 400 years. However, Muslim invaders destroyed this University.

9. Telhara University

Telhara, a village 33 km from the ruins of the more famous Nalanda University — could be ‘Tilas-akiya’ or ‘Tiladhak’.

 

Nagarjunakonda or Nagarjuna Vidyapeeth is named after Nagarjuna who was a Buddhist philosopher from Andhra Pradesh in ancient India. This ancient university was located on the Krishna River's banks.

 

It was at its peak in the seventh and eighth centuries. Students from other countries have come to study here.