AM

Aditya MathurAIR 98· 2025

Question 1GS1GS1

"Nalanda is a symbol of India's academic heritage and vibrant cultural exchange." Elucidate with specific references to foreign travelers' accounts. (10 marks, 150 words)

Open scan (p.3)

Introduction

Nalanda university was established by King Kumaragupta of Gupta dynasty as centre for advanced learning in theology and other disciplines.

20 words

Main Body

Symbol of Academic Heritage:

○ Landmark Manuscripts: Written by thinker like Fa Xien who wrote Fu-kuo Ki (Record I) Buddhist Kingdom

○ New Disciplines: Emerged due to diverse thinker backgrounds. Eg Varah Mihir on cloud formation

○ Exchange of Ideas: between contemporary thinkers like Fa-Xien and I-tsang (Both Chinese philosophers)

○ Royal Patronage: Allowed expansion of university of resources. Eg King Gopala gave many villages to Nalanda upkeep

Symbol of Vibrant Cultural Exchange:

○ Buddhist Thought: Expanded due to thinkers like Hueng Tsang who came to court of King Harvivardhana (Puri, abhed Dinasti)

○ Expansion of Indian culture: By Hueng Tsang in East Asia & China on silk route

○ New system of culture: due to dialectical thought caused by diverse ideas.

university of resources. Eg Bulamarh roles King Gopala gave many villages to Nalanda upkeep

Symbol of Vibrant Cultural Exchange

○ Buddhist Thought: Expanded due to thinkers like Hueng Tsang who came to court of King Harvivardhana (Puri, abhed Dinasti)

○ Expansion of Indian culture: By Hueng Tsang in East Asia & China on silk route

○ New system of culture: due to dialectical thought caused by diverse ideas.

Nalanda university was a modern university in its times, and has today been served in Nalanda as a 21st century university as envisaged by President Kalam.

216 words7 paragraphs

Conclusion

Nalanda university was a modern university in its times, and has today been served in Nalanda as a 21st century university as envisaged by President Kalam.

26 words

  • Addresses the core question with reference to foreign travelers
  • Provides specific examples of scholars (Fa Xien, Hueng Tsang, I-tsang)
  • Links academic heritage to cultural exchange
  • Mentions royal patronage as supporting evidence

Topper

Aditya Mathur

AIR 982025

Subject & Paper

GS1GS1

Topic

Indian Culture

Architecture

Nalanda University

Writing Stats

262

Total words

7

Paragraphs

Academic but concise

Tone