WU

Wasim Ur RahmanAIR 157· 2025

Question Q.1GS1GS1

"Nalanda is a symbol of India's academic heritage and vibrant cultural exchange". Elucidate with special references to foreign travelers' accounts.

Open scan (p.1)

Introduction

Nalanda emerged as a vibrant centre of learning with the establishment of a Monastic University in 5th century AD under Kumaragupta reign of Gupta empire.

25 words

Main Body

Nalanda emerged as a vibrant centre of learning with the establishment of a Monastic University in 5th century AD under Kumaragupta reign of Gupta empire.

Nalanda as symbol of academic heritage

1Huen Tsang described Nalanda as a Great centre of learning.
2Diverse subjects were taught:

(a) Yoga, Astronomy, Mathematics etc.

3Top-notch scholarship and faculties of the time taught at Nalanda.

(a) Shilbandre taught yoga.

4Varied streams of Buddhism were taught

(a) Theravada, Mahayana, Tauric

5Well-known Scholars graduated from Nalanda. (a) Nagarjuna

Additionally, Nalanda also emerged as centre of vibrant cultural exchange.

Scholars from China came to study at Nalanda. (a) I-Tsang, Xuan Zang

2Cultural contact with central and south-east Asia established through Nalanda.

(a) Srilankayin dynasty donated revenue of 100 villages to Nalanda.

3Cultural diffusion of ideas happened from Nalanda.

Therefore, recent revival of Nalanda university and UNESCO recognition as World Heritage Site in 2016 are testament to Nalanda's significance.

157 words11 paragraphs
  • Structured the answer with clear framework on academic heritage and cultural exchange
  • Referenced specific foreign traveler accounts (Huen Tsang)
  • Listed diverse subjects taught (Yoga, Astronomy, Mathematics)
  • Mentioned notable scholars like Shilbandre
  • Provided specific examples of scholars from various regions (Nagarjuna, I-Tsang, Xuan Zang)
  • Highlighted cultural contact with south-east Asia through historical evidence (Srilankayin dynasty donation)
  • Mentioned modern recognition (UNESCO World Heritage Site 2016)
  • Structured discussion of cultural diffusion clearly

Topper

Wasim Ur Rahman

AIR 1572025

Subject & Paper

GS1GS1

Topic

Salient aspects of Art Forms, Literature and Architecture from ancient to modern times

Architecture

Nalanda University

Writing Stats

182

Total words

11

Paragraphs

Structured and analytical

Tone