Valabhi University
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Valabhi University was an important center of
Nalanda, in Bihar, in the field of education. In September 2017, the Indian central government started to consider a proposal to revive the ancient university.[1] A proposal, under the umbrella of an organization called Sanghkaya,[2]
was sent to the central government, which the Union ministry of culture has agreed.
Only time will tell if the future of Valabhi Vidyapith will match its grand history.
Curriculum
Though Valabhi is known to have championed the cause of Nikaya Buddhism (particularly of the Pudgalavada Sammitiya school), it was neither exclusive nor insular.[3] Brahmanical sciences were also taught here along with the doctrines of Buddhism. References have been found to Brahmanic students who came to learn at this university. Apart from religious sciences, courses offered include:
- Nīti (Political Science, Statesmanship)
- Vārtā (Business, Agriculture)
- Administration
- Religious thought and Philosophy (especially Buddhist philosophy)
- Law
- Accountancy
Students graduating from Valabhi were usually employed by kings to assist in the government of their kingdoms.
Fame and influence
The prominence of
Valabhi was known over the whole of Northern India. Kathasaritsagara narrates the story of a Brahmana, who was determined that he would rather send his son to Valabhi, than to Nalanda or Banaras. Gunamati and Sthiramati were two of its Panditas
; very little is known about the other famous teachers and scholars who lived here. It is quite certain that a stamp of approval of doctrines preached by various scholars by the Panditas of Valabhi, who were of authority, was valued highly in learned assemblies of many kingdoms.
Valabhi was visited by Nalanda
.
Administration and finance
When
Maitraka
kings, who ruled over the country, acted as patrons to the university. They provided enormous grants for the working of the institution and equipping its libraries.
References
- ^ Prashant Ruperal: Ancient Vallabhi University to be revived, The Times of India, September 24, 2017, accessed on September 25, 2017.
- ^ "Home". Saghakaya Foundation. Retrieved 18 February 2023.
- ^ Buddhism in Gujarat, The Hindu, 2010, https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-metroplus/Buddhism-in-Gujarat/article15703061.ece
- Apte, D. G. (1923). Universities in Ancient India, Faculty of Education and Psychology, Maharaja Sayajirao University, Baroda, Gujarat, India.
- Britannica, The Editors of Encyclopaedia. "Valabhi". Encyclopedia Britannica, 5 March 2009. Accessed 27 January 2024.