Question

The buildings at Nālandā library were called-
(A) Ratnakirti
(B) Ratnasāgara
(C) Ratnarañjaka
(D) Ratnodadhi
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

• A. (A), (B) and (C) only
• B. (A), (B) and (D) only
• C. (A), (B), (C) and (D)
• D. (B), (C) and (D) only

Hint:

For questions on ancient Indian history and institutions like Nālandā, remember key names and their associations. Differentiating between names of places, people, and texts is crucial. The prefix 'Ratna' (jewel) is a strong clue for the library buildings at Nālandā.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
The question asks to identify the names of the buildings that constituted the great library of the ancient Nālandā Mahāvihāra (University).
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
The library of Nālandā was known as the Dharma Gunj (Mountain of Truth). According to historical accounts, particularly from Tibetan sources like the writings of Taranatha, it was a vast repository of knowledge housed in three magnificent multi-storied buildings. The names of these three buildings were:


Ratnasāgara (Ocean of Jewels)
Ratnodadhi (Sea of Jewels)
Ratnarañjaka (Jewel-adorned)
These buildings correspond to options (B), (D), and (C) respectively.
Let's evaluate option (A) Ratnakirti. Ratnakīrti was a renowned Buddhist philosopher and logician, primarily associated with the Vikramaśīla University, not a building at Nālandā.
Step 3: Final Answer:
The correct names for the Nālandā library buildings are Ratnasāgara, Ratnarañjaka, and Ratnodadhi. Therefore, the option that includes (B), (C), and (D) only is the correct one.