Question

The Chinese scholars I-tsing (Yijing) and Hsüan-tsang (Xuanzang) visited Nālandā in the 7th century CE. What were their impressions of the Indian education system and the university?

Hint:

Nālandā was the ancient world's beacon of wisdom—respected by global scholars for its depth, diversity, and discipline.

Answer 1

Nālandā Mahāvihāra was one of the greatest centers of learning in ancient India. Chinese scholars Xuanzang (Hsüan-tsang) and Yijing (I-tsing), who visited Nālandā in the 7th century CE, recorded detailed and appreciative accounts of their experiences. Xuanzang’s Impressions:

He was deeply impressed by the vastness of the curriculum, which included Buddhist philosophy, logic, grammar, medicine, astronomy, and even mathematics.
Xuanzang described a highly disciplined academic atmosphere with over 10,000 students and 2,000 teachers.
He admired the oral debate system, where teachers and students engaged in rigorous discussions.
The university had a massive library called \textit{Dharmaganja}, containing rare manuscripts.
Yijing’s Observations:

Yijing praised the high ethical conduct, humility, and scholarly rigor of the students and monks.
He noted the detailed daily routines, which included study, meditation, teaching, and communal activities.
He was struck by the fact that food, lodging, and education were provided freely, through royal patronage and community donations.
Both accounts reveal that Nālandā was not only an academic institution but also a vibrant spiritual and cultural hub that attracted scholars from across Asia. Their records have preserved the global significance of India’s educational heritage.