Review of the Book: Nalanda goes Beyond a Compendium of Answers
In the realm of knowledge and intellectual debates, the name Nalanda raises a stir, conjuring images of scholarly monks engaged in deep discussions, bustling kitchens and accommodations, all while holding their ground during lively debates. For centuries, this academic hub stood as a beacon attracting Asia's finest minds.
The foundation stone, laid by King Ashoka, set the stage for what would eventually blossom into a colossal center of learning and discourse. Nalanda, as a university, marked the initial attempts to encapsulate the teachings of Buddha within written frameworks, paving the way for an organized exchange of ideas.
The dialogues in this knowledge marketplace were nothing short of intense. As time progressed, the thought leaders at Nalanda showed remarkable courage, adapting or discarding some fundamental Buddhist concepts. This evolution birthed a more dynamic basis for the spread of Buddhism across East and Central Asia, establishing the concept of Mahayana Buddhism.
However, after a lengthy reign of a millennium or so, the glowing embers of Nalanda began to flicker, eventually snuffed out by Muslim invasions. Although forgotten, the allure of Nalanda lived on, intriguing scholars and historians alike.
"Nalanda: How it Changed the World" is a labor of love, painstakingly researched and compacted into a concise, 140-page book. It delves into the varying activities of royals, intellectuals spanning from Bactria to the Ganga and Brahmaputra plains, as well as scholars worldwide.
Yet, despite the wealth of information, the book lacks an emotional connection, much like a detached recounting of historical events. The reader encounters a barrage of figures and dates but is left longing for a coherent picture that truly captures the vivaciousness of Nalanda during its prime.
Sadly, the book also neglects to discuss similar academic endeavors, such as Alexandria and other fabled libraries of the time. Furthermore, it provides little insight into the infusion of ideas from diverse directions, and there's a striking absence of discussions on how Brahminism and Jainism evolved in response to the ever-changing Buddhist thought stream.
The book's title promises a more substantial impact than it delivers. However, two quotes excerpted from William Dalrymple's "The Golden Road" provide the most profound contribution. The book features color photographs and poetic interludes, enhancing readability but occasionally hindering the narrative flow for those seekers of connections beyond dates and events.
Despite its temporary decline, the legacy of Nalanda lives on, inspiring the establishment of the modern Nalanda University with a focus on global perspectives and interdisciplinary studies. The ancient university's spirit continues to resonate, echoing through the halls of academia, hoping to motivate the scholars of tomorrow.
Books on the history of Nalanda University, such as "Nalanda: How it Changed the World," often serve as valuable resources for education-and-self-development, providing insights into the past. However, these books sometimes fall short in capturing the entertainment value of the vibrant intellectual life at Nalanda, offering more a detached account of facts and figures rather than a vivid portrayal of the lively debates and scholarly exchanges that characterized this ancient center of learning.
