Question

Which was the most famous Buddhist monastery in Bihar?
A.Thai monastery
B.Bodh Gaya
C.Nalanda
D.Odantapuri

Answer 1

Hint: The Buddhist monastery remained a center of learning from the seventh century BCE through c. twelve hundred CE. It is often categorized as one of the earliest universities along with institutions like Taxila. It was one of the most publicly acknowledged Mahaviharas of Ancient India’s Magadha Empire. Many pilgrims like Hu-en-Tsang spent their time studying in the Buddhist monastery.

Complete step by step answer:
Nalanda was one of the most famous universities of Ancient India as a part of the Magadha Empire. It is revered as one of the most famous Buddhist monasteries and a renowned center of learning. It flourished under the patronage of the Gupta Empire in the fifth and sixth centuries. Chinese Pilgrims like Xuan Zang spent a lot of time at the Nalanda University and wrote records. He mentions that the teachers were the men of the highest ability. They sincerely followed the teachings of Buddha. Everyone was required to follow the strict rules of the monastery. Discussions were held all day long. The young and the old were expected to help each other mutually in their tasks. It was a center where learned men would come from all parts of the world.
The gatekeeper would ask the new entrants questions which were very difficult. They were allowed entry only if they could answer. In most cases, seven out of every 10, we’re unable to provide answers. It was probably sacked during the Musli raids in Bihar and was never able to recover.

So, the correct answer is Option C.

Note: Extensive excavations carried out by the Archaeological Survey of India indicate that the foundation of the monasteries belongs to the Gupta period (fifth century CE) despite the Tibetan source claiming that Nagarjuna (the second-third century CE Buddhist philosopher) began his studies there. Accounts of Yijing, another Chinese pilgrim have also been found.