Unlocking the Legend of Bakhtiyar Khilji: Secrets from the Past Revealed

EXPLORING THE ORIGINS OF NALANDA

Nalanda, a name echoing through the corridors of time, came into being during the 5th century, standing tall as one of the world's oldest bastions of knowledge. The word "Nalanda" itself is a fusion of three Sanskrit words: Na, Alam, and Da, signifying an "unstoppable flow of knowledge." Nalanda was unique in offering free education, and housing precious manuscripts, including the original Upanishads. For over 800 years, it remained a symbol of peace and enlightenment. However, the serenity was disrupted in the 12th century.

THE DARK TIMES: NALANDA'S REPEATED ASSAULTS

Nalanda was subjected to not one, but three ruthless attacks, with the third being the most catastrophic.

HUNA'S ONSLAUGHT(455-467 AD)

The first assault on Nalanda came at the hands of the Hunas, led by Mihirkula, during the reign of Samudragupta. This early attack set a grim precedent for the trials that Nalanda would face.

GAUDAS RAJVANSH'S INVASION(EARLY 7TH CENTURY)

The second attack transpired in the early 7th century, executed by Gaudas Rajvansh of Bengal. It was a grim reminder that Nalanda's legacy made it a target for those who sought to extinguish knowledge.

BAKHTIYAR KHILJI'S BRUTAL ONSLAUGHT(1193 AD)

The third and most devastating blow to Nalanda was orchestrated by the Turkish invader, Bakhtiyar Khilji, in 1193 AD.

UNRAVELING BAKHTIYAR KHILJI'S MOTIVE

The annihilation of Nalanda by Bakhtiyar Khilji conceals a peculiar motive. Legend has it that when Khilji fell gravely ill, conventional medicine failed him. In his hour of desperation, a suggestion surfaced: seek the counsel of Rahul Sri Bhadra, the principal of Nalanda. Initially hesitant, Khilji eventually agreed to meet him. Rahul Sri Bhadra, however, presented a condition – Khilji must refrain from taking any medication and read the Quran daily. What Khilji was unaware of was that the Quran pages held a secret medicinal concoction. As he absorbed the essence of the book, his health steadily improved. This revelation deeply perturbed Khilji, fueling jealousy and insecurity over a non-Muslim possessing superior knowledge. This insecurity ultimately led to the decision to eradicate the fountains of wisdom.

THE CATASTROPHIC DEMISE OF NALANDA

Nalanda's "Dharma Ganj" library was the lifeblood of Rahul Sri Bhadra and countless monks. This library, comprised of three multi-storied buildings - Ratnasagar, Ratnodhadi, and Ratnaranjaka, housed an astonishing collection of 90 lakh books, making it the world's largest library at the time. When Khilji discovered the treasure trove of knowledge, he embarked on a brutal rampage, mercilessly ending the lives of monks and scholars, many of whom met a fiery demise. The library, too, was consigned to flames, a harrowing process lasting three long months, as recounted by Minhaj Siraj in his writings.

THE IRREPARABLE LOSS AND A GLIMMER OF HOPE

Khilji's actions didn't merely obliterate a university; they extinguished an entire tradition. The devastation was so profound that it remains beyond repair to this day. Following the Nalanda tragedy, Khilji went on to decimate two more universities in Bihar - Vikramshila and Odantapuri. While the irreplaceable knowledge that once graced Nalanda's shelves may forever remain lost, the idea of resurrecting Nalanda University was championed by the late APJ Abdul Kalam. In 2010, the Nalanda Act was passed by the parliament, with Amartya Sen leading as the chairman of the governing body of Nalanda. Since 2014, admissions have once again begun at this hallowed institution, a beacon of hope amidst the shadows of its tragic past.

CONCLUSION

The story of Nalanda and Bakhtiyar Khilji is a testament to the enduring power of knowledge and the destructive force of ignorance. Nalanda may have suffered immeasurable loss, but its legacy persists, inspiring generations to come.

FAQS

1. Was Nalanda University ever fully rebuilt after its destruction?
   • Yes, Nalanda University was reestablished in 2014, although it cannot fully recover the wealth of knowledge it once held.
2. What was the significance of Nalanda's library?
   • Nalanda's library, known as "Dharma Ganj," was one of the largest and most prestigious libraries in ancient India, housing invaluable manuscripts.
3. Did Bakhtiyar Khilji's actions have any lasting consequences?
   • Yes, Khilji's destruction of Nalanda and other universities left a lasting void in the history of knowledge in the Indian subcontinent.
4. Who championed the revival of Nalanda University?
   • The late APJ Abdul Kalam played a key role in advocating for the revival of Nalanda University.
5. What is the current status of Nalanda University?
   • Nalanda University has been reestablished and is admitting students once again, offering a glimmer of hope for the future of education and knowledge in the region.