First University of India: History, Current Status, and Top 5 Older Universities
India is known for its rich tradition of learning, knowledge, and scholarship globally. The concept of the first university in India is far
ahead of the modern education system launched under the UK board. The
subcontinent has been a cradle of ancient knowledge, with universities
attracting scientists worldwide.
In this broad guide, we will find out the first University of India, discuss where it is, and provide an updated list of the 5 oldest universities in India that continue to shape higher education.
Whether you are a history enthusiast, a student, or a traveller interested in finding old universities in India, this article will provide you with valuable insights.
Nalanda University: First University of India
While discussing the oldest university of India, there is no resonance deeper than Nalanda University. Nalanda was created in CE in the 5th
century, and was not only the first university of India, but also one of the
earliest and most influential centres for higher education in the world.
History of Nalanda University
It was Established Under the government of Kumara Gupta from the Gupta dynasty in the 5th century CE. Located in the Current Nalanda District, Bihar, India. It is build in the period between 5 and 12. Century C.
Nalanda University was a complete housing university that housed more than 10,000 students and more than 2,000 teachers on top. Researchers from countries such as China, Korea, Japan, Tibet, Mongolia, and Southeast Asia travelled to Nalanda to invest in higher education.
Curriculum and educational skills
Nalanda offered the course:
Buddhist study
Destruction of Nalanda University
In 1193 CE, the university was destroyed by a Turkish
military general Bakhtiyar Khilji. Libraries, which had millions of
manuscripts, were burned, marking a tragic ending for a fantastic era of
learning.
Where is Nalanda University now?
In a historical step to revive India's ancient honour,
Nalanda University was restored by an action from the Indian Parliament with
international cooperation.
Current Places: Rajgir, Bihar, Near Ancient Ruins.
Course
offer: Post Graduate and Doctoral Programs in History, Buddhist
Studies, Ecology, Sustainable Development, and More.
Vision: To promote a global hub to promote communication between freedom and sustainable development.
Today, New Nalanda University is still the legacy of academic skill, which attracts scientists around the world and contributes to India's vision as a global education leader.
First modern university in India: University of Calcutta
While Nalanda stands as an old first university in India,
the honour of being the first modern University of India goes to the University
of Calcutta.
Important facts about Calcutta University
Established:
January 24, 1857.
Location: Kolkata, West Bengal, India.
Founder PrNA: Modelling was done at the University of London.
The University of Calcutta was the first institution to use a secular and multi -discourse western style education system in Asia. It formed the basis for the modern higher education system in India.
Professional contribution
Calcutta University has been home to many magnificent
personalities, including:
C. V. Raman - Nobel Prize winner in physics.
Amartya Sen - Nobel Prize winner in economics.
Subhas Chandra Bose - Indian nationalist leader.
Today, it is one of the most recognized universities in India and offers more than 200 courses across 14 campuses.
The Top 5 Oldest Universities in India
Apart from Nalanda and Calcutta, India claims several
historical universities that have shaped the academic landscape. Here is an
updated list of the oldest universities of India (modern institutions):
1. Calcutta University
Established: 1857.
Location: Kolkata, West Bengal.
Heritage: First Modern University in India; Leading in science, art, and humanities.
2. University of Mumbai (East Bombay University)
Established: 1857.
Location: Mumbai, Maharashtra.
Heritage: One of the largest universities in India, at registration, Known for trade, law, and vocational studies.
3. Madras University
Established: 1857.
Location: Chennai, Tamil Nadu.
Heritage: A centre of scientific research and classical studies; Alma Mater of mathematician Srinivasa Ramanujan.
4. Aligarh Muslim University (AMU)
Established: 1875 as Mohammad, an Anglo-Original College; A
university was formed in 1920.
Location: Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh.
Inheritance: is known for social science, law, and Islamic studies; Strong international student base.
5. Banaras Hindu University (BHU)
Established: 1916.
Location: Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh.
Heritage: One of the largest housing universities globally; Offers programs in engineering, medicine, law, and art.
To know about the First University of India.
Understanding the legacy of India's first university and its
oldest universities is important for many reasons:
Historical significance: Nalanda University reflects India's role as a global learning centre long before the establishment of modern education systems.
Educational skill: Institutions such as Calcutta University and Madras University have set high standards for educational research and innovation.
Cultural pride: Reviving old universities like Nalanda promotes a sense of pride and gathers with their rich intellectual heritage.
Frequently asked questions (common questions)
Q1. Which is the first university of India?
The first university of India is Nalanda University, which
was established in CE of the 5th century CE. The first modern university is the
University of Calcutta, created in 1857.
Q2. Is Nalanda University also open today?
Yes. Modern Nalanda University was revived in 2010 and is
run from Rajgir, Bihar.
Q3. What is India's oldest modern university?
The top 5 are the oldest modern universities in India:
Calcutta University
Q4. Why did Nalanda University become famous?
Nalanda University was known for being an old seat for
higher education, attracting scholars globally and delivering courses in
Buddhist studies, medicine, mathematics, astronomy and more.
Final thoughts
Education visits to India, from the first university of
India - Nalanda University - is a story of its prestigious modern universities,
flexibility, innovation and global influence.
As India wants to become a global knowledge center, seeing
and learning from these ancient and modern institutions will play an important
role in shaping the future of Indian higher education.
If you are a student, researcher, or passenger, you can learn about these universities an incredible opportunity to contact India's rich intellectual heritage.