Q. “Bihar has been the centre of learning and spiritualism for ancient time.” Explain in detail. [69th BPSC]
Ans:
Bihar was not only the birthplace of India’s first empire and the centre of political and cultural power, it was also the hub of learning and spiritualism from Ancient time. Here are some reasons why Bihar is considered a center of learning and spiritualism since ancient time.
Bihar as the centre of learning since ancient time:
- During the later Vedic period, Mithila (in Bihar) became a great centre of Brahmanical learning and philosophy and attracted India’s leading philosophers.
- Megasthanese, the Greek Ambassador to the court of Chandragupta, found a highly cultured society in Patliputra in which pursuit of learning especially that of philosophy was held in great esteem.
- From the writings of Kshemendra and Rajashekhara, we come to know that Patliputra had become an all-India centre of learning which was known for its excellence in different branches of higher studies in the time of the Nanda King.
- Apart from being a centre of Brahmanical and Buddhist learning, Patliputra was a greatest centre of astronomy and mathematics. Aryabhatta, born in present day Patna region, is known for his contribution in astronomy and mathematics.
- Bihar was the home to the world’s most renowned Nalanda university (est. 450 CE) estabilished during Gupta period.
- Although Nalanda university was devoted to Buddhist studies, but it also trained students in fine arts, medicine, mathematics, astronomy, politics and the art of war. Though a centre of Buddhist Mahayana school, Vedic and Brahmanical learning was also taught here.
- The center had eight separate compounds, 10 temples, meditation halls, classrooms, lakes and parks. It had a nine story library where monks meticulously copied books and documents so that individual scholars could have their own collections.
- It had dormitories for students, perhaps a first for an educational institution, housing 10,000 students in the university’s heyday and providing accommodations for 2,000 professors.
- Nalanda University attracted pupils and scholars from Korea, Japan, China, Tibet, Indonesia, Persia and Turkey. The famous Chinese travellers like Hsuan Tsang, Fa-hien, I-tsing visited and studied in Nalanda.
- European Universities like Oxford and Cambridge grew in 12th century while in the 7th century Nalanda was one of the largest University of Asia and Europe.
- Other noted Universities were University of Telhara (probably older than Nalanda University), Oddantapuri (Circa 550-1040) and Vikramshila (8th Century).
- The University Of Telhara was situated in the Nalanda district of Bihar. Recent excavations date back its antiquity to Kushan period (1st century A.D.). Chinese traveller Hiuen Tsang who visited the place in 7th century A.D.
- The University of Oddantapuri (Mahavihara) (modern town of Biharsharif), was founded by Gopala, the first Pala emperor. It developed into a centre of higher learning of international reputation and was famous for its Tantric study.
- Vikramshila University was founded by Pala ruler Dharampala in 8th century. It had 160 viharas. It was a centre of Vajrayana sect of Buddhism. Just like Nalanda, this was also a residential centre and it is estimated that in it’s hey days Vikramshila University had over one thousand students (Bhikkhus) and over hundred teachers (Acharyas).
- Fulahari, in the vicinity of Nalanda was another centre of higher learning where several famous Acharyas lived and Tibetan scholars came here and collaborated with Indian scholars to translate Sanskrit manuscripts into Tibetan.
- Bihar also played the most significant part in the development of Sanskrit language. Panini, the father of Sanskrit grammar, was according to some, in the Nanda court, and Varuchi also is associated with Patliputra.
- Other scholar figures from Bihar includes-
- Kautilya who compiled his Arthashastra in about 300 B.C at Patliputra.
- The great commentrator Patanjali certainly lived in Patliputra.
- Asvaghosha, the first biographer of the Buddha, was a native of Pataliputra.
- Banabhatta, author of Kadambari and Harshacharita.
- Although this tradition of learning was lost during medieval time when the Islamic invaders destroyed these centres of learning. Only during British rule, Bihar saw a revival. During later half of 19th centure, Patna college was estabilished which became renowned Patna university in 1917. Other major institutions established during British period were Bihar school of engineering (1900), Patna Science College (1927), Indian school of Mines (1926) etc.
Bihar as the centre of spiritualism since ancient time
- Bihar is the birthplace of two of the world’s major religions, Buddhism and Jainism. Also the 10th Guru of the Sikhs, Guru Gobind Singh was born and spent the first four years of his life in Bihar.
- Budha attained the state of enlightenment in Bodh Gaya, Bihar. Around the same time, Mahavira who was born in a place called Kundalagrama near Vaishali attained kaivalya on the banks of Rijuvalika river in the village of Jambhrika (in present day Jharkhand). Both of them have profoundly influenced practices that Hinduism and Indian spiritual orders.
- Emperor Ashoka, one of India’s greatest rulers, ruled based on his idea of dhamma which is said to be influenced by Buddhism. His edicts and stupas across India, including the Ashokan Pillar at Vaishali, reflect his spiritual and political legacy. He was the only emperor in the world who renounced war after victory.
- Apart from being a Buddhist center, Gaya is also revered in Hinduism. The Vishnupad Temple and the ritual of Pind Daan (ancestral offerings) make it a major spiritual destination.
- Some of the important spiritual Sites in Bihar includes:
- Pawapuri: A sacred site with many Jain temples, including the famous Jal Mandir.
- Deoghar: A sacred site with the famous Baidyanath Dham Temple, one of the twelve Jyotirlingas.
- Sitamarhi: A sacred site known as the birthplace of goddess Sita, the wife of Lord Rama.
- Bihar Sharif: A sacred site with many Sufi shrines and mosques
- Maner Sharif: A sacred Sufi shrine and pilgrimage site.
So, we can say that Bihar made valuable contributions and has been a major centre of learning and spiritualism. It laid the foundation on which ancient Indian education system and spiritual order further developed and spread in the whole world and scholars from abroad came to India to quench their thirst for knowledge and spiritualism. ©crackingcivilservices.com
