Nalanda

Nalanda Mahavihara, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Bihar, India, challenges the narrative of Buddhism's decline by demonstrating that its monasteries remained flourishing centers of intellectual and religious activity. Archaeological evidence from Nalanda reveals a complex interplay between Buddhist, Brahmanical, and Jain traditions, suggesting a dynamic coexistence rather than a straightforward decline. The site's excavations have uncovered artifacts such as seals, inscriptions, and images, indicating a diverse religious landscape that defies conventional explanations. This study intervenes in existing theoretical models by highlighting the resilience and adaptability of Nalanda's monastic establishment under both royal and non-royal patronage.

Singh, D. K. (2026). Nalanda (, Ed.). Bloomsbury Publishing India Pvt. Ltd. https://doi.org/10.5040/9789356409279