Encyclopedia of India–China Cultural Contacts v1.c7.s2.t14.9

v1.c7.s2.t14.9

In 12th century CE, Nālandā succumbed to the onslaught of Muslim invaders. Tibetan sources indicate several raids by the Turks. In about 1205 CE, the Mahavihara was destroyed and burnt by Bakhtiyar Khilji. Subsequent raids totally destroyed it by 1400 CE. It was during the British period that the massive remains of Nalanda were unearthed by archaeologists. With the Buddhist revival in India, a new Mahavihara (Nalanda Nava Mahavihara) was established in 1951 due to the efforts of Ven. Bhikku Jagadish Kashyap. He also brought a portion of Xuanzang's remains from China to enshrine here. Now with promises of financial help from the governments of China, India and many other countries, a massive Nalanda University is gradually coming up there. Nalanda is thus once again on the path to revival.