The University of Nalanda c10.237

c10.237

From the foregoing pages it is evident that almost all the branches of knowledge then known were taught at Nālandā. But of all these, Theology or better religio-philosophical knowledge was the most popular. And the University, besides preaching it far and wide, had even contributed considerably towards its advancement. This advancement was no other but the one we have just discussed, namely, Tāntrism. And not only did Tāntrism further this knowledge, but even opened up a new field hitherto unknown to its students, namely, Art and Iconography. For the finds at Nālandā have brought to light innumerable images which we know were created according to the description given in the Mantras or Sādhanas. This aspect of Nālandā-education thus gave rise to a new school of art called the Pālā or the Nālandā-Art. It however requires a separate chapter.