The University of Nalanda c13.161

c13.161

Hiuen Tsiang does not tell us about the actual number of students at Nālandā. His account, in this respect, is very vague. Says he, "The priests, to the number of several thousands, are men of the highest ability and talent."¹ His biographer—Shaman Hwui Li—however, sheds more light on this question. He writes, "The Saṅghārāmas of India are counted by myriads, but this is the most remarkable for grandeur and height. The priests, belonging to the convent, or strangers (residing therein) always reach to the number of 10,000." That all these occupants were students is clear from the lines that follow. Continuing he says, "Who all study the Great Vehicle, and also (the works belonging to) the eighteen sects; and not only so, but even ordinary works, such as the Vēdas and other books, the Hetuvidyā, Śabdavidyā, the Chikitsāvidyā, the works on Magic (Atharvavēda), the Sāṅkhya; besides these, they thoroughly investigate the 'miscellaneous' works."²