The University of Nalanda c17.10

c17.10

Of the many buildings (called monasteries) which are, to be precise, about eleven, that have been excavated, the monastery-site No. I seems to be the oldest. No less than 9 successive levels are visible.² And, within the course of about 8 centuries, it must have been built over at least 5 times.³ This is proved by the remains discovered at each new level. On the lowest level—the 9th—was found a brick-paving, a wall on the 8th, a cabutrā on the 7th, and quadrangles on the other four levels. The upper levels reveal very amusing as well as curious things. There is a stair-case, which leads us to the topmost level,⁴ the only remnant of which is a verandah running on the four sides. Originally this parlour must be forming a part of the bhikṣuś cells which can even now be traced from the existence of stone-coaches and niches, in the now open spaces immediately after the parlour.