Compare and contrast Nalanda and Taxila

Factors

Nalanda University

Taxila University

Location

Located in present-day Bihar, Nalanda was situated in the eastern part of India.

Located in present-day Pakistan, Taxila was situated in the northwestern part of the Indian subcontinent.

Founding and Timeline

Nalanda is believed to have been founded during the Gupta period (5th century CE) and flourished until the 12th century CE.

Taxila's origins can be traced back to ancient times, possibly even before the 6th century BCE. It reached its peak during the Mauryan and Kushan periods.

Subjects and Curriculum

Nalanda offered a more diverse curriculum that included subjects like mathematics, astronomy, medicine, grammar, law, and philosophy. It was not exclusively focused on a single religious tradition.

Taxila is primarily an important centre of Hindu and Buddhist learning focusing on teaching of Vedic literature, Buddhist philosophy, logic, grammar and art skills like archery and hunting.

Teaching Methodology

Nalanda employed a structured centralised system of education that included debates, discussions, and oral transmission of knowledge. Formal degrees were given to students.

Taxila had a more informal, flexible and modified approach to education. Students received individualized instruction. No formal degrees were given at the end of the course.

Students

Nalanda University’s strong Buddhist curriculum attracted large no. of students from outside India like Korea, Turkey, Mongolia, Tibet, Japan, etc. enabling cross-cultural intellectual discourse

Taxila University had mostly students from Indian Janpadas and adjoining areas due to its location on ancient trade routes.

Architecture and Layout

Nalanda had multiple classrooms, extensive library and accommodation for students and teachers.

Taxila – didn’t have extensive lecture halls nor it provided residential quarters for both students and teachers.