World Famous University - Nalanda

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I got goose bumps when I visited this world famous university! It is probably 1500 years old, at least!.
Now, you might be wondering which place is this. It is Nalanda University (pronounced as Naalanda locally).

It is said that, Nalanda was in its prime during Lord Buddha’s time frame (5th-6th Century BC).
Jain scripts mention Vardhamana Mahavira, spent many years here. But archaeologists are able to find proofs only up to Gupta period(5th century AD).http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif

Renowned Chinese traveler Hiuen Tsang had visited this place and notes that, Nalanda University housed around 10000 students and 2000 teachers. Courses included Medicine, Logic, Grammar, Vedas & Buddhism. It is said that, total of 108 blocks were present here, but only 11 have been found during excavation.
Mohammed Bhaktiar Khilji in 12th century AD is said to have burnt & destroyed this world famous place, which was already in its decline at that point of time during Muslim invasion.

Picture depicts Main Temple & Stupa, Nalanda, which is 75km from Patna, Bihar.

More info:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nalanda

Queen's Cave - 2nd Century BC

Beautiful two-story cave seen in the pic is at Udayagiri Caves.
Udayagiri-Khandagiri caves are spread over hills is situated 6 km from Bhubaneshwar, Orissa.
"Ranigumpha" Cave shown is most prominent among 33 caves located on two hills, and dates back to 2nd Century BC. This is also called as "Rani Ka Naur" or Queen's palace and extensive carvings & sculptures are found here.

Brahmi Inscription of 17 lines by Raja Kharavela, King of Kalinga was found in Hatimgumpha(elephant cave), which dates back to 2nd Century BC.
It is believed that, these caves were residential blocks for Jain monk during his regime.

For more info:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Udayagiri_and_Khandagiri_Caves
http://www.orissatourism.org/udayagiri-khandagiri-caves.html