Nalanda and Takshashila University

Context:

While addressing centenary celebrations of Delhi University, Prime Minister noted that when the country had vibrant universities such as Nalanda and Takshashila, it was at the peak of prosperity.

Nalanda Mahavihara (State of Bihar):

• Time Period – 3^rd century BCE to 13^th century CE
• An important center of bronze-casting – over 500 bronzes of Buddha and Buddhist divinities of Tantrayana-Vajrayanahave been found.
• Recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.
• Nalanda University:
  • Founded by – Kumargupta (Shakraditya) in 5th century A.D
  • Primary teaching focused on Mahayana Buddhism and other secular subjects as well like Grammar, logic, epistemology, and sciences.

Nava Nalanda Mahavira established in 1951 with an aim to develop it as a center of higher studies in Pali and Buddhism along the lines of ancient Nalanda Mahavihara.

Takshashila University:

• Location – Eastern bank of the Indus River in Punjab, in the city of Takshila (modern-day Pakistan).
• Buddhist study center date back to 5-6 century BC.
• It is mentioned in Buddhist literature, particularly the Jatakas, as the capital of the kingdom Gandhara and a great center of learning.
• Sir Alexander Cunningham uncovered the remains of Takshila in the mid-19^th century.
• Features of Takshashila:
  • Chanakya’sArthashastra is claimed to have been written in Takshila.
  • Subjects – Vedas, Vedanta, Vyakaran, Ayurveda, Surgery, eighteen crafts (Sippas), Military, Astronomy, Agriculture, Commerce, Politics.
  • Notable teachers – Panini, Chanakya, Kumaralata (founder of the Sautrantika school)
  • Jivaka (Rajagriha’s court doctor) and Charaka(Indian father of medicine) were reported to have studied here.

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According to Kautilya’sArthashastra, which of the following are correct?

1. A person could be a slave as a result of a judicial punishment.

2. If a female slave bore her master a son, she was legally free.

3. If a son born to a female slave was fathered by her master, the son was entitled to the legal status of the master’s son.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

[UPSC Civil Services Exam – Prelims 2022]

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 1 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Source: The Hindu