Most Amazing Facts about World's Oldest university: TAKSHASHILA UNIVERSITY !

BRIEF INTRODUCTION

In this article, you will delve into the rich and intricate history of Takshashila University, recognized as one of the oldest educational institutions in the world. Once a prominent hub of learning for both Hindus and Buddhists, its origins can be traced back to at least the 7th century BCE, or even earlier, in ancient India. Tragically, in the 5th century AD, it fell victim to destruction at the hands of the White Huns.

Situated 32 kilometers northwest of Rawalpindi, Pakistan, along the eastern bank of the Indus River in Punjab, Takshashila was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1980.

This ancient university holds the distinction of being the first Hindu university, where students from various varnas and backgrounds were warmly welcomed to pursue higher education. As Buddhism gained prominence in the 5th and 6th centuries BCE, Takshashila began to incorporate it as a significant area of study.

Taxila predates Nalanda University, which was established by Kumargupta in the 5th century AD, making it the earliest university in India. The identity of its founder remains a mystery to this day. The Chinese traveler Huien Tsang, a student of Nalanda, also referenced Takshashila in his writings, albeit without extensive detail.

Takshashila University was renowned as a premier center of learning, attracting students from Greece, China, Arabia, and Babylonia. Here, they were immersed in a wealth of knowledge encompassing Puranas, medicine, history, music, dance, arithmetic, military strategy, law, poetry, accountancy, agriculture, cattle breeding, commerce, archery, surgery, divination, snake charming, and painting.

The Buddhist Jataka tales reference Takshashila University, offering insights into its rich and impressive educational framework. However, these tales do not provide a specific date for the university's founding. Notable figures such as Panini, the father of Sanskrit grammar, Jivaka, a distinguished physician, and Chanakya, the author of the Arthashastra, were among the esteemed students who studied at Takshashila University.

In the 5th century BCE, Takshashila is noted within the Achaemenid Empire of Persia. The University of Takshashila was renowned for its wealth of knowledge and exceptional scholarship, attracting individuals from Persia, Arabia, China, and beyond. These scholars would come to learn and then return to their homelands to share the wisdom they acquired. Once regarded as the intellectual hub of ancient India, the university primarily catered to students aged 16 to 20. In Sanskrit, it is referred to as Takshashila, while in Greek, it is known as Taxila. Takshashila is also linked to Indian epics such as the Ramayana and Mahabharata. The Ramayana describes the city as originally named Gandharva Desh, which was conquered by Bharat, the stepbrother of Ram, and subsequently given to his son, Taksha.

The area, named after Bharat's son Taksha, eventually transformed into Taxila, where a renowned university was established in the 7th century BCE. Taksha is frequently linked to the Nagas, which led to the creation of the Naagvansha lineage. The Mahabharata also mentions a king named Takshak, who is thought to be a descendant of either Taksha or the Naagvanshi lineage. Taksha is notorious for having bitten Parikshit, the grandson of Arjun. In response, Janmayjaye, Parikshit's son, sought to avenge his father's death by performing the Sarpa-satra, a ritual sacrifice of serpents. This is how the region came to be known as Takshashila, a name passed down from their ancestors. There is no specific record of when or by whom Takshashila University was founded.

Nalanda and Takshashila universities differed significantly in their educational focuses. Takshashila served as a Hindu center of learning, primarily concentrating on the Vedas, Itihasa, and an array of 64 subjects, while Nalanda emphasized Mahayana Buddhism along with various other subjects that overlapped with those taught at Takshashila.

In 326 BC, Alexander, the Macedonian king, invaded India when Takshila was at its peak, thriving as a prosperous and well-governed region of Bharat.

RUINS OF TAKSHASHILA UNIVERSITY

The excavation of the ancient Takshashila University began in 1863, led by British archaeologist General Cunningham. However, the task proved challenging due to the scarcity of records and remnants left to document its history. Unfortunately, many artifacts and pieces of evidence that could have shed light on the university's significance were destroyed by locals seeking personal gain. Between 1863 and 1874, Cunningham uncovered impressive temples that revealed the rich history of Takshashila, yet these findings were often appropriated by local traders for their own profit. As he continued his archaeological survey, he discovered numerous stupas, viharas, and inscriptions adorned with gold plating. One of the most significant aspects of ancient Takshashila University was its educational framework, particularly its emphasis on Vedic education.

In ancient India, every gurukul and university embraced the Guru Shishya Parampara, a remarkable and deep bond between teacher and student that is seldom found in the educational histories of other cultures. This tradition was also evident in the governance of the universities.

Renowned Aacharyas and Gurus, each possessing extensive knowledge in various fields, would reside at these institutions to impart their wisdom to students. Each guru and acharya represented a unique educational entity in their own right. The universities operated without any external interference from kings, maintaining complete autonomy.

There were no strict regulations dictating the length of courses, as it was believed that students should not be confined to a set timeline. Each individual has unique abilities, and it was understood that not all students could acquire knowledge at the same pace.

The curriculum encompassed a wide array of subjects, including Sankhya, Nyaya (logic), Vaisheshika (atomic theory), Puranas, medicine, itihas (history), music, dance, arithmetic, military arts, law, poetry, accountancy, agriculture, cattle breeding, commerce, archery, surgery, divination, snake charming, painting, treasure hunting, and more.

The Vedas and Silpa (craft) formed the core of the educational framework. The primary focus of the gurus and acharyas was to ensure the correct chanting of the Vedas. The study of the Vedas included their auxiliary sciences, which encompassed proper pronunciation of sutras, guidance for performing rituals, grammar, prosody (poetic rhythm), and etymology. Students were required to master each subject before advancing, eliminating the need for formal examinations, which the university deemed an inadequate measure of a person's true capabilities.

A student could only graduate from the university when the esteemed gurus or acharays deemed their knowledge and skills satisfactory. Upon leaving, students did not receive any form of certification, as the institution held the belief that using certificates to secure a livelihood was a degrading notion. Typically, students spent around eight years honing their expertise in a particular field, but this duration varied greatly depending on the individual's abilities.

The university also embraced additional subjects that had made a notable impact on society, such as Greek philosophy. In the 6th century BCE, Takshashila fell under Persian control, bringing with it the Kharoshtri script, which became part of the university's curriculum.

Later, in the 2nd century, the Indo-Bactrians, who were influenced by Greek culture, took over. Historical evidence suggests that many residents of Takshashila were familiar with the Greek language at that time.

Buddhism, which emerged around the 6th century BCE, also found its place in the university's teachings, largely due to the significant number of students arriving from the eastern regions of the country.

FINANCE

All the financial requirements were fulfilled by the society to the university. There was no system of taking charges for the admission and free boarding and lodging were Provided to all the students. According to the science of Vedas and Hindu scriptures , knowledge is too Sacred to compare or barter with money . Knowledge should be provided freely to everyone who wants to uplift his/her consciousness level.

People of the society understood it very well that knowledge can’t be traded through money and they had high integrity and high gratitude for the gurus and Acharyas who brought up the students with great values. So they never hesitate to contribute to the University.

WORLD FAMOUS STUDENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY

Taxila University has given gems to the world . Many students of this university were regarded as the pioneers of many great Shastra . Chanakya , Panini and Jivaka were the great students of the takshashila university. They later became the great enlightened beings in the fields of economist , sanskrit Vyakrana and medicine respectively. The first name which comes to mind whenever the Takshashila University is mentioned is the name of Chanakya (Kautaliya).

Chanakya was the one who had written Arthashastra which was widely discussed and implement in the society for the betterment of the people. He was the one who had made Chandragupta Maurya a king.

The second name is Panini who was the greatest grammarian of Sanskrit language (Sanskrit Vyakaran)

Another prominent name is Jivaka who was a great physician. He had mastered the medicine and surgery field . He was inimitable in his field. Jivaka was the one who cured great king Bimbisara’s fistula disease .Giving new life to the king ,he was appointed as a physician to his court. Another great example was when he cured the jaundice of the king , Pradyota of Ujjaiyani.

Jivaka’s one famous story which stuns everyone is when a rich merchant was Suffering from head disease, he then cut through the skin of the head then, drew apart the flesh of the brain on each side of the incision and pulled out worms from the wound and then stitched it accurately and applied the medicine. The whole procedure went perfectly fine.

DESTRUCTION OF TAKSHASHILA UNIVERSITY

Takshashila university was completely destroyed by White Huns who not just took the possession of Kushan’s Kingdom but also overthrew the Gupta Empire in 455 AD.

The destruction of Takshashila University was one of the most barbaric acts done by White Huns (invaders) in India. In 455 AD, white Huns invaded India in ever increasing numbers having swords in their hands and setting fire wherever they went. Their cruel act of destroying Takshila University could never be forgotten by Indians.

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