"Nalanda is a symbol of India's academic heritage and vibrant cultural exchange". Elucidate with special references to foreign travelers' accounts. (10 marks, 150 words)

India's academic heritage displayed at Nalanda:

1. Residential university - tradition where teachers & students stayed together.

2. Strict admission norms for students.

3. Proper curriculum and pedagogy for different courses - Buddhism, literature, philosophy, etc.

4. Well-laid infrastructure for multiple activities like group assembly, classes, etc.

Nalanda: symbol of cultural exchange

1. Various scholars visited Nalanda from China, South-east Asia, Japan, South Korea, etc.

2. The travelers took back parts of manuscripts that enriched Buddhist tradition at home.

3. Contribution of various scholars like Aryabhatta to the tradition of Nalanda.

4. Frequent discourse, debate, discussion enabled exchange of cultures.

— Poorva Agrawal · AIR 65