Patna: The upkeep of ancient Nalanda University, a world heritage site, as per the norms laid down by Unesco would be an uphill task for the administration. Lack of basic infrastructure, encroachment and poor communication network make it difficult for the authorities concerned to develop the ancient place of learning and draw visitors.

Only 10% of ancient Nalanda University has so far been excavated. Many villages came up centuries back in the unexcavated parts of the university. Convincing the encroachers to leave the place would be a challenging task for the administration. Remains of ancient Nalanda University are spread over an area of 300 acres. "The community should be sensitized. They should be told about the importance of the heritage site. The administration should also facilitate their sustainable livelihood," said Deepak Anand, an amateur archaeologist.

Nalanda was discovered on the basis of travel accounts of 7th Century AD Chinese monk scholar Xuanzang in 1862. There are two prominent ancient remains in the proximity of the inscribed property that bear resemblance with Xuanzang's description. 'Parnami Tillah' on the south side of the excavated remains has the remains of the Buddha's hair and nail as mentioned by Xuanzang. "With efforts of the former director of the Nav Nalanda Mahavihara R Panth, the state archaeology directorate has brought this sacred place under its protection. Similarly, another prominent mound, 'Devi Maa ka Tillah', should also be brought under the protection of archaeology department," Anand said.

Nalanda is also confluence of Buddhism, Jainism and Hinduism and there are many ancient sites in vicinity of Nalanda. According to locals, more than two ponds/tanks are there in the vicinity of Nalanda mound which are of archaeological importance. Nalanda Mahavihara, regarded as one of the greatest universities of ancient world, was founded by Kumaragupta I (413-455 A.D.) of the great Gupta dynasty. It is the highest revenue earning ASI site in the state.

Scholars feel that one aspect that threatens the heritage of Bihar is the enormous volume of undocumented historical and cultural artefacts scattered across the villages. "The sheer enormity of antiquities, first of all, makes it difficult to ascertain which the antiquities are, and secondly, handling this bulk of artefacts is also difficult. There is no comprehensive list, either official or unofficial, providing a village-wise inventory and photographic documentation of the artefacts," said an official.



Facebook Twitter Linkedin EMail