Nalanda

This book deals extensively with various facets of Nalanda Mahavihara and its contribution to the vast expanse of knowledge and arts of Asia. Some of the important facets of the book are the origin and transformation of Nalanda from Viharato Mahavihara, a brief sketch on Nagarjuna, father of Nalanda scholasticism, formation of an academic culture at Nalanda, emergence of a book cult in Nalanda, worship of Tara and the cult of Nagas. Apart from this it also includes an analysis of financial management, water management, monastic structures, as well as ¿rogyavihara and school of medicine at this centre. Examining the maritime contacts between Java-Sumatra (Suvar¿advipa) and Nalanda as well as Nalanda's connections with ancient China, this work explores the efflorescence and decline of Nalanda Mahavihara.