Nalanda University, one of the ancient centers of learning in India, faced a catastrophic decline and destruction in the 12th century. Historical accounts suggest that the university was attacked by Bakhtiyar Khilji, leading to a significant fire that destroyed many of its invaluable manuscripts and buildings.
While exact records are scarce, it is commonly believed that the burning of Nalanda University lasted for several days. Some sources indicate that the fire raged for about three months, though the most intense destruction and the damage from this wretched event is often characterized as lasting for several days. The university, renowned for its extensive library which housed thousands of manuscripts, suffered irreparable losses during this tragic episode.
This incident marked a significant turning point in the history of Indian education and scholarship, leading to the decline of Buddhist learning in the region and affecting intellectual pursuits for generations to come.