Nalanda, meaning 'giver of knowledge,' was an ancient center of higher learning in Bihar, India, dating back to the 5th century CE. It was a Mahavihara, a large Buddhist monastery that also served as a renowned university, attracting students and scholars from across India, Tibet, China, Korea, and Central Asia. The ruins of Nalanda offer a glimpse into a sophisticated educational system and a rich cultural heritage. It flourished under the patronage of the Gupta Empire and later under Pala rulers. Destroyed in the 12th century, its remains were excavated in the 20th century, revealing a remarkable planned monastic complex with dormitories, lecture halls, libraries, and temples. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.