Historical evidence largely contradicts the popular belief that Bakhtiyar Khilji intentionally burned Nalanda University; primary sources from the era do not support such claims, and geographical analysis indicates Nalanda was not on his known campaign route.
While Nalanda University indeed suffered a devastating destruction, historical scrutiny reveals a complex picture regarding the direct involvement of Bakhtiyar Khilji. Many contemporary accounts and scholarly analyses suggest that the widely attributed act of burning Nalanda by Khilji is a historical narrative that lacks robust primary source backing.
Debunking the Myth: A Closer Look at Historical Records
The traditional narrative often portrays Bakhtiyar Khilji as the sole perpetrator behind the catastrophic destruction of Nalanda, driven by religious zeal. However, a deeper examination of historical texts and geographical facts presents significant challenges to this assertion:
- Absence in Primary Sources: Most primary historical records from that period, which document Khilji's campaigns and conquests, notably omit any mention of his presence at or destruction of Nalanda. This silence from contemporary historians is a significant point of contention against the popular narrative.
- Geographical Discrepancy: Khilji's documented military movements were primarily focused on a route from Ayodhya towards Bengal. Nalanda University, located in present-day Bihar, was considerably off this strategic path. It was not on his direct line of travel or within the immediate vicinity of his documented targets.
- Lack of Motive for a University: Khilji's known objectives were typically territorial conquest and the acquisition of wealth, often achieved by attacking fortified structures that he mistook for forts rich in resources. A renowned Buddhist monastic university like Nalanda, while a center of learning, did not fit the profile of a "fort with wealth" that would attract his specific military interest. He had no apparent strategic reason or a direct motive to target such an academic institution.
Bakhtiyar Khilji's Actual Campaign and Targets
Bakhtiyar Khilji's campaigns are historically recorded, detailing his march from Ayodhya towards Bengal. During this period, he attacked specific locations, notably Kila-i-Bihar, which he reportedly mistook for a fortified city laden with riches. This event is often cited as the actual target of his early conquests in the region, not Nalanda. His focus was on military and economic gain through seizing what he perceived as defensive strongholds.
The table below highlights the disparity between common belief and historical evidence concerning Khilji's actions:
| Aspect | Common Belief | Historical Scrutiny (Based on Primary Sources) |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Perpetrator | Bakhtiyar Khilji | Lack of conclusive primary evidence directly linking Khilji to the destruction of Nalanda. |
| Motive for Attack | Religious zeal, eliminating Buddhist learning centers | Khilji's known objectives were typically military conquest and material plunder, mistaking targets like Kila-i-Bihar for forts. |
| Location & Route | Directly attacked Nalanda | Nalanda was geographically distant and not on Khilji's documented campaign route from Ayodhya to Bengal. |
| Evidence from Texts | Implied by later, less reliable narratives | Most contemporary primary sources describing Khilji's campaigns do not mention his visit or attack on Nalanda. |
The Realities of Nalanda's Destruction
While Bakhtiyar Khilji's direct role in burning Nalanda is heavily disputed, it is undeniable that this illustrious ancient Indian university faced a catastrophic end. Nalanda, a beacon of learning and scholarship for centuries, did suffer extensive damage and eventual abandonment. The precise circumstances and the full timeline of its destruction are subject to ongoing historical debate, involving various factors and possibly multiple waves of attacks over time. Understanding the complete history of Nalanda University requires examining a broader context of political changes, invasions, and regional conflicts that affected the Indian subcontinent during that era.
Why This Misconception Persists
The persistence of the narrative attributing Nalanda's destruction solely to Bakhtiyar Khilji can be complex. It often stems from:
- Later Historical Interpretations: Over centuries, historical narratives can be simplified or embellished, sometimes to serve political or cultural agendas.
- Popular Storytelling: Dramatic stories are often more memorable than nuanced historical accounts, leading to the widespread acceptance of simplified versions of events.
- Lack of Accessibility to Primary Sources: General public awareness is often based on secondary sources, which may not always reflect the latest historical research and critical analysis of primary texts.
In conclusion, while Nalanda University did meet a tragic end, the direct and exclusive attribution of its burning to Bakhtiyar Khilji is largely unsupported by the most reliable primary historical records and geographical evidence.
