VIRTUAL EVENT: A brilliant history: the first rise of the university form in India

Unknown to most scholars today, India had a very vibrant system of universities from the 6th century BCE to the 12th century AC.

During this period, seven universities achieved prominence, and they were in the order of establishment, Taxila, Nalanda, Valabhi, Vikramshila, Odantapuri, Jagaddala, and Somapura. 

This webinar will explore major innovations that occurred in the universities and the cause of their ultimate downfall. It will also briefly touch upon the six additional innovations in Europe and America using evidence from the archaeological record and from the classical texts of India, Europe, and East Asia. 

Overall, the session seeks to paint a broad picture of the development of the University form over 2600 years. It will present material that is not well known, but which is crucial for the understanding of the longevity and dynamics of this fascinating organisation.

Speaker

• Shailendra Raj Mehta, MICA

Links

• Centre for Global Higher Education
• Department of Education, Practice and Society

Image: Soubhagya Maharana via Pexels