Tiladhak University: Older Than Nalanda, Xuanzang's Diary Reveals Ancient History

• Excavations in Telhara, Nalanda, revealed Tiladhak University, predating Nalanda University, established in 453 AD by Gupta ruler Kumaragupta.
• Tiladhak University dates back to the 1st century AD; Chief Minister Nitish Kumar initiated excavations in 2009.
• Artifacts from Pala, Gupta, and Kushan periods, along with pre-Christian era findings, monastery seals, and various idols, were unearthed.
• Chinese traveler Xuanzang visited Tiladhak University before Nalanda in 630 AD, describing it in his travelogue.
• Students pursued PhDs at Tiladhak after graduating from Nalanda; the university was destroyed by Bakhtiyar Khilji in 1198 AD.