The monastic establishments at Nalanda became famous in the
centuries following the Buddha’s passing away. The place was
visited several times by the Buddha, and the monasteries date
from the time of Asoka. Nalanda was a flourishing centre of
learning, and for centuries was famous for its learned and
versatile teachers. The ruins extend over a large area,
consisting of sites of monasteries, stupas and temples. In the
museum nearby are deposited numerous sculptures and other
antiquities recovered during excavations.
