Takshashila University (also known as the Hellenized Taxila) was an important institution of learning in Ancient India. Today, the ruins of the ancient city can be found at Taxila in the Punjab province of Pakistan, about thirty kilometres northwest of Islamabad. It is known as one of the oldest universities in the world.

Although Takshashila lies in modern-day Pakistan, it is revered most in India, especially by Hindus and Buddhists. It is revered by Hindus because the great strategist, Chanakya, who later consolidated the empire of the emperor Chandragupta Maurya, was a senior professor there. It is also revered by Buddhists because it is believed that the Mahayana form of Buddhism was founded there.

Some scholars date Takshashila's existence to c.700 BCE. It became a noted centre of learning at least four centuries before Christ, and continued to attract students from around the old world until the destruction of the city in the 6th century AD. Takshashila is perhaps best known because of its association with Chanakya, celebrated king-maker mentor of Chandragupta Maurya, founder of the Maurya empire. The famous treatise of Arthashastra (Sanskrit for The knowledge of Economics) by Chanakya, is said to have been composed in Takshashila itself. The institution is also significant in Buddhist tradition since it is believed that the Mahayana sect of Buddhism took shape there.

Generally, a student entered Takshashila at the age of sixteen. The four Vedas (Rig-Ved, Sama-Ved, Yajur-Ved, Atharva-Ved) and the Eighteen Arts were taught, in addition to law, medicine and warfare. Skills such as dhanushvidya (Sanskrit for archery), hunting and elephant-lore were also taught.

See also

• Ancient Universities of India

References

• http://www.tribuneindia.com/2004/20040111/spectrum/book5.htm

Ancient Universities of India | Closed colleges and universities | Educational institutions established in the 8th century BC