International Journal of Social Science Research (IJSSR)

Taxila University is Witness to Ancient Buddhist Education, History and Tradition: A Review

There are various theories and beliefs about 'Taxila'. Discussions abound regarding the founding date, location, and method of Taxila. The Hindu epic Mahabharata states that the Kuru dynasty installed Parikshit on the throne of Taxila. Again, under the command of Vyasa, Parikshit's son Janamejaya, his disciple Vaishampayana, first recited the Mahabharata in Taxila. Later, Taxila is also mentioned in several Jātaka stories written in Sri Lanka in the 5th century. The university is considered an important learning center for both Hinduism and Buddhism. Taxila's heritage and historical importance for both religions are no less today. It is also considered an early Buddhist center of learning, dating from the 6th century BCE. It was founded by the Kuru prince Duryodhana. Its ruins are located just off the famous Grand Trunk Road, thirty kilometers north of Islamabad. Ancient Taxila was located at the main junction of South Asia and Central Asia. There are three main divisions in the ruins of Taxila. The divided cities are Hatial, Sirkap, and Sirsukh. Each of them represents a distinct period. The article discusses the importance of ancient Buddhist education, history, heritage, and tourism in Taxila.