Nālandā University (informally NU; or ISO: Nālandā Vishwavidyalaya) is a central research university located in the ancient city of Rajgir in the state of Bihar, India. Designated by the government as an Institute of National Importance (INI) and excellence, Nālandā is the flagship university of the Ministry of External Affairs of India (MEA), and was founded in 2010 as a successor to the Nalanda Mahavihara of medieval Magadha. It is an international university and is named for the Sanskrit words Na-Alam-Da, meaning “The giver of lotus-stalks.” It functions as a postgraduate research institute, offering only Master’s and PhD degrees. Traditionally regarded as a symbol of India’s historical legacy, the new Nālandā University retains a celebrated status within the nation
