In the Buddha Period, which educational centres were established along with monasteries?
A. Ballabhi
B. Baba Mastnath University
C. Nalanda
D. Vikramshila
E. Taxila
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

Correct option is C

Introduction:

An educational centre is a place dedicated to teaching and learning. This question asks to identify ancient Indian educational centres, often associated with monasteries, that flourished during or were influenced by the Buddha Period.

Information Booster: 

During the Buddhist period, many monasteries (Viharas) became learning centres.

 Ballabhi (:Vallabhi) (A): A centre of learning that rivalled Nalanda, Vallabi was known for its Hinayana studies and had around 6,000 monk-students. It also imparted secular education in subjects like economics, law, politics, and medical sciences.

 Nalanda (C): A renowned university that flourished during the Gupta dynasty. It was a major center for the study of Buddhism and other subjects like philosophy, medicine, and astronomy. Nalanda University had dormitories for students, lecture halls, meditation halls, and a vast library.

Vikramshila (D): Founded by King Dharmapala in the 8th century AD, Vikramshila University was another prominent center of learning. It had 108 temples and six colleges, with a focus on Buddhist studies, logic, philosophy, and tantra.

Taxila (E): A famous center of learning that attracted scholars from different parts of India. It provided higher education and specialized in various subjects like the Vedas, grammar, philosophy, medicine, military arts, astrology, commerce, and agriculture.

Therefore, the correct centers are A, C, D, E.

Additional Knowledge:

• "Buddha Period" broadly covers Buddha's time and the flourishing of Buddhist institutions.

• These centers taught both religious and secular subjects.

• Chinese travelers documented their importance.