The founder of Nalanda University was Kumaragupta.

Nalanda University was one of the most renowned centers of learning in ancient India. It was established during the Gupta Empire, which existed from the 4th to the 6th century CE. The university was located in present-day Bihar, India.

Kumaragupta, also known as Kumaragupta I, was a ruler of the Gupta Empire who reigned from 415 to 455 CE. He was the son of Chandragupta II, who is considered one of the greatest Gupta emperors. Kumaragupta continued the legacy of his father and made significant contributions to art, literature, and education.

1. Establishment of Nalanda University:
- Kumaragupta was a patron of education and had a keen interest in promoting learning.
- He recognized the need for a prestigious institution that would attract scholars from all over the world.
- In order to fulfill this vision, Kumaragupta founded Nalanda University around the 5th century CE.

2. Significance of Nalanda University:
- Nalanda University was not only a center for Buddhist studies but also embraced various other subjects like astronomy, medicine, logic, philosophy, and linguistics.
- It attracted scholars and students from different parts of the world, including China, Tibet, Korea, and Central Asia.
- The university had an extensive library that housed thousands of manuscripts and played a vital role in the preservation and dissemination of knowledge.

3. Decline and Revival:
- Nalanda University flourished for several centuries, but it faced a decline in the 12th century due to various factors like invasions and political instability.
- The university was eventually destroyed by the Turkish invader Bakhtiyar Khilji in 1193 CE.
- However, efforts have been made to revive the glory of Nalanda University in recent times.
- In 2014, the Government of India established a new Nalanda University near the ancient site, aiming to recreate the intellectual and cultural heritage of the ancient university.

In conclusion, Kumaragupta, the ruler of the Gupta Empire, was the founder of Nalanda University. His vision and patronage of education led to the establishment of this prestigious institution, which played a significant role in the spread of knowledge and learning during ancient times.

Kumaragupta was the founder of Nalanda University. Dharampal rejuvenates it.