University of ancient Taxila

University of ancient Taxila
Takṣaśilā Viśvavidyālaya
Ruins of Bhir Mound archaeological site.
Shown in Punjab
University of ancient Taxila (Pakistan)
LocationTaxila, Punjab,  Pakistan
RegionSouth Asia
Coordinates33°44′N 72°47′E / 33.74°N 72.78°E / 33.74; 72.78
TypeCentre of learning
Part ofAncient higher-learning institutions
History
Foundedc.5th century BCE
Abandonedc.5th century CE
Site notes
ConditionRuins
OwnershipGovernment
Public accessYes

The university of ancient Taxila (ISO: Takṣaśilā Viśvavidyālaya) was a center of the Gurukula system of Sanskrit and Vedic learning in Taxila, Gandhara, in present-day Punjab, Pakistan, near the bank of the Indus River. It was established as a centre of education in religious and secular topics. It started as a Vedic seat of learning and in the early centuries CE it became a prominent centre of Buddhist scholarship as well.