Nalanda, one of the most famous ancient Buddhist universities and monastic centres, was located in which present day Indian state?

Introduction / Context:
Nalanda is widely regarded as one of the earliest residential universities in the world and an important centre of Buddhist learning in ancient India. Questions about Nalanda usually test your knowledge of its location, patronage, and educational role. This particular question focuses on the modern state in which the archaeological remains of Nalanda are found today.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The site in question is Nalanda Mahavihara, an ancient Buddhist university.
• The question is framed in terms of present day Indian states.
• Only one option corresponds to the modern state containing Nalanda.

Concept / Approach:
Nalanda flourished under the patronage of Gupta and later Pala rulers and attracted students from various parts of Asia. Geographically, it is located in the region that corresponds to present day Bihar. To answer, you must map the ancient site to the modern state boundaries accurately.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that Nalanda is situated near Rajgir in the eastern part of India. Step 2: Identify this region on a modern political map as part of Bihar. Step 3: Check the options and confirm that Bihar appears as one of the choices. Step 4: Confirm that Bengal, Odisha, Uttar Pradesh, and Madhya Pradesh do not contain the Nalanda site. Step 5: Select Bihar as the correct answer.

Verification / Alternative check:
Textbooks and tourist information consistently describe Nalanda as being in Bihar, which is also home to other important Buddhist sites such as Bodh Gaya. This association between Bihar and many Buddhist heritage locations reinforces the conclusion that Nalanda belongs to this state.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option A, Bengal, contains other historical cities but not Nalanda. Option C, Odisha, is associated with different Buddhist and Hindu monuments like the Sun Temple at Konark. Option D, Uttar Pradesh, has sites such as Sarnath and Kushinagar but not Nalanda. Option E, Madhya Pradesh, is the location of Sanchi but again not Nalanda.

Common Pitfalls:
A common error is to confuse Nalanda with other Buddhist centres such as Sarnath or Taxila. Another pitfall is to mix up Bihar and Bengal because both lie in eastern India. To avoid confusion, remember the pair Nalanda and Bihar together when revising ancient universities.

Final Answer:
Nalanda University was located in what is now the state of Bihar in India.