Which of the following UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India comprises the archaeological remains of an ancient monastic and scholastic institution?

Introduction / Context:
Some UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India are famous not just for architecture but also for their role in education and religion. Nalanda Mahavihara in Bihar was one of the world's oldest residential universities and a major centre of Buddhist learning. General knowledge questions often highlight Nalanda as a monastic and scholastic complex where monks and students lived and studied together. This question asks you to identify which site among the options fits that description.

Given Data / Assumptions:

The focus is on a site that consists of archaeological remains of a monastic and scholastic institution.
Options are Nalanda, Rani ki vav, Hill Forts of Rajasthan, and Fatehpur Sikri.
We assume UNESCO descriptions and commonly used textbook summaries of these sites.
The correct site should clearly be associated with an ancient university or monastic learning centre.

Concept / Approach:
Nalanda Mahavihara in present day Bihar was a large Buddhist monastic university that flourished for many centuries. It included temples, monasteries, lecture halls, and residential quarters. Archaeological remains show planned courtyards, cells for monks, and educational facilities. Rani ki vav is a stepwell in Gujarat, Hill Forts of Rajasthan are defensive structures, and Fatehpur Sikri is a Mughal capital with palaces and mosques. Only Nalanda matches the description of a monastic and scholastic institution.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Identify that the question mentions both monastic and scholastic functions, suggesting a religious learning centre. Step 2: Recall that Nalanda was an ancient Buddhist university where monks studied subjects such as philosophy, logic, grammar, medicine, and astronomy. Step 3: Consider the other sites: Rani ki vav is a richly decorated stepwell in Gujarat, mainly associated with water storage and art. Step 4: Note that Hill Forts of Rajasthan mainly refer to defensive forts such as Chittorgarh and Kumbhalgarh, not monasteries or universities. Step 5: Recognise that Fatehpur Sikri is a planned Mughal city and former imperial capital, not an ancient monastic university, and conclude that Nalanda is the correct answer.

Verification / Alternative check:
To verify, recall UNESCO's description of Nalanda Mahavihara as the archaeological site of a monastic and scholastic institution that dates from the third century BCE to the thirteenth century CE. It mentions monasteries, temples, and structures related to learning. In contrast, UNESCO material about Rani ki vav focuses on stepwell architecture, Hill Forts of Rajasthan on military structures, and Fatehpur Sikri on Mughal urban planning. This confirms that only Nalanda fits the monastic university description.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Rani ki vav is wrong because it is a stepwell in Gujarat celebrated for its sculptural decoration and engineering, not for educational institutions. Hill Forts of Rajasthan is wrong because these forts served as military strongholds and royal seats rather than monastic universities. Fatehpur Sikri is wrong because it was a Mughal capital near Agra, known for palaces, mosques, and administrative buildings rather than a Buddhist monastic campus. None of these options match the specific focus on monastic and scholastic remains.

Common Pitfalls:
Students may sometimes be misled by the term archaeological remains and think of any ancient site, such as Fatehpur Sikri or hill forts, without focusing on the educational and monastic aspect. Others might simply look for a famous World Heritage Site name they recognise and answer quickly. To avoid this, always read the descriptive phrase carefully. Words like monastic and scholastic strongly point toward an ancient university complex such as Nalanda.

Final Answer:
The site that comprises the archaeological remains of a monastic and scholastic institution is Nalanda.