Kingdom of the Mahabharata

Takshashila

तक्षशिला

Ancient university and learning center

Takshashila (Present-day Taxila, Pakistan): Ancient university and learning center, located at coordinates 33.74°N, 72.79°E.

Key Facts

Key facts about Takshashila
TypeKingdom
Sanskrit nameतक्षशिला
Coordinates33.74°N, 72.79°E
Modern locationPresent-day Taxila, Pakistan
SignificanceAncient university and learning center

About Takshashila

Ancient center of learning and culture. Many princes received education here including Dhritarashtra's maternal relatives.

Why it matters: Ancient university and learning center

Rulers and Custodians

  • Taksha

Details

University
One of the oldest universities in the world
Subjects
Vedas, warfare, medicine, arts, and sciences

On the Map

Takshashila

Takshashila sits at 33.74°N, 72.79°E, in Present-day Taxila, Pakistan.

View on the full map

Events at Takshashila

  • The Snake Sacrifice BeginsYear 51King Janamejaya initiates the great Sarpa Satra (Snake Sacrifice) to avenge his father Parikshit's death by the naga Takshaka. Thousands of snakes perish in the flames.
  • Astika Stops the SacrificeYear 51The young sage Astika, nephew of Vasuki, arrives at the sacrifice and stops Takshaka from falling into the fire, saving the snake race.

Stories Set at Takshashila

Characters Connected

Nearby Places