What was the Kutagarashala— literally, a hut with a pointed roof?

The term 'Kutagarashala' literally translates to a 'hut with a pointed roof' [1]. In the context of ancient Indian history, particularly within Buddhist traditions, these structures served as significant venues for intellectual discourse [1]. Buddhist texts record the existence of approximately 64 different sects or schools of thought during this period [1]. Teachers and philosophers, including figures like Mahavira and the Buddha, traveled extensively to debate their philosophies and understand the nature of reality. These debates occurred in the Kutagarashala or in groves where mendicants halted [1]. If a philosopher successfully convinced a rival of their viewpoint, the rival and their followers would become disciples of the victor, causing the influence of specific sects to fluctuate based on the outcomes of these intellectual exchanges [1].

Sources

1. [1] THEMES IN INDIAN HISTORY PART I, History CLASS XII (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 4: Thinkers, Beliefs and Buildings > 2.3 Debates and discussions > p. 85