Vikramshila University

Vikramshila University Latest News

Vikramshila University Set for Revival in Bihar

Why in the News?

• After Nalanda University, another ancient centre of learning in Bihar—Vikramshila University—is set for revival.
• The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) is currently developing the ancient site to boost tourism.
• The Bihar government has identified 202.14 acres in Antichak village, Bhagalpur, for establishing a Central University at the historic site.
• The project was approved by the Centre in 2015 with an initial budget of ₹500 crore, but progress was delayed due to land acquisition issues.

About Vikramshila University

• Location: Vikramshila University was situated in Bhagalpur, Bihar, along the banks of the river Ganges, making it a prominent historical site in eastern India.
• Founder: The university was established by King Dharmapala of the Pala Dynasty during the late 8th to early 9th century AD, as a response to the perceived decline in educational standards at Nalanda University.
• Significance:
  • Vikramshila University emerged as a leading hub for Tantric Buddhism and Vajrayana Buddhism, playing a pivotal role in the spread of these traditions.
  • The university distinguished itself by specializing in tantric and occult studies, setting it apart from Nalanda University, which offered a broader curriculum.
  • During King Dharmapala’s reign, Vikramshila exerted influence over Nalanda’s affairs, highlighting its administrative and academic dominance at the time.
  • It drew over 1000 students and 100 teachers from across India and beyond, reflecting its international reputation as a center of learning.
  • The institution produced renowned scholars like Atisa Dipankara, who significantly contributed to establishing Buddhism in Tibet.
• Features:
  • Vikramshila University boasted a central stupa encircled by 208 cells, designed to house student-monks engaged in study and meditation.
  • It included a library equipped with a unique cooling system, channeling water from a nearby reservoir to preserve delicate manuscripts.
  • The curriculum encompassed a wide range of subjects, such as theology, philosophy, grammar, metaphysics, logic, and tantras, showcasing its academic diversity.
  • The university’s administration was overseen by a Kulpati or Mahasthavir, a distinctive leadership role that ensured its smooth functioning.
• Decline: Vikramshila University met its end when it was destroyed by Muhammad Bin Bakhtiyar Khalji around 1203 AD, an event that also marked the downfall of Nalanda University.

Vikramshila University FAQs

Q1. What was Vikramshila University?

Ans. Vikramshila University was an ancient Buddhist learning center in Bihar, India, established by King Dharmapala of the Pala dynasty in the 8th–9th century CE. It was a major center for Buddhist studies, particularly for Tantric Buddhism (Vajrayana).

Q2. Where was Vikramshila University located?

Ans. It was situated at Antichak in Bhagalpur district, Bihar, on the banks of the Ganges River.

Q3. Why was Vikramshila University established?

Ans. It was established to revive and strengthen Buddhist learning, which was perceived to be declining at Nalanda University. It became a prominent center for advanced Buddhist education.

Q4. What subjects were taught at Vikramshila University?

Ans. The university specialized in Buddhist philosophy, logic, grammar, metaphysics, and Tantra (Vajrayana Buddhism). It also had studies in Sanskrit, law, and other traditional sciences.

Source: IE