Source: IE
Context: Vikramshila University has recently drawn attention due to renewed efforts aimed at reviving and transforming this ancient Buddhist learning centre into a prominent educational hub.
About Vikramashila University:
- What is Vikramashila?
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- It is an ancient Buddhist monastery and leading centre of learning in medieval India.
- Location: Situated at Antichak village near Kahalgaon, Bhagalpur district, Bihar.
- Established by: Founded by King Dharmapala of the Pala dynasty in the late 8th or early 9th century CE.
- Historical Significance:
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- Vikramashila ranks among India’s most distinguished Buddhist mahaviharas, alongside Nalanda and Odantapuri (Bihar).
- Primarily known through Tibetan historical accounts, especially those authored by Tāranātha, a renowned Tibetan monk-historian (16th–17th century).
- Noted for scholars like Atisha Dipankara, founder of the Sarma traditions in Tibetan Buddhism.
- At its height during King Chanaka’s reign (955–983 CE), Vikramashila gained prominence for its structured hierarchy, as highlighted by historian Sukumar Dutt.
- Major Academic and Cultural Features:
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- Renowned as a prominent centre of Vajrayana Buddhism, employing eminent Tantric teachers such as Buddhajñānapāda, Dīpaṁkarabhadra, and Jayabhadra.
- Specialized in Buddhist Tantra, philosophy, grammar, metaphysics, logic, and occult studies.
- Architectural Highlights:
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- Features a central cruciform stupa surrounded by 208 cells (52 cells on each side) for monks.
- Hosted an advanced library with a cooling system designed for manuscript preservation.
