Vikramshila University

Vikramshila University: After Nalanda University, another ancient centre of learning in Bihar, Vikramshila University, is set for revival.

• About Vikramshila University: Situated in Bhagalpur, Bihar, along the banks of the Ganges.

o Established by King Dharmapala of the Pala Dynasty during the late 8th to early 9th century AD., founded to counter the decline in educational standards at Nalanda University.

• Significance: A leading hub for Tantric Buddhism and Vajrayana Buddhism, specialized in tantric and occult studies, setting it apart from Nalanda.

o During King Dharmapala's reign, it held administrative and academic dominance over Nalanda.

o Attracted over 1000 students and 100 teachers from across India and abroad.

o Produced renowned scholars like Atisa Dipankara, who contributed to Buddhism in Tibet.

• Features: Boasted a central stupa encircled by 208 cells for student-monks.

o Had a library with a unique cooling system to preserve manuscripts by channeling water from a nearby reservoir. Curriculum covered subjects like theology, philosophy, grammar, metaphysics, logic, and tantras, and administration was led by a Kulpati or Mahasthavir.

• Decline: Destroyed by Muhammad Bin Bakhtiyar Khalji around 1203 AD, marking the end of both Vikramshila and Nalanda University