Vikramshila
Located some 250 km from Patna, in the district of Bhagalpur, is the site of an ancient university, Vikramshila. The university was founded by King Dharmpala, in late 8th century AD.
After flourishing for years, it was plundered by invaders around 1200 AD. |
| Vikramshila University belongs to the Pala period and thus can be assigned to the period between 10th and 12th centuries AD. The site covers a very extensive area dotted with carved
pillars, votive stupas and mounds with ruins. Famous for studies in "tantra", it also bore the imprint of teachings in Buddhism. |
| Close by are the Rajmahal Hills and Pathar Ghat, famous for their Jurassic Age rocks and natural fossils. This place is ideal for eco tourism development. |
| Remains of ancient Vikramshila University lie at village Antichak in the Bhagalpur district. Excavations at this site were done in 1960-61 and have disclosed different periods of habitation. The natural structures exposed and the antiquities discovered reiterate that the site Was
probably the remains of a large monastery. |
A number of Buddha idols of stone and terracotta have been discovered. Some inscribed
seals and stupas have also been found. King Dharampala, who founded the university, had generously given munificent grants. The university building made provisions for the maintenance
of 108 residential professors and also for a number of non-residential professors, pilgrims and
other members of the staff.
A big Vihara (monastery) was constructed in the university quarters and it was protected
by strong walls. In the centre was a big Buddhist temple, surrounded by 108 smaller temples.
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