Vikramashila
King Dharmapala ruled the Pala Empire from 783 to 820 CE. He established Vikramashila between the late eighth and early ninth century. This action responded to a perceived decline in scholarship at Nalanda. The university became one of three major Buddhist Mahaviharas alongside Nalanda and Odantapuri. Five great monasteries formed a network under state supervision during the Pāla period. Scholars moved easily between these institutions as part of an interlinked group. Tibetan sources later described Vikramashila as the premier university of its era.
Scholar Sukumar Dutt documented a clear hierarchy within the monastery system. An Abbot known as Adhyaksha led the institution. Six gate protectors guarded each cardinal direction including Eastern, Western, Northern, Southern, First Central, and Second Central Gates. Great Scholars held the title Mahapañdita while ordinary scholars were Pañditas. Roughly 108 scholars and 160 professors taught within the complex. About 1,000 resident monks lived inside the walls. During King Chanaka's reign from 955 to 983, Ratnākaraśānti served as the Eastern Gate protector. Naropa guarded the Northern Gate while Vāgīsvarakīrti watched the West.
Atisha Dipankara founded the Sarma traditions of Tibetan Buddhism after studying at Vikramashila. He was invited by foreign countries to spread Buddhist learning abroad. Other figures included Śākyaśribhadra who became the last abbot during the late twelfth century. Jñanasrimitra and Ratnavajra also taught there before moving to Tibet. Drogmi traveled to India to study under these masters. The university produced eminent scholars often invited to carry their knowledge overseas. Many fled to Nepal and Tibet following the collapse of the monastery in 1193.
Vikramaśīla focused heavily on Vajrayana Buddhism and employed Tantric preceptors. Buddhajñānapāda served as the first preceptor followed by Dīpaňkarabhadra. Jayabhadra arrived from Sri Lanka and commented on the Cakrasamvara tantra. Śrīdhara succeeded them while Bhavabhațța may have been the mahāsiddha Bhadrapāda. Durjayachandra collaborated with the renowned Tibetan translator Rinchen Zangpo. His commentary became particularly important for the Sakya school. Tathāgatarakşita worked alongside Rin-chen grags to preserve texts. Subjects like philosophy, grammar, metaphysics, and Indian logic were taught but Tantra remained the most important branch.
Meticulous excavation began at Kahalgaon in Bhagalpur district between 1960 and 1969 under B. P. Sinha. The Archaeological Survey of India continued work from 1972 to 1982. A huge square monastery measured 330 metres per side with 208 cells opening into a common verandah. A cruciform stupa stood about 15 metres high in the center. Two terraces featured circumambulatory paths four point five metres wide below and three metres above. Colossal stucco images of seated Buddha occupied four chambers though all broke above the waist. Brick structures laid in mud mortar formed the main stupa accessible via steps on the north side.
Forces led by Muhammad bin Bakhtiyar Khalji destroyed Vikramashila around 1193. The vast majority of manuscripts within the library have been lost following multiple historical upheavals. Natural decay also claimed many texts since the climate of the Indo-Gangetic plains is not favorable for palm-leaf preservation. Some manuscripts survived because monks fled to Nepal and Tibet after the collapse. Five manuscripts containing references to Vikramashila remain identified today. One text currently held at the British Library mentions the Glorious Great Monastery of King Vikramaśīla as its place of production.
The Archaeological Survey of India plans to develop the excavated site of Vikramashila. Considerable work has maintained and beautified the location since 2009 to attract tourism. Western tourists arrive during river cruises on the Ganga River. Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced a Rs 500 crore package for revival efforts in 2015. President Pranab Mukherjee visited the ruins in 2017 and promised to discuss revival with the Prime Minister. Local people have long demanded a revival similar to Nalanda University. An annual Vikramshila Mahotsav festival now occurs each February.
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Common questions
Who founded Vikramashila and when was it established?
King Dharmapala of the Pala Empire established Vikramashila between the late eighth and early ninth century. He ruled from 783 to 820 CE and created the university in response to a perceived decline in scholarship at Nalanda.
What subjects were taught at Vikramashila during its operation?
Vikramaśīla focused heavily on Vajrayana Buddhism and employed Tantric preceptors as its primary branch of study. The institution also taught philosophy, grammar, metaphysics, and Indian logic alongside its core religious curriculum.
When did Muhammad bin Bakhtiyar Khalji destroy Vikramashila?
Forces led by Muhammad bin Bakhtiyar Khalji destroyed Vikramashila around 1193. Following this collapse, many monks fled to Nepal and Tibet while most manuscripts within the library were lost to historical upheavals and natural decay.
Where is the archaeological site of Vikramashila located today?
Meticulous excavation began at Kahalgaon in Bhagalpur district between 1960 and 1969 under B. P. Sinha. The Archaeological Survey of India continued work from 1972 to 1982 to uncover the ruins of the ancient monastery.
How many scholars and professors worked at Vikramashila?
Roughly 108 scholars and 160 professors taught within the complex during its peak operation. About 1,000 resident monks lived inside the walls while Great Scholars held the title Mahapañdita and ordinary scholars were Pañditas.