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Chhattisgarh P.C.S. (Pre) 2011

Ancient and Early Medieval Education

Authentic Past Paper Standard Evaluation

Which ruler of Bengal founded the ancient University called 'Vikramshila'?

Solution & Analysis

Answer: A

Concept The Pala dynasty of Bengal and Bihar was a major patron of Mahayana and Vajrayana Buddhism, establishing several monastic universities (Mahaviharas) to revive Buddhist scholarship.

Explanation Dharmapala (reigned c. 783–820 CE) founded Vikramshila University in the Bhagalpur district of Bihar. It was established as a premier institution to complement and improve upon the educational standards of Nalanda.

Logical Breakup
Logic 1: Dharmapala was a great patron of Buddhism. He established the university on a hill on the bank of the Ganges.
Logic 2: The university specialized in Tantric Buddhism (Vajrayana), Logic, Vedas, Astronomy, and Law.
Logic 3: Its destruction occurred around 1203 CE during the invasion of Bakhtiyar Khalji, marking the end of organized Buddhist education in India.

Active Recall

Question

Why did Dharmapala establish Vikramshila when Nalanda already existed?

Answer

It was established due to a perceived decline in the quality of education at Nalanda, aiming to create a more rigorous center for Buddhist scholarship.

Core Insight

Vikramshila's scholars were instrumental in the second diffusion of Buddhism in Tibet, highlighting the university's international influence.

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