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Chhattisgarh P.C.S. Prelims 2011

Pala Dynasty Patronage

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 were great patrons of Buddhist learning. Following a perceived decline at Nalanda, they established new centers to propagate Mahayana and Vajrayana teachings.

Explanation Dharmapala (r. 783–820 AD) founded Vikramshila University in Bhagalpur, Bihar. It became a premier global center for Buddhist studies, attracting scholars from as far as Tibet and Southeast Asia.

Logical Breakup
Logic 1: Option A is correct. Dharmapala is credited with the university's foundation and its maintenance through the donation of numerous villages.
Logic 2: Vikramshila remained a major intellectual hub until its destruction by the forces of Bakhtiyar Khalji around 1203 CE.

Active Recall

Question

Why did Dharmapala found Vikramshila despite Nalanda's existence?

Answer

It was established to revitalize Buddhist scholarship and provide a more focused center for Tantric (Vajrayana) Buddhism.

Core Insight

Vikramshila's foundation by the Palas ensured that Indian intellectual influence in Tibet remained strong during the early medieval period.

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