[Solved] Centres of Learning in Early Medieval India | Taxila

Which one of the following places was not the centre of learning during early medieval period?

[Uttarakhand P.C.S. Prelims 2016]

Detailed Solution & Historical Context

Concept

Early Medieval India (8th–12th century) was the era of 'Mahaviharas' in Eastern India, supported primarily by the Pala kings. The ancient hubs of the North-West had already declined due to invasions.

Authentic Source Evidence

Nalanda, Vikramshila, and Uddantapur (all in Bihar) were flourishing Buddhist universities during this time. Taxila (Option C), however, had been destroyed by the Huns in the 5th century and never regained its status as a major academic center in the early medieval period.

Analytical Breakdown

Logic 1: Taxila was an ancient center (Mauryan/Kushan era). By the 8th century, the center of gravity for higher education had shifted to the East.

Logic 2: Options A, B, and D were all active until the Turkish raids of Bakhtiyar Khalji in the early 13th century.

Conceptual Deep Dive & Logic

"Which dynasty was the primary patron of Vikramshila and Uddantapur?"

The Pala dynasty of Bengal and Bihar founded and supported these universities as major centers of Buddhist scholarship.

Examiner's Mindset & Pro-Tip

"The decline of Taxila and the rise of Nalanda/Vikramshila reflects the eastward shift of Indian intellectual life following the collapse of the Gupta empire."

Topic Clusters (click to see related topic questions)

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