[Solved] Where was Odantipur Education Centre located? | Bihar

In which among the following states, 'Odantipur' Education Centre was situated?

[60th to 62nd B.P.S.C. Prelims 2016]

Detailed Solution & Historical Context

Concept

Bihar was the global hub of Buddhist learning during the early medieval period, housing a network of 'Mahaviharas' supported by the Pala kings.

Authentic Source Evidence

Odantipur (or Odantapuri) was located in Bihar (modern-day Bihar Sharif). It was established by the first Pala ruler, Gopala, in the 8th century CE.

Analytical Breakdown

Logic 1: Option B is correct. While the Palas ruled over Bengal, their primary educational foundations like Nalanda, Vikramshila, and Odantapuri were centered in Bihar.

Logic 2: Odantapuri served as a model for the first Buddhist monastery in Tibet, Samye, highlighting its international influence.

Conceptual Deep Dive & Logic

"Who founded Odantapuri?"

It was founded by Gopala, the founder of the Pala dynasty, in the 8th century.

Examiner's Mindset & Pro-Tip

"Odantapuri was the second oldest of the Bihar universities after Nalanda and was vital for the propagation of Vajrayana Buddhism."

Topic Clusters (click to see related topic questions)

Nalanda 10 Vikramshila 5

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