[Solved] Who built Sompura Mahavihara? | Dharmapala Pala Dynasty

Who among the following had built the Sompura Mahavihar?

[U.P.P.C.S. Pre 1999]

Detailed Solution & Historical Context

Concept

The Pala Empire was a great patron of Mahayana Buddhism. They established several 'Mahaviharas' (great monasteries) which served as global centers of learning.

Authentic Source Evidence

Dharmapala (c. 770–810 CE) founded the Sompura Mahavihara at Paharpur (modern Bangladesh). It is one of the largest Buddhist monasteries in the Indian subcontinent and a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Analytical Breakdown

Logic 1: Option C is correct. Dharmapala is credited with building both Sompura and Vikramshila monasteries.

Logic 2: Kumaragupta-I is associated with Nalanda, and Harsha patronized Nalanda but did not build Sompura. Vijayasena belonged to the later Sena dynasty.

Conceptual Deep Dive & Logic

"What was the significance of Sompura Mahavihara in the 8th century?"

It was a major intellectual hub that influenced Buddhist architecture and learning across Southeast Asia, particularly in Myanmar and Java.

Examiner's Mindset & Pro-Tip

"The Sompura Mahavihara represents the zenith of the Pala style of architecture, blending Buddhist, Jain, and Hindu cultural elements."

Topic Clusters (click to see related topic questions)

Vikramshila 5 Nalanda 10

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