[Solved] Who founded Vikramshila University? | Dharmapala

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

[Chhattisgarh P.C.S. Prelims 2011]

Detailed Solution & Historical Context

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.

Authentic Source Evidence

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.

Analytical Breakdown

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.

Conceptual Deep Dive & Logic

"Why did Dharmapala found Vikramshila despite Nalanda's existence?"

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

Examiner's Mindset & Pro-Tip

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

Topic Clusters (click to see related topic questions)

Nalanda 10 Bakhtiyar Khalji 4 Buddhist Monasteries 3

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