A decade after the establishment of Nalanda University in the foothills of Rajgir, efforts are underway to revive another ancient center of learning Vikramshila in Bihar.

• Since December last year, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has been working on the development of the Vikramshila site to attract more tourists. 
• Additionally, the Bihar government has recently allocated 202.14 acres of land at Antichak village in Bhagalpur district for the establishment of a Central University.

About Vikramshila University

• Location: Vikramshila University was situated in Bhagalpur, Bihar, on a hilltop along the banks of the river Ganges.
• Founder: It was established by King Dharmapala of the Pala Dynasty in the late 7th century.
• Peak of Glory: The university reached its zenith in the 12th century under the administration of King Ramapala.
• Major Buddhist Learning Center: It was one of the three most prominent centers of Indian Buddhism, alongside Nalanda and Odantapuri.
• Specialization in Tantrayana Buddhism: Vikramshila was known for its focus on Tantrayana Buddhism, which integrated tantric rituals and occult sciences into its teachings.
• Other Disciplines Taught: The university also provided education in theology, philosophy, grammar, metaphysics, and medicine, among other subjects.
• Notable Scholars and Alumni:
• • Atisha Dipankara, renowned for reviving Buddhism in Tibet, was an alumnus of Vikramshila.
  • Vasubandhu, a distinguished Buddhist scholar, was also associated with the university.
• Historical Records: The Tibetan scholar Taranath was the first to document the university’s existence under the name Vikramshila Mahavihar.
• Architectural Features: The university had a central temple, which housed a life-size replica of the Mahabodhi tree.
  • The site’s most prominent structure was a central stupa.
  • The walls of both terraces were adorned with terracotta panels, many of which have been destroyed over time.
• Destruction: Vikramshila University was destroyed by Bakhtiyar Khilji, a Turkish general under Qutbuddin Aibak, who also led the destruction of Nalanda University.
  

About Nalanda University

• Oldest Residential University: Nalanda was the world’s oldest residential university, established in the 5th century CE by Kumargupta I of the Gupta dynasty.
• Royal Patronage:
  • Over the centuries, it was patronized by rulers such as King Harshavardhana of Kannauj (7th century CE) and the Pala rulers (8th – 12th century CE).
  • Emperor Ashoka made offerings to the Chaitya of Sariputra at Nalanda and built a temple there.
• Visits by Prominent Religious Figures:
  • According to Pali Buddhist literature, Gautama Buddha visited Nalanda.
  • Sariputra and Moggallana, two of Buddha’s chief disciples, hailed from the Nalanda region.
  • As per Jaina texts, Mahavira Vardhamana spent fourteen rainy seasons in Nalanda.
• Notable Teachers and Scholars:
  • Aryabhatta: The renowned mathematician studied and taught at Nalanda.
  • Nagarjuna: A distinguished Mahayana Buddhist philosopher.
  • Dignaga: The founder of the Buddhist school of logic.
  • Dharmapala: A celebrated Brahmin scholar.
  • Abhayakaragupta: A notable tantric practitioner who served as the abbot of the Mahabodhi, Nalanda, and Vikramshila monasteries.
  • Naropa: A scholar of the tantric lineages of Tibetan traditions and the abbot of Nalanda from 1049 to 1057.
• Chinese Scholars:
  • I-Qing and Hiuen-Tsang visited Nalanda in the 7th century CE and documented its grandeur.
  • Hiuen-Tsang studied Yogashastra at Nalanda under Chancellor Shilabhadra, who was the highest authority on yoga at the time.
• Recognition and Heritage Status: In 2016, the ruins of Nalanda were officially declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognizing its historical and educational significance.

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