Scribd
Upload
1K views3 pages

Ancient Vikramshila University

Vikramshila University was founded in Bihar, India by King Dharmapala of the Pala dynasty and was an important center for Buddhist learning. It attracted thousands of scholars from across India and other countries. The university had large buildings and temples that could house over 3,000 monk scholars. It specialized in teaching both Mahayana and Hinayana Buddhist texts as well as other Hindu scriptures and tantric texts. Vikramshila University flourished for over 400 years as the premier institution of higher learning in India until it was destroyed in the late 12th century.

Uploaded by

Radhey Shyam
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
1K views3 pages

Ancient Vikramshila University

Vikramshila University was founded in Bihar, India by King Dharmapala of the Pala dynasty and was an important center for Buddhist learning. It attracted thousands of scholars from across India and other countries. The university had large buildings and temples that could house over 3,000 monk scholars. It specialized in teaching both Mahayana and Hinayana Buddhist texts as well as other Hindu scriptures and tantric texts. Vikramshila University flourished for over 400 years as the premier institution of higher learning in India until it was destroyed in the late 12th century.

Uploaded by

Radhey Shyam
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 3

Ancient Vikramshila University

Dr. Manoj Kumar


Assistant Professor (Guest)
Dept. of A.I.H. & Archaeology,
Patna University, Patna-800005
P.G./ M.A. IInd Semester ,
Dept. of A.I.H. & Archaeology. Patna University
Paper- C.C.-5, SOCIAL –ECONOMIC HISTORY OF ANCIENT INDIA

Introduction:-In ancient Indian tradition, knowledge was supposed to


facilitate both spiritual liberation and perfection in worldly skills for
earning a livelihood. During the Vedic period our education system
was based on Shrutis and Smritis and imparted orally but since 6th
century B.C. socio-economic landscape changed rapidly leading to
the emergence of Mahajanpadas on the one hand and several heretical
sects on the other. With this rapid change in society, the method of
education also underwent a great change. Now onwards Buddhist
Sangha and later on the Buddhist monastery emerged as the prime
centres of learning. With time, some developed into true Universities
such as Taxila, Nalanda and Vikramshila.

History of Vikramshila University:- The Vikramshila University


came into being and was founded by King Dharmapala of Pala
dynasty.The king granted land endorsement for its upkeep. Other Pala
rulers also continued the patronage to the institutionVikramshila
developed as an important and exclusive centre of a new sect. Thus
under the continued enthusiastic patronage of the Pala rulers and the
emerging centre of the new form of learning within Buddhism,
Vikramshila attracted many scholars and students and it soon
outshined the Nalanda University and established itself as the premier
centre of higher learning in India during the early medieval period. It
remained in the leading position till it was destroyed by
BakhtiyarKhilji.
The buildings at Vikramshila were well planned and accommodative.
There were one hundred and eight temples and six college buildings,
spread-out like Lotus petals, with beautifulMahabodhi temple in the
centre. This was also a residential University. The monastery has a
total of 208 cells, 52 on each side, for students as well as teachers.
Like the other Universities, this University also provided specialized
instruction in various subjects. Buddhist textbooks belonging to both
branches ofBuddhism- Mahayanism and Hinyanism were taught.
Along with these, all the important branches of Hindu learning were
also taught and a special significance was attached to the study of
Tantras. The University had developed literacy and cultural contacts
with Tibet. Scholars from Tibet were particularly interested in the
Tantras, for the teaching of which special arrangements were made at
the University throughout the four hundred years of its existence. Its
special contribution was the propagations of Buddhism in Tibet, Pegu
and Ceylon.
To ensure a high standard of learning students were admitted to the
University only if they satisfied the test given by eminent authorities
in the change of various subjects.Tibetan sources chronicle that at one
time, there were six eminent logicians posted for the work.
Ratnakarasanti was placed at the east gate, Vagisvarakirti at the west,
Naropa at the north, Prajnakaramati at the south,Ratnavajra at the first
central gate and Jnana Srimitra at the second gate.
As the leading learning centre of the period, Vikramshila University
attracted many scholars from other parts of India as well as from other
countries. It has been mentioned that in the twelfth century 3,000
monk scholars were studying at this university. Acharya Buddha
Jnanapada was the founder of the new cult, Vajrayanism, of which
Vikramshila was the centre of those days. He was appointed first as
the priest of King Dharmapala (774-806 AD) and later as the Acharya
for ordination at Vikramshila. VairocharaRakshita, Jetari,
Prajnakaramati, Ratnakarasanti, Jnana Sri, and Dharmakirtietc. were
important scholars attached with the Vikramshila University.

You might also like