Question

Vikramshila University was established by?

Answer 1

Answer: Dharampal

Explanation:

Vikramshila University was established by King Dharampal, who ruled the Pala dynasty from approximately 783 to 820 CE. This ancient seat of learning was founded in the late 8th or early 9th century CE in what is now the Bhagalpur district of Bihar, India.

Dharampal was one of the most prominent rulers of the Pala Empire and a great patron of Buddhism and education. Under his reign, the empire reached its zenith in terms of territorial expansion and cultural development. He was deeply committed to promoting Buddhist learning and established Vikramshila as a center for advanced Buddhist studies, particularly focusing on Tantric Buddhism.

Vikramshila University quickly gained international recognition and became one of the most important centers of learning in ancient India, alongside Nalanda University. The university attracted scholars and students from across Asia, including Tibet, China, and Southeast Asia. It played a crucial role in the development and spread of Mahayana and Vajrayana Buddhism.

The university was renowned for its systematic approach to Buddhist philosophy and logic. It had over 100 teachers and more than 1,000 students at its peak. The institution was particularly famous for its expertise in Tantric studies and produced many distinguished scholars who later traveled to Tibet and other regions to spread Buddhist teachings.

Vikramshila University continued to flourish under subsequent Pala rulers until it was eventually destroyed during the Muslim invasions in the early 13th century. Today, the archaeological remains of this great university serve as a testament to the rich educational heritage of ancient India and Dharampal's vision of creating centers of excellence for higher learning.