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Vikramshila University’s Revival
Context:
Bihar is on the path to reviving one of its ancient centres of learning, Vikramshila University, a revered institution that once rivalled Nalanda.
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- The move comes a decade after the establishment of Nalanda University in the foothills of Rajgir.
- The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has been working since December 2023 to enhance the ancient Vikramshila University site, aiming to attract more tourists.
- The project was approved by the Centre in 2015 with a sanction of Rs 500 crore, but progress had been delayed due to challenges in land acquisition.
Location and Development Plans
- The Bihar government has identified 202.14 acres at Antichak village, Bhagalpur district, for the new university.
- The site is 3 km away from the ancient Vikramshila ruins.
- The land acquisition process is underway, with the Bihar government allocating Rs 87.99 crore for it.
- NH-80, connecting Vikramshila to Bhagalpur (50 km away), is also under repair.
Historical Significance of Vikramshila
- Vikramshila was founded by Pala king Dharmapala in the late 8th to early 9th century AD, during the Pala Dynasty.
- It was a major center for Tantrayana, a form of Buddhism that emphasised tantric practices.
- It flourished alongside Nalanda and specialised in tantric and occult studies.
- Vikramshila’s notable scholars included Atisa Dipankara, a key figure in the spread of Buddhism in Tibet.
- The university thrived for around 400 years before its decline in the 13th century, likely due to the rise of Hinduism, the decline of Buddhism, and the invasion of Bakhtiyar Khalji.
Archaeological Excavation and Preservation
- The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has been working on the preservation of the Vikramshila site, including the cruciform brick stupa and 208 monk cells.
- The site also features the ruins of a library equipped with a cooling system designed to preserve manuscripts.
- The museum at the site displays several antiquities, including sculptures depicting events from Buddha’s life and various Hindu and Buddhist deities.
Cultural and Educational Legacy
- At its peak, Vikramshila was a leading center for theology, philosophy, metaphysics, logic, and most importantly, Tantric studies.
- It shared knowledge and teachers with Nalanda University during its peak, as both universities had the same patron, King Dharmapala.
- Vikramshila’s library was an important place for the copying and translation of manuscripts.
Government Support and Future Plans
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasised the historical significance of Vikramshila, drawing a parallel with Nalanda and the revival of ancient centres of learning.
- The Bihar Deputy CM Samrat Choudhary expressed the vision of collaboration between the new Vikramshila University and Nalanda University, similar to their collaboration in ancient times.
The revival of Vikramshila University aims to restore a centre of ancient learning and culture, with ongoing efforts to develop the site and establish a modern institution that honours its historical legacy.
