Vikramshila University

• 26 Mar 2025

Why in News? 

A decade after the revival of Nalanda University in Rajgir , the process of reviving  another ancient centre of learning ' Vikramashila University' in Bihar has gained momentum. 

• Archaeological Survey of India ( ASI ) is developing this ancient site for the purpose of conservation and promoting tourism. 

Key Points 

• Financial support from the central government 
  • Despite sanctioning Rs 500 crore in 2015 , the project got delayed because of land identification issues. 
  • Now the Bihar government has marked 202.14 acres of land in Antichak village of Bhagalpur district for this project. 
• Vikramshila University: 
  • Location: 
    • Vikramshila University was located on the banks of the river Ganges in the Bhagalpur district of Bihar . 
  • Establishment: 
    • This university was established by King Dharmapala of the Pala dynasty in  the late 8th and early 9th centuries.  
• Educational Importance: 
  • Vikramshila University emerged as a major centre of Tantric Buddhism and the Vajrayana Buddhist tradition and played an important role in the dissemination of these doctrines. 
  • The institute was famous for its specialisation in esoteric and tantric studies, making it distinct from Nalanda University. 
  • The curriculum included subjects as diverse as theology, philosophy, grammar, metaphysics, logic and tantra, indicating its academic richness. 
  • Around 1,000 students and 100 teachers from India and abroad come here for study and teaching, which makes it an internationally renowned educational centre. 
• Features and Structure: 
  • The centrepiece of the university was a magnificent stupa surrounded by 208 rooms, where students and monks engaged in study and meditation. 
  • It had a library equipped with a unique cooling system. 
  • The administration of the university was headed by a Vice-Chancellor (Mahasthavira) , who was responsible for its planned and smooth functioning.  
• Downfall: 
  • Around 1203 AD , this university was destroyed due to the invasion of Muhammad bin Bakhtiyar Khilji.  

 Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) 

• ASI, under the Ministry of Culture, is the premier organisation for archaeological research and conservation of the cultural heritage of the country. 
  • It oversees all archaeological undertakings within the country under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958.  
• It manages more than 3,650 ancient monuments, archaeological sites and remains of national importance. 
• Its activities include surveying archaeological remains, exploration and excavation of archaeological sites, conservation and maintenance of protected monuments, etc. 
• It was established in the year 1861 by Alexander Cunningham, the first Director General of ASI . Alexander Cunningham is also known as the "Father of Indian Archaeology".