Restoring ancient glory: The Vikramshila Central University

The ancient Vikramshila University flourished as a renowned centre of learning between 8th to 12th centuries near Antichak of Kahalgaon in modern day Bhagalpur of Bihar

[{"selector":"#anim-828862d7-0385-4dcc-9238-fe60332b681d [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate(15.01601120170331%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"forwards"}] [{"selector":"#anim-d6bc579e-479e-47ca-9d48-c666f9c2eafd","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.4, 0.4, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}]

The university was founded by King Dharmpala of the Pala dynasty in the late 7th to early 8th century, marking the establishment of another splendid centre of learning after Nalanda.

[{"selector":"#anim-8770f25d-59bf-42c2-8e51-36883391ecf9","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.4, 0.4, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}]

At its peak, the university had thousands of students, engaged in studies of manuscripts, grammar, Sanskrit and Tantra Vidya before it was destroyed by the invading forces in the late 12th century

[{"selector":"#anim-7d5bb975-9109-4dcd-9734-fe85646532d3","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.4, 0.4, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}]

The university also had a vast library and a dedicated air-conditioned system (cooling system) possibly for preserving precious manuscripts

[{"selector":"#anim-9f5ef7cf-b093-4f71-977d-006f34dab59c","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.4, 0.4, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}]

The excavation at the ancient site led to unearthing of several deities of Buddhist and Hindu traditions

[{"selector":"#anim-36f3209e-44e8-4653-959f-e9f42fb3a26f","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.4, 0.4, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}]

The government both state and the Union have set plans in motion to revive the ancient glory of Vikramshila by building a new central university, kilometers away from the ruins of the ancient centre

[{"selector":"#anim-7acc0c8a-86dd-49d5-a6b1-56e6432fd4e0","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.4, 0.4, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}]

The state government has already identified 205 acres of land near the ancient site and survey of 250 acres’ of additional land has also been done

[{"selector":"#anim-cc88f841-b7e3-48d2-9ed4-7dbc2403dd85","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.4, 0.4, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}]

“We have already fused ancient Nalanda University’s glory with the new Nalanda University and now it’s the turn of Vikramshila University as we are opening a Central University here”: Prime Minister Narendra Modi

[{"selector":"#anim-3daa5b61-15f8-4d05-b515-b35b5046f733","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.4, 0.4, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}]

The establishment of Vikramshila Central University near the ancient site will enable students to pursue the excellence of ancient Bharatiya education system along modern studies, all under one roof