Vikramshila University
Located 252 kms from Patna,
in the district of Bhagalpur, is the site of an ancient
University, Vikramshila. The university was founded by king
Dharmpala, in late 8th century AD.
44 Kms east of Bhagalpur,
the remains of the Vikramshila University, the medievial
centre to the conservation and propagation of Buddhist education,
is still a visual delight for visitors.The
institution covers an approximate area of four square kilometers,
spread across two villages -Bateshwar Sthan (Pather Ghatta)
and Antichak.
HISTORY
Notwithstanding the current
neglected condition, the remains are an exquisite depiction
of the glory of Bihar in medieval times. This University,
which excelled in the field of education and science, studies
in Tantra & teachings in Buddhism., was established
by King Dharampal of Bengal (783 to 820 AD) during the fag
end of the eighth century. At the time, the charm of the
Nalanda University, another ancient Buddhist educational
institution, was waning. Vikaramshila University's highest
adminstrative post was that of the President and one such
President Dipankar Acharya Ateesh, was famous the world
over for his knowledge in the field of Buddhist Philosophy.
In order to be admitted, the students had to satisfactorily
answer all queries of the teacher present at all the six
main gates. These teachers were called Dwar-Pandits.
Till 39 years back,
historians were kept guessing about the old University,
lying beneath the soil. While Cunningham thought that it
could be found anywhere around Silao near Patna, Dr. S.
C. Vidyabhushan imagined its existance somewhere near Sultanganj
- about 22 km west from Bhagalpur city. Francis Buchanan,
in the accounts of his tour of Bhagalpur around 1810 and
1811, had referred to the presence of a few small mounds
around Pather-Ghatta which he assumed were the remains of
a few fortresses. C.F.A.W. Oldham, while editing Buchanan's
diary, for the first time suggested that these mounds might
belong to the Vikaramshila University. Excavation started
at the site in 1961 which continued till 1980, under the
supervision of Union Govt. and the History Department of
the Patna University. The digging took place over 125 acres
and in 1972 the work was handed over to the Archeological
Survey of India (ASI). In 1981, the excavation was given
up due to financial crunch.
After
flourishing for years, it was plundered by invaders around
1200 AD.
TOURIST PLACES
As
one descend down the excavation site, one would find the
remains of Tibetan dormitory, built on a 60 feet wide platform.
This dormitory is being further destroyed due to the alkalisation
of the bricks. Two of its columns have already been damaged.
Adjacent to it lies the meditation house which is in complete
ruins, surrounded by overgrown grass and thick layers of
dust. The terracotta on its wall is also decaying.
The soil around three of
its main entrances is still to be dug out. The 60-feet high
Stupa is built on a 300-feet wide platform. More than 300
terracotta figurines were fixed around this Stupa. The excavation
of the Hostels around it remains incomplete.
The site covers a very extensive
area dotted with carved pillars, votive stupas and mounds
with ruins. Close by are the Rajmahal Hills and Pathar Ghat,
famous for their Jurassic Age rocks and natural fossils.
This place is ideal for Eco-Tourism development.
The residual portion of the temple and the stupas of Bikramsila
Mahavihar not only signals the socio-religious life of the
age but also the superior craftsmanship in brick, stone
and earth.
HOW
TO GET THERE
Air : The nearest Airport is Patna (291 Kms).
Rail : The nearest Railway
station is Khalgaon.
Road: 281 Kms from Gaya,
291 Kms from Patna, 391 Kms from Motihari, 308 Kms from
Muzaffarpur, 245 Kms from Biharsharif, 310 Kms from Bodhgaya
WHERE TO STAY
Private hotels, Dharamshalas
available at Motihari on moderate charges
