Vikramaśīla University

Vikramaśīla University refers to the ruins of a Buddhist learning center in Bhagalpur district, India. The site spreads across several levels with brick structures, wall paintings, and living quarters for students and teachers.

Ruler Dharmapala founded this teaching institution at the end of the 8th century as a counterpart to other centers of his time. Troops from Central Asia destroyed the buildings at the beginning of the 13th century.

The institution housed 3,000 Buddhist scholars who translated numerous Sanskrit texts into Tibetan and taught advanced courses in philosophy, logic, and grammar.

The site lies roughly 13 kilometers from Kahalgaon town and can be reached by local roads. Panels explain the layout and function during its active period.

Six guardians tested applicants through oral debates before they gained access to teaching. This practice set the center apart from other institutions of its time.