Encyclopedia of India–China Cultural Contacts v1.c7.s2.t15.3

v1.c7.s2.t15.3

The exposed monastic settlement is a quadrangle with a double terraced central caityā in a cruciform shape, having four shrine chambers with pavilions. The central *caityā*, rising to a height of 16.25 metre, could be reached through a pathway. Tibetan accounts mention about six entrance gates manned by eminent scholars who screened admission to the *mahāvihāra*. Thus, we have the names of Ratnākaraśānti (East Gate), Vagīśvarakīrti (West Gate), Naropa (North Gate), Prajñākaramati (South Gate), Ratnavajra (First Central Gate) and Jñānaśrīmitra (Second Gate). The exposed monastic complex includes 208 cells with a verandah. The outer wall has 20 projected circular cells and 20 rectangular cells. A unique feature is the underground cells which may have been used by monks for meditation. Remains of a huge library building with a manuscript section have also been excavated. According to Lama Taranath, during the period of King Rampala (1076-1132 CE), when Abhyākara Guptā was its head, there were 108 professors and 1,000 inmate student monks. The number of monk scholars in the 12ᵗʰ century has been estimated to have been around 3,000. No definite evidence of land grants to the *mahāvihāra* exists. It appears to have met its expenditure though the state’s assignment of the revenue collected from surrounding villages. Although only one mound out of the nine has been excavated, the establishment is shorn of urban relics which characterised the earlier *mahāvihāras* like Nālandā.