[Pramāṇa](https://indike.org/pramana/) › [Studies](https://indike.org/pramana/ins) › [Reference works](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference) › [An Encyclopaedia of Indian Archaeology](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.ghosh-1989) › v1.c19.s12.t2.9 # An Encyclopaedia of Indian Archaeology v1.c19.s12.t2.9 An Encyclopaedia of Indian Archaeology v1.c19.s12.t2.9 - **Language:** English ### [v1.c19.s12.t2.9](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.ghosh-1989.v1.c19.s12.t2.9) However the idea of the \*saṅghārāma\* as a seat of learning took its final shape under the Pālas (8th to 12th centuries). The Somapura-mahā-vihāra (Paharpur in Bangladesh), founded by Dharmapāla (770-810), having a tall terraced edifice surrounded by a quadrangular monastery, was the largest of the Buddhist settlements. Other \*mahā-vihāras\* including Vikramaśilā (Patharghata-ANTICHAK area), Odantapuri (Bihar Sharif) and Jāgaddala (in n. Bengal), the last one built by Rāmapala (1077-1120) sprang up. By this time the Vajrayāna cult along with the Tantric esoteric rites became popular throughout India. - [Previous: v1.c19.s12.t2.8](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.ghosh-1989.v1.c19.s12.t2.8) - [Next: v1.c19.s12.t2.10](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.ghosh-1989.v1.c19.s12.t2.10) - [Up: v1.c19.s12.t2](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.ghosh-1989.v1.c19.s12.t2) --- Source: [https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.ghosh-1989.v1.c19.s12.t2.9](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.ghosh-1989.v1.c19.s12.t2.9) · Pramāṇa