Dictionary of Pali Proper Names v1.c21.57

v1.c21.57

Takkasilā.—The capital of Gandhāra. It is frequently mentioned as a centre of education, especially in the Jātakas. It is significant that it is never mentioned in the suttas, though, according to numerous Jātaka stories, it was a great centre of learning from pre-Buddhistic times. The Commentaries mention that in the Buddha’s day, also, princes and other eminent men received their training at Takkasilā. Pasenadi, king of Kosala, Mahāli, chief of the Licchavis, and Bandhula, prince of the Mallas, were classmates in the university of Takkasilā.¹ Among others described as being students of Takkasilā are Jīvaka, Aṅgulimāla, Dhammapāla of Avanti, Kaṇhadinna, Bhāradvāja and Yasadatta (q.v.).