Ancient Indian Education: An Inquiry into its Origin, Development, and Ideals c6.97

c6.97

Vikramaśilā³ had a monastery which is said to have included 107 temples and six colleges. It was founded by King Dharmapāla at the close of the eighth century A.D. It was situated in Bihar on a hill on the right bank of the Ganges, but its precise position is not certain. King Dharmapāla endowed his foundation with rich grants which were to be used for the maintenance of 108 resident monks as well as non-resident monks and pilgrims. A learned and pious sage was always appointed as the head of the monastery. Among the subjects studied were grammar, metaphysics (including logic), and ritualistic books. Pandits who were eminent for learning and character were rewarded by having their images painted on the walls of the university, and the title of ‘pandit’ was conferred on distinguished scholars by the king himself. Six of the most learned of the sages of this foundation were appointed to guard its gates. This university was destroyed by the Muhammadan invader Bakhtiyar Khiljī about 1203 A.D.