Vikramshila: Bihar's lost seat of learning sees dazzling comeback

Ten years since Nalanda University was reopened in Rajgir's idyllic foothills, Bihar is set to activate another lost learning center—Vikramshila. A lagged project that has been hampered by land acquisition-related problems is picking up pace with both state and center governments set to revive Vikramshila as a premier seat of learning.

The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has been making gradual efforts towards popularizing the site, permitting greater access for tourists and academics alike to view the ruins. The Bihar state government has, in parallel, designated 202.14 acres at Antichak village in Bhagalpur district for housing the new Central University—a development that marks tangible progress towards re-establishing Vikramshila.

Even though the Centre had given the project sanction in 2015, with a sanction of ₹500 crore initially, bureaucratic and logistical issues caused delays in its implementation. But the recent move by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Bhagalpur has rekindled hopes for the revival of the institution. "At its peak, Vikramshila University was an international center of learning.". We already regained Nalanda's glory; let us regain that of Vikramshila also, he said, pointing to the government's promise to regain the fame of one of India's finest ancient universities.

Vikramshila, established by Pala king Dharmapala in the late 8th or early 9th century AD, was nurtured under the Pala Empire along with Nalanda. As Nalanda gained fame world over for its multi-disciplinary approach, Vikramshila gained a place in history as a special institution for the study of Tantrayana Buddhism—the esoteric school of Buddhist philosophy that involves tantric practices and rituals. Here, scholars learned metaphysics, logic, grammar, and theology and produced iconic personalities such as Atisa Dipankara, who was instrumental in disseminating Buddhism to Tibet.

Today, as efforts at the restoration and conservation of the Vikramshila ruins continue, the site provides us with a glimpse of the past. The focal point of the excavation is a huge cruciform brick stupa, glinting in the sunlight—a testament to the architectural splendor of the university. Surrounding it are 208 monk cells, arranged symmetrically in four quadrants, where scholars once engaged in serious intellectual pursuits.

Remains of a large library, on the south-western periphery of the site, suggest the scholarly activity that comprised Vikramshila's reputation. With an innovative system of cooling that previously controlled temperature and humidity to accommodate sensitive manuscripts, the library was a center for copying and translating classical works. The ASI, during excavation of the site, has unearthed two sculptures and inscriptions that authenticate the contribution of the university towards Hindu and Buddhist cultures. Some of them are being stored in a museum dedicated exclusively to them, giving visitors an insight into Vikramshila's religious and cultural importance.

Decades of abandonment apart, reemergence of Vikramshila as an educational hub looks only a question of time. The government has sanctioned ₹87.99 crore for acquiring land at Antichak, where the new varsity will be constructed, mere three kilometers from the archaeological remains. Bhagalpur District Magistrate Nawal Kishore Choudhary saw to it that 27 acres from the proposed 202.14 acres are in state possession though presently under encroachment by families of residents.

Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary highlighted the progress of the project by stating, "Land acquisition is on the last legs. Apart from this, NH-80 connecting Vikramshila with Bhagalpur is being repaired and expanded. Soon, the new Nalanda and Vikramshila universities will trade themselves as they did centuries ago."

With historical awareness and contemporary education dreams coming together, Vikramshila's renaissance assures not only to bring it back to its glorious history but mold the future of Indian higher education. Within a short while, Bihar's lost gem will shine again on the global academic horizon.