Which ruler of Bengal founded the ancient University called 'Vikramshila'?
Chhattisgarh P.C.S. (Pre) 2011
A. Dharamapala
B. Gopala
C. Devpala
D. Mahipala
Answer: Dharamapala
Optiona a is the correct answer.
The ruler of Bengal who founded the ancient University called 'Vikramshila' was Dharmapala. He was a Pala dynasty ruler who reigned from 783 to 820 AD . It is in the presentday Bihar district of Bhagalpur. Dharmapala established Vikramshila University in response to a perceived decline in the level of education at Nalanda. Vikramshila University was an important center of Buddhist learning and attracted students and scholars from various parts of India and even from other countries. It played a significant role in propagating Buddhist teachings and other disciplines like logic, Veda, Pharonomy, law, and more. Around 1203 AD, it was destroyed by Muhammad Bin Bakhtiyar Khalji's sorceress.