Vikramashila was one of the three most important Buddhist monasteries in India during the Pala Empire, along with Nalanda and Odantapuri. Its location is now the site of Antichak village near Kahalgaon, Bhagalpur district in Bihar.
Ruins of Vikramashila mahavihara
Atisa, one of the abbots of Vikramashila
Ancient site of the monastery
Main stupa at the centre
The Pāla Empire was an imperial power during the post-classical period in the Indian subcontinent, which originated in the region of Bengal. It is named after its ruling dynasty, whose rulers bore names ending with the suffix Pāla. The empire was founded with the election of Gopāla as the emperor of Gauda in late eighth century CE. The Pala stronghold was located in Bengal and eastern Bihar, which included the major cities of Gauḍa, Vikramapura, Pāṭaliputra, Monghyr, Somapura, Ramavati (Varendra), Tāmralipta and Jagaddala.
Vishnu with His Consorts, Lakshmi and Sarasvati, 11–12th century, Bihar or Bengal, Pala period
Coin of the Pala Empire, Mahipala and later. Circa 988–1161 CE
Bronze crowned Buddha, Bihar, Pala Empire, 10th–11th century
Vishnu Flanked by His Personified Attributes, early 9th century CE, Pala period, Bihar, India
