Q. Who among the following had built the Sompura Mahavihar?
Dharmapala was the second ruler of the PΔla dynasty and reigned from approximately 781 to 821 CE.
He is credited with establishing the Somapura Mahavihara, also known as the Great Monastery of Paharpur, located in present-day Naogaon District, Bangladesh.
Archaeological evidence, including clay seals discovered at the site, bears inscriptions such as "Shri-Somapure-Shri-Dharmapaladeva-Mahavihariyarya-bhiksu-sangghasya", confirming his role in founding the monastery .
The monastery became a renowned center of Buddhist learning and attracted scholars from various parts of Asia.
Why the other options are incorrect:
(B) Vijayasena: A later ruler of the Sena dynasty, not associated with the founding of Somapura Mahavihara.
(C) Harsha: A 7th-century ruler who patronized Nalanda University but was not involved in the establishment of Somapura Mahavihara.
(D) Kumargupta I: A Gupta emperor who founded Nalanda University but not Somapura Mahavihara.
Summary:
The Somapura Mahavihara was built by Dharmapala, the second PΔla king, during the late 8th century CE. It served as a significant center of Buddhist learning and played a pivotal role in the intellectual and cultural history of the Indian subcontinent.
Explanation by: Mr. Dubey
Dharmapala was the second ruler of the PΔla dynasty and reigned from approximately 781 to 821 CE.
He is credited with establishing the Somapura Mahavihara, also known as the Great Monastery of Paharpur, located in present-day Naogaon District, Bangladesh.
Archaeological evidence, including clay seals discovered at the site, bears inscriptions such as "Shri-Somapure-Shri-Dharmapaladeva-Mahavihariyarya-bhiksu-sangghasya", confirming his role in founding the monastery .
The monastery became a renowned center of Buddhist learning and attracted scholars from various parts of Asia.
Why the other options are incorrect:
(B) Vijayasena: A later ruler of the Sena dynasty, not associated with the founding of Somapura Mahavihara.
(C) Harsha: A 7th-century ruler who patronized Nalanda University but was not involved in the establishment of Somapura Mahavihara.
(D) Kumargupta I: A Gupta emperor who founded Nalanda University but not Somapura Mahavihara.
Summary:
The Somapura Mahavihara was built by Dharmapala, the second PΔla king, during the late 8th century CE. It served as a significant center of Buddhist learning and played a pivotal role in the intellectual and cultural history of the Indian subcontinent.