Vikramshila Mahavihara, one of the great centres of Buddhist learning in eastern India, was established by a ruler of which dynasty?

Introduction / Context:
In the early medieval period, several large Buddhist monasteries and universities flourished in eastern India. Nalanda is the most famous, but Vikramshila Mahavihara was also a major centre of advanced Buddhist studies. Knowing which dynasty patronised these institutions helps you understand the political support behind Buddhist learning. This question asks you to identify the dynasty whose ruler founded Vikramshila Mahavihara.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The question is about the founding dynasty of Vikramshila Mahavihara.
• Options include the Pushyabhuti, Varman, Sen, Pala and Gupta dynasties.
• We assume the commonly accepted account used in history textbooks.
• The monastery is located in present day Bihar.

Concept / Approach:
Vikramshila Mahavihara was established by the Pala ruler Dharmapala in the eighth or ninth century. The Pala dynasty ruled over Bengal and parts of Bihar and was a major supporter of Mahayana and Vajrayana Buddhism. They patronised several monasteries including Nalanda, Vikramshila and Odantapuri. The other dynasties in the options ruled in different regions or periods and are not credited with founding this institution. Therefore, the correct approach is to recall that the Palas are closely associated with later Buddhist universities in eastern India.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Identify Vikramshila Mahavihara as a famous Buddhist monastery in Bihar. Step 2: Recall that Dharmapala of the Pala dynasty founded this institution to promote advanced Buddhist studies. Step 3: Note that the Pala rulers were known for strong patronage of Mahayana Buddhism. Step 4: Compare with other dynasties in the options, none of which are recorded as founders of Vikramshila. Step 5: Conclude that the correct dynasty is the Pala dynasty.

Verification / Alternative check:
Standard history books state that the Palas established a network of Buddhist institutions in eastern India. Dharmapala name appears repeatedly as the founder of Vikramshila. Often, exam notes group Nalanda, Vikramshila and Odantapuri together under Pala patronage. There is no similar grouping linking these universities with the Gupta, Sen or other dynasties mentioned in the options. This repeated association in reliable sources confirms that the Pala dynasty is the correct answer.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• Option A: The Pushyabhuti dynasty is associated with Harsha in north India but not with the foundation of Vikramshila.
• Option B: The Varman dynasty is linked with Kamarupa in Assam, not with this monastery in Bihar.
• Option C: The Sen dynasty came later in Bengal and did not establish Vikramshila.
• Option E: The Gupta dynasty supported some Buddhist institutions but Vikramshila dates to the later Pala period.

Common Pitfalls:
Students often mix up Nalanda as an institution associated with the Guptas and later with the Palas, and then wrongly generalise this connection for every Buddhist university. It is important to remember that Vikramshila is specifically tied to Dharmapala of the Pala dynasty. A useful memory aid is to think of Palas and Vikramshila together as part of the later phase of institutional Buddhism in eastern India. Writing a short map based note with arrows linking dynasties to their monasteries can help reinforce this for exam preparation.

Final Answer:
The correct answer is Pala dynasty.