SSC Stenographer 2025 PYQ — Question 11

SSC Stenographer - 07 Aug 2025 - Shift 1 • General Awareness • Q11

Which Pala ruler is known for founding the great Buddhist university at Vikramashila? 

Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: A

Explanation

Answer: Dharmapala

Explanation: The Pala ruler Dharmapala is credited with founding the famous Buddhist university at Vikramashila. He was one of the most powerful rulers of the Pala dynasty and a great patron of Mahayana Buddhism. Vikramashila was established to promote advanced Buddhist learning and served as an important center of education in ancient India, similar to Nalanda.

Additional Key Facts:

Vikramashila University was located in present-day Bihar.

It was one of the most important learning centers of ancient India along with Nalanda and Odantapuri.

Dharmapala also played a major role in reviving Buddhism in eastern India.

The university flourished between the 8th and 12th centuries.

It was later destroyed during the invasions of Bakhtiyar Khilji.

Potential Exam-Oriented Questions & Answers:

Question: Which dynasty did Dharmapala belong to?
Answer: Pala Dynasty.

Question: Where was Vikramashila University located?
Answer: Bihar.