Studies in History and Archaeology of Vikramasila Mahavihara- The Last Beacon of Buddhist Philosophy

The volume is an humble attempt towards understanding Vikramasila Mahävihara 'the last beacon of Buddhist philosophy'. Founded by Pala King Dharmapala (c. 783-820 (CE) the Mahavihāra is yet to get its due place in the dominant historiographical writings on the early medieval Indian history. Overshadowed by the glory of Nalanda it gained prominence during the early medieval period when the old prestige of the Nalanda gradually devolved on it. In Tibetan legends it holds about the same position of pre eminence as is accorded in Chinese records to the Nalanda.

Rajiva Kumar Sinha is Professor in the University Department of AIH. C & Archaeology. T.M. Bhagalpur University. Bhagalpur. Author of books viz.. Geographical Factors in Early Indian Economy (2002) and Manjusha Art: Reflections in Folk Lore, Trade and Regional History (2012) he has published more than forty research articles in national and international journals on socio-economic and religious history of Early Bihar. He is one of the editors of Bodhi-Chakra. The Journal of Buddhist History and Culture published by the Bauddha Sanskriti Kendra, Patna, of which he is also the Vice-President. He is also the Executive Editor of Asia Prashant. The Journal of Indian Congress of Asia and Pacific Studies, Varanasi, of which he is the founder member.
Om Prakash Pandey is holding the post of Curator in the Department of Art. Culture and Youth, Directorate of Museums, Govt. of Bihar. Presently he is posted at the Bettiah Museum and is also in-charge of the Gandhi Smarak Muscum, Bhitiharwa, West Champaran. Author of a number of books such as Sarnath Ki Kala (2007) and Manjusha Art: Reflections in Folk Lore, Trade and Regional History (2012) he has edited a number of books on diverse themes related to Indian history. He has to his credit more than fifty research articles in reputed journals of Indian Art and Culture. He is the executive editor of Bodhi-Chakra, The Journal of Buddhist History and Culture, published by Bauddha Sanskriti Kendra, Patna, of which he is also the Hony. Secretary.