Structural Similarities Between Vikramshila and Somapura Mahavihara Stupas

Historical Context

Vikramshila University

• Founded: 770-810 AD by King Dharmapala
• Location: Antichak village, Bhagalpur district, Bihar
• Significance: Premier center for Vajrayana Buddhism
• Destroyed: 1203 AD by Bakhtiyar Khilji

Somapura Mahavihara

• Founded: Late 8th century by King Dharmapala
• Location: Paharpur, Naogaon District, Bangladesh
• Significance: Largest Buddhist monastery south of Himalayas
• Abandoned: 12th century after Sena dynasty takeover

Architectural Comparison

Shared Structural Features

1. Layout:
  - Both follow quadrangular plan
  - Central stupa surrounded by monastic cells
  - High enclosure walls (5m thick at Somapura)

2. Construction:
  - Brick-built structures (standard size: 18×9×3 cm)
  - Terracotta ornamentation
  - Elevated platforms for flood protection

3. Spatial Organization:
  - Multiple shrines within complex
  - 100+ residential cells for monks
  - Assembly halls for teaching

Key Differences: Vikramshila vs Somapura Mahavihara

Feature Comparison

Excavation History

Vikramshila

• 1960–69: Initial excavations by Patna University and ASI
• 1972–82: Major excavation revealing main stupa and 108 temples

Key Finds:

• Terracotta panels
• Library complex
• Water reservoir system

Somapura Mahavihara

• 1807–12: First recorded by Buchanan Hamilton
• 1927–34: Systematic excavations by K.N. Dikshit
• 1981–91: UNESCO-sponsored conservation work

Religious Significance – Vajrayana Connections

• Both were major centers for Tantric Buddhism
• Featured specialized meditation chambers
• Prominent Tara worship evidenced
• Hosted international scholars from Tibet, China, and Southeast Asia

Structural Details

Vikramshila’s Unique Features

Central Stupa

• Two-storied structure (15m height)
• Circumambulatory paths on two terraces
• Terracotta panel decorations

Monastic Complex

• 208 cells (52 per side)
• Planned drainage system
• Three beds per cell

Somapura’s Distinctive Elements

Central Shrine

• Unusual architectural design
• Massive quadrangular base (274m each side)
• Elevated, flood-proof terrace

Construction Features

• Built on Barind Clay Residuum
• Foundation of marine-estuarine deposits
• Iron-stained clay walls

Academic Life

Vikramshila’s Scholarly Tradition

• Six colleges with specialized gates
• Rigorous admission tests
• Curriculum included:
  • Buddhist philosophy
  • Tantric studies
  • Grammar and logic

Notable Scholars

• Acharya Atisha – Propagated Buddhism in Tibet
• Ratnakarasanti
• Naropa

Architectural plans comparing central structures of both monasteries