प्राचीन भारत में शिक्षा (डॉ. ए.एस. अल्तेकर - गुरुकुल एवं बौद्ध विहार शिक्षण इतिहास)

V] EDUCATIONAL CENTRES AND INSTITUTIONS 125
We are told that the scholars from all parts of India
used to assemble at Valabhi and stay there for at
least two or three years to discuss ‘possible and
impossible doctrines.’ They used to become famous
for their wisdom when they were assured of the
correctness of their opinions by the doctors at Valabhi.
The names of the famous scholars of the University
were written in white on its lofty gates. (Ibid.,
pp. 176-7).
Financial support: Valabhi was a rich city; it
had a hundred citizens ‘whose wealth amounted
to a million’. The University used to receive
considerable support from these merchant princes.
The Maitraka kings who were ruling there
during c. 480 to 775 A. D., were also great
patrons of learning; they used to give direct
grants for the purpose of meeting the general expenses
of the University as also for strengthening its library¹.
Scholars who completed their educational course at
the University used to receive either appointments
in government service or some financial help to enable
them to start their life². This continued to be the
case till c. 775 A. D. when the reigning dynasty
succumbed to an Arab attack, which resulted in the
destruction of the city and of the University.
VIKRAMŚĪLĀ³
An International University : Vikramaśilā monas-

1. सद्धर्मस्य पुस्तकोपचयार्थम् । I. A., VII., p. 67 ff.
2. I-tsing, p. 177.
3. Tibetan sources inform us that this monastery was
   situated in Bihar on a hill on the right bank of the Ganges. Mr. De's
   identification of Vikramasīlā with Patharaghata hill, 24 miles to the
   east of Bhagalpur, seems to be correct. The place is full of ancient
   and extensive ruins, and may yield a rich reward to the excavator.
   J. A. S. B., N. S., V, p. 7.