Consider the following. Which among the above were Buddhist Mahaviharas (viharas)?

1.Vikramshila

2.Odantapuri

3.Somapuri

AOnly 1 and 2

BOnly 2 and 3

COnly 1 and 3

D1, 2 and 3 ✓ Correct

Correct answer: (D) 1, 2 and 3

Explanation

All three named seats, Vikramshila, Odantapuri and Somapuri, were Buddhist Mahaviharas.

Statement 1 is right, Vikramshila being a great Pala vihara of learning.

Statement 2 is right, Odantapuri also being a noted monastic university.

Statement 3 is right, Somapuri standing as a large vihara in the Pala realm.

These viharas together formed a network of learning under Pala patronage.

Somapuri's ruins at Paharpur are today a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Want more like this? Create a free account to practise a full test, track your progress, and get spaced-repetition review.