During the following 52 year reign of Mahipala, son of Vanapala and grandson of Dharampala, the Mahavihar prospered further under luminaries like Anandagarbha[xv], Madhyamika-prasangika Asvaghosha[xvi], Parahita, Candrapadma and others. During his son Mahapala’s 41 year reign, even as the king allowed Vikramshila to retain its earlier position, he also established some centres in Nalendra, Somapuri and Trikatuka monasteries and mainly worshipped the Sravaka sangha numbering about 500 in Odantapuri along with another 500 in its new annexe at Uruvusa. Among other luminaries of the time was Jetari,a pandit at Vikramshila, born to Brahmin Gambhirapada and his wife, earlier a queen. After Mahapala, his son Shresthapala,who ruled for 3 years, died without any significant contribution and is thus not counted amongst the 7 Palas. As the younger son of Mahapala then had still not achieved the age of 17, his maternal uncle Canaka ascended the throne for the intervening period.

To be continued....