| Sultanganj was
also famous during the rule of the Pala and Sena kings (from 730 A.D. to 1199 A.D.). It is
said that Dharmapala, the first king of the Pala dynasty, had laid the foundation of the
VikramshilaUniversity at Sultanganj. This claim, however, is now not finding much support
and the said famed University is deemed to have been at Patharghatta near Colgong in
Bhagalpur district. The relies discovered by excava- tions there, along with other
circumstantial evidence, suggest that Patharghatta was probably the real site of
Vikramshila University. But there is no doubt that
during the Pala and Sena kings, Sultanganj area was bestowed with a number of fine works
of art and architecture. Numerous ancient relies like stupa's, seals, coins, terracotta
and images have beenfound in Sultanganj, A bronze Buddha image, now in the Birmingham
Museum, is probably the best known relic discovered in Sultanganj. This bronze image is a
fine piece of metalled sculpture, which has drawn the admiration of the world. The image
is characterized by delicacy of design and ornamental detail. |
