Jagaddala Mahavihara

Jagaddala Mahavihara was an influential Buddhist monastery and center of learning, established in the late 11th century CE by the Pāla dynasty in present-day Bangladesh. Known for its specialization in Vajrayana Buddhism, the site contributed significantly to the composition and copying of texts that later appeared in Buddhist canons such as the Kangyur and Tengyur. The monastery was part of a network of five great Mahaviharas in eastern India, which included Nalanda and Vikramashila. It functioned under state supervision, facilitating the movement of scholars and the exchange of knowledge. Jagaddala is associated with the compilation of the Subhāṣitaratnakoṣa, an anthology of Sanskrit verses. The site was abandoned in the early 13th century due to Muslim incursions, marking the end of its scholarly contributions.