Dharmapala, the ruler of the Pala dynasty, established Somapura University. The university flourished for almost 400 years till the 12th century. Out of the 27 acres of land covered by the university, 21 acres was the main complex only.
Somapura University was an education center for Bauddha Dharma(Buddhism), Jina Dharma( Jainism), and Sanatana Dharma(Hinduism). It is popularly known as one of the largest and best Buddhist monasteries in the Indian SubContinent. The teachings of the University have influenced these 5 communities immensely.
This Institution was inhabited steadily for a few centuries. It was followed by continued attacks, destruction, and burnt out nearly to the ground by the Vanga army in the 11th century.
After so many years, excavation started on the place in the 20th century. In the year 1956-57, a museum was set up to represent the objects which were collected from the place itself.
Somapura University took the place in the UNESCO world heritage site and became a global tourist spot.
