Excavations at the village of Antichak of Bhagalpur have exposed a Chaitya complex with two terraces entirely complete with terracotta panels containing various tantric symbols. The Chaitya may have been the central site of ancient learning. It is surrounded on all sides by cells. The university was surrounded by a lofty wall that was guarded by six dwarpandits - gatekeepers, but each had the ability and the knowledge to test a student entering the university. They controlled the entry of students to six faculties each of which had 108 professors. Close by was a hostel - Dharmasala for strangers coming at odd hours.

These remains have been identified as those belonging to Vikramasila-Mahavihara a center for advanced studies in Buddhism. This site was excavated in 1960-69 by B.P. Sinha of Patna University. The excavation has shown three levels of activity on the same site between 9th to 13th centuries.

The objects found here include terracotta pieces, plaques marking Buddhist and Brahmanical deities, animal and bird figures, and a large number of stone images of gods and goddesses. A few small bronzes of Buddhist deities of Buddha, Maitreya, Vajrapani, Avalokitesvara and Manjusri were also found. The bulk contained stone, iron, copper, silver and bronze objects, with a few silver and copper coins. The pottery found here included vase, carinated handi-cooking pot, bowl, a shallow dish and a very small pot. Many pieces of red and gray wares were also discovered.

Following Atisa`s departure to Tibet, Vikramsila faced its downfall and went into the hand of tantrics. Excavations have shown underground cells that were used for mysterious practices. The university was a rich vault of gold that had been brought in by the Tibetans, which created problems, and the university became a mini fortress till the Turks torched it in the ultimate act of destruction.