The ancient university of Vikramshila was a major center of Buddhist learning during the _________ period.

The correct answer is: Pala.

The Pala Empire was a Buddhist dynasty that ruled over much of eastern India from the 8th to the 12th centuries CE. During this time, the empire was a major center of Buddhist learning and culture. The university of Vikramshila was one of the most important institutions of higher learning in the Pala Empire. It was founded in the 8th century CE by King Dharmapala and flourished under the patronage of his successors. The university attracted students from all over India and Southeast Asia. It was a center of Buddhist studies, but also taught other subjects such as medicine, mathematics, and astronomy. The university was destroyed in the 12th century CE, but its legacy continues to this day.

The other options are incorrect because:

• The Gupta Empire was a Hindu dynasty that ruled over much of northern India from the 4th to the 6th centuries CE.
• The Mauryan Empire was a Hindu dynasty that ruled over much of northern India from the 4th to the 2nd centuries BCE.
• The Kushan Empire was an Indo-Scythian empire that ruled over much of northern India from the 1st to the 3rd centuries CE.