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| Somapura Mahavihara, a World Heritage Site, was built by Dharmapala @ wikipedia |
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| Vishnu with His Consorts, Lakshmi and Sarasvati, 11–12th century, Bihar or Bengal, Pala period@ wikipedia |
Introduction
The Pala dynasty was an illustrious part of ancient Indian
history, which had dominated the large regions of Bengal and Bihar almost four
hundred years. This empire was established in the mid 8 th century by the hand
of King Gopala, who was made a king by the people of India. Not only were the
Pala kings great rulers but they were also great Buddhists, it is through them
that the Nalanda, Vikramshila and Somapura Mahaviharas had a great fame
worldwide. The politics, education, culture and Bengal and Bihar were
politically stable during their rule.
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| Coin of the Pala Empire, Mahipala and later. Circa 988–1161 CE@ WIKIPEDIA |
Establishment
The foundation of the Pala Empire was made in the mid 8th
century, when the political conflict was the most intense in Bengal and Bihar.
The perpetual warfare between the different small kings and feudal lords had
turned the life of the masses into a miserable one. The people in such a
scenario felt a necessity to come together and have a strong and able leader.
It was against this backdrop that Gopala (c. 750 AD) was ordained into being
the first Pala king. Gopal was a valiant general who immediately managed to get
the disorganized state under control, organized it and gathered most of Bengal
and Bihar. His reign was the one in which the base of the Pala dynasty was
established. Dharmapala was the son of Gopal. Dharmapala became a great patron
of Buddhism and besides that he expanded the empire. The Pala Empire was one of
the powerful states in northern India at the hands of him.
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| @ wikipedia |
History
The history of the Pala dynasty can be referred to a number
of stages where the dynasty rose, fell and again re-emerged. Creation and
youthful development. Gopal was elected by the subjects of Pala in the middle
of the eighth century and began the Pala Empire. The empire reached its peak
after him Dharmapala (770- 810 AD) and Devapala (810-850 AD). Dharmapala then
made his way to Kanauj and conquered numerous kings of North India. The
boundaries of the empire during the rule of Devapala stretched further than
Bengal and Bihar to Assam, Odisha and to even the Deccan.
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| Nalanda is considered one of the first great Buddhist Mahaviras in recorded history.@ wikipedia |
The 1st Fall The kingdom slowly fell into the same insistence in the hands of the incapable rulers. Lack of discipline governed the kingdom administration and the Pala Empire was still dwindling under the attack of the surrounding kingdoms. The process started in this time when the Palas started losing their power as the strength of the Gurjara-Pratiharas and the Rashtrakutas rose. Revival under Mahipala I The resurgence of the Pala Empire came about when Mahipala I (988-1038 AD) came to the throne at the start of the 11 th century. He suppressed the uprising, realigned the government and changed the capital of Mudgiri to Vikrampur. Peace and prosperity came back during his reign.
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| Sculpture of Khasarpana Lokesvara from Nalanda @ wikipedia |
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| Ruins of Vikramashila @wikipedia |
The 2nd Fall The death of Mahipala weakened the empire once again. The vassals had become independent and the allegiance of the soldiers had destroyed. Consequently, numerous parts of the empire were lost. Revival under Rampal On the later end of the 11 th century, Rampala (1077-1133 AD) was one of the most skilled rulers of Palas. He would crack down on the rebellious Varendri Brahmins, consolidated the empire and aid numerous monasteries and learning centres. Vikramashila Mahavihara took a prominent position during the reign of Rampala.
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| The Pala Empire in the ninth century @ wikipedia |
The final fall The power of the Pala Empire started to become weak again after the death of Rampala. The collapse of the Pala dynasty finally came in the mid-12th century due to the rise of both Sina dynasty as well as the Turkish invasion.
Conclusion
Pala dynasty was a radiant period in the history of Bengal
and Bihar. This empire began with the hands of King Gopala who was chosen by
the people and it lasted up to a span of four centuries. Pala kingdom was the
most imperialistic period of the dynasty of Dharmapala and Devapala, but the
fall of the dynasty was marked with a revival during Mahipala and Rampala.
Their political or military dominion is not the only aspect of the Palas that
are eternally remembered in history, it is their culture, their education and
their religious patronage. With their support, such institutions as
Vikramshila, Nalanda and Sompur Mahavihara gained fame not only in India but
also in the entire Asia. Nevertheless, it was eventually on the downfall of the
Palas in mid-12 th century because of poor governance, internal uprisings, and
the intrusion of Sena dynasty and Muslims. Nevertheless, their input -
particularly the dissemination of Buddhism, the evolution of education and the
arts is still a treasure trove to Bengali and Indian history.
