Art and Architecture
• Dharmapala is responsible for building the world-famous Nalanda University, as well as the Vikramsila University. Students from all over came to Nalanda to receive education, and it slowly became the largest educational institution at that time and remains significant to this day.
• Another significant cultural contribution of Dharmapala was the construction of Somapura Mahavihara, which became the hub of learning for Buddhism, Jainism, and Hinduism.
• Most of the Pala architecture was related to religion, as seen in the abundance of chaityas, viharas, stupas, and temples found from this period in these regions.
• Buddhist art was a dominant feature of this period.
• The Palas are also considered the founders of miniature paintings on the subcontinent. Most monasteries were hubs for paintings, and most of the time they depicted Buddhist themes.
• The Palas were also well known for their bronze casting technique in terms of sculptures, and we see a significant number of stone and copper statues (mostly religious) erected in different regions.
Hence, we find that the Palas were not just formidable rulers and diplomats; they also took great interest in art and education and hence enhanced the culture of the eastern part of the subcontinent while they ruled.
Pala Empire
Pala Empire: The Pala Empire, founded in 750 CE by Gopala, lasted roughly from the 8th to the 12th centuries. It was one of the most powerful Buddhist rulers of the subcontinent and dominated the regions of modern-day Bengal and Bihar for nearly 4 centuries. They are well-known contemporaries of the dynasties of the Rashtrakutas and Pratiharas, who were dominant in the western region of the Indian subcontinent. The word ‘Pala’ means protector in Prakrit.
The rulers were great patrons of art, which included painting, sculpture, and education. They are one of the most formidable imperial rulers of the East, and their rule is considered one of the “golden periods” of Bengali history as they contributed significantly to the culture and religion of the region. Read below to find out more about the Pala Empire: Origin, Rulers, History, and Administration of Pala Dinesty.
Table of Content
- Origin of the Pala Empire
- Important Rulers of the Pala Empire
- Pala Empire Administration
- Historical Significance of the Pala Empire
- Art and Architecture
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