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Important Rulers of the Pala Empire

Origin of the Pala Empire

Pala Empire Administration

GOPALA (750–770 CE)

  1. Founder of the Pala Empire, he is regarded as the first Buddhist ruler.
  2. He founded the monastery of Odantapuri, Bihar.
  3. He unified Bengal during his rule and was engaged in a tripartite struggle with the Pratiharas and Rashtrakutas for control over Kannuaj.

DHARMAPALA (770-810CE)

  1. He succeeded his father, Gopala, in 770 CE.
  2. He was constantly engaged in warfare with Pratiharas and Rashtrakutas and is responsible for significantly expanding the Pala Empire under his rule, an example being his taking control over Kannauj, thereby making the empire reach its peak as the most powerful empire in the eastern region under his region.
  3. He founded the Vikramshila University in Bhagalpur, Bihar. His reign came to an end after he was defeated by a Rashtrakuta ruler.

DEVAPALA (810-850CE).

  1. He was the most powerful Pala ruler and succeeded his father, Dharmapala, after his demise.
  2. His significant achievements as a powerful ruler include his conquest of Assam (Kamarupa) and Orissa (Utkala) and his victory over Amoghavarsha, the powerful Rashtrakuta ruler.
  3. The Pala dynasty reached its peak under Devapala and began to subsequently decline after his demise, as he was succeeded by weak kings consistently paving the way for its eventual downfall.

MAHIPALA I

  1. He was responsible for rebuilding the Pala empire as he conquered the regions of Bengal that were lost over the years, and he is said to have conquered Varanasi long with his brothers. The empire began falling once again after his rule.
  2. After Mahipala, Rampala is the only other significant Pala ruler worth mentioning. “Vijayasena,” ruler of the Hindu Seva dynasty, was responsible for the eventual fall of the Pala Empire in the 12th century.

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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Pala Empire Map

Pala Empire...

Overview of Pala Empire

Founding Founded by Gopala in c. 750 CE Time Period 8th to 12th centuries CE Region Primarily in modern-day Bangladesh and parts of Eastern India, including Bihar and West Bengal Capital(s) Initially, Gaur and later, Pataliputra Major Kings Gopala I, Dharmapala, Devapala, Mahipala I Contributions – Flourishing of Mahayana and Vajrayana Buddhism– Advancements in art and architecture, including the development of the Pala School of Sculptural – Establishment of significant Buddhist monastic universities like Nalanda, Vikramashila, and Somapura Mahavihara Decline Began in the 12th century due to the rise of the Sena dynasty and invasions by Muslim forces Cultural Impact Significant influence on Buddhist practices in the Himalayan regions, as well as in Southeast Asia Economic Basis Agriculture, trade (both inland and overseas), and control over important trade routes...

Origin of the Pala Empire

Gopala established the Pala Empire in the 8th century CE in the region in the wake of widespread lawlessness caused by the fall of Shashankas, or the Gauda Kingdom (contemporary of famous Indian classical ruler Harshavardhana), which existed in the 4th century CE in the Bengal region. Due to the lack of an authoritarian figure after the fall of the Gauda kingdom, Gopala ascended the throne in 750 CE. For four centuries, the Palas ruled over the regions comprising modern-day Bengal, Bihar, Orissa, and Assam....

Important Rulers of the Pala Empire

GOPALA (750–770 CE)...

Pala Empire Administration

• The Pala Empire had a monarchical administrative structure where the ruler or monarch had all the power vested in them; it was similar to the administrative structure of the Gupta Empire....

Historical Significance of the Pala Empire

• Since the Pala rulers were largely Buddhists and practiced Mahayana Buddhism, they built many monasteries, stupas, and viharas throughout their reign....

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....

Conclusion

The Palas ruled for four centuries, enriching the history and culture of the eastern part of the Indian subcontinent. They are also credited with the flourishing of the Bengali language during their rule. They conquered and expanded their influence even to the north, but they remain significant because they helped the waste region flourish and prosper under their rule....

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Origin of the Pala Empire

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