Pala Dynasty

The Pala Dynasty, established around AD 750 by Gopala, thrived from the 8th to the 12th century. The name “Pala,” meaning “Protector” in Sanskrit, was aptly added to the emperors’ names, shaping the identity of the empire. Their linguistic landscape included Sanskrit, Prakrit, and Pali. Deeply committed to Mahayana Buddhism, the Palas left an indelible mark on history through the construction of Mahaviharas, stupas, chaityas, temples, and forts. This cultural legacy continues to resonate through the architectural marvels that stand testament to the Pala dynasty’s rich heritage.

Rulers of Pala Dynasty

Gopala (Reign: 750 – 770 AD)

First Pala king and founder of the dynasty.
Son of Vapyata, a warrior.
Was elected by a group of people.
At the time of his death, Pala kingdom included Bengal and most of Bihar.
He built the monastery at Odantapuri, Bihar.
Considered the first Buddhist king of Bengal.

Dharmapala (770 – 810 AD)

Dharmapala succeeded Gopala as ruler in around A.D. 770.
Dharmapala was the second ruler of Pala Empire.
He was the son of Gopala.
He fought a number of battles against the Pratiharas and the Rashtrakutas.
Dharmapala captured Kanauj and conducted a grand darbar.
He took the greatest imperial titles of the period, including Paramabhattaraka, Paramesvara and Maharajadhiraja.

Devapala (Reign: 810 – 850 AD)

Son of Dharmapala and Rannadevi, a Rashtrakuta princess.
Extended the kingdom to Assam, Odisha and Kamarupa.
Was a staunch Buddhist and built many monasteries and temples in Magadha.
Defeated the Rashtrakuta ruler Amoghavarsha.

Mahipala I

In 988 AD, Mahipala-I ascended to the throne.
When Mahipala-I came into power, the Pala kingdom started to flourish once again and reclaimed the northern and eastern portions of Bengal and Bihar.
Along with his brothers Stirapala and Vasantapala, Mahipala-I is thought to have conquered Varanasi.

Ramapala

The last strong Pala king.
The kingdom disintegrated during his son Kumarapala’s reign.

Madanapala (Reign: 1144 – 1162 AD)

After him, the Sena dynasty replaced the Palas.
The 18th ruler of Pala dynasty and general considered the last ruler but he was succeeded by Govindapala who lineage of this name is questionable.

Legacy of the Pala Dynasty

In the 12th century, the Pala Empire yielded its throne to the Hindu Sena dynasty, marking a significant shift in power.
The Pala period is revered as a ‘Golden Era’ in Bengali history, characterized by remarkable cultural and architectural achievements.
Magnificent monasteries and temples like Somapura Mahavihara in Bangladesh and Odantapuri Monastery were built, showcasing the empire’s rich artistic heritage.
The Palas were avid patrons of Buddhist centers of learning such as Nalanda University and Vikramshila University, fostering a thriving intellectual environment.
The Bengali language evolved during this period, with the first Bengali literary work, Charyapada, attributed to this era. It was written in Abahatta, the common ancestor of Bengali, Assamese, Odia, and Maithili.
Balaputradeva, the Sailendra king of Java, sent an ambassador to Devapala, highlighting the diplomatic ties between the Pala Empire and Southeast Asian kingdoms.
Buddhist poet Vajradatta, who composed Lokesvarashataka, thrived in Devapala’s court, showcasing the cultural exchange between regions.
Pala kingdom’s Buddhist teachers played a key role in spreading the faith to Southeast Asia. Atisha’s preaching in Sumatra and Tibet exemplifies their influence.
Sanskrit scholars flourished under Pala kings, with Gaudapada composing the Agama Shastra during this period.
The influence of Pala art extended beyond Bengal and Bihar, leaving an indelible mark on the art of Nepal, Sri Lanka, Burma, and Java, demonstrating the empire’s cultural reach.

Art and Architecture

During the reign of the Palas, Bengal and Bihar witnessed a cultural renaissance, leading to the flourishing of art and architecture.
The distinct growth during the Pala Dynasty revealed the emergence of the “Pala School of Sculptural Art,” showcasing a unique artistic style.
The art and architecture of the Pala Dynasty beautifully incorporated various aspects of Bengali society, creating a vibrant tapestry of regional influences.
Pala Dynasty’s artistic expression placed significant importance on terracotta, sculpture, and painting, resulting in a rich and diverse cultural heritage.
The creation of Dharmapala, the Somapura Mahavihara at Paharpur, stands as one of the finest architectural achievements of the Pala Dynasty.
The Great Monastery, also known as Somapura Mahavira, served as a renowned intellectual hub until the 12th century, contributing to the cultural richness of the era.
Vikramshila Vihar, Odantpuri Vihar, and Jagaddal Vihar boast gigantic constructions, considered masterpieces of Pala art, showcasing the grandeur of the dynasty.
Priceless masterpieces of Pala Dynasty art and architecture find a home in museums in Bangladesh and West Bengal, where they are showcased as culturally significant treasures.
Throughout this period, perfect carving and the creation of bronze sculptures reached new heights, contributing to the artistic excellence of the Pala Dynasty.
At an advanced level of architectural expansion, various Buddhist Viharas emerged, while terracotta plaques, used for wall surface decoration, became unique works of art by Bengal artists during the Pala period.

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