Pala Dynasty
For Prelims: Prominent Ruler of Palas, Art and Architecture.
For Mains: Way of administration of Palas, Palas political life and Art and Architecture.
Who were the Palas?
The Pala empire was founded by Gopala, probably in AD 750.
Pala dynasty, ruling from the 8th to the 12th century.
Language: Sanskrit, Prakrit and Pali.
"Pala" is a Sanskrit word which means "protector". It was added to the names of the emperors,
giving rise to the name "Pala" to the empire.
The Palas were staunch supporters of Mahayana Buddhism.
Various Mahaviharas, stupas, chaityas, temples, and forts were built.
Who were Prominent Rulers of Pala Dynasty?
Gopala (750–770 AD):
The Pala dynasty was founded by Gopala, who also served as the kingdom's first
emperor.
He unified Bengal under his control, and even brought Magadha (Bihar) under his control.
The monastery at Odantapuri, Bihar, was founded by Gopala.
He was regarded as the first Buddhist monarch of Bengal after converting to the
religion.
His reign was marked by a tripartite struggle between the Palas, the Pratiharas and the
Rashtrakutas for the control of Kanauj and North India.
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 (810–850 AD):
Devapala was the son of Dharampala and Rannadevi, the princess of the Rashtrakuta
dynasty.
Devapala had expanded the empire to eastern India, including the kingdoms of Assam,
Odisha, and Kamarupa.
He had constructed several monasteries, including temples, in Magadha.
Devapala carried out raids in the north, the Deccan, and the peninsula.
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.
What Kind of Politics existed under Pala Rule?
The Pala kings (referred to as Parambhattaraka, Parameshwara and Maharajadhiraja) gave land
grants to brahmanas, priests and temples. These grants were permanent.
They also bestowed land grants on Buddhist monasteries.
The Pala grants are specifically related to maintenance of law and order and of administration of
justice.
Land grants were also given to Kaivartas who were peasants.
The Pala records (land charters) refer to Rajas, Rajputras, Ranakas, Rajarajanakas, Mahasamantas,
Mahasamantadhipatis, etc. They were probably feudatories who were given lands in lieu of military
services.
There is no evidence for subinfeudation under the Palas.
Royal officials are mentioned in the inscriptions who seem to have administered the kingdom
comprising Bengal and Bihar.
Some of the titles used for Pala officials are Maha-daussadhasadhanika, Mahakartakrtika,
Mahasandhivigrahika, etc.
The Palas operated from several loci of power viz. Pataliputra, Mudgagiri, etc., all located on the
Ganga.
Villages under the Palas were grouped into units of one and ten under the charge of Gramapati
and Dasagramika respectively.
They were royal officials responsible for the administration for these units. We have very little
epigraphic evidence related to service grants under the Palas.
What kinds of Art and Architecture Flourished during Pala's reign?
During the reign of the Palas, art and architecture flourished in the Indian states of Bengal and
Bihar.
The distinctive growth of Pala Dynasty art and architecture revealed the creation of the "Pala
School of Sculptural Art."
Many regional aspects of Bengali society might be found in the art and architecture of the time.
The art and architecture of the Pala Dynasty gave importance to terracotta, sculpture, and
painting.
The creation of Dharmapala, the Somapura Mahavihara at Paharpur is one of the finest
architectures of the Pala dynasty.
The Great Monastery, also known as Somapura Mahavira, was a renowned intellectual hub
until the 12th century.
Vikramshila Vihar, Odantpuri Vihar, and Jagaddal Vihar all have gigantic constructions that
are considered to be the works of art of the Palas.
The priceless masterpieces of Pala Dynasty art and architecture are on display at museums in
Bangladesh and West Bengal, which are quite significant.
Perfect carving and bronze sculptures flourished throughout this period.
At the advanced level of architectural expansion, various Buddhist Viharas emerged.
Terracotta plaques are another example of the Pala period's artistic brilliance.
These plaques are utilized as wall surface decoration and are recognised as one-of-a-kind
works by Bengal artists.
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