The Pala Empire was established around 750 AD. Gopala, a local chieftain, was elected king by notable leaders to restore order after the chaos following King Shashanka’s death. He is considered the first Buddhist king of Bengal.
Major Rulers of the Pala Empire
- Gopala (750–770 AD) – The founder and first king. He unified Bengal and parts of Bihar and established the Odantapuri monastery.
- Dharmapala (770–810 AD) – Gopala’s son, he expanded the empire and founded Vikramshila University. He was a devout Buddhist and engaged in wars with the Pratiharas and Rashtrakutas.
- Devapala (810–850 AD) – Son of Dharmapala, he extended the empire to Assam and Odisha. He built numerous monasteries and was a staunch supporter of Buddhism.
- Mahipala I (988 AD) – He recovered northern and eastern Bengal and Bihar, restoring the empire’s strength.
- Ramapala – The last strong ruler, his reign marked the decline of the empire.
Legacy of the Pala Dynasty
The Pala Empire is often referred to as a “Golden Era” in Bengali history. It was known for its magnificent monasteries and temples, such as Somapura Mahavihara and Odantapuri. The Palas were instrumental in promoting Buddhist education, supporting institutions like Nalanda University.
Political Structure
The Pala Empire was a monarchy. The king held supreme power, adopting titles like Maharajadhiraja and Parameshwara. The administration was divided into provinces called Bhuktis, which were further divided into Vishayas and Mandalas.
Religion and Patronage
The Pala kings were staunch supporters of Mahayana Buddhism. They constructed numerous monasteries and temples. Gopala built the Odantapuri monastery, while Dharmapala established Vikramshila. The Palas also supported Shaivism and Brahmanical traditions.
Economy of the Pala Empire
Agriculture was the backbone of the Pala economy. The kings granted land to farmers, leading to prosperous agricultural practices. The cultivation of paddy became prominent. While agriculture thrived, trade and commerce experienced a decline, leading to a feudalistic society.
Literature and Education
The Pala period saw literary developments. Sanskrit and Buddhist scholars flourished, with notable figures like Jimutavahana and Sandhyakar Nandi. The first signs of proto-Bengali language emerged through the Charyapadas.
Art and Architecture
Pala art is distinguished by its unique sculptural style. The Somapura Mahavihara is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The architecture showcased intricate carvings and terracotta works. Temples like the Siddheshwara Mahadeva exemplified the early Pala architectural style.
Influence and Cultural Exchange
The Pala Empire had extensive cultural ties with Southeast Asia. It established connections with the Sri Vijaya Empire in Sumatra. Pala scholars and Buddhist teachers spread their teachings across regions, influencing cultures in Tibet and beyond.
Important Sites
Several archaeological sites reflect the grandeur of the Pala Empire. Notable locations include:
- Somapura Mahavihara
- Vikramshila University
- Odantapuri Monastery
- Jagaddala Vihar
Decline of the Pala Empire
The Pala Empire began to decline in the 11th century. Internal strife and external pressures from the resurgent Sena dynasty led to its downfall. By the 12th century, the Sena dynasty replaced the Palas, marking the end of the last major Buddhist empire in India.
