THE PALA EMPIRE- HISTORY PROJECT

Introduction
After the disintegration of Harsha’s’ Empire, Bengal was divided into many small different
kingdoms, which quarreled among themselves. This was a period of political confusion and
turmoil. Then Bengal came under the rule of Yasovarman of Kanauj, but during the latter half of
the Eight Century, the empire became weak.
Afterwards the people of Bengal, with everyone’s consent elected a local chieftain named
Gopala. His reign started in AD 750. He was not born in a royal family, with his father probably
being a soldier. The Palas were supporters of Buddhism, and it was through missionaries from
their kingdom that Buddhism was finally established in Tibet. Under Pala patronage a distinctive
school of art arose, of which many noteworthy sculptures in stone and metal survive.
Timeline

Harsha’s empire end-647AD

Breakdown of Bengal into small kingdom-647AD to 750AD

Start of Pala Empire-750 AD

End of Pala Empire-1193 AD

Vikramshila University
The Vikramshila University remains are located near Antichak in Bhagalpur district of Bihar.

Excavated remains represent the ruins of Vikramsila Mahavihara the celebrated university
founded by Pala king Dharmapala in late 8th or early 9th Century A.D. It prospered for about
four centuries before it collapsed in the beginning of 13th Century A.D. It is known to us mainly
through Tibetan sources specially the writings of Taranath, the Tibetan monk historian of 16th-
17th Century A.D.Vikramasila was one of the largest Buddhist universities having more than
hundred teachers and about one thousand students. It produced eminent scholars who were
often invited by foreign countries to spread Buddhist learning, culture and religion. The most
distinguished and eminent among all was Atisa Dipankara, the founder of Lamaism in Tibet.
Subjects like theology, philosophy, grammar, metaphysics, logic etc. were taught here but the
most important branch of learning was tantrism.Meticulous excavation at the site conducted
initially by Patna University (1960-69) and subsequently by Archaeological Survey of India
(1972-82) revealed a huge square monastery with a cruciform stupa in its centre, a library
building and cluster of votive stupas. To the north of monastery a number of scattered
structures including a Tibetan and a Hindu temple have been found. The entire spread is over
an area of more than hundred acres. A few brick arched underground chambers beneath some
of the cells have also been noticed which were probably meant for confined meditation by the
monks. The main stupa built for the purpose of worship is a brick structure laid in mud mortar
and stands in the centre of the square monastery. On each of the four cardinal directions there
is a protruding chamber with a pillared antechamber and a separate pillared mandapa in front.
In the four chambers of the stupa were placed colossal stucco images of seated Buddha of
which three were found in situ but the remaining one on north side was possibly replaced by a
stone image after the clay image was somehow damaged. The walls of both the terraces are
decorated with mouldings and terracotta plaques which testify the high excellence of terracotta
art flourishing in the region during Pala period (8th to 12th Century A.D.).About 32 metres
south of the monastery on its south west corner and attached with the main monastery
through a narrow corridor is a rectangular structure identified as library building. It was air-
conditioned by cooled water of the adjoining reservoir through a range of vents in the back
wall. The system was perhaps meant for preserving delicate manuscripts.
 Somapura Mahavihara
Somapura Mahavihara was one of the most famous Buddhist monastic institutions of ancient
Bengal. The excavated monastic complex at PAHARPUR has been identified with the Somapura
Mahavihara built by the second Pala king DHARMAPALA (c 781-821 AD). Some clay seals from the
ruins bear the inscription Shri-Somapure-Shri-Dharmapaladeva-Mahavihariyarya-bhiksu-
sangghasya. Taranatha and other Tibetan sources mention that DEVAPALA built it after his
conquest of VARENDRA. Possibly what Dharmapala undertook may have received finishing
touches during the reign of his successor Devapala. The Pala rulers were devout Buddhists and
they founded a number of monasteries throughout their growing empire. Some of them
became great centres of learning and their reputation quickly spread throughout the length and
breadth of Asia. Somapura Mahavihara's close relationship with the ruling dynasty implied that
it shared the political ups and downs of its benefactors.
The monastery flourished until the 11th century AD when it was destroyed by fire during an
invasion by a VANGALA army, possibly the army of the Varman rulers of VANGA. This is recorded in
the Nalanda inscription of Vipulashrimitra, where it is also recorded that Karunashrimitra,
ancestor of Vipulasrimitra, lost his life in the fire as he refused to leave the monastery. About a
century later Vipulasrimitra restored the former glory of the Vihara through renovation work
and by building a temple of Tara. After the renovation the magnificence of the temple is alluded
by the expression jagatang netraika vishrama bhuh (a singular feast to the eyes of the world).

Suleiman account:
 Suleiman was an Arab Merchant. He visited India during the time of the Pala Empire, which at
that time ruled the present day West Bengal Assam and Bangladesh. He visited India in the
middle of 9th century and wrote an account of it.
 He calls the Pala Kingdom ‘Ruhma’ [or Dharma, short for Dharmapala], and says that the Pala
ruler was at war with his neighbours, the Pratiharas and the Rashtrakutas, but his troops were
more numerous than his adversaries.
 He tells us that it was customary for the Pala king will be accompanied by force of 50000
elephants 10000 to 15000 men in his Army were employed ‘ in filling and washing clothes ’.
 Even if these figures may be exaggerated, Palas military force at the disposal.
 But we do not know whether they had a large standing Army or with other forces constant
feudal levies.
 Tibetan Chronicles:
 Information about the Pala Empire is also provided by the written source of Tibetan Chronicles.
The Tibetan Chronicles were returned in the 17th century.
 According to these, the Pala rulers were great patrons of learning and religion.
 Nalanda University which have been famous all over the eastern world was revived by
Dharmapala, and revenue collected by 200 villages was given away for meeting expenses. He
also founded the Vikramshila University, which became second to Nalanda in fame. It was
located on the top of a hill, on the banks of river Ganga in Magadha amidst pleasant
surroundings.
 The Palas built many viharas in which a large number of Buddhist monk lived.
 The Pala rulers also at close cultural relations with the Tibet. The noted Buddhist Scholars,
Santarakshita and Dipankara [called Atisa], were invited to Tibet, introduced a new form of
Buddhism, there. As a result, many Tibetan Buddhist flock to the universities of Nalanda and
Vikramshila, for study.
 Although the palace was supporter of Buddhism, they also extended their patronage to Saivism
and Vaishnavism.
 Contribution (s)
Name of Pala Rulers
Gopala I
(780-800 )
1. First Pala king and founder of the dynasty.
2. Son of Vapyata, a warrior.
3. Was elected by a group of people.
4. At the time of his death, Pala kingdom included Bengal and most of
Bihar.
5. He built the monastery at Odantapuri, Bihar.
6. Considered the first Buddhist king of Bengal.

7. Ramacharita was written in his reign in which Pala rulers was as

the descended of Solar Dynasty.
Dharmapala  Son and successor of Gopala.
(800-825 AD)  Expanded the kingdom.
 Was a pious Buddhist.
 Founded the Vikramshila University at Bhagalpur, Bihar.
 He had frequent wars with the Pratiharas and the Rashtrakutas.
 The Palas became the most powerful kingdom in northern and eastern
India during his rule.

Devapala 1. Son of Dharmapala and Rannadevi, a Rashtrakuta princess.

(825-850 ) 2. He was staunch Buddhist and constructed many temples and
monasteries in Magadha.
2. He patronized the Vikramshila University and the Nalanda University.
3. Famous poet Vajradatta who was author of Lokesvarashataka was one
of the gems of his court.
3. He expanded the realm of the authority of Pala Empire by conquering
present day Assam and Orissa.

Vigrahapala I 1. He ruled for very short period and after that became ascetic.
(850-875 AD)
Narayanapala 1. Badal pillar inscription of his minister Bhatta Guravamishra provide
(875-900 AD) information about his reign.
 Rajyapala 1. He was seventh ruler of the Pala dynasty and was succeeded by his son
(900-925 AD) Gopala II.
Gopala II 1. He was eighth ruler of the Pala dynasty who ruled for 20 years and was
(900-925 AD) succeeded by Vigrahapala.
Vigrahapala II 1. He was ninth ruler of Pala dynasty and was succeeded by Mahipala.
(900-925 AD)
Mahipala I 1. He was one of the mighty rulers of Pala dynasty who expanded his
(925-950 AD) boundaries as far as Varanasi.
Vigrahapala III 1. He was twelfth ruler of the Pala dynasty and ruled for 15 years.
(950-976 AD) 2. He was succeeded by Mahipala II.
Mahipala II 1. He was thirteenth ruler of the Pala dynasty and ruled for 5 years.
(Made a grant in 1026 2. He was succeeded by Shurapala II.
AD)
Shurapala 1. He was fourteenth ruler of the Pala who ruled for two years.
(1082 AD) 2. He was succeeded by Ramapala.
Ramapala 1. He was fifteenth ruler of the Pala dynasty.
(1084 AD) 2. Sandhyakar Nandi was his court poet who wrote a Sanskrit two
meaning base poem-like novel Ramacharitam.
Kumarapala 1. He was sixteenth ruler of the Pala line reigning for 10 years.
(1130 AD) 2. He was succeeded by Gopala III.

Gopala III 1. He was seventeenth ruler of the Pala dynasty and ruled for 4 years.
(1136 AD) 2. He was succeeded by Madanapala.

Madanapala 1. He was eighteenth ruler of Pala lineage and ruled for 18 years.
(1154 AD)

Govindapala 1. He was last ruler of Pala dynasty but his lineage is questionable.
(1164 AD)
 Political administration:
 Palas inherited an Administrative structure from the Guptas. nevertheless, the administrative
system of the parlours was far more efficiently practiced.
 The copper plates of the Pala Syndicate about the efficient administrative system.
 The system of administration of the Pala dynasty was Monarchial.The king or the monarch was
the centre of all power.
 The Pala Kings were offered the title of Parmeshwar, Paramvattaraka or Maharajadhiraja. The
structure of Pala Administration followed the appointment of prime ministers.
 Pala Empire was divided into separate Vuktis [provinces].
 These factors are segmented into Vishaya (divisions) and then Mandala (districts).
 Other smaller units word Khandala, Bhaga, Avritti, Chaturaka and Pattaka.
 The Pala system of government had a long record of state -officials.
 The Pala dynasty at the assigned position such as:
o The Raja, or the Mahasamanta [ vassal Kings ],
o Mahasandhi - vigrahika ( foreign minister),
o Duta ( head Ambassador),
o Rajasthaniya ( deputy),
o Sasthadhikrta (tax collector).
o Other important positions in the royal Court included:
o Mahaksapatalika ( accountant),
o Jyesthakayastha ( Dealing documents),
o the Ksetrapa ( head of land use division),
o Pramatr (head of land measurements).
 The administration of parlours also featured:
o Mahadandanayaka or Dharmadhikara ( chief justice),
 o The mahapratihara ( police forces),
o Khola (secret service).
 Agricultural posts were also located and the positions in the society:
o Gavadhakshya ( head of dairy farms),
o Chhagadhakshya ( head of goat farms),
o Meshadhakshya ( head of sheep farms),
o Mahishdhakshya ( head of buffalo farms),
o Nakadhakshya (aviation ministry).
 Art and architecture:
Art:
Pala-period bronzes, which were cast by the lost-wax process, consist of an alloy of eight
metals. They represent various divinities and, being mainly small in size and thus portable, were
intended for private worship. In terms of style, the metal images largely continued the Gupta
tradition of Sarnath but endowed it with a certain heavy sensuousness. They differ little from
contemporary stone sculptures of the region but surpass them in the precise definition of
ornamental detail, in a certain elegant virtuosity, and in their emphasis on plasticity. The bronze
sculptures from this area played an important part in the diffusion of Indian influence
in Southeast Asia.

The palm-leaf paintings of the Pala period are also noteworthy. Employed in the evocation of
the deities, the paintings had to conform to the same strict iconographic rules used in the
production of contemporary stone and bronze icons. The narrow leaf of the palm determined
the size of the book illustrations, which were approximately 2.5 by 3 inches (about 6 by 8 cm).
Threaded together and enclosed in wooden covers, the leaves were typically painted. The
outlines were first drawn in black or red, then filled in with flat areas of color—red, blue, green,
yellow, and touches of white. The compositions are simple and the modeling vestigial.

The principal centres of production for both bronzes and paintings were the great Buddhist
monasteries at Nalanda and Kurkihar, and the works were distributed throughout Southeast
Asia, influencing the arts in Myanmar (Burma), Siam (now Thailand), and Java (now part
of Indonesia). Pala arts also had a recognizable impact on the Buddhist art of Kashmir, Nepal,
and Tibet.

Architecture:
 Various mahaviras, stupas, chaityas, temples and Forts were constructed. Most of the
architecture was religious with the first 200 years dominated by Buddhist art and last
200 years by Hindu art.
 Among the various mahaviras, Nalanda, Vikramshila, Somapura, Traikutaka, Devikutta,
Pandita, Jagaddala, vihara are notable. Planned residential buildings for monks were
made. At Vikramshila, remains of one temple and Stupa have been also found.
 Odantpuri Mahavira (750 - 770) was so magnificent that it served as a model for first
monastery built in Tibet.
 The remains of Bodhgaya and Nalanda provide a magnification vista of monasteries,
stupas and temples. Nalanda was the best place for study of the Buddhist architecture
of those days.
 A large number of manuscripts on Palm leaf relating to book the same as were written
and illustrated with the images of Buddhist deities at the centre which also had
workshops for Casting of this bronze images.
 The Rock- cave temple at Kahalgaon ( Bhagalpur district) dating from ninth century,
which shows the garbled vaulted roof characteristic of South Indian architecture.
 The brick built medieval Siva temple at Konch in the Gaya district is architecturally
important on account of its curvilinear shikhara and corbelled lancet window.
 Somapura Mahavira at Paharpur, creation of Dharmapala is one of the largest Buddhist
viharas in the Indian subcontinent; its architectural plan had influenced the architecture
of countries like Myanmar and Indonesia.
Society:

The most glorious aspect of Pala rule was their policy of public-welfare. The Pala rulers were
Buddhists, but majority of their subjects were Hindus. Dharmapala had adopted the policy of
religious toleration as the state policy. He had declared that he is 'conversant with the precepts
of shastras' and he made 'the castes conform to their proper tenets'. This policy was followed
by his successors. There is no doubt that the Hindu gods and goddesses and the Brahmins
received liberal patronage from the Pala rulers, though they themselves were devout
Buddhists. Brahmins occupied high official posts. Except one or two, all the Pala copperplates
record grant of land to temples of Hindu gods and goddesses or to Brahmins. There is no
evidence of any religious discord between the Buddhists and the Hindus in the society.
Religious toleration and mutual coexistence can be identified as the characteristic of the social
life of the people in the Pala period.
This social peace over a long period of time must have contributed to developments in other
fields. There are instances of welfare activities of the Pala rulers. Dharmapala is known to have
excavated a few tanks by spending several thousands of dramma (silver coins). Mahipala I had
occupied a place in the hearts of the people of Bengal by his welfare activities - digging tanks
and establishing towns, which bear his name. Remains of many buildings of the Pala period
bear testimony to the welfare activities of the rulers of the dynasty. The tradition of religious
harmony and toleration that was created in the Pala period was given a sudden jolt during the
period of the Senas and the ground was prepared for the easy acceptance of Islam in the
subsequent period. The long Pala period produced an atmosphere of accommodation and
admixture of Hindu-Buddhist culture and as a result were evolved the sahajiya and tantrik cults,
the legacy of which transcended through the medieval period down to the modern. The legacy
of religious-social-cultural synthesis that was evolved during the rule of the Palas was a glorious
achievement of the period and this trait was an important ingredient in the 'personality' of
ancient Bengal. Buddhism spread to Tibet, Java, Sumatra and Malaysia during the Pala period.
The pundits from the Buddhist Viharas of Bengal played very significant role in the propagation
and spread of Buddhism in these countries.
The condition of women in the Pala social order was no better than that of the previous
periods. According to Vatsayana, women of Gauda loved luxury. They used to apply vermilion
dots on their foreheads and fragrant sandal powder and sandal paste on their body, flower on
their hair knots. Upper class ladies living in towns lived in enough pomp and lavishness. But the
village women lived a simple, unsophisticated life. Poor women also had to participate in
domestic duties with their male partners. Polygamy was still widely prevalent during the Palas.
Dowry system was the general practice. Even a groom of the upper class did not hesitate to
marry a lower caste bride, if he could draw a good amount from her. Widows were highly
detested in the Pala society and they were forced to live a life of penance. The idea of
womanhood prevalent throughout the Pala society was to be a good and devoted wife, a caring
mother and to be able to suffer the sins committed by her husband. Women from lower caste
suffered the most. Self-respect and freedom of women were curtailed in a male predominated
society.
Decline of kingdom:

The period that followed the death of Devapala marked the Downfall of Pala Empire and also its
disintegration. Till the time of Devapala, Bengal was reckoned as an important power in the
history of ancient India. After the death of Devapala, the throne was ascended by Vigrahapala I,
who ruled for a short period, with not much achievement to his credit. He was succeeded by his
son Narayanapala about 854 A.D. He was a man of religious and soothing disposition so during
his long career he did not have any military victory to his credit. According to some historians
Narayanapala was one of the weakest kings of Pala lineage.

In 860 A.D. the Rashtrakutas had invaded his Empire and defeated him. The Pratiharas struck
several blows to the Pala Empire and consequently disintegrated their glorious empire. Bhoja I
snatched the imperial hold of North India from Narayanapala. Bhoja I by this means extended
his own control upto Bihar, on the ruins of the Pala Empire. Mahendrapala, son of Bhoja
Pratihara followed a policy of aggression against the Palas seized Magadha and even the
territory of north Bengal from Narayanapala. The Paharpur Pillar Inscription states that
Mahendrapala Pratihara had conquered a part of the Rajshahi district and the other inscription
states that his sway had extended upto the region of Dinajpur. In these circumstances the king
of Kamarupa and the Sailodbhaba dynasty of Orissa withheld their allegiance for the Palas and
became independent kingdoms. Towards end of Narayanapala's rule he was able to recover
North Bengal and South Bihar from the powerful contenders Pratiharas, and left it as a legacy to
his successor Rajyapala.

Rajyapala however reigned for a very short period of time. He was succeeded by his son Gopala
II and the latter was succeeded by Vigrahapala. The long period of eighty years, when these
three kings were in throne, was marked by increase in disintegration and decline of the Pala
Empire. Moreover a series of foreign invasions led by the Chandellas, Kambojas and
Kalachuriyas had shattered the Pala Empire. The Kalachuriyas made devastating inroads in
Bengal, right up to eastern Bengal. During the reign of Vigrahapala II, a hilly tribe called
Kambojas had captured western and Northern Bengal. Eastern and southern Bengal
disregarded the supremacy of Palas and became independent under the Chandra Dynasty.

Pala dynasty did see a glorious revival under Mahipala I. Though Mahipala could not regain all
the lost territories, a major portion of it was recaptured. But after him it was again towards a
decline which was temporarily revived by Ramapala. With the death of Ramapala the strength
of the dynasty vanished. Ramapala was succeeded by Kumarapala, Gopala III and Madanapala
for a period of thirty five years. The circumstances leading to disaster of Pala dynasty are
unclear. Kamarupa was lost gradually. Bhojavarman of Eastern Bengal overthrew the allegiance
to Pala supremacy and became independent. King Anantavarman Chodaganga of Kalinga had
annexed Orissa. The rigorous blow to Palas came from two karnatic dynasties, Senas of Radha
and House of Nanyadeva. Madanapala lost Gauda and North Bihar to his opponents. He had
control over Central Bihar only. That was also lost by his successor though it is unknown as to
who it was. Hence the Palas lost their foot hold completely.
Conclusion

 The main rulers of Pala dynasty were: Gopala I, Dharmapala, Devapala, Mahipala I,
Govindapala
 The University of Nalanda was revived during Dharmapala’s reign. It became the most
famous university in Southeast Asia for Buddhist architecture. Dharmapala also
constructed the Vikramshila University which became second to Nalanda in fame.
 The Pala Dynasty practised Buddhism and also created numerous monasteries.
Dharmapala also built the Somapura Mahavihara monastery which was well known.
 Pala administration was based on Gupta Periods administration.
 Art and Architecture flourished as the rulers patronaged many poets, authors, sculpture,
etc.
 They also patronaged Hinduism and granted land for building temples. Brahmins were
respected and were given high posts.
 Women did not enjoy much freedom.
 The end of the Pala Dynasty was mainly due to i)Weak rulers, ii) Numerous attacks by
Pratiharas and Rashtrakutas, iii) foreign invasions.