Pala Empire

Summary

The Pala Empire, a post-classical power in the Indian subcontinent, originated from Bengal and was known for its Buddhist rulers and cultural achievements. Founded by Gopala in 750 CE, the empire expanded under Dharmapala and Devapala, reaching its zenith in the early 9th century with vast territories and diplomatic relations. The empire declined due to internal strife and external invasions, eventually replaced by the Sena dynasty in the 12th century, but its legacy in art, architecture, and the Bengali language endures.

Takeaways

• 🏛️ The Pala Empire was a prominent imperial power in the post-classical period in the Indian subcontinent, originating in Bengal and named after its ruling dynasty.
• 🧘 The Palas were adherents of Mahayana and Tantric Buddhism, reflecting their religious and cultural inclinations.
• 🐘 Known for their military might, the Pala Empire had a vast war elephant corps and a navy that served both commercial and defensive purposes.
• 🏫 They were great patrons of education, building grand temples, monasteries, and supporting renowned universities like Nalanda and Vikramashila.
• 🌐 The empire had diplomatic relations with various regional powers, including the Srivijaya Empire, Tibetan Empire, and the Arab Abbasid Caliphate, indicating a rich cultural exchange.
• 📚 The House of Wisdom in Baghdad absorbed Indian mathematical and astronomical knowledge, highlighting the empire's intellectual influence.
• 🗺️ At its zenith, the Pala Empire dominated the northern Indian subcontinent, with territories extending across the Gangetic plain and into modern-day Pakistan, Nepal, and Bangladesh.
• 👑 The empire reached its peak under Emperors Dharmapala and Devapala, who expanded its territories and influence.
• 📉 Despite initial success, the Pala Empire faced a series of declines and resurgences, ultimately being replaced by the Sena dynasty in the 12th century.
• 🏰 The Pala period is considered a golden era in Bengali history, marked by stability, prosperity, and significant advancements in arts, architecture, and language.
• 📜 The Charyapada, the first literary work in the Bengali language, emerged during the Pala rule, laying the foundation for future linguistic development.

Q & A

What was the Pala Empire known for during the post-classical period in the Indian subcontinent?

The Pala Empire was known for being a dominant imperial power, with a strong military presence, astute diplomacy, and significant cultural and architectural achievements, including the development of the Proto-Bengali language and the construction of grand temples and monasteries.

Who founded the Pala Empire and when?

The Pala Empire was founded by Gopala, who was elected as the emperor of Gauda in 750 CE.

What were the major cities of the Pala Empire?

The major cities of the Pala Empire included Vikrampura, Pataliputra, Gauda, Monghyr, Somapura, Ramvati, Tamralipta, and Jaggadala.

What religious affiliations did the Pala rulers have?

The Pala rulers were followers of the Mahayana and Tantric schools of Buddhism.

What was the significance of the Somapura Mahavihara built by the Palas?

The Somapura Mahavihara was a grand monastery built by the Palas, reflecting their patronage of Buddhism and their architectural prowess.

What type of relationship did the Pala Empire have with the Srivijaya Empire, the Tibetan Empire, and the Arab Abbasid Caliphate?

The Pala Empire enjoyed diplomatic and mercantile relations with these empires, as evidenced by the presence of Abbasid coinage in Pala archaeological sites and records of Arab historians pointing to flourishing contacts.

What was the extent of the Pala Empire at its height in the early 9th century?

At its height, the Pala Empire was the dominant power in the northern Indian subcontinent, with its territory stretching across the Gangetic plain to include parts of modern-day eastern Pakistan, northern and northeastern India, Nepal, and Bangladesh.

Which emperors are considered to have brought the Pala Empire to its peak?

The Pala Empire reached its peak under Emperors Dharmapala and Devapala, who expanded its territory and influence.

How did the Pala Empire influence the cultural development of Bengal?

The Pala Empire brought stability and prosperity to Bengal, advanced the achievements of previous Bengali civilizations, and created outstanding works of art and architecture. They also laid the basis for the Bengali language and its first literary work, the Charyapada.

What factors contributed to the decline of the Pala Empire?

The Pala Empire's decline was due to internal struggles, invasions by the Chandelas, Kalachuris, and other regional powers, as well as rebellions and the rise of the Sena dynasty, which ultimately dethroned the Pala Empire in the 12th century.

What was the significance of Emperor Ramapala in the history of the Pala Empire?

Emperor Ramapala was the last strong Pala ruler who defended imperial bastions against invasions, maintained friendly relations with neighboring powers, and attempted to revive the empire's glory by reducing taxation and promoting cultivation and construction.

Outlines

00:00

🏰 Rise and Cultural Impact of the Pala Empire

The Pala Empire, a post-classical Indian subcontinent power, originated in Bengal and was known for its rulers with the 'Pala' suffix. They were Mahayana and Tantric Buddhism followers. Founded by Gopala in 750 CE, the empire expanded under Dharmapala and Devapala, reaching its zenith in the early 9th century. The Palas were skilled in diplomacy and military strategy, with a notable war elephant corps and a navy that served both commercial and defensive purposes. They contributed to the development of the Proto-Bengali language and built significant religious and educational institutions like the Somapura Mahavihara and Nalanda University. The empire had international relations, influencing regions such as Tibet and Southeast Asia. The Pala period is celebrated for its stability, prosperity, and cultural achievements, including the Charyapada, the first literary work in Bengali.

05:05

🛡️ Expansion and Political Struggles of the Pala Dynasty

Gopala's ascension marked a significant political event, as independent chiefs recognized his authority without conflict. His successors, Dharmapala and Devapala, expanded the empire significantly, overcoming initial defeats to build a powerful northern Indian empire. Dharmapala's reign saw the installation of his nominee in Kannauj and the acknowledgment of suzerainty by smaller states. Devapala's reign is noted for territorial conquests, although some claims are considered exaggerated. Following Devapala's death, the empire began to disintegrate, with weak rulers like Narayanapala and internal conflicts leading to its decline. The Pala dynasty faced challenges from the Rashtrakutas, Chandelas, and Kalachuris, leading to the fragmentation of the empire into smaller kingdoms.

10:08

🏹 Revival and Final Decline of the Pala Empire

Mahipala I managed to recover much of the empire's territory and defended against South Indian Chola invasions, marking a period of revival. However, the empire faced another decline with the reigns of Nayapala and Vigrahapala III, who struggled with invasions and internal conflicts. The empire was further weakened by the Varmans' occupation of eastern Bengal and the Eastern Gangas' resurgence in Orissa. Mahipala II's reign was short-lived, and his successors faced rebellions and power struggles. Ramapala, the last strong Pala ruler, attempted to revive the empire, reducing taxes, promoting agriculture, and maintaining friendly relations with neighboring powers. However, after his death, the empire faced a series of rebellions and lost control over its territories, eventually being replaced by the Sena dynasty.

Keywords

💡Pala Empire

The Pala Empire was an imperial power in the post-classical period in the Indian subcontinent, originating from Bengal. It is a central theme of the video, highlighting the empire's cultural, military, and political significance. The script mentions the empire's foundation by Gopala and its expansion under rulers like Dharmapala and Devapala, showcasing its influence in the region.

💡Mahayana Buddhism

Mahayana Buddhism is one of the two main branches of the religion, emphasizing the potential for all beings to attain Buddhahood. The Palas were followers of this school, which is significant as it influenced the empire's cultural and religious practices. The script notes their patronage of grand temples and monasteries, reflecting the importance of Mahayana Buddhism in the empire.

💡Gopala

Gopala was the founder of the Pala Empire, elected as the emperor of Gauda in 750 CE. His election marked the beginning of the Pala dynasty and is a key point in understanding the empire's origins. The script describes Gopala's ascension during a period of anarchy, indicating his role in establishing order and authority.

💡Bengal

Bengal is a region in the Indian subcontinent and the birthplace of the Pala Empire. It is frequently mentioned in the script as the stronghold of the Palas, indicating its geographical and political importance. Bengal's major cities, such as Vikrampura and Pataliputra, were central to the empire's administration and cultural development.

💡Dharmapala

Dharmapala was a significant ruler of the Pala Empire, expanding its territory and influence. His reign is highlighted in the script for his military conquests and the establishment of the empire's dominance in northern India. Dharmapala's actions, such as defeating Indrayudha of Kannauj, exemplify the empire's military prowess.

💡Nalanda University

Nalanda University was a great center of learning during the Pala period, known for its contributions to education and intellectual development. The script mentions the Palas' patronage of this university, reflecting their commitment to intellectual and cultural advancement. Nalanda's prominence underscores the empire's role in fostering knowledge and scholarship.

💡Proto-Bengali language

The Proto-Bengali language is the precursor to the modern Bengali language, which developed under the Pala rule. The script notes this development as a significant cultural achievement of the empire, laying the foundation for the linguistic identity of the region. The evolution of the language is tied to the empire's cultural legacy and influence.

💡Rajendra Chola I

Rajendra Chola I was a ruler of the Chola Empire who invaded Bengal, impacting the Pala Empire. The script describes his invasions and the subsequent effects on the Palas, such as the acquisition of elephants, women, and treasure. Rajendra Chola I's actions represent a challenge to the Pala Empire's stability and power.

💡Sena Dynasty

The Sena Dynasty eventually replaced the Pala Empire in the 12th century, ending the reign of the last major Buddhist imperial power in the Indian subcontinent. The script highlights the Sena Dynasty's rise to power and its significance in the empire's decline, marking a transition in the region's political landscape.

💡Atisa

Atisa was a Buddhist master who exerted a strong cultural influence in Tibet and Southeast Asia under the Pala Empire. The script mentions Atisa as a key figure in spreading the empire's cultural influence beyond its borders, indicating the empire's reach and the significance of its Buddhist practices.

💡Ramapāla

Ramapāla was the last strong ruler of the Pala Empire, known for his efforts to revive the empire's fortunes. The script describes his rule, including his move to a new capital at Ramavati and his attempts to reduce taxation and promote cultivation. Ramapala's reign is a critical period in the empire's history, representing a final period of strength before its decline.

Highlights

The Pala Empire was a dominant power in the post-classical period in the Indian subcontinent, with its origins in Bengal.

The Pala rulers followed Mahayana and Tantric Buddhism, influencing the empire's cultural and religious practices.

Gopala's election as emperor in 750 CE marked the foundation of the Pala Empire.

The Palas had a stronghold in Bengal and Bihar, including major cities like Pataliputra and Vikrampura.

The Pala Empire was known for its diplomatic prowess and military conquests, especially its war elephant corps.

The empire's navy played a crucial role in both mercantile activities and defense in the Bay of Bengal.

Culturally, the Palas built grand temples and monasteries, including the renowned Somapura Mahavihara.

The Pala Empire supported the great universities of Nalanda and Vikramashila, contributing to intellectual development.

The Proto-Bengali language developed under the Pala rule, marking a significant linguistic advancement.

The empire had international relations with the Srivijaya Empire, the Tibetan Empire, and the Arab Abbasid Caliphate.

Arab Abbasid Caliphate's coinage found in Pala sites indicates flourishing mercantile and intellectual contacts.

The Pala Empire was the dominant power in northern India at its height in the early 9th century.

Emperors Dharmapala and Devapala were the most influential rulers of the Pala Empire.

The Pala Empire exerted a strong cultural influence in Tibet and Southeast Asia.

The Pala Empire faced challenges with the Gurjara-Pratiharas and the Rashtrakutas for control of Kannauj.

Emperor Mahipala I defended the empire against South Indian Chola invasions, marking a period of resilience.

The Pala Empire was eventually dethroned by the Hindu Sena dynasty in the 12th century, ending Buddhist imperial power in the region.

The Pala period is celebrated as one of the golden eras of Bengali history, bringing stability and prosperity.

The Palas advanced the achievements of previous Bengali civilizations and created outstanding works of art and architecture.

The Pala legacy is still reflected in Tibetan Buddhism and the development of the Bengali language.

Transcripts

The Pala Empire was an imperial power during the post-classical period in the Indian subcontinent,

which originated in the region of Bengal. It is named after its ruling dynasty, whose

rulers bore names ending with the suffix Pala . They were followers of the Mahayana and

Tantric schools of Buddhism. The empire was founded with the election of Gopala as the

emperor of Gauda in 750 CE. The Pala stronghold was located in Bengal and Bihar, which included

the major cities of Vikrampura, Pataliputra, Gauda, Monghyr, Somapura, Ramvati , Tamralipta

and Jaggadala.

The Palas were astute diplomats and military conquerors. Their army was noted for its vast

war elephant corps. Their navy performed both mercantile and defensive roles in the Bay

of Bengal. They built grand temples and monasteries, including the Somapura Mahavihara, and patronised

the great universities of Nalanda and Vikramashila. The Proto-Bengali language developed under

Pala rule. The empire enjoyed relations with the Srivijaya Empire, the Tibetan Empire and

the Arab Abbasid Caliphate. Abbasid coinage found in Pala archaeological sites, as well

as records of Arab historians, point to flourishing mercantile and intellectual contacts. The

House of Wisdom in Baghdad absorbed the mathematical and astronomical achievements of Indian civilisation

during this period.

At its height in the early 9th century, the Pala Empire was the dominant power in the

northern Indian subcontinent, with its territory stretching across the Gangetic plain to include

parts of modern-day eastern Pakistan, northern and northeastern India, Nepal and Bangladesh.

The empire reached its peak under Emperors Dharmapala and Devapala. The Palas also exerted

a strong cultural influence under Atisa in Tibet, as well as in Southeast Asia. Pala

control of North India was ultimately ephemeral, as they struggled with the Gurjara-Pratiharas

and the Rashtrakutas for the control of Kannauj and were defeated. After a short lived decline,

Emperor Mahipala I defended imperial bastions in Bengal and Bihar against South Indian Chola

invasions. Emperor Ramapala was the last strong Pala ruler, who gained control of Kamarupa

and Kalinga. The empire was considerably weakened by the 11th century, with many areas engulfed

in rebellion.

The resurgent Hindu Sena dynasty dethroned the Pala Empire in the 12th century, ending

the reign of the last major Buddhist imperial power in the Indian subcontinent. The Pala

period is considered one of the golden eras of Bengali history. The Palas brought stability

and prosperity to Bengal after centuries of civil war between warring divisions. They

advanced the achievements of previous Bengali civilisations and created outstanding works

of arts and architecture. They laid the basis for the Bengali language, including its first

literary work, the Charyapada. The Pala legacy is still reflected in Tibetan Buddhism.

History Origins

According to the Khalimpur copper plate inscription, the first Pala king Gopala was the son of

a warrior named Vapyata. The Ramacharitam attests that Varendra was the fatherland of

the Palas. The ethnic origins of the dynasty are unknown, although later records claim

that Gopala was a Kshatriya or descended from the legendary Solar dynasty. The Ballala-Carita

states that the Palas were Kshatriyas, a claim reiterated by Taranatha in his History of

Buddhism in India as well as Ghanaram Chakrabarty in his Dharmamangala . The Ramacharitam also

attests the fifteenth Pala emperor, Ramapala, as a Kshatriya. Claims of belonging to the

legendary Solar dynasty are unreliable and clearly appear to be an attempt to cover up

the humble origins of the dynasty. The Pala dynasty has also been branded as Śudra in

some sources such as Manjushri-Mulakalpa; this might be because of their Buddhist leanings.

According to Abu'l-Fazl ibn Mubarak , the Palas were Kayasthas. There are even accounts

that claim Gopala may have been from a Brahmin lineage.

Establishment After the fall of Shashanka's kingdom, the

Bengal region was in a state of anarchy. There was no central authority, and there was constant

struggle between petty chieftains. The contemporary writings describe this situation as matsya

nyaya . Gopala ascended the throne as the first Pala king during these times. The Khalimpur

copper plate suggests that the prakriti of the region made him the king. Taranatha, writing

nearly 800 years later, also writes that he was democratically elected by the people of

Bengal. However, his account is in form of a legend, and is considered historically unreliable.

The legend mentions that after a period of anarchy, the people elected several kings

in succession, all of whom were consumed by the Naga queen of an earlier king on the night

following their election. Gopal, however managed to kill the queen and remained on the throne.

The historical evidence indicates that Gopala was not elected directly by his citizens,

but by a group of feudal chieftains. Such elections were quite common in contemporary

societies of the region.

Gopala's ascension was a significant political event as the several independent chiefs recognised

his political authority without any struggle.

Expansion under Dharmapala and Devapala Gopala's empire was greatly expanded by his

son Dharmapala and his grandson Devapala. Dharmapala was initially defeated by the Pratihara

ruler Vatsaraja. Later, the Rashtrakuta king Dhruva defeated both Dharmapala and Vatsaraja.

After Dhruva left for the Deccan region, Dharmapala built a mighty empire in the northern India.

He defeated Indrayudha of Kannauj, and installed his own nominee Chakrayudha on the throne

of Kannauj. Several other smaller states in North India also acknowledged his suzerainty.

Soon, his expansion was checked by Vatsaraja's son Nagabhata II, who conquered Kannauj and

drove away Chakrayudha. Nagabhata II then advanced up to Munger and defeated Dharmapala

in a pitched battle. Dharmapala was forced to surrender and to seek alliance with the

Rashtrakuta emperor Govinda III, who then intervened by invading northern India and

defeating Nagabhata II. The Rashtrakuta records show that both Chakrayudha and Dharmapala

recognised the Rashtrakuta suzerainty. In practice, Dharmapala gained control over North

India after Govinda III left for the Deccan. He adopted the title Paramesvara Paramabhattaraka

Maharajadhiraja.

Dharmapala was succeeded by his son Devapala, who is regarded as the most powerful Pala

ruler. His expeditions resulted in the invasion of Pragjyotisha where the king submitted without

giving a fight and the Utkala whose king fled from his capital city. The inscriptions of

his successors also claim several other territorial conquests by him, but these are highly exaggerated

.

First period of decline Following the death of Devapala, the Pala

empire gradually started disintegrating. Vigrahapala, who was Devapala's nephew, abdicated the throne

after a brief rule, and became an ascetic. Vigrahapala's son and successor Narayanapala

proved to be a weak ruler. During his reign, the Rashtrakuta king Amoghavarsha defeated

the Palas. Encouraged by the Pala decline, the King Harjara of Assam assumed imperial

titles and the Sailodbhavas established their power in Orissa.

Naryanapala's son Rajyapala ruled for at least 12 years, and constructed several public utilities

and lofty temples. His son Gopala II lost Bengal after a few years of rule, and then

ruled only Bihar. The next king, Vigrahapala II, had to bear the invasions from the Chandelas

and the Kalachuris. During his reign, the Pala empire disintegrated into smaller kingdoms

like Gauda, Radha, Anga and Vanga. Kantideva of Harikela also assumed the title Maharajadhiraja,

and established a separate kingdom, later ruled by the Chandra dynasty. The Gauda state

was ruled by the Kamboja Pala dynasty. The rulers of this dynasty also bore names ending

in the suffix -pala . However, their origin is uncertain, and the most plausible view

is that they originated from a Pala official who usurped a major part of the Pala kingdom

along with its capital.

Revival under Mahipala I Mahipala I recovered northern and eastern

Bengal within three years of ascending the throne in 988 CE. He also recovered the northern

part of the present-day Burdwan division. During his reign, Rajendra Chola I of the

Chola Empire frequently invaded Bengal from 1021 to 1023 CE to get Ganges water and in

the process, succeeded to humble the rulers, acquiring considerable booty. The rulers of

Bengal who were defeated by Rajendra Chola were Dharmapal, Ranasur and Govindachandra,

who might have been feudatories under Mahipala I of the Pala Dynasty. Rajendra Chola I also

defeated Mahipala, and obtained from the Pala king "elephants of rare strength, women and

treasure". Mahipala also gained control of north and south Bihar, probably aided by the

invasions of Mahmud of Ghazni, which exhausted the strength of other rulers of North India.

He may have also conquered Varanasi and surrounding area, as his brothers Sthirapala and Vasantapala

undertook construction and repairs of several sacred structures at Varanasi. Later, the

Kalachuri king Gangeyadeva annexed Varanasi after defeating the ruler of Anga, which could

have been Mahipala I.

Second period of decline Nayapala, the son of Mahipala I, defeated

the Kalachuri king Karna after a long struggle. The two later signed a peace treaty at the

mediation of the Buddhist scholar Atiśa. During the reign of Nayapala's son Vigrahapala

III, Karna once again invaded Bengal but was defeated. The conflict ended with a peace

treaty, and Vigrahapala III married Karna's daughter Yauvanasri. Vigrahapala III was later

defeated by the invading Chalukya king Vikramaditya VI. The invasion of Vikramaditya VI saw several

soldiers from South India into Bengal, which explains the southern origin of the Sena Dynasty.

Vigrahapala III also faced another invasion led by the Somavamsi king Mahasivagupta Yayati

of Orissa. Subsequently, a series of invasions considerably reduced the power of the Palas.

The Varmans occupied eastern Bengal during his reign.

Mahipala II, the successor of Vigrahapala III, brought a short-lived reign of military

glory. His reign is well-documented by Sandhyakar Nandi in Ramacharitam. Mahipala II imprisoned

his brothers Ramapala and Surapala II, on the suspicion that they were conspiring against

him. Soon afterwards, he faced a rebellion of vassal chiefs from the Kaibarta . A chief

named Divya killed him and occupied the Varendra region. The region remained under the control

of his successors Rudak and Bhima. Surapala II escaped to Magadha and died after a short

reign. He was succeeded by his brother Ramapala, who launched a major offensive against Divya's

grandson Bhima. He was supported by his maternal uncle Mathana of the Rashtrakuta dynasty,

as well as several feudatory chiefs of south Bihar and south-west Bengal. Ramapala conclusively

defeated Bhima, and killing him and his family in a cruel manner.

Revival under Ramapala After gaining control of Varendra, Ramapala

tried to revive the Pala empire with limited success. He ruled from a new capital at Ramavati,

which remained the Pala capital until the dynasty's end. He reduced taxation, promoted

cultivation and constructed public utilities. He brought Kamarupa and Rar under his control,

and forced the Varman king of east Bengal to accept his suzerainty. He also struggled

with the Ganga king for control of present-day Orissa; the Gangas managed to annexe the region

only after his death. Ramapala maintained friendly relations with the Chola king Kulottunga

to secure support against the common enemies: the Ganas and the Chalukyas. He kept the Senas

in check, but lost Mithila to a Karnataka chief named Nanyuadeva. He also held back

the aggressive design of the Gahadavala ruler Govindacharndra through a matrimonial alliance.

Final decline Ramapala was the last strong Pala ruler. After

his death, a rebellion broke out in Kamarupa during his son Kumarapala's reign. The rebellion

was crushed by Vaidyadeva, but after Kumarapala's death, Vaidyadeva practically created a separate

kingdom. According to Ramacharitam, Kumarapala's son Gopala III was murdered by his uncle Madanapala.

During Madanapala's rule, the Varmans in east Bengal declared independence, and the Eastern

Gangas renewed the conflict in Orissa. Madanapala captured Munger from the Gahadavalas, but

was defeated by Vijayasena, who gained control of southern and eastern Bengal. A ruler named

Govindapala ruled over the Gaya district around 1162 CE, but there is no concrete evidence

about his relationship to the imperial Palas. The Pala dynasty was replaced by the Sena

dynasty.