Pala Empire

Pala Empire: The Pala Empire, founded in 750 CE by Gopala, lasted roughly from the 8th to the 12th centuries. It was one of the most powerful Buddhist rulers of the subcontinent and dominated the regions of modern-day Bengal and Bihar for nearly 4 centuries. They are well-known contemporaries of the dynasties of the Rashtrakutas and Pratiharas, who were dominant in the western region of the Indian subcontinent. The word ‘Pala’ means protector in Prakrit.

The rulers were great patrons of art, which included painting, sculpture, and education. They are one of the most formidable imperial rulers of the East, and their rule is considered one of the “golden periods” of Bengali history as they contributed significantly to the culture and religion of the region. Read below to find out more about the Pala Empire: Origin, Rulers, History, and Administration of Pala Dinesty.

Pala Empire Map

Pala Empire

Overview of Pala Empire

Founding	Founded by Gopala in c. 750 CE
Time Period	8th to 12th centuries CE
Region	Primarily in modern-day Bangladesh and parts of Eastern India, including Bihar and West Bengal
Capital(s)	Initially, Gaur and later, Pataliputra
Major Kings	Gopala I, Dharmapala, Devapala, Mahipala I
Contributions	– Flourishing of Mahayana and Vajrayana Buddhism – Advancements in art and architecture, including the development of the Pala School of Sculptural – Establishment of significant Buddhist monastic universities like Nalanda, Vikramashila, and Somapura Mahavihara
Decline	Began in the 12th century due to the rise of the Sena dynasty and invasions by Muslim forces
Cultural Impact	Significant influence on Buddhist practices in the Himalayan regions, as well as in Southeast Asia
Economic Basis	Agriculture, trade (both inland and overseas), and control over important trade routes

Origin of the Pala Empire

Gopala established the Pala Empire in the 8th century CE in the region in the wake of widespread lawlessness caused by the fall of Shashankas, or the Gauda Kingdom (contemporary of famous Indian classical ruler Harshavardhana), which existed in the 4th century CE in the Bengal region. Due to the lack of an authoritarian figure after the fall of the Gauda kingdom, Gopala ascended the throne in 750 CE. For four centuries, the Palas ruled over the regions comprising modern-day Bengal, Bihar, Orissa, and Assam.

Important Rulers of the Pala Empire

GOPALA (750–770 CE)

1. Founder of the Pala Empire, he is regarded as the first Buddhist ruler.
2. He founded the monastery of Odantapuri, Bihar.
3. He unified Bengal during his rule and was engaged in a tripartite struggle with the Pratiharas and Rashtrakutas for control over Kannuaj.

DHARMAPALA (770-810CE)

1. He succeeded his father, Gopala, in 770 CE.
2. He was constantly engaged in warfare with Pratiharas and Rashtrakutas and is responsible for significantly expanding the Pala Empire under his rule, an example being his taking control over Kannauj, thereby making the empire reach its peak as the most powerful empire in the eastern region under his region.
3. He founded the Vikramshila University in Bhagalpur, Bihar. His reign came to an end after he was defeated by a Rashtrakuta ruler.

DEVAPALA (810-850CE).

1. He was the most powerful Pala ruler and succeeded his father, Dharmapala, after his demise.
2. His significant achievements as a powerful ruler include his conquest of Assam (Kamarupa) and Orissa (Utkala) and his victory over Amoghavarsha, the powerful Rashtrakuta ruler.
3. The Pala dynasty reached its peak under Devapala and began to subsequently decline after his demise, as he was succeeded by weak kings consistently paving the way for its eventual downfall.

MAHIPALA I

1. He was responsible for rebuilding the Pala empire as he conquered the regions of Bengal that were lost over the years, and he is said to have conquered Varanasi long with his brothers. The empire began falling once again after his rule.
2. After Mahipala, Rampala is the only other significant Pala ruler worth mentioning. “Vijayasena,” ruler of the Hindu Seva dynasty, was responsible for the eventual fall of the Pala Empire in the 12th century.

Pala Empire Administration

• The Pala Empire had a monarchical administrative structure where the ruler or monarch had all the power vested in them; it was similar to the administrative structure of the Gupta Empire.

• The throne inheritance was hereditary, and like the Gupta rulers, the Pala rulers adopted grand titles like Parameshwara, Maharajadhiraja, Paramvattaraka, etc.

• A council of ministers, who were mostly elites belonging to chosen families, assisted the ruler in decision-making, and their posts were hereditary too.

• The lands in the empire were divided into different provinces called “Bhukti” for better management and were placed under provincial rulers called “Uparikas,” who collected revenue and ensured law and order were maintained.

Historical Significance of the Pala Empire

• Since the Pala rulers were largely Buddhists and practiced Mahayana Buddhism, they built many monasteries, stupas, and viharas throughout their reign.

• They also built a number of temples throughout their empire, equally supported Vaishnavism and Shaivism, and gave land grants and concessions to brahmanas and priests.

• Aside from being generous, they were great patrons of education as well.

Art and Architecture

• Dharmapala is responsible for building the world-famous Nalanda University, as well as the Vikramsila University. Students from all over came to Nalanda to receive education, and it slowly became the largest educational institution at that time and remains significant to this day.

• Another significant cultural contribution of Dharmapala was the construction of Somapura Mahavihara, which became the hub of learning for Buddhism, Jainism, and Hinduism.

• Most of the Pala architecture was related to religion, as seen in the abundance of chaityas, viharas, stupas, and temples found from this period in these regions.

• Buddhist art was a dominant feature of this period.

• The Palas are also considered the founders of miniature paintings on the subcontinent. Most monasteries were hubs for paintings, and most of the time they depicted Buddhist themes.

• The Palas were also well known for their bronze casting technique in terms of sculptures, and we see a significant number of stone and copper statues (mostly religious) erected in different regions.

Hence, we find that the Palas were not just formidable rulers and diplomats; they also took great interest in art and education and hence enhanced the culture of the eastern part of the subcontinent while they ruled.

Conclusion

The Palas ruled for four centuries, enriching the history and culture of the eastern part of the Indian subcontinent. They are also credited with the flourishing of the Bengali language during their rule. They conquered and expanded their influence even to the north, but they remain significant because they helped the waste region flourish and prosper under their rule.

FAQs on Pala Empire

Who ended the Pala Empire?

The Hindu Sena dynasty was responsible for the ultimate downfall of the Pala empire in the 12th century.

Who was the founder of the Pala Empire?

Gopala was the founder of the empire; he ascended the throne in 750 CE after the decline of the Gauda Kingdom.

Which empires were involved in the tripartite struggle for the northern Indian region?

Prathiharas, Rashtrakutas, and Palas were involved in a tripartite struggle for Kannauj.

Who founded Nalanda University?

Dharmapala founded Nalanda University.

Who was the most powerful ruler of Palas?

Devapala was the most powerful of all rulers, as the empire attained a new peak under his reign.