Pala Dynasty (Pala Empire)

Background: After Sasanka for more than a century Bengal suffered from internal
anarchy and external aggression creating lawlessness and confusion. In order to
restore peace and good government powerful chieftains of Bengal placed Gopala, a
popular chief, on the throne of Bengal (about 750 A.D.).

Founder: Gopala-I was the founder of the famous Pala dynasty.

Dharmapala: Gopala-I was succeeded by his son Dharmapala (770-810 A.D.) He was
a powerful ruler and he raised the Palas to the position of an imperial power. From his
time Bengal participated in the tripartite struggle for the mastery over Kanauj and north
India. He occupied Kanauj and placed Chakrayudha, one of his proteges, on the throne
of Kanauj. But after a short while he was defeated at first by Vatsaraj,
the Pratihara king, and then by the Rashtrakuta king Govinda III. These defeats caused
the decline of fortune of the Pala Empire for a short time. Vatsaraj also suffered defeat
in the hands of the Rashtrakuta king. After the Rashtrakuta forces returned Dharmapala
restored his position. He conquered a vast territory including Kangra valley, east
Punjab, Jaipur, Malwa and probably Berar also.

Dharmapala was not only a successful ruler, but he was a great patron of learning and
Buddhism as well. He built the Vikramsila monastery which later became a great centre
of learning.

Devapala (810-850 A.D.): Dharmapala was succeeded by his son Devapala who was
the most powerful ruler of Pala dynasty. His inscriptions reveal that he conquered
Kamrup, Utkal and Kalinga. He also gained victory against the Hunas and Dravidians.
An epigraphic passage says that his arms reached the Kamboja territory in the north
and the Vindhya hills in the south. In any way there is no doubt that Devapala ruled over
a vast kingdom. His fame extended even beyond the ocean. Maharaja Balaputradeva,
Sailendra king of Suvarnadvipa, requested Devapala to grant five villages for the
maintenance of a monastery at Nalanda which the Sailendra king patronized. Devapala
obliged him by giving five villages. King Devapala was a great patron of Buddhism and
took a very keen interest in the affairs of Nalanda monastery.

Mahipala I (980-1030 A.D.): After the death of Devapala the Pala empire remained
weak for some time. But it regained its power and prestige to a great extent during the
reign of Mahipala I. He regained control over a large portion of Bengal and Bihar. He
suffered a temporary setback when the powerful Chola monarch Rajendra Chola
attacked the Pala Empire. After his return, Mahipala restored his position and
conquered Mithila and Benaras. He was a patron of learning and culture. He built and
reconstructed many temples and stupas in different areas.
The last important ruler of Pala Empire was Rampala. He defeated the Kaivarta ruler
Bhima and re-established Pala rule over almost the whole of Bengal. He defeated the
rulers of Kamrup and Utkal also. The Pala Empire collapsed within a short time after his
death.

Dharmapala
Dharmapala was the King of Pala Empire in Bengal. His father, Gopala, was the
founder of Pala Empire.

Soon after his ascendency, Dharmapala had to face two formidable enemies, the
Gurjara-Pratiharas of the West and the Rashtrakutas of the Deccan.

Rashtrakuta king Dhruba defeated Dharmapala but, instead of enjoying the fruit of his
victory, he returned to the Deccan. Kannauj was left open to Dharmapala. He installed
his own protege Chakrayudha replacing Indrayudha, the Pratihara nominee. He then
extended his frontier up to the Punjab. He held an imperial Durbar there. This was
attended by the several kings who “bowed down” to him and accepted his suzerainty.

King Dharmapala had to face a second encounter. The Pratiharas again came under
the leadership of Nagabhata II, son of Vatsaraja , who deposed Chakrayudha and
occupied the throne of Kanauj. He also defeated Dharmapala in the Battle of Monghyr
(or Munger). But this time also, another Rashtrakuta king, Govinda III, came as savior of
Dharmapala. He defeated Nagabhatta II. Dharmapala and Chakrayudha offered
submission to him. But for reasons unknown, Govinda III went back to the Deccan,
leaving Kannauj open. Dharmapala had no difficulty to re-establish his hold over
Kannauj .

Dharmapala was a follower of Buddhism. He founded the famous Vikramsila

Mahavihara which in course of time developed into a centre of Buddhist learning next to
Nalanda, Somapuri and Odantapuri Mahavihara.

King Gopala
The establishment of the Pala rule in Bengal during the middle of the eighth century
A.D. was landmark in the history of Bengal. From that time it is possible to write the
complete history of Bengal on the basis of historical materials.
By electing Gopala to the throne of Bengal the leading persons of Bengal of that time
had given proof of their sense of nationalism and patriotism. By placing a capable man
like Gopala on the throne of Bengal they gave proofs of their farsightedness,
selflessness and their solicitousness for the well-being of the people of the country.

Gopala ascended the throne of Bengal and became the king with the willing allegiance
of the people of Bengal. Although we know of his father Bapyat and grand-father
Dayitvshnu from his inscription, yet the manner in which reference has been made to
them raises the presumption that they were commoners.

King Gopala’s first task was the removal of lawlessness and disorder from the country
which he did without delay and thereby fulfilled the expectation of the people of Bengal.
His reign was occupied largely by war for bringing about peace and to ward off foreign
invasions. His efforts were crowned with success and Bengal enjoyed a period of peace
and prosperity under him. He founded the Pala dynasty of Bengal. Although much is not
known about his reign, it is believed that he brought whole of Bengal under his sway.
The exact length of his reign is also not definitely known.