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Pala Empire: Origin, Rulers, Administration & More | UPSC Notes

Last Updated on Oct 08, 2024
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Pala Empire was one of the powerful dynasties which arose to power in North India between 750 CE and 1000 CE. The Pala dynasty was established by Gopala in 750 CE and they ruled over Bengal and Bihar for about 400 years from the eighth century to the twelfth century. The Pala Empire was expanded greatly by Dharmapala. Since the rulers of this dynasty bore the suffix ‘Pala’ in their name, it was called the Pala dynasty. Pala empire was one of the major Buddhist imperial powers in the Indian subcontinent. The Pala empire had a constant rivalry with Prathiharas and Rashtrakutas who were their contemporaries. The three empires fought for the sovereignty of Kanauj which was known as the tripartite struggle.

This article on Pala Empire UPSC, talks about the origin of the dynasty, its important rulers, their administration, and its legacy. This topic is very important for the UPSC IAS Exam.

GS Paper

General Studies Paper I

Topics for UPSC Prelims

Major rulers (Gopala, Dharmapala), Contributions to Buddhism, Art and architecture (Vikramshila, Somapura Mahavihara), Inscriptions and literature, Gupta Empire, Pratiharas, Rashtrakutas

Topics for UPSC Mains

Pala administration and military strategies, Influence on later Indian history and culture

About the Pala Empire

The Pala Dynasty was a prominent Indian dynasty that ruled over parts of present-day Bengal and Bihar from the 8th to the 12th century CE. Founded by Gopala, the Palas were known for their patronage of Buddhism, education, and the arts. They played a significant role in the revival of Buddhism in the region. They were great supporters of Buddhist universities and monastic institutions, such as Nalanda and Vikramashila. 

Origin of the Pala Dynasty

Following the death of King Harshavardhana in 647 CE, there was no stable power in the Northern regions. Many feudal lords arose to power. The ruler Shashanka of the Gauda Kingdom was the contemporary of King Harshavardhana. He ruled over the Bengal region between 590 CE and 625 CE. After his fall, there was anarchy in the Bengal region and it continued for a certain period. It is said that the ruler of Kashmir, Lalitaditya who brought Punjab and Kanauj under his control, invaded the Gauda region (Bengal region) and killed its ruler. Thus Bengal was facing an internal crisis.

In 750 CE, Gopala was elected as the King of Gauda (Bengal) by some notable men of Bengal in order to end the anarchy which was prevailing back then in Bengal. Thus began the Pala dynasty which dominated Eastern India till the middle of the ninth century CE.

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Pala Dynasty Rulers

Gopala

The Pala dynasty was founded by Gopala. He was the first ruler of the Pala dynasty. Around 750 CE, Gopala established the Pala dynasty and brought Bengal and Bihar under his control. He was a Kshatriya by birth and did not come from a ruling dynasty. Most likely, he was the son of a soldier.

The Pala empire prospered particularly under the rule of Gopala’s successors, Dharmapala and Devapala.

Dharmapala

In 770 CE, Dharmapala, son of Gopala, succeeded as the ruler of Pala dynasty. He was credited with the expansion of the Pala empire. The title ‘Paramesvara Paramabhattaraka Maharajadhiraja’ was adopted by him.

During his rule, there was a tripartite struggle in which the Pala, the Prathihara and the Rashtrakuta dynasty fought for control over Kanauj. Since the reign of King Harshavardhana, Kannauj became the symbol of sovereignty over North India because it implied control of the upper Gangetic valley and its rich resources. He was defeated by Dhruva, the Rashtrakuta ruler who later returned to Deccan leaving the field to Dharmapala. He could not consolidate his power in Kanauj and he was defeated near Mongyr. In the meantime, the Pratihara empire under Nagabhata II revived its power. Dharmapala’s reign came to an end in 810 CE.

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Devapala

In 810 CE, Dharmapala was succeeded by his son Devapala as the ruler of Pala dynasty. He ruled for 40 years. He was the greatest and powerful ruler of the Pala dynasty. He conquered Pragjyotishpur (Assam) and Utkala (Orissa). Probably he even brought some parts of Nepal under the suzerainty of the Palas. He ruled over the Pala empire till 850 CE.

Following the end of Devapala’s reign, the Pala dynasty began to decline slowly. Though his successors namely Mahendrapala and Shurapala retained the Pala empire, the reign of the later weak rulers of the Pala empire such as Narayanapala, and Vigrahapala II paved the way for the disintegration of the Pala empire.

Mahipala I

Mahipala I, the ruler of Pala dynasty ascended the throne in 988 CE. He restored the strength of the Pala empire. He recovered the Northern and Western regions of Bengal. He also gained control over North and South Bihar. However after his reign, the Pala empire once again began to decline.

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Administration of the Pala Dynasty

Based on the administrative practices of the Gupta empire, the Pala dynasty established their administrative model.

  • The administrative system of the Pala empire was monarchical and the King was head of the state’s administration as well as the commander-in-chief of the armed forces. He even dispensed justice.
  • The Kingship was hereditary in Pala dynasty.
  • King was assisted by a set of ministers who were nominated by the King from leading families and it was hereditary.
  • In the Pala empire, some of the territories were placed under the direct administration of the King while some of them were under the control of the Vassal chiefs.
  • The territories administered by the Vassal chiefs were given autonomous status. They paid fixed tributes and supplied troops to the King.
  • The territories of Pala empire which were administered directly were divided into several provinces called bhukti and were governed by the officials called Uparika. They were held responsible for collecting the tax and maintaining law and order in the province.
  • These provinces were further divided into districts called mandala or visaya and it was headed by Visayapati.
  • Smaller chieftains who were known as Samanthas or Bhogapatis dominated the villages of Pala empire.
  • Some of the administrative posts maintained by the Pala dynasty were
    • Mahasandhi-vigrahika (Foreign minister)
    • Duta (Head Ambassador)
    • Aggaraksa (Chief guard)
    • Sasthadhikrta (Tax collector)
    • Dashaparadhika (Collector of penalties)
    • Mahaksapatalika (Accountant)
    • Kshetrapa (Head of land use division)
    • Pramatr (Head of land measurements)
    • Mahadandanayaka or Dharmadhikari (Chief justice)
    • Dandashakti (Police forces)
  • The Pala dynasty maintained a well organised infantry and cavalry. They maintained a large number of elephants.

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Legacy of the Pala Dynasty

The rulers of the Pala dynasty adopted titles such as Maharajadhiraja, Parameshwar. They were the great patrons of Mahayana Buddhism and constructed several Buddhist viharas for the Buddhist monks. Somapura Mahavihara (Bangladesh) is one of the famous viharas constructed by the Pala rulers. They also patronised shaivism and Vaishnavism. Land grants were made by the King to brahmanas and priests. The ruler Dharmapala reviewed the Nalanda university and he also founded the Vikramasila university both of which were the Buddhists center of learning.

The Pala dynasty had good trade connections with the Middle East and Southeast Asia. They patronised several sanskrit scholars. Some of the famous Pala texts are Nyaya Kundali by Sridhar Bhatta, Agama shastra by Gaudapada, Sushrata by Gadadhra Vaidya and so on. It was during the reign of Pala dynasty, the Gauda riti style of composition developed.

The reign of Pala dynasty was regarded as the golden era of Bengal. Account written by the Arab merchant, Sulaiman and the Tibetian chronicles provides a large amount of information about the Pala empire. Madanapala was the last ruler of Pala dynasty. In the twelfth century, the Pala dynasty was dethroned by the Sena dynasty of Bengal.

Key Takeaways for UPSC Aspirants

  • Historical Timeline: The Pala Dynasty ruled from the mid-8th to the 12th century CE in the regions of Bihar and Bengal.
  • Founding King: Gopala, the founder of the dynasty, was democratically elected by regional chieftains around 750 CE, signaling a unique aspect of hereditary monarchy.
  • Prominent Rulers: Dharmapala and Devapala were notable rulers who expanded the Pala empire significantly, establishing it as a major power in Northern and Eastern India.
  • Cultural Contributions: The Palas were great patrons of Buddhism, supporting large monastic universities like Nalanda, Vikramashila, and Somapura Mahavihara, which became renowned centers of learning.
  • Art and Architecture: The Pala period is noted for the development of the distinctive Pala School of art, with its finely crafted sculptures and manuscripts. Buddhist stupas and viharas from this period are significant archaeological finds.
  • Economic Development: The Palas facilitated trade and economic growth through their control of strategic trade routes. They promoted agriculture and boosted local economies by building infrastructure like roads and irrigation systems.
  • Decline: The decline began in the 12th century due to internal strife, invasion by the Sena dynasty, and pressure from other regional threats. Eventually, the Palas were overthrown by the rising Sena power.
  • Legacy: The Pala Dynasty is remembered for its significant contributions to Indian culture, religion, and education, particularly for its support of Buddhism at a time it was declining elsewhere in India.

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Pala Dynasty UPSC FAQs

The last ruler of the Pala dynasty was Madanapala.

The capital of the Pala dynasty was initially Pataliputra (modern-day Patna) and later moved to Vikramashila.

Devapala was the first elected king of the Pala dynasty.

Some notable kings of the Pala dynasty include Gopala, Dharmapala, Devapala, Mahipala, and Ramapala.

The Pala dynasty ruled from the 8th century to the 12th century, from approximately 750 CE to 1174 CE.

Dharmapala is considered one of the most prominent and successful kings of the Pala dynasty.

The last king of Kamrup was Ratanpala.

Gopala was the founder of the Pala dynasty.
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