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The Pala Empire (750-1161 AD) - UPSC notes

Pala Empire (750–1161 AD) Founded by Gopala in 750 AD through democratic election by local chieftains.
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🏯 The Pala Empire (750–1161 AD)

🔹 Overview:

  • Founded by Gopala in 750 AD through democratic election by local chieftains (important point for Prelims).

  • Known to Arabs as the "Kingdom of Dharma".

  • Arab traveller Sulaiman (c. 850 AD) referred to it as Ruhma.

  • Palas were devout Mahayana Buddhists, yet tolerant of Brahmanical traditions.

🧭 Key Rulers of the Pala Dynasty:

🟨 Gopala (750–770 AD) – Founder

  • Elected by regional chieftains to bring political stability in Bengal.

  • Laid foundation for Pala control over Eastern India.

🟨 Dharmapala (780–810 AD)

  • Titles: Parameswara, Parambhattaraka, Maharajadhiraja (asserted imperial ambitions).

  • Khalimpur copper plate: Empire stretched over Bengal, Bihar, Nepal, Assam, parts of Orissa, and briefly Kannauj.

  • Held a grand assembly at Kannauj to claim supremacy over North India.

  • Cultural Contributions:

    • Founded Vikramashila University in Bhagalpur.

    • Built Somapura Mahavihara in present-day Bangladesh (UNESCO site).

    • Patronized Haribhadra, a noted Buddhist philosopher.

🟨 Devapala (810–850 AD)

  • Son of Dharmapala; Empire reached its maximum extent under him.

  • Defeated Rashtrakuta ruler Amoghavarsha.

  • Patron of Buddhism: Granted land to Balaputradeva (Sailendra king of Sumatra) to maintain a monastery at Nalanda.

🟨 Mahipala I (988–1038 AD)

  • Revived the Pala empire after a decline.

  • Resisted Rajendra Chola’s invasion beyond the Ganges.

  • Repaired sacred sites like Sarnath, Nalanda, Bodh Gaya.

🟨 Ramapala (1077–1120 AD)

  • Tried to restore former glory of the dynasty.

  • Biography: "Ramacharitam" by Sandhyakar Nandi.

  • After his death, the empire shrunk to Magadha region.

🔻 Decline of the Palas

  • Decline started under weak rulers: Rajyapala, Gopala III, Vigramapala II.

  • Pratiharas and Rashtrakutas encroached into Pala territory.

  • Madanapala (last ruler) was defeated by Vijayasena of the Sena dynasty (around 1150 AD).

🛤️ Trade & Economic Activities

  • Strong trade relations with South-East Asia (especially Sumatra, Java).

  • Exported textiles, pottery, rice.

  • South-east Bengal became a hub connecting Arab traders to the Malaya peninsula and Indonesian archipelago.

🎨 Art & Architecture

Feature Details
🏛️ Art Style Pala School – influenced by Gupta art, elegant and spiritual
🪔 Techniques Used Lost-wax technique (Cire Perdue) for bronze statues
🖼️ Famous Artists Dhiman and Vitapala
📜 Paintings Miniature paintings on palm leaves
🛕 Major Constructions Vikramashila, Somapura Vihara, Nalanda renovations
🚰 Public Works Tanks, canals, irrigation channels

📚 Literature & Education

Area Details
🏫 Universities Nalanda, Vikramashila (major centres of Buddhist learning)
✍️ Writers Atisha, Saraha, Tilopa, Silabhadra, Jinamitra, Padmanava
📕 Sanskrit Contributions Patronised Gaudi-riti style; promoted Sanskrit texts
📗 Medical Texts Chakrapani Datta, Gadadhara Vaidya
🎵 Folk Literature Mahipalageet – songs about Mahipala still sung in Bengal villages

🛐 Religion

  • Mahayana Buddhism was state-supported.

  • Tibetan monks trained at Vikramashila.

  • Supported Brahmins too – constructed temples.

  • Religious tolerance helped them receive international support (e.g., Sailendra kings).

🧠 Simplified Summary:

  • The Palas built a Buddhist cultural empire in Eastern India.

  • Known for education, art, and international Buddhist diplomacy.

  • Patronised scholars, promoted architecture, and influenced regions far beyond India.

  • Decline caused by internal weakness and external invasions.

🗂️ Timeline of Key Events

Year Event
750 AD Gopala elected as king
780–810 Dharmapala expands empire, holds Kannauj Assembly
810–850 Devapala rules; grants land to Sumatra king
988–1038 Mahipala revives empire
1077–1120 Ramapala rules; Ramacharitam written
~1150 AD Fall of Pala Empire; replaced by Sena dynasty

❓ UPSC PYQs Related to Palas

✅ UPSC Prelims 2018

Q. Consider the following statements:

  1. The Pala dynasty was founded by Gopala.

  2. The Pala rulers were patrons of Buddhism.

  3. The Pala Empire extended to present-day Andhra Pradesh.
    Which of the above statements is/are correct?
    A) 1 and 2 only
    B) 2 and 3 only
    C) 1 and 3 only
    D) All three
    👉 Answer: A) 1 and 2 only

✅ UPSC Mains 2014 (GS-I)

"Examine the cultural contributions of the Palas and their role in the spread of Indian culture abroad."

📌 Tips for Answering:

  • Mention Nalanda, Vikramashila, Somapura Mahavihara.

  • Highlight support to foreign scholars and trade links with Southeast Asia.

  • Discuss art (bronzes, painting) and Buddhist influence on Tibet & Sumatra.

📝 Practice MCQs:

1. Which of the following institutions was founded by Dharmapala?

A) Nalanda
B) Somapura Vihara
C) Vikramashila
D) Odantapuri
👉 Answer: C) Vikramashila

2. Who among the following Pala rulers granted land to a foreign king for a monastery at Nalanda?

A) Gopala
B) Devapala
C) Mahipala I
D) Ramapala
👉 Answer: B) Devapala


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