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.
🏯 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 philoso…