Pala Dynasty

Pala dynasty was an imperial power in the post-classical period ruling in the time period 750–1161 CE in the Indian subcontinent, mainly governing the eastern part of India. In this article, you will learn origin of Pala dynasty, features, rules, socio economic conditions, administration and, decline, etc.

This article will provide key insights for GS Paper-I Indian History section of UPSC IAS Exam.

Table of Content

• Who were Palas?             
• How was Pala Empire established?           
• Features of Pala Empire
• Greatest rulers of Pala Empire
• Administration of Pala Empire
• Defence and military of Pala Empire
• Decline of Pala Empire
• Conclusion         
• Frequently Asked Questions       
• Reference           

Who were Palas?

• The Pālas were an imperial power in the post-classical period ruling in the time period 750–1161 CE in the Indian subcontinent, mainly governing the eastern part of India.
• It was first established in the region of Bengal.
• Pala Empire Capital: Pataliputra (modern day Patna in Bihar)

Pala dynasty flag:

How was Pala Empire established?

• In eastern India, after the death of King Shashanka around 637 CE, the region faced political uncertainty in Bengal and nearby areas.
• It had experienced invasions by Yashovarmana of Kannauj, Lalitaditya of Kashmir, and from Chinese army.
• The ruler of Assam– Bhaskaravarman had conquered many parts of Bengal, while Bihar and Orissa were under Harsha’s influence.
• Around the 8th century CE, Gopala had laid the foundation of the Pala dynasty.

Pala empire’s map in India:

Features of Pala Empire:

• The Pala period is often hailed as a golden era in Bengal’s history, as they brought stability and prosperity to a land that was previously embroiled in civil wars.
• All succeeding kings’ names of this dynasty ended with ‘Pala,’ signifying “protector” in the Prakrit language, hence the name ‘Pala’ dynasty.
• The Pala kingdom comprised of Bengal and Bihar, covering major cities like Pataliputra, Vikrampura, Ramvati (Varendra), Monghyr (Munger), Tamralipti, and Jaggadala.
• The tripartite struggle persisted between the Palas, Rashtrakutas, and Gurjara Pratiharas, where Bihar and eastern Uttar Pradesh were the disputed region.
  • Bihar and Bengal, remained mostly under Pala control.
• The Pala kings were devoted followers of Buddhism, particularly the Mahayana and Tantric schools.
• They promoted Buddhism by establishing monasteries (viharas) and temples across eastern India.
  • This left a lasting impact on Tibetan Buddhism.
• ​Govinda Pala was the last ruler of the Pala Dynasty.

Greatest rulers of Pala Empire:

Gopala (around 750 CE)

• Gopala was a local chieftain who had founded the Pala dynasty and hence the first Pala ruler.
• As per Khalimpur copper plate Inscription, he had established the rule with the intention of rescuing the people from anarchy (matsya-nyaya).
• He was elected by prominent figures in the region in order to overthrow the later Guptas of Magadha and the Khadga dynasty of eastern Bengal.
• Gopala was a devoted Buddhist.

Dharmapala (around 770-810 CE):

• Dharmapaladespite facing initial defeats against the Pratiharas and Rashtrakutas (mainly king Dhruva), he was able to conquer significant parts of northern India.
  • This elevated the Pala empire to heights.
• Dharmapala had held Kannauj’s durbar in order to install his puppet ruler, Chakrayudha, on the throne, while Bengal and Bihar remained under his direct rule.
• His sovereignty was also accepted by the rulers in western and southern India.
• He had adopted the title “Paramesvara Paramabhattaraka Maharajadhiraja”.
• Dharmapala had contributed to Buddhism by establishing the Vikramshila monastery and the Somapuri monastery.
  • Both played crucial roles in attracting scholars and students from India and Tibet.
• Dharmapala made the Buddhist philosopher Haribhadra his spiritual preceptor.

Devapala (around 810-850 CE):

• Devapalahad expanded the Pala empire to cover areas like Pragyoytishpur or Kamarupa, parts of Odisha (Utkala), and modern-day Nepal.
• He claimed tribute from the entire northern India, ranging from the Himalayas to the Vindhyas, and from the eastern to the western oceans.
• Devapala was a significant patron of Buddhism.
• His inscriptions celebrated his victories over various rulers such as the Hunas, the lords of Gurjaras (Mihir Bhoja) and the Dravidas.
• Balaputradeva, the Sailendra dynasty king, has requested him to grant five villages for the monastery at Nalanda.
  • He accepted the request and appointed Viradeva as the head of Nalanda Monastery.

Mahipala I (late 10th century):

• Mahipala I had restored the Palas’ dynasty by defending Bengal and Bihar against Chola invasions.
  • He was eventually defeated by Rajendra Chola.
• Mahipala I had ordered construction and repairs of several sacred structures at Saranath, Nalanda and Bodh Gaya.

Ramapala (11th century):

• Ramapala was the last strong Pala ruler, who gained control over Kamarupa and Kalinga.
  • This led to the revival of the Pala empire.
• Ramapala was the last king of Pala dynasty in Assam.

Administration of Pala Empire:

• The Pala rule was monarchical in which the king was the centre of all power.
• Pala kings often assumed imperial titles like Parameshwara, Paramvattaraka, Maharajadhiraja.
• Pala kings used to appoint Prime Ministers, among them the most prominent were the Line of Garga.
• Pala Empire was divided into separate Bhuktis (Provinces), Bhuktis into Vishayas (Divisions) and Mandalas (Districts).
• Smaller units of administration were Khandala, Bhaga, Avritti, Chaturaka, and Pattaka.

Administrative terminologies:

Title	Designation
Raja	King
Rajanyaka	Royal officials
Ranaka	Subordinate chiefs
Samanta and Mahasamanta	Vassal Kings
Mahasandhi-vigrahika	Foreign Minister
Duta	Head Ambassador
Rajasthaniya	Deputy
Aggaraksa	Chief Guard
Sasthadhikrta	Tax Collector
Chauroddharanika	Police Tax
Shaulkaka	Trade Tax Collector
Dashaparadhika	Penalties Collector
Tarika	Toll Collector for River Crossings
Mahaksapatalika	Chief Accountant
Jyesthakayastha	Document Officer
Ksetrapa and Pramatr	Head of land use division and Head of land measurements
Mahadandanayaka or Dharmadhikara	Chief Justice
Mahapratihara	Chief Doorkeeper
Dandika	Officer-in-charge of Punishments
Dandapashika	Officer dealing with Prisons
Dandashakti	Police Forces
Khola	Secret Service
Agricultural posts like Gavadhakshya	Head of Dairy Farms
Chhagadhyakshya	Head of Goat Farms
Meshadyakshya	Head of Sheep Farms
Mahishadyakshya	Head of Buffalo Farms
Vogpati	Regional Chiefs
Vishayapati	Province Governor
Shashtadhikruta	Tax Administrator
Dauhshashadhanika	Administrator of Trade and Commerce
Nakadhyakshya	Treasurer

Defence and military of Pala Empire:

• The Palas were adept in diplomacy and military conquests.
• The highest military officer in the Pala empire was the Mahasenapati (commander-in-chief).
• Their army consisted of elephant cavalry which was one of the largest during that period.
• They had navy that used to serve both commercial and defensive purposes in the Bay of Bengal.
• The Palas recruited soldiers from kingdoms such as Malava, Khasa, Huna, Kulika, Mithila, Kanrata, Lata, Odra and Manahali.

Decline of Pala Empire:

• During the late 9th century, the power of the Palas started to decline.
• They faced challenges from the Gurjara-Pratiharas and Rashtrakutas and lost control over North India.
• The rule of subordinate rulers in Assam and Orissa became more independent.
• By the 11th century, the Pala Empire was weakened due to rebellions in various regions.
• The rising Sena dynasty, led by Vijaysena had dealt the final blow to the Pala power in the 12th century.
  • This marked the end of the major Buddhist imperial rule in the subcontinent.

Conclusion

The Pala dynasty played a pivotal role in the history of ancient India, particularly in the Bengal region. The architecture and sculpture of Pala dynasty had varied across the different ruler with each introducing their unique style and having the influence of their faith and religion. The establishment of centres of learning, such as the Nalanda and Vikramashila universities, attracted scholars and students from various parts of the world. While the Pala dynasty faced invasions from neighbouring kingdoms, their military strength and strategic alliances enabled them to maintain their dominance for several centuries.

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