Pal Dynasty

Pal Dynasty

(Dharmapal, Devpal)

Pal dynasty is the first independent dynasty of Bengal. The Pal means protector and used as an ending to the names of all Pal monarchs. The Pal was follower of the Mahayana and Tantric schools of Buddhism. Gopal was the first ruler from the dynasty. He got power in 750 in Gaur by an election. That election was recognized as one of the first elections in South Asia since the time of the Maha Janapads. He reigned from 750 to 770 and consolidated his position by extending his control over all of Bengal. The Buddhist dynasty existed four centuries (750 to 1120 AD) and ushered in a period of stability and prosperity in Bengal. They created many temples and arts as well as supported the Universities of Nalanda and Vikramashila. Somapur Mahavihar was built by Dharmapal. That is the greatest Buddhist Vihar in the Indian Subcontinent.

Somapur Vihar by Dharmapal in Bangladesh is the greatest Buddhist Vihar in the Indian Subcontinent.

The empire reached its peak under Dharmapal and Devpal. Dharmapal extended the empire throughout the northern parts of the Indian Subcontinent. This was a sptep once more for the control of the subcontinent. Devpal, successor of Dharmapal, expanded the empire to control much of South Asia and beyond. His empire stretched from Assam and Utkala in the east, Kamboja (Afghanistan) in the north-west and Deccan in the south. According to Pal copperplate inscription Devpal exterminated the Utkalas, conquered the Assam, shattered the pride of the Huna, and humbled the lords of Gurjara, Pratiharas and the Dravidas.

The death of Devpal ended the period of ascendancy of the Pal Empire and several independent dynasties and kingdoms. Mahipal recovered control over all of Bengal and expanded the empire. He survived the invasions of Rajendra Chola and the Chalukyas. After Mahipal the Pal dynasty again saw its decline until Rampal, the last ruler of the dynasty, managed to retrieve the position of the dynasty to some extent. He crushed the Varendra rebellion and extended his empire farther to Kamarupa, Orissa and Northern India.

The Pal Empire can be considered to be the golden era of Bengal. Never had the Bengali people reached such height of power and glory to that extent. Pals were responsible for the introduction of Mahayana Buddhism in Tibet, Bhutan and Myanmar. The Pal had trade as well as influence in south-east Asia. This can be seen in the sculptures and architectural style of the Sailendra Empire (Malaya, Java, Sumatra).

 Rulers of Pal Dynasty:

• Gopal
• Dharmapal
• Devapal
• Vigrahapal
• Narayanapal
• Rajyapal
• Gopala II
• Vigrahapal II
• Mahipal I
• Nayapal
• Vigrahapal III
• Mahipal II
• Shurapal
• Ramapal
• Kumarapal
• Gopal III
• Madanapal