Pala and Sena Dynasties (8th–13th Century)

 

The Pala and Sena dynasties were significant powers in eastern India, particularly in Bengal and Bihar, between the 8th and 13th centuries, shaping the region's cultural, religious, and political landscape.

Pala Dynasty (8th–12th Century)

• Origins and Rise: Founded by Gopala around 750 CE, the Palas emerged after a period of anarchy in Bengal. Gopala was elected ruler, establishing a Buddhist dynasty that ruled for about four centuries.
• Key Rulers:
  • Dharmapala (r. 770–810): Expanded Pala influence, briefly controlling Kannauj, and founded Vikramashila University. He was a major patron of Buddhism.
  • Devapala (r. 810–850): Extended the empire to Assam, Odisha, and parts of northern India, maintaining Pala dominance.
  • Mahipala I (r. 988–1038): Revived Pala power after setbacks, defending against invasions. *
• Administration: The Palas had a decentralized system with local chieftains (samantas) owing allegiance. Land grants supported temples, monasteries, and Brahmins.
• Religion and Culture: Fervent Buddhists, they promoted Mahayana and Tantric Buddhism, patronizing Nalanda and Vikramashila universities. They also supported Hindu temples and art. The Pala School of Art, known for intricate sculptures and paintings, flourished.
• Economy: Thrived on agriculture, trade, and maritime links with Southeast Asia. Copper-plate inscriptions detail land revenue systems.
• Decline: Weakened by internal strife, invasions by the Cholas and Kalachuris, and the rise of the Senas. By the late 12th century, their power eroded.

Sena Dynasty (11th–13th Century)

• Origins: Founded by Samantasena, a Hindu chieftain from Karnataka, the Senas rose in Bengal around the late 11th century, capitalizing on Pala decline.
• Key Rulers:
  • Vijayasena (r. 1095–1159): Consolidated power, defeating the Palas and establishing Sena rule over Bengal.
  • Ballal Sena (r. 1159–1179): Strengthened administration, patronized literature, and introduced social reforms like Kulinism among Brahmins and Kayasthas.
  • Lakshmana Sena (r. 1179–1206): The last major ruler, known for cultural patronage but lost territory to Turkish invasions.
• Administration: Centralized rule with a focus on Hindu orthodoxy. Land grants continued, but Brahminical influence grew.
• Religion and Culture: The Senas were staunch Hindus, promoting Vaishnavism and Shaivism while marginalizing Buddhism, which declined in Bengal. They patronized Sanskrit literature, with poets like Jayadeva (author of Gita Govinda) flourishing. Sena architecture featured temples with curved towers.
• Economy: Relied on agriculture and trade, though maritime activity waned compared to the Palas.
• Decline: The dynasty fell after Muhammad Bakhtiyar Khalji’s invasion in 1204, which captured Nadia, ending Sena rule and ushering in Muslim dominance in Bengal.

Comparison and Legacy

• The Palas were Buddhist, cosmopolitan, and focused on monastic education, while the Senas were Hindu, conservative, and emphasized Brahminical traditions.
• Both dynasties left lasting cultural impacts: Pala art influenced Southeast Asia, and Sena literature shaped medieval Bengali culture.
• Their rule marked Bengal’s golden age, with advancements in art, literature, and education, before the region transitioned to Muslim rule.