Who was the founder of the Pala dynasty? How was the dynasty founded?

Who was the founder of the Pala dynasty? How was the dynasty founded? What were the achievements of Dharmapala as a conqueror and a patron of art and culture? – Answered

a. Pala Dynasty:

Gopala was the founder of the Pala dynasty in Bengal. Death of Sasanka of Gauda was followed by chaos and confusion in the country which continued for about one hundred years.

At last the people of Bengal showed a rare political acumen when they placed one Gopala by name on the throne of Bengal.

Gopala did not belong to any royal family, nor did have any claim on the throne of Bengal.

It may be presumed that Gopala must have had certain qualities which attracted the attention of the influential people of Bengal and Gopala was thus raised to the throne of Bangal.

b. Dharmapala as a conqueror:

Dharmapala extended the territorial limits of the Pala kingdom to a considerable extent. The conquest virtually transformed the kingdom into an empire.

Berar, Malwa, Alwar, etc. were conquered by Dharmapala. Archaeological sources give evidence to the fact that Dharmapala had extended the Pala hegemony up to Nepal.

It must, however, be remembered that despite his conquest of a host of territories only Bengal and Bihar were within the fold of his direct rule.

The princes or rulers of the subjugated territories were allowed to rule independently after they had offered their allegiance to Dharmapala.

c. Patron of Art and Culture:

Dharmapala was not merely conqueror and a ruler, but he was a great patron of art and learning? Dharmapala was also known as Vikrcimsila.

He founded the famous Vikramsila University (or Vikramsila Vihar) on the bank of the Ganges in Magadha.

It is said that during the reign of Dharmapala as many as fifty centers of education were established in different parts of Bengal.

Though a Buddhist, Dharmapala was tolerant other religions.