What was known as “matsyanyaya’’? How was Bengal relieved from such a situation? Give an account of Bengal under the Palas and Senas.

a. Matsyanyaya:

After the death of Sasanka there was a complete chaos and confusion in Bengal.

This near anarchy that prevailed Bengal came to be known by the term ‘matsyanyaya’.

b. A Great Relief:

Bengal was relieved of the prevailing anarchy with the election of Gopala as the king of Bengal in 750 AD.

He was the founder of the Pala dynasty of Bengal that ruled for next four hundred years.

c. The Palas:

Gopala, the founder of the Pala dynasty, was succeeded by his son Dharmapala. Dharmapala was successful both as a conqueror and a ruler.

He was also a great patron of art a” learning. His son Devapala was able to make the Pala Empire one of the greatest in India.

It was under him that the Pala Empire attained the status of a regional empire. Devapala also patronized Naland University and he built a number of Buddhist monasteries.

The Pala empire declined immediately after the death of Devapala. Aftt a temporary revival under Mahipala I decline set in once again in the Pala Empire after the death of the Mahipala I.

Mahipala II occupy the throne of Bengal in 1070 AD. The Pala Empire almost became non-existent as a result of the Kaivartya rebellion that took place during the regime of Mahipala II.

Under Ramapala again the Pala Empire revived, though temporarily. During the extreme weakness of the Pala kings who succeeded Rampala the Senas seized the throne of Bengal and led the foundation of the Sena rule.

d. The Senas:

The Sena kingdom was established in Bengal on the ashes of the Pala Empire. Vijayasena (1095) was the real founder of the new ruling dynasty in Bengal, called the Senas.

Originally the Senas were nothing more than local chiefs under the Palas. Anyway, the credit of restoring peace and unity in Bengal belongs to Vijayasena.

He was succeeded by Ballalasena in 1158. It was under his son and successor, Lakshmanasena that the Muslim invaders invaded Bengal.

In about 1201 AD, the Turkish general named Ikhtiyaruddin Muhammad bin Bakhtiyar Khilji attacked the royal palace at Nadia.

Lakshmanasena thereupon fled away to eastern Bengal where the Sena rule continued till the middle of the thirteenth century.

Kesava Sena is known to be the last Sena ruler of eastern Bengal.