In the annals of Indian history, few dynasties have left as profound an impact on cultural and religious landscapes as the Pāla rulers of medieval Bengal. From the fall of the Gupta monarchies in 550 to the rise of the Pālā rulers in 750, a new chapter unfolded, transforming the Indian subcontinent and heralding a renaissance for Bengali Buddhist heritage. The Pāla period, extending from 750 to 1161, stands as a testament to a golden age of Buddhism, cultural prosperity, and intellectual flourishing.
The genesis of the Pāla dynasty is rooted in the leadership of King Gopāla I, who founded the dynasty in 750. His successor, King Dharmapāla (r. 783–820), emerged as a great patron of Buddhism, laying the groundwork for a legacy that his heirs would proudly uphold. Under the benevolent rule of these kings, Buddhism in medieval India and Bangladesh experienced unprecedented growth and stability. The Pāla rulers’ unwavering support for Buddhist education, the construction of stupas, and the creation of Buddha images immortalized the Buddha’s teachings and philosophy.
One of the most remarkable aspects of the Pāla dynasty was the establishment of renowned Buddhist sites that became epicenters of learning and spiritual practice. Among these, the Trikutaka Vasu Vihāra at Mahasthangrah (Bogra), Sōmapura Mahāvihāra at Pahārpur, Mainamoti Shalban Vihāra and Kanakstūpa Vihāra at Comilla, Pandit Vihāra at Chattogram, and Sitākot Vihāra at Dinajpur stand out as monumental achievements. These centers not only facilitated the study and propagation of Buddhism but also showcased the architectural and artistic prowess of the era.
The Pāla period also witnessed the rise of numerous Buddhist scholars and monks who significantly contributed to the spread of Buddhism. Śāntideva (685–763), celebrated for his compositions like the Bodhisattvacaryāvatāra and Śikṣāsamuccaya, provided profound insights into the path of wisdom and compassion. Similarly, Śāntarakṣita (722–88), the former chancellor of Nālandā University, made invaluable contributions through his works like the Madhyamakālaṃkāra and Tattvasaṃgraha.
Among the luminaries of this period, Atīśa Dīpaṃkaraśrījñāna (980–1054) stands out for his extensive travels and teachings. Born in Bikrampura (present-day Dhaka), Atīśa’s journey to Suvarṇadvīpa (Indonesia) and his subsequent appointment as the high priest of Vikramaśīla highlighted his dedication to Buddhist propagation. His teachings, encapsulated in texts such as the Bodhipathapradīpa, enriched both Mahāyāna and Vajrayāna traditions and left an indelible mark on Buddhist scholarship.
The Pāla dynasty’s commitment to Buddhism was further exemplified by the establishment of educational institutions like Vikramaśīla, founded by King Dharmapāla. Vikramaśīla, along with Nālandā, became a beacon of Buddhist learning, attracting scholars and students from across Asia. The dynasty’s support extended beyond religious institutions, fostering a rich literary tradition exemplified by the Charyapada, a collection of mystical poems and songs that reflect the spiritual and philosophical depth of the Vajrayāna and Tantric traditions.
The contributions of the Pāla dynasty to the arts, literature, and culture were unparalleled. The dynasty’s emphasis on education and the arts created a vibrant cultural milieu that thrived until the dynasty’s decline in 1161. The invasion of ancient Bangladesh by Ikhtiyār Al-Dīn Muḥammad Bakhtiyār Khalji in 1203 marked the end of this golden era, leading to the gradual decline of the Buddhist heritage that had flourished under Pāla patronage.
Yet, the legacy of the Pāla dynasty endures. Their generous support for Mahāyāna and Vajrayāna traditions, coupled with their contributions to art, literature, and culture, continues to be fondly remembered. The major Buddhist institutions they established—Nālandā Mahāvihāra, Vikramaśīla Mahāvihāra, Sompuri Mahāvihāra, and Shalban Mahāvihāra—remain symbols of a time when Buddhism was not only a protected faith but an elite tradition that shaped the intellectual and spiritual landscape of Bengal.
In reflecting on the Pāla dynasty, we are reminded of a time when the Indian subcontinent was a beacon of cultural and religious harmony, intellectual advancement, and artistic achievement. The Pāla rulers’ vision and patronage created a legacy that continues to inspire and resonate, offering a glimpse into a golden age of Bengali Buddhist heritage.
