Pala Empire facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Pala Empire
8th century–12th century
The Pala Empire in Asia in 800 CE
Capital	List Bikrampur Pataliputra Gauda Monghyr (Devapala) Somapura (Dharampala) Mahipal in present-day Murshidabad district (Mahipala I) Ramavati in Varendra (Ramapala and successors)
Common languages	Sanskrit, Prakrit (including proto-Bengali)
Religion	Mahayana Buddhism, Tantric Buddhism, Shaivism
Government	Monarchy
Emperor
• 8th century	Gopala
• 12th century	Madanapala
Historical era	Classical India
• Established	8th century
• Disestablished	12th century
Preceded by Succeeded by Gauda Kingdom Chero dynasty Sena dynasty
Today part of	Bangladesh India Nepal Pakistan

The Pala Empire was a powerful kingdom in ancient India. It ruled over parts of northern and eastern India, especially the areas known today as Bengal and Bihar. This empire lasted for about 400 years, from the 8th to the 12th century. The word Pala (Modern Bengali: পাল pal) means "protector". All the kings of this empire had "Pala" at the end of their names.

Founding and Growth of the Pala Empire

How the Pala Empire Began

The Pala Empire was founded by a king named Gopala. He became king in 750 CE. What was special about Gopala's rise to power is that he was chosen by an election. This was very unusual for that time! Gopala ruled for 20 years, from 750 to 770 CE. He made sure the Palas controlled all of Bengal.

Expanding the Empire's Power

After Gopala, two other important kings took over. They were Dharmapala (who ruled from 770-810 CE) and Devapala (who ruled from 810-850 CE). These kings made the empire much bigger. They expanded Pala control across a large part of the northern and eastern Indian subcontinent.

End of the Pala Empire

The Pala Empire eventually became weaker. It finally ended in the 12th century. This happened after attacks from another powerful group called the Sena dynasty.

Culture and Religion of the Palas

Buddhism and Art

The Pala kings were strong followers of Buddhism. They especially followed the Mahayana and Tantric types of Buddhism. They built many beautiful temples and created amazing works of art. Their art often showed Buddhist figures and stories.

Learning and Universities

The Palas were also big supporters of education. They helped famous universities like Nalanda and Vikramashila. These universities were important centers of learning in ancient India. Many students and scholars came there to study.

Spreading Buddhism to Tibet

The Pala Empire played a very important role in spreading Buddhism. They helped establish Buddhism in Tibet. Buddhist teachers from the Pala Empire traveled to Tibet and shared their knowledge. This helped shape the religion in Tibet.

Images for kids

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  Coinage of Vigrahapala I or II: the profile of the ruler and the altar with attendants of Indo-Sasanian coinage appear in a stylized manner. Ninth century CE.

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  Coin of the Pala Empire, Mahipala and later. Circa 988-1161 CE

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  Bronze crowned Buddha, Bihar, Pala Empire, 10th-11th century

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  Maitreya and scenes from the Buddha's life. Folios were probably from the Pala period under Ramapala, considered the last great ruler of the Pala dynasty.
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  The Badal Pillar Inscription of Narayanapala.

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  Nalanda is considered one of the first great universities in recorded history. It reached its height under the Palas.

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  Atisha was a Buddhist teacher, who helped establish the Sarma lineages of Tibetan Buddhism.

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  Carved shankhas

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  Sculpture of Khasarpana Lokesvara from Nalanda

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  Sculpture of Varaha avatar of Lord Vishnu

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  Somapura Mahavihara, a World Heritage Site, was built by Dharmapala

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  Central shrine decor at Somapura

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  Ruins of Vikramashila

See also

In Spanish: Dinastía Pala para niños