Picture Ref: Terracotta Plaques at Somapura Mahavihara depict the socio-religious life of Pala period in the 8th and 9th century AD. – © mortenrochssare / Shutterstock
The Pala period (8th–12th century CE) stands as one of the most important and transformative phases in the history of Buddhism in India. While Buddhism had flourished in India for many centuries before this period, particularly during the Mauryan (Ashokan) and Gupta eras, the Pala dynasty played a pivotal role in revitalizing and preserving Buddhist traditions, especially in the northeastern regions of the subcontinent. The Palas not only promoted Buddhism through their patronage and protection of monastic institutions but also contributed significantly to the development of Buddhist art, architecture, and scholarship.
This essay seeks to enumerate the significance of the Pala period in the context of Buddhist history, focusing on the political, cultural, and religious contributions made by the dynasty. We will explore the evolution of Buddhist institutions under Pala patronage, the contributions of notable Pala rulers, and the lasting impact of this period on Buddhist thought, practice, and heritage.
1. Historical Background of the Pala Dynasty
The Pala dynasty was founded in the 8th century CE by Gopala, who established the Pala kingdom in the Bengal and Bihar regions of eastern India. The Pala rulers were able to consolidate their power in a region that had witnessed frequent political instability after the decline of the Gupta Empire in the 6th century CE. This political consolidation allowed the Palas to support the revival of Buddhism, which had been facing decline in India due to the rise of Hinduism and other regional power structures.
The first Pala king, Gopala (circa 750–770 CE), was succeeded by his son Dharmapala (circa 770–810 CE), one of the most significant rulers in the history of Indian Buddhism. Under the Pala kings, the region became a center of Buddhist learning and culture, with important monastic centers such as Nalanda University receiving royal patronage.
The Pala dynasty ruled for several centuries, and the decline of their power by the 12th century coincided with the Muslim invasions of northern India. However, during their reign, the Palas played a central role in the preservation and dissemination of Buddhist teachings, particularly Mahayana Buddhism, and their influence extended beyond India to other parts of Asia.
2. Patronage of Buddhism: The Role of Pala Kings
The Palas were staunch patrons of Buddhism, and their support played a crucial role in the revival of Buddhist institutions during the medieval period. Unlike other contemporary dynasties, the Palas specifically favored the Mahayana and Vajrayana schools of Buddhism. This royal patronage not only ensured the preservation of Buddhist teachings but also led to the flourishing of Buddhist culture, including art, sculpture, literature, and architecture.
Gopala and the Establishment of Buddhist Institutions
The founder of the Pala dynasty, Gopala, is known to have been a devout Buddhist, though little is known about his specific contributions to Buddhism. What is clear is that Gopala’s establishment of the Pala kingdom created an environment conducive to the growth of Buddhist institutions in the region.
During his reign, Gopala focused on consolidating his political power, but his successors, particularly Dharmapala and Devapala, would take significant steps in institutionalizing Buddhism on a grand scale.
Dharmapala’s Role in the Buddhist Revival
The reign of King Dharmapala (770–810 CE) marked a turning point in the history of Buddhism in India. Dharmapala was a highly accomplished ruler who actively promoted the Buddhist faith, both through his personal devotion and his patronage of Buddhist institutions. He is most notably associated with the revitalization of the ancient university of Nalanda, which had been founded during the Gupta period but had fallen into decline by the 8th century.
Under Dharmapala’s rule, Nalanda emerged as a prominent center of Buddhist learning and scholarship, attracting scholars from all over India and beyond. The king’s patronage ensured that the university had the resources and protection necessary to thrive. Nalanda became not just a monastic center, but a hub for philosophical and religious debate, where prominent scholars like Shantarakshita, Kamalashila, and Xuanzang would teach and engage with the intellectual currents of the time.
In addition to his support for Nalanda, Dharmapala also promoted the construction of Buddhist monasteries and stupas across his kingdom, creating an extensive network of monastic institutions that supported the growth of Buddhism.
Devapala and His Expansion of Buddhist Influence
Dharmapala’s successor, Devapala (810–850 CE), continued the work of his father in expanding the influence of Buddhism. Devapala is known to have had extensive interactions with Buddhist rulers and scholars across Asia. His reign is marked by further strengthening of monastic institutions, particularly in the regions of Bengal and Bihar.
Devapala’s reign also saw the flourishing of Vajrayana Buddhism, a more esoteric and ritualistic form of Mahayana Buddhism that became prominent in the region. Vajrayana Buddhism emphasized the use of mantras, meditation, and tantric rituals, which gained significant popularity during the Pala period.
3. Development of Mahayana and Vajrayana Buddhism
Mahayana Buddhism, which had emerged in India centuries earlier, underwent a period of flourishing under the Pala dynasty. The Palas not only supported the Mahayana school of Buddhism but also facilitated the spread of Vajrayana Buddhism, an offshoot of Mahayana that became the dominant form of Buddhism in the region during the Pala period.
Mahayana Buddhism in Pala India
Mahayana Buddhism is characterized by the belief in the Bodhisattva ideal—the aspiration to attain Buddhahood in order to help all sentient beings achieve liberation. This ideal had a profound influence on the religious and philosophical thought of the Pala period. Under Pala patronage, the Bodhisattva became a central figure in religious practice, and numerous Buddhist sculptures and paintings from this period depict various Bodhisattvas such as Avalokiteshvara, Manjushri, and Metteya.
The religious landscape of the Pala period was marked by the construction of monumental statues and stupas dedicated to these Bodhisattvas. These statues, often made of bronze or stone, featured highly detailed representations of the Bodhisattvas, showcasing the artistic sophistication of the Pala period.
Vajrayana Buddhism: The Rise of Tantric Practices
Vajrayana Buddhism, also known as Tantric Buddhism, began to gain prominence during the Pala period. This form of Buddhism focuses on the use of rituals, mantras, and symbolic practices to achieve spiritual enlightenment. It emphasizes the importance of a spiritual guide or guru, who provides instructions on meditation techniques and sacred rituals.
The Pala kings, especially Dharmapala, played a crucial role in the spread of Vajrayana Buddhism. They supported the construction of tantric shrines and the performance of esoteric rituals. Scholars like Shantarakshita and Padmasambhava were instrumental in promoting Vajrayana practices in the region. The spread of Vajrayana Buddhism during this time also had a lasting influence on Tibet, where Vajrayana Buddhism eventually became the dominant form of the religion.
4. Art, Architecture, and Sculpture of the Pala Period
The Pala period is renowned for its distinctive style of Buddhist art and architecture. The Palas not only patronized religious institutions but also encouraged the development of a unique artistic tradition that blended indigenous Indian styles with influences from Central Asia, Nepal, and Southeast Asia.
Buddhist Sculpture of the Pala Period
Pala sculpture is characterized by its fluidity, grace, and attention to detail. The statues of Buddha and Bodhisattvas created during this period are notable for their serene expressions and elaborate drapery. The figures often have an elongated, elegant form, with intricate hair designs and peaceful facial features. The sculptures from this period reflect the refined craftsmanship of the Pala artists.
One of the most famous examples of Pala sculpture is the statue of Avalokiteshvara (the Bodhisattva of Compassion), which was created during the reign of Dharmapala. The figure is intricately carved and exudes an aura of compassion and serenity. This period also saw the creation of large, monumental statues of the Buddha, often seated in a meditative posture.
Pala Architecture: Temples, Monasteries, and Stupas
The Pala rulers were responsible for the construction of numerous Buddhist temples, monasteries, and stupas, many of which have survived to this day. One of the most notable architectural achievements of the Pala period is the design and construction of the great monastic complex at Nalanda University.
Nalanda’s layout, with its multiple buildings, courtyards, and shrines, exemplified the advanced architectural skills of the Pala period. The temples and monasteries built by the Palas were often characterized by a combination of stone and brick construction, with elaborate carvings and sculptures adorning the walls.
The Pala period also saw the development of the “Bengal style” of temple architecture, which was influenced by both indigenous Indian architectural traditions and foreign styles. The temples were often constructed with a central dome and multiple spires, and the interiors were decorated with intricate carvings depicting scenes from Buddhist mythology.
5. Scholarly Contributions and Buddhist Literature
The Pala period was also a golden age for Buddhist scholarship, with numerous scholars and texts being produced during this time. Nalanda University became a center for Buddhist intellectual activity, attracting scholars from all over Asia.
Buddhist Scholars of the Pala Period
Scholars such as Shantarakshita, Kamalashila, and Dharmapala were instrumental in preserving and expanding Buddhist philosophy during this period. Shantarakshita, in particular, was a prominent figure who contributed to the development of both Mahayana and Vajrayana philosophies. His teachings on Buddhist metaphysics and meditation influenced later generations of scholars.
The Pala period also witnessed the flourishing of Buddhist literature, with numerous texts being written in Sanskrit, the language of the Buddhist elite. These texts ranged from philosophical treatises to commentaries on earlier Buddhist scriptures. The Pala kings, who were avid supporters of these scholars, ensured that the intellectual traditions of Buddhism were maintained and expanded.
6. Decline of the Pala Dynasty and the Fate of Buddhism
The Pala dynasty began to decline in the 12th century CE, primarily due to the rise of regional powers and the invasions by the Muslim forces. The invasion of Muhammad of Ghor in the late 12th century marked the end of Pala rule and the destruction of many Buddhist institutions.
Despite this decline, the legacy of the Pala dynasty’s support for Buddhism lived on. The monasteries and universities they had built continued to inspire Buddhist scholars, and the art and architecture they had developed influenced the subsequent generations of Buddhist practitioners in India and abroad.
Conclusion
The Pala period represents one of the most significant phases in the history of Buddhism in India. The Pala kings’ patronage of Buddhism, their support for the growth of monasteries and universities, and their contributions to Buddhist art, sculpture, and scholarship ensured that Buddhism remained a vital force in the Indian subcontinent. The legacy of the Pala dynasty continues to influence Buddhist practices and thought, and their impact on the history of Buddhism in India remains immeasurable.
