GS1 PYQ (Mains Answer Writing): Pala Period | UPSC Mains Answer Writing: Practice PDF Download

Q. Pala period is the most significant phase in the history of Buddhism in India. Enumerate. 

Ans:

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The Pala dynasty ruled from 8th century to 12th century CE in the regions comprising Bihar and Bengal. The last centuries of the first millennium were extremely important for Buddhism during the rule of the Pala dynasty.

Role of Pala Dynasty

•  Gopala First Pala king and founder of the dynasty is considered the first Buddhist king of Bengal and built the monastery at Odantapuri, Bihar. 
• Dharmapala the successor of Gopala was a pious Buddhist and Founded the Vikramshila University at Bhagalpur, Bihar which was a prestigious university for Buddhism after NALANDA.
• Devapala, another PALA king was a staunch Buddhist and built many monasteries and temples in Magadha.
• Buddhist poet Vajradatta who composed Lokesvara Shataka was in Devapala’s court. 
• Many Buddhist teachers from the Pala kingdom traveled to Southeast Asia to spread the faith. Atisha preached in Sumatra and Tibet.
• Most of the architecture of the PALA dynasty was religious with the first two hundred years dominated by Buddhist art.
• Various Mahaviharas, Stupas, chaityas, temples, and forts were constructed like Nalanda, VikramShila, somapura, Traikutaka, Devikota, Pandita, Jagaddalavihara are notable.
• A large number of manuscripts on palm-leaf relating to the Buddhist themes were written and illustrated with the images of Buddhist deities at these centers which also had workshops for the casting of bronze images.
• Somapuramahavihara at Paharpur, a creation of Dharmapala is one of the largest Buddhist viharas in the Indian subcontinent; its architectural plan has influenced the architecture of countries like Myanmar and Indonesia.
• The earliest examples of miniature painting in India exist in the form of illustrations to the religious texts on Buddhism executed under the Palas of eastern India. 
• Pala style was transmitted chiefly by means of bronze sculptures and palm-leaf paintings, celebrating the Buddha and other divinities.
• Manuscripts were written on palm leaves in which paintings of scenes of the life of Buddha and several gods and goddesses of Mahayana sects are depicted.
• The principal centers of production for both bronzes and paintings were the great Buddhist monasteries at Nalanda and Kurkihar, and the works were distributed throughout Southeast Asia, influencing the arts in Myanmar (Burma), Siam (now Thailand), and Java (now part of Indonesia).
• Pala arts also had a recognizable impact on the Buddhist art of Kashmir, Nepal, and Tibet
• The sculptures of stones and bronze were constructed in large numbers mostly in monastic sites of Nalanda, Bodh Gaya, etc. Most of the sculptures drew their inspiration from Buddhism.

Conclusion
PALA kings also used Buddhism as soft power diplomacy as Ashoka did in the Mauryan period. The rulers of the Pala dynasty not only gave political support to the development of Buddhism but through their architecture and visual arts, protected Buddhist philosophy for future generations.