Palas: Cultural Aspects | History Optional for UPSC (Notes) PDF Download

Introduction

The Pala dynasty governed the regions of Bihar and Bengal from the 8th to the 12th century. In addition to being skilled diplomats and military leaders, the Pala rulers were also renowned patrons of art and architecture. The new artistic styles that emerged under their patronage are known as Pala arts.
Pala arts can be categorized into the following areas:

• Sculpture
• Terracotta figurines
• Paintings
• Architecture

Sculpture of the Pala School

• The Pala school of sculptural art is recognized as a unique phase in Indian art, celebrated for the artistic brilliance of Bengal sculptors.
• During the Pala period, a new style of stone and bronze sculpture emerged.
• Key figures in this school of art were Dhiman and Vithpal, who were contemporaries of Dharmpal and Devpal, respectively.

Bronze Sculpture:

• Bronze was cast using the ‘Cire perdue’ method.
• The sculptures were typically ornamented.
• The main centers for bronze sculpture were the Buddhist sites of Kukrihar and Nalanda. In Nalanda, it seems to have been part of the curriculum.
• The themes of the bronze sculptures were primarily Buddhist, with a few Brahmanical images influenced by Tantrik themes, such as those of Ganga, Balarama (also from Kukrihar), Vishnu, and Surya, found at Nalanda.
• Most bronze images from Nalanda and Kukrihar depict the Buddha and Bodhisattvas, including Avalokitesvara, Manjushree, Maitreya, and Vajrapani, as well as other Buddhist deities like Jambhala, Haygriva, Tara, Prajnaparamita, Vasudhara, Hariti, and Parnasavari.
• The Buddha is represented either standing with the right hand in the Varda (blessing) and Abhaya mudras or seated in the dhumisparsa(enlightenment) and dharamchakra(first sermon) mudras.
• Examples of bronze sculptures include:
• Standing Buddha from Nalanda: Noted for its dignity, convincing modeling, and inner poise, this piece is considered one of the finest in the Eastern School.
• Standing Tara from Nalanda
• Balarama: A bronze sculpture from Kukrihar.

Stone Sculpture:

• Stone sculptures from this period are characterized by their elegant style, technical precision, and harsh outlines reminiscent of metalwork.
• Key characteristics of these sculptures include:
• They are mostly made of black basalt stone, readily available in the hills of Santhal Paragna region and Munger district.
• The front part of the body is usually well-defined, while the rear part is less artistically developed.
• Most images depict gods and goddesses, particularly Bodhisattvas, with significant events from the life of
  Buddha being prominently featured.
• While Brahmanical gods like Vishnu and Shiva, as well as Jain sculptures, are present, they are relatively less common.
• The images are noted for their craftsmanship and ornamental decoration, which enhance their appeal.

Limitations:

• Pala sculpture faces criticism for its lack of originality.
• It is seen as lacking the simple aesthetic sense found in Gupta sculpture.
• The images are heavily adorned with ornaments, giving them an artificial appearance.
• Even in depictions of gods and goddesses, there is an attempt to impose human beauty.
• Tantric influences are also evident, with the female body intertwined in a way that exhibits apparent sensuousness.

Terracotta Figurines

• Terracotta figures from this period are both artistic and appealing. Notable examples have been found at the site of Vikramshila Maha Vihar. These figurines were created to beautify walls and depict scenes from both religion and everyday life. From these images, we can reconstruct the living standards, clothing, activities, and other aspects of ordinary people's lives during this time.
• The influence of Hindu religion is evident in the figures of deities such as Vishnu, Varah, the Sun, Hanuman, and Ardhnarishwar, alongside images of Buddha and Bodhisattvas.
• One particularly beautiful terracotta figure portrays a seated lady admiring her own beauty. She holds a mirror in one hand and is applying vermilion to her hair with the fingers of her other hand. The figure captures her beauty not only through ornamentation but also through the innocence of her expression, her slender waist, and her prominent breasts.

Paintings of the Pala Period

Manuscript Painting:

• Painted manuscripts were typically created on palm leaves.

Examples:

• Ashtasahasrika
• Pragya-parmita
• Panchraksh
• These manuscripts, preserved at Cambridge University, feature around one hundred miniature pictures.
• The images depict various scenes of Buddha, as well as gods and goddesses of the Mahayana sect in different poses.

Colors Used:

• Primary Colors: Red, white, blue, black.
• Secondary Colors: Green, violet, light pink, grey.

Style and Influence:

• Pala period paintings continue the tradition of Ajanta painting but with a sensuous bias typical of Eastern India.
• The Pala School is known for delicate and nervous lines, sensuous elegance, and a linear, decorative style.
• Influences from Tantric art are evident, and there are also resemblances to Nepalese and Burmese art.

Mural or Wall Painting

• Mural paintings from the Pala period have been discovered at Sarai Sthal in Nalanda.
• These paintings, found at the base of a granite stone platform, depict fading images of geometrical flowers, animals, and humans.
• Visible images include elephants, horses, dancers, Bodhisattvas, and more.
• The influence of Ajanta and Bagha cave paintings is apparent in the style and technique of these murals.

Architecture

Buddhist Architecture:

• The Pala kings made significant contributions to architecture, primarily using bricks, with some structures made of stone.
• Their architectural efforts were heavily influenced by religion, particularly Buddhism, as well as Hindu temples.
• Key examples of Buddhist architecture during the Pala period include Viharas (monasteries) built at sites like Nalanda, Vikramshila, Odantpuri, and Sompuri.
• Odantpuri Monastery: Commissioned by Devapala, this Mahabihara was so significant that it served as a model for the first monastery built in Tibet.
• Vikramashila Monastery: Founded by Dharmapala, this monastery is the most discussed and regarded among Pala monasteries. Ruins of a temple and a stupa have been found at Vikramashila.
• Sompura Monastery: Located in present-day Bangladesh and also attributed to Dharmapala, though the details are unclear.

Temples:

• The temples from the Pala period express a local Vanga style.
• Mahipal constructed hundreds of temples and buildings in Kashi.
• Notable temples include:
  • Vishnupada Temple: Featuring a hemispherical mandap resembling an umbrella, located in Gaya.
  • Siva Temple: Located at Konch in Gaya district, known for its pinnacle and corbelled lattice window.
  • Rock-Cut Temple: Located at Kahalgaon (Bhagalpur), dating from the 9th century and characterized by its gabled vaulted roof, typical of South Indian architecture.
  • Siddheshwara Mahadeva Temple: Dating from the 9th century and located in Barakar, Burdwan District, featuring a tall curving shikhara crowned by a large amalaka, an early example of Pala style.
  • Other temples can be found at Surajgarha, Jaimangalgarh, and various sites in Purulia District, often constructed of black to grey basalt and chlorite stone.
  • Many temples from the 9th to 12th centuries were submerged due to dam construction, but several still survive, showcasing an awareness of Nagara sub-types prevalent in North India.

• Rampal's Contributions:

  • Rampal established a new town called Ramavati.
  • He constructed several buildings and temples in this town.
  • The remains of Antichak and some buildings from Nalanda demonstrate the advanced stage of Pala architecture.
  • Ponds were also built, often adjacent to chaityas and viharas.

• Conclusion

  • The Pala era is marked by its remarkable sculptures, impressive architecture, and captivating paintings, especially manuscript paintings.
  • These contributions played a crucial role in the continuity and growth of art and culture in Eastern India.