The Pala period, spanning from the 8th to the 12th century, stands as a pivotal and influential phase in the history of Buddhism in India. This era, marked by the reign of the Pala dynasty, witnessed a flourishing of Buddhist culture, scholarship, and artistic endeavors.
UPSC Mains General Studies Paper – 1 Mains 2020
Indian Culture
UPSC Mains Civil Services IAS Exam Question Paper – 2020
Decoding the Question
- In Introduction,
- Define the timeline, the geography of the Pala period, and the stakeholders involved.
- In Body,
- Discuss how the patronization of the rulers helped in flourishing the Buddhist ideology.
- Discuss the achievements of the Buddhist art, literature, architecture, and paintings during the era.
- Conclude with remarks/opinions on how the said period led to the reincarnation of Buddhist culture and briefly talk about what happened after the Pala period was over.
Answer
Introduction
The Pala dynasty, founded by Gopala, ruled the regions of Bengal and Bihar from the 8th century until the end of the 11th century. Their territory consisted of Bengal and most parts of Bihar. A few of the major cities in the territory are Pataliputra, Gauda, Somapura, Monghyr, Ramvati, Vikramapur, and Jaggadala. . The Pala kings were Buddhists and adopted initiative and policies which helped in the enrichment of Buddhism.
Contribution of the Pala rulers in promoting Buddhism
Architecture:
Various mahaviharas, Stupas, chaityas, temples and forts were constructed. Among the various mahaviharas, Nalanda, Vikramashila, Somapura, Traikutaka, Devikota, Pandita, Jagaddala vihara are notable. Somapura mahavihara at Paharpur ,a creation of Dharmapala is one of the largest Buddhist vihara in Indian subcontinent .
Paintings:
Pala painting is characterized by sinuous line, delicate and nervous lines ,sensuous elegance, linear and decorative accent and subdued tones of color. Manuscripts were written on palm leaves. In these paintings scenes of life of Buddha and several gods and goddesses of Mahayana sects are depicted. The impact of tantrism on these paintings are easily visible. Wall paintings have been found in Saradh and Sarai sthal in Nalanda district.
Universities:
During the Pala period, universities became the center of Buddhist studies. The Palas founded and funded universities like Vikramshila and Odantipur to promote Buddhism, in and outside India. Scholars from all over the world came to these universities to learn the tenets of Buddhism. Many Buddhist teachers from the Pala kingdom traveled to Southeast Asia to spread the faith. For example, Atisha preached in Sumatra.
Sculpture:
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. Apart from Buddha sculptures of gods and goddesses of Hindu Dharma like surya, Vishnu, Ganesh etc were constructed.
Foreign policy:
The Palas forged relationships with different cultures to promote new trade routes. The empire enjoyed good connections with Southeast Asia and the Middle East. Devapala even granted five villages at the request of the Shailendra king of Java for the upkeep of the matha established at Nalanda for the scholars of that country.
Literature:
Buddhist text of ‘Charyapada’ was compiled in Bangla language during the Pala rule. The Buddhist poet Vajradatta who wrote the famous text of Lokesvarashataka prospered under King Devapala.
Conclusion
The Pala dynasty created the environment to thrive and discuss Buddhist philosophies without prejudice. But, importantly, it also facilitated the spread of these ideas around the world, leaving a legacy that is still visible today.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the Pala period, and why is it considered the most significant phase in the history of Buddhism in India?
The Pala period refers to a significant era in Indian history, roughly spanning from the 8th to the 12th century CE. It is regarded as a crucial phase for Buddhism due to the patronage and support provided by the Pala rulers. During this time, Buddhism experienced a revival and flourished, with notable developments in art, philosophy, and scholarship.
2. How did the Pala rulers contribute to the growth of Buddhism in India during their reign?
The Pala rulers actively supported Buddhism by serving as patrons of monastic institutions, sponsoring the construction of viharas and stupas, and promoting scholarly activities. This royal patronage played a pivotal role in the resurgence of Buddhism, attracting scholars, monks, and artists to the Pala region.
3. What are the distinctive features of Buddhism during the Pala period that set it apart from other historical periods in India?
The Pala period witnessed a distinctive fusion of Indian and Tibetan Buddhist traditions, leading to the emergence of the “Pala-Sena” school of Buddhism. This synthesis resulted in unique art forms, architectural styles, and philosophical perspectives that characterize this phase in Buddhist history.
4. Can you elaborate on the intellectual and scholarly achievements during the Pala period in the context of Buddhism?
The Pala period was marked by significant intellectual advancements, with renowned Buddhist scholars like Atisha and Naropa contributing to the development of Buddhist philosophy and tantra. Monastic universities such as Nalanda and Vikramashila became centers of learning, attracting scholars from across Asia and contributing to the dissemination of Buddhist thought.
5. How did the decline of the Pala dynasty impact Buddhism in India, and what factors led to the eventual decline of Buddhism in the region?
The decline of the Pala dynasty contributed to the waning of Buddhist influence in India. Factors such as political instability, invasions, and the rise of Hinduism and Islam played roles in the decline of Buddhism. The subsequent centuries saw the gradual disappearance of Buddhism from its place of origin, although its legacy continued to influence other parts of Asia.
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