Medieval-indian-history / Major Dynasties of Early Medieval Period / The Senas
The Senas
Sources:
- The Deopara Prashasti, commissioned by Lakshmana Sena, describe the Senas as migrant Brahmaksatriyas from Karnataka.
- Copper plates found in Adilpur.
Political History:
- The Senas ruled from Bengal during the 11th and 12th centuries.
- The rulers of the Sena Dynasty traced their origin to the south Indian region of Karnataka.
- Vijayasena expelled Madanpala (last ruler of Pala dynasty) and started Sena dynasty rule. He was the real founder of Sena kingdom.
- Ballala Sena (1160-1178) introduced the social reforms in Bengal known as Kulinism.
- Ballalsena was succeeded by Lakshamanasena.
- Lakshmana Sena was the greatest of this dynasty.
- Towards the close of his reign, he became weak, and there were signs of disintegration within his kingdom.
- Muhammad Bhaktiyar Khalji gave the final blow to the Sena kingdom (1204 AD).
Religion:
- The rule of the Senas in Bengal is usually connected with the emergence of orthodox Hinduism in a Hindu-Buddhist society that had long enjoyed the peaceful coexistence of the two religions resulting in an atmosphere of amalgam of the two.
- The onslaught on the Buddhists in Bengal is believed to have started in this period, resulting in large-scale Buddhist migration to the neighboring countries.
- Buddhism declined in India after Sena’s rule.
- Many Buddhist universities were plundered by Bhaktiyar Khalji (Vikaramshila, Odantapuri, Nalanda).
Literature:
- The Sena rulers were also great patrons of literature.
- During the Pala dynasty and the Sena dynasty, major growth in Bengali was witnessed.
- The Sena period also witnessed the development of Sanskrit literature.
- Lakshmanasena patronized Pancharatnas in his court: Jayadeva, Sarana, Umapathi, Dhoyi, Govardhana.
- Jayadeva has composed the romantic devotional songs known as His famous book was Gita Govindam.
- Jayadeva was the founder of the Radha Krishna cult.
- Dhoyi has written Pavandutam.
Architecture:
- The architectural style in the Sena dynasty is a continuation of the style of PALAS.
- No evident change in architectural form can be seen.
- Senas are famous for building Hindu temples and monasteries.
- Dhakeshwari temple in Dhaka, Bangladesh, is an example of temples built during the Sena period.
