Question

Who is called the second founder of Pala dynasty?
1. Gopala
2. Dharmapala
3. Devapala
4. Mahipala

Answer 1

Correct Answer - Option 4 : Mahipala

The correct answer is Mahipala.

• Pala Dynasty ruled Bengal and Bihar for about four centuries from the middle of the 8th century AD.
• After the death of Devapala ended the period of ascendancy and a period of stagnation followed which gradually led to decline and disintegration until Mahipala rejuvenated the rule of the dynasty.

• Gopala introduced peace in the kingdom and laid the foundation for the Pala dynasty.
  • He was the first independent Buddhist king of Bengal and came to power in 750 in Gaur by democratic election.
• Dharmapala became ruler after Gopala in about A.D. 780. He undertakes the expansion of his empire.
  • Dharmapala defeated Indrayudha, the king of Kanauj, and installed his nominee Chakrayudha to the throne of Kanauj.
  • Rashtrakuta king, Dhruva defeated Dharmapala near Monghyr (Bihar) in a battle.
• After Dharmapala, his son Devapala became the ruler. He was the mightiest Pala king.
  • He conquered – Pragjotishpur (Assam) and Utkala (Odisha).

• Dharmapala founded the famous Buddhist monastery at Vikramashila. It became eminent as Nalanda.
• The Palas were followers of the Mahayana and Tantric schools of Buddhism.