Mains Practice Questions

Approach

• Start your answer by briefly introducing Pala dynasty.
• Discuss how the reign of Pala was last great phase of Buddhism.
• Discuss the main features of Pala art.
• Conclude suitably.

Introduction

• Pala" is a Sanskrit word which means "protector". It was added to the names of the emperors, giving rise to the name "Pala" to the empire.
• The Pala empire was founded by Gopala, probably in AD 750.
• Pala dynasty ruled the eastern part of India from the 8th to the 12th century.

Body

• Pala art, also called Pala-Sena art or Eastern Indian art, artistic style that flourished in what are now consist of states like Bihar and West Bengal, India, and Bangladesh.
• Pala period was last great phase of Buddhism:
  • Various monasteries, such as Nalanda and Vikramsila were great centres of Buddhist learning, and art and numerous manuscripts were illustrated here with Buddhist themes and images of Vajrayana Buddhist deities on palm leaves.
  • Pala’s patronised Buddhism as their state religion, temples during their period have roofs like Buddhist stupa (Anda style) called Bangla roofs.
  • They rejuvenated the Buddhist places destroyed by the Shashanka of Gaunda and Facilitate internationalisation of Buddhism (king Saylendra of Java).
  • Further, Pala dynasty also happens to be the last major ruling dynasty in India under which Buddhism received state support patronage.
  • After the fall of the Pala dynasty, Buddhism also rapidly declined in India.
• Mains features of Pala art:
  • The distinctive growth of Pala Dynasty art and architecture revealed the creation of the "Pala School of Sculptural Art."
  • Many regional aspects of Bengali society might be found in the art and architecture of the time.
  • The art and architecture of the Pala Dynasty gave importance to terracotta, sculpture, and painting.
  • The creation of Dharmapala, the Somapura Mahavihara at Paharpur is one of the finest architectures of the Pala dynasty.
  • The Great Monastery, also known as Somapura Mahavira, was a renowned intellectual hub until the 12^th century.
  • Vikramshila Vihar, Odantpuri Vihar, and Jagaddal Vihar all have gigantic constructions that are considered to be the works of art of the Palas.
  • Perfect carving and bronze sculptures flourished throughout this period.
  • At the advanced level of architectural expansion, various Buddhist Viharas emerged.
  • Terracotta plaques are another example of the Pala period's artistic brilliance.
    • These plaques are utilized as wall surface decoration and are recognised as one-of-a-kind works by Bengal artists.

Conclusion

The Pala dynasty fostered an atmosphere conducive to Buddhist monasteries flourishing and free exchange of ideas into different south Asian countries.