Published on 21 Oct 2025
Buddhist Revival: The Pala dynasty, known for its patronage of Buddhism, played a significant role in the revival and propagation of the religion. The Palas actively supported Buddhist institutions, sponsored the construction of monasteries, and patronized Buddhist scholars and artists.
Example: Dharmapala, the second Pala ruler, founded the renowned Vikramshila University
Role in Politics: Buddhist monks and scholars had considerable influence over royalty during the Pala period.
Example: The Buddhist philosopher Haribhadra was the spiritual preceptor of Dharmapala.
Mahayana Buddhism: The Pala period witnessed the dominance of Mahayana Buddhism, particularly the Vajrayana (Tantric) tradition. Tantric Buddhism, with its emphasis on esoteric rituals, deity worship, and meditation practices, flourished under the patronage of the Palas.
Nalanda Mahavihara: The renowned Nalanda University in present-day Bihar reached its pinnacle during the Pala period. It served as an eminent centre of Buddhist learning and attracted scholars from all over Asia. Nalanda housed thousands of students and hundreds of teachers, making it a vibrant hub of Buddhist education and intellectual exchange.
Buddhist Art and Architecture: The Pala period witnessed a remarkable flowering of Buddhist art and architecture. Magnificent temples, stupas, and monastic complexes were constructed, adorned with intricate sculptures, murals, and bronze statues. Pala artists created masterpieces that blended Indian, Tibetan, and Southeast Asian artistic styles.
Example: Many of the sculptures in the Mahabodhi Temple at Bodhgaya are dated to the 8th century Pala Period.
Scholarly and Literary Contributions: Buddhist scholars during the Pala period made significant contributions to Buddhist philosophy, logic, and literature.
Example: Astasahasrika Prajnaparamita (The Pala Buddhist palm-leaf manuscript).
International Influence: The influence of Pala Buddhism extended beyond India. The Palas maintained diplomatic relations with neighbouring regions, leading to the spread of Buddhism to places like Tibet, Nepal, and Southeast Asia. Buddhist teachings and texts were translated into local languages, facilitating the transmission of Buddhism to these regions.
Amalgamations with Hinduism: The tantric traditions adopted ritualistic features from the Vedic practices. There are witnesses, which highlight the assimilation that was taking place during that time.
Example: The Somapura Mahavihara featured several themes from the epics Ramayana and Mahabharata.
Decline: Towards the end of the Pala period, Buddhism faced various challenges, including external invasions and internal conflicts. The decline of the Pala dynasty and the subsequent rise of Islamic powers in northern India contributed to the waning influence of Buddhism in the region.
History & Culture
State of Buddhism during the Pala Period
Pala dynasty
Palas
Dharmapala
Vikramshila University
Haribhadra
Mahayana Buddhism
Vajrayana tradition
Nalanda Mahavihara
Nalanda University
Mahabodhi Temple at Bodhgaya
Astasahasrika Prajnaparamita
Somapura Mahavihara
Amalgamations with Hinduism
decline of Buddism
General Studies Paper 1
Indian Heritage and Culture
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