Bengal under the Pala kings became the important political and military powering ancient India. The reigns of Dharmapala and Devapala formed the period of ascendancy of the dynasty. The dynastic rule of the Pala kings gained a stronghold in Bengal and Bihar. Bengal became the key center of north Indian politics under the Pala kings. The Pala kings not only established their stronghold in Bengal but also extended their territory to a vast extent. The greatest achievement of the Pala kings lies in the field of administration The Pala kings besides being an efficient administrator also the great patron of art and literature. Under the patronage of the Pala rulers, education and architecture received a huge impetus in the northern India. The celebrated kings of the Pala lineage constituted Bengal as the important center of the national politics. However the imperial fabric of the Pala powers began to decline after the Devapala. The Pala power however revived its lost glory with the accession of the king Mahipala I.But the formidable power was destined to be declined under the successors of Mahipala I.
Dharmapala- Gopala though was the founder of the Pala dynasty, yet Dharmapala was considered to be the real founder. This is because the Pala Empire received a huge impetus during his reign. Dharmapala besides being a benevolent administrator was also great conqueror. He extended the limits of the Pala Empire to a vast extent. The significant event of his reign was the beginning of the Tripartite Struggle. Under him Bengal witnessed a huge ascendancy.
Devapala- Devapala was the successor of Dharmapala, who established the stronghold of the Pala Empire. Devapala was a great conqueror like his father. He also consolidated the kingdoms conquered by Dharmapala. Moreover Devapala was a patron of art and culture and during his time Bengal witnessed a thriving prosperity in the cultural field.
Mahipala I- The Pala Empire revived its imperial grandeur under the king Mahipala I. After the death of Devapala there was a complete anarchy and chaos. Mahipala however consolidated the disintegrated kingdom and also checked the foreign invasion. The Pala Emperors were
